• Training Electricians on Safely Flying a Drone

    Tips to safely use a drone to capture aerial footage
    Aug. 26, 2020
    2 min read

    In the electrical industry, a contractor can capture aerial footage of a construction project or storm-related damage with a drone. Before taking flight, however, users need to register their drone with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

    The FAA offered this pre-flight checklist for flying safely:

    • Fly your drone at or below 400 ft.
    • Keep your drone within your line of sight.
    • Be aware of FAA Airspace Restrictions.
    • Respect privacy.
    • Never fly near other aircraft, especially near airports.
    • Never fly over groups of people, public events or stadiums full of people.
    • Never fly near emergencies such as fires or hurricane recovery efforts.
    • Never fly under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

    Beyond keeping these safety tips in mind, electrical contractors can also help the drone users at their companies to obtain a remote pilot certificate, which is valid for two years. The candidates must be at least 16 years old, proficient in English, be physically and mentally capable of flying a drone, and pass an initial aeronautical knowledge exam.

    The initial exam covers these areas:

    • Applicable regulations relating to small unmanned aircraft system rating privileges, limitations and flight operation
    • Airspace classification and operating requirements, and flight restrictions affecting small unmanned aircraft operation
    • Aviation weather sources and effects of weather on small unmanned aircraft performance
    • Small unmanned aircraft loading and performance
    • Emergency procedures
    • Crew resource management
    • Radio communication procedures
    • Determining the performance of small unmanned aircraft
    • Physiological effects of drugs and alcohol
    • Aeronautical decision-making and judgment
    • Airport operations
    • Maintenance and pre-flight inspection procedures

    To learn more about how to become a remote drone pilot, visit the FAA website. Electricians and engineers interested in receiving more training can also check out FAA’s training resources and guides page

    Fischbach is a freelance writer based in Overland Park, Kan. She can be reached at [email protected].

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    About the Author

    Amy Fischbach

    Amy Fischbach, EUO Contributing Editor

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