Drones can be dangerous tools in the hands of users who do not understand how to operate them correctly, leading to interrupted airport operations, interference with firefighting operations and medical helicopter flights and even fuelling civil unrest.
Drones can also pose significant environmental harm. Their propellers may injure wildlife by cutting into birds’ wings or disrupting their mating or migrating patterns, potentially leading to injuries as a result.
1. Flying Above People
Drones can become out of control during flight and hit people even when using stabilizing. While serious injury from such collisions is unlikely, you should always consider the potential risk when operating UAVs near people not directly associated with its operation.
Flying drones over densely populated areas is especially crucial when flying them near cars on freeways; collision between the drone and cars could result in major accidents.
Unmanned drones also pose the risk of flying over an aircraft and causing damage, as seen with Gatwick airport incident. Any large-scale disruptions could lead to costly repair bills, compensation payments and reputational harm; especially concerning busy sites like airports or stadiums where customer trust is of the utmost importance.
2. Flying Above Military Bases
Properly utilized, drones can provide unparalleled aerial views of your site. But when misused by recreational users, pranksters or activists, these drones can cause significant damage that severely disrupt business.
An interference caused by drones near airports could wreak havoc with both inbound and outbound flights, leading to significant delays, customer churn, and ultimately revenue losses for companies affected.
Drones can pose an immediate danger to both people and property when flying too close to power lines, endangering lives while potentially damaging property. Most injuries caused by drones are minor such as finger lacerations; however, one person died trying to retrieve his or her drone with metal pole (Technische Beratung Ingenieurburo 2020). To avoid such mishaps with your drones, ensure it always flies outside buildings or vehicles and always at least 50 metres from people (the best strategy).
3. Flying in Restricted Areas
Drones should never fly into areas they shouldn’t — such as airport airspace — as this can result in significant damage. Drones can wreak havoc when colliding with airplanes or helicopters, but can also cause other forms of harm.
Example of Drone Involvement with Electrocution or InjuryAccording to NEISS (National Electronic Injury Surveillance System), most drone injuries involve finger lacerations; one person was fatally electrocuted when using a metal pole to retrieve their drone from power lines.
Fire damage from drones is another potential risk, which may occur if one is dropped or hits something hot. You can reduce these risks by operating your drone safely and staying clear of dangerous areas.
4. Flying in Freeways
Drones should never be flown on freeways due to the inherent dangers they present for all involved. Highways contain high-voltage power lines which carry hazardous electrical energy that interferes with drone signals; should a drone land on one, not only would it constitute illegal trespass but it may cause a power outage as well.
Flying drones in freeways presents another danger: colliding with moving vehicles could result in catastrophic accident.
Drones can cause injuries with their fast movements, rotating parts and sharp blades. Furthermore, they could harm animals as well as people not involved with its operation.
5. Hitting Wildlife
Drones pose several threats to aviation as well as wildlife, with birds being especially susceptible to this risk when it comes to collisions with drones. Such encounters could result in injuries to both parties involved.
Drones often become a threat during mating season when male birds perceive drones as rivals; or during nesting season when female birds may see them as threats to their nests and eggs. Drones can also interfere with migration patterns and cause birds to abandon their nests or chicks altogether.
Drones pose another potential hazard by being accidentally inhaled into aircraft engines, which can result in significant engine damage. To mitigate this threat, fly in good weather conditions while being visible at all times – additionally equip your drone with propeller guards to prevent bird attacks on its propellers.