Near misses
Flight training in an unmanned sky
In the vast expanse of the azure sky, it’s not just birds, clouds, and aircraft you could encounter. With the ubiquitous rise of drone technology, pilots increasingly cross paths with unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
How can we, then, safely flight train when these encounters are possible? With the help of your flight instructor, the solution lies in understanding the UAV’s capabilities and regulations governing them, being prepared before every flight, and consciously responding rather than instinctively reacting.
The emergence of drones has yielded many advantages in areas ranging from agriculture to emergency response. However, this progress has come with its set of challenges. These unmanned marvels have introduced certain risks to general aviation, with pilots recounting near misses and, at times, collisions. Consequently, the need to ensure the safe coexistence of drones and conventional aircraft in shared airspace has gained urgency.
Foremost, knowledge is power. Pilots should familiarize themselves with the FAA drone rules, which in part state that drones should not operate near any aircraft, should not exceed 400 feet agl without prior permission, and must always yield the right of way to crewed airplanes and helicopters.
Preflight preparation is vital in anticipating a potential encounter between your airplane and a drone. It begins with a comprehensive review of notices to air missions (notams). Some drone activities necessitate the filing of a notam. The information it provides gives you a better picture of what to expect.
Another resource is the B4UFLY app. Opening the app presents a map displaying flight plans filed by drone pilots. However, the app’s usage isn’t widespread, so it might not account for all drone activity in your flight path. Use it as a tool, not a definitive guide.
Referencing the Aviation Safety Reporting System (ASRS) can provide more insights. This database documents recent drone encounters, with details on altitude and location.
The FAA’s Remote ID requirements for registered drones took effect on September 16. From then on, all drones (excluding those less than 0.55 pounds) must transmit essential details such as registration, altitude, location, and speed via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. As more data becomes available, we anticipate the rise of apps capable of displaying such information, offering another layer of preparation and awareness. Before encountering a drone in flight, consult your flight instructor for guidance and training in collision avoidance and evasive maneuvers.
Your first reaction to seeing a drone might be alarm. However, your primary goal is the safety of the aircraft and its occupants, so remain calm and recall your training. Use the principles of “see and avoid.” If necessary, be prepared to execute evasive maneuvers, prioritizing the minimization of altitude loss.
Post-flight, report your drone encounter to the FAA via your local flight standards district office and the ASRS website. This is not just a procedural necessity but a responsibility to your fellow pilots, as your report will contribute to understanding in-flight drone activity patterns and formulating preventative measures.
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