NEWS RELEASE: Unmanned Aircraft Systems / Drone Awareness

Contact:

Communications Specialist

Jennifer Hillmann

720-879-2462

jennifer.hillmann@state.co.us

DHSEM.state.co.us | COEmergency.com | Colorado.gov/MARS 

Unmanned Aircraft Systems or Drone Awareness

Centennial, Colo. – July 10, 2017 — Unmanned aircraft system (UAS), sometimes called a drone, have been in the news recently due to the impacts on firefighting efforts in Colorado and other states.  When you fly a drone in the United States, it is your responsibility to understand and abide by the rules.

If you are one of the lucky people who recently purchased a drone, the Federal Aviation Administration wants you to know how to fly it safely.  The agency has released a video reminding everyone of the rules and regulations that safe drone pilots must follow.

The FAA video shares the process for accessing their B4UFLY Google app or iPhone app.  The app provides the latest information about airspace restrictions.

UAS Safety is Everyone’s Responsibility

That means following the rules:

·         Do not fly over people and respect the privacy of anyone on the ground.

·         Do not fly near other aircraft or in restricted airspace, such as “No Drone Zones.”

·         The US Forest Service reminds drone pilots “If you Fly, We Can’t.”

o    Individuals and organizations that fly UAS on National Forest System lands must follow FAA guidance.  This stipulates that a UAS must not interfere with manned aircraft, must be flown within sight of the operator and operated only for hobby or recreational purposes.

§  Flying drones or UAS within or near wildfires without permission could cause injury or death to firefighters and hamper their ability to protect lives, property, and natural cultural resources.

§  Fire managers will suspend aerial firefighting until unauthorized UAS leave the area, which could allow a wildfire to grow larger.

o    To learn more about drone use on federal lands contact your nearest Land Management Agency office to find out more about UAS and public lands or the U.S. Forest Service Website. 

Want more tips and ideas?  Head over to our website at www.READYColorado.com and read the full blog post, or follow us all week on our social media accounts for new posts on the UAS / Drone Awareness Education campaign.

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