In a recently released “information for operators” (InFO), the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) advises small unmanned aircraft system (sUAS) pilots and their crew to wear bright colored, reflective vests while operating their drone. To clearly identify themselves, drone operators should wear vests like those worn by “safety-centric personnel,” such as construction workers and airport ground crews. The agency also encourages including words such as “drone pilot – stand clear” or “drone pilot – please do not disturb” on the vests.
These suggestions comes after the FAA and other law enforcement have reported many call and complaints against compliant drone operators. These calls take away from resources meant for public safety functions. Also the public and law enforcement may not be familiar with legal sUAS operations. Observers may perceive the drone operations as “threatening to their safety or privacy” if remote pilots are not identifiable.
“By taking this simple action, the sUAS flight crew can demonstrate that they are accepting responsibility for the activity and that they are intending to operate in a safe and compliant manner,” the InFO said.