The Federal Aviation Administration estimated around 1 million drones will be sold for Christmas this year. And it worries national authorities that it might cause accidents as many of them do not have the proper training to operate UAVs.
FAA calculated 1 million people would be getting quadcopters as a holiday gift. As Walmart is already offering drones, it worries the aviation agency when these 1 million drones flew into the airspace, Mashable reported.
"A lot of people who don't have a pilot background are operating these things in the airspace," Rich Swayze, an FAA administrator said.
Although high-end UAVs cost around almost $1000,Walmart started to sell mini-drones for $19.99. The mini aircraft could be one of the most in-demand gifts this Christmas.
Hawaiian Airlines CEO Mike Dunkerley said flying UAVs is a serious matter. Drones could cause danger, not just around the vicinity of the airports, but in public places too.
In line with that, Oregon Congressman Peter DeFazio identified it's about the irresponsible use of the aircraft. "The toys, in my opinion, should be set up so they can't be sold unless they're geo-fenced for altitude and perimeters," DeFazio commented in a statement published by Popular Mechanics.
Correspondingly, Swayze and the experts in the industry voiced out the issue in the Airlines for America (A4A) Commercial Aviation Industry Summit, cited on Digital Trends.
With this, they want to inform the people of its potential damage before the holiday season. Some of the advice includes inspecting of drones before taking off. UAVs must also be kept below 400 feet and always within your sight as well.
The administration has already launched the "Know Before You Fly" campaign for new operators. The FAA also prompted the Walmart management to notify customers about the safety points on how to properly operate UAVs.
Many hobbyists operate the mini aircrafts without knowing the risk attached to it. They should keep in mind other people or bigger aircraft around while enjoying these drones.
Join the Conversation