Company Says Test Is The Latest Step In DJI’s Long Commitment To Improving Drone Safety

DJI has introduced a knowledge quiz applicable to all pilots who are operating drones in U.K. airspace. The test comes prior to government plans to introduce a safety awareness test for drone users in 2018. A recent survey carried out by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) revealed that 27% of those planning to buy a drone over the Christmas period are unaware of the rules surrounding their usage in the U.K..

The new DJI Knowledge Quiz will require drone pilots in the U.K. to correctly answer a series of basic questions about safe drone use before their first flights. The questions will appear in DJI GO 4, DJI’s main flight app, which runs on smartphones and tablets connected to drone remote controllers.

“The vast majority of drone pilots fly safely and responsibly, but with drone usage bound to increase substantially in the coming years, new enthusiasts will use our technology," said Christian Struwe, Head of European Public Policy at DJI. “Governments, aviation authorities and drone manufacturers agree that we need to work together to ensure that all drone pilots know basic safety rules."

“Anyone operating a drone must do so responsibly and observe all relevant rules and regulations," said Tim Johnson, Policy Director at the U.K. Civil Aviation Authority. "The rules for flying drones are designed to keep all airspace users safe. We welcome any initiative that reinforces the importance of safe and responsible drone use.”  

All DJI pilots will be presented with a list of eight questions and must correctly answer all of them in order to be able to fly. Pilots can continue answering new questions until they successfully pass the DJI Knowledge Quiz. DJI launched the quiz in the United States earlier this year backed by the FAA. It will be expanded to other countries in the near future, using questions customised for each country’s rules and guidelines.

ARPAS-U.K., the professional trade association for Remotely Piloted Aircraft and Systems, welcomed the introduction of DJI’s Knowledge Quiz: “We fully support DJI's new GO4 app feature, giving users the opportunity to demonstrate their understanding of the local laws & commitment to fly-safe when operating UAV/Drones in the U.K.".

The Knowledge Quiz is the latest step in DJI’s long commitment to improving drone safety with technological and educational solutions.

(Source: DJI news release. Image from file)

FMI: www.dji.com