Releases InFO Saying Drone Operators Should Be Easily Identified By The Public

In order to help bolster public awareness of sUAS operations and reduce the number of distractions for remote pilots and others participating in sUAS operations, the FAA recommends remote pilots in command, anyone operating the flight controls of the sUAS, visual observers, and any other person providing assistance in the sUAS operation wear brightly colored and reflective vests during flight operations.

In an Information For Operators (InFO) released by the agency, the FAA says the vest should have wording on the back identifying the individual as the remote pilot, visual observer, or other person involved in the sUAS operation. The vests should have wording such as “Drone Pilot Please Do Not Disturb”, “Drone Pilot Stand Clear”, “Drone Pilot”, “Designated Visual Observer” or similar for purposes of identification and to caution against distraction.

A vest as described above is easily distinguishable and often used by other safety-centric personnel such as construction and utility workers, airport ground crews, and railway personnel. The vest may reduce the likelihood someone will approach or query a person involved in sUAS operations.

While the use of highly visible reflective vests is intended to aid in the identification of sUAS remote pilots and others participating in sUAS operations and minimize the likelihood of distractions during such operation, their use does not negate the need to respond to requests from law enforcement in an urgent manner. Title 49 USC 44103(d) requires operators of aircraft (to include UAS) to make available for inspection a certificate of registration for the aircraft when requested by a United States Government, State, or local law enforcement officer. Operators must heed law enforcement requests for documentation and should abide by other requests from law enforcement officials.

The FAA recommends remote pilots and other persons participating in the sUAS operation wear brightly colored and reflective vests during such operation. The vest should have wording on the back identifying the individual as the remote pilot, visual observer, or other person participating in the sUAS operation and include a caution against distracting the person wearing such vest.

(Image from file)

FMI: InFO