The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) estimates there could be 1.6 million drones being used commercially by 2021. With the construction industry accounting for more than a quarter of that estimate, companies are becoming exposed to risks that were unimaginable just a few years ago.
Learning the fundamentals of drone usage and functionality can be a great first step to reduce hazards. Self-paced classes and online institutions are available to get a drone-flying career off the ground. Websites such as Lynda.com and Udemy.com have courses available on the basics of flying the machines, mastering aerial photography and live streaming from the devices.
Staffing a drone pilot is another great way to mitigate risks that come with updating a company’s construction practices. The FAA makes it easy to get a crew member certified to fly a drone commercially. The administration’s website offers a handbook study guide, test instructions and even sample test questions.
In addition to understanding the drone itself, be sure to get educated on the rules and regulations that govern UAV usage. The FAA has strict usage guidelines and has published a hefty book that answers nearly every question a person might have about the proper and legal uses of a commercial drone.
Unmanned aircraft have many moving parts that can wear down through normal usage. Doing proper visual inspections before and after each flight can help avoid putting the crew and project at risk. No matter how advanced equipment gets, it always needs to be properly prepared and maintained before, during and after use. Creating standard operating procedures will help normalize the preparation and use of drones. Having these procedures printed and available will make sure that anyone who uses UAVs knows the expected level of attention.
Tools such as Drone Logbook help keep construction owners and contractors out of hot water with regulatory commissions. The service guides companies and pilots through proper tracking, maintenance and logging of drone operations. Drone Logbook knows best practices as well as guidelines from OSHA and the FAA, and can act as a partner or advisor to ensure construction operations fly correctly.


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