Drone Safety: Best Practices for Safe and Responsible Flying

Drones have become an invaluable tool in various industries, from construction monitoring to aerial photography. However, as the use of drones continue the grow the responsibility of ensuring safe operations needs to be ensured. Whether you're flying for commercial or recreational purposes, adhering to safety protocols is essential to protect people and property. In this post, we’ll discuss five critical aspects of drone safety: the parachutes for drones, the importance of visual observers, insurance, permitting, and the benefits of having a good relationship with Transport Canada.

Roof takeoff – Our client Darren on the left, Misha as the pilot in the middle, and Dave as the visual observer on the right

Parachute for Drones

One of the biggest concerns in drone safety is mitigating the risk of crashes. Even with the most advanced drones, unexpected failures can occur due to mechanical malfunctions, signal interference, or adverse weather conditions. This is where a parachute like the ParaZero SafeAir parachute system for the Mavic 2 and 3 becomes a game-changer.

The ParaZero parachute is designed to deploy automatically in the event of a critical failure, significantly reducing the impact force and preventing severe damage or injury. Key benefits of the parachute systems include:

• Automated Deployment: Using onboard sensors, the system detects free fall and deploys the parachute autonomously.

• Compliance with Safety Regulations: In Canada, a parachute system is required for legal flight over people, making it crucial to have a parachute system in populated areas.

• Reduced Liability: By minimizing crash damage, operators can reduce the risk of costly lawsuits or insurance claims.

  
  

For drone pilots operating in urban areas or around people, investing in a parachute system is a proactive step toward safety and compliance.

Mavic 2 Pro with a ParaZero parachute, a deployment remote, and two aviation radios.

The Importance of Visual Observers in Drone Safety

While drones are equipped with intelligent obstacle avoidance systems and real-time video feeds, relying solely on onboard technology can be risky. This is where visual observers (VOs) play a crucial role in maintaining situational awareness and preventing accidents.

A visual observer assists the remote pilot by:

• Providing an extra set of eyes to monitor airspace for other aircraft, birds, or obstacles that may not be visible through the drone’s camera.

• Enhancing communication between the pilot and any on-site personnel to ensure safe operations.

• Helping with Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations, where Transport Canada may require an observer to maintain safety and compliance.

• Aviation Radios and ADS-B monitoring provide constant tracking of aircraft and facilitate communication between the VO and the nearest airport air traffic control.

  
  

Employing a trained visual observer adds an extra layer of protection, especially in high risk, high density environments such as construction sites, urban settings, or complex airspaces.

Working with ESPN, Misha as the pilot, and Dave as the visual observer flying very close to Billy Bishop Airport

Insurance and Permitting

As drone operators, having the right insurance and permits is essential. At First Class Drones, we prioritize safety and compliance by:

• Insurance: Maintaining $12,500,000 in drone specific liability coverage, ensuring protection for our clients, the public, and every project we take on.

• Takeoff and Landing: Every flight is carefully planned to meet legal requirements. For example, when takeoff or landing in public parks is necessary, we work closely with Film Toronto to secure the required authorizations ensuring safe, legal, and seamless operations.

  
  

By adhering to these strict standards, we provide our clients with peace of mind while delivering first class aerial services.

Building a Strong Relationship with Transport Canada

If you’re operating drones commercially in Canada, maintaining a good relationship with Transport Canada is essential for ensuring compliance with regulations and securing necessary approvals for special operations.

Why is this important?

• Regulatory Compliance: Transport Canada establishes rules regarding flight restrictions, airspace classification, and special permits (such as SFOCs – Special Flight Operations Certificates).

• Operational Flexibility: A strong working relationship can streamline the approval process for advanced drone operations, particularly when conducting flights near an airport.

• Industry Credibility: Demonstrating compliance and professionalism helps build trust with clients, partners, and regulatory bodies.

  
  

To stay on top of the latest regulations, it’s essential to regularly review Transport Canada’s website and actively participate in industry discussions.

Check out the photos below from our flight on the runway of Pearson International Airport!

Legally and Safely flying our drone very close to Pearson International Airport while a plane is landing!

Conclusion

Drone safety should always be a top priority for both recreational and commercial operators. By investing in tools like the ParaZero parachute, incorporating visual observers into operations, securing the proper insurance and permits, and maintaining a strong relationship with Transport Canada, drone pilots can enhance safety, protect their assets, and ensure compliance with regulations.

As the drone industry continues to evolve, prioritizing safety measures will not only protect your business but also contribute to the responsible growth of the industry. Are you currently implementing these safety strategies in your drone operations? Share your experiences in the comments below!

Contact us to learn more about our safety protocol!