Hundreds of representatives from both governmental and private interests assembled in Washington last week for a conference based around the potential of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) to fill essential functions.
The workshop was jointly hosted by the Center for Regional Disaster Resilience (CRDR), the Pacific Northwest Economic Region (PNWER) and the Washington State Department of Transportation’s Aviation Division. It was organized around the fact that drone use is growing among all sectors, and the possibilities for safety, security, and damage assessment have never been higher.
“Drones are usually in the news for inappropriate uses of the technology by individuals who own hobby-style equipment,” CRDR Director Eric Holdeman said. “Businesses and public agencies are looking for ways to use drones to enhance their ability to provide their services in a more efficient and effective manner. This workshop highlighted best practices for those organizations looking to implement a drone program. Careful adherence to all laws, proper training of personnel and having effective policies in place before beginning a drone program were just a few of the lessons shared by a series of presenters and panelists.”
The regulation of uses by state and local governments, above and beyond the increasing federal regulation of the devices, was also discussed. States like Washington are increasingly intrigued by their potential for help in general assessment of critical infrastructure following disasters like earthquakes. Further, the creation of a UAS/Drone Users Group was considered for all professional organizations, meant to fuel the sharing of information between them and engage greater public-private relationships that force out the hobbyists.