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CNN reported on August 3, 2015 that two airplanes flying near JFK International Airport reported spotting drones. A JetBlue pilot in the cockpit reported that a drone passed just below the plane’s nose when the jet was flying at an altitude of about 800 to 900 feet. Later a Delta flight with 154 people on board reported seeing a drone below its right wing as it prepared to land at JFK. According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) neither plane needed to take evasive action.

The production of drones (UAVs-Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) has increased by double-digits year-over-year since 2007, according to the Washington Post.

More than 10 thousand drones will be used for all kinds of commercial uses by 2020, according to the FAA. Many industries use drones including news gathering and surveillance agencies, realtors showing property, both residential and commercial, construction zone flyovers, wedding photographers, crop dusters, and even Amazon who is testing out drone delivery service in some major metropolitan areas.

Fortune Magazine, in its September 29, 2015 article, “The number of drones expected to sell during the holidays is scaring the government” quoted FAA official Rich Swayze as saying that, “As many as one million drones could be sold during this year’s holiday season.

Drones are small and have two distinct features that general aviation do not have. They are that drones can be unmanned, and they are remote-controlled. These small vehicles can generally be easier to operate and have low maintenance and running costs.

What are the risks of drone use?

Both safety and privacy are risks associated with the use of drones.

From a business standpoint, there are many liabilities. From a safety standpoint, there is the possibility of injury caused by a malfunctioning drone or inexperienced operator.

CNBC reported in June 2015 that the UAV industry is currently unregulated. Operators do not need to have any licensing or formal training on how to operate a drone. Many drones, when experiencing mechanical failures fall from the sky. These failures include a loss of battery power, short circuiting of the wiring system, interference from wildlife or trees and user error. Currently, there are no manufacturing standards. Without manufacturing standards there can be insufficient safety controls or defects in drone manufacture that could cause accidents which involve injuries.

What happens when a drone crashes?

The Washington Post reported back in August 2013 that a drone plowed into spectators at a Virginia bull run which caused multiple injuries. The drone’s operator claimed the battery died in midair. 

“If you or a loved one has been involved in a drone accident, contact the lawyers at Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. to determine your rights,” said Fort Myers Accident Attorney, Randall Spivey.

When a drone crashes and physically injures others around the area, the question of liability arises. A drone’s loss of control could lead to negligence charges.

The FAA is expected to adopt a framework for unmanned commercial and government-operated drones operating in U.S. airspace by the end of 2015, according to the magazine Fast Company.  

Southwest Florida Accident Attorney, Randall L. Spivey is a Board Certified Trial Attorney – the highest recognition for competence bestowed by the Florida Bar and a distinction earned by just one (1%) percent of Florida attorneys.  He has handled over 2,000 personal injury and wrongful death cases throughout Florida.  For a free and confidential consultation to discuss your legal rights, contact the Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A., in Lee County at 239.337.7483 or toll free at 1.888.477.4839,or by email to Randall@SpiveyLaw.com.  Visit SpiveyLaw.com for more information.  You can contact Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A.in Charlotte County at 941.764.7748 and in Collier County 239.793.7748.