Various governments across the world are looking into creating a legal framework for drones, bringing about the need for a uniform set of best practices-- such as the global standards for drone use from the International Organisation for Standardisation.
Currently in draft form open for public consultation until 21 January 2019, the standards suggest the creation of "no-fly zones" to ensure sufficient distance from airports and other sensitive locations. The document even points out geo-fencing technology as a means to stop drones from entering said restricted areas.
Further suggestions in the draft include flight logging, training and maintenance requirements, as well as rules ensuring drone pilots respect privacy and data protection. Furthermore, all drone flights should have a fail-safe means of human intervention in order to ensure accountability for drone pilots.
But why do drones even need a global standard? An answer comes from the head of the UK air safety board Alastair Muir. In an interview with the Financial Times, Muir says half of air traffic incidents in British skies involve drones, bringing about a need for drone regulation. As such, the ISO plans to release more drone standards covering technical specs, traffic control and manufacturing control in the near future.
Go Call for New Technology to Ensure Drone Safety (FT.com, subscription required)
