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The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) has this week launched a new campaign urging recreational drone flyers to take up the challenge and quiz their knowledge of the drone safety rules.
Since December 2019, CASA has tested the knowledge of thousands of recreational drone flyers in Australia through its Know Your Drone initiative. The average drone user who flies for sport or recreation got 8 out of 11 safety rules right.
This result underscores the need for all drone flyers, whether they have been flying for one day or one decade, to check their knowledge of the drone safety rules.
Figures published in CASA’s 2022-23 Annual Report estimate there are 1.8 million Australians flying drones for sport and recreation. With increasing numbers of Australians discovering the thrill of flying them, millions more are expected to buy or receive their first drone in the next 12 months.
Leading Australian retailer JB Hi-Fi is part of a national network of CASA-recognised drone safety advocates playing their part in providing customers with access to information about the drone safety rules before they take-off.
‘Whether purchased online or in-store, every drone sold by JB Hi-Fi comes with the CASA safety information on when, where, and how to use their drone safely,’ JB Hi-Fi spokesperson said.
‘We recognise the importance of our customers getting the right information on sharing the air, and that’s why JB Hi-Fi supports the Know Your Drone campaign.
‘We display the yellow and black drone safety advocate symbol in our JB Hi-Fi stores and on our website. We also include safety information with each drone to help customers be responsible drone owners.
This collaborative effort between CASA and retailers like JB Hi-Fi ensures that drone enthusiasts nationwide can enjoy their hobby responsibly, contributing to a safer and more enjoyable airspace for everyone.
CASA’s Sharon Marshall-Keeffe, acting manager of remotely piloted aircraft systems operations, encourages all recreational drone flyers to take the quiz.
‘We encourage all drone operators, whether they have been flying for one day or a decade, to learn the drone safety rules before taking to the skies this Christmas.
‘It’s incredibly important that recreational drone operators understand the safety rules and fly their drones responsibly to keep themselves and others safe,’ Sharon said.
‘Anyone can take the quiz and challenge their friends and family too, by visiting the Know Your Drone website, taking the quiz, and sharing their score.
‘We also encourage drone flyers to check a CASA-verified drone safety app before flying to make sure they’re operating in an area that’s safe to do so.
‘While most drone operators are doing the right thing, we want to make sure that newcomers, and people who may have been flying for a little while longer, understand the safety rules and the requirements of being a responsible drone flyer.’
The national campaign began on Sunday and will appear on social media channels, digital video, digital display, and participating retail outlets across Australia.
CASA regulates Australian aviation safety, including safe and legal drone operations in Australian airspace.
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