Embracing Professionalism: Paving the Way for a Trusted Drone Sector

Over the past years, the commercial drone community has persevered, tirelessly advocating for the integration of drones across various sectors. While progress has been made, the journey to establish drones as essential business tools remains challenging.

Public perception has been a significant hurdle, with a PwC research study revealing that less than a third of the public views commercial drones positively. Concerns about improper usage, criminal applications, and accidents have contributed to this skepticism.

However, there is a silver lining. The public is more accepting of drones in emergency services, such as search and rescue and tracking criminals. The real challenge lies in gaining trust for day-to-day business operations.

Business leaders recognize the potential benefits of drone technology but face reluctance due to negative public perceptions. We must bridge this gap between business appetite and public fear to unlock the massive economic advantages drones can bring.

The answer lies within our community. To foster trust, we must shift the public discourse from uncertainty to opportunity and accountability. Better education on the diverse use cases of drones and increased understanding of regulation and oversight are key.

The Civil Aviation Authority has been accommodating, opening doors for drone applications, but now the responsibility to change public perception falls on us. Professionalism is the foundation on which we can build trust.

Setting and meeting minimum standards of operation and accountability are crucial. Just like the financial services sector established Chartered Status, we must work towards a baseline of competence and professionalism in the drone industry.

To achieve this, engagement with industry bodies like ARPAS and commitment to training and cooperation are vital steps. We must collectively challenge each other to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, driving out unscrupulous operators who undermine our industry's reputation.

Creating a trusted drone sector is a long-term endeavor, but with determination and a focus on professionalism, we can make it a reality. By uniting as a community, embracing best practices, and demonstrating our commitment to safety and excellence, we can unleash the true potential of commercial drones across various sectors. The time for dreaming is over; now is the time for action. Together, we can make drones a reliable and indispensable aspect of the business landscape, benefitting the economy and society as a whole.

Iprosurv