How do UAS operators report a safety incident to the FAA?

UAS operators report safety incidents to the FAA primarily through the Aviation Safety Reporting System (ASRS) or by making direct contact with the FAA. The ASRS is designed to improve safety in aviation by encouraging individuals to report safety issues without fear of reprisal, thereby fostering an environment where safety can be enhanced through shared lessons learned.

Utilizing the ASRS allows UAS operators to confidentially submit reports about incidents, which contributes to a larger database helping identify trends and areas of concern within aviation. Additionally, direct contact with the FAA is essential for more urgent matters or specific situations that require immediate attention. This process ensures that the FAA is aware of safety incidents, which is crucial for maintaining airspace safety.

While reporting through the NTSB or local law enforcement might seem relevant in certain contexts, these avenues typically do not serve the purpose of directly informing the FAA about safety incidents involving UAS operations. The focus on ASRS and direct contact aligns with the FAA's established protocols for handling safety reports.