What Remote Pilots Should Do When an Accident Happens

What Should Remote Pilots Do in the Event of an Accident? Let’s Break It Down!

So, you’re a remote pilot, cruising the skies with your UAS, and suddenly, bam, an accident happens. It's a critical moment that can make or break your career and your peace of mind. What do you do? Do you panic, or do you have a clear plan in place? Today, we’re diving deep into what steps you should take in the unfortunate event of an accident.

The Right Move: Follow Reporting Protocols

Here’s the thing: your immediate reaction should always be to follow reporting protocols and secure the site for investigation. Sounds simple, right? But it’s not just about following rules. This action is crucial in preserving the scene for any investigations that might occur afterward. Imagine you’re at a car accident scene; what’s the first thing law enforcement does? They secure the area so they can gather all the facts. It’s the same deal with UAS incidents.

By securing the site, you’re preventing anyone from tampering with evidence. Why is this so important? Well, understanding what went wrong is essential not just for investigating the incident itself but also for assessing any potential risks to public safety or regulatory compliance. You want the authorities to have a clear picture so they can figure out how to avoid similar issues in the future.

Who You Gonna Call? Reporting Authorities!

Once the scene is secured, you need to notify the necessary authorities. This includes the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), among others. But wait—why contact the FAA, you ask? It’s all about keeping things above board. Not reporting an incident can lead to legal issues down the road. Plus, providing detailed reports is part of your responsibility as a remote pilot under FAA regulations.

Imagine this: if you keep your head low, thinking you can handle everything yourself, you might end up in a tangled web of legal ramifications later. Yikes! Safety and compliance aren’t just boxes to tick off; they're essential to ensure that you can continue flying and enjoying your passion.

Gathering Evidence? Tread Carefully!

Now, some might wonder if it’s a good idea to remotely control the UAS to gather evidence yourself. While it sounds like a proactive step, it's a tricky situation. Yes, gathering evidence can be crucial, but it should always be done in coordination with authorities. Untrained attempts to gather evidence can compromise the scene or, even worse, lead to misunderstandings with the officials on-site.

Think about it: how often do we hear about someone trying to take matters into their own hands and making things worse? You want to make it easy for the investigators to do their job. After all, we’re all in this together!

Avoiding Complications: Don’t Dash for the Exits

Now, let’s address one of the other options that might pop into your head during a high-stress moment: immediately leaving the scene. You might think that this could save you from a tricky situation, but trust me, it doesn't. Dashing off can complicate matters even further. If authorities are trying to figure out what happened, and you’re nowhere to be found, that’s not just inconvenient—it could also make you look like you’re hiding something.

You know what they say: honesty is the best policy! When accidents occur, being transparent and available for questions can help clarify the situation for everyone involved.

The Media and You: Not Your Strong Suit

Then there’s the option of contacting the press to report the incident. While our instinct might be to get our story out there—especially to control the narrative—this isn’t the right time for that kind of publicity stunt. After an accident, there are a multitude of legal and procedural things at play. The challenge of trying to explain what happened to the media while managing an investigation? A can of worms you definitely don’t want to open!

Instead, let the authorities handle the information flow. You want to be a team player, not the one causing chaos in an already complicated situation.

Tying It All Together: Safety First!

Accidents, while unfortunate, are sometimes part of the journey for remote pilots. What matters most is how you respond. By following proper protocols, securing the site, and notifying the necessary authorities, you’re not just protecting yourself; you’re contributing to the safety and regulation of the skies for all the pilots flying out there.

Flying a UAS can feel liberating, that is until something goes wrong. But with the right knowledge and actions in your back pocket, you’ll be able to navigate through the storm without losing your head. Remember, it’s all about composure, legality, and the community we create in the sky. Whether you’re a seasoned pilot or new to the scene, knowing what to do in case of an accident will keep you on the right flight path.

So, stay sharp, stay safe, and keep those skies clear!🍃✈️