Study Guide
When Do You Need to Report an Accident?
According to the FAA, you must report a drone accident if it meets one of the following criteria:
Serious Injury
If someone is seriously injured and requires hospitalization. Serious injuries typically include things like broken bones, deep cuts, or any injury that requires admission to a hospital. This also includes loss of consciousness.
Basically, if someone needs more than just a Band-Aid or they’re knocked out unconscious, it’s serious.
Damage to Property
If there’s damage to property (other than your drone) that costs $500 or more to repair or replace. This could be anything from a broken car windshield to damage to a building, or any other physical property. The key point here is the cost threshold—if fixing the damage will cost $500 or more, it’s reportable.
What Information Do You Need to Report?
Reporting an accident to the FAA is pretty straightforward, but it’s all about timing and accuracy:
Timeframe: Within 10 Days
You must report any qualifying accident to the FAA within 10 days. It’s important to act quickly because delaying beyond this period can lead to penalties or issues with your certification.
How to Report
The FAA prefers that reports are submitted online through the FAA DroneZone website. This is the most efficient and trackable method. Once logged in, you can find the “Report an Accident” section and fill in all the necessary details.
Accidents Happen: Awaiting Request from FAA
Under FAA Part 107, there are some situations where reporting isn’t always clear-cut. Here are a few examples where you might only need to report if the FAA asks for it:
Accidental Entry into Controlled Airspace
If you accidentally fly into controlled airspace without permission but nothing bad happens, you don’t have to report it right away. However, if the FAA or air traffic control notices and asks for details, you’ll need to provide them.
Losing Visual Line of Sight (VLOS):
Losing sight of your drone briefly isn’t something you have to report unless it leads to a safety issue, like a near-miss with another aircraft. If the FAA inquires about it, you’ll need to explain.
Exceeding the 400 ft AGL Limit
Flying above the 400 feet above ground level (AGL) limit is a violation of Part 107 unless flying within 400 feet of a structure. If this happens accidentally but doesn’t cause a safety issue, you do not need to report it unless the FAA asks for details.
In-Flight Emergencies and Reporting
Accidents aren’t the only scenarios where reporting is required under FAA Part 107 regulations. In-flight emergencies can also necessitate a report, especially when a malfunction or failure affects the safe operation of your sUAS. Understanding when and how to report these emergencies is crucial for maintaining safety and compliance.
When Do You Need to Report an In-Flight Emergency?
If your drone experiences a malfunction or failure during flight that significantly affects its safe operation, you must report it to the FAA. Here are the specific situations that require reporting:
Loss of Control: If your sUAS becomes uncontrollable during flight due to a system failure, interference, or any other reason, you need to report this to the FAA. Loss of control can include anything from erratic movements to the inability to return the drone safely to the ground.
Unintended Flight Beyond Operational Boundaries: If your drone flies beyond the planned or legal boundaries of your operational area without your intention, this must be reported. For example, if you lose the ability to control the drone and it flies into a restricted area or crosses into controlled airspace, you must notify the FAA.
Collision with Another Aircraft or Object: If your drone collides with another aircraft (manned or unmanned) or any object, including trees, buildings, or power lines, this incident must be reported. Such collisions can cause significant damage or pose serious risks to others, making it vital to alert the FAA.
Keeping Your Records
Reporting accidents is not just a regulatory requirement—it’s essential for the safety of the airspace and the public. Here’s why it matters:
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Keep Records: Always keep notes on what happens during your flights, even for small incidents.
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Be Ready to Explain: If the FAA asks about any incidents, be prepared to provide a full and honest account of what happened.
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Voluntary Reporting: Consider reporting any safety concerns, even if it’s not required, to help build a safety-first culture.
Practice Quiz
