How to Be Drone Flight Safety Officer - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Jul 5, 2020 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

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The use of drones has grown exponentially in recent years, leading to a heightened need for Flight Safety Officers (FSOs). FSOs are tasked with ensuring that unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are used in a safe and responsible manner, with the utmost regard for the safety of people and property. As such, FSOs must be familiar with the legal rules and regulations for flying drones, as well as the risks associated with UAVs.

They must be able to recognize potential hazards and take swift action to mitigate them. In addition, FSOs must be knowledgeable in aircraft maintenance and repairs, along with any other related topics such as weather forecasting or navigation. By having FSOs in place, companies can ensure that their drone operations are conducted safely, securely, and responsibly.

This will help reduce the risk of incidents and accidents, while also leading to greater public trust in the industry.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Remote Pilot Certification. This certification is required for all Drone Flight Safety Officers who wish to operate drones for commercial purposes.
Attend a Drone Flight Safety Officer (DFSO) training course. This course is available through the FAA or from an approved third-party provider.
Complete an FAA-approved Flight Readiness Assessment. This assessment will test your knowledge of drone operations and safety protocols.
Acquire additional drone-specific knowledge and skills. This may include courses in topics such as aviation weather, navigation, airspace awareness, and more.
Obtain a Commercial Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) Operator Certificate. This certificate is required to operate drones for business purposes.
Complete a background check and fingerprinting process as required by the FAA.
Maintain your certification and keep current on all applicable regulations and best practices.
Join a professional organization that supports Drone Flight Safety Officers, such as the Association of Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI). This will give you access to resources, networking opportunities, and industry events.

In order to stay ahead and qualified as a Drone Flight Safety Officer, it is important to stay up to date on the latest rules, regulations and safety protocols related to operating drones. This involves researching the latest news and developments in the field, attending educational seminars and workshops, and participating in relevant certification programs. Additionally, it is important to stay informed on current best practices and safety measures, such as obtaining proper permits and ensuring that the drone is in proper working order prior to flight. By staying informed and educated on all aspects of drone flight safety, Drone Flight Safety Officers can remain qualified and ahead of the curve when it comes to their profession.

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Job Description

Responsible for monitoring drone flights and ensuring the safety of all personnel and aircraft in the area.
Develop and maintain flight safety policies, procedures, and standards.
Monitor drone flights to ensure compliance with all applicable regulations.
Investigate reports of unsafe flight practices and take corrective action as necessary.
Perform pre-flight safety inspections to verify aircraft readiness.
Coordinate with air traffic control to ensure a safe and efficient flight environment.
Provide training and guidance to pilots on proper flight operations and safety protocols.
Monitor weather conditions to identify potential hazards for drone operations.
Maintain records of flight data and reports of any incidents or violations.
Respond to emergency situations and provide assistance as needed.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of aviation regulations and safety standards.
Understanding of aircraft operations, including maintenance and performance.
Proficiency in risk management and hazard identification.
Ability to use flight tracking and weather monitoring systems.
Knowledge of pilot operating procedures and emergency protocols.
Skilled at developing and enforcing safety measures to minimize risks.
Knowledge of drone-specific regulations, such as airspace restrictions.
Ability to effectively assess safety concerns and develop practical solutions.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for working with pilots, engineers, and other personnel.
Ability to maintain accurate records of flight safety activities.

The most important skill for a Drone Flight Safety Officer to have is risk management. Risk management is the process of identifying potential hazards associated with drone operations and minimizing the likelihood of accidents or incidents occurring. Risk management involves assessing the risks of a drone flight, developing and implementing safety protocols, monitoring the environment, and responding appropriately in the event of an accident or incident.

Effective risk management requires knowledge and experience of the airspace, drones, and applicable regulations. A Drone Flight Safety Officer must also possess strong communication and decision-making skills to ensure that any risk-related decisions are made in the best interest of the pilot, passengers, and other airspace users. Lastly, a Drone Flight Safety Officer should be able to quickly and accurately analyze data from on-board sensors and other sources to identify potential hazards in order to reduce the chances of an accident or incident.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in drone-related safety protocols?
How have you handled emergencies and challenges related to drone operations?
What process do you use to inspect and maintain drones prior to flight?
What steps do you take to ensure a safe and secure flight environment?
How do you ensure that operators adhere to the rules and regulations governing drone use?
How do you handle unexpected issues that arise during flights?
What is your approach to monitoring drone performance and operational data to ensure safety?
How do you stay up to date on new technologies, regulations, and safety protocols related to drone operations?
How do you manage conflicts between drone operators and other airspace users?
What strategies do you use to communicate safety protocols and procedures to pilots and other personnel?

Common Tools in Industry

Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Safety Protocols. A set of guidelines and procedures to ensure the safe and responsible operation of drones. (eg: prohibition of flying in restricted airspace, following local laws and regulations, maintaining a safe distance from people and property, etc. )
Drone Tracking Systems. Technologies used to monitor the location of drones in real-time. (eg: GPS tracking, RFID tags, beacon systems, etc. )
Flight Logging Software. Programs designed to keep detailed records of drone flights, including flight path data, flight time, and other relevant information. (eg: DJI Flight Logs, DroneLogbook, DroneDeploy, etc. )
Risk Assessment Software. Programs designed to assess potential risks associated with certain drone operations. (eg: Drone Risk Analyzer, uFlyRisk, Drone Risk Manager, etc. )
Remote Pilot Training Programs. Online or in-person training programs designed to teach drone operators the necessary skills and knowledge to safely operate drones. (eg: FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certification, Drone Pilot 101 Course, etc. )

Professional Organizations to Know

Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA)
Unmanned Safety Institute (USI)
Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI)
International Air Transport Association (IATA)
Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA)
National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB)
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)
Airports Council International (ACI)
Civil Air Navigation Services Organization (CANSO)

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Common Important Terms

Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS). A system of aircraft, typically consisting of a remotely operated or autonomous aircraft and associated support equipment, used for aerial operations.
Airspace. The area of the atmosphere in which aircraft operate, typically divided by altitude, type of aircraft, and purpose of flight.
Line-of-sight (LOS). The direct visual path between an observer and an object.
Visual Observers (VOs). People designated to observe the flight path of a drone, typically from the ground.
Remote Pilot in Command (RPIC). The person responsible for operating a drone, typically including the pre-flight preparation and post-flight review.
National Airspace System (NAS). The collective airspace in which all aircraft are authorized to fly.
Flight Authorization. Authorization from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to fly in a specific airspace.
No-Fly Zones. Areas where drones are not allowed to fly, typically due to safety reasons or security risks.
Risk Management. The process of identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks associated with drone operations.
Safety Procedures. Guidelines established to ensure safe operation of drones, including pre-flight checks, takeoff and landing procedures, emergency protocols, and other related processes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Drone Flight Safety Officer (DFSO)?

A Drone Flight Safety Officer (DFSO) is an expert responsible for ensuring the safe operation of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and related systems. They ensure that all operation activities, from pre-flight planning to post-flight analysis, are conducted in accordance with applicable regulations, safety protocols, and best practices.

What qualifications do DFSOs need?

DFSOs must have a minimum of five years of experience in aviation safety and/or UAV operations, a valid airmans certificate, and a valid FAA Remote Pilot Certificate. In addition, DFSOs must maintain a high level of knowledge in UAV operations, regulation, risk management, and aviation safety.

What are the responsibilities of a DFSO?

The primary responsibilities of a Drone Flight Safety Officer include developing safety plans and risk mitigation strategies, conducting pre-flight and post-flight inspections, monitoring flight operations, providing safety advice and direction to operators, and investigating any incidents or accidents.

What are Drone Flight Safety Plans?

Drone Flight Safety Plans are documents that lay out the safety protocols and procedures for UAV operations. They include information such as risk management strategies, emergency procedures, and operational protocols. These plans must be developed and approved by the DFSO prior to any UAV operations being conducted.

How often should a DFSO update their safety plans?

A DFSO should review and update their safety plans on a regular basis to ensure they are in compliance with current regulations and standards. It is also important to review safety plans after any major changes or updates to the UAV system or operations.