HomeMy WebLinkAboutSubmittal-Rick Wygant-Testimony regarding DronesSubmitted into the public
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Testimony of
Rick Wygant
President, Miami / Ft. Lauderdale Drone User Group
Before the City of Miami, City Commission on Public Safety
Thursday, December 10, 2015
Oversight of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
File No: 15-01513
Page 1 of 10
Rick Wygont President - Miami / Ft. Lauderdale Drone User Group, 513-593-3441
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Contents
1. INTRODUCTION............................................................................................................................................................. 3
II. GENERAL USES............................................................................................................................................................... 3
III. BENEFITS TO MIAMI...................................................................................................................................................... 4
IV. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION.................................................................................................................... 5
V. Appendix A.................................................................................................................................................................... 6
Miami/ Ft. Lauderdale Drone User Group Statement of Principles'......................................................................................... 6
VI. Appendix B................................................................................................................................................................7
Selected Safety Features Implemented by Manufactures for Consumer Drones....................................................................... 7
VII. Appendix ................................................................................................................................................................8
Commentsto Proposed Ordinance............................................................................................................................................ 8
VIII. Appendix D..............................................................................................................................................................10
TFR — Temporary Flight Restrictions for Sporting Events.........................................................................................................10
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Rick Wygant, President - Miami/Ft. Lauderdale Drone User Group, 513-593-3441
Submitted into the public
FouRp
record for itern(s) _ one, on JILL[ City CIeP1C
I. INTRODUCTION
am Rick Wygant, President of the Miami / Ft. Lauderdale Drone User Group. I am a multi -engine rated private
pilot and an aviation enthusiast for 40+ years as well as a 'drone' operator. The Miami / Ft. Lauderdale Drone User
Group is a newly formed chapter of the Drone User Group Network (DUGN) focusing on the safe and responsible
use of UAVs -Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (Drones) in the South Florida area. The Drone User Group Network is one
of the world's largest networks of civilian drone users. Founded in August 2012 by Timothy Reuter, the network
has spread through America, Australia, Africa and Europe. The Drone User Group Network seeks to foster interest
in the use of civilian drone technology and demonstrate its positive potential for humanity. (See Appendix A for
Statement of Principles). Local Drone User Groups host fly -ins and educational events, organize community service
projects, and share their passion for this technology and its applications. Drone User Groups have been featured
on MSNBC, CNN, CBS, PBS, NPR, The Today Show and in The Washington Post, The New York Post, The New York
Post and in many others media outlets.
II. GENERAL USES
In general, UAV Technology provides safety enhancements in the fields in which it will operate that now depend
upon conventional aircraft or humans climbing high on dangerous structures, walking in insect and reptile laden
swamps, and working adjacent to treacherous infrastructures.
UAV Technology would have a significant positive safety and economic impact to Miami through commercial and
training opportunities in many of the following areas:
• Aerial video and live video feed to assist with
search and rescue operations under the
authority and support of local authority
officials
• Bridge Inspections
• Utility -power generation system inspections
and patrolling
• Aerial inspection
• Weddings
• Photography and Videography of electrical
power lines
• Photography and Videography of cell towers
• Filmmaking,
• Cinematography and videography
• Precision agriculture
• Wildlife, forestry and Everglades monitoring
• Mosquito and insect control,
• Construction site inspection and monitoring
• Public entity support operations
• Aerial imaging for safety, monitoring and
comparing work efforts and completion
percentages
• Aerial photography and videography of
residential and commercial real estate
• Aerial imaging for safety, monitoring and
comparing work efforts and completion
percentages
• Security of controlled environment of various
sites
• Aerial video and photography for public and
private use including television, public events,
and cinematography live feed and live news
gathering
• Lifeguards
• Marine mammal studies and conservation
• Research
• Risk management and assessment
• Closed set filming
• Disaster and catastrophe events
• Special events including high schools. colleges,
professional sports, open air events and fairs
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Rick Wygant, President - Miami / Ft. Lauderdale Drone User Group, 513-593-3441
Submitted into the public
Jr ..ars.
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City Clerk
III. BENEFITS TO MIAMI
Miami is especially well-positioned to take economic advantage of UAV Technology. With Miami's vast coastlines
and majestic beaches as well as the vastness of the everglades, UAVs can become tools for recording new vantage
points of the world's most electrifying city. Miami's construction boom is also ideal for using UAVs for surveying,
infrastructure, and building inspection. Imagine, instead of erecting street scaffolding for months on end, a drone
was used for a couple of hours to take high-resolution images in order to inspect for the many different types of
wear, cracks, and corrosion. UAV technology will result in a safer, more efficient City.
UAVs can also help respond to fires and other emergencies. There is growing list of examples where drones have
been used to assist first responders, both to protect themselves and to help save the lives and property of others:
• At the scene of a brush fire in Florida last summer, it was a bystander with a drone who helped get fire crews
to the right spot safely. As explained by public affairs officer Brad Dykens of Seminole Fire Rescue, "it helped us
make our decisions on how we want to fight the fire."
( http://wfla.co_m/2015/071131drone-helps-firefighters-fight-pineilas-county-brush-fire/ )
• Last year, a volunteer using a drone helped protect fire fighters at a dangerous quarry fire in Connecticut.
Before sending in the fire fighters it was important to see how close to the quarry's explosives shed the fire
was burning. The drone did that easily.
( littp://www.dmi.com/showcase/16469 )
• Drones were used to help rescue victims during flooding in Texas.
( htip://www.dii.com/infoZnews/dii-drones-save-the-day-during-texas-flood-rescue )
• Drones helped save two boys stranded in rapid waters in Maine by carrying a safety line to them, used to
deliver a life vest.
(http://insider.foxnews.comZ2015107/03/watch-drone-helps-deliver-life iacket-boys-stranded-maine-river )
• In South Wales in April, a drone enthusiast helped firefighters bring a mountain grass fire under control.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknew$jllS3D844/Drone-footage-helps-firefighters-tackle-blaze.htmi )
• In Illinois, firefighters used a Drone to battle a house fire.
( htt: www.emer enc m mt.com disaster Drone-Battles-Blaze.htmi )
• In Minnesota, a drone assisted in the investigation of a gas explosion that destroyed a house.
( http:llwww.twincities.camllocalnews/ci 274177191drone-assists at-bemidii-destroyed house -blast -scene )
• In Georgia, a drone helped fight a peanut plant fire.
( http:/lwww.sharonheraid.cominews/drone-helps-contain-giant-fire-at-peanut-piantlarticle 168e6ac0-afld-
1 e•4---aa62-5f60518346ab.htm1 )
Advancements just around the corner such as thermal imaging sensors could assist fire fighters locate the hot
spots and put out fires more quickly and safely. We are only beginning to realize the vast economic, humanitarian,
and civic benefits of UAVs.
Non-commercial use of UAVs is also tremendously beneficial, especially for science education. We know from
history that today's hobbyist is tomorrow's innovator and aviation pioneer. Burt Rutan, for example, started as a
model aviation enthusiast and later became the founder of pioneering aerospace company, Scaled Composites.
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Rick Wygant President - Miami/ Ft. Lauderdale Drone User Group, 513-593-3441
Submitted into the public
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ronUSERaorGROUP on City Clerk
The Miami / Ft. Lauderdale Drone User Group plans to plan to engrain itself into our local communities to
promote, mentor and train individuals and companies on the safe and responsible use of drones. The
manufactures of drones are including safety features that will drive the proper use of them both commercially
and recreationally. The most popular model on the market is the Phantom 3, manufactured by the world's leading
drone maker, DJI. It weighs less than 3 pounds, about the same as each of the hundreds of seagulls that fly around
this coastal city every day. It includes dozens of safety features including automatic return to home in the event of
a signal loss or low battery, a maximum altitude limitation feature, and GPS -based geofencing. Just recently DJI
announce an update to their geofencing system which will provide live airspace information to operators to help
them make educated decisions, and will restrict the operation of the drone near airports and in FAA flight
restriction areas -- such as when there's a Dolphins or Marlins game. DJI and other drone manufactures continue
to implement technology to address many concerns, and they are constantly innovating. This is safe technology
that the industry is making even safer. (See Appendix 8 for many of the safety features drone manufacturers are
building into their products)
IV. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
We applaud the efforts of the City of Miami in taking seriously the safe and responsible use of drones to protect
our citizens. We encourage the City to take a leading role in our country with enacting sensible and proactive
laws that articulate the special requirement around this new technology. Miami is seen as a recreational haven
around the world and a prosperous place to live, work and vacation. We want to let the world know that Miami is
in front of this new wave of technology and not negate the benefits by making it difficult, expensive, and
administratively burdensome for any person, company, or city agency to operate one —for any purpose.
Our overall recommendation is to put this ordinance on temporary hold until there is a better understanding of
where the Federal Regulations with lead us. This will allow Miami to work with a wider cross-section of local
leaders familiar with this industry to develop a comprehensive plan that allows all of us to benefit from this new
technology. In the meantime, Miami could defer to the current Federal Regulations and assist in making sure they
are adhered to.
I respectfully propose the formation of a working group. I would be delighted to work with members of the
council and staff on a balanced approach. Together, we can work on making Miami not only a leader in public
safety but in exciting new technologies.
In the interim, please see Appendix C for the specific responses relating to the proposed Ordinance currently
before the City Council.
Respectfully Submitted,
Rick Wygant
President, Miami / Ft. Lauderdale Drone User Group
513-593-3441
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Rick Wygont, President- Miami/Ft. Lauderdale Drone User Group, 513-593-3441
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V. Appendix A
Submitted into the public
record for i erns)
on 12110 City Clerk
Miami / Ft. Lauderdale Drone User Group 'Statement of Principles'
The Drone User Group Network is an association of community organizations that seek to promote the
responsible use of flying robots for the benefit of humanity. We strive for a future in which robots empower
individuals to make the world richer, safer, and full of possibility. We also believe that innovation and progress
shouldn't be the exclusive domain of governments and giant corporations, and we strive to make drone
technology as widely accessible as possible. We welcome amateur and professional users alike. Most importantly,
we think that flying robots are a lot of fun!
We seek to accomplish our mission through community service projects, educational events, build parties, art
projects, fly -ins, and advocacy. During this period where it is illegal in many countries to sell drone services, we
see a unique opportunity to give away our assistance to worthy causes and organizations in order to show the
potential of this technology and to have a positive impact in the world.
As an organization we adhere to and encourage our members to respect the following guidelines:
1. Safe and competent use of drones: Drones, like any tool such as a car or hammer, have some risks
associated with their use. We seek to operate our equipment in a manner that does not threaten
anyone's safety, person, or privacy. Educating our membership about safe and respectful practices is a
core part of our mission.
2. Legal use of drones: Although we may not agree with many of the current regulations, we also believe in
following the law of the land.
I Humane use of drones: We like our flying robots to help people, not hurt them, and we are always seeking
new ways to use our drones that will have a positive impact in our society.
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Rick Wygant President - Miami/ Ft. Lauderdale Drone User Group, 513-593-3441
AV .�
drone UsP
GROUP
VI. Appendix B
Submitted iMe the public
recordar item{s} Q..�
on City Clerk
Selected Safety Features Implemented by Manufactures for Consumer Drones
• Live map showing drone location, orientation, distance, altitude
• Visual/audible low -battery warning with reserve power
• Altitude limitation
• Geofencing— provides location -based warnings and, in some cases, restricts flight
• Automatic return -to -home in event of radio signal loss
• Automatic return -to -home in event of low battery
• Automatic user -initiated return to home in the event of any contingency
• Auto -land feature for all of the above return -to -home functions
• Talking voice feature for audible cues when pilot is looking up
• Prediction of battery power needed to return home (avoids "point of no return" problem)
• Motors do not spin until deliberate arming sequence is input by user
• Intelligent battery system with charge history and temperature monitoring
• Built-in flight simulator for practice
• GPS hold feature keeps drone in place even with pilot "hands off" or in wind
• GPS using two different systems for redundancy and reliability
• Vision positioning system for position -hold indoors or at low outdoor altitudes
• Speed limitation (Phantom/Inspire)
• Weak radio signal warning before signal loss
• Live HD view for collision hazard detection and precise positioning
• Auto -tightening or locking propellers eliminates loose ones flying off
• Propeller guards for Phantom series
• Lightweight materials and lowest -in -class drone weight to reduce risk
• Collision avoidance technology
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Rick Wygant, President - Miami / Ft. Lauderdale Drone User Group, 513-593-3441
Submitted into the public
record for item(s) -r5
aronpiz on
City Clerk.
VII. Appendix C
Comments to Proposed Ordinance
File No: 15-01513
General. The proposed ordinance seems vague and unclear in some areas that could result in poor compliance and stifle the
effective and safe use of drones. In other areas the ordinance appears to restrict the oversight of the use of drones to a few
existing individuals/organizations and does not take into consideration that as this young industry matures it will be critical
for others to assist in the oversight of drones in Miami. Additionally, some of the restrictions outlined in the ordinance could
negatively affect the economic growth for Miami around this new industry. And finally, some parts of the ordinance seems
to duplicate Federal Laws already in place. Similarly, it is expected that the FAA will be updating those regulations in 2016 so
some of this ordinance could be inconsistent with the Federal Regulations in the future.
Specific Comments. Sec. 37-12
(a) Purpose and Intent
✓ "...protect people attending large venue public events from the flying of unmanned aircraft systems ("UAS")
in and over such large public events..."
• RESPONSE: (Possible Duplication) The FAA FDC Notam 4/3621 issued on 10/27/2014 regarding TFR
(Temporary Flight Restrictions) for SPECIAL SECURITY NOTICE SPORTING EVENTS may cover these
other events and should be researched. If they aren't currently covered by this TFR then the FAA
should be made aware of this and have it considered. (See Appendix D for Overview of TFR)
✓ "...large venue special events..."
• RESPONSE: (Vague) What is considered a "large venue"
✓ "...not intended to restrict legitimate hobbyists..."
• RESPONSE: (Unclear) It does not mention commercial operators and it is unclear if this means
hobbyist would not have to abide by this ordinance.
(b) Definitions
✓ (2) "A large venue special event includes but is not limited to, a sporting event, concert, festival, protest,
etc."
• RESPONSE: (Vague) What are the other (i.e. not limited to) special events stipulated under this
clause. Also, the TFR mentioned in the previous response should be reviewed for applicability.
(c) Prohibitions
✓ (1) "...within a half -mile radius of Bayfront Park, Marlins Ballpark, Miami Marine Stadium..."
• RESPONSE: (Duplicate) The FAA FDC Notam 4/3621 issued on 10/27/2014 regarding TFR
(Temporary Flight Restrictions) for SPECIAL SECURITY NOTICE SPORTING EVENTS covers sporting
events. (See Appendix D for Overview of TFR)
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Rick Wygant President - Miami /Ft. Lauderdale Drone User Group, 513-593-3441
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✓ (2) "In all other areas of the City, the following restrictions shall apply"
• RESPONSE: (Restrictive and Negative Impact to Miami) These restrictions could have a significant
economic impact on Miami and its ability to benefit from this new technology. Additionally, Miami
could get the reputation of being "drone unfriendly" instead of leading the charge as a safe,
responsible and reasonable place to enjoy all the aspects this technology can bring the city.
✓ (2)(A) "UAS may not be larger than five (5) pounds including any attachments..."
• RESPONSE: (Clarity) We would like to understand the reasoning behind the 5 pound threshold. We
do not necessarily disagree with it, but just want to understand.
✓ (2)(B) "...may be operated only by a registered member of the Academy of Model Aeronautics
(AMA)"
• RESPONSE: (Restrictive) This puts Miami in a position of having only one governing body setting
the standards for drone use. As this industry matures other Community Based Organizations
(CBOs) may develop that are solely focused on the unique aspects of drone use so this clause
should should have more flexibility.
• RECOMMENDATION: Possibly change this clause to something similar to: "...only by registered
members of organizations such as the Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA). These organizations
would need prior approval by the City Commission to be designated as applicable to this
ordinance."
(d) Permitting
✓ (1) "...certain activities..."
• RESPONSE: (Ambiguous) Need clarity on what defines "certain activities".
✓ (D) "Applications must be made at least 14 days prior to requested usage time"
• RESPONSE: (Restrictive) This could significantly impact the commercial use of drone and have a
negative economic impact on Miami. This restriction would be unrealistic for commercial
operators since requests for services can come in within days (or sometimes hours) before the
service is to be performed.
✓ (E)(iii) "At any time, the City Manager shall be authorized to negotiate the fee for all permits to
use UAS above should it be determined that the current schedule of fees does not
properly address a particular type of event."
• RESPONSE: (Ambiguous) "This is potentially problematic without some specific baseline standards
put in place."
✓ (F) Same -Rules and Conditions (ii) "are valid only on the date specified thereon"
• RESPONSE (Restrictive) Due to the level of "large event" activity around Miami having permits that
are only good for the date of the event would be very problematic as commercial operators may
have multiple service requests for events that go longer than a day. Could there be consideration
for a 'blanket' permit that would cover multiple dates or multiple events of the same type?
✓ (f) Enforcement (1) Penalty "a UAS operated in violation of this Chapter will be impounded and held until
the conclusion of the Court or Code Enforcement proceedings."
• RESPONSE: (Unnecessary) The seizure requirements resemble provisions that might be appropriate
for very hazardous devices, chemicals, or weapons. We would be interested to know what other
consumer technology products are subject to such provisions as this seem far more onerous than
necessary.
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Rick Wygant, President - Miami/ Ft. Lauderdale Drone User Group, 513-593-3441
VIII.Appendix D
Submitted into the public
an7nF.,,,.P
use record for item(s) 112.5
nn
TFR - Temporary Flight Restrictions for Sporting Events
Sporting Event
0 Temporary Flight Restriction
FDC NOTAM 4/3621
Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) Language
FDC 4iW1 - SPECI A_ -
;i. tl— . - - `ICE SPORTING EVENTS
ThisNOTAli.1—•'-- 1-1
-i7r-3.:ItorefiedATransportaWnE:-.-•ty
Admiinrstrat:on (I :" -
- u it _e a d addrhoral information wncerri: aslspaae
,a vers Flight resirru•. -
10Tf .. . : dt statutoryi-ramL'ltes detailed
,n se��ion :352 of public
OC C ..-7 - ,,,.. 1 by : -loon 521 of public law 108-19,4
Pursuant to 49 USC 4010'
_ F _ re. As-,.:: i 1, imirrishatron (FAA) dassfres
the airspace defii, d in th-
_ - -:s laWml L b: nseArspace Any iperscin who
... -i-.;-0-r•: r• •,: "' .
:I- r,' s Fer'thiroa•.! - .._-al!ons rn this airspace may be
i '.n
under 49 l i - - >i lots who do not adhere to the
U...: g ..:... ;. , r: s{ t:.
rr-r•n:epted. dela ow,j ar:d ,,, ervieaved bylaw enforcement)
Pursuant [r1.
:More the -:
zr#ons
frohibr , �
.' ing
Dc Thi P
I` 3
F ' :tion 99 .7, S;.,:
•' secqr�y instructions, comntemmg one hour
me of thee, r
ur in one hour after the end d the event All aircraft
-irachute fur
unmanned arrcialt and remote controlled aircraft.
?fbMR up w
, including 3003ft AGI - of any stadium having a
" 06r,--
^!tl where either a regular or post season Mata
onal ,-ol...- i
;3Le air NCAA. division one football game er
. - -z jpp to
Nasmr Sprint Cup, Indy Car, and Champ Series
J ar,d raceevents
=lwdh::sA ter operatic.; -u -es of any event, stadium or, venue and broadcast
xve,ag•, f. r N . broadcast - i h( o'� authorized with an approved airspace
AONe An 'r . rspacd( t gperatvas from obtaini rig all other
-ecessary a(r . onrations ::•d c�:applicable Federal Aviation Regulations
The restrictionsdescribed above do not a; ro those aircraft authorized by and m
contact with ATC for operational or Safety . + ;ht purposes department of defenselave
enfo(cerrent and air ambulan,, fight oP.r-' . ,s
All previously issued waivers, to FOC NOTiV0 403671 remam valid until the specilied end
Sate but not to exceed 90 days foliow!ttg the effective date of this NOTAM lnformat•�n
about airspace warver aopiications and TSA security authorizations can be found at
HTTP IAfyWW TSA GOVISTAKEHOLE)ERStAIRSPA F--WAIVERS-0 or by calling TSA
AT 571-227-2071 Submit requests for FAA. airspace waivers ab HTTPS IMAIVERS FAA.
Gov
FAA PILOTWEB site for Notice to Airman (NOTAM):
s iit,dohveb.nas faa.go., PilotWebl
FAA UAS Website: :.:• •..`aa govfUAS
Sporting Event
0 Temporary Flight Restriction
FDC NOTAM 4/3621
nod Aircraft Systems (UAS) and NOTAM 413821
UAS are `aircraft that are sua;ect to NOTAM 4f3621 and applicable FAA safety
regulations
LECs should a?+.e-mpt to find the operator of the L)AS, provide thein
with the language of the NOTAM and adv7se ahem that they are srtbie:t to the
NOTAM and FAA safety regulations.
Collect the following Information:
Iriam Addre,� PL, „ number olthe operator.
tf r,n: E ,dude and lype or model of the UAS
V:.r .—SE, its ;•notes if pcisslb to
Was there _: ivy ent to persons or property on the ground']
Was there ,in• nt - r,0-- with aircraft to flight?'
Does the u --3to la an FAA pilot oertificale?
Is this a Ci0 i'n.arcr3l operation)
Criminal Charges that may possibly be applied include reckless
endangerment, operation of a motor vehicle while under the influence tresf -
and assault Consult Local State 8 County Codes
Report the above Information to the appropriate FAA Regional Operations Center
-Alaskan Region (AK)
g07 -271-59M
Central Region (IA KS. MO. NE)
816-329-3000
-Eastern Region (DC, DE, MD, NJ, NY, PA, VA. WV)
718-553-3100
Great Lakes Region (IL. IN, MI. MN, NO, OH, SG. WA)
847-294-84070
-New England Region (CT, MF MA NH RI, VT)
4D4-305,6166
-Northwest Mountain Region (CO bD, MT. OR UT, WA, VJY)
425-227-1389
-Southern Region (.AL FL GA, KY %IS NC, PR, SC. TN, VI)
404-305.51BO
-Southwest Region (AR, LA NM OK, Tx)
817-222-5006
-Westem-Pacific Region (AZ, CA, HI, NV)
310-725-3300
They will most likely not be i5i e to respond immediately but will collect
rnfo,nmalton from the LEO to cL•'sue possible legal enforcement action
If you have any questions please email us at
9-AJR4-awEnforcerrierrtOperatiorvs@faa.gov
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Rick Wygant President- Miami / Ft. Lauderdale Drone User Group, 513-593-3441