Mention the term Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) or the word drones and most people will likely think of military applications. The military has a long history of using drones in both domestic and international settings. When most people envision a drone, they picture a dark stealth plane used on covert missions and seen in spy movies. Such machines have become society’s reality involving the technology.

It is true; the use of unmanned aerial vehicles began in the military. Their origin actually dates all the way back to 1849, when Austrians used unmanned balloons loaded with explosives to attack Venice. Although the unpredictable nature of wind currents made the mission less than a complete success, many balloons made it to their target. Unfortunately, many also floated back onto Austrian soil before detonation.

The balloon effort displayed the need to have more physical control over UAS. By World War I, the technology had improved to the point that several countries used UAS as aerial torpedoes. As years passed, the military was virtually the only organization employing the use of UAS. In recent years, however, that has changed. Drone technology is now being considered for use in everything from assisting with border patrol to fighting wild fires.

There are three types of UAS, each of which comes with different rules and regulations. It is important to note that all UAS over 0.55 pounds are required to register.

1) Model Aircraft – any UAS that is capable of sustained flight in the atmosphere, flown within the visual sight of the operator, and flown for hobby or recreational purposes.

· Strictly for hobby / recreational use

· Weighs less than 55 pounds

· Requires proper registration

2) Non-Model / Commercial – Any UAS operation conducted for non-hobby or commercial purpose or any operation that does not meet the parameters for Model Aircraft.

· Requires proper registration

· Requires a Certificate of Authorization (COA)

· Requires a pilot certificate

3) Public / Government – Public agencies or organizations that conduct UAS operations for a government function.

· Requires proper registration

· Requires a COA

In the Red River Valley, the largest use of drones has historically been in the agriculture industry. The potential of agriculture-based applications has resulted in the addition of a drone-related class at the North Dakota State College of Science in Wahpeton. The class could result in similar offerings at North Dakota State University and the Fargo branch of NDSCS.

Intro to Unmanned Aircraft Systems was added to NDSCS’s curriculum last fall. It falls under the direction of Associate Professor Rick Hendrickson, chair of the Applied Science and Technology program. “The class is the result of interest in precision agriculture, simple engineering, and plant surveying,” he explained. The class includes an introduction to the fundamentals of UAS, as well as the history and developing role in the modern aviation industry. It will also cover UAS integration into commercial applications, as well as Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations and sanctions.

The soaring popularity of drone use for both business and recreational purposes does not surprise Hendrickson. “The military has used it for years, but commercial applications in cinematography and agriculture and mapping have cropped up quickly and I’m all for it,” he said. Hendrickson also understands the negative connotations that plague the use of UAS, especially use in the military. “I come at it like great things have been done. Some of it comes from things like flying a drone in front of a jet or something,” he began. “If people were aware of the rules and regulations, that would really knock down some of the fears. Awareness is something that needs to be out there; I would hate to see a few instances weighing on everyone negatively.”

Hendrickson would like people to be aware of the rules and regulations regarding drone use, especially for commercial use. “A lot of people are waiting to see what the FAA is going to come up with as far as regulations for commercial use,” he explained. “Today, if you wanted to use it to take a picture as a realtor you would have to have a pilot’s license to fly the drone; but those rules will change and probably decrease it down to a written test.”

There are also several rules regarding personal use of drones, something not everyone is aware of. “A person needs to understand that even for a hobby, you can’t go over 400 feet in the air and if you are within a five-mile radius of an airport, you have to notify them,” Hendrickson said. “I was at a rodeo last summer and a drone was flying over the crowd taking pictures and that is illegal. It is illegal to fly above groups of people and events, even as a hobbyist.”

In the very near future, the Greater F/M area will be exposed to another use for a drone, this time within law enforcement. According to Lt. Bryan Green, Emergency Management Director for the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, the department has been exploring the possibility of utilizing drones for search and rescue missions, disaster control, and forensic photography for two years. “Last fall, we were approached by the West Central EMS Association about the possibility of accepting a drone they received through a grant,” Lt. Green explained. “We then decided as a department to accept the responsibility. We do not have the man power nor the training to do this, so we asked our volunteers at Valley Water Rescue to assist us in the utilization of the drone.”

The new drone is an $11,900 Seeker C Thermal Aircraft, and it was picked up last week. Once the department is qualified and the sheriff’s office has received permission from the FAA, the drone will be used for search rescue missions (lost child or hunter), chemical spills, and train derailments all over the Greater F/M area. “It is not only for use in Clay County, but for use in any county if requested,” Lt. Green explained.

The department is still learning how to navigate the strict rules and regulations regarding the drone’s use. “As a public status, we are limited in several ways,” Lt. Green said. “We have to have a training program, maintenance program, and a documentation program.” In addition,

the drone must be flown by a certified pilot and a trained observer. The drone is also restricted from flying at night, flying within 500 feet of non-participants, or flying over 400 feet from the ground.

Lt. Green anticipates changes in the rules and regulations this summer; changes that could increase the prevalence of drone use. “If they reduce the restrictions more and more,public entities will be using them,” he said.