GA pilots concerned about losing Oregon airspace to drones
January 19, 2011, 03:08 pm
A recent proposal for testing unmanned vehicles in airspace over central Oregon has some general aviation pilots concerned about being unable to fly in that area, according to the Associated Press.
The AP reported that the vague nature of a proposal to use a section of general airspace for military drone testing has private pilots worried about how much of the space will be used, how long it will be closed off and what steps they will need to take to divert around the area while in flight.
One of the concerns raised by local pilot Don Wilfong is the potential safety hazards this new designation of airspace could cause, currently not addressed in the proposal. "I just think it needs some definite consideration of making the airspace safe for all users," Wilfong told the AP.
Though Chris Dancy of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association said he has not heard of collisions between general aviation planes and unmanned vehicles, he did note to reporters that having to divert around the airspace while in use would make trips longer and cause the use of additional fuel.
Still, concerns remain over the safety of the airspace and proper flight planning will be necessary to avoid accidents. In addition, pilot insurance, though it cannot help with accident avoidance, will provide for the pilot's family in the event of a fatal collision.
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