Drones are getting to be part of everyday life with many companies looking into the various uses of drones for profit. For us airsoft players, it's more of covering the airsoft action for after action videos, or actual use of drones for intelligence gathering in airsoft milsim events. With drones starting to go more frequently in the air, there are concerns that unregulated use of these small flying machines will cause some accidents or pause more dangers to aircraft carrying passengers and precious cargo.

In the USA, there are already some protocols in place in order to prevent such accidents from happening: not within 5 miles of airports, not above 400 feet, keeping it always in sight, must not cause damage to property, and must not be in populated areas. However, it seems that some drone operators are now heeding this safety advice.

The FAA reported that there is a big increase in drone-related incidents, with about 175 documented reported incidents with 25 of these drones almost colliding with either a helicopter or a plane.

Other countries are also taking notice and proposals to regulate use of drones are being put in the legislatures or agencies tasked to regulating civil aviation. Some are proposing the drone operators should also get pilots' licenses before allowed to be using drones. It is understandable since the concerns are valid and pose dangers to aircraft which are carrying human passengers.

For airsoft event organizers, they should factor in the use of drones in their house rules, especially at airsoft sites that are near airfields. It's best to be proactive so we can still preserve the use of drones as we deem fit for use in airsoft rather than wait for drones to be banned for civilian use due to operators who have total disregard for safety in the pursuit of their hobbies.

It's best really to learn more about using drones safely to be able to enjoy flying these without being potential dangers to others.