“Partnership” may be the best way to describe the recent AUVSI XPONENTIAL 2019 conference in Chicago. Across the expo, hundreds of UAV-centric groups and companies found new ways to collaborate to make an already-vibrant industry more effective.

In the arena of drone-issue public education, perhaps no relationship is stronger than the new commitment between the host group, the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International, and the Academy Model Aeronautics.

During the expo, the two influential organizations signed a memorandum of agreement with the FAA to “solidify each organization’s commitment to expanding and improving the Know Before You Fly education campaign.”

Founded by the trio in 2014, KBYF educates prospective drone pilots on issues of safety, operation and regulation. About 1.7 million people have visited the campaign’s website since launch and the campaign has gained more than 170 supporters, including education, manufacturing and retail companies as well as local governments and public safety officials.

Last month, Utah and California legislatures passed a joint resolution  praising the campaign as an official source of drone safety information for the state’s users.

Following the announcement by Carl Burleson, acting deputy director of the FAA, Chad Budreau, Executive Director of AMA, noted:

“We remain 100 percent committed to educating the public about how to fly drones safely and responsibly. The Know Before You Fly campaign has proven to be a highly effective tool for accomplishing this goal, and we are proud to continue our successful partnership with AUVSI and the FAA on this endeavor.”

“As drones become more popular and more people join the ranks of drone operators, it is more important than ever to educate them on how, where and when to fly,” said Brian Wynne, President and CEO of AUVSI. “Know Before You Fly is critical for raising awareness of UAS rules and guidelines to enhance the safety of the airspace.”

 

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