We note the request of the US government to operate drones over Jamaica and note the increase in interest of individuals and public bodies internationally in this technology. We anticipate that along with the other Governments such as the US government that would want to operate drones over our airspace. This technology represents a convergence in different communication networks, technologies and disciplines.
Initial checks with the Jamaican Civil Aviation Authority and the Spectrum Management Authority of Jamaica would suggest that comprehensive regulations to manage this industry have yet to be established. The nature of UAS and the environments in which they operate, when not managed properly, can and will create issues that need to be addressed. The future of UAS will be linked to the responsible and safe use of these systems. This burgeoning industry of which we are apart has an obligation to conduct our operations in a safe manner that minimizes risk and instills confidence in our systems.
For this reason, JamaicaUAV Limited, has adopted this Code of Conduct. This code outlines a set of guidelines and recommendations for safe, non‐intrusive operations. We at JamaicaUAV believe that adherence to this code will contribute to safety and professionalism and will accelerate public confidence in these systems.
BY ADOPTING THIS CODE, JAMAICAUAV COMMIT TO THE FOLLOWING
Safety
- We will not operate UAS in a manner that presents undue risk to persons or property on the surface or in the air.
- We will ensure UAS will be piloted by individuals who are properly trained and competent to operate the vehicle or its systems.
- We will ensure UAS flights will be conducted only after a thorough assessment of risks associated with the activity.
- This risks assessment will include, but is not limited to:
- Weather conditions relative to the performance capability of the system
- Identification of normally anticipated failure modes (lost link, power plant failures, loss of control, etc) and consequences of the failures
- Crew fitness for flight operations
- Overlying airspace, compliance with aviation regulations as appropriate to the operation
- Communication, command, control, and payload frequency spectrum requirements
- Reliability, performance, and airworthiness to established standards
Professionalism
- We will comply with all local laws, regulations , covenants, and restrictions as they relate to UAS operations.
- We will operate our systems as responsible members of the aviation community.
- We will be responsive to the needs of the public.
- We will cooperate fully with local authorities in response to emergency deployments, mishap investigations, and media relations.
Respect
- We will respect the rights of other users of the airspace.
- We will respect the privacy of individuals.
- We will respect the concerns of the public as they relate to unmanned aircraft operations.
- We will support improving public awareness and education on the operation of UAS.
As an industry, it is incumbent upon us to hold ourselves and each other to a high professional and ethical standard. As with any revolutionary technology, there will be mishaps and abuses; however, in order to operate safely and gain public acceptance and trust, we should all act in accordance with these guiding themes and do so in an open and transparent manner. We hope the entire UAS industry will join JamaicaUAV in adopting a similar Code of Conduct.