Arlington, Texas — Drones are becoming more popular throughout Dallas-Fort Worth, whether flown for business purposes, to improve public safety or just for fun. With the holiday season approaching, many North Texans may soon have the opportunity to fly a drone for the first time.
If you are hoping to get one of these flying machines as a gift this holiday season, it is important to ensure you know the rules of operation in order to avoid potential risks to people and their property.
The North Central Texas Council of Governments is holding a FREE virtual workshop from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Dec. 5 to discuss the rules and regulations, best practices and where to fly drones, also known as unmanned aircraft systems (UAS).
The workshop is open to everyone from those who have never flown a drone before to professionals wanting to practice safe operations and learn about the Federal Aviation Administration’s Know Before You Fly campaign and policies.
During the upcoming workshop, attendees will hear from licensed UAS professionals and other industry stakeholders about licensing and other topics important for the safe operation of drones in the growing region.
To fly a drone for purposes other than recreation, an operator must obtain a Remote Pilot Certificate, also known as a Part 107 license. However, there are other rules, regulations and helpful hints that could benefit hobbyists. Attendees of the workshop will receive instruction on the following:
- Drone Laws
- Part 107
- Equipment Information
- Safe Places to Fly
- Training Options
- Drone Careers
This virtual workshop is part of an effort by NCTCOG to work with regional partners to ensure this growing technology can be effectively integrated by users and to assist in the development of solutions to problems. The series began with an in-person workshop earlier this year. With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, these sessions have temporarily become virtual. For information and to register for the virtual workshop, visit
www.northtexasuas.com.
DETAILS
WHO: Recreational and licensed drone operators
WHAT: Know Before You Fly Your Drone Workshop
WHEN: 10 a.m.
Saturday, Dec. 5
WHERE: Virtual
WHY: Encourage drone safety best practices and open a dialog between local users and the North Texas UAS Safety and Integration Task Force
About the North Central Texas Council of Governments:
NCTCOG is a voluntary association of local governments established in 1966 to assist local governments in planning for common needs, cooperating for mutual benefit and coordinating for sound regional development. NCTCOG's purpose is to strengthen both the individual and collective power of local governments and to help them recognize regional opportunities, eliminate unnecessary duplication, and make joint decisions.
NCTCOG serves a 16-county region of North Central Texas, which is centered on the two urban centers of Dallas and Fort Worth. Currently, NCTCOG has 238 member governments including 16 counties, 169 cities, 22 school districts and 31 special districts. For more information on the NCTCOG Transportation Department, visit
www.nctcog.org/trans.
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