FAA Recommends UAS Operators Don Orange Vests with “Drone Pilot Stand Clear”

remote pilots and other sUAS flight crew members wear brightly colored and reflective vests during flight operations. By taking this simple action, the sUAS flight crew can demonstrate that they are accepting responsibility for the activity and that they are intending to operate in a safe and compliant manner. The vest should have wording on the back identifying the individual as the remote pilot, visual observer, or crew. The vests should have the wording such as “Drone Pilot Please Do Not Disturb”, “Drone Pilot Stand Clear”, “Drone Pilot” or similar warnings against distracting the person wearing it.

While that may not make the most impressive fashion statement, it will in the opinion of the departments reduce unnecessary calls to law enforcement agencies. The FAA believes this can down on the calls made by the public regarding compliant operators. As the FAA notes, these are not actionable and can potentially tie up resources as officers engage with pilots who are legitimate and flying drones in a compliant manner. It also interrupts the pilot and the work they are trying to accomplish.

You can find the full text of the InFO here.