MassDOT Aeronautics Hosts Drone Safety Day Event to Showcase Innovation and Promote Safe Flying

Public invited to Lynn’s MassAutonomy Test Site for hands-on demos, safety tips, and a closer look at how drones support transportation infrastructure in Massachusetts.

by DRONELIFE Staff Writer Ian J. McNabb

To celebrate the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) annual Drone Safety Day, the Aeronautics Division of the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT Aeronautics) announced that they will host an in-person event showcasing drone models and use cases, outlining rules and best practices, and facilitating the exchange of ideas between MassDOT Aeronautics and recreational and professional drone pilots.

According to their press release, MassDOT Aeronautics Drone pilots will showcase the capabilities of several drone models, highlighting how MassDOT Aeronautics uses cutting-edge technologies to help the Commonwealth optimize transportation infrastructure management and other public good use cases.

The event occurs on Saturday, April 26, from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the MassAutonomy Test Site For Drones and Advanced Air Mobility, at 711 Lynnway in Lynn.

“We are pleased at the progress made by the MassDOT Aeronautics Division to advance innovative technologies and are proud to showcase for the public Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) at Drone Safety Day in Lynn,” said Transportation Secretary and CEO Monica Tibbits-Nutt. “Engaging with members of the community helps educate about such an emerging technology and also promotes safety and innovation, two core elements of our goal to improve transportation in Massachusetts.”

Drone Safety Day (DSD) is an annual campaign designed to educate drone users of the importance of flying safely, inspiring fun drone activities and connecting a community of enthusiasts. The annual theme of Drone Safety Day is “Fly Right”

“We’ve made a special effort to reach out to the recreational drone community for this year’s event,” said MassDOT Aeronautics Acting Administrator Denise Garcia. “Each year, recreational drone pilots occasionally operate in areas where extra awareness is needed to ensure safety. Drone Safety Day highlights the importance of safe, responsible drone use, including awareness of best practices and adherence to regulations.”

As the FAA recorded 977,847 recreational drone pilots in the U.S. as of January 2025 (reflected by Total TRUST Certificates Issued, meaning recreational drone pilots who have completed the Recreational UAS Safety Test required under §44809 of Title 49 of the United States Code), the need for events to celebrate and highlight best practices for drone safety has only increased. The FAA recorded 427,335 Certificated Remote Pilots, people who have obtained FAA Remote Pilot Part 107 Certification, which allows them to fly drones for non-recreational purposes.

According to their press release, the MassDOT Aeronautics Drone Operations Program uses Uncrewed Aircraft Systems to support state and local agencies, municipalities, and quasi-governmental entities. The Drone Program provides services such as assessing the condition of critical state infrastructure, including rail and transit facilities, roads, bridges, and airports. The Drone Program also leverages MassDOT Aeronautics’ Data and Analytics Team, turning collected imagery into insightful data and actionable information for public transportation stakeholders and decision-makers.  

More information on the event, along with a signup, is available here.

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Read more:

• MassDOT Aeronautics Completes Successful Drone Medical Delivery Demonstrations
• MassDOT Aeronautics Secures $1 Million Grant for Drone-Based Infrastructure Upgrades
• MassDOT Aeronautics Teams Up with MassDOT Highway to Pioneer Drone Technology for Smarter Highway Maintenance