Culture

I believe that culture permeates every aspect of our society and civilizations. Its impact is broad, with cultural norms defining what is considered acceptable social behavior. Our language is shaped by our culture: for example, this web site's title, 400ft.org, would make little sense in Germany. Why? Because their unit of measurement is metric and their regulation limits drones to a maximum attitude of 70 meters(recreational). 70m.org would perhaps be a better name for the site in Germany 🇩🇪🙂
This policy setting and decision making is just one way culture impacts the remote pilot. The remote pilot also contributes to the public's cultural perception of drones. In this section, I attempt to document my cultural experiences and insights as a remote pilot interacting with the FAA's regulation and with the public at large.

Articles

Activities and Connections Drive Culture

Introduction

Why an article on culture and drones? Because drones and sUAV technology is rapidly integrating into our society - now. From real estate agents, electrical linemen, firefighters, law enforcement officer, to the soldier, drones have made an incredible impact on these professionals working lives. It is my belief that a drone can be used for any workload that puts a human’s life at risk (>90%). That represents a lot of social activities and situations where drones have the possibility of a positive impact. This is at the core of why I want to write about drone culture, plus I want to contribute to this sub-culture and promote the benefits of drones.

Culture, a working definition

Before we start let’s define culture as a group of people, their locality, and the connections they make with each other and society. In this context our group of people is remote pilots and recreational flyers. Their locality is North America. Now comes the hard part, what about all those social connections these people make? How can we learn about all these social connections? Activities are the answer! Connections can be identified by examining the activities of remote pilots and recreational flyers.

Activities

Clearly the primary activity that defines the role of a remote pilot is flying. All other activities support this or stem from this act. Part 107[1] regulation has a set of recurring activities that are required by law for a remote pilot to keep there certification. As part of that regulation you also register as an airman with the rating of remote pilot[2]. Hey, looks like our drone culture is an extension of the world of Aviation. In fact FAA drone regulation relies heavily on many preexisting concepts taken from many decades of manned flight activities!

Attitude

How you fly as a remote pilot has a high possibility to effect the public’s perception of drones and the public discourse about drones. A pilots attitude shows in how they fly. Indeed, the FAA covers hazardous attitudes in the course ALC-723: 10 Decision-Making Concepts for UAS Pilots[3]. Informally I conceptualize this as accepting the role of drone ambassador when flying. Society and the public are not neutral and will respond in multiple forms from public speech to regulation, governing bodies and law enforcement. I want public’s experience to be a positive one!

The FAA’s five hazardous attitudes to aeronautical decision-making [3].

Anti-authority: Those who do not like anyone telling them what to do.

Impulsivity: Those who feel the need to do something, anything, immediately.

Invulnerability: Those who believe that accidents happen to others.

Macho: Those who are trying to prove that they are better than anyone else. “Watch this!

Resignation: Those who do not see themselves making a difference.

Conclusion

Drone technology is being adopted into our society now. This adoption is decentralized and distributed. Using culture as lens for viewing this adoption works well. Social connections are identified through drone related activities and their locality. When flying in public it is good practise to be an ambassador drones and remote pilots. That is how you as an individual can contribute to a positive public perception. One interaction at a time.

Already there are a number of concerns that have taken shape because of drone usage. Privacy, safety and criminal misuse have been continuous themes in public discourse. Tackling my first article culture helped me realize that I have the chance to contribute to the public’s perceptions and my activities matter. I want to be respectful of public spaces and the people in them. Flying in your own back garden is of limited utility 🙂

I aim to maintain a polite, respectful and professional attitude when flying my drone. I am happy to engage in conversation when safe to do so. It through sharing ideas and conversation we learn to understand each other better!

Culture

Federal Aviation Administration

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