ASCI 202 drones

The Risk Of Unauthorized Drones In The Airspace.      Unauthorized drones operating near airports have become a significant aviation security threat because they can collide with aircraft or disrupt airport operations. Drones pose similar hazards to birds, but in some ways they are more dangerous because they contain hard components such as batteries and motors that can severely damage a propeller or jet engine. Several real-world incidents demonstrate how quickly a routine flight can turn into a safety risk. For example, a commercial jet in Florida nearly collided with a camouflage-colored drone at roughly 2,300 feet, and the pilot reported needing to maneuver to avoid impact (Jacksonville.com, 2014). In another event, a drone operator was charged after his drone struck a Super Scooper firefighting aircraft, again proving that careless or untrained operators can create dangerous midair conflicts (ABC News, 2024).      I personally witnessed this growing th...

A major ethical issue in aviation today is how drones can invade people’s privacy. In 2025, a U.S. drone company called Skydio faced criticism after reports showed that its marketing drones sent to police agencies had tracking features that collected location data without clear consent. This raised concerns about privacy, honesty, and how companies handle personal information. I chose this event because it shows how aviation technology can affect people’s rights, not just flight safety. Ethical behavior is important for everyone in aviation, including drone makers, operators, and regulators. They need to be open about what data they collect, get permission when needed, and keep information secure. In my view, as drones become more common, respecting privacy should be as important as keeping the skies safe. Reference: DroneXL. (2025, March 10).  Skydio’s tracking mailers to police spark privacy and security concerns.   https://dronexl.co/2025/03/10/skydio-tracking-mailers-secur...