THE INVESTIGATION AND EVIDENCE SOURCES RELATING TO MID-AIR COLLISIONS OR NEAR MISSES
WITH DRONES (RPAS- UAV).
Present a essay that identifies and describes the types of evidence an investigator needs to gather to
determine the probable cause of the mid-air collision or a near-miss event between a piloted aircraft and a
drone.
There will be overlap in the evidence areas but with the obvious difference being physical contact and the
evidence it may provide between two airborne vehicles in the mid-air collision case and the reported near-miss
event.
Drone encounters are a significant concern in relation to aviation safety. Internationally aviation safety
investigative agencies and safety regulators are having to deal with new challenges.
The assignment should outline the investigative steps covering determining the respective flight paths of the
aircraft, the airspace requirements where the event took place, the securing of physical evidence and its
analysis, steps that might be taken to locate the drone operator and awareness of his/her responsibilities. You
may also want to comment on the ‘see and avoid’ issues for the piloted aircraft.
Finally, comment of the safety considerations or issues arising from the increasing use of drones any
suggestions to enhance safety.
Two aviation safety investigation reports are appended to assist you. Both are investigations of aircraft and drone collisions. You may also want to access information on the websites of national aviation safety regulators in relation to the rules/regulations and guidance covering the operation of drones.
Some further guidance. It may be worthwhile to do some background research on the nature and construction of drones/UAVs/RPAS vehicles. They range from vehicles the size of small aircraft piloted from very remote locations, flying long distances and equipped with an array of sensors to the small ‘quad-copters’ that are popular as recreational toys operated ‘in-line of sight’. You may find it useful to consider the likely debris material, collision imprint, and traceability of the operators of types of drones and any rules/regulations governing their use. The assignment also asks you to comment on safety recommendations