By Police1 Staff
As drones become more integral to industries and public services, managing their safe operation is increasingly critical. To address airspace security issues, drone detection company Dedrone has launched its Drone Violations Database, powered by a nationwide detection network that covers over 50% of the U.S. population. The database provides public access to real-time data and emerging trends, offering invaluable insights into the growing challenge of drone violations.
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) drone regulations, including upcoming changes for Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations, are expected to accelerate drone usage, which could accelerate the number of drones in the sky. This growth in drone usage has been accompanied by a notable rise in violations. In 2023, Dedrone detected more than one million drone flight violations, with 63% involving breaches of the FAA’s 400-foot altitude restriction — an essential safety guideline for preventing collisions with crewed aircraft.
So far in 2024, Dedrone has already identified over 900,000 violations, with monthly figures consistently surpassing those of the previous year. For example, May 2024 saw nearly 24,000 more violations than the same month in 2023. These trends highlight the dual-edged nature of drone proliferation: while they provide significant benefits, they also introduce new safety and security challenges.
Sensitive locations like airports, correctional facilities and stadiums are especially vulnerable. Dedrone’s findings show a troubling trend of drones being used for malicious purposes, such as delivering contraband to prisons. Similarly, in large public gatherings like sporting events, unauthorized drones not only disrupt activities but also pose significant safety risks.
Dedrone’s Drone Violations Database leverages the company’s extensive drone detection technology, including its DedroneDNA library, which recognizes nearly 600 drone models. Access the database here.