The exponential growth1 in the use and deployment of Unmanned Aircraft (UA) and Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), 2 or Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) and Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS), 3 (hereafter “Drones”), 4 as well as the technology underpinning their scope and operation is delivering enormous opportunity, economic advantages and societal benefits for various users, operators and the community at large.
Drones are now in widespread use in mining, remote exploration works and repair, geological survey, agricultural land management, urban transport and delivery, aerial photography, media and more. Increasing recreational use continues to fuel market growth of drones globally, and their increasing use in areas like law enforcement, search and rescue and emergency relief is evolving very rapidly.