As drones work their way into mainstream security operations, it’s a good idea for executives to get familiar with just what managing the process entails.
Security drones are deployed in a growing number of South African business sectors and company decision-makers should familiarise themselves with the planning and infrastructure that’s involved in airborne operations. “Running a legal, licensed drone service is a complex enterprise and it’s the reason most companies choose to outsource this component of their security,” says Matthew Gordon, CEO of Sky Guard.
A Fortune Business Insights worldwide report on drones in the surveillance industry predicts compound annual market growth of 18.9% in the 2021 to 2028 period. “We’re seeing rising numbers of drone deployments in anything from property developments and large construction sites to mining, oil and gas, warehousing and farming operations.
The business case for drones in security is strong. They protect property, critical assets and infrastructure, are able to respond quickly to threats without physical confrontation of security personnel and can be used to record and gather evidence.
“However, you don’t just throw a drone into the sky. Because the machines share airspace with commercial and private aircraft, the industry is heavily regulated and licensed operators have to comply with the rules that govern all international commercial aviation. In this country licences are issued and oversight and regular audits are performed by the SA Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA).”
Gordon says running a commercial drone operation is very similar to running a small airline and operators are subjected to a raft of rules and regulations.
“It’s important to manage expectations when setting up security drone operations because most people aren’t aware of the intense administration process and the time it takes to legally get off the ground. That said, once operations commence, the payback on investment is quick and the results significantly bolster any security operation,” he says.
Here are five key considerations when setting up security drone infrastructure and operations:
1. Plan ahead – Work on at least a three-month lead time when buying a drone, to allow for it to be processed, licensed and registered with the SACAA. Once it’s registered and licensed it can be insured and added to the drone operator’s Remote Operating Certificate (ROC) or licence for legal commercial operations. If it’s being flown within 10 km of an airport, it will be in controlled airspace and additional radio infrastructure for communications with the control tower will be required.
2. Identify objectives – Build a modular system that tackles tasks as they’re needed and that can grow. Many organisations start with a small drone and expand their fleet as their needs and requirements take shape.
3. Set a budget.– There are many ways to finance drone operations – loan financing, outright purchase or rent-to-own are all options depending on operations. Monthly operating costs would include a pilot, insurance, administration and regulatory compliance. Most large organisations outsource their security drone operations to licenced third-party operators with an ROC.
4. Integrate role players – Incorporating drones into existing security operations is key to successful deployments. Wireless and radio connections between drone crews and their equipment, and security control rooms, keep ground personnel in touch with what’s being observed from the air.
5. Deployment – Once drones have been introduced to the security mix, they become almost indispensable; they are often first to an incident scene, their actions can be automated and provide a perspective that significantly improves security operations. They can also be used for a variety of ancillary tasks like gathering aerial images for marketing or for monitoring construction development as it progresses.
For more information, contact Sky Guard, +27 82 555 3461, [email protected], www.skyguard.co.za
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