ABOUT THE EVENT
As part of the annual Drone Safety Day initiative led by the Federal Aviation Administration, this event aims to educate students, drone enthusiasts, and professionals on safe and responsible drone operations.
With the 2026 theme “Fly Right”, this workshop focuses on promoting awareness of drone safety—especially around critical infrastructure such as power lines and substations.
Hosted at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte in collaboration with the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) and Duke Energy, this event brings together experts from aviation, utilities, and public safety to provide both technical knowledge and practical insights.
Participants will gain understanding of:
FAA regulations and safe drone operating practices
Airspace awareness and compliance tools
Identification of power grid infrastructure and associated risks
Why flying near electrical equipment can be dangerous
Pre-flight and post-flight safety procedures
Real-world applications of drones in utility operations
A key highlight of the event is an interactive panel discussion featuring representatives from the FAA, utility industry, and Law enforcement. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions directly to experts and gain insights into real-world drone operations and safety challenges.
The event also includes a live outdoor drone demonstration, where participants will observe:
Pre-flight safety checks
Safe flight operations
Emergency procedures
Post-flight best practices
Whether you are a beginner, hobbyist, student, or professional drone operator, this event will provide valuable knowledge to help you fly safely, responsibly, and confidently.
