Navigating the Skies: What Superintendents Need to Know About Incorporating Drones into Their Golf Course Management Plan
Drones have revolutionized various industries, including search and rescue, public safety, real estate, and even golf course management. These unmanned aerial vehicles offer innovative solutions for tasks ranging from surveillance to data collection. However, as golf course superintendents consider adding drones to their toolkit, there's a critical realization they must embrace: they're venturing into the realm of aviation.
In a recent conversation, two experts, Kendall Marquardt, CGCS and Kevin Morris, FAA UAS/AAM Coordinator, FAA Office of Communications, shared insights about the complexities of integrating drones into golf course management. While drones may seem like simple gadgets controlled by a smartphone app, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) views them as aircraft. This distinction carries significant regulatory implications.
The First Steps: Registering and Certifying
The journey begins with a shift in perspective. When you acquire a drone for your golf course, it's not just a piece of equipment; it's the inception of an aviation department within your organization. Understanding this concept is pivotal to navigate the intricacies of drone operation.
First, you must register your drone with the FAA, which involves a $5 fee and renewal every three years. Since you won't be using the drone solely for recreational purposes, you'll need to operate it under Part 107, a set of rules and regulations governing commercial drone operations. This requires obtaining a remote pilot certificate, which needs to be kept current through recurrent training.
State Regulations and Insurance
However, the FAA isn't the sole authority in this realm. Many states, including Minnesota, have enacted their own drone registration requirements for commercial operators. These state-level regulations may also mandate the purchase of insurance for your drone. Thus, it's imperative to research and comply with your state's specific requirements.
Operational Considerations
Once the paperwork is in order, the real work begins – the safe and responsible operation of your drone. Several factors come into play:
Airspace Awareness: You must be aware of the airspace in which your golf course is situated. Some areas may require airspace authorizations, and temporary flight restrictions can emerge unexpectedly, grounding your drone.
Weather Conditions: Weather can significantly impact drone flights. Wind, temperature, and other weather variables can affect the drone's performance and safety.
Visual Line of Sight: Maintaining a visual line of sight with your drone is crucial. This ensures that you can react to any obstacles or unforeseen circumstances during the flight.
Operational Planning: Consider the timing of your flights, especially if your golf course is near an airport. Flying during presidential visits or other high-security events might be prohibited.
Risk-Based Decision Making: Adopt a pilot's mindset and make decisions based on risk assessment. Understand that things can go wrong, and you should be prepared for unforeseen challenges.
Environmental Factors: Account for factors like wind direction and speed, especially when flying over bodies of water, to avoid accidents like flyaways.
Crowd Management: If you have a large crowd on your golf course, be cautious. A drone malfunction could pose a danger to people below.
Conclusion
Integrating drones into golf course management is a promising development that offers numerous benefits, from data collection to course maintenance. However, it's crucial to approach this technology with a deep understanding of the responsibilities it entails. Superintendents, course owners and managers must acknowledge that they are now part of the aviation world, with all the regulations, safety considerations, and operational complexities that it entails.
By following the recommended steps and adopting a responsible, pilot-like approach to drone operation, golf course superintendents can harness the power of this technology while ensuring safety and compliance with the law. It's not just about flying a drone; it's about becoming stewards of the skies.
Kendall Marquardt, CGCSKendall Marquardt, CGCS
Connecting Drone Technology with the Golf Course Design, Construction and Management Industry for the good of all golf and the environment.Connecting Drone Technology with the Golf Course Design, Construction and Management Industry for the good of all golf and the environment.
