Aviation expert backs regulation of use of drones

Mr Sunday Idajili, an expert in Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS), has declared support for the regulation of the use of drones in Nigeria’s airspace, saying it will ensure safety.
Idajili told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja that the use of RPAS, popularly known as drones, could be abused if not properly regulated.

“The Challenges authorities are, we don’t know who is carrying this equipment; we don’t know who is using it for what purpose and that is the issue we are having.
“In its usefulness, it also has some challenges like Privacy issues where anyone can attach something like explosives in it and it will cause havoc.
“That is why it seems everybody is paranoid and reluctant accepting the technology into the country.

“The problem the regulators have now is how to allow this technology open new jobs, new opportunities without necessarily (allowing it to) get into (the) wrong hands and that is the issue we are discussing here today.
“Here we are with the new technology with the huge challenge of been in the wrong hands. So, if it can be controlled, then this will be the next big deal just as we had internet before, whatever that is good also have the bad aspect of it.

“It’s just like as internet is useful for communication, people also use it to do scam and all that.

“It is the same thing. It needs to be controlled, it needs to be regulated and once it is done, we will have a new opportunity, we will have new jobs and a new industry that can really prosper.’’
Idajili said that the regulators needed to understand the value of the RPAS technology to be able to manage the issues around its use.
He urged the regulators to come up with a policy that would encourage potential investors to invest and develop it for the good of the country.
According to him, the difference between RPAS and manned aircraft is their modes of operation.
“A drone is just like any aircraft, but it is smaller and it has no pilot on board.
“Also the same principle of flying an aircraft applies to it.
“Every drone manufacturer would state that for this drone I have made, this is the kind of wind resistance that it can operate against.
“This is the kind of humidity it can operate in and this is the type of temperature it can operate in,’’ he said.
NAN