GAO: FAA's information on the extent of unsafe use of drones is 'limited'

US' Government Accountability Office (GAO) published (24-May-2018) the results of an audit on US FAA's management of safety risks related to drones. GAO reported:

• FAA's information on the extent of unsafe use of drones in "limited". Although FAA collects data on several types of safety events involving small UAS, the accuracy and completeness of the data are "questionable";
• FAA is taking steps to improve its data. For example, it is developing a web-based system for the public to report any sightings of UAS that are perceived to be a safety concern and a survey of UAS users on their operational activity;
• FAA is evaluating technologies for detecting and remotely identifying UAS, and that could improve data on unsafe use.

GAO recommended that the FAA establish a mechanism to ensure that FAA's management of small UAS safety risks follows all applicable principles and requirements in the agency's policies. FAA agreed with GAO's recommendation. [more - original PR]