Public Relations StrategyPublic Relations Strategy

As the CEO of a small drone operating business, I understand that operating drones is not just about technology — it’s about trust.

Our business operates in shared spaces: above communities, near homes, over workplaces, and alongside other airspace users. That means we have a responsibility to operate safely, respectfully, and transparently.

This strategy outlines how we address the community issues that matter most: safety, noise, privacy, and equitable access to airspace.

1. Safety Comes First — Always

Safety is the foundation of our operations.

We do not treat safety as a paperwork exercise or something that only matters after an incident. Instead, we run every job under a clear safety management approach that includes:

  • Thorough pre-flight risk assessments
  • Strict adherence to CASA rules and operational limits
  • Pilot competency and ongoing training
  • Equipment maintenance and reliability checks
  • Clear emergency procedures and contingency planning

We also actively monitor safety performance, not just incident counts, so we can identify risks early and continually improve.

Our commitment is simple:

No job is worth doing if it cannot be done safely.

2. Minimising Noise and Community Disruption

We recognise that drones can be noisy and disruptive, especially in residential or sensitive areas.

That is why we take practical steps to reduce disturbance, including:

  • Using the quietest suitable aircraft for the task
  • Avoiding unnecessary hovering or repeated passes
  • Scheduling flights at reasonable times where possible
  • Minimising flight duration and operating footprint
  • Considering local context (schools, hospitals, livestock, community events)

We aim to be a good neighbour, not an unwanted presence.

3. Respecting Privacy and Protecting Public Confidence

Privacy is one of the most important concerns raised by the public about drones, and we take it seriously.

Our operations are designed to avoid unnecessary collection of personal information. We apply the principle of:

Only capture what is required for the task — nothing more.

Our privacy approach includes:

  • Avoiding surveillance-style activity
  • Not recording people without operational necessity
  • Complying with Australian Privacy Principles where applicable
  • Secure handling and storage of any collected data
  • Clear communication with clients and communities about what we do and do not collect

We want people to feel confident that drones are being used professionally, not intrusively.

4. Fair and Equitable Access to Shared Airspace

Airspace is a shared public resource.

We support the principle that drones must operate in a way that is fair to:

  • Other drone operators
  • Manned aviation users
  • Emergency services
  • Communities on the ground

We do not seek exclusive or reckless access. We operate responsibly within the framework CASA provides, and we support future systems that ensure drones can integrate safely and equitably.

This means:

  • Respecting operational boundaries
  • Avoiding unsafe concentration of activity
  • Supporting coordinated airspace solutions as the industry grows

We believe the drone industry must develop in a way that benefits everyone, not just early adopters.

5. Transparency and Community Engagement

Public trust requires openness.

We commit to:

  • Explaining our operations clearly when working near communities
  • Responding respectfully to concerns or complaints
  • Maintaining professional standards of conduct at all times
  • Supporting community education about safe drone use

If a member of the public has concerns about one of our operations, we encourage them to contact us directly.

Our Commitment

We want drones to be part of Australia’s future in a way that is:

  • Safe
  • Respectful
  • Privacy-aware
  • Community-minded
  • Fair to other airspace users

We recognise that our social licence is earned through actions, not assurances — and we take that responsibility seriously.

 

Steve Griffin
CEO / Chief Remote Pilot