Op-Ed: How a Drone Changed a Mind

Drones have been around for decades. The first ones were rather primitive, in the World War I and II era. I never thought much about drones until recently. They always seemed like rather harmless devices. But with the advent of what I call "consumer" drones, just about anyone can build, launch, and operate one.

My concern about drones has been an on-air collision with a commercial airliner that I am a passenger in. While I realize I am a mere mortal human being, I'd prefer to postpone my demise as long as biologically possible and not prematurely due to a high flying toy.  There have been a good number of drone mid-air collision accidents (see video below). I think there has been some legislation, but the legislation and policing of violations has to my mind been rather weak to lukewarm.

Granted, drones are a great way to have fun, and learn about electronics and aerodynamics. But I'd be more comfortable if there established drone parks, where drones could be flown, played with, tinkered with, hacked, and happily crash into each other.

But my mind was changed this morning while in the safety of my apartment, sipping a Starbucks' Veranda (Blonde Roast) cup of coffee, and reading the NY Times. After plodding through the front page news, I happened to read a story entitled "A Drone Saves Two Swimmers in Australia."

Basically, some swimmers got in trouble on some rough seas and a lifeguard was operating a lifesaving drone and "steered the drone toward the swimmers... then released a yellow “rescue pod” that inflates in the water. The two swimmers grabbed the pod, and with its support they made their way to shore. They were fatigued, but not hurt,"  the story said. "The rescue took just 70 seconds."

Here in Chicago, Lake Michigan is treacherous for swimmers. While the la lokeoks placid, some areas have a strong undertow. People get drowned every year. Perhaps some could be saved if the lifeguards were issued a safety drone.

So, a drone changed my mind.

I won't say I feel a whole lot safer flying. More work needs to be done, especially as the drone technology is evolving and becoming more sophisticated. But they have a place in our society, within limits, of course.