Drone Safety Day 2026: FLY RIGHT Around Electrical Infrastructure
As part of the annual Drone Safety Day initiative led by the Federal Aviation Administration, this event aims to educate students, drone enthusiasts, and professionals on safe and responsible drone operations.
With the 2026 theme “Fly Right”, this workshop focuses on promoting awareness of drone safety—especially around critical infrastructure such as power lines and substations.
Hosted at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte in collaboration with the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) and Duke Energy, this event brings together experts from aviation, utilities, and public safety to provide both technical knowledge and practical insights.
Participants will gain understanding of:
- FAA regulations and safe drone operating practices
- Airspace awareness and compliance tools
- Identification of power grid infrastructure and associated risks
- Why flying near electrical equipment can be dangerous
- Pre-flight and post-flight safety procedures
- Real-world applications of drones in utility operations
A key highlight of the event is an interactive panel discussion featuring representatives from the FAA, utility industry, and Law enforcement. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions directly to experts and gain insights into real-world drone operations and safety challenges.
The event also includes a live outdoor drone demonstration, where participants will observe:
- Pre-flight safety checks
- Safe flight operations
- Emergency procedures
- Post-flight best practices
Whether you are a beginner, hobbyist, student, or professional drone operator, this event will provide valuable knowledge to help you fly safely, responsibly, and confidently.
Date and Time
Location
Hosts
Registration
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- 8700 Phillips Rd
- Charlotte, North Carolina
- United States 28223
- Building: Energy Production & Infrastructure Center (EPIC)
- Click here for Map
- Contact Event Hosts
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Organizers Info:
Sunny Bellary (sbellary@epri.com) | Christina Lawson (clawson@epri.com)
- Co-sponsored by EPRI, Duke Energy, and UNC Charlotte
- Starts 08 April 2026 04:00 AM UTC
- Ends 25 April 2026 04:00 AM UTC
- No Admission Charge
Agenda
Drone Safety Day 2026 – Agenda
