In honor of the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) annual Drone Safety Day, the Aeronautics Division of the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT Aeronautics) will host an in-person event showcasing drone models and use cases, outlining rules and best practices, and facilitating the exchange of ideas between MassDOT Aeronautics and recreational and professional drone pilots.
MassDOT Aeronautics Drone pilots will showcase the capabilities of several drone models, highlighting how MassDOT Aeronautics uses cutting-edge technologies to help the Commonwealth optimize transportation infrastructure management and other public good use cases. The event occurs on Saturday, April 26, from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the MassAutonomy Test Site for Drones and Advanced Air Mobility, at 711 Lynnway, in Lynn.
Register for MassDOT Aeronautics’ Drone Safety Day
“We are pleased at the progress made by the MassDOT Aeronautics Division to advance innovative technologies and are proud to showcase for the public Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) at Drone Safety Day in Lynn,” said Transportation Secretary and CEO Monica Tibbits-Nutt. “Engaging with members of the community helps educate about this emerging technology and also promotes safety and innovation, two core elements of our goal to improve transportation in Massachusetts.”
“We’ve made a special effort to reach out to the recreational drone community for this year’s event,” said MassDOT Aeronautics Acting Administrator Denise Garcia. “Each year, recreational drone pilots occasionally operate in areas where extra awareness is needed to ensure safety. Drone Safety Day highlights the importance of safe, responsible drone use, including awareness of best practices and adherence to regulations.”
Drones, also known as Uncrewed Aircraft Systems, are the fastest-growing segment of aviation in the United States, according to the FAA, the organizer of Drone Safety Day, which features educational events across the U.S. The FAA recorded 977,847 recreational drone pilots in the U.S. as of January 2025 (reflected by Total TRUST Certificates Issued, meaning recreational drone pilots who have completed the Recreational UAS Safety Test required under §44809 of Title 49 of the United States Code). The FAA recorded 427,335 Certificated Remote Pilots, people who have obtained FAA Remote Pilot Part 107 Certification, which allows them to fly drones for non-recreational purposes.
The MassDOT Aeronautics Drone Operations Program uses Uncrewed Aircraft Systems to support state and local agencies, municipalities, and quasi-governmental entities. The Drone Program provides services such as assessing the condition of critical state infrastructure, including rail and transit facilities, roads, bridges, and airports. The Drone Program also leverages MassDOT Aeronautics’ Data and Analytics Team, turning collected imagery into insightful data and actionable information for public transportation stakeholders and decision-makers.
