Community Based Organizations (CBOs): All You Need To Know
A Community Based Organization (CBO) is a non-profit organization that is typically created to serve a particular community or geographic area. CBOs are usually started by concerned citizens who want to improve the quality of life in their community, and they are usually staffed by volunteers.
In recent years, CBOs have played an increasingly important role in providing social and economic services to underserved communities. Given the rapid growth of the drone industry, it is not surprising that CBOs are starting to pop up that are specifically geared toward helping drone pilots.
These organizations can provide a variety of services to drone pilots, including training, mentorship, networking opportunities, and access to resources.
They can also act as a conduit between the drone community and the larger public, helping to foster understanding and awareness of drones and their potential uses.
If you are a drone pilot or are thinking about becoming one, then consider finding a CBO in your area that can help you get started.
In this article, we will take a look at what CBOs are and how they can help drone pilots. We will also provide some examples of existing CBOs that are doing great work in this space.
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Table of Contents
What Is a Community Based Organization?
Community Based Organizations (CBOs) are groups that work to improve the quality of life in a specific community or geographic area.
They are important because they can provide much-needed services and support to underserved communities. The drone industry is still in its infancy, and there are many underserved communities when it comes to drones. This is where CBOs can play a vital role.
CBOs that focus on drones can provide a variety of services to drone pilots, including training, mentorship, networking opportunities, and access to resources.
They can also act as a conduit between the drone community and the larger public, helping to foster understanding and awareness of drones and their potential uses.
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Has Any CBO Been Approved By The FAA For Drone Flights?
The FAA has not yet recognized any CBOs for drone flights. However, that doesn’t mean that they are not playing a vital role in the drone community. As the drone industry continues to grow, the FAA will likely start to take notice of these organizations and their importance.
In the meantime, CBOs can still provide a variety of services to drone pilots, including training, mentorship, networking opportunities, and access to resources.
They can also act as a conduit between the drone community and the larger public, helping to foster understanding and awareness of drones and their potential uses.
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What Rules Should Drone Hobbyists Adhere To At This Time?
Although the FAA has not yet recognized any formal CBOs, recreational drone pilots should follow interim safety rules. These are some of the most basic requirements that a recreational drone pilot should follow, as specified in Advisory Circular 91-57B.
- Stay away from nearby obstructions and keep your altitude below 400 feet
- Maintain constant visual contact with the airplane.
- Avoid manned aircraft operations and refrain from interfering with them.
- Never fly within five miles of an airport or heliport without first contacting the control tower or the airport.
- Avoid flying too close to crowds or stadiums.
- Never operate a vehicle weighing more than 55 pounds.
- Obey the guidelines provided by the manufacturer.
CBOs can provide a variety of services to drone pilots, including training, mentorship, networking opportunities, and access to resources. They can also act as a conduit between the drone community and the larger public, helping to foster understanding and awareness of drones and their potential uses.
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Conclusion
Community-based organizations can provide many benefits for drone pilots, including a place to share information and resources, access to training and education opportunities, and a supportive community of fellow enthusiasts.
While there are some challenges associated with CBOs, such as the need for effective leadership and clear goals, these organizations can be valuable assets for those interested in pursuing a career in drone piloting.
If you’re interested in joining or forming a community-based organization for drone pilots, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, it’s important to identify the goals and objectives of the CBO. Then, you’ll need to recruit members and identify potential leaders.
Once the CBO is up and running, it’s important to promote communication and collaboration among members, as well as provide opportunities for education and training. With a little effort, a community-based organization can be a valuable resource for drone pilots of all experience levels.
