The military use of drones is well known. However, there has
been rapid growth in the recreational and commercial use of drone
technology because of its relatively low cost and the diversity of
its emerging applications.
The key challenges arising from this growing industry are how to
successfully integrate drone operations into our busy airspace and
how to manage the emerging and potentially significant third party
risks. While collaboration between regulators, manufacturers and
operators will be important to achieve safe operations, insurance
will be a major component of the risk management process.
Like computer and smart phone technology, drone technology has
become commonplace and an integral part of doing business. Drones
are now: delivering medicine to remote areas; undertaking courier
services within large cities; monitoring severe weather such as
storms and cyclones; undertaking data gathering in the
agricultural, marine and mining industries; assisting
