Why is it essential to avoid flying near people?

Avoiding flight near people is critical primarily to reduce the risk of injury in case of a crash. Drones can operate at varying speeds and altitudes, and in the event of a malfunction or loss of control, the consequences can be severe if the drone crashes into individuals. Keeping a safe distance helps to ensure that, if an accident were to occur, the potential for personal injury is minimized.

While complying with FAA regulations is important and flying near people can indeed violate guidelines, the core rationale revolves around safety and injury prevention. Enhancing aerial photography quality and ensuring faster flight speeds are not relevant to the safety concerns associated with flying near people. The risk to human life and potential for harm should always be prioritized, making the focus on safety paramount in sUAS operations.