The United States of America is just rounding out it’s first week of partial isolation and social distancing due to the rapid spreading of the Coronavirus (Covid-19). Much of the rest of the world has been placed under similar, if not stricter measures. People everywhere are adjusting to the new normal of life in isolation. There is much fear and anxiety over what the coming weeks and months will bring. Not helping ease these fears is the constant fluctuation of the stock market in response to the Coronavirus.

Whenever major events occur, be it a natural disaster, wars, or as in this case, a world wide pandemic, the stock market is effected. However, since the virus is reaching to every corner of the world, the effect on the market has been greater than nearly any previous event. Though some industries have felt the shock of the changing market more than others, there has been no sector left untouched by these changing times. One such industry that is being greatly effected is the drone industry.

Experts had been predicting that this coming year would be one of the most impressive climbs for those involved in the drone industry. Countless new hardware and software advancements were being made. A huge array of industries have been turning to drone technology to get jobs done. Drones are being adapted into the fields of security, inspection, real estate, agriculture, construction, entertainment, conservation, deliveries, emergency response, and so much more. Drones have been paramount in helping researchers in countless fields of science to gather critical data.

But now, as the stock market has been crashing, a market that what was once predicted to bring close to $127 billion worldwide, is feeling the wrath of the Coronavirus. When the people behind the design of drones can’t go to work, new technology gets put on hold. When the people who manufacture the drones can’t go to work, customer supply can’t be met. When jobs that depend on drones are put on hold, the drone market comes to a stop. It’s a never ending cycle, much like that being faced by many other industries today.

Luckily, there are steps being taken to ensure the safety of those invested in these industries that are feeling pressure due to the Coronavirus. One such company is Drone Safe Register. Founded in 2015 in the UK, Drone Safe Register soared to fame when they were featured on the BBC’s show the Dragon Den, basically the UK’s version of Shark Tank. Since then they have become a premier register for drone operators and those in need of drone projects. In response to the current market fears, Drone Safe Register’s owner Mark Boyt penned a letter to all of their registered operators and clients.

In the letter Boyt explains how he plans to help PfCO (Permission for Commercial Operations) holders, what would be a Part 107 in the US, keep afloat in these troublesome times. He begins his letter, “At Drone Safe Register we have been thinking about how we can respond and protect the interests of you our members and the whole drone industry overall. Up until recent events 2020 looked like it was going to be a great year for many as the industry was finally on the move.” He continued, “it’s critical that the spirit of cooperation and networking continues. The UK Government is still working things out, but so far there are reassuring indications of support for small businesses. It will be in the interests of the economy to support your businesses in particular as we fuel the economy. We also want to help the drone industry as a whole so we will be offering free stock accounts to all PfCO holders as well as Drone Safe Register members…As we adapt following the terrible outbreak, we will need to find new creative ways to use drones and adapt our businesses.”

Eventually the market will turn around and we will see a rise in all stocks, including drone industries. In the meantime there are still things that drone operators can do while they wait for job opportunities to come rolling back in. This is a great time to practice flying and photography skills. As outdoor spaces are more clear than ever, drone flight is safer to commence. Get out there, fly, and bulk up your stock footage portfolio.

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