Drone Statistics [ 2023 Update ]

Drones, also known as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), have become increasingly popular in recent years, from aerial photography to military applications. As the use of drones continues to grow, it’s important to keep track of the latest drone statistics and facts from 2023.

In this article, we’ll delve into the size of the drone market, the demographics of US drone pilots and operators, and the prevalence of drone-related injuries. We’ll also explore some other interesting drone facts and consider the impact of drones on various industries.

So, let’s take a closer look at the world of drones through the lens of these fascinating drone statistics.

If you’re short on time and just want the statistics:

Key Drone Statistics US 2023

The FAA has registered 855,860 drones in the United States as of 2023.
The first drone was used in 1989.
The global drone market was valued at $43 billion in 2022.
The revenue in the Drones segment is $1.32 billion in 2023.
The market is expected to grow at an annual rate of 1.21% from 2023 to 2028.
96% of drone owners in the US are men, while only 4% are women.
DJI is the largest consumer drone manufacturer, with 54% global market share in 2022 and 80% in the US market.

Ownership Statistics

8% of Americans own a drone.
The largest segment of drone owners in the US is between 45 and 54 years old, accounting for 22%.
The next largest demographic of drone owners is people between 35 and 44 years old, owning 20% of drones.
The third largest demographic of drone owners is between 25 and 34 years old, owning 17% of drones.
The smallest group of drone owners is those 65 and over, representing only 6% of all drone ownership in the US.
70.4% of US drone service providers earn less than $50,000 per year.

Drone Usage Statistics

63% of drone registrations in 2023 (536,183) were for recreational purposes, while 37% (316,075) were for commercial operations.
The agriculture industry is the largest market for commercial drones, followed by construction and infrastructure.
The United States conducted 14,079 military drone strikes between 2015 and 2020.
The racing drones market is projected to reach a value of approximately $786 million by 2027, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of around 19% during the forecast period.
The military drone market is expected to reach $11.47 billion by 2024.
The potential for drones in the global infrastructure market, such as land surveys and asset inspections, is estimated to be as high as $45 billion.
The global agriculture drone market is estimated to be valued at $380 million in 2023.
According to the US Department of Defense (DoD) estimates, the Pentagon currently operates more than 11,000 unmanned aerial systems (UAS) in support of domestic training events and overseas contingency missions.

Drone Crash and Injury Statistics

There were approximately 4,250 drone injuries reported from 2015 to 2020.
21% of drone injuries occur in individuals under the age of 18.
Multirotor drones are responsible for over 70% of reported incidents.
About 75% of reported drone incidents took place between 10 a.m. and 10 p.m., while the remaining 25% occurred overnight.
84% of the injured patients in drone accidents were male, while only 16% were female.
The most commonly injured body parts were the fingers, accounting for 56% of injuries in drone accidents.
Other frequently injured body parts included the head (24%), lower extremities (14%), and trunk (6%).
The most common drone injury diagnoses were lacerations (72%), followed by contusion/abrasion (10%), strain/sprain (5%), and internal injury (5%).

Drone FAA Statistics

Drones weighing over 55 pounds must be registered with the FAA.
The FAA receives over 100 unmanned aircraft sightings per month.
Part 107 provides guidelines for recreational drone usage, including restrictions on purpose, interference with other aircraft, visual line of sight, and flight hours/locations.
A Part 107 waiver is required for drone pilots who want to fly outside of the Part 107 rules.
46% of Part 107 waiver requests are granted, while 54% are rejected.
92% of FAA-granted Part 107 waivers are for flying drones at night.
5% of FAA-granted Part 107 waivers are for flying drones in restricted airspace, such as near airports and government buildings.
2% of FAA-granted Part 107 waivers are for drones flying beyond visual line of sight, from a moving vehicle, and over populated areas.

Drone Revenue and Cost Statistics

China generated the highest revenue for the drone industry in 2023, reaching $1,394 million.
Drones generated an average revenue of $3.92 per person in 2023.
The average cost of a drone in 2022 was $540.
The global drone revenue is expected to reach $63.6 billion by 2025.
The estimated potential future value of drones in various sectors by 2032 is around $127 billion.
Businesses and the government collectively spent $13 billion on drones in the past year.
Over one-third of drone purchases in the US were for models costing over $2,000.
The global drone market is projected to reach a total value of $55.8 billion by 2030, with Asia experiencing the fastest growth rate at 19.4% CAGR.

Drone Registrations in the US:

As of 2023, there are 855,860 registered drones in the United States by the FAA.
- 63% of registrations (536,183) were for recreational purposes
- 37% of registrations (316,075) were for commercial operation

Drone US Demographics Statistics

96% of drone owners in the US are men and only 4% are women
Drone Ownership In The US By Age
- 18-24 Years Old – 19%
- 25-34 Years Old – 17%
- 35-44 Years Old – 20%
- 45-54 Years Old – 22%
- 55-64 Years Old – 13%
- 65+ Years Old – 6%

Drone Market size Statistics:

The global drone market is worth $43 billion as of 2022 and is expected to reach $43.35 billion by 2025, growing at a CAGR of 21.5%.
The military drone market is expected to reach $11.47 billion by 2024.
The opportunity for drones in the global infrastructure market, including land surveys and asset inspections, may be even larger, with estimates reaching as high as $45 billion.
The potential future value of drones in various sectors is estimated to be around $127 billion by 2032.

Drone Market share Statistics:

North America is the biggest importer of consumer drones and holds a 37% of market volume as of 2022.

Drone Market growth Statistics:

The global drone market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 21.5%.
The military drone market is expected to reach $11.47 billion by 2024.
Global drone shipments are expected to reach 2.4 million in 2023, with a compound annual growth rate of 66.8%.

Drone Market segmentation Statistics:

The largest market for commercial drones is the agriculture industry, followed by construction and infrastructure.
Although personal drones make up 94% of unit sales in the drone market, they only contribute to 40% of the market’s revenue share.
Low-end drones constitute 65% of the total consumer drones sales.

Drone Regional market data:

The number of drones in the US for recreational flying has almost reached the half a million mark.
Consumer drones saw record sales in the US in 2020, exceeding $1.25 billion in total.
The drone industry is expected to create 100,000 new jobs in the US by 2025.
Businesses and the government spent a combined total of $13 billion on drones in the past year.

Drone Market Share Statistics:

Autel’s consumer drone market share increased by 7% in 2022.
In the US, about one-third of drone purchases have been for models costing over $2,000.

Drone Incidents Statistics:

Over 60% of drone-aircraft close encounters occurred within 200 feet of an airport, and more than 1 in 5 were within 50 feet.
Multirotor drones account for over 70% of reported incidents.
Single engine prop aircraft were involved in the most drone incidents, with 125 cases reported. Multiengine jet aircraft had the second highest number of reported incidents with drones, at 116 cases. Helicopters were involved in the least number of reported drone incidents at 38 cases.
Over two-thirds of all reported drone incidents occurred during daytime hours (10 a.m. to 6 p.m.), with the highest number of incidents occurring between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m.
Approximately 75% of reported drone incidents took place between 10 a.m. and 10 p.m., while the remaining 25% occurred overnight.
Over half of all recorded manned aircraft involved in close encounters were operated by private or chartered pilots (general aviation).
Commercial aircraft were involved in a significant number of close encounters, accounting for 28% of the total.
Commercial multiengine jets were the most common type of commercial aircraft involved in close encounters for 27.5% of the total.

Drone Injury Statistics

84% of the injured patients were male while only 16% were female.
21% of the injured patients were younger than 18 years old.
The most commonly injured body parts were the upper extremities, specifically the fingers, which accounted for 56% of injuries. Other frequently injured body parts included the head (24%), lower extremities (14%), and trunk (6%).
The most common drone injury diagnoses were lacerations (72%) followed by contusion/abrasion (10%), strain/sprain (5%), and internal injury (5%).

Income of US Drone Service Providers:

70.4% of US drone service providers earn less than $50,000 per year.
12.8% of US drone service providers earn between $50,000 to $100,000 per year.
11.8% of US drone service providers earn between $100,000 to $150,000 per year.
5.0% of US drone service providers earn more than $500,000 per year.
Drone mapping specialists earn 16% more than general drone service providers.
Oil & Gas is the highest paying industry for drone pilots in terms of hourly pay, with an average hourly rate of $195.
Mining is the second highest paying industry for drone pilots in terms of hourly pay, with an average hourly rate of $183.
Surveying is the third highest paying industry for drone pilots in terms of hourly pay, with an average hourly rate of $175.
Real estate is the fourth highest paying industry for drone pilots in terms of hourly pay, with an average hourly rate of $158.
Agriculture is the fifth highest paying industry for drone pilots in terms of hourly pay, with an average hourly rate of $160.
Construction is the sixth highest paying industry for drone pilots in terms of hourly pay, with an average hourly rate of $167.
Emergency response is the seventh highest paying industry for drone pilots in terms of hourly pay, with an average hourly rate of $170.
Solar energy is the eighth highest paying industry for drone pilots in terms of hourly pay, with an average hourly rate of $174.

Flight Restriction Exemptions Granted by the FAA:

92% of Part 107 waivers granted by the FAA are for flying drones at night.
5% of Part 107 waivers granted by the FAA are for flying drones in restricted airspace, such as near airports and government buildings.
2% of Part 107 waivers granted by the FAA are for drones flying beyond visual line of sight, from a moving vehicle, over populated areas.
1% of Part 107 waivers granted by the FAA are for operation of multiple drones flying at once.

Efficiency of Drones:

Crop spraying by drones is 40-60% times faster than manual spraying.
Over 90% of companies that are using drones admitted that drones help their company capture more information, be more efficient, and save time.

88% of companies saw positive return on investment in one year or less using drones to support business operations.
Drone mapping specialists earn 16% more than general drone service providers.

DJI Drone Statistics

DJI still holds a significant market share of 36% for drones that cost between $500 to $1000 in the US.
DJI owns nearly 80% of the market for drones in the United States.
DJI, a Chinese company, is the dominant player in the drone market, with a market size of approximately 80% in the US and 60% globally, according to industry statistics.

Racing Drones Market:

The racing drones market is estimated to reach value of ~$786 million by 2027, expanding at a CAGR of ~19% during the forecast period.
In terms of volume, the racing drones market is projected to reach ~14,497 units by 2027, expanding at a CAGR of ~19% during the forecast period.

Drone Insurance:

The global drone insurance market is expected to reach $1.25 billion by 2025.
The insurance industry could save as much as $6.8 billion per year through the use of drones for data collection, risk evaluation, and fraud prevention, according to consulting firm PwC.

Search and Rescue Operations:

The use of drones for search and rescue operations has resulted in the successful rescue of over 1,000 people worldwide.

Types and Applications of Commercial Drones:

Rotary blade drones were the dominant product in the commercial drone market in 2020, making up 80.0% of the global volume.
Filming and photography was the dominant application of commercial drones in 2020, making up 31.0% of the global market revenue.
The media and entertainment industry was the dominant user of commercial drones in 2020, making up 27.0% of the global market share.

Drone Delivery and E-Commerce:

A recent survey found that a staggering 79% of online buyers would be willing to receive a delivery by drone.
Drones have the potential to deliver packages in a short time frame, with some companies claiming delivery within 30 minutes.
The use of drones for delivery services is expected to reach $11.2 billion by 2026.

The first official use of a drone was in 1989, although the concept of a drone dates back to the development of Nikola Tesla’s autonomous boat in the late 1800s.

Drone Registration and Use in the US:

According to drone registration statistics, as of January 2021, there are 1,782,479 drones registered in the US, with 1,256,336 being used for recreational purposes and 522,645 being used for commercial purposes.

Drones Registered In United States Statistic Graph

Of these registrations, 63% (536,183) were for recreational use, while 37% (316,075) were for commercial operation.

This means that the majority of drones in the United States are being used for personal enjoyment, such as taking aerial photographs or participating in hobbyist activities.

However, a significant portion of drones are also being used for professional purposes, such as inspecting infrastructure, mapping land, and delivering packages.

Drone Ownership By Gender | US Statistic

According to recent 2023 data, 96% of drone owners in the US are men and only 4% are women. This significant gender imbalance in drone ownership could have a number of implications for the drone industry. For one, it could lead to a lack of diversity in the perspectives and experiences represented in the industry, which could impact the innovation and success of the industry.

It could also contribute to a lack of diversity in the industry’s workforce, which could lead to missed opportunities and a less inclusive work environment. Understanding the underlying causes of the gender imbalance in drone ownership, such as societal expectations, access to resources, and exposure to the drone industry, could help the industry take steps to promote greater diversity and inclusion.

Drone Ownership By Age | US Statistic

Drone ownership In The US by age
18-24 years old – 19%
25-34 years old – 17%
35-44 years old – 20%
45-54 years old – 22%
55-64 years old – 13%
65+ years old – 6%

This statistic shows the percentage of drone owners in the US by age group. According to the data, the age group with the highest percentage of drone ownership is 35-44 years old, followed by 45-54 years old. The age groups with the lowest percentage of drone ownership are 18-24 years old and 65+ years old.

Overall, this statistic suggests that drone ownership is more common among older age groups in the US. It is possible that younger age groups may be less likely to own drones due to financial constraints or lack of interest.

US Public Emotional Reactions to Drones Flying Near Home

If you happened to see a drone flying close to where you live, which of these emotions, if any, would you feel?
- 11% of those surveyed said they would feel scared if they saw a drone flying close to where they live.
- 26% of those surveyed said they would feel nervous if they saw a drone flying close to where they live.
- 18% of those surveyed said they would feel indifferent if they saw a drone flying close to where they live.
- 45% of those surveyed said they would feel interested if they saw a drone flying close to where they live.
- 15% of those surveyed said they would feel excited if they saw a drone flying close to where they live.
- 58% of those surveyed said they would feel curious if they saw a drone flying close to where they live.
- 12% of those surveyed said they would feel angry if they saw a drone flying close to where they live.

The majority of respondents had neutral or positive emotions when they saw a drone flying close to where they live. The highest percentage of respondents, 45%, reported feeling interested, while 58% reported feeling curious and 15% reported feeling excited. These emotions suggest that many people find drones to be a source of fascination and intrigue.

However, a significant minority of respondents reported negative emotions. 11% of respondents said they would feel scared if they saw a drone flying close to where they live, while 26% said they would feel nervous. These emotions suggest that some people may have concerns about the presence of drones in their community. Additionally, 12% of respondents said they would feel angry if they saw a drone flying close to where they live, indicating that there may be some opposition to the use of drones in certain areas.

It is also worth noting that 18% of respondents reported feeling indifferent, indicating that they did not have a strong emotional reaction to the sight of a drone.

Overall, these results suggest that while drones may be a source of interest and curiosity for many people, they also have the potential to elicit negative emotions in some individuals.

Support for Private Citizens Piloting Drones in Different Settings

Do you think that private citizens should or should not be allowed to pilot drones in the
following areas?
- 11% of respondents think private citizens should be allowed to pilot drones near people’s homes.
- 20% of respondents think private citizens should be allowed to pilot drones near crime scenes or traffic accidents.
- 35% of respondents think private citizens should be allowed to pilot drones on beaches.
- 44% of respondents think private citizens should be allowed to pilot drones in public parks.
- 24% of respondents think private citizens should be allowed to pilot drones at events like concerts or rallies.

These results show the public’s opinions on whether or not private citizens should be allowed to pilot drones in different settings. The data indicates that the majority of respondents do not think private citizens should be allowed to pilot drones near people’s homes (54%), near crime scenes or traffic accidents (53%), or at events like concerts or rallies (45%). However, there is more support for allowing private citizens to pilot drones on beaches (35% in favor) and in public parks (44% in favor).

Support for Private Citizens Piloting Drones in Different Settings

It is also worth noting that a significant percentage of respondents (34% near people’s homes, 26% near crime scenes or traffic accidents, 32% on beaches, 31% in public parks, and 31% at events) said “it depends” on whether private citizens should be allowed to pilot drones in these locations. This suggests that there may be some uncertainty or nuance in the public’s opinions on this issue.

Overall, these results suggest that the public is divided on the issue of private citizens piloting drones in different settings, with more support for allowing them in some locations than in others. It is important to consider the potential risks and benefits of allowing private citizens to pilot drones in different settings, as well as the concerns and opinions of the general public.

Highest Paying Industries for Drone Pilots Statistics

Drone pilots are in high demand in a variety of industries, and the hourly pay for these professionals can vary widely depending on the sector in which they work. According to data from the National Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Education and Research Center, the oil and gas industry is the highest paying sector for drone pilots in terms of hourly pay.

This is likely due to the complex and potentially hazardous nature of these operations, which require skilled and experienced pilots.

Oil & Gas is the highest paying industry for drone pilots in terms of hourly pay, with an average hourly rate of $195.
Mining is the second highest paying industry for drone pilots in terms of hourly pay, with an average hourly rate of $183.
Surveying is the third highest paying industry for drone pilots in terms of hourly pay, with an average hourly rate of $175.
Real estate is the fourth highest paying industry for drone pilots in terms of hourly pay, with an average hourly rate of $158.
Agriculture is the fifth highest paying industry for drone pilots in terms of hourly pay, with an average hourly rate of $160.
Construction is the sixth highest paying industry for drone pilots in terms of hourly pay, with an average hourly rate of $167.
Emergency response is the seventh highest paying industry for drone pilots in terms of hourly pay, with an average hourly rate of $170.
Solar energy is the eighth highest paying industry for drone pilots in terms of hourly pay, with an average hourly rate of $174.

The mining industry is the second highest paying sector for drone pilots, with an average hourly rate of $183. Surveying is the third highest paying sector, with an average hourly rate of $175. Real estate, agriculture, and construction are also among the top paying industries for drone pilots, with average hourly rates of $158, $160, and $167, respectively. Emergency response, solar energy, and other industries also offer competitive hourly pay for drone pilots, with average rates ranging from $170 to $174.

Overall, the demand for skilled drone pilots is expected to continue to grow in the coming years, and those with the necessary training and experience can look forward to potentially lucrative careers in a variety of industries.

Drone FAA Permissions Statistics

Percent of Flight Exemption Approvals

Obtaining a Part 107 waiver from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) can be a complex process. These waivers allow pilots to operate their drones in ways that may not be allowed under the standard Part 107 regulations. However, not all requests for waivers are approved by the FAA.

According to drone statistics from the agency, 46% of Part 107 waiver requests are granted, while 54% are rejected.

There are a variety of reasons why a Part 107 waiver request may be rejected by the FAA. One reason could be that the request does not meet the necessary criteria or that it lacks sufficient information. Another reason could be that the proposed operation poses too great of a risk to the safety of the airspace or the public. In these cases, the FAA may ask the applicant to provide additional information or to modify their request before it is considered for approval.

Overall, it is important for pilots to carefully review the requirements and guidelines for obtaining a Part 107 waiver, and to provide all necessary information in their request to increase their chances of approval. The FAA takes the safety of the airspace and the public very seriously, and it is their responsibility to carefully evaluate each request for a Part 107 waiver before making a decision.

Reasons For Flight Restriction Exemptions

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is responsible for regulating the operation of drones in the United States. In order to operate a drone for commercial purposes, pilots must obtain a Part 107 waiver from the FAA. These waivers allow pilots to fly their drones in ways that may not be allowed under the standard Part 107 regulations.

According to data from the FAA, the majority of Part 107 waivers granted are for flying drones at night.

92% of Part 107 waivers granted by the FAA are for flying drones at night.
5% of Part 107 waivers granted by the FAA are for flying drones in restricted airspace, such as near airports and government buildings.
2% of Part 107 waivers granted by the FAA are for drones flying beyond visual line of sight, from a moving vehicle, over populated areas.
1% of Part 107 waivers granted by the FAA are for Operation of multiple drones flying at once

This is likely because night operations can be useful for a variety of purposes, such as surveying, mapping, and search and rescue missions.

Of the Part 107 waivers granted by the FAA, a small percentage are for flying drones in restricted airspace or for flying beyond visual line of sight. These types of operations can be more complex and potentially hazardous, and as such, they require special permission from the FAA.

Similarly, only a small percentage of waivers are granted for the operation of multiple drones at once, which can also be a challenging and potentially hazardous task. Overall, the FAA carefully considers each request for a Part 107 waiver to ensure the safety of the airspace and the public.

Drone Accident Statistics

Drone Proximity To Aircraft Statistics

Drone-aircraft close encounters, also known as near misses, are incidents in which a drone and an aircraft come into close proximity with each other, potentially posing a risk to the safety of both.

Over 60% of Drone-Aircraft Close Encounters Occured Within 200 Feet
More than 1 in 5 Drone-Aircraft Close Encounters Were Within 50 Feet

This highlights the importance of following proper guidelines and regulations when operating drones, as they can potentially interfere with the flight of aircraft if they come too close.

In addition, more than one in five drone-aircraft close encounters were within 50 feet of each other. This distance is especially dangerous, as a collision between a drone and an aircraft at such a close range could have serious consequences. Pilots of both drones and aircraft must be vigilant to avoid these types of close encounters and to ensure the safety of the airspace.

Overall, it is important for drone pilots to follow all relevant regulations and guidelines when operating their drones, and to be aware of their surroundings to avoid potentially hazardous situations. By taking these precautions, pilots can help to ensure the safety of the airspace for everyone.

Drone Incidents By Time Of Day Data [Year]

The results of the study showed that the majority of incidents occurred during daylight hours.

Specifically:

32.3% of drone near collision incidents occurred between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. local time
34% occurred between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m
22.1% occurred between 6 p.m. and 10 p.m.
11.7% of incidents occurred during the overnight hours between 10 p.m. and 10 a.m.

This data suggests that drone pilots should be especially vigilant during daylight hours, as this is when the majority of incidents occur. It is also important for pilots to follow all relevant regulations and guidelines at all times, regardless of the time of day, to ensure the safety of the airspace. By taking these precautions, pilots can help to reduce the risk of dangerous near misses.

Type Of Aircraft Commonly Involved

The types of aircraft involved in these incidents were analyzed to better understand the potential risks and impact of these incidents.

The results of the study showed that 160 of the recorded incidents involved general aviation aircraft, such as private and chartered planes. 99 incidents involved commercial aircraft, including planes operated by airlines and cargo carriers. 39 incidents involved government aircraft, such as military transport planes, emergency services helicopters, and firefighting aircraft.

Additionally, the study found that 90 of the incidents, or 27.5%, involved commercial multiengine jets. These types of aircraft are typically larger and operate at higher altitudes, which can make them more vulnerable to collisions with drones. It is important for drone pilots to be aware of these risks and to follow all relevant regulations and guidelines to ensure the safety of the airspace. By taking these precautions, pilots can help to reduce the risk of dangerous near misses.

Drone Injury Statistics

Average 1,000+ Drone Injures a year

There were approximately 4,250 drone injuries reported between 2015 and 2020

This number represents a significant increase in the use of drones, as well as the potential hazards associated with operating these devices.

One possible explanation for the increase in drone injuries is the widespread availability of drones and the decrease in their cost over the past few years. As drones become more affordable, more people are purchasing them for personal use, which can increase the likelihood of accidents and injuries.

Another factor that may contribute to the rise in drone injuries is the lack of regulations and guidelines for safe drone operation. While some countries have implemented laws and guidelines for drone use, others have yet to do so, leaving many operators without proper guidance on how to safely operate their drones.

Drone Injuries By Gender Statistics

According to a recent study on drone injuries statistics:

84% of the injured patients were male while only 16% were female.

This statistic raises questions about the potential gender disparities in drone usage and accidents.

One possible explanation for the higher proportion of male injuries could be that men are more likely to take risks when operating drones. They may be more inclined to engage in reckless or irresponsible behavior, such as flying drones in unsafe conditions or in restricted areas, which could increase the risk of accidents and injuries.

Another factor that may contribute to the gender disparity in drone injuries is the fact that men may be more likely to use drones for work or commercial purposes. These types of activities may involve flying drones in more challenging or hazardous environments, which could increase the risk of accidents.

21% were People Injured by drones were younger than 18 years old

According to a recent study on drone injuries:

21% of the injured patients were younger than 18 years old.

This statistic raises concerns about the safety of young people when it comes to operating drones.

One possible explanation for this high percentage of young people being injured by drones is the increasing popularity of drones as a recreational activity among children and teenagers. Many younger people may not fully understand the risks associated with operating drones, and may be more likely to engage in reckless or irresponsible behaviour when using these devices.

Drone Injuries By Diagnosis Statistics

The most common drone injury diagnoses were lacerations (72%) followed by contusion/abrasion (10%), strain/sprain (5%), and internal injury (5%).

According to a recent study on drone injuries, the most common diagnosis was lacerations, which accounted for 72% of all injuries. Lacerations are cuts or tears in the skin that can be caused by contact with the sharp edges or propellers of a drone. These types of injuries can range from small cuts to more serious wounds that may require medical attention.

Drone Injuries by diagnosis statistic pie chart

The second most common diagnosis was contusion/abrasion, which accounted for 10% of injuries. A contusion is a bruise caused by blunt trauma to the skin, while an abrasion is a scrape or rub on the skin. Both of these injuries can be caused by contact with a drone or its propellers.

Other common diagnoses included strain/sprain (5%) and internal injury (5%). A strain is a stretch or tear of a muscle or tendon, while a sprain is a stretch or tear of a ligament. These injuries can be caused by the impact of a drone collision or by operating a drone in an awkward or improper position. Internal injuries can be more serious and can involve damage to internal organs or tissues.

Overall, these statistics highlight the potential hazards associated with operating drones and the importance of taking proper safety precautions when using these devices. It’s important for both manufacturers and operators to prioritize safety in order to prevent accidents and injuries. This could involve implementing safety features on drones, such as obstacle avoidance systems, as well as providing education and training on safe drone operation.

Most Common Body Parts Injured By A Drone

The most injured body parts were upper extremities (mostly fingers [56%]), head (24%), lower extremities (14%), and trunk (6%).

According to a recent study on drone injuries, the most commonly injured body parts were the upper extremities, specifically the fingers, which accounted for 56% of injuries. Other frequently injured body parts included the head (24%), lower extremities (14%), and trunk (6%).

The high percentage of upper extremity injuries, particularly finger injuries, is likely due to the fact that people often try to grab or touch a falling drone, or may accidentally come into contact with the spinning propellers.

The second most common site of injury was the head, which accounted for 24% of injuries. Head injuries can be particularly serious and can range from concussions to more serious traumatic brain injuries. These types of injuries can be caused by contact with a drone or its propellers, as well as by falls or collisions while operating a drone.

Overall, these drone injury statistics highlight the potential risks associated with operating drones and the importance of taking proper safety precautions. It’s important for both manufacturers and operators to prioritize safety in order to prevent accidents and injuries. This could involve implementing safety features on drones, such as obstacle avoidance systems, as well as providing education and training on safe drone operation.

Drone Market Statistics

How big is the commercial drone market?

According to recent drone statistics, the commercial drone market is expected to experience significant growth over the next several years

Over the forecast period from 2021 to 2028, the commercial drone market is projected to grow at a rate of 57.5% per year, reaching a total value of USD 501.4 billion.

This rapid growth is expected to be driven by a variety of factors, including the increasing adoption of drones in various industries, the development of new technologies and applications for drones, and the expansion of drone regulations and infrastructure.

The use of drones has already become widespread in a number of sectors, including agriculture, construction, emergency services, logistics, and media and entertainment. As drones become more advanced and capable, it is likely that they will be increasingly utilized in a wider range of industries and applications. This is expected to contribute to the growth of the commercial drone market.

Rotary blade drones were the dominant product in the commercial drone market, making up 80.0% of the global volume.

This indicates that rotary blade drones, which are also known as multicopters or quadcopters, are the most commonly used type of commercial drone.

There are several reasons why rotary blade drones are so popular in the commercial market. One key advantage of these drones is their versatility. Rotary blade drones can be used for a wide range of applications, including aerial photography, mapping, inspection, and delivery. They are also relatively easy to operate and can be equipped with a variety of payloads, such as cameras, sensors, and payload release systems.

In addition, rotary blade drones are relatively lightweight and compact, making them easy to transport and deploy. They are also relatively durable and can be used in a variety of weather conditions.

While rotary blade drones currently dominate the commercial drone market, it is possible that other types of drones, such as fixed wing drones or hybrid drones, could become more popular in the future. As the drone market continues to evolve and new technologies emerge, it is likely that different types of drones will be developed to meet the needs of different industries and applications.

Which application led the market for commercial drone?

Filming and photography was the dominant application of commercial drones, making up 31.0% of the global market revenue.

There are several reasons why drones are particularly well-suited for filming and photography. One key advantage is their ability to capture high-quality, high-definition footage and photos from a wide range of angles and perspectives. Drones are also relatively easy to operate and can be equipped with a variety of cameras and sensors to capture different types of footage and images.

Which end-use segment dominated the commercial drone market?

The media and entertainment industry was the dominant user of commercial drones in 2020, making up 27.0% of the global market share

The percentage of 27.0% refers to the proportion of the total volume of commercial drones sold globally that were used in the media and entertainment industry. This suggests that the media and entertainment industry was a significant market for commercial drones in 2020, and that it accounted for a large portion of the global demand for these devices.

There are several factors that could have contributed to the high demand for commercial drones in the media and entertainment industry in 2020. One potential factor is the increasing use of drones for capturing aerial footage and photos for film, television, and other media. Drones can provide a unique perspective and can be used to capture images and footage that would be difficult or impossible to obtain using traditional cameras. Another potential factor is the availability of advanced technologies and infrastructure that support the use of drones in the media and entertainment industry. Finally, it is possible that regulatory policies and incentives in the media and entertainment industry have encouraged the adoption of drones in this sector.

North America accounted for the largest share of the global commercial drone market, with 37.0% of the total volume

North America accounted for the largest share of the global commercial drone market, with 37.0% of the total volume, according to drone statistics. This suggests that the demand for commercial drones in North America was particularly high in that year, and that the region was a significant market for these devices.

There are various factors that may have contributed to this demand, including the increasing use of drones in a variety of industries, the availability of advanced technologies and infrastructure to support the use of drones, and regulatory policies and incentives that encourage the adoption of drones.

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US Drone Statistics 2023