Drone diversity study seeks responses
Coming soon: the results from a new drone diversity study. But first, that study needs actual data points.
Online drone community Women and Drones is conducting a drone diversity study in collaboration with P3 Tech Consulting and the Diversity Development Network of Canada. The confidential survey should take no more than 15 minutes to complete, and is open for responses through Friday, Aug. 27, 2021.
The survey, which is the first of its kind for the drone industry, is open to any stakeholder in the drone industry (which is you, if you’re reading this). The survey creators said they’re specifically seeking people from all levels of drone experience, including management, operations and human resources. The one caveat: the information you provide should be U.S. centric. For people part of a global organization, you should only report information pertaining to U.S.-based operations and activities.
The survey, conducted through SurveyMonkey, can be found here.
That said, we already know the drone industry is lacking in diversity. For example, roughly 5% of Skydio 2 drones were purchased by women (95% were purchased by men), according to user data released in March 2021 by the company. Meanwhile, 6.7% of the 160,302 FAA registered Remote Pilots are women, according to Federal Aviation Administration Aeronautical Center Data. That’s worse than even the broader aviation industry which in itself is male-dominated. Just 7% of commercial pilots licenses are held by women, and 6.6% of private pilots licenses are held by women.
Why should you fill out the survey?
In short, the information you provide may help experts build a better, more inclusive drone industry.
According to Women and Drones, the goal of the drone diversity study is to understand the current state of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) within the drone industry, use that data to create a drone sector DEI white paper, and ultimately use that as a way to help drone businesses and organizations develop and implement ways to make their operations more diverse, equitable and inclusive.
As far as what you get out of it (besides goodwill for helping contribute to a better understanding of DEI in the drone industry), you’ll also receive:
- A survey synthesis.
- Potential to win $50: you’ll be entered into a random drawing for a $50 gift card.
The survey is mostly orchestrated by Women and Drones. The organization is perhaps most famous for their annual Women To Watch Global Awards, which honors rising stars in the drone industry who have made major contributions to areas such as leadership, entrepreneurship, humanitarian support, education and public safety. The group is helmed by Sharon Rossmark, who is also the author of several drone children’s books.
Another key supporter of the survey is P3 Tech Consulting. Its CEO, Dawn Zoldi, also leads the Women and Drones Women to Watch Global Awards program.
Fill out the drone diversity study survey by August 27 here.