A report delves into the dangers drones pose to firefighting operations, highlighting incidents where drones have interfered with aerial firefighting efforts. Pilots and experts emphasize the potential risks of drone operation near firefighting aircraft and Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) established to ensure safe operations. Laws and regulations regarding drone operation, particularly within restricted airspace, are also discussed.
Cactus Aviation pilot Cooper Fanning looks at a map of the Los Angeles airspace at Henderson Executive Airport on Friday, Jan. 10, 2025, in Henderson, Neva. The red areas represent Temporary Flight Restrictions caused by firefighting efforts.
live up to their names. The planes can skim river and lake water to fill their onboard tanks with 1412 gallons. For years, California has leased firefighting aircraft from Canada and used them in their wildland fire operations. However, as the planes were deployed in the Palisades Fire area, Los Angeles County Fire Department reported that one of their Super Scoopers wasCooper Fanning, a pilot with Henderson flight school Cactus Aviation, said that it is unlikely that most consumer drones, due to their small size, could cause catastrophic damage to planes like the Super Scooper. “But it does cause damage, which naturally means that you need to get the aircraft inspected and repaired before it can be declared airworthy,” said Fanning, adding that irresponsible flying adds unnecessary risks to already complex operations. “It puts the firefighting aircraft at a severe risk, and it's putting lives on the line and it's unnecessary. You can just stay outside of the TFR and you're in the clear.is a notice to pilots that communicates a temporary zone that restricts air travel due to a hazard hazardous condition, special event, or as a general warning for the entire Federal Aviation Administration airspace. Large sports games and presidential visits are common reasons for a TFR to be enacted. “It places restrictions on who can and cannot fly. Generally speaking, if there's a TFR, you can't fly through it,” said Fanning. “And there are multiple government agencies that would not be very happy if you get into those TFRs.” While requesting special access into a TFR airspace is possible, Fanning said it is unlikely to be provided to civilians during emergency scenarios like the Palisades Fire.that licenses drone pilots, test-takers are required to demonstrate an understanding of these restrictions. There are a multitude of services,According to the Los Angeles County Fire Department, flying drones amidst firefighting efforts is a federal crime that can be punished by up to 12 months in prison or a fine of up to $75,000.Punishments for illegally flying in a TFR airspace can vary depending on the severity of the crime. Although firefighting operations restrict some areas of the already complex airspace around Los Angeles, Fanning said there are still opportunities for civilian pilots to fly their aircraft. “If a drone pilot were to stay outside the temporary flight restrictions they would be operating completely legally,” said Fanning. Part 107 drone pilots can fly up to 400 feet above the surface as long as no other airspace restrictions exist. They may be far from the action, Fanning explained, but they would be operating within legal boundaries and in a safer manner. Some fire departments and law enforcement agencies have drone programs to assist them with emergency responses. Henderson Fire Departments was the first in Southern Nevada to deploy autonomous drones for firefighting operations. The firefighters use a tethered Fotokite Sigma drone that can be attached to emergency response vehicles, enabling quicker deployment times. According to Fotokite, the aircraft is equipped with a radiometric thermal camera, a wide-angle camera, and a zoom camera mounted on a three-axis gimbal.Drones as First Responder program last year. As aircraft, LVMPD program manager Steven Oscar said drones provide an agile platform that can be sent to cover weak points in security, map areas, and track persons and objects of interest. Information and visuals provided by the drones will help first responders make decisions and, hopefully, reduce casualties, said Oscar.14 CFR Part 91 , guidelines reserved for government workers performing public safety operations. Those guidelines provide greater flexibility compared to Part 107 guidelines that standard pilots fly under.as of Saturday evening, agencies from across the country are sending reinforcements. Nevada has sent over a hundred personnel and 30 engines to assist firefighting efforts.
DRONES FIREFIGHTING TFR AVIATION RISKS
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