Wilmington Drone Program to Appear on Good Morning America
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Wilmington police prepare to deploy a drone to search the Brandywine for a 20-year-old…
Protesters Blast LAPD Drone Plan
LOS ANGELES >> Three years after acquiring a pair of drones that it chose not to deploy in respon…
4 Things Every Fire Department Drone Pilot Should Think About On the Way to the Call
As always, my approach to flying Unmanned Aircraft Systems or drone for the fire department may be different than yours. Additionally my frame of reference is modified because I am an aircraft pilot first so my approach is obviously slanted towards aircraft operations and flight in the National Air Space. I am not the holder … Read more
Our Fire Department Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for UAS Drone Ops
I wanted to share our UAS Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) if it can help other departments who may be developing a similar document. Our approach at the Wake Forest Fire Department in Wake Forest, North Carolina is a bit different than other departments. We opted for the professional pilot approach as described in this article. … Read more
The Three Best Approaches to Finding Your Fire Department Drone Pilot
You would think getting a drone into service with a fire department would be a simple matter. But as with every other issue there can be more factors to consider when planning your department’s flight strategy and drone use. There are three primary options for deciding who is best to operate a UAS (Unmanned Aircraft … Read more
Why Christmas Hurts Professional UAS Pilots
I’ve now had two friends call me up and tell me about their UAS gifts from the past holidays. I’m happy for them but concerned for those that want UAS flight to be accessible to more people. The rush to fly by those who are unaware of what the rules are is going to lead … Read more
Why Flying a Drone as a Hobbyist is Currently a Mine Field for Public Safety Agencies
I’ve seen more and more news stories pop up where some police of fire department is quoted as they are flying their UAS as hobbyists and not FAA approved agency or pilot. This is a mine field. I understand the hobbyist exemption very well and it is not just a causal wide loophole for people … Read more
Is There Even a Role for Drones in the Fire Service?
There has been much talk about the use of and Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS), or drones as some people like to call them. This is all new technology and while there is a rush to accept this technology as beneficial the final results are not in yet for fire and rescue services. And the reason … Read more
FAA Tips Its Hand on Drone Pilot Requirements
There has been so much uncertainty what the FAA will require to pilot a commercial operator of a UAS, UAV, or drone to operate the craft. Some say requiring a pilot license is completely unnecessary. Recently I wrote FAA Ground School and Pilot License Requirements for UAS Pilots and just today I received some FAA … Read more
Why the DJI Phantom is the Best and Worst Public Safety Drone to Use
The DJI Phantom has become an ubiquitous UAS that many are jumping into. In fact I have three myself and hundreds of hours flying them. If you want to buy one, use this link so I get some credit for it. Here on the Public Safety Flight website I’ve already covered a number of stories … Read more