Drones Getting In The Way Of U.S. Firefighting Efforts

For all the organization’s optimism concerning the technology’s usefulness, the USFS does not have a formal drone program in place, which “is needed to ensure appropriate, safe and cost-effective use” of the aircraft.

As there has been an increase in reports about drones flying close to airports, Michael P. Huerta, FAA chief, tells the Post that he’s “definitely getting much more concerned about it”. All it needs to do is amend its June 23, 2014 Interpretation of the Special Rule for Model Aircraft to specifically allow drone operator training by schools, businesses and individuals for compensation.

In recent days, drones have smuggled drugs into an Ohio prison, smashed against a Cincinnati skyscraper, impeded efforts to fight wildfires in California and almost collided with three airliners over New York City.

The prospect of public shaming may be the best deterrent, said Jon Resnick, spokesman for SZ DJI Technology Co., one of the largest consumer drone makers. In one well-publicized case in January, a drone crashed onto the White House grounds. They are also are seeking the use of software that would prevent drones from flying in prohibited areas.

In general, drone misadventures are happening in a regulatory vacuum. During wildfires and other emergencies, the FAA imposes temporary restrictions.

Drones are becoming cheaper to acquire and are also easy to operate, the Post reports, which partly explains the phenomena.

In Hillview, Ky., a shotgun-wielding homeowner blasted a drone out of the sky last month, saying he was trying to protect his daughters from being spied on. State Assemblyman Mike Gatto says, given that, “imagine a drone which is made of metal and hard plastic and how damaging that can be to a firefighting aircraft”. He was charged with criminal mischief; police did not take action against the drone owner. “This is maddening and I can’t believe that hobby drones are risking people’s lives to get videos on YouTube”.

On August. 4, the AFL-CIO’s Transportation Trades Department, an umbrella group for transportation unions, urged the FAA to slow commercial drone application approvals until it could develop “enforceable safety rules”.

Because they have become less expensive, their use has become more common among novice fliers, who are “blissfully unaware” of the laws and rules that govern them, Michael Braasch, engineering professor and drone expert at Ohio University, told the Post.

After the wildfire incidents, 20 members of Congress from California wrote to the FAA also asking it to require technology on drones that limits where they can fly.