Drones in Emergency Response

[2nckayakers]

I am all for this but I don't know that it will ever go anywhere. I totally agree that communication is the key, even when it isn't an emergency. As long as everyone is communicating about what they are doing then why can't we all fly safely.

Drones in Houston would be a force multiplier for rescue efforts – so why is the FAA telling them to stay away?

 

[LoveJoy]

I've been trying to find out how to use my drone to help with the relief effort

 

[Lapeer20m]

I've been trying to find out how to use my drone to help with the relief effort

Here is the TFR for the Houston area:

 

[dmanisgnarly]

The people currently in the TFR who are "allowed" to fly are some of my emergency response friends from SWARM drones. We are an international group of guys dedicated to non-profit search & rescue operations. The fly permits were granted within 30 minutes of asking, however there was a temporary restriction earlier today due to privacy concerns. We dispatched some folks from New York who met up with the local agencies down there.

SAR Drones | Search And Rescue Drones

 

[muguvian]

Public emergency response agencies have SOPs that usually state passer-by video is allowed if offered with the understanding of no compensation, just like cell phone images or video, but tacitly "allowing" 3rd party operators to fly is not usually done. This goes back to the public agency CoAs and/or Part 107 requirements and who assumes responsibility. 3rd party operators can be contracted with proper vetting, but Bubba showing up with his homebuilt is unreliable and therefore turned away. Also, the TFRs minimize the aircraft deconfliction needed between manned and/or unmanned, if the agencies have their own UAS programs. The uniform services and other federal agencies (NTSB, etc) are directed to operate this way by their various aviation safety programs, which all are required to have.