Real-world DSAR request in North Alabama - Bankhead Forest

[RCdancer]

Unless the Federal Agent is USFS then he/she doesn't have jurisdiction to make that decision.

Working it.

 

[Aviator]

Wow, what is wrong with people?
Standing by

 

[RCdancer]

Apparently there is concern about drones safely operating with helicopters even though there are no heli’s operating right now. Just spoke with the IC. He apologized but we are shut down. Apparently the state pissed off the Forest Service.

If anyone has a thermal camera he is pursuing night flight authorization. I’m in Los Angeles so can’t take the M2ED out there

 

[crlmjohnson]

Working it.

True
But he/she still can make your life miserable while trying to complete your mission

 

[sar104]

Apparently there is concern about drones safely operating with helicopters even though there are no heli’s operating right now. Just spoke with the IC. He apologized but we are shut down. Apparently the state pissed off the Forest Service.

If anyone has a thermal camera he is pursuing night flight authorization. I’m in Los Angeles so can’t take the M2ED out there

But the only issue here is flying from designated wilderness (USFS jurisdiction) - rather than being in the air with other air traffic (IC jurisdiction). Those are unrelated.

 

[BigAl07]

Apparently the state pissed off the Forest Service.

That's a show stopper!! Hopefully something gets resolved quickly.

Who is talking to the IC and the Fed Agent?

 

[BigAl07]

But the only issue here is flying from designated wilderness (USFS jurisdiction) - rather than being in the air with other air traffic (IC jurisdiction). Those are unrelated.

Very true.

You and I both know that we can fly safely with a SAR helo in the area with coordination, communication, and experience. I've done it several times but it's a stressful and intense thing to do.

 

[sar104]

Very true.

You and I both know that we can fly safely with a SAR helo in the area with coordination, communication, and experience. I've done it several times but it's a stressful and intense thing to do.

Agreed, although we don't permit that in NM - the state helo pilots are not comfortable with it even though NG would likely be fine. But it's not a USFS call though - it's the IC's.

 

[RCdancer]

That's a show stopper!! Hopefully something gets resolved quickly.

Who is talking to the IC and the Fed Agent?

The family is putting pressure on them. The IC was apologetic but ho

 

[BigAl07]

Agreed, although we don't permit that in NM - the state helo pilots are not comfortable with it even though NG would likely be fine. But it's not a USFS call though - it's the IC's.

Really? I guess we're lucky in that we've been coordinating with them for a long time so if the IC says someone from the state Emergency Services is flying sUAS in coordination they have no problem.

Regardless, like you said, if the IC says NO it's a big NO period. That's the end of the line.

 

[RCdancer]

Want to give a big shout out to the pilots that gave of their time to try. Great effort guys ..... and know the family greatly appreciates you. Family is also still trying to reverse the decision

 

[RCdancer]

Flash - he was found alive!!!!

 

[Kneebeard]

EXCELLENT! (...big sigh of relief!)

 

[RCdancer]

Conscious and breathing, evaluating before evacuating. The family says a huge thank you.

 

[crlmjohnson]

Thank god!

 

[BigAl07]

Flash - he was found alive!!!!

AWESOME! Prayers answered!! Hope everyone in the field makes it home safe and injury free as well.

 

[RCdancer]

Tim Ganey will be sharing his experience down there and lessons learned at the Atlanta session.

 

[Johnny C!]

Glad he was found!

John

 

[AMann]

Former Homewood pastor found safe after vanishing on hike

The Rev. Sid Burgess, who was pastor at Edgewood Presbyterian Church from 1990 through his retirement 2013, had last been seen just before 11 a.m. Saturday at White Creek Falls in Double Springs.

www.al.com

 

[Johnny C!]

Awesome!

John