Texas flooding and drone rescues

mavic3usa · Jul 5, 2025

I see there's much flooding in TX and prayers to the families and victims affected by this unfortunate incident.

Looks like a TFR is in place: tfrweb
Says:

No pilots may operate an aircraft in the areas covered by this NOTAM (except as described).

TO PROVIDE A SAFE ENVIRONMENT FOR SEARCH AND RESCUE - ONLY RELIEF AIRCRAFT OPS UNDER DIRECTION OF KERR CO

Does anyone know how it going with drones for search and rescue? I remember back when hurricane hit NC area and drones were really useful, wondering if the same in Texas and if the issues have been resolved with coordination, etc. We know that drones are very, very useful when it comes to this and I'm hoping we maximize their benefit to save lives.

hank970 · Jul 5, 2025

If drones are in use, then I'd imagine they're being operated by law enforcement agencies in the affected area. Probably not a welcoming environment for well-meaning amateur pilots.

Bad Santa · Jul 5, 2025

hank970 said:
If drones are in use, then I'd imagine they're being operated by law enforcement agencies in the affected area. Probably not a welcoming environment for well-meaning amateur pilots.

Might be an unpopular opinion but I believe this would be the PERFECT time ti welcome the public to look for missing people.
More eyes in the sky would give a better chance of spotting someone in need or danger.
Yes, I know the authorities "know what they're doing" but still, 100 people can see more than 10 can.

AlanL · Jul 5, 2025

A TFR is now in place for the area.

Dbez1 · Jul 6, 2025

Bad Santa said:
Might be an unpopular opinion but I believe this would be the PERFECT time ti welcome the public to look for missing people.
More eyes in the sky would give a better chance of spotting someone in need or danger.
Yes, I know the authorities "know what they're doing" but still, 100 people can see more than 10 can.

This sounds good in theory, but they must have organization. Ok, an amateur pilot sees someone on a housetop and calls it to the police. IF they know how provide the coordinates, the chopper can’t do the rescue because the chopper pilot doesn’t know if the drone is still in the vicinity and now there’s no way to communicate with said amateur. There MUST be a commander in charge and all those under his control MUST have communication with him. You’re correct though, these days, most Police and Fire Departments have multiple drones and trained pilots.

mavic3usa · Jul 7, 2025

Apparently consumer drones are still an issue during disasters:

From the LA fires to the Texas floods, consumer drones keep getting in the way of rescue operations

hank970 · Jul 7, 2025

Everybody wants a l

mavic3usa said:
Apparently consumer drones are still an issue during disasters:

From the LA fires to the Texas floods, consumer drones keep getting in the way of rescue operations

Drones aren't the problem; people are. Some folks have a lurid fascination, and they want to look and take photos of others' misfortunes to share with their buddies. During emergencies, the authorities should announce that they're going to make a more concerted effort to monitor RID signals. Maybe the word would get out if they cited violators and levied some hefty fines.

mavic3usa · Jul 7, 2025

Apparently there has been another drone collision with a helicopter but it doesn't say whether the drone violator has been identified. Guess we have to stay tuned.

Meta4 · Jul 7, 2025

Bad Santa said:
Might be an unpopular opinion but I believe this would be the PERFECT time ti welcome the public to look for missing people.
More eyes in the sky would give a better chance of spotting someone in need or danger.
Yes, I know the authorities "know what they're doing" but still, 100 people can see more than 10 can.

Think again.
It's not that simple.