Firefighting Aircraft Struck By Civilian Drone Over The Palisades Fire In California.
Someone's stupidity is putting pilots' and firefighters' lives at risk.
Today, fire managers and the FAA announced that a drone struck a firefighting aircraft while operating over the Palisades Fire in California. This is not only illegal but also incredibly stupid. It risks pilots' lives and threatens everyone’s safety. When something like this occurs, it can halt all air operations, further worsening the potential for fire spread and can bring down aircraft.
Luckily, the pilot was able to land the aircraft without any injury. The aircraft that was struck was a Super Scooper and it sustained damage to the wing.
The FAA announced that an investigation would follow after this incident. I was personally involved in an FAA drone investigation years ago after a civilian flew a drone over our division during a retardant drop. I was the supervisor on scene, so for the next 4 months, I had to go through YouTube videos and online posts with investigators to try and find the individual involved.
Fire managers and FAA investigators take this very seriously. It is a Federal crime that can bring 1 year in prison and a $75,000 fine.
I cannot stress how dangerous and stupid this activity is; it only seems to be getting worse. People do not think through the ramifications of their actions, which can easily lead to people losing their lives and hindering emergency operations. If air Ops have to be shut down, it takes away critical support for boots on the ground and slows the entire operation, which could lead to more homes and acres burning.
Don’t be stupid.
Here is the FAA’s full statement on the drone strike over the Palisades Fire:
Fire officials informed the FAA that a firefighting aircraft struck a drone while it was operating over the Palisades Fire in Los Angeles on Thursday, Jan. 9. The aircraft landed safely. The FAA will investigate. Please contact Cal Fire for additional information.
Flying a drone near a wildfire is dangerous and can cost lives. When people fly drones near wildfires, fire response agencies often ground their aircraft to avoid the potential for a midair collision. Delaying airborne response poses a threat to firefighters on the ground, residents, and property in nearby communities, and it can allow wildfires to grow larger.
The FAA has implemented several Temporary Flight Restrictions (IFRs) in the Los Angeles area to protect firefighting aircraft. All other aircraft, including drones, are prohibited from flying in TFRs unless they receive authorization.
FAA
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Problem is that the dumba** doesn’t read Hotshot
I prefer the laws in Montana for drones intruding an area.