Posted on 09/08/2016 1:12:57 PM PDT by Berlin_Freeper
It is an issue of flying in restricted airspace.
Some National Parks are protected and prohibit over-flight. . .but in the case of immediate SAR, the FAA does not issue a clearance.
If the flight is a pre-planned for grid search, then obtaining approval is suggested to ensure deconfliction.
UAVs operate below 400’ and remain line-of-sight, no FAA clearance required, unless it is a matter of airspace restrictions.
Think police helicopters engaged in SAR. Same restrictions.
Please see my Post 21.
Automated drones could do so much while society sleeps.
Pick up trash.
Cut grass.
Survey structures, like bridges.
Help law enforcement.
OK, thanks for the info.
Success will depend largely on circumstances but at least it would help the rescuer(s) with the effort.
Thanks for the information but I’m also thinking of larger drones that can fly in the thousands of feet range for surveillance/locating people/things etc.
Of course there has to be coordination for their flights re aerial safety but I wonder if a serious plan for that even exists.
Re your comment “but in the case of immediate SAR, the FAA does not issue a clearance”, I’m assuming that a clearance is automatically waived for SAR craft and personnel. Please correct me if I’m wrong.
I wonder if the larger drones (Global Predator types) have location transponders on them (again for safety in civilian usage). Common sense says they should but again, common sense is not a prerequisite for government employment (believe me I know after 25 years in the belly of the beast).
Once people stop saying “It can’t be done”, you’d be amazed at what “CAN BE DONE”.
I’m out of pocket for the rest of the day. Good questions and will address.
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