The United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is investigating after 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, January 9. The aircraft landed safely and is currently grounded.
The FAA has implemented several Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) in the Los Angeles area to protect firefighting aircraft. All other aircraft, including drones, are prohibited from flying in TFRs unless they receive authorisation. The FAA has not authorized anyone unaffiliated with the Los Angeles firefighting operations to fly drones in the TFRs.
Interfering with firefighting efforts on public lands is a federal crime, punishable by up to 12 months in prison. Additionally, the FAA can impose a civil penalty of up to USD 75,000 against any drone pilot who interferes with wildfire suppression, law enforcement or emergency response operations when temporary flight restrictions (TFRs) are in place.
“When people fly drones near wildfires, fire response agencies often ground their aircraft to avoid the potential for a midair collision,” the FAA said in a statement relating to the incident. “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.”
Local media reports suggest that the Federal Bureau of Investigation is planning to send air defences to ensure the integrity of the firefighting operations.
For more information
Federal Aviation Administration – United States
Image: California Fire Department
