Currently, the demand for drone pilots skilled in emergency management is soaring! Increasingly, drones are being deployed by police, fire, and emergency response units. The ticket to working as a drone pilot is certification by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Eligibility is attainable through several career paths. Here’s how to qualify as a drone operator and the thrilling missions that await.
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First-Time Pilots
Part 107 is a set of FAA rules for safe navigation of a drone, also termed an “unmanned aerial system” or “UAS.” The regulations require an adult to pass an aeronautical knowledge exam, obtain a Remote Pilot Certificate, and be physically and mentally fit for UAS operation.
In the US, to prepare applicants for the exam, there are countless drone pilot training schools, courses, and programs. With 696 testing centers, the exam is easy to schedule, which should be done about a week in advance.
The test, costing $150, includes 60 multiple-choice questions, with three possible answers for each. The passing score is 70 percent, representing at least 42 correct answers. The five topics covered are Regulations, Airspace and Requirements, Weather, Loading and Performance, and Operations. Applicants have two hours for test completion.
Along with obtaining a Remote Pilot Certificate, applicants must have their background cleared by the Transportation Security Administration. The certificate is valid for two years, after which the pilot must take another aeronautical knowledge exam to renew their credentials.
First Responders
Emergency service personnel can learn drone operation by taking a First Responder Certification course. Such training is ideal for firefighters, police officers, and teams working in disaster response, search and rescue, and hazardous material handling.
Typically, the course material is taught by seasoned first responders over a few days. Programs by the Association of Professional Drone Pilots are led by expert FAA-certified UAS operators.
All First Responder Certification programs cover Part 107 regulations and exam preparation. Also included are mission planning, setting up a ground station, deployment, flight training, aerial mapping, accident reconstruction modeling, disaster response, and night operations.
Navigating Controlled Airspace
Normally, under Part 107 rules, drone pilots are banned from controlled airspace near airports. Only permissible is flying in Class G airspace, defined as being cloud-free, with one-mile visibility.
However, drone pilots who work in emergency management can request FAA permission to enter controlled airspace. To obtain clearance, pilots must apply for “Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability,” abbreviated “LAANC.” This is an automated system, accessible via mobile app.
When a pilot submits a flight authorization request to LAANC, computers check multiple data sources for any airspace restrictions. Once LAANC approves, the pilot receives authorization in near-real time, valid for up to 12 hours.
Additionally, drone pilots receive guidance from FAA Air Traffic Control. In the US, LAANC is currently available at roughly 500 airports and 300 air traffic facilities. Drone pilots love LAANC since it responds within seconds of making a request. Before LAANC, permission to fly in controlled airspace could take up to three months!
Waived Flight Restrictions
Public service drone pilots can further bypass flight restrictions by obtaining a Certificate of Authorization or COA. This privilege is granted to UAS pilots in law enforcement, firefighting, search and rescue, utility restoration, safety inspections, national defense, intelligence missions, and wildland fire situation analysis. Public agencies can specifically request a COA for either individuals or teams.
Furthermore, with this type of approval, drone pilots employed by public agencies can skip the Part 107 testing process to become certified. Instead, the public entities can self-certify their pilots.
Under normal circumstances, COA processing can take about two months. However, as of October 2018, the FAA will quickly consider urgent requests through its Special Government Interest process.
With waived flight restrictions, drone pilots can fly in controlled airspace, at night, over people, above 400-foot altitudes, beyond visual range, and from a moving vehicle. Plus, there’s no limit to the number of missions allowed.
Fire Department Drones
Now, picture this! A drone with a thermal imaging camera lets firefighters see through smoke for targeted water delivery. With UAS high-definition video, fire crews can visualize hot spots in walls from faulty circuits. During raging wildfires, pairing drone findings with weather data predicts the direction flames will take. With such lead notice, crews can better halt fire progression.
A UAS with infrared sensors can promptly find overheated power transmission lines, helping to prevent blackouts. During building fires, the same technology reveals the whereabouts of residents trapped by flames.
In disaster situations, firefighters deploy drones to make emergency deliveries. By attaching a payload system to a UAS, a pilot can dispense vital supplies, such as two-way radios, first-aid kits, and medical equipment.
Police Force UAS
Drones help police spot missing persons with onboard GPS, facial-recognition software, and infrared cameras to detect body heat. Similarly, police can quickly track and arrest thieves and other criminals.
During dangerous situations, drones keep officers safe. For example, imagine a shooter on a rampage in a school, spraying bullets at students and staff. Using drone 3D mapping, police can determine the best approach to quell the chaos.
Additionally, cops can create 3D simulations of car accidents to identify their causes. Drones aid forensic investigators by documenting crime scene evidence. Here, CNN describes a clever use of drones to thwart crimes.
Recovery Team Fleets
When hazardous chemical spills occur, drone fleets expedite clean-up. First, they assist hazmat removal workers in assessing the degree of exposure and destruction. Subsequently, drones orchestrate chemical removal. For example, UAS fleets can mechanically skim floating oil from ocean surfaces.
Following natural disasters, gas leaks can occur under blighted structures, such as buildings and tunnels. Drones with “sniffing” capabilities can detect gas escaping from broken pipes. Then, relief workers can shut off gas flow and seal the breaches, heading off explosions. Using high-resolution video cameras, drones can perform safety inspections of bridge and building foundations.
After earthquakes, UAS fleets provide critical intervention. By supplying aerial views, drones speed the dispensing of food, water, and supplies to stranded victims. From BBC News, here’s how UAS technology creates mobile networks when hurricanes strike cell towers.
Eagle Eyes
Drone pilots can work in emergency management provided they have a Remote Pilot Certificate and LAANC clearance. For first responders, COAs further eliminate flight restrictions.
To begin flying, a newly certified pilot doesn’t need a specific number of flight hours under their belt. Yet, skilled drone operation requires considerable practice. Plus, employers favor candidates with extensive flight training and experience.
Many accredited universities award degrees in Unmanned Aerial Systems, including the intricacies of operation, maintenance, and design. Both undergraduate and graduate degrees are available.
When it comes to the lifesaving work you’ll do, the sky’s the limit!