Unit Order: 2018-4



AERO BUREAU 

UNIT ORDER:  2018 - 4

SUBJECT:

UNMANNED AERIAL SYSTEMS (UAS) ENCOUNTER DURING RESCUE MISSION PROCEDURES

 

Effective Date:

05/26/2018

Last Date Revised:

N/A

Last Date Reviewed:

05/26/2018

Next Review Date:

05/26/2019

 

0/000.00          New

 

PURPOSE OF ORDER

The purpose of this Temporary Bureau Order is to provide the Air Rescue 5 crew procedures when encountering an Unmanned Aerial System.

 

SCOPE OF ORDER

Encounters with Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), aka drones, are inherently dangerous. A collision with a UAS could result in damage to the aircraft, or result in an aircraft accident.

During a rescue mission, if a UAS is encountered, the crew should discuss whether it is safe to continue the mission.  If involved in a critical phase of the rescue (hoisting, confined landing, etc.), consideration should be made to abort the mission until the UAS no longer presents a danger to the aircraft and/or crew.

 

ORDER

During other phases of the mission (in-transit to the incident or to a hospital), the flight crew should remain clear of the UAS and request assistance of law enforcement ground personnel. The ground units should be provided with the location of the UAS encouter.  Ground units should search the area in an attempt to locate the operator and take appropriate law enforcement action.

 

 

Anthony Rivera, Captain

Aero Bureau