Aircraft Grounded Due To Drone Strike

The FAA released the following statement after a firefighting aircraft, a Canadair CL-415 Super Scooper, was struck by a civilian drone while it was operating over the Palisades Fire near Los Angeles, California:

“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.

“It’s a federal crime, punishable by up to 12 months in prison, to interfere with firefighting efforts on public lands. Additionally, the FAA can impose a civil penalty of up to $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. The FAA treats these violations seriously and immediately considers swift enforcement action for these offenses. The FAA has not authorized anyone unaffiliated with the Los Angeles firefighting operations to fly drones in the TFRs.

Background: “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 (TFRs) in the Los Angeles area to protect firefighting aircraft. All other aircraft, including drones, are prohibited from flying in TFRs unless they receive authorization.”

FMI:  www.faa.gov/