On January 9, an amphibious Canadair CL-415 Super Scooper of the Canadian Province of Quebec hit a drone, violating FAA airspace restrictions.
As a result, the aircraft was unable to continue aiding aerial firefighting efforts in Los Angeles, California. This terrible occurrence emphasizes the importance for drone pilots to be aware of other aviators, particularly first responder aviators.
Where to check for airspace limitations.
Simple Flying is providing information on airspace restrictions to prevent similar incidents in the future.Check the FAA’s website for temporary flying restrictions (TFRs) related to wildfires. Consider using Airspace Link, a website suggested by the FAA.
These TFRs allow aerial firefighting aircraft to carry out their critical operations in clear airspace; at least six aerial firefighting aircraft are now engaged in the fight, with more on the way. Especially with the US Navy poised to enter the fight:
Airspace control will be important in the coming weeks for preserving lives and property in the Los Angeles area, as well as protecting fellow aviators. However, there are little information about the exact incident.
Few details about the event involving drones and CF-415s
One of the fire departments responding to the fires sent out the following tweet to announce the incident:
The shot of the CL-415 SuperScooper hit is at the top of this story. The CL-415 is the successor to the famous CL-215. De Haviland of Canada plans to produce new Super Scoopers in the CL-515. You may read about how aerial firefighting works:
There are limited details available concerning the incident, such as what the drone was. An NBC news report on the incident included some professional analysis by KNBC’s David Biggar:
According to press reports, the event has resulted in the temporary loss of a crucial aerial firefighting aircraft during one of the most devastating wildfires in US history.
Given the scarcity of freshwater in the Los Angeles metropolis, aircraft capable of applying adequate saltwater to flames will be vital to save lives, property, and, yes, the LA airports that Simple Flying readers adore. Watch below as CL-415s apply up to 1,600 gallons of Pacific Ocean seawater to wildfires:
Cal Fire will get two new CL-415 Super Scoopers from a Canadian non-profit [SOPFEU] to replace one damaged by a drone attack while fighting the Palisades Fire on Thursday, according to The War Zone.
This increases the total number of Super Scoopers available to Cal Fire from one to three. In addition, it is believed that the aircraft, which has a hole in its left wing, will be back in service by early next week.
How do drones near wildfires affect aerial firefighting efforts? An aerial fireman did contribute to a 2020 FAA podcast.
Effect of unlicensed drones on aerial firefighting
Josh Nettles, CAL FIRE’s Division Chief of Tactical Air Operations in their Southern Region, indicated in an October 21, 2020, “The Air Up There” podcast did make a direct appeal to drone operators:
“If you detect smoke, no matter where it is in the state or country, don’t fly near it. You shouldn’t approach it. Your drone should not be up. It’d be like flying adjacent to an airport. I understand that’s illegal. I would expect that they would consider whether putting this drone up would have an influence on the fire department’s suppression operations. Or am I going to endanger someone who is trying to help with the fire?”
This comes after Nettles noted that as an airborne command and control aircraft pilot, he must ensure that his low-flying aircraft can fly 60-100 feet (18.23-30.4 meters) in order to effectively attack the fire with precise water strikes. The complete FAA podcast is below:
Again, when aerial firefighters are flying around down low to spray water and retardant ahead of fires, they don’t have time to look for a cute little camera platform. Aerial firefighting demands the highest concentration and ability, as shown in this 2014 photo of another CL-415 in action:
Drones versus airshow performers has also become a concern. According to US Air Force pilot and airshow star “Beo,” careless drone pilots have caused near-misses with the Navy’s Blue Angels. To quote “Beo” from her experience flying in airshows:
“I am 99% focused on flying, so I don’t have time to focus on the birds, drones, people, and boats inside the show container.” “There is a lot going on.”
Yes, flying down low with excellent performance needs intense concentration, practice, and competence. As a result, breaching drone flight laws carries legal implications. Let’s see what those are.
Legal repercussions for tampering with drones.
According to a January 9 FAA statement on the affair,
“Interfering with firefighting efforts on public lands is a federal offense punishable by up to twelve months in prison. The FAA can also impose a civil penalty of up to $75,000 on any drone operator who interferes with wildfire suppression, law enforcement, or emergency response operations while temporary flying restrictions (TFRs) are in effect. The FAA takes these violations seriously and is considering rapid enforcement action for them. The FAA has not approved anyone not involved with the Los Angeles firefighting operations to fly drones in the TFRs.”
US law enforcement has recently become more persistent in enforcing drone flight regulations. On December 14, 2024, the Boston Police Harbor Patrol Unit detained two rogue drone operators for pestering Boston Logan International Airport.
Additionally, according to an FAA announcement dated August 23, 2024, the FAA sought $341,413 in civil penalties against 27 people to the courts.
Fines were imposed for flying without a Remote Pilot Certificate, violating flight limitations, and flying at night without sufficient authorization or drone lighting. Check out our guide on US legal requirements for flying drones.
With this, the author is learning to fly a drone. In part to better educate you.
Lessons from the author on how to fly the DJI Mini 3.
To gain a better understanding of drones, the author, who lives in Washington State, USA, is learning to fly a DJI Mini 3. Below are two images of the author piloting a drone:
One of the lessons the author has learnt is that DJI, the world’s leading civilian drone manufacturer, has connections to FAA airspace alerts and advises pilots of such, regardless of drone weight – which is a critical factor in FAA drone regulation.
DJI also provides AirSense, or the capacity to receive a conventional aircraft alert and advise the drone driver to take action, for drones weighing more than 250 grams (8.8 ounces, 0.55 pounds), according to this May 2019 YouTube video:
DJI offers a website called fly-safe.dji.com to guide pilots through foreign airspace limitations safely. The website allows users to communicate directly with drones. However, the ultimate duty resides with the operator.
Bottom line: A learning opportunity for drone pilots.
The rogue – at best – drone operator’s callous disdain for fellow aviators and human life in this case is despicable and punishable. Such hazardous behavior jeopardizes drone flight licenses and future aerial firefighting support. However, this is a teaching opportunity to recall that:
- Drone pilots should check the airspace regulations before heading out.
- Do not fly a drone near a wildfire or community event, such as an airshow, without prior consent.
- Violations of US drone legislation carry substantial legal repercussions.
- There are many of tools available to assist drone pilots in flying legally and safely.
A little dedication to safety can go a long way.