The drone is an essential new tool for the fire service and has already proven its ability to save lives. The department's desire to embrace drones (or unmanned aerial vehicles [UAVs]) for fire applications varies widely, and it's not just large departments that are investing. Some small departments are investing heavily in drones and train their staff with UAV training; even some large departments refrain from it.
Firefighting drone program
Departments can start with a small drone to "test it" and prove to the top management that it's useful. Other departments start with a budget for their drone program and move on. According to Matt Sloan, CEO of Skyfire Consulting, the average drone program is around ، 35,000 to 40 40,000, which covers the cost of drones, thermal imaging, cameras, and operations. However, drone programs are not covered by Firefighters Assistance (AFG) grants. For as little as 1,500, one can buy an "eye in the sky" drone (without thermal functionality).
Sullivan says the most important question he would ask potential customers was, "How do I use this thing?" Now the most critical question is "How do I sell it to my chief?" Sullivan has staged hundreds of demonstrations of drone technology to fire departments and has never heard anyone say, "I don't see how it will work." If you compare the cost with the operation of the helicopter, the closest alternative to providing comparative information, the value of the drone is easy to justify. Sullivan says implementing the drone program is equivalent to "between 40 and 50 hours" to operate a helicopter.
"There's still a misconception that drones are toys," said Sullivan. "But people's lives are being saved, so we've gone through this stage." I compared the reception to drones. "Now everyone has one," he says.
The effect of drones on fire applications
Sullivan says education is a critical factor in spreading the word about the effectiveness of drones. The Fire Department may choose to implement a drone program after experiencing a situation in which the drone is a useful asset. Drones can be helpful for hazardous material protection, search and rescue and wildfire applications.
The cost of a drone boils down to providing better information for decision making. For example, in the event of a significant material outbreak, a drone could provide information much faster than it would take personnel in hazardous clothing to reach the area safe from the region. There is no danger to life.
Within a second, a drone can present a 360-degree view of a fire in a single-family home. The thermal imaging camera mounted on the drone can provide immediate feedback on hot spots and where fires are spreading. Some drones can skip payloads. For example, they may leave their life jackets with someone swimming or stuck on a radio. Drones can also be helpful in training, providing high-level ideas for post-factual assessment documentary activity.
Communication with the drone is localized between the drone and the remote control. A smartphone or tablet can be plugged into a drone remotely to communicate with images over the Internet. The remote HDMI output also allows a drone image to be displayed on a TV monitor.
How to start a drone program?
Skyfire Consulting provides a "one-stop shop" for fire and police departments looking to launch a drone program. The company assists the department in selecting the right equipment, conducting on-site training, authorizing the required Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and developing standard operating procedures (SOPs) and policies. The average drone program takes three to six months to implement.
There are two types of FAA permits for drones. Drones may be flown under Part 107 rules for commercial use and video production. For permission, it is necessary to pass a written test of 60 questions with a score of only 60%. This certification is valid for two years and allows the operator to fly drones up to 400 feet off the line and inside Class G (uncontrolled) airspace. The downside is that the permit assigns responsibility to the operator (and may or may not be granted a waiver).
Restriction of a certificate of authority
The second type of FAA option is a COA (Certificate of Certificate), which assigns responsibility to the Department of Drones. It also allows the department to self-certify its operators, conduct training and work in the airspace of a small company. COA revenue is more complicated but offers benefits, including the ability to train new operators in a business that is doing business. A line of vision operation is necessary to fly any drone. The Line of Vision is typically three-quarters of a mile long, and drones are equipped with bright lights and anti-collision lights (visible for three nautical miles).
Sullivan says the FAA is generally very optimistic about the use of drones for public safety and works with departments to ensure its drone programs.
Choosing between small and enormous drones
One well-known drone manufacturer is DJI Technology, which has a large share of the consumer drone market. One popular model is the DJI Phantom Drone, which provides 35 minutes of flight time and a good camera. For other sensors, something is more important.
Departments are buying a variety of drones, both large and small. Smaller drones perform tactical missions and can fly through a window, while larger drones can be equipped with a thermal and zoom camera. Price tags on individual drones range from $ 500,000 to
30 30,000 or more.
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