Air medical helicopters play a vital role in life-saving missions, often operating at low altitudes near hospital helipads, rescue squads, and emergency scenes. Unfortunately, unmanned aerial systems (UAS) present significant risks to these operations, from collisions to delays that can endanger lives. Responsible drone operation is critical to ensuring the safety of everyone in the air and on the ground.

Key Safety Tips for UAS/Drone Operators

1. Avoid Hospital Helipads and Rescue Squad Facilities
   Helicopters frequently land and take off from these locations, often with little notice. Stay at least three miles away from known helipads unless authorized by the FAA.
2. Steer Clear of Emergency Scenes
   Never operate your UAS near active emergency sites like car accidents or wildfires. If using a drone as a first responder for public safety purposes, coordinate with the incident commander to prevent conflicts with aircraft.
3. Yield the Airspace to Helicopters
   Upon seeing or hearing a helicopter, immediately land your UAS and clear the area. Remember, helicopter pilots may not see your drone, especially in low-light or stressful conditions. Tune into 123.025 MHz on aviation radios near scene accidents as helicopters often communicate on this frequency.
4. Follow FAA Regulations
   Operate within visual line of sight, stay under 400 feet, and avoid restricted areas. Check for temporary flight restrictions (TFRs) and do not fly within them. Ensure your drone is registered with the FAA’s Remote ID program.
5. Understand the Risks of Delays
   When UAS are spotted near landing zones, helicopter pilots often must abort their approach, delaying patient care and increasing risks for everyone involved.

Every second counts in emergency helicopter operations. A drone in the wrong place at the wrong time can delay critical care or create dangerous conditions for pilots, patients, and ground personnel. As a UAS operator, you have the power to prevent these risks by flying responsibly.
Let’s work together to protect lives and keep our skies safe.

Learn more about drone flight safety with Know Before You Fly.