Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout202.025 - Small Unmanned Aerial System STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES TACTICAL OPERATIONS 202.025 SMALL UNMANNED AERIAL SYSTEM EFFECTIVE: APRIL 2020 Current Revision Date: 04/08/20 Next Revision Date: 04/08/22 Author’s Name/Rank: Brian Downs, Captain Review Level: 3 Administrative Support: Leslie Oulashian, Management Analyst II Section 202.025 Page 1 of 3 PURPOSE The Fresno Fire Department (FFD or Department) utilizes small unmanned aerial systems (sUAS) to enhance the mission of the Department. APPLICATION The sUAS are operated under agreement and in accordance with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations. The sUAS are used as a training tool to capture images for instruction and demonstration. Additionally, the sUAS are deployed as a support asset for incidents where aerial image monitoring can aid the incident objectives. OPERATIONAL POLICY The sUAS will operate only under defined parameters set by the Department, City of Fresno Administrative Order 6-29, and within FAA regulations and any FAA Certificates of Authorization (COA) or waivers. Any deviations from Department guidelines require approval from the Fire Chief or designee. All sUAS operations will comply with Constitutional and Privacy Rights. Absent an emergency situation with exigent circumstances, sUAS operators shall not intentionally record or transmit images of any location where a person would have a reasonable expectation of privacy. OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE sUAS operations are to be conducted by trained and authorized Department personnel. Pilots in training may operate the controls of the sUAS only if an authorized pilot is present and able to take over the controls if needed. Section 202.025 Page 2 of 3 Within the parameters established by the COA or other FAA authorization, sUAS can be used to capture aerial footage for use within the Department. The sUAS can also be used as a deployable asset for emergency operations if authorized by the Incident Commander. The sUAS footage may also be released to other agencies and media outlets through the Department’s Public Information Office (PIO). Deployments of the sUAS should be primarily for Department use, but can also be used to support other agencies with proper Departmental approval. All sUAS Pilots in Command (PIC) should be authorized to operate the sUAS through Department training and testing; including obtaining a PIC Certificate through the FAA. The PIC is responsible for safe operation and flying the sUAS with due regard. Avoidance from operations near people, animals, and objects should be exercised when possible. The PIC should be aware of weather, flying conditions/restrictions, and ensure all FAA authorizations and required notifications are completed. All sUAS operations should, when possible, utilize a Visual Observer to assist in the identification of hazards for the PIC. Any sUAS operations at or near an emergency incident need the authorization of the Incident Commander to ensure clear communication and sUAS use will not interfere with ongoing objectives and tactics. All incident reporting or documentation required by the FAA or any maintenance and repair recommended by the manufacturer will be coordinated through the Program Coordinator. PROCESS The sUAS will be stored and mobilized through the Program Coordinator. Requests for deployment for incident support should come through the Incident Commander or designee. Release of recorded images to outside sources will be vetted and released through the PIO or designee. Non-Department members inadvertently captured in images from sUAS where a person would have a reasonable expectation of privacy should be contacted for permission to use/release liability prior to leaving the scene. Aerial images captured by the sUAS will be archived and kept only on Department storage devices and not released unless approved by the PIO for use in an official Department project. Images of people which the Department did not receive permission for use/release of liability should be altered to retain privacy. Section 202.025 Page 3 of 3 INFORMATION The Department utilizes sUAS which have been approved by the Fire Chief. Criteria for types and models of sUAS include: image quality and stabilization, obstacle avoidance and redundant safety measures, ease of use, reliability, and capabilities. DEFINITIONS Small Unmanned Aerial System (sUAS): An unmanned aircraft (commonly referred to as a drone), weighing .55 to 55 lbs and is capable of sustaining directed flight, whether preprogrammed or remotely controlled, and all of the supporting or attached systems designed for gathering information through imaging, recording, or any other means. Pilot in Command (PIC): The designated operator of the sUAS. The PIC has the responsibility of assuring the sUAS is flight worthy, is operated within the COA, and has all the required training and authorization from the Department. Visual Observer: A designated member responsible for maintaining line of sight, and able to alert the operator to any potential hazards as required by FAA standards. Certificate of Authorization (COA): The waiver of specific rules established for sUAS operations by the FAA granted to the Department. Air Traffic Control (ATC): A service provided by ground-based air traffic controllers who direct aircraft on the ground and through controlled airspace, and can provide advisory services to aircraft in non-controlled airspace. CROSS REFERENCES Code of Federal Regulations Title 14, Chapter I, Subchapter F, Part 107 Administrative Order No. 6-29, Use of Unmanned Aerial Systems/Drones (UAS)