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Dennis Donovan

(28,796 posts)
Mon Jan 13, 2025, 05:11 PM Jan 13

FBI seeking ID of drone pilot whose drone collided w/ firefighting aircraft

FBI Los Angeles
@FBILosAngeles
The FBI is seeking information that leads to the identity of a UAS pilot whose drone collided with a “super scooper” airplane conducting fire suppression operations at the #PalisadesFire near Malibu, California. Details & and how to contact the FBI here:
https://fbi.gov/wanted/seeking-info/palisades-drone-collision

2:51 PM · Jan 13, 2025




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FBI seeking ID of drone pilot whose drone collided w/ firefighting aircraft (Original Post) Dennis Donovan Jan 13 OP
This message was self-deleted by its author FSogol Jan 13 #1
For the DUer constantly telling me that "drones are his livelihood and have never hurt anyone"... hlthe2b Jan 13 #2
Drones are my livelihood whopis01 Jan 13 #10
Agree... hlthe2b Jan 13 #13
Can he be identified through the drone? question everything Jan 13 #3
I think if they can get a s/n off of something, they might be able to. n/t Dennis Donovan Jan 13 #4
If he was following FAA regulations whopis01 Jan 13 #12
A few years ago here on DU , I got into a major argument with malaise Jan 13 #5
Similar to shining laser beam at cockpits question everything Jan 13 #6
Even worse malaise Jan 13 #7
More right wing domestic terrorism . Fullduplexxx Jan 13 #8
It looks more left wing to me. whopis01 Jan 13 #11
This asshole needs to be prosecuted and locked up LetMyPeopleVote Jan 13 #9

Response to Dennis Donovan (Original post)

hlthe2b

(107,664 posts)
2. For the DUer constantly telling me that "drones are his livelihood and have never hurt anyone"...
Mon Jan 13, 2025, 05:24 PM
Jan 13

I ask that you please take note.

This happened the last two summers over Colorado's wildfires as well. We had two fatalities-- most recently in those fires which I cannot link to drones directly, but there were incidents with responding planes unable to fly because of drone obstruction. This MAY have led to a delay in fire containment, so it is possible; to date, LA has confirmed 26. You can not tell me the inability to have this vital "Super Scooper" airline dropping retardant and water whenever winds were compatible with it flying did not have at least a potential role in some of these deaths (or those who have not yet been discovered).

whopis01

(3,778 posts)
10. Drones are my livelihood
Mon Jan 13, 2025, 06:59 PM
Jan 13

and drones have definitely hurt people.

Just a few weeks ago in Orlando there was a drone show that went awry and one of the drones flew off so fast it hit a young boy in the chest causing damage that required open heart surgery. Fortunately he survived, but that is definitely an instance of someone being hurt.

Drones are not going away. The only way this is going to be dealt with is through strict enforcement and penalties. Even with that, it is not going to be easy. The Remote ID system that the FAA mandated is very poorly designed and very difficult to even enforce its use.

hlthe2b

(107,664 posts)
13. Agree...
Mon Jan 13, 2025, 08:37 PM
Jan 13

I've written prior as to the steps Colorado has had to take to try to regulate (and get FAA to increase regulation) of drones--both commercial and private. Fortunately, we already have the capacity via the CO Dept. of Wildlife to fine (and in some cases jail repeat) offenders who harass endangered wildlife with hobby drones or commercial photographic drones that have not received prior permits to use them in protected areas. The incidents with drones interfering with wildfire containment efforts, including targeted water drop flights, have led to some increased awareness among FAA and increased fines and other consequences. That said, I'm unhappy to see the same thing happening in California.

The other issue that will increase nationwide is the intentional and/or unintentional violation of privacy rights. Some municipalities in Colorado have tried to tackle that too among utilities and realtors who use them to film residences for listing or inspection. Typically not an issue for responsible groups, but there have been instances where operators filmed the "wrong" residence--buzzing their upper floors and capturing young children (or adults) in various stages of undress and inadvertently? posting the inclusive videos on their websites. This has led to some requirements for parties operating to both verify the property to be filmed and to provide a "manned" contact number for direct inquiries/complaints for both the public and local officials. And obviously admonishment from law enforcement re: the "errors" in capturing individuals within homes not intended.

Most operators and hobbyists are responsible and many of the abuses are unintentional. But, I appreciate that you can picture the problem cases and like me, advocate for common sense regulation. I think they are a fun technology but require consideration in their operation.

whopis01

(3,778 posts)
12. If he was following FAA regulations
Mon Jan 13, 2025, 07:04 PM
Jan 13

the drone would be outfitted with a RemoteID module. They recovered some parts of the drone. Presumably from within the wing of the airplane. They may have gotten that - but maybe not. And no saying whether the person operating it was complying with the RemoteID requirement.

malaise

(280,528 posts)
5. A few years ago here on DU , I got into a major argument with
Mon Jan 13, 2025, 05:47 PM
Jan 13

a now banned DUer over people flying drones all over the place. His rights and freedom to fly his toys where he wanted were more important to him that the obvious dangers we are now facing.. Ah well.

whopis01

(3,778 posts)
11. It looks more left wing to me.
Mon Jan 13, 2025, 07:02 PM
Jan 13


/sarcasm

In all seriousness, I doubt this was an intentional act. This is likely someone trying to get some exciting footage of the Super Scooper plane. That changes nothing about what should be done to find and punish that individual. The act is still just as illegal and dangerous.
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