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The Maryland Department of State Police is issuing a public advisory to all operators of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), commonly known as drones, reminding them of essential safety protocols and legal requirements. This reminder comes in response to recent events that have raised concerns about potential interference with critical aviation operations, including emergency medical services.
The Department of State Police highlighted two specific incidents that underscore the importance of responsible drone operation. On August 15, during a sporting event at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, a drone was observed operating near the R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center’s helipad. This occurred as a Maryland State Police Aviation Command helicopter, identified as Trooper 1, was preparing to depart the facility with a medical emergency patient. The drone was seen descending into the same airspace, posing a significant risk to the helicopter’s departure. Authorities subsequently located the drone operator, who was found to be unlicensed, and the drone was operating within a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) zone that had been established due to the sporting event.
The dangers posed by such close encounters were further elaborated upon by the Department. Pilots of helicopters, especially during nighttime operations, may have limited visibility of drones, making it exceptionally difficult to detect and avoid potential collisions. Drone operators are legally obligated to maintain visual awareness of manned aircraft and to actively avoid any interference with their operations. This includes yielding the right-of-way to all other aircraft and ensuring a safe distance is maintained when passing over, under, or ahead of them.
A second incident occurred on August 31, when Trooper 1 and Trooper 3 were responding to a fatal traffic accident on I-70 in Howard County. While these helicopters were engaged in medevac operations, a trooper on the ground observed a drone flying above the active medical transport aircraft. The operator of this drone was not identified.
Maryland law permits both manned and unmanned flights, but UAS operators must adhere to specific regulations. This includes diligently checking for and complying with any established Temporary Flight Restrictions and obtaining necessary authorizations for operating in controlled airspace. Awareness of airspace restrictions can be accessed through applications approved by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), such as those found on the “Before You Fly” resource. The Department noted that large sporting events, including home games for teams like the Ravens, Commanders, and Orioles, frequently have TFRs in place that prohibit drone flights.
For individuals operating drones for recreational purposes, the Department emphasized the requirement of obtaining a Recreational UAS Safety Test (RUST) certification. This online test covers crucial safety information and regulatory guidelines for drone operation. Further details regarding UAS operations and relevant resources can be accessed through the Maryland Department of State Police website.
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The incidents serve as a critical reminder that operating a drone irresponsibly can have severe consequences, jeopardizing the safety of emergency responders and the public. Adherence to all federal and state regulations, including proper licensing, airspace awareness, and yielding to manned aircraft, is paramount for all drone operators in Maryland.
Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from the Maryland Department of State Police.
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