With wildfires raging in So Cal it is critical when the winds are not blowing in hurricane force
To have fire fighting assets in the air and keep flying objects away from their water or retardant dropping course
The FAA designates airspace above or near the wildfires as no fly restricted airspace
Since without air assets fighting a fast moving fire is like a boxer with one arm behind his back tied in place
Only drones from law enforcement or first responders are in that airspace allowed to fly
On Thursday while fighting the wildfires with a Super Scooper in restricted airspace was hit by a drone but did not fall out of the sky
Was able to land safety with a huge hole in a wing but protocol demands all aerial assets must then leave
For 30 minutes allowing the wildfires resume their spreading after some containment had been achieved
The FBI is earnestly searching for the owner of the drone who faces fines and prison for his crime
And who should lose any rights to own or fly a drone for a long period of time
Fortunately no one was injured or died
And the Super Scooper was able to return to the fire fight in the sky
Here is a photo of the hole in the Super Scooper's wing
Hopefully someone knowing the owner will notify the FBI to the drone operator to justice bring
© 1/12/2025 Michael P. Ridley aka The Alaskanpoet
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