LifeFlight of Maine Warns Drone Pilots: Keep Clear of Emergency Helicopters

If you are a recent new owner of a drone from Santa, LifeFlight of Maine is warning you to be aware of something very important: keep it far away from the emergency helicopters and other manned aircrafts.  

Even the little itty bitty drones can cause serious incidents to aviation.

This is especially true for helicopters that are flying people who are in critical condition to hospitals.

Why Drones and Emergency Helicopters Don’t Mix

Why is it dangerous? 

Well, if the helicopter were to getting into an air accident and hit a drone mid-flight at 165 mph, the damage could be severe. 

The pilots can’t see tiny drones in time to avoid them.  

And the rule is you must yield the right of way to any manned aircraft under the Federal Aviation Administration.

As a pilot of a drone, if you want to take beautiful pictures or video from the sky, you are welcome to, just do not get close to aircrafts. It is your responsibility as the operator to stay clear, it’s also the law.  

LifeFlight of Maine put out a statement saying just that, pleading with the drone owners to stay away. They’ve been dealing with this for some time now with drones near hospital helipads across the state. 

Did you know there are 1.8 million recreational drones in the U.S? 

Read More: Maine Warned to Remove These 9 Items From Their Garages

As per LifeFlight, each month the FAA receives more then 100 reports a month from air pilots who see drones in their airspace.  

LifeFlight wants new and experienced drone owners alike to understand: flying near emergency helicopters isn’t just dangerous , it can be deadly.