RALEIGH– Drones are an increasingly
integral part of all emergency response operations, so the N.C. Department of
Transportation is working to make sure North Carolina’s drone operators are
prepared when disaster strikes.
NCDOT’s Division of Aviation Office UAS (Unmanned Aircraft Systems,
or ‘drones’) Program Office, in partnership with N.C. Emergency Management, is
working with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to create a
statewide UAS Working Group withlocal, state and federal governments, and the
private sector.
The goal of the UAS Working Group isto establish a partnership
where government and private sector partners can forge strong relationships by
sharing best practices and training for disasters and other emergencies.
NCDOT’s role is to assist N.C. Emergency Management on
transportation and infrastructure issues, as well as using the department’s
experience with the operation of unmanned aircraft systems.
The group kicked off this effort last month at a meeting in Manteo.
Members include representatives from NCDOT, N.C. Emergency Management, FEMA, the
Federal Aviation Authority, Office of the State Fire Marshal, the N.C. Community
College System and the N.C. Public Safety Drone Academy, as well as local law
enforcement and fire departments. The next phase will involve meetings with
private sector operators.