Author: Leon Hanlan, National Manager Geospatial, Director of Flight Operations
Edmonton, AB (March 26, 2025) – At GeoVerra, we take drone operations seriously. As an industry leader in geospatial solutions, we recognize that proper training and strict adherence to regulations are essential to ensuring safety, efficiency, and reliability in every project. Recent events have highlighted just how critical it is to follow our training and always err on the side of caution.
The California Wildfire Incident
A stark reminder of the importance of responsible drone operation occurred recently during the California wildfires. A small civilian drone, a DJI Mavic Mini, collided with a CL-415 water bomber from Quebec. The impact caused significant damage to the aircraft’s wing, punching a hole in its leading edge. Had circumstances been different, the consequences could have been catastrophic. A loss of control could have resulted in the aircraft crashing, endangering lives and halting critical firefighting efforts. As it stands, the drone pilot is facing serious repercussions: paying for the $65,169 USD repair costs and completing 150 hours of community service. This is a lenient outcome, as jail time could easily have been part of the penalty.
Lessons from This Incident
1. Loss of Visual Line of Sight (VLOS)
The pilot in this incident lost sight of the drone while flying. This is hazard for several reasons:
• Operating in a restricted area (a wildfire zone) where drones are strictly prohibited.
• Drone was flown too far from the pilots vantage point, making it impossible to maintain control or orientation.
• This lack of caution led to a preventable accident.
2. Challenges with Sub-250 Gram Drones
Many assume that smaller drones, like the DJI Mavic Mini, are harmless. However, their lightweight nature makes them particularly vulnerable:
• Strong winds can easily push them off course and out of visual range.
• Their small motors struggle against strong wind conditions, requiring full power, which depletes the battery much faster.
• This combination of factors increases the risk of unintended incidents, especially in high-risk areas like active emergency zones.
3. Legal and Criminal Liability
Ignorance of drone laws does not exempt a pilot from responsibility. As Akil Davis, Assistant Director of the FBI’s Los Angeles field office, stated: “Lack of common sense and ignorance of your duty as a drone pilot will not shield you from criminal charges.”
Canadian aviation laws mirror this stance- pleading ignorance is not a defense. If a drone pilot endangers people or property, they will be held accountable.
The Importance of Drone Training
Operating a drone may seem simple, but even small unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) can pose significant risks if not handled correctly. This is why we emphasize a comprehensive training program that ensures our pilots are well-equipped to make informed decisions in the field. Erring on the side of caution is always the best approach—because the consequences of negligence can be severe. At GeoVerra, we:
- Educate our pilots on safe and responsible drone operation.
- Emphasize the importance of maintaining visual line of sight at all times.
- Train pilots on how environmental factors impact drone performance.
- Reinforce legal requirements and the consequences of failing to comply.
Looking Ahead
The California wildfire incident is a sobering example of why drone training programs are essential. As technology continues to evolve, so do the responsibilities of drone operators. Staying informed, following best practices, and prioritizing safety are the cornerstones of responsible UAV operations. Whether using drones for surveying, asset management, or remote monitoring, compliance and training are the keys to success. Let’s learn from this event as an industry and continue prioritizing safety and responsibility in all drone operations.
For more information on GeoVerra’s drone training programs and how we integrate advanced UAV solutions into our geospatial services, contact us today: info@geoverra.com.