Agency looks to drones to help missions

May 01-- May 1--WARRENSBURG -- The Johnson County Emergency Management Agency is working to obtain drones to assist in damage assessment and search and rescue missions, EMA Executive Director Troy Armstrong said.

"We're looking at different funding sources," he said, including the Local Emergency Planning Committee, private donations and other public agencies.

He said two options are being considered, including one that has a regular camera for use in daylight events, and a second that has a regular camera and a thermal camera that can detect body heat for search and rescue operations.

The drone with the regular camera costs $800, he said, and the drone with the thermal camera, which also has options such as a spotlight, speaker and beacon or strobe light, costs $4,167.

To be able to use the drones, he said, they have to be "107 compliant" and licensed by the Federal Aviation Administration and operators have to have pilot licenses

The pilot test, which has 60 questions, costs $150, he said. The license only allows daytime flights, and the agency will have to apply for a waiver from the FAA for 24-hour flight permission.

Policies dictating what the drones will be used for and incidence forms must be developed, he said, and liability and hull insurance obtained.

"We're looking at a couple of options for insurance," he said.

Armstrong said he plans to take the pilot test next month, and Warrensburg Assistant Fire Chief Doyle Oxley, who has gone through the training, will also be taking the test.

"We hope, between the two of us, to have one (pilot) available at all times," he said. "The goal is to have two certified to fly the drones."

Staff Writer Sue Sterling can be reached by emailing sue.sterling@dsjnow.com or by calling (660) 747-8123.

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