Aerial Ignition Drone

Ravendrone · Aug 16, 2019

SanCap · Aug 16, 2019

Thanks for the video! Can you describe what waivers or certification processes may be needed to get involved in this.

Ravendrone · Aug 16, 2019

Thanks for watching! So we do have a couple regulatory things to work around. Obviously, being a commercial burn vendor, as the pilot I've got my Part 107. Adding the drone to our insurance was costly, and a bit of a journey because the underwriters hadn't encountered this particular application of drones, ever. Lastly, Drone Amplified has worked out the legalities of allowing for carriage of hazardous materials (the potassium permanganate spheres). We currently fly under their permitting, but are working with our FAA office here in Houston, TX to eventually work out a similar arrangement.

SanCap · Aug 16, 2019

Ravendrone said:
Thanks for watching! So we do have a couple regulatory things to work around. Obviously, being a commercial burn vendor, as the pilot I've got my Part 107. Adding the drone to our insurance was costly, and a bit of a journey because the underwriters hadn't encountered this particular application of drones, ever. Lastly, Drone Amplified has worked out the legalities of allowing for carriage of hazardous materials (the potassium permanganate spheres). We currently fly under their permitting, but are working with our FAA office here in Houston, TX to eventually work out a similar arrangement.

Thanks for the added info. It seems like the hardest part would be getting in the door with the entities that do the burns or does Drone Amplified help with that?

Ravendrone · Aug 16, 2019

We're actually the contractor doing the burns (Raven Environmental Services) and we added the drone as a ignition method/tool about a year ago. I've been working in fire for about 7 years, and a number of the Raven staff has 10, 15+ years of experience with fire. In addition to aerial ignition, the drone has afforded us some pretty cool opportunities to capture and share fire behavior.

SanCap · Aug 16, 2019

Ravendrone said:
We're actually the contractor doing the burns (Raven Environmental Services) and we added the drone as a ignition method/tool about a year ago. I've been working in fire for about 7 years, and a number of the Raven staff has 10, 15+ years of experience with fire. In addition to aerial ignition, the drone has afforded us some pretty cool opportunities to capture and share fire behavior.

Sounds like a great life, if I can be of any assistance here in Florida, let me know.

Ravendrone · Aug 16, 2019

Will do! Thank you

Ravendrone · Aug 18, 2019

Next video! Technically got it posted by Sat, albeit very late.

deltadave95690 · Aug 18, 2019

Ravendrone said:
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My biggest concern is, why is your steering wheel on the wrong side?
Anybody else notice, or should I seek medical help?

Ravendrone · Aug 18, 2019

Haha I've had this brought up twice now. When I'm recording in selfie mode, the camera films a mirrored image creating the appearance of a leftie vehicle.

Dave Crago · Aug 20, 2019

The video is not working now, but I assume this is a M600 with the plastic sphere dispenser . I would think you also need to be A450 certified through DOI OAS and carded to fly this mission.

Ravendrone · Aug 20, 2019

Here's a new link. Sorry for any inconvenience everyone. Had to make a change to the channel.

We are a private burn vendor and not flying for the DOI.

Dave Crago · Aug 20, 2019

Ravendrone said:
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Here's a new link. Sorry for any inconvenience everyone. Had to make a change to the channel.

We are a private burn vendor and not flying for the DOI.

Thanks for the video. I was a aerial burner and burn boss on helicopters doing the same thing 20 years ago for forestry. Always good to see things progressing.

Ravendrone · Aug 20, 2019

Very cool, and thanks for watching. I think BLM is using a number of these out West--I've heard some great feedback from the wildland fire community.

Steve@AerialImagesPro · Aug 22, 2019

Curious if there are wavers for this since FAA has made weapons, including flame throwers, illegal.

Ravendrone · Aug 22, 2019

This technology is designed specifically for prescribed fire and fire suppression applications--not to be weaponized. Our company and a number of government agencies are using it as a tool to make fire fighters' job safer by serving as an alternative to manned aerial ignition.