Quantcast

Drone collision disrupts Los Angeles aerial firefighting efforts

Airlines begin canceling flights, offering rebooking ahead of Hurricane Helene
Southwest Airlines to cut service and staffing in Atlanta to slash costs
New heights, new features: Discover Alaska’s enhanced Flight Pass subscription service
Alaska Airlines completes acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines, expanding benefits and choice for travelers
Explore Japan for free? Japan Airlines offers free domestic flights to foreign travelers
Delta named Official Airline Partner of Birmingham City Football Club
American Airlines to Cut These Routes to Las Vegas, Orlando, and More — Here's Why
Alaska Airlines completes acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines, expanding benefits and choice for travelers
Southwest wouldn't really start charging for bags — right?
JD Power ranked this Midwest airport as the best among largest airports in North America
Alaska Airlines Chief Plans More Routes After a Deal With Hawaiian
Air Canada could begin suspending flights soon as strike deadline nears
JetBlue's new ticket policy entitles every passenger to a carry-on bag
Why United Airlines’ CEO makes as few decisions as possible
American invests in the future of aviation maintenance with new jobs, additional work
DOT probe seeks to determine if frequent flyer programs are fair to travelers
American Airlines flight diverted after passenger starts vaping
Russian Airline Wants $100 Million From Canada for Seizing Its Giant Cargo Plane
Here's where American Airlines is adding flights to Europe in summer 2025
Major airline grounds Airbus A350 fleet, citing faulty engine component
Airline CEO wants airports to cap passengers at 2 alcoholic drinks to limit on-board disruptions
Regulator cuts Malaysia Airlines' air operator certificate duration after probe
United Airlines flight attendants are prepared to strike. Here's why it's still unlikely.
2 workers killed, 1 injured in tire explosion at a Delta Air Lines shop in Atlanta
Emirates Will Buy 5 Airbus A380s From Lessor For $200 Million
Delta Air Lines named official airline of the WNBA
Pair Of C-Suite Officials Depart Wheels Up
LAX Receives Final Cars for People Mover Train
Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines merger clears Justice Department hurdle, now faces DOT
Alaska Airlines flight attendants reject new contract, union says there's 'more work to do'
Drone collision disrupts Los Angeles aerial firefighting efforts
Policy
Webp 9d8e4n9zvnq6npvse1f7c4oouh5n
Airbus A380 | Airbus

On January 9, an amphibious Canadair CL-415 Super Scooper, aiding firefighting efforts around Los Angeles, collided with a drone that violated Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) airspace restrictions. The incident highlights the importance of drone pilots being aware of other aviators, especially first responders.

The FAA provides resources to check for airspace restrictions. Their temporary flight restriction website lists multiple temporary flight restrictions (TFRs) around wildfires. Airspace Link is also recommended by the FAA.

The presence of TFRs allows aerial firefighting aircraft to perform their missions in clear airspace. Currently, six aerial firefighting aircraft are involved in the efforts, with more expected as the US Navy joins.

Get the Newsletter
Sign-up to receive weekly round up of news from Sky Industry News
By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By providing your phone number you are opting in and consenting to receive recurring SMS/MMS messages, including automated texts, to that number from our short code. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. SMS opt-in will not be sold, rented, or shared.

Details about the collision are scarce. However, it resulted in a key firefighting aircraft being out of action during one of the most severe wildfire seasons in U.S. history. Freshwater supplies are limited around Los Angeles; therefore, aircraft capable of applying saltwater to wildfires are crucial for protecting lives and property.

Josh Nettles from CAL FIRE's Division Chief of Tactical Air Operations emphasized on an October 2020 FAA podcast: “If you see smoke...you shouldn't fly near it.” He explained that unauthorized drones can interfere with suppression efforts and cause harm to those trying to help.

The FAA warns that interfering with firefighting on public lands is a federal crime punishable by up to 12 months in prison and fines up to $75,000 for violating TFRs. The FAA takes these violations seriously and considers swift enforcement actions.

Recently, Boston Police arrested two rogue drone operators harassing Boston Logan International Airport. The FAA proposed $341,413 in civil penalties against individuals for various violations related to drone operations.

DJI offers tools like AirSense and fly-safe.dji.com to help pilots navigate airspace restrictions safely. Ultimately, responsibility lies with the operator.

This incident serves as a reminder for drone pilots to check airspace restrictions before flying and not operate near wildfires or events without authorization due to serious legal consequences.

Organizations Included in this History
More News

London Heathrow, recognized as Europe's busiest airport, will soon experience an increase in its flight offerings by Oman Air.

Sep 2, 2025

Minneapolis–St. Paul International Airport will commence safety and airfield improvement projects on Runway 12R-30L in two distinct phases throughout 2025.

Aug 22, 2025

Delta Air Lines is adjusting its service between Atlanta and Anchorage, extending flights beyond the summer travel season to a year-round offering.

May 15, 2025

In December 2022, Southwest Airlines faced a major crisis as operational challenges led to the cancellation of 16,900 flights, affecting nearly two million passengers during a peak travel period.

Apr 19, 2025

Harrison Ford, an acclaimed actor known for roles such as Han Solo in "Star Wars" and Indiana Jones, is also a noted aviation enthusiast.

Apr 19, 2025

Iberia Airlines has confirmed a notable shift in its flight schedule connecting Madrid and Dallas/Fort Worth, introducing its first overnight service from Europe to the US.

Apr 19, 2025