Quantcast

Drone collision disrupts Los Angeles aerial firefighting efforts

Air India Warned Over Crew Fatigue and Training Failures Following Fatal Crash
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy may deny flights from Mexico over broken aviation agreement
Plane Makes Emergency Landing After ‘Unruly’ Passenger Attempts to Open Exit Door Mid-Flight
American Airlines Launches Ultra‑Long‑Haul DFW–Manila Flights
Thousands of flights canceled or delayed across America's busiest airports
Emirates operates with SAF at London Heathrow Airport
British Airways Introduces Brunch Service on Long-Haul Flights
AirAsia FREE SEATS is BACK! - Book Cheap Flight now!
FAA Investigating After JetBlue Plane Skids Off Runway
Virgin Atlantic Offers Family-Friendly Holiday Packages
The Billion-Dollar Outlier That's Rescuing San Francisco Tourism
New Heathrow Security Rule Makes Packing Bags Easier for Travelers
Alaska Airlines Adding More Boeing 787 to Boost Seattle Hub
Ryanair cancels 170 flights, disrupts over 30,000 passengers on French ATC strike
What to Know About Travel to Europe During This Record-Breaking Heatwave
Airport Workers Save the Day After Woman Loses Diamond from Her Engagement Ring in Baggage Carousel
I never talk to strangers on the plane. After my dad died, a passenger helped me talk about my grief.
American Airlines reveals new summer route: Miami → Rome
Budget UK airline launches huge sale with £29 flights to 475 holiday hotspots – but you’ll have to be quick
Delta Passengers Can Book a ‘Last Mile’ Private Jet Charter to Europe This Summer
Honeywell Runway Safety Technology Selected by Southwest Airlines for Fleetwide Installation
Southwest Airlines Adds Cockpit Alerts to Boost Runway Safety
FAA Drone Detection Testing
This Airline Is Going to Start Handing Out $675 Fines to 'Unruly' Passengers: 'It Is Unacceptable'
Summer of savings? New analysis shows airfare has dropped significantly - The Points Guy
FAA Admits Uncertainty On Drone Numbers In U.S. Airspace, Raising Safety Concerns
Travelers are taking extreme measures and using hacks to avoid airline baggage fees
Pigeons Cause Chaos on Delta Flight
United Airlines’ Uniforms Get A Facelift—And A Political Filter
United Continues to Face Catering Chaos at San Francisco
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

Flying Food Group, Inc. has announced the recipients of its 2025 scholarships, with all five applicants receiving awards this year.

Oct 23, 2025

Dnata, a global provider of air and travel services, has entered into a joint venture with Azerbaijan’s Silk Way Group to launch ground handling and cargo operations at Alat International Airport, located in the Alat Free Economic Zone in Baku.

Oct 22, 2025

Delta Air Lines has announced the release of version 7.5 of its mobile app, introducing new features aimed at making travel planning and management easier for customers during the holiday season.

Oct 22, 2025

The Fair Work Commission has ruled that a former employee of dnata Airport Services was unfairly dismissed and awarded $36,468.39 in compensation.

Oct 22, 2025

The 13th Annual Breast Care International Walk for the Cure took place in Kumasi, Ghana, drawing around 30,000 participants, including survivors, healthcare professionals, students, traditional leaders, and advocates.

Oct 22, 2025

The Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) has announced the closure of Terminal 5 to allow for a significant redevelopment.

Oct 22, 2025