Our organization is equipped with three high-spec drones featuring advanced video and thermal imaging technology, enabling us to conduct rapid and comprehensive searches and surveys over expansive areas. The incorporation of thermal imaging cameras empowers us to locate missing persons during night time operations and in challenging, inaccessible terrain. Once a missing person is pinpointed, their precise coordinates can be transmitted to our Foot search teams, expediting their retrieval. Moreover, our drones are equipped with a powerful 26w spotlight, which can illuminate search areas and provide invaluable support to our ground teams.

Using our drones birds eye view, we are also able to help Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue ascertain the nature, and progression of complex building fires. The Thermal imaging capability means we can locate hots spots within a building, and live stream the thermal imaging directly to their command and control centre, allowing the incident commander to direct their resources more effectively.

The Drone Team comprises two essential operatives: a pilot and a spotter.

Pilot.

• The pilot assumes the primary role of ensuring the safe operation of the drone, including navigation to and over the designated search area.
• They closely monitor critical in-flight parameters such as battery level, distance, and altitude.
• Simultaneously, the pilot vigilantly watches the thermal and video feed, actively searching for the missing person.
• Our pilots are required to hold qualifications as commercial drone pilots, as mandated by the A2 CofC (or a similar approved qualification), which is recognized by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and permits the operation of drones in the Open Category, and a GVC (General Visual Line of Sight Certificate) which permits the operation of drones in the Specific Category.

Spotter.

• The spotter plays a pivotal role in maintaining visual line-of-sight to the drone at all times.
• They ensure that members of the public remain at a safe distance from the drone, prevent collisions with obstacles such as trees, buildings, and pylons, and monitor the presence of other air traffic in the vicinity.
• Additionally, the spotter maintains continuous radio contact with our control center, reporting the commencement and conclusion of each search flight and any significant discoveries made during the operation.

This two-person drone operation parallels the safety protocols observed in two-pilot setups for commercial aircraft. Consequently, we conduct a meticulous preflight checklist before every operation to ensure all systems are functioning correctly and all safety measures are in place. Furthermore, we consistently seek clearance from relevant authorities or landowners whenever necessary or appropriate to uphold safety and compliance standards.

The Drones.

We have recently upgraded our fleet of drones, they now feature,  superior infrared sensing and night vision, and an optical zoom of 16X, expanded to 112x (digital), GPS positioning, laser range finding, optical collision avoidance, and an automatic return to home. Due to its GPS capabilities it can only fly in unrestricted airspace, and will therefore not operate in and around civilian / commercial airports or other security restricted areas. Each drone has a flight time in excess of 30 minutes per battery. We also have the capability to live stream the camera feed to our Incident Control Unit (ICU), and other emergency responders, including Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue, which has been a valuable resource during recent incidents in Berkshire.