Drone Operators Twice Interfere With Maryland State Police Medevac Helicopters in August
Why It MattersRepeated drone incursions near medevac helicopter operations underscore ongoing detect-and-avoid challenges for rotorcraft and heighten regulatory attention on recreational drone compliance near active flight operations.
Maryland State Police reported two separate drone interference incidents involving its medevac helicopters in August and are reminding drone operators about safe flying regulations. The first occurred on August 15, when Trooper 1 was departing the R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center in Baltimore on a medevac mission and a drone began descending in the same area; police located the operator, who was found unlicensed and flying within a Temporary Flight Restriction in effect for a sporting event at M&T Bank Stadium.
The second incident took place on August 31, when Trooper 1 and Trooper 3 responded with the Shock Trauma GO Team to a fatal crash on I-70 in Howard County, and a trooper on the ground observed a drone flying over both medevac helicopters during the operation.
Maryland State Police warned that drones can be difficult for helicopter pilots to detect in time to avoid a collision, particularly at night. Under existing regulations, drone operators are required to yield to other aircraft, remain clear of active flight operations, and check for Temporary Flight Restrictions and controlled airspace requirements before flying, including for home games of the Ravens, Commanders, and Orioles.
