Maryland State Police are reminding drone operators about safe flying regulations following multiple recent incidents in which drones interfered with Maryland State Police Aviation Command medevac operations.
On August 15, Trooper 1 was departing the R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center in Baltimore on a medevac mission when a drone began descending in the same area. Police said the drone operator was located and was not licensed, and the drone was flying within a Temporary Flight Restriction related to a sporting event at M&T Bank Stadium.
A second incident occurred August 31 as Trooper 1 and Trooper 3 responded with the Shock Trauma GO Team to a fatal crash on I-70 in Howard County. A trooper on the ground spotted a drone flying over both medevac helicopters. The operator was not identified.
State Police said drones can be difficult for helicopter pilots to see in time to avoid a collision, particularly at night. Drone operators are required to yield to other aircraft, remain clear of flight operations and check for Temporary Flight Restrictions and controlled airspace requirements before flying.
Maryland State Police noted that sporting events including Ravens, Commanders and Orioles home games are subject to Temporary Flight Restrictions prohibiting drone operations. Recreational drone operators are also required to complete the FAA’s Recreational UAS Safety Test certification.
