To Mudspikers in SoCal (thinking specifically of you @wheelsup_cavu ), I hope the fires are not impacting you or your loved ones. Some beloved landmarks and businesses have been destroyed, not to mention many residences, but so far no loss of life.
9 Likes
I hope you’re all safe and stay that way. If I had total access to an airplane without worry of scheduling, I’d be out there seeing if I could do SOME good with ferrying people out.
2 Likes
Some photos I’ve seen as so apocalyptic that I am left breathless… I’m so sorry for everyone suffering this tragedy…
Let us know you and your mother are ok @wheelsup_cavu and anyone else affected. Good luck and stay safe (however difficult it may be!)
3 Likes
Thank you for the concern everyone. 
The fires dominating the news cycle in Pacific Palisades and Alta Dena are about 60 miles, 100 kilometers, from me so we are not in the danger zone.
Wheels
10 Likes
Thank you. I’m about 40 miles from the fires but my in-laws were threatened for a bit, though they seem safe now. Good luck, Angelinos.
10 Likes
Good to know that you and your loved ones are safe @wheelsup_cavu and @SpaceGameJunkie
Please stay that way. Fingers crossed for everyone in the danger zone.
2 Likes
One of the Super Scoopers ran into a drone. Both are grounded for now.
Wheels
1 Like
Saw that. Makes me mad.
2 Likes
Firefighters, rescue, law enforcement, forestry services, and news outlets all use drones. AFAIK, they haven’t determined who the operator was yet. Regardless, it appears that there is a TFR from the surface to 7000 ft, so whomever operated there without permission is most likely in deep doodoo.
I can’t believe we let drones share air with civil aircraft. Aviation is built around two singular commandments that have protected pilots and passengers for 100 years: SEE AND AVOID or ATC DIRECTED IFR. Drones are neither. They are just air rocks, allowed up there to make aviation far less safe.
3 Likes
We Aussie are thinking of you, I remember US firefighters coming out to help us during our 2019 bushfires. Stay safe and all our best wishes for you and yours!
1 Like
It’s utterly infuriating. Someone I know who flies a Beech 18 hit one, almost came to blows with the owner, got him in to deep dookie, and then proceeded to paint a kill marker on his Beech.
He has two markers, now. Two too many, but I say it’s legit. If we’re going to have to dodge airborne rubberneckers, we get to paint the kill markers when we get one.
So, paint a marker on the Scooper.
1 Like
We have strict laws regarding unmanned aircraft in Norway. No closer than 5Km from an airport, which in Tromsø means no flying over the island or the city, unless coordinated with ATC.
This is a display at the baggage conveyor at the airport, showing Police confiscated quadcopters…
As for the LA fires, I can’t imagine how it must feel to lose almost everything I own, in a fire…
At least most people seem to be sensible enough to follow instructions and evacuate when told to.
Stay safe!
4 Likes