Hundreds of Drone Pilots Sign up to Fly During Emergencies

Say what you will about civilian drones and drone pilots, but when the going gets tough, these drone pilots will get going. According to published Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) commercial drone exemption requests, a big chunk of drone pilots are willing to lend a hand for possible emergencies. A total of 19 percent mentioned emergency services--that's six times as many requests from the last quarter of 2015. With all these pilots willingly to help out in case of emergencies, this could mean that private pilots can easily aid officials during search and rescue missions and other equally critical emergency scenarios. Despite this magnanimous offer to lend a hand, it doesn't necessarily guarantee pilots flying time.