The helicopter was forced to land.
KERR COUNTY, Texas — A drone struck a helicopter that was being used in emergency operations in Texas Hill Country Monday afternoon, according to Kerr County officials.
Kerr County posted on social media that the strike forced the helicopter out of action.
“The helicopter was forced to make an emergency landing, and a critical piece of response equipment is now out of service until further notice,” the post read.
“This was entirely preventable,” the post continued. “Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) are not suggestions. They are federal airspace rules designed to protect lives during emergency situations.”
A TFR restricts airspace in an area. Drone operators should use FAA’s B4UFLY to check the airspace regulations.
Helicopters and military-spec drones are being used to help search crews and emergency personnel in the aftermath of the flooding. Helicopters are moving people to and from affected areas. Personal drones can get in the way and create dangerous conditions for the aircraft.
Major General Thomas M. Suelzer with the Texas National Guard said a remotely piloted aircraft, or drone, was launched out of Houston Sunday to help with rescue and recovery. The MQ-9 Reaper is operated out of Houston and provides reconnaissance to the search and rescue teams.
The general said the Federal Aviation Administration granted special temporary flight restriction for the area.