LOCAL emergency services have helped pioneer a Queensland first major drone exercise for pilots to train in bushfire mapping, search and rescue and night operations.
Beaudesert based Senior Remote Pilot Chris Thompson, who manages the response of South East Region drone pilots, helped facilitate Exercise Wedgetail at Wyaralong Dam on September 14-15.
He was one of five senior pilots to facilitate the exercise, coordinated by Air Operations Officer Ben Macht.
More than 40 pilots took part in the first large scale Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) exercise at Wyaralong, utilising 35 aircraft.
A handful of local SES volunteers also played the roles of missing persons and casualties to assist with search exercises.
Mr Thompson said Wyaralong was perfect for the exercise.
“Wyaralong Dam in the Scenic Rim was chosen as the location due to it being fairly central, large open space and varied topography to challenge the pilots,” he said.
“We thought it was absolutely fantastic. It literally had everything we wanted including power for running screens for theory training and charging everything, big wide-open spaces and trails and varied landscapes.
“The large area allowed multiple drones and exercises to be operating simultaneously. Queensland Fire Department RPAS would like to sincerely thank SEQ Water for allowing the exercise to take place and for their hospitality.”
Mr Thompson said Exercise Wedgetail helped equip pilots for challenges they face on the job.
“The purpose of the exercise was to build capability and enhance pilots’ skillsets across a wide range of scenarios,” he said.
“Exercise facilitators developed and planned real world scenarios that mimicked real life situations pilots may find themselves responding to. These scenarios included bushfire mapping, search and rescue, hiking in long distances to remote locations to fly, and night operations, utilising thermal camera capability and spotlights.
“Pilots were able to work together to share ideas, skills, tips and techniques amongst each other to enhance the overall skills of QFD RPAS pilots.”
Mr Thompson said it was planned for the exercise to be an annual event, with all drone pilots statewide to be invited each year.
Queensland has about 150 RPAS pilots, including volunteers and staff pilots.
