This post is from Rakesh and Pascal of Crisis Commons, who know WAY more about drones than I ever will. I tweaked a bit for flow and readability. They’ll be hosting a conversation soon amongst folks who are sharing airspace to figure out how to be good neighbors to each other – hit us up if you’d like to be a part of that at connect@crisiscommons.org and my first name at this blog’s domain. That conversation will apply to Milton as well as Helene. 

On Thursday, the FAA reported 30 “near misses” of crewed flights in the Helene disaster area in one 24 hour period. 

TL;DR for operating aircraft <400ft

• Uncoordinated shared airspace, and its near misses, bring crewed aircraft delivering aid or performing rescues to the ground for the safety of the crew. Crewed aircraft ALWAYS takes precedence over drones both for human safety and for response needs.
• Drone pilots are always legally responsible for understanding any relevant restrictions and airspace authorizations necessary.
• Local authority doesn’t have ownership of the skies. A police officer cannot (usually) tell you not to fly. The FAA coordinates the sky, and you should follow their guidance as best you can for the safety of all.
• Here’s how the FAA would like you to be operating in disaster zones. (H/T to jdg for finding this link)

It is not your god given right as an American to crash into a helicopter.