Question for those smarter than me:
I work for a community newspaper in central California. I am Part 107 rated. I have used my TH to cover many events. On 7-3-19 my scanner alerted me to a structure fire about 6 miles away. It turned out to be a mobile home that was fully engulfed when Fire Dept got there and I wasn't far behind. I have a press pass and usually check with someone before launching, but have never had an objection. In the interest of expediency, I launched right away. I got some good video. I was up about 6 minutes when a fireman told me to land because I was interfering with their radio communications.
The local city Fire Chief has asked me to be on scene to provide an aerial view of the situation, but I haven't yet had the opportunity to be on scene. Given the fact that more an more Fire, Police, & Sheriff's Dept are incorporating drones, I don't think I buy their reason for asking me to land. I did land immediately so as not to cause an issue, but plan to follow up with County Fire Captains.
We were in a rural location, in an orange grove, but I experienced no issues on my scanner.
So, my question is, is it possible for the TH's radios to interfere with first responders' radios.
Thanks
I work for a community newspaper in central California. I am Part 107 rated. I have used my TH to cover many events. On 7-3-19 my scanner alerted me to a structure fire about 6 miles away. It turned out to be a mobile home that was fully engulfed when Fire Dept got there and I wasn't far behind. I have a press pass and usually check with someone before launching, but have never had an objection. In the interest of expediency, I launched right away. I got some good video. I was up about 6 minutes when a fireman told me to land because I was interfering with their radio communications.
The local city Fire Chief has asked me to be on scene to provide an aerial view of the situation, but I haven't yet had the opportunity to be on scene. Given the fact that more an more Fire, Police, & Sheriff's Dept are incorporating drones, I don't think I buy their reason for asking me to land. I did land immediately so as not to cause an issue, but plan to follow up with County Fire Captains.
We were in a rural location, in an orange grove, but I experienced no issues on my scanner.
So, my question is, is it possible for the TH's radios to interfere with first responders' radios.
Thanks