Emergency Action Plan (EAP) for Drone Deployment

Organization: Franklin Center for Innovation
Program: Drone Flight School / Emergency Response Ops
Location: 700 Leslie Ave, Frankfort, KY 40601
Prepared by: Jason Allen
Date: August 2nd 2025

I. Purpose

This Emergency Action Plan (EAP) outlines the procedures and responsibilities for the safe, rapid, and effective deployment of drones during emergencies. It ensures personnel safety, airspace coordination, and mission effectiveness under pressure.

II. Scope

This EAP applies to all trained drone pilots, mission coordinators, visual observers, and support staff involved in any emergency-related drone operation, including:

• Search and Rescue (SAR)

• Fire or flood damage assessment

• Missing person reports

• Disaster zone mapping

• Law enforcement support

III. Emergency Deployment Triggers

Drone deployment may be triggered by:

• Request from local emergency services (Fire, Police, EMS)

• Natural disasters (tornado, flood, fire, earthquake)

• Missing person or lost hiker reports

• Critical infrastructure damage assessment

• Mass gathering security concerns
  
  

IV. Key Roles & Responsibilities

Role                                                                               Responsibility

Incident Commander (IC)                                 Coordinates with emergency services, authorizes drone launch

Chief Remote Pilot (CRP)                                  Ensures FAA compliance, assigns pilots, manages flight safety

Visual Observers (VOs)                                      Maintain line-of-sight, monitor surroundings for hazards

Mission Specialist                                                  Manages payload (camera, thermal, speaker, etc.), handles data

Airspace Liaison                                                     Notifies FAA/ATC when operating in controlled airspace or TFRs

V. Pre-Deployment Checklist

• ✅ Confirm FAA Part 107 Certification and waivers

• ✅ Notify and coordinate with local authorities

• ✅ Check NOTAMs and TFRs

• ✅ Ensure all equipment is charged, updated, and inspected

• ✅ Conduct risk assessment (weather, terrain, interference)

• ✅ Assign roles and communication channels

• ✅ Establish launch/recovery zones and no-fly areas
  
  

VI. Deployment Protocols

1. Mobilization

• IC receives call/request

• Activate flight crew group text or radio channel

• Deploy team to staging area within 30 minutes
  
  

2. Mission Briefing

• Confirm objective, area of interest, hazards, and comms

• Review airspace restrictions and flight boundaries

• Review contingency and abort procedures
  
  

3. Flight Operations

• Maintain VLOS (Visual Line of Sight) unless BVLOS waiver is approved

• Adhere to 400 ft AGL ceiling unless otherwise permitted

• Record and transmit live video/data if available

• Communicate continuously with command via radio
  
  

4. Post-Mission

• Land safely, power down, secure equipment

• Debrief with team and stakeholders

• Archive footage/data with time stamps and GPS logs

• Log flight and maintenance details

VII. Communications Plan

• Primary: Radio (Channel [X]) / Cellular group chat

• Backup: Satellite phone or mobile command system

• Reporting: Real-time updates every 10 minutes or critical event

VIII. Safety and Contingencies

Medical Emergency:

• Cease operations, provide first aid, call 911

• Designate person to meet EMS at site entrance
  
  

Flyaway or System Failure:

• Activate Return to Home (RTH) or emergency cut-off

• Report incident to FAA if necessary
  
  

Airspace Intrusion (Manned Aircraft):

• Immediate descent and land

• Notify command and document encounter
  
  

Weather Change:

• Cease operations if wind exceeds 25 mph, low visibility, or electrical storms present

IX. Equipment Requirements

• Minimum 2 operational drones (1 backup)

• Payloads: 4K camera, thermal sensor, spotlight, PA speaker

• Batteries, chargers, first aid kit, fire extinguisher

• Flight cases and landing pads

• FAA-regulated night ops lighting (if applicable)

X. Post-Incident Reporting

• Submit report within 24 hours

• Include:

  • Flight log

  • GPS coordinates

  • Photographs/video

  • Incident description

  • Pilot/operator names

  • FAA/ATC contact log (if applicable)

Appendices:

• A: Area Map Grid

• B: Chain of Command Contact List

• C: Equipment Maintenance Log

• D: FAA Part 107 Quick Reference Sheet