EAP - Emergency Action Plan
Preparedness Saves Lives.
An Emergency Action Plan (EAP) for drone deployment is critical because it ensures that when time-sensitive incidents occur—such as search and rescue, hazardous spills, natural disasters, or security threats—drone operations are executed quickly, safely, and effectively. Without a clear plan, precious minutes can be wasted on confusion, miscommunication, or unsafe practices, putting both responders and the public at risk. A well-designed EAP outlines roles, responsibilities, communication channels, flight protocols, and contingency measures, creating a structured response that maximizes the drone’s value as a rapid-deployment tool. In short, the EAP is the difference between a drone being a useful gadget and being a life-saving, mission-critical asset.
Take a minute to read the plan.
Emergency Action Plan (EAP) for Drone Deployment
Organization: Franklin Center for Innovation
Program: Drone Flight School / Emergency Response Ops
Contact: 700 Leslie Ave, Frankfort, KY 40601 - 502-382-0367 - dronesoverky@gmail.com
Prepared by: Jason Allen - Executive Director
Date: August 2nd 2025
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.
This EAP applies to all trained drone pilots, mission coordinators, visual observers, and support staff involved in any emergency-related drone operation, including:
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Search and Rescue (SAR)
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Fire or flood damage assessment
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Missing person reports
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Disaster zone mapping
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Law enforcement support
Drone deployment may be triggered by:
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Request from local emergency services (Fire, Police, EMS)
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Natural disasters (tornado, flood, fire, earthquake)
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Missing person or lost hiker reports
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Critical infrastructure damage assessment
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Mass gathering security concerns
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
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Confirm FAA Part 107 Certification and waivers
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Notify and coordinate with local authorities
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Check NOTAMs and TFRs
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Ensure all equipment is charged, updated, and inspected
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Conduct risk assessment (weather, terrain, interference)
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Assign roles and communication channels
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Establish launch/recovery zones and no-fly areas
1. Mobilization
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IC receives call/request
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Activate flight crew group text or radio channel
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Deploy team to staging area within 30 minutes
2. Mission Briefing
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Confirm objective, area of interest, hazards, and comms
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Review airspace restrictions and flight boundaries
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Review contingency and abort procedures
3. Flight Operations
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Maintain VLOS (Visual Line of Sight) unless BVLOS waiver is approved
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Adhere to 400 ft AGL ceiling unless otherwise permitted
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Record and transmit live video/data if available
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Communicate continuously with command via radio
4. Post-Mission
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Land safely, power down, secure equipment
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Debrief with team and stakeholders
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Archive footage/data with time stamps and GPS logs
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Log flight and maintenance details
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Primary: Radio (Channel [X]) / Cellular group chat
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Backup: Satellite phone or mobile command system
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Reporting: Real-time updates every 10 minutes or critical event
VIII. Safety and Contingencies
Medical Emergency:
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Cease operations, provide first aid, call 911
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Designate person to meet EMS at site entrance
Flyaway or System Failure:
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Activate Return to Home (RTH) or emergency cut-off
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Report incident to FAA if necessary
Airspace Intrusion (Manned Aircraft):
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Immediate descent and land
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Notify command and document encounter
Weather Change:
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Cease operations if wind exceeds 25 mph, low visibility, or electrical storms present
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Minimum 2 operational drones (1 backup)
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Payloads: 4K camera, thermal sensor, spotlight, PA speaker
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Batteries, chargers, first aid kit, fire extinguisher
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Flight cases and landing pads
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FAA-regulated night ops lighting (if applicable)
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Submit report within 24 hours
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Include:
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Flight log
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GPS coordinates
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Photographs/video
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Incident description
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Pilot/operator names
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FAA/ATC contact log (if applicable)
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Appendices:
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A: Area Map Grid
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B: Chain of Command Contact List
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C: Equipment Maintenance Log
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D: FAA Part 107 Quick Reference Sheet