SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO AM) The Civil Air Patrol's Sioux Falls Composite Squadron has started a Quadcopter Corps, to be ready when drones become part of emergency search and rescue.
Currently, the CAP bans the use of unmanned aerial vehicles in finding lost people or other emergency missions, but when the regulations change, the Sioux Falls Squadron will have a cadre of qualified personnel.
Under FAA regulations, to operate a drone commercially, the pilot must have a Part 107 license, which entails taking a pilot ground school-like test. Currently licensed pilots have to view a powerpoint presentation before being granted a drone license.
Commercial operation is broad, which is one of the reasons the CAP has not instituted drones in its non-aerospace education programs. Hobbyists can fly drones under a certain size without a license, which is where the SFCS Quadcopter program fits. The Sioux Falls Composite Squadron has 97 members, with 39 Cadets (12-18) and 58 Senior Members (18+).