DRONERESPONDERS SAR Working Group to Host Virtual Meetup on Drone Pilot Training on May 19
Upcoming Virtual Roundtable on Search and Rescue Drone Training
DRONERESPONDERS and the Mountain Rescue Association (MRA) have announced a virtual roundtable for their Search and Rescue (SAR) Working Group, scheduled for May 19, 2026. The session will focus on enhancing training for small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) SAR pilots and is open to all interested in drone-assisted rescue operations. Participants can register by contacting Kyle Nordfors at [email protected].
Focus on Training in SAR Operations
The upcoming roundtable will concentrate on improving the efficiency of SAR pilots, preparing for seasonal challenges, and applying established aviation safety frameworks to sUAS operations. Key topics will include:
- Crew Resource Management (CRM)
- Threat and Error Management (TEM)
- Extreme weather operations
- Lost person behavior
- Search theory
- Regulatory questions
Attendees are encouraged to bring questions related to these subjects. The emphasis on CRM and TEM is intended to reduce human error in high-pressure situations, a critical factor in SAR operations where timely response is essential.
Establishment of the SAR Working Group
The SAR Working Group is a new initiative within DRONERESPONDERS, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting public safety UAS operations. This group aims to share best practices, develop lessons learned, and advocate for regulatory changes to enhance the safety and effectiveness of drone-assisted SAR efforts. Membership is open to all, with a focus on collaboration among volunteers.
The group is modeled after the successful Drone as a First Responder (DFR) Working Group, which has made significant strides in advocating for streamlined regulatory processes with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The SAR Working Group seeks to achieve similar regulatory advancements tailored to the unique challenges of search and rescue operations.
Growth of SAR Drone Programs and Training Needs
The Mountain Rescue Association, which collaborates on this working group, represents over 90 SAR teams across North America. The adoption of drone programs among MRA member teams has increased from approximately 20% to nearly 80% in recent years. However, the rapid growth in hardware adoption has not been matched by standardized training, highlighting the need for the SAR Working Group’s initiatives.
Data from programs that prioritize training indicate significant improvements in search efficiency. For instance, Weber County Search and Rescue in Utah reduced its average search time from over four hours to under one hour after implementing a drone program, underscoring the importance of effective training in achieving operational success.
Upcoming SAR Events in 2026
The May 19 roundtable is part of a series of significant SAR-related events scheduled for 2026:
- NASAR Missing and Unidentified Persons Conference 2026: April 21-23, Las Vegas
- LEDA Utah: May 5-8, Ogden, Utah
- MRA Conference: June 12-14, Juneau, Alaska
- Commercial UAV Expo: September 1-3, Las Vegas
Conclusion
The DFR Working Group’s success provides a framework for the SAR Working Group’s potential impact. With a focus on organized advocacy and knowledge-sharing, the SAR community is poised to establish a stronger voice in regulatory discussions. The ongoing development of training standards and best practices will be crucial in addressing the remaining challenges in SAR drone operations.
DroneXL continues to monitor advancements in SAR drone deployments and the evolving landscape of training and operational standards.