The future of Hill County is here.
Hill County is beginning their new drone program. Drones will be used for a variety of purposes, but primarily for mosquito and weed control.
The Drone Program Administrator Josh Miller explains the backing that the drone program has.
“As far as our operations go, we have the backing of the Federal Government, so the FAA knows what we’re doing. We coordinate with the military and Homeland Security if necessary, so the fidelity of our program is very high. We want people to know this is not in the airspace to spy on you. We are using it for legitimate purposes.”-Josh Miller
Because the drones are backed by the federal government interfering with drone flight is a serious crime, and in Flathead County an individual shot down a drone and had to face the charges. Drone Program Administrator and Pilot in Command Josh Miller explains more.
“So, we have had that happen in Flathead County. We had someone over there shoot a drone down and their drone program is done with as far as we know. If you do that, it is no different than if you’re shooting at an aircraft. So, it is a terror act to be shooting or doing anything to interfere with our operation, so what we want the public to know is our people are clearly marked. Myself as the pilot in command, if you see me out there, I’ll have a vest on that says what I’m doing. We have signage, the big orange construction signs that say what we’re doing, and you’ll see where we’re at, so what I just want to say to the public…if you see us operating and that aircraft is in the air, don’t approach the pilot, don’t approach us until that has landed. We’ll gladly talk to you if you come up to us, but just make sure that drone is on the ground before you do that.”-Josh Miller
