Community Chat

[NoelSeven]

This is an amazing story! Many of us are wary of drone use, but this is such a positive story, it provides a positive side of their use.

US Pensioner Missing For Three Days Located By Amateur Drone Pilot In 20 Minutes

A missing pensioner who had been the target of a three day search by authorities in the US has been located in 20 minutes by an amateur drone pilot.

The 82-year-old Guillermo DeVenecia went missing in Fitchburg, Wisconsin last week, with his family fearing that the Alzheimer's sufferer could be in danger.

A police search involving dogs and helicopters was launched but it was not until a drone operated by local man David Lesh joined the operation was DeVenecia found, dehydrated but otherwise unharmed, in the middle of a bean field.

After hearing about the missing man he decided to see if his drone could be of any help.

The success may put pressure on aviation authorities in the US to rethink laws limiting the use of drones in search and rescue operations.

The American Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) currently frowns upon any commercial drone use, classifying the aircraft alongside model planes used by hobbyists'

http://nr.news-republic.com/Web/ArticleWeb.aspx?regionid=1&articleid=26460784&m=d

[Yuban3]

Drones can be used for so many positive things.

Search and rescue as in this man's case.

They can fly over areas that are inaccessible, they can be, and already are used in tv commercials, tv shows, movies, etc.

Drones are not the "evil" things that some people want them to be.

[NoelSeven]

On 7/25/2014 Yuban3 said:

Drones can be used for so many positive things.

Search and rescue as in this man's case.

They can fly over areas that are inaccessible, they can be, and already are used in tv commercials, tv shows, movies, etc.

Drones are not the "evil" things that some people want them to be.

No, but people who use them can be idiots.

Drones have to be regulated, especially around airports. We already have numerous idiots who think it's a game to point lasers at aircraft.

[mewsmomtoo]

I agree that private sector drones need to be regulated and monitored, but hopefully this incident opens the eyes of law enforcement and search and rescue to the possibilities of using drones. I'm sure Guillermo DeVenecia's family is grateful for David Lesh launching his drone. With an Alzheimers' sufferer, there is no logic to their thinking and they could literally be anywhere, so to have a device that can search from overhead like this can be very useful.

Glad to hear of a happy outcome and that Mr. DeVenecia is safely home with his family

[NoelSeven]

On 7/25/2014 mewsmomtoo said:

I agree that private sector drones need to be regulated and monitored, but hopefully this incident opens the eyes of law enforcement and search and rescue to the possibilities of using drones. I'm sure Guillermo DeVenecia's family is grateful for David Lesh launching his drone. With an Alzheimers' sufferer, there is no logic to their thinking and they could literally be anywhere, so to have a device that can search from overhead like this can be very useful.

Glad to hear of a happy outcome and that Mr. DeVenecia is safely home with his family

Hi mewsmom

I sure hope so, too! People frequently get lost in California, especially in mountain areas or snow. Drones could help with that, a lot.

[luvdoodles]

That is a wonderful story, but for some reason, drones freak me out a little bit. They do have good purposes though. I just don't want to see a drone delivering me a package and leaving it on the porch. I am sure that will be coming someday though.

[ROMARY]

What a crazy world this will be, all of those drones flying around overhead, delivering 'this and that'! I'm in favor of search-and-rescue drones, though, with competent people in charge. Also, might be a great idea for law enforcement, instead of high-speed car chases. Just use drones to follow the culprits to their final destination.

[Moonlady]

Oh, I'm sure there are positive uses for drones. However, the thought of just anyone being able to purchase a drone that subsequently crashes onto our roof, and being unable to identify its owner (who surely won't come forward then), doesn't send me anywhere.

[spot555]

On 7/25/2014 Yuban3 said:

Drones can be used for so many positive things.

Search and rescue as in this man's case.

They can fly over areas that are inaccessible, they can be, and already are used in tv commercials, tv shows, movies, etc.

Drones are not the "evil" things that some people want them to be.

Just give it time. When ANY idiot can buy one online (as they can now), it's not going to be used for "good". Wouldn't you love to be in your backyard sunbathing & have a drone come up on you?

This world has become WAY too invasive.

[ROMARY]

I wouldn't want one following me.........unless law enforcement can 'track' the owner. Also, what if some 'kids' (teens, etc.) decide to use them as play stations (or whatever games they are playing now-a-days). Wouldn't want to be hit by one, walking or driving.