Latest news with #RPAS
Hamilton Spectator
29-05-2025
- Business
- Hamilton Spectator
Volatus Releases Q1 2025 Financial Results
TORONTO, May 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Volatus Aerospace Inc. (TSXV:FLT) (OTCQB:TAKOF) (Frankfurt:A3DP5Y/ABBA.F) ('Volatus' or 'the Company'), a leader in aerial solutions, is pleased to announce its financial results for the three months ended March 31, 2025 (Q1 2025). All dollar figures are stated in Canadian dollars, unless otherwise indicated. The Company generated revenues of $5,713,158 for the three months ended March 31, 2025, with a 32% gross margin. Adjusted EBITDA improved by 30%, or $402,004 between Q1 2024 and Q1 2025. The Company also and generated cash from operating activities of $1,448,565 in the quarter. Q1 2025 Financial Highlights: Q1 2025 Operational Highlights: Subsequent to Q1 2025 Operational Highlights: 'During Q1 2025, Volatus focused on navigating ongoing geopolitical challenges by diversifying our operations and securing key regulatory approvals, strategic steps that position us to convert a growing sales pipeline into realized revenue,' said Glen Lynch, CEO of Volatus Aerospace. 'As we enter the core flying season, we look forward to increasing operational efficiency through our Operations Command Centre, enabling us to better serve large enterprise and government clients while advancing toward profitability.' Webinar: In conjunction with this release, Volatus will host a webinar on Wednesday, June 2nd at 8:00 AM EST at which time Glen Lynch, Chief Executive Officer, and Abhinav Singhvi, Chief Financial Officer, will review financial results and major milestones with Danielle Gagne, Head of Corporate Communications as moderator. Investors are invited to register for the webinar here . Registration Link: Audio Replay Options: An audio replay of the event will be archived on the Investor Relations page of the company's website here . About Volatus Aerospace: Volatus Aerospace is a leader in innovative global aerial solutions for intelligence and cargo. With a strong foundation of over 100 years of combined institutional knowledge in aviation, Volatus provides comprehensive solutions using both piloted and remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS). We serve industries such as oil and gas, utilities, healthcare, and public safety. Our mission is to enhance operational efficiency, safety, and sustainability through cutting-edge, real-world solutions. Note Regarding Non-GAAP Measures: In this press release we describe certain income and expense items that are unusual or non-recurring. There are terms not defined by International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). Our usage of these terms may vary from the usage adopted by other companies. Specifically, gross profit, gross margin, and Adjusted EBITDA r Normalized EBITDA are undefined terms by IFRS that may be referenced herein. We provide this detail so that readers have a better understanding of the significant events and transactions that have had an impact on our results. Throughout this release, reference is made to 'gross profit,' 'gross margin,' and 'Adjusted EBITDA' which are non-IFRS measures. Management believes that gross profit, defined as revenue less operating expenses, is a useful supplemental measure of operations. Gross profit helps provide an understanding on the level of costs needed to create revenue. Gross margin illustrates the gross profit as a percentage of revenue. Adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization ('Adjusted EBITDA'). The Company defines Adjusted EBITDA as IFRS comprehensive loss excluding interest expense, depreciation and amortization expense, share-based payments, income tax expense, integration and due diligence costs, one time profit or loss (non-recurring), and impairment of goodwill, property, plant, and equipment and right-of-use assets (ROU). The Company believes that Adjusted EBITDA is a meaningful financial metric as it measures cash generated from operations which the Company can use to fund working capital requirements, service future interest and principal debt repayments and fund future growth initiatives. Readers are cautioned that these non-IFRS measures may not be comparable to similar measures used by other companies. Readers are also cautioned not to view these non-IFRS financial measures as an alternative to financial measures calculated in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards ('IFRS'). Adjusted EBITDA does not have any standardized meaning under IFRS and therefore may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers and should not be construed as alternatives to comprehensive loss or income determined in accordance with IFRS. For more information with respect to financial measures which have not been defined by GAAP, including reconciliations to the closest comparable GAAP measure, see the 'Non-GAAP Measures and Additional GAAP Measures' section of the Company's most recent MD&A which is available on SEDAR. Forward-Looking Statement: This news release contains statements that constitute 'forward-looking information' and 'forward-looking statements' within the meaning of applicable securities laws, including statements regarding the plans, intentions, beliefs, and current expectations of the Company with respect to future business activities and operating performance. Often, but not always, forward-looking information and forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as 'plans', 'expects', 'is expected', 'budget', 'scheduled', 'estimates', 'forecasts', 'intends', 'anticipates', or 'believes' or variations (including negative variations) of such words and phrases, or statements formed in the future tense or indicating that certain actions, events or results 'may', 'could', 'would', 'might' or 'will' (or other variations of the foregoing) be taken, occur, be achieved, or come to pass. Forward-looking information includes information regarding: (i) the business plans and expectations of the Company; and (ii) expectations for other economic, business, and/or competitive factors. Forward-looking information is based on currently available competitive, financial, and economic data and operating plans, strategies, or beliefs as of the date of this news release, but involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. Such factors may be based on information currently available to the Company, including information obtained from third-party industry analysts and other third-party sources, and are based on management's current expectations or beliefs. Any and all forward-looking information contained in this news release is expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. Investors are cautioned that forward-looking information is not based on historical facts but instead reflects expectations, estimates or projections concerning future results or events based on the opinions, assumptions and estimates of management considered reasonable at the date the statements are made. Forward-looking information and forward-looking statements reflect the Company's current beliefs and is based on information currently available to it and on assumptions it believes to be not unreasonable in light of all of the circumstances. In some instances, material factors or assumptions are discussed in this news release in connection with statements containing forward-looking information. Such material factors and assumptions include, but are not limited to: the commercialization of drone flights beyond visual line of sight and potential benefits to the Company; and meeting the continued listing requirements of the TSXV. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results to differ from those anticipated, estimated or intended. The forward-looking information contained herein is made as of the date of this news release and, other than as required by law, the Company disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise. There can be no assurance that forward-looking information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. CONTACT DETAILS Abhinav Singhvi Chief Financial officer +1 833-865-2887 COMPANY WEBSITE SOURCE: Volatus Aerospace Inc.
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Volatus Aerospace Announces Broad National Expansion of Drone Operating Authorities Across Canada, Unlocking Scalable, High-Value Aerial Operations
/ NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES / TORONTO, May 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Volatus Aerospace Inc. (TSXV: FLT; OTCQX: TAKOF; Frankfurt: A2JEQU) ('Volatus', or the 'Company'), a leading provider of innovative aerial intelligence and logistics solutions, is proud to announce that Transport Canada has granted the Company additional nationwide Special Flight Operations Certificates (SFOC) that dramatically expand the scope and flexibility of Volatus' commercial drone operations and allows for expanded use of the Company's Operations Control Center (OCC) in Vaughan, ON. Expanded Nationwide Drone Operating Authorities Transport Canada has issued Volatus a newly amended SFOC unlocking a powerful suite of expanded drone operating privileges across Canada. These new authorities encompass operating procedure permissions that include: Canada-Wide BVLOS Authorization for Drone Operations Day and NightTo conduct beyond visual line-of-sight (BVLOS) operations using small drones (250g to 25kg) across the country, both day and night in uncontrolled airspace, outside of aerodrome environments, expanding the previously announced authority for nation-wide BVLOS authority at night. Proximity Flight Near InfrastructurePermission to operate an RPAS (Remotely Piloted Aircraft System) beyond visual line-of-sight without a pilot or visual observer maintaining visual contact within 100 feet vertically and 200 feet horizontally of structures such as buildings, towers, powerlines, and rail corridors, opening the door to close-proximity and long-range inspections, surveillance, and security patrols. Access to Restricted and Controlled AirspaceApproval to operate within Class F restricted airspace and NOTAM-defined zones, enabling missions in complex or dynamically managed environments. Operations in Northern Domestic AirspaceClearance for BVLOS drone flight operations at altitudes up to 400 feet AGL in Canada's Northern Domestic Airspace, supporting high-latitude missions for environmental monitoring, infrastructure inspection, cargo delivery and Indigenous community services. BVLOS Operations Without Visual ObserversSpecific authorization to operate RPAS beyond visual line-of-sight without the pilot or observer maintaining direct visual contact, leveraging Transport Canada-accepted detect-and-avoid technologies and operational protocols. Support for Remote and Automated SystemsThis enables integration with automated and remote drone operations, including nested (drone-in-a-box) solutions through accepted SORA-based risk mitigation and oversight. These regulatory advancements set the stage for scalable, automated, and commercially viable drone operations from coast to coast. Why It Matters: Regulatory Momentum with Commercial Impact Canada-Wide BVLOS, Day or Night – Using Transport Canada-accepted detect-and-avoid systems and safety protocols, Volatus is now authorized to fly drones across the country beyond visual line-of-sight, including at night. Heavy-Lift & High-Altitude Capability - The ability to fly certain drones over 25kg and above standard altitude ceilings unlocking extended operations in sectors such as cargo logistics, energy transmission line monitoring, search and rescue operations, and telecommunications tower inspections. Wildfire Response & Restricted Airspace Access - Volatus can operate in wildfire restricted airspace during active wildfire events—supporting government and firefighting agencies with aerial intelligence, hotspot detection, and real-time situational awareness. 'With these approvals, Volatus can more significantly and on a wider basis, provide clients with nationwide BVLOS drone services at scale for clients in energy, telecom, transportation, agriculture, mining, and public safety,' said Rob Walker, Chief Commercial Officer for Volatus. 'We can deploy heavier, longer-range drones capable of carrying larger payloads or extended sensors and we can commercialize our Operations Control Centre (OCC) offering a managed service for enterprise clients and partners—offering real-time drone oversight, mission management, and data collection including large scale deployment of drone-in-a-box solutions, nationwide with regulatory compliance.' Building on a Growing Portfolio of Regulatory Approvals These new authorizations build on the national nighttime BVLOS authority announced in March 2025, which permits drone operations beyond visual line-of-sight during legal night in uncontrolled airspace. In addition, Volatus holds a suite of existing and renewed Special Flight Operations Certificates (SFOCs) that collectively enable: Fixed-Corridor BVLOS for Medical Drone Deliveries approving operations beyond visual line-of-sight flights between hospitals, enabling medical cargo deliveries over an urban-adjacent environment with regulatory oversight and OCC-managed safety protocols, with ground-based radar serving as the detect-and-avoid (DAA) mitigation. High-payload operations with certain drones that exceed 25kg, supporting missions such as cargo transport, wildfire response, and infrastructure inspection. Operations in restricted wildfire airspace for forest fire support missions, including BVLOS flights above 400 feet AGL under agreements with provincial fire authorities. Altitude waivers for flights above standard ceiling limits in support of long-range and terrain-following missions. Use of Foreign Operators and Pilots, recognition of foreign operator and pilot credentials allows Volatus to deploy its multinational pilot workforce seamlessly across operations. With certified pilots based in Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom, this flexibility enables rapid mobilization, efficient cross-border coordination, and global service delivery under a unified operational framework. Together, these approvals represent one of the most robust regulatory frameworks granted to any drone operator in Canada, positioning Volatus at the forefront of scalable, compliant, and high-impact drone services. 'These regulatory approvals don't just reflect our technical readiness, they position us at the forefront of Canada's evolving drone economy,' said Glen Lynch, CEO of Volatus. 'With the ability to fly further, higher, heavier—at any time and in many location scenarios—we're opening up a new scale of possibility for aerial intelligence and logistics.' Positioned for Leadership Volatus is among a select group of operators in Canada authorized to fly missions that meet Transport Canada's highest accepted safety assurance level for complex drone operations – SAIL 4. 'This means we've demonstrated that our technology, procedures, and risk mitigation strategies meet stringent safety standards required for higher-risk environments, including beyond visual line-of-sight flights in urban-adjacent areas. Operating at this level enables us to serve critical sectors, such as healthcare, infrastructure, and public safety—with safe, reliable, and compliant drone services at scale,' remarked Greg Colacitti, Chief Operating Officer for Volatus. 'These authorizations build upon one another to create an ecosystem where we can operate with flexibility, scale, and commercial viability,' Colacitti added. 'They give us a distinct operational advantage and make us the partner of choice for organizations seeking scalable, safe, and high-performance drone operations in Canada and beyond. About Volatus Aerospace: Volatus Aerospace is a leader in innovative global aerial solutions for intelligence and cargo. With a strong foundation of over 100 years of combined institutional knowledge in aviation, Volatus provides comprehensive solutions using both piloted and remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS). We serve industries such as oil and gas, utilities, healthcare, and public safety. Our mission is to enhance operational efficiency, safety, and sustainability through cutting-edge, real-world solutions. Forward-Looking Information This news release contains statements that constitute 'forward-looking information' and 'forward-looking statements' within the meaning of applicable securities laws, including statements regarding the plans, intentions, beliefs, and current expectations of the Company with respect to future business activities and operating performance. Often, but not always, forward-looking information and forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as 'plans', 'expects', 'is expected', 'budget', 'scheduled', 'estimates', 'forecasts', 'intends', 'anticipates', or 'believes' or variations (including negative variations) of such words and phrases, or statements formed in the future tense or indicating that certain actions, events or results 'may', 'could', 'would', 'might' or 'will' (or other variations of the foregoing) be taken, occur, be achieved, or come to pass. Forward-looking information includes information about the Shares-for-Debt Transaction, including information regarding the receipt of regulatory approvals, the conversion of the Debentures, the timing and anticipated benefits thereof, and expectations for other economic, business, and/or competitive factors. Forward-looking information is based on currently available competitive, financial, and economic data and operating plans, strategies, or beliefs of management as of the date of this news release, but involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. Such factors may be based on information currently available to the Company, including information obtained from third-party industry analysts and other third-party sources, and are based on management's current expectations or beliefs. Any and all forward-looking information contained in this news release is expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. Investors are cautioned that forward-looking information is not based on historical facts but instead reflects expectations, estimates or projections concerning future results or events based on the opinions, assumptions and estimates of management considered reasonable at the date the statements are made. Forward-looking information and forward-looking statements reflect the Company's current beliefs and is based on information currently available to it and on assumptions it believes to be not unreasonable in light of all of the circumstances. In some instances, material factors or assumptions are discussed in this news release in connection with statements containing forward-looking information. Such material factors and assumptions include but are not limited to: the anticipated benefits of the conversion of the Debentures; TSXV approval of the Shares-for-Debt Transaction; and including, but not limited to, those factors set forth in the Company's annual and quarterly management's discussion and analysis filed on Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results to differ from those anticipated, estimated or intended. The forward-looking information contained herein is made as of the date of this news release and, other than as required by law, the Company disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise. There can be no assurance that forward-looking information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Neither the TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. Contact Information:Rob Walker,
The Advertiser
26-05-2025
- General
- The Advertiser
'Touch and go': firies in daring rescue with makeshift raft, dogs and darkness
A Fire and Rescue NSW crew has pulled off an amazing rescue near Kempsey during the NSW mid-north coast floods. The crew rescued two people and their working dogs from a flooded, isolated farm near Kempsey, on the Mid North Coast. Strike Team Charlie was sent to help the residents, who were stranded for three days on the property near old Burgess Creek, about 10 kilometres from Kempsey. The crew included leading firefighter Scott O'Shea, senior firefighter Gavin Smith, along with firefighters Michael Murphy and Patrick Burrows. A triangulation navigation app was used to identify the farmstead after local landmarks were flooded. The crew paddled in a rescue boat to reach the man (Troy) aged in his 60s, and a 32-year-old woman. Upon arrival, senior firefighter Smith said there was not a "dry bit of land anywhere" and two dogs were "on top of the roof of a kennel". The man (Troy) didn't want to leave his six working dogs behind, so the crew used a makeshift raft created by a bamboo fence to help in the rescue mission. They used firefighting cords to create leads for the dogs and tied the raft to their inflatable flood boat. With the man also on the raft to calm his dogs, they began the trek back. However, they had to improvise again after leading firefighter O'Shea said the raft became "an anchor with the extra weight". As a surfer, leading firefighter O'Shea has experience with stand-up paddle boards, so he volunteered to paddle it. Facing a two-kilometre paddle at night, the firefighters identified their next challenge; finding their way back in pitch black conditions. Their team leader, back at the temporary base of operations, radioed another fire crew from Wauchope, trained to use a Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) or drone, to assist. The drone was flown to meet the in-water crew and their passengers. Its in-built spotlight was activated to guide the paddlers through the flooded bush to the safety point. "It just made it a whole lot safer, and we knew once that drone was in the sky that everything was gonna be ok," leading firefighter O'Shea said. "It was touch and go there for a while." The return journey to safety took around two hours, while the journey to the couple and their dogs took around 30 minutes. The couple was then transported to Kempsey Hospital in another fire truck for treatment. Strike Team Charlie Leader, Inspector Gaven Muller, said the resilience and resourcefulness of the firefighters was outstanding. "I'm so proud of this team and the way it cared for those trapped people and their animals," Inspector Muller said. "Speaking over the radio, I told them, 'the drone is up, I've got you in my sights, just follow the light'. "They said it was like a beacon and they knew they were heading in the right direction. "Before long, they had reached safety and we managed to get the pair to the hospital." The man suffered mild hypothermia and the dogs were taken to Kempsey Showground. A Fire and Rescue NSW crew has pulled off an amazing rescue near Kempsey during the NSW mid-north coast floods. The crew rescued two people and their working dogs from a flooded, isolated farm near Kempsey, on the Mid North Coast. Strike Team Charlie was sent to help the residents, who were stranded for three days on the property near old Burgess Creek, about 10 kilometres from Kempsey. The crew included leading firefighter Scott O'Shea, senior firefighter Gavin Smith, along with firefighters Michael Murphy and Patrick Burrows. A triangulation navigation app was used to identify the farmstead after local landmarks were flooded. The crew paddled in a rescue boat to reach the man (Troy) aged in his 60s, and a 32-year-old woman. Upon arrival, senior firefighter Smith said there was not a "dry bit of land anywhere" and two dogs were "on top of the roof of a kennel". The man (Troy) didn't want to leave his six working dogs behind, so the crew used a makeshift raft created by a bamboo fence to help in the rescue mission. They used firefighting cords to create leads for the dogs and tied the raft to their inflatable flood boat. With the man also on the raft to calm his dogs, they began the trek back. However, they had to improvise again after leading firefighter O'Shea said the raft became "an anchor with the extra weight". As a surfer, leading firefighter O'Shea has experience with stand-up paddle boards, so he volunteered to paddle it. Facing a two-kilometre paddle at night, the firefighters identified their next challenge; finding their way back in pitch black conditions. Their team leader, back at the temporary base of operations, radioed another fire crew from Wauchope, trained to use a Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) or drone, to assist. The drone was flown to meet the in-water crew and their passengers. Its in-built spotlight was activated to guide the paddlers through the flooded bush to the safety point. "It just made it a whole lot safer, and we knew once that drone was in the sky that everything was gonna be ok," leading firefighter O'Shea said. "It was touch and go there for a while." The return journey to safety took around two hours, while the journey to the couple and their dogs took around 30 minutes. The couple was then transported to Kempsey Hospital in another fire truck for treatment. Strike Team Charlie Leader, Inspector Gaven Muller, said the resilience and resourcefulness of the firefighters was outstanding. "I'm so proud of this team and the way it cared for those trapped people and their animals," Inspector Muller said. "Speaking over the radio, I told them, 'the drone is up, I've got you in my sights, just follow the light'. "They said it was like a beacon and they knew they were heading in the right direction. "Before long, they had reached safety and we managed to get the pair to the hospital." The man suffered mild hypothermia and the dogs were taken to Kempsey Showground. A Fire and Rescue NSW crew has pulled off an amazing rescue near Kempsey during the NSW mid-north coast floods. The crew rescued two people and their working dogs from a flooded, isolated farm near Kempsey, on the Mid North Coast. Strike Team Charlie was sent to help the residents, who were stranded for three days on the property near old Burgess Creek, about 10 kilometres from Kempsey. The crew included leading firefighter Scott O'Shea, senior firefighter Gavin Smith, along with firefighters Michael Murphy and Patrick Burrows. A triangulation navigation app was used to identify the farmstead after local landmarks were flooded. The crew paddled in a rescue boat to reach the man (Troy) aged in his 60s, and a 32-year-old woman. Upon arrival, senior firefighter Smith said there was not a "dry bit of land anywhere" and two dogs were "on top of the roof of a kennel". The man (Troy) didn't want to leave his six working dogs behind, so the crew used a makeshift raft created by a bamboo fence to help in the rescue mission. They used firefighting cords to create leads for the dogs and tied the raft to their inflatable flood boat. With the man also on the raft to calm his dogs, they began the trek back. However, they had to improvise again after leading firefighter O'Shea said the raft became "an anchor with the extra weight". As a surfer, leading firefighter O'Shea has experience with stand-up paddle boards, so he volunteered to paddle it. Facing a two-kilometre paddle at night, the firefighters identified their next challenge; finding their way back in pitch black conditions. Their team leader, back at the temporary base of operations, radioed another fire crew from Wauchope, trained to use a Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) or drone, to assist. The drone was flown to meet the in-water crew and their passengers. Its in-built spotlight was activated to guide the paddlers through the flooded bush to the safety point. "It just made it a whole lot safer, and we knew once that drone was in the sky that everything was gonna be ok," leading firefighter O'Shea said. "It was touch and go there for a while." The return journey to safety took around two hours, while the journey to the couple and their dogs took around 30 minutes. The couple was then transported to Kempsey Hospital in another fire truck for treatment. Strike Team Charlie Leader, Inspector Gaven Muller, said the resilience and resourcefulness of the firefighters was outstanding. "I'm so proud of this team and the way it cared for those trapped people and their animals," Inspector Muller said. "Speaking over the radio, I told them, 'the drone is up, I've got you in my sights, just follow the light'. "They said it was like a beacon and they knew they were heading in the right direction. "Before long, they had reached safety and we managed to get the pair to the hospital." The man suffered mild hypothermia and the dogs were taken to Kempsey Showground. A Fire and Rescue NSW crew has pulled off an amazing rescue near Kempsey during the NSW mid-north coast floods. The crew rescued two people and their working dogs from a flooded, isolated farm near Kempsey, on the Mid North Coast. Strike Team Charlie was sent to help the residents, who were stranded for three days on the property near old Burgess Creek, about 10 kilometres from Kempsey. The crew included leading firefighter Scott O'Shea, senior firefighter Gavin Smith, along with firefighters Michael Murphy and Patrick Burrows. A triangulation navigation app was used to identify the farmstead after local landmarks were flooded. The crew paddled in a rescue boat to reach the man (Troy) aged in his 60s, and a 32-year-old woman. Upon arrival, senior firefighter Smith said there was not a "dry bit of land anywhere" and two dogs were "on top of the roof of a kennel". The man (Troy) didn't want to leave his six working dogs behind, so the crew used a makeshift raft created by a bamboo fence to help in the rescue mission. They used firefighting cords to create leads for the dogs and tied the raft to their inflatable flood boat. With the man also on the raft to calm his dogs, they began the trek back. However, they had to improvise again after leading firefighter O'Shea said the raft became "an anchor with the extra weight". As a surfer, leading firefighter O'Shea has experience with stand-up paddle boards, so he volunteered to paddle it. Facing a two-kilometre paddle at night, the firefighters identified their next challenge; finding their way back in pitch black conditions. Their team leader, back at the temporary base of operations, radioed another fire crew from Wauchope, trained to use a Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) or drone, to assist. The drone was flown to meet the in-water crew and their passengers. Its in-built spotlight was activated to guide the paddlers through the flooded bush to the safety point. "It just made it a whole lot safer, and we knew once that drone was in the sky that everything was gonna be ok," leading firefighter O'Shea said. "It was touch and go there for a while." The return journey to safety took around two hours, while the journey to the couple and their dogs took around 30 minutes. The couple was then transported to Kempsey Hospital in another fire truck for treatment. Strike Team Charlie Leader, Inspector Gaven Muller, said the resilience and resourcefulness of the firefighters was outstanding. "I'm so proud of this team and the way it cared for those trapped people and their animals," Inspector Muller said. "Speaking over the radio, I told them, 'the drone is up, I've got you in my sights, just follow the light'. "They said it was like a beacon and they knew they were heading in the right direction. "Before long, they had reached safety and we managed to get the pair to the hospital." The man suffered mild hypothermia and the dogs were taken to Kempsey Showground.
7NEWS
25-05-2025
- General
- 7NEWS
Farmers, working dogs saved in dramatic drone-assisted rescue
There has been a lucky escape for two people and their working dogs after their property was inundated by floodwaters. Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) sent in Strike Team Charlie — five in-water rescue technicians — after the property near old Burgess Creek, about 10 kilometres from Kempsey on the NSW Mid-North Coast, was cut off by flood water. With all local landmarks underwater, it was up to the rescue crew to use a 'triangulation navigation' app to identify the property. Once identified, it took the rescue boat two hours to reach the occupants. Found at the flooded property was a man in his 60s suffering from mild hypothermia and a 32-year-old woman. The man refused to leave his six working dogs behind, and with no room in the small rescue boat, the crew had to think outside the box to get the dogs to safety. The crew tore down a bamboo fence to craft a makeshift raft, which transported the man and his six dogs. In pitch black and facing a 2km paddle back almost blind, the crew were forced to find additional help. Their team leader, who was back at the temporary base of operations, called in a fire crew from Wauchope who had training to use a Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) or drone. Using the drone with a handy built-in spotlight, the rescue crew were able to navigate their way out of the flooded waters. Both the man and woman were transported to hospital for treatment and checks. Strike Team Charlie leader, Inspector Gaven Muller, said the inventiveness of the firefighters was outstanding. 'I'm so proud of this team and the way it cared for those trapped people and their animals,' he said. 'Speaking over the radio, I told them, 'The drone's up, I've got you in my sights, just follow the light'. 'They said it was like a beacon and they knew they were heading in the right direction. 'Before long, they had reached safety and we managed to get the pair to hospital.'
Time of India
24-05-2025
- General
- Time of India
Two women officers receive ‘instructor' badges for remotely piloted aerial system
Nashik: After achieving the feat of training women officers in combat aviation, the Nashik-based Combat Army Aviation Training School (CAATS) has now presented 'instructor' badges to two women for the first time, qualifying them to be trainers for remotely piloted aerial system (RPAS) in combat aviation. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Two women officers Major Isha Thakur and Major Jagmeet Kaur, who are flying officers, have become 'qualified flying instructors' (QFI), making them eligible to train officers in 'combat aviation'. Isha Thakur from Himachal Pradesh, whose father runs a hotel and mother a teacher, is the first from the family in the defence, while Jagmeet Kaur's father and grandfather had served in the armed forces. "It is an achievement for us to be instructors for RPAS, which is gaining strength in operations. We are glad as this will help us to attack installations of the enemy with minimal risk," said Major Isha Thakur. Addressing the gathering after the presentation of trophies to the flying officers, who completed the course, Lt Gen Vinod Nambiar, DG and Col Commandant of the Army Aviation Corps, said manned and unmanned teams handling combat and combat support roles were on the horizon and CAATS was preparing to meet future requirements. "Certainly, more manned platforms transforming into unmanned ones is on the horizon, as witnessed in recent global conflicts. Concepts like manned-unmanned teams, where all combat and combat support roles of army aviation will be augmented by unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) and unmanned aerial systems (UAS) is evolving," said Lt Gen Nambiar. "We will have combat pilots transforming into combat system operators with capabilities to fly, control, and operate manned and unmanned aerial platforms simultaneously," the officer noted, adding he was confident that the aviators of today would embrace it with open arms so as to be able to dominate the battlefield of tomorrow. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now "CAATS is at the forefront of manifesting new operational concepts. The successful introduction of manned-unmanned team training in advanced combat training course is one such example. CAATS is effectively contributing to transformation and operational optimisation process currently under progress in the Indian Army," the officer said. CAATS is a premier training institution of the Indian Army that imparts basic and advanced flying training to officers.
