A request for information about our Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
Ref: FOI/16054
RE: FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT 2000 REQUEST
I am writing to confirm that the West Midlands Fire Service has now completed its search for the information you requested on 22nd April 2016
Please find below a summary of our findings.
Request
How many drones (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, or Remotely Piloted Aircraft) the West Midlands Fire Service both currently deploys (for use in operations), and if (and how many) there any platforms in storage.
Reply
We currently have 3 unmanned aerial vehicles.
Request
Any information you’re about to provide about the drones, for example: the model, and payloads used (for example thermal/ infra-red)
Reply
Aeryon Sky Ranger (HD still and video with infer red).
DJI Phantom (Go Pro)
Request
What types of operations your drones are used in
Reply
Operational incidents and training to support the on scene Commanders decision making.
Request
What training the officers that operate them must undertake.
Reply
Officers who use them have completed training in use of the equipment which comply with the operating principles of the CAA and the manufactures instruction for use. Instructors have received extensive system specific training and perform the role of train the trainer for other users.
If you have any queries about this email, please contact me. Please remember to quote the reference number above in any future communications. If you are unhappy with the service you have received in relation to your request and wish to make a complaint or request a review of our decision please write to The Public Relations Department, West Midlands Fire Service, 99 Vauxhall Road, Birmingham, B7 4HW
