Eagle Eyes Interview: LPCSAR Drone Insights
La Plata County Search and Rescue (LPCSAR) was recently featured in an Eagle Eyes Interview that highlights our advanced use of Search and Rescue drones. As a growing SAR Organization in the Four Corners, we’ve developed a UAS program focused on safety, efficiency, and real-world impact in backcountry rescue operations.
From supporting avalanche rescues to remote technical operations, our drone workflows leverage tools like Eagle Eyes and CalTopo to increase situational awareness and reduce risk during missions.
Eagle Eyes Search – Inside La Plata County SAR’s Drone Playbook
High above Colorado’s rugged backcountry, an LPCSAR drone scans dense forest for signs of a subject. With mountains ahead and weather rolling in, aerial assets like this extend our reach when time matters most.
Smart Tools for Smart Searching
Our UAS Team performs rapid aerial searches using spiral and grid patterns from Initial Planning Points (IPP). We generate orthomosaics to detect subtle terrain clues, monitor hazards remotely, and provide vital reconnaissance for active incidents. More details regarding our UAS search patterns and stratigies a can be found in our UAS Search Patterns for SAR Missions article.
Eagle Eyes software enhances our drone video analysis by flagging detections in real-time or for post-mission review. This enables better decision-making, reduces responder fatigue, and helps prioritize search areas effectively.
Safety, Cost, and Risk Management
Compared to helicopters, SAR UAS carry far less safety risk for operators and come at a fraction of the cost. Drones can safely access hazardous or remote areas where helicopters face operational limits or elevated risks. Our risk assessments, guided by ICS and GAR principles, prioritize drone deployment to protect personnel and resources.
Our team uses SOPs and certified pilots to maintain safe drone operations even under challenging weather and high-altitude conditions, supported by Starlink and radio comms.
Help Us Expand
As a volunteer-run organization, our UAS program depends on donations to fund advanced hardware, training, and mission-critical equipment. Every contribution helps keep our Search and Rescue drones operational and ready.
Visit our UAS Initiative page, Recon for Rescue, to learn more about how you can help make a difference.
Follow Us on Social
Stay connected with LPCSAR via Instagram and Facebook for behind-the-scenes looks, mission updates, and drone operations highlights.
Read the full Eagle Eyes Interview and learn more about our drone program and SAR strategies here:
https://www.eagleeyessearch.com/blog/la-plata-county-sar-drone-playbook