Officer Easter becomes licensed drone operator

Officer John Easter with the Rochester Police Department has successfully completed training and testing to become an FAA-licensed drone operator for the department. 

The drone is to be used to search for missing persons and suspects fleeing law enforcement, as well as other critical incidents. Easter becomes the department's first licensed operator to be able to extend these capabilities to the community. 

"We're working on getting a certificate of authority for the department through the FAA that allows the department as an agency to fly our drones, not just one particular pilot," Police Chief Andy Shotts said, noting Easter would be able to share his training with other officers.

The law enforcement drone operators course prepared Easter to take the Part 107 license test, which he passed. A Part 107 license, officially called a Remote Pilot Certificate, is a certificate issued by the FAA that allows individuals to operate drones commercially. It demonstrates that the holder understands the regulations, operating requirements and procedures for safely flying drones.

"It's a pretty in-depth test that covers a lot of similar things you have to know to be a pilot," Shotts said, referencing information about aircrafts, lift and drag, aeronautical charts, air traffic control procedures, weather patterns and more. "He basically had to learn how to be a pilot."

Easter, who has a personal drone of his own, expressed interest in obtaining his Part 107 license for the department. He'll have a drone demonstration as part of Police in the Park this summer. 

That event is also to feature a police dog demonstration, friendly interactions with local officers and free food. A date has not yet been set, but it's anticipated to take place in June.