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It’s common knowledge that helicopters require a helipad to help with their landing. What isn’t common is using a helipad for a drone. However, Washington Coast Guard went viral after a picture was taken of them trying to land their drone on a tiny helipad in front of them. People quickly debated whether this was a personal choice or according to some rules. What people did agree on at the end was that the whole situation was adorable, especially with how tiny the helipad is. Some even pointed out that it might be a requirement for drones to land on a helipad.
In the picture shared, three Washington Coast Guard members are standing together with a tiny helipad in front of them. One of the three is holding the controller in his hands, probably trying to land the drone on the helipad. You can see in the picture that they are by the beach. However, you can’t see the drone. People in the comments quickly shared their own stories and knowledge about drones.
How Did People React to the Washington Coast Guard?
People in the comments quickly left their thoughts regarding the three Washington Coast Guard and their drone. Some shared how they also have a helipad for their drones. “I have an orange one. It’s great for grassy areas,” one person wrote. A reply to the comment said, “Also if you’re on gravel.” Another reply said, “Also snow. Sucks when you land next to it and can’t use your drone at least a day until it is completely dry again.”
The comments also pointed out how the Washington Coast Guard’s helipad was adorable. “Well it’s still adorable,” one person wrote. Another replied by saying, “It’s sooo cuteee.” Someone also wrote, “Idk why I just think this is all so cute and adorable.” The comments about how cute it was that the Washington Coast Guard were using a helipad kept coming. “What I see here is utterly adorable. Aww it’s so teeny. I want to see the drone it must be so cute,” one person added. Aside from the comments saying that the situation was cute, others pointed out that the Washington Coast Guard using a helipad is normal.
People Saying the Helipad Is Normal
Along with the different reactions, some shared their knowledge and clarified that drones require helipads. One person wrote:
“Licensed drone operating often involves a designated, marked, and cleared landing zone. Especially when they’re larger units.”
One Redditor replied to that comment by saying, “Most professional drones also have a function that simply returns them to where they took off from and these platforms make it easier.” Another person chimed in and said, “Yes and the pad marks that location for other people to be aware of which helps keep that location clear.” One person joked that this doesn’t happen. “Have you met people? Unless there are a mildly inconvenient climb or restraint, that pad will be trampled,” they wrote.
A new conversation started where people said that the Washington Coast Guard were required to use this helipad. One person wrote:
“I s**t you not. There is a non-zero chance this was required per some regulation or some higher up. We had a drone in Afghanistan that the BSO forced them to use the helipad for takeoff and landing.”
A Redditor replied to this with “As someone who did stupid s**t while I was in the Navy, those regulations are usually in place because some young and dumb enlisted person found a way to get injured or killed.” He then added a part I simply don’t want to imagine as he said, “Or someone tried to have sex with it. Seriously, there are some f**ked up people in the military…” I would rather focus on how cute it is that the Washington Coast Guard are using a helipad than imagine the sex part. I’m sure I’m not the only one.
