06/05/2025 | Press release | Archived content
The Civil Air Patrol's North Central Region held its regional small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) training exercise in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, bringing together nearly 20 members from five of the seven states in the region.
The event featured a full day of training, with classroom instruction in the morning followed by practical flying exercises in the afternoon. Civil Air Patrol (CAP) members had the unique opportunity to collaborate closely with local emergency response agencies, including the Sioux Falls Fire and Rescue team.
"This was a rare and valuable opportunity to work with multiple agencies," said Lt. Col. Rick Larson. "It strengthens our shared commitment to supporting communities through various search and rescue missions and allows us to better understand each other's capabilities."
The training included several scenarios designed to simulate emergency incidents and help participants refine their sUAS operations. Four teams were formed, utilizing six different types of drones to complete the exercises.
Sioux Falls Fire and Rescue showcased their DJI Avata drone, demonstrating its first-person aerial view capabilities-an essential tool for ensuring a safe path before deploying ground crews. CAP members demonstrated the use of the Wingtra drone, which can capture high-resolution aerial images for detailed mapping and analysis.
Lt. Col. Jason Ferguson of Nebraska praised the success of the event. "The turnout and collaboration exceeded expectations," he said. "We're already planning another exercise for this fall to continue building on the momentum."
This inaugural sUAS regional training marked a significant milestone in enhancing inter-agency cooperation and readiness across the North Central Region.
Tagged As: CAP, sUAS,