How Drones Are Transforming Search and Rescue in British Columbia
A conversation with Quesnel SAR Manager Bob Holowenko on the operational value of drones and the critical need for structured RPAS training.
The landscape of search and rescue is evolving and drones are leading the charge.
At FlySmart Training, we recently sat down with Bob Holowenko, SAR Manager and Director with Quesnel Search and Rescue, to discuss how his team is navigating the new era of Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) in field operations. What he shared reinforces what we've known for years: drones are no longer optional, they're essential.
Large Terrain, Limited Resources, Smarter Eyes in the Sky
Quesnel SAR covers a massive area, including swiftwater, avalanche zones, mountainous terrain, and vast backcountry. For a team operating with limited personnel, the ability to quickly gain situational awareness through a drone's lens is a game-changer. As Holowenko put it, "Our main use right now is for situational awareness, safety, and getting eyes on a scene quickly."
Lessons from the Field: The Burns Lake Search
One of the most eye-opening moments came during a multi-agency search in Burns Lake. The task was massive in scope, and dozens of drones (some coordinated, others not) took to the air. One FPV drone pilot was able to fly into a small root cellar inaccessible to ground crews, verifying with certainty that the missing subject was not inside. That negative verification saved critical resources and refocused the search.
But the operation also exposed a major weakness: a lack of unified airspace management. "At certain points we didn't know how many drones were in the air," Holowenko admitted. "We were only finding out when people showed up with SD cards after the fact."
Airspace Coordination: The Need for Training, Not Just Technology
Once an experienced AirOps coordinator stepped in, airspace communication and drone utility improved dramatically. It's a clear signal that operational success with drones requires more than the gear, it requires training. Structured courses like our Search & Rescue Drone Technician Level 1 and 2 equip responders with the knowledge to manage RPAS tools safely, strategically, and in sync with manned aircraft.
Planning for the Future: RPAS as a Core SAR Discipline
Quesnel SAR has now formed a dedicated RPAS team. They're starting small with sub-250g drones but already planning for larger platforms with thermal and advanced mapping capabilities. Holowenko emphasized the importance of building this capability deliberately: “Start with the right training. Build core competency. Plan five years out.”
Their team recently secured grant funding through a local community foundation, proof that strategic planning, community engagement, and training goals aligned with operational realities can make RPAS integration feasible, even for small or rural teams.
The Bottom Line
RPAS are reshaping how SAR teams operate. From initial situational awareness to deep search operations, hazard assessments, and airspace coordination, drones are proving indispensable. But without structured training, they can quickly shift from asset to liability.
At FlySmart Training, we’ve built Canada’s first complete training suite for RPAS use in SAR: Drone Aware, SAR Drone Technician Level 1, and SAR Drone Technician Level 2. These courses were designed by SAR experts, for SAR teams, based on real-world field use like the Burns Lake operation.
If your team is considering a drone program (or already flying) we can help you take it further, safer, and smarter.