CAP in South Dakota Achieves New First using Drones for Search and Rescue

South Dakota Wing, Civil Air Patrol, is supporting an effort by Swiss drone manufacturer Wingtra to develop “human recognition” software to search for missing people on the ground. SD Wing is the first unit in CAP to have photos processed with the Beta version of this new software.

Wing drone crews joined a search near Blunt, SD, recently for a missing person using a Wingtra drone that is specialized for air-to-ground mapping. As part of their analysis, they provided the photos from the mapping sorties to the Wingtra organization for use in developing software systems that can identify body shapes of missing people on the ground. The analysis did not find the missing person, but served as a real-world test of the human recognition software.

“Working with one of our national UAS coordinators, and with the permission of the Hughes County Sheriff’s office, we reached out to Wingtra to determine if we could use the new beta software that they are developing for finding body shapes in photos,” said Col. Mike Beason, the South Dakota Wing director of operations for UAS. “Civil Air Patrol is the largest user of the Wingtra drone, so it is natural they are allowing us to test their software.”

In 2019, South Dakota Wing was the first in CAP to use a small unmanned aerial system (sUAS), commonly known as a drone, on an actual search and rescue mission, something that is common across the country today.

Drones offer several advantages over traditional search methods, as well as disaster relief. They can cover large areas quickly, operate in challenging terrain, and provide real-time imagery to search teams. Equipped with high-resolution cameras, thermal imaging sensors, and GPS tracking, CAP drones can locate individuals even in low-visibility conditions such as dense forests, mountainous regions, or disaster-stricken areas.

One of the key benefits of drones in CAP’s SAR efforts is their ability to reduce risk for personnel. Instead of sending searchers into hazardous environments immediately, drones can be deployed first to assess conditions and pinpoint a missing person's location. This speeds up response times and improves overall mission efficiency.

To ensure readiness, CAP mandates ongoing proficiency training for sUAS pilots, which includes:

• Scenario-Based Training – Members participate in simulated missing person searches, disaster damage assessments, and reconnaissance missions to stay prepared for real-world emergencies.

• Equipment Familiarization – With continuous advancements in drone technology, CAP pilots undergo refresher courses on new drone models, software updates, payload integration (such as thermal imaging), and the latest software for target detection (Loc8).

• Safety and Compliance Training – CAP emphasizes strict adherence to FAA regulations, CAP operational procedures, and risk management practices to ensure safe and efficient drone operations.

CAP’s sUAS program has proven instrumental in search and rescue missions, disaster relief efforts, and homeland security support. Drones allow CAP to quickly scan large areas for missing persons, assess damage in disaster-stricken regions, and provide aerial reconnaissance to emergency management agencies.

By maintaining a rigorous training and proficiency program, CAP ensures that its sUAS operators are always mission-ready, using cutting-edge drone technology to save lives and support communities in times of need.

CAP’s use of drones has already contributed to numerous successful rescues across the country. Whether assisting in missing persons cases, disaster relief efforts, or emergency response scenarios, these unmanned aircraft have become an essential tool in CAP’s mission to save lives.