FLI Town: The Ultimate Playground for Drone First Responders

Imagine a place where drones take center stage, soaring through the skies to save lives and test the limits of cutting-edge technology. Welcome to FLI Town—the nation’s first dedicated Drone as First Responder (DFR) training and testing hub. Launched by Flying Lion, Inc., this groundbreaking facility is redefining how public safety agencies prepare for the future of emergency response.

A Safe Haven for Drone Innovation

Nestled in the remote California Colorado Desert, FLI Town offers a secure, vendor-agnostic environment for public safety agencies to train, test, and collaborate on drone operations. With minimal interference from crewed aircraft, this facility provides a realistic setting for refining DFR tactics. Barry Brennan, President and Founder of Flying Lion, explains, “We wanted to create a space where remote operators could train on real-world scenarios without being physically onsite. FLI Town is that solution.”

Thanks to partnerships with leading hardware and software providers, FLI Town is equipped to handle more than 20 operational scenarios. From simulated emergencies to advanced flight maneuvers, the facility ensures that first responders are ready for anything. And with an FAA Part 107 Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) waiver, training flights can reach up to 400 feet AGL without the need for a human visual observer, enabling 24/7 remote training from anywhere in the world.

Pushing the Limits of Drone Technology

FLI Town isn’t just a training ground—it’s a proving ground. The harsh desert environment, with its extreme temperatures and rugged terrain, is the perfect place to stress-test drones and related technologies. Agencies can evaluate drone endurance, sensor reliability, and communication systems under conditions that mimic real-world challenges.

What sets FLI Town apart is its vendor-agnostic approach. Public safety agencies have hands-on access to a wide range of uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) solutions, allowing them to test, configure, and evaluate different technologies before integrating them into their operations. This flexibility ensures that agencies can choose the best tools for their specific needs.

A Collaborative Hub for Public Safety

FLI Town has already garnered praise from industry leaders. Chief Charles Werner, founder of DRONERESPONDERS, calls it “one of a kind.” He adds, “Having a dedicated, private location for realistic DFR training with minimal ground or air risk is invaluable.” The facility’s collaborative environment fosters innovation, bringing together public safety agencies, technology providers, and training experts to push the boundaries of what drones can achieve.

Flying Lion, Inc., the brains behind FLI Town, has a proven track record in the drone industry. Since its founding in 2014, the company has completed over 59,400 DFR missions, including 37,725+ BVLOS operations. With FLI Town, Flying Lion is once again leading the charge in advancing drone technology for public safety.