July 17, 2025 — UAS pilot lands UAS after flight over Halema‘uma‘u

A USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory pilot guides a UAS (uncrewed aircraft systems) to the landing pad after an observational flight over the eruptive vents in Halemaʻumaʻu. UAS flights are conducted with the permission of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, owing to the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory's mission to monitor active volcanoes in Hawaii, assess their hazards, issue warnings, and advance scientific understanding to reduce the impacts of eruptions. Unauthorized launching, landing, or operating of a UAS from or on lands and waters administered by the National Park Service is prohibited under 36 CFR Closures & Public Use. USGS photo by K. Mulliken.