The Arizona Fire and Medical Authority is now airborne after receiving its federal license to operate a drone. Assistant Chief Troy Maloney said only one or two other fire districts in the state have been licensed to use the devices. The advantages of the new small flying vehicle were demonstrated to the governing boards of the North County Fire and Medical District and Sun Lakes Fire District at their Feb. 22 joint meeting in Sun City West. Those two districts also operate under a joint powers agreement as the Arizona Fire and Medical Authority. The drone will be flown by AFMA Capt. Ian Dunbar, who is a trained and federally licensed drone pilot.