OBX bridge inspected by Skydio drones for first time
The State of North Carolina has been at the forefront of using drones over the last couple of years. Now the NCDOT will be using Skydio drones to inspect the OBX bridge for the first time.
OBX bridge inspected by Skydio drones for the first time
The N.C. Department of Transportation (NCDOT) will be using drones to inspect the OBX bridge, also known as the Marc Basnight Bridge over Oregon Inlet, as part of their regular biennial inspection process.
As the drone was flown around the bridge's ten largest columns, inspection crews were watching the live HD video feed from the unmanned aircraft to look for any possible defects that would require closer inspection.
According to the NCDOT, using drones will allow the state to save money by conducting bridge inspections faster and without the need of closing down any lanes. However, in most cases, drones will not replace the traditional visual inspection but will be used more as a supplemental tool.
In 2020, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) allowed the NCDOT to fly drones beyond-visual-line-of-sight (BVLOS) to conduct the inspections. According to News outlet Wavy, the FAA waiver allows the drone operators to fly the unmanned aircraft around pillars, between girders, and inside columns.
The inspection crews use the Skydio 2 drone that uses Artificial Intelligence (AI) as part of its detect-and-avoid technology to fly as close as up to a foot of the structure without crashing into it/
NCDOT officials have said that the Drone Inspection of the OBX bridge is set to take place from March 1 through March 18.
Stay in touch!
If you'd like to stay up to date with all the latest drone news, scoops, rumors, and reviews follow us on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, or…
Subscribe to our Daily Drone News email.*
Submit tips If you have information or tips that you would like to share with us, feel free to submit them here. Support DroneXL.co: You can support DroneXL.co by using these links when you make your next drone purchase: Adorama, Amazon, B&H, BestBuy, eBay, DJI, Parrot, and Yuneec. We make a small commission when you do so at no additional expense to you. Thank you for helping DroneXL grow! FTC: DroneXL.co uses affiliate links that generate income.
* We do not sell, share, rent out or spam your email, ever. Our email goes out on weekdays around 5:30 p.m.
Courtesy: NCDOT
Follow DroneXL.co on your Google News feed.
Get your Part 107 Certificate
Pass the test and take to the skies with the Pilot Institute. We have helped thousands of people become airplane and commercial drone pilots. Our courses are designed by industry experts to help you pass FAA tests and achieve your dreams.
Copyright © DroneXL.co 2023. All rights reserved. The content, images, and intellectual property on this website are protected by copyright law. Reproduction or distribution of any material without prior written permission from DroneXL.co is strictly prohibited. For permissions and inquiries, please contact us here.
FTC: DroneXL.co is an Amazon Associate and uses affiliate links that can generate income from qualifying purchases. We do not sell, share, rent out, or spam your email.
