AATI Claims Groundbreaking FAA Approval for Heavy-Duty Drone Operations

American Aerospace Technologies Inc. (AATI) has reportedly made history with a significant FAA approval. Their AiRanger drone, weighing over 55 pounds and flying above 400 feet, received the first-ever exemption for commercial beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) operations.

A New Era for Heavy-Duty Drones

AATI’s fixed-wing AiRanger drone has received a pioneering FAA exemption for commercial BVLOS flights, a milestone for drones of this size. The approval allows the AiRanger to operate without human observers, either on the ground or in the air, under visual flight rules. This is a rare achievement in the drone industry, which is subject to stringent regulations.

The AiRanger’s Capabilities

The AiRanger drone is designed for extensive operations:

• Weight: Maximum takeoff weight of 220 pounds.
• Flight Duration: Up to 12 hours.
• Range: Approximately 750 miles.
• Altitude: Can fly up to 12,000 feet mean sea level (MSL), with authorization to operate at 8,000 feet MSL over a 4,350 square mile area.

David Yoel, founder and CEO of AATI, highlighted the drone’s efficiency, stating, “The uncrewed AiRanger eliminates the risk to flight crews on traditional patrol aircraft while producing 35 times less CO2. It is also capable of patrolling at 30 times the rate of BVLOS [small UAS] operating under 400 [feet].”

Partnering with Industry Giants

The AiRanger will be used for pipeline surveillance and inspections by Chevron Pipe Line Company (CPL), a subsidiary of Chevron, which has collaborated with AATI since 2019. The drone’s capabilities are expected to enhance critical infrastructure patrol, threat detection, and reporting within the oil and gas sector.

Compliance and Innovations

AATI’s AiRanger uses advanced technology for its operations:

• Detect and Avoid (DAA): Developed with Iridium, providing compliance with industry standards and FAA requirements.
• Command and Control (C2): Satellite connectivity ensures robust control and communication capabilities.

According to CPL, the drone’s DAA system has undergone successful FAA-observed testing, proving it can replace human observers, leading to the waiver’s approval.

Broader Applications

While initially focused on oil and gas infrastructure, the AiRanger is versatile. It can be equipped with various sensors for remote sensing, surveillance, and environmental monitoring, making it adaptable for multiple industries.

The FAA’s approval of AATI’s AiRanger drone marks a significant advancement in the commercial drone sector, particularly for large, long-range UAVs. This exemption could pave the way for broader adoption of BVLOS operations, enhancing efficiency and safety across various industries.

DroneXL’s Take

The FAA’s decision to grant AATI an exemption for BVLOS operations of its AiRanger drone is a game-changer for the commercial drone industry. This approval not only validates the safety and reliability of AATI’s technology but also paves the way for more widespread adoption of large, long-range drones in various sectors.

The potential applications for drones like AiRanger are vast, from infrastructure inspection and monitoring to search and rescue operations and environmental conservation. By eliminating the need for human observers and reducing the carbon footprint of traditional patrol aircraft, AiRanger represents a significant step towards a more sustainable and efficient future for aerial surveillance and data collection.

As the FAA continues to develop a final BVLOS regulation, this exemption serves as a promising indication of the agency’s willingness to support the growth and innovation of the commercial drone industry. With companies like AATI leading the charge, we can expect to see more groundbreaking advancements in drone technology and its applications in the years to come.