NYPA Gets FAA Waiver for Remote Drone Operations

The New York Power Authority (NYPA) has received a significant boost to its drone program. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has granted NYPA a waiver to conduct fully remote unmanned aircraft operations beyond visual line of sight in unrestricted airspace without prior approval.

Expanded Capabilities for Asset Monitoring

This waiver greatly expands NYPA’s ability to use drones for monitoring and inspecting its transmission, generation, and canal assets across New York State. It allows operators to fly drones remotely without requiring the pilot or an observer to maintain visual contact with the aircraft.

NYPA President and CEO Justin E. Driscoll highlighted the significance of this development:

“NYPA has made significant investments in its robotics program, understanding that drones can safely and expeditiously inspect our critical infrastructure responsible for delivering power throughout New York State. The FAA-approved waiver is reflective of those investments, further expanding our ability to monitor assets and positioning NYPA as an industry-leader in drone technology.”

Improving Safety and Efficiency

The ability to conduct remote drone operations is expected to improve worker safety and allow for faster inspections of NYPA assets. Drones can significantly reduce the time required to inspect transmission lines, especially after severe weather events or flooding.

Peter Kalaitzidis, NYPA Robotics Program Manager, noted:

“The 107.31 FAA waiver will support NYPA’s efforts to improve safety during infrastructure management and inspection. Through investments in advanced robotics and drone technology, NYPA is improving the efficiency of site inspection and security at generating facilities, transmission corridors and across canal waterways.”

Skydio Partnership and Future Plans

The waiver was obtained with assistance from U.S. drone manufacturer Skydio. It authorizes operations through 2028 and is specific to Skydio drones.

Daniel Jenkins, Skydio Regulatory Program Manager, commented on the potential of remote drone operations:

“Remote operation of drones has become invaluable for more efficient inspection and monitoring of power generation infrastructure, including generating facilities, substations, and canals.”

NYPA is investing over $37 million in its drone program through 2028. The organization has already Part 107 trained over 115 employees as drone pilots, up from 40 last year.

DroneXL’s Take

This FAA waiver for NYPA represents a significant step forward for beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) drone operations in the utility sector. It demonstrates the growing acceptance of advanced drone technologies for critical infrastructure inspection and monitoring. As more organizations obtain similar waivers, we’re likely to see increased efficiency and safety in infrastructure management across the United States.

The future of infrastructure management is increasingly automated and drone-assisted, promising safer and more efficient operations across various industries.