NTSB Looks to Streamline Drone Fleet Management

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is stepping up its drone game. They’re looking for a cloud-based software provider to help manage their growing fleet of uncrewed aerial systems (UAS), according to a recent federal contracts posting. The goal? To boost efficiency and make it easier to respond to public records requests.

Growing Fleet, Growing Needs

The NTSB has been using drones since 2016 to investigate accidents. Their fleet has grown from just five drones to twelve, with staff increasing from four to fifteen. These drones are used to capture videography and photography of accidents, as well as conduct mapping and photogrammetry.

However, the agency currently lacks a centralized system to track these drone assets. They’ve been operating under a “proof of concept” with limited resources, relying on an “archaic and inefficient paper documentation process.” This makes it challenging to maintain a robust safety management system required for all federal flight programs.

The Search for a Solution

To address this, the NTSB is looking for a cloud-based software provider that can offer fleet management services. The hope is that this will not only increase the efficiency of their drone program but also make it easier to respond to public records requests.

“Until recently, the NTSB has been operating the UAS program under a proof of concept with limited flight crew and resources,” the posting states. “This archaic and inefficient paper documentation process places the agency at risk in properly maintaining a robust safety management system (SMS) required of all federal flight programs.”

Drones Investigating Drones

It’s interesting to note that as the NTSB increases its focus on investigating drone use and drone-related accidents, they’re also utilizing the technology themselves. This dual role highlights the versatility and importance of drone technology in various fields.

DroneXL’s Take

This move by the NTSB is a clear indication of the growing importance of drones in various industries, including transportation and safety. As drone technology continues to evolve, it’s crucial for organizations to have efficient management systems in place. This story reminds us of the recent developments in drone technology for artificial intelligence, where we’ve seen how AI can enhance drone capabilities and efficiency.

It’s exciting to see how drones are being used not just for commercial purposes, but also for critical tasks like accident investigation. As the NTSB expands its drone fleet, we can expect to see more innovative uses of this technology in the future.

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