FAA Grants 5 More Commercial UAS Exemptions
VDOS Global was approved to use an Aeryon Skyranger UAS, like this one, for flare stack inspections in the Gulf of Mexico.
Today, the Federal Aviation Administration announced it has granted five more Section 333 exemptions to four companies allowing the use of unmanned aircraft systems in the national airspace.
The companies that received exemptions are Trimble Navigation Ltd., VDOS Global LLC, Clayco Inc. and Woolpert Inc., which received two exemptions. The companies will use UAS in situations too dangerous, difficult or expensive for manned aircraft. Each received exemptions from regulations that address general flight rules, pilot certificate requirements, manuals, maintenance and equipment mandates, according to an FAA press release.
Trimble was the first company to apply for an exemption this summer after the seven aerial video and photography companies that received exemptions in late September. Trimble plans on using UAS for surveying applications in agriculture and mining.
VDOS Global will perform flare stack inspections for the Shell Oil Co. in the Gulf of Mexico, and Clayco intends to use UAS for construction site monitoring.
Woolpert is the first company to receive two exemptions. They will use unmanned aircraft for surveying and mapping applications in parts of rural Ohio and Ship Island, Mississippi.
“We are excited to see the FAA grant these exemptions for commercial use of UAS and to begin to unlock the various benefits of this technology,” AUVSI President and CEO Michael Toscano said in a released statement. “Allowing UAS operations for aerial surveying, construction site monitoring and oil rig flare stack inspections will help companies to do their work more safely and efficiently.”
“Unmanned aircraft offer a tremendous opportunity to spur innovation and economic activity by enabling many businesses to develop better products and services for their customers and the American public,” says Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx. “We want to foster commercial uses of this exciting technology while taking a responsible approach to the safety of America’s airspace.”
Foxx found that for these proposed operations, certificates of airworthiness were unnecessary, because they pose no threat to national airspace users or national security. The FAA will, however, issue certificates of authorization that mandate flight rules and prompt reporting of any incidents.
“The FAA’s first priority is the safety of our nation’s aviation system,” said FAA Administrator Michael Huerta. “Today’s exemptions are a step toward integrating UAS operations safely.”
Each company will operate small UAS under 55 pounds and within line of sight.
“While this is a positive step, granting exemptions on a case by case basis is not an effective way to regulate the use of UAS in the long term,” says Toscano. The FAA needs to begin the rulemaking process and finalize a rule for the use of UAS as quickly as possible to allow UAS technology to realize its full potential and allow a wide range of industries to reap its benefits.”
To date, 167 companies have applied for Section 333 exemptions.
