Sky-Futures Approved for Commercial UAS Oil and Gas Inspections
Sky-Futures' image from an offshore oil inspection using a UAS. Photo: Sky-Futures.
Another image captured by UAS during an offshore inspection. Photo: Sky-Futures.
Sky-Futures USA, the new Houston branch of the U.K. drone inspection company, was awarded a Section 333 commercial unmanned aircraft systems exemption from the Federal Aviation Administration, allowing the company to fly an Ascending Technologies Falcon 8 UAS for oil and gas platform inspections over land and water.
Around the globe, Sky-Futures has performed inspections for the world’s largest oil and gas companies, including Chevron, ConocoPhillips, Talisman and Apache.
The company has now added the capability to operate in the United States, which the company calls “the biggest potential single-source marketplace for commercial drone technology.”
“Now Sky-Futures USA can operate commercially, this technology will provide jobs, promote innovation, and most importantly lead to improved safety of the oil and gas market in America,” says Sky-Futures USA Vice President of Business Development Jason Forte. “Our unique blend of of veteran unmanned technology expertise and significant oil and gas experience is already enhancing safety with proven savings of US $4 million+ for offshore drone operations.”
According to the company, drone technologies allow inspections without putting rope climbers in traditional inspections at risk.
“We have been preparing of the Section 333 exemption for some time in the USA, with clients ready to commission work upon approval,” says Chris Blackford, global operations director and cofounder. “As a result, the approval granted today allows Sky-Futures USA to immediately begin delivering its cutting-edge drone technology service to cut cost, boost efficiency and improve safety on U.S. oil and gas infrastructure in America.”
The FAA has granted a total of 47 exemptions out of about 575 requests to date.
