NYPA bags FAA nod for statewide remote drone inspections

The New York Power Authority (NYPA) has secured an exciting new waiver from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). It gives NYPA operators the unprecedented ability to conduct fully remote drone inspections without requiring a pilot or observer to maintain visual contact with the aircraft. Additionally, the waiver permits these operations without the use of traditional airspace monitoring systems, such as radar.

This waiver is a significant expansion of NYPA’s drone program, which has been steadily growing in scope, supported by a $37 million investment. Last year, NYPA received a similar FAA waiver for drone operations at its Blenheim-Gilboa Pumped Storage Power Project in Schoharie County. The new approval now covers all unrestricted airspace associated with NYPA and the New York State Canal Corporation, allowing for comprehensive statewide operations.

The NYPA boasts over 115 trained drone pilots, up from just 40 last year, who utilize drones to inspect transmission lines, manage vegetation, monitor spillway erosion, and more.

The enhanced remote viewing capabilities offered by drones can greatly improve safety for NYPA workers while speeding up inspections of crucial assets. This is particularly crucial after extreme weather events or natural disasters, when quick assessment and response can prevent further damage. NYPA’s expanded drone operations will be primarily focused on inspecting transmission lines and canal waterways, where the technology can drastically reduce inspection times.

NYPA’s president and CEO, Justin E. Driscoll, highlights the importance of this development, saying, “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.”

This FAA waiver, which extends through 2028, was achieved with assistance from US drone maker Skydio whose technology will be central to NYPA’s drone operations. Skydio’s regulatory program manager Daniel Jenkins explains, “Remote operation of drones has become invaluable for more efficient inspection and monitoring of power generation infrastructure, including generating facilities, substations, and canals. This approval is for Skydio Dock and X2, which enables NYPA to maintain statewide critical infrastructure from anywhere.”

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