FAA expands DroneDeploy’s reach with nationwide BVLOS authorization

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has granted DroneDeploy a nationwide waiver for Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) drone operations, allowing the company to oversee large-scale construction projects remotely. Expectedly, the use of autonomous drones for monitoring critical infrastructure across the US can go up significantly.

DroneDeploy, a San Francisco-based reality capture and drone data management specialist, says the approval enables its drones to conduct fully automated, remote inspections of data centers and other major infrastructure projects without requiring on-site pilots. Traditionally, drone operators must maintain visual contact with their aircraft, but BVLOS waivers remove that limitation, allowing for broader, more efficient coverage.

With growing demand for hyperscale data centers — the massive facilities that support AI and cloud computing — construction timelines are becoming increasingly compressed. DroneDeploy says its autonomous drone system will provide real-time aerial monitoring to track project progress, inspect building exteriors, and reduce reliance on manual labor for site evaluations.

According to the company, 84% of its largest projects now focus on data center and critical infrastructure development, reflecting a broader industry shift toward automation in construction. In total, these projects represent $35 billion in infrastructure investments.

The nationwide BVLOS approval means DroneDeploy’s drones can now operate over large construction zones without needing constant human oversight. The company argues that this will enhance safety by reducing the need for workers to physically inspect hazardous areas, while also improving efficiency by providing continuous project updates.

“As the AI boom fuels massive investment in critical infrastructure, DroneDeploy provides targeted monitoring and data analysis to help ensure these projects are delivered on time and on budget,” says Mike Winn, CEO and cofounder of DroneDeploy. “Our BVLOS capabilities allow us to put fully autonomous drones on job sites, to enable our customers to accelerate construction timelines, and enhance speed, safety and quality across large-scale data center developments. From site selection to mapping underground utilities, interior systems installation and through close-out, we cover every phase of development for these mission-critical facilities.”

DroneDeploy’s waiver was secured in partnership with ArgenTech Solutions, a company specializing in drone operations for commercial and government clients. The approval aligns with the FAA’s broader efforts to expand BVLOS drone operations in controlled environments, particularly for infrastructure projects where drones can generate accurate insights with minimal human intervention.

The FAA has issued a limited number of BVLOS waivers to commercial operators, typically on a case-by-case basis. DroneDeploy’s ability to secure nationwide approval suggests growing regulatory confidence in its technology and operational framework. As infrastructure projects grow in scale and complexity, BVLOS drones could become a standard tool for construction oversight across the US.

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