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NYPA granted FAA waiver for fully remote drone operations

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NYPA granted FAA waiver for fully remote drone operations

The New York Power Authority (NYPA) has received a waiver from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) granting NYPA license to conduct fully remote unmanned aircraft operations beyond the visual line of sight of observers in any unrestricted airspace, or Class G, without prior approval.

The waiver allows operators to conduct fully remote missions without the requirement for the pilot or an observer to see the unmanned aircraft and without the use of airspace monitoring systems, such as radar. The waiver expands the power authority’s ability to use drones to monitor and inspect its transmission, generation and canal assets and further advances the goals of the VISION2030 strategic plan, according to a release.

“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,” said NYPA President and Chief Executive Officer Justin E. Driscoll. “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.”

NYPA is the largest state public power organization in the U.S., operating 17 generating facilities and more than 1,550 circuit-miles of transmission lines. More than 80% of the electricity NYPA produces is clean renewable hydropower.

The ability to view assets remotely will improve worker safety and allow for the expeditious inspection of NYPA assets. The power authority’s expanded ability to operate drones will primarily be used to inspect transmission assets and canal waterways. Drones significantly reduce the time required to inspect a transmission line, particularly after inclement weather or flooding.

The waiver was obtained with the help of Skydio, a U.S. drone and software manufacturer providing equipment and advisory services. The waiver authorizes operations through 2028 and is specific to Skydio drones.

“The 107.31 FAA waiver will support NYPA’s efforts to improve safety during infrastructure management and inspection,” said NYPA Robotics Program Manager Peter Kalaitzidis. “Through investments in advanced robotics and drone technology, NYPA is improving the efficiency of site inspection and security at generating facilities, transmission corridors and across canal waterways.”

Last year, NYPA announced it had received an FAA waiver to conduct fully remote drone operations at its Blenheim-Gilboa Pumped Storage Power Project. The new FAA waiver expands that authority to encompass all unrestricted airspace associated with NYPA and New York State Canal Corporation infrastructure.

Through NYPA’s in-house drone program, it is researching and testing new applications for day-to-day utility operations. Drones are operated at various NYPA sites to monitor asset health, including the inspection of transmission lines, vegetation management and monitoring of overgrown trees, and spillway erosion mapping. More than 115 NYPA employees are trained as drone pilots, up from 40 last year. To improve the safety and efficiency of its utility operations, NYPA is investing more than $37 million in its drone program through 2028.

In April 2024, Hydro Review reported that the FAA granted NYPA license to fly unmanned aircraft systems (drones) beyond the visual line of sight of the pilot in command in a 1-mile radius in any unrestricted, or Class G, airspace without prior approval.