Canals, Tunnels and Penstocks

NYPA granted FAA waiver for drone operations beyond visual line of sight

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NYPA granted FAA waiver for drone operations beyond visual line of sight

The New York Power Authority (NYPA) announced the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has 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.

FAA regulations require pilots to maintain visual contact while operating a drone. The waiver allows operators to conduct missions without the requirement for the pilot or an observer to see the unmanned aircraft.

This approved waiver expands NYPA’s ability to use drones to monitor and inspect its transmission, generation and canal assets and further advances the goals its VISION2030 strategic plan, according to a release.

The ability to view assets remotely will improve safety for workers 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.

“In the past few years, NYPA has significantly invested in its robotics program, understanding that drones can safely and quickly inspect assets that are critical to the delivery of clean power throughout the state,” said New York Power Authority President and Chief Executive Officer Justin E. Driscoll. “The FAA-approved waiver will further expand the Power Authority’s asset inspection capabilities. NYPA is now well-positioned as an energy industry leader to showcase the many uses for drone technology in our day-to-day electric utility operations.”

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.

Last year, NYPA announced that it had received a waiver from the FAA to conduct fully remote drone operations at its 1,160 MW Blenheim-Gilboa Pumped Storage Power Project.

NYPA’s in-house drone program is researching and testing new applications to implement drone use in day-to-day utility operations while maintaining the highest standards of aviation professionalism and safety. Drones are operated at NYPA sites throughout the state to monitor asset health, including the inspection of transmission lines, vegetation management and monitoring of overgrown trees, and spillway erosion mapping. More than 100 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.

NYPA is the largest state public power organization in the U.S., operating 16 generating facilities and more than 1,400 circuit-miles of transmission lines. More than 80% of the electricity NYPA produces is clean renewable hydropower. NYPA finances its operations through the sale of bonds and revenues earned in large part through sales of electricity.