Another Aerodyne BVLOS waiver was approved by the FAA. I’m very happy about this one, as it is the second waiver in a series for which we received approval this year. The first one included visual observers (VO). The second one does not require any VO.
I had a fantastic team to work with and get to claim credit for writing the bulk of the submission. Thanks to Aerodyne, Iris Automation, FlytBase, and Hextronics for the teamwork in getting this BVLOS waiver approved.
Here’s part of the text of a press release from Iris Automation:
LIMA, OHIO, UNITED STATES, June 30, 2023
EINPresswire.com/ — Aerodyne, a drone enterprise solutions provider, has secured a waiver to part 107.31 using Iris Automation’s ground-based Casia G detect and alert (DAA) solution, on behalf of P&G in Lima, Ohio. The waiver enables BVLOS operations without the use of visual observers or ground-based infrastructure shielding the operational area.
P&G’s manufacturing plant in Lima is one of its largest in the US, dedicated to the production of fabric care detergents, including liquid fabric enhancers and perfume products. It is a controlled area requiring multiple daily perimeter inspections for security. Drone operations also enable P&G to track freight trains and trucks arriving with raw materials, enabling more effective production.
Drone response times are considerably faster than ground patrols, covering the entire plant area more efficiently and allowing a greater number of daily inspections. The service is also considerably less expensive.
Aerodyne has been working with P&G since Summer 2022 to provide drone services, but until now required operations to remain within visual line of sight of a human visual observer (VO).
The complete press release can be found by clicking here.