DroneDeploy last week announced nationwide approval for beyond visual line-of-sight, or BVLOS, inspection operations for critical infrastructure. The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration’s waiver enables the company’s customers to legally and remotely deploy and monitor autonomous drones.
More than 80% of the top 50 U.S. general contractors use DroneDeploy’s platform, it said. Leading hyperscale data center developers use the company’s drones to provide detailed aerial monitoring and analysis of infrastructure and construction projects.
“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,” stated Mike Winn, co-founder and CEO 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,” he added. “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.”
Without a waiver, BVLOS flights are currently illegal. Non-BVLOS flights require an on-site remote pilot in command (RPIC) and multiple observers to maintain visual contact with the drone throughout its mission. All commercial RPICs must be Part 107-certified to operate a drone for non-recreational purposes.
DroneDeploy provides safety features
DroneDeploy said its platform integrates with critical infrastructure projects, providing construction managers and project developers with clear, actionable visibility and efficiency. The company’s BVLOS approval enables drone operations across large construction sites, capturing detailed imagery and generating accurate insights with minimal human intervention.
“Our technology is designed to support the next generation of infrastructure development,” said James Pipe, chief product officer at DroneDeploy. “Every day of delay on one of these projects costs millions of dollars, so our autonomous drone capabilities ensure total accountability to meeting the project schedule.”
The company has incorporated several safety features to ensure secure and efficient drone flights. These features are designed to assist pilots in maintaining control and avoiding potential hazards during operations.
- Collision avoidance: It uses DJI drones’ built-in sensors to help prevent collisions, though pilots should remain vigilant.
- Compass calibration: Ensures a calibrated compass for safe flights, preventing takeoff if issues are detected.
- Preflight checklists: Offers customizable checklists for Enterprise customers to ensure safe operating procedures.
- In-flight safety precautions: Allows pilots to take manual control and initiate a return to landing if necessary.
- GPS and home point: Sets a home point for safe return in case of control link interruption, requiring communication with satellites.
- Terrain awareness: Maintains consistent ground sampling distance over varied terrain for improved map quality.
- Signal maintenance: Advises avoiding physical barriers and electromagnetic interference to maintain a strong signal.
DroneDeploy regularly updates the software. In January, the company also announced multi-battery flight for the DJI Dock 1 and 2. Docked drones automatically return for battery swaps and resume operations seamlessly, with all data uploaded and stitched into a unified map.
The company also continues to expand its real-time kinematic (RTK) network, providing the highest level of precision in measurements and waypoints.
DJI Drone Dock 2. Source: DroneDeploy
Part 108 will resolve BVLOS restrictions
Part 108 is the proposed FAA regulation that would standardize BVLOS operations for commercial drones. In 2024, the FAA Reauthorization Act mandated the creation of a Part 108 rule to address BVLOS operations. Until Part 108 is released, Part 107 drone operators may apply for a BVLOS waiver on a case by case basis.
The FAA approval applies to DroneDeploy-operated flights, such as when customers request data through the company’s Data-on-Demand service. The approval does not currently apply to all DroneDeploy customers. However, it does offer regulatory services to facilitate customers that are looking to get their own BVLOS approvals.
DroneDeploy said the nationwide BVLOS approval, secured in partnership with ArgenTech Solutions Inc., marks a critical milestone in its mission to transform infrastructure monitoring. By combining autonomous drones with AI-powered analysis, the company said it can address the most demanding data center construction challenges.
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