Will Continue To Authorize Flights On A Case-By-Case Basis As Rules Process Continues

The FAA has granted commercial unmanned aircraft systems exemptions to Chevron USA, Inc., State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company, Bosh Precision Agriculture (d.b.a. Digital Harvest), Capital Aerial Video, LLC and Picture Factory, Inc. bringing the total number of exemptions to 34.

A report posted on the AUVSI website indicates that Chevron was approved to conduct aerial imaging for safety and monitoring of controlled oil and gas facilities. The company submitted a petition in early October and received the grant of exemption on Feb. 13.

The FAA found that granting Chevron an exemption was in the public interest because of enhanced safety and reduced emission using a UAS in the proposed monitoring applications, according to the grant.

State Farm also received an exemption on Feb. 13 to operate an Aerialtronics Altura Zenith ATX8 UAS for roof inspections to aid in insurance assessments and claims.

Capital Aerial Video was the third company to receive a grant of exemption on Feb. 13 to operate a DJI F550 UAS to capture aerial photography and video of real property not less than 2 acres in area.

Picture Factory, Inc.  was approved to use two different models of UAS for aerial filming in the motion picture, video, photography and television industries on Feb. 18 along with Bosh Precision Agriculture who will be allowed to fly a proprietary UAS for precision agriculture surveys. The FAA found that these operations improved safety over dangerous manned operations.

The FAA will continue to grant exemptions on a case-by-case basis as the agency continues to work through the process of finalizing a formal rule for UAV operations.

So far, over 420 requests for exemption have been filed with the FAA.

FMI: www.faa.gov