Prepared by: TRC Environmental Corp. 4155 Shackleford Road Suite 225 Norcross, GA 30093
Prepared for: Air & Waste Management Assoc. Georgia Chapter
Drones for Environmental Assessment Air & Waste Management Association | September 2016
Drones for Environmental Assessment September 2016
4155 Shackleford Road, Suite 225 Norcross, GA 30093 770.270.1192 x 112
Section 1 PowerPoint Presentation Slides
9/7/2016
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Drones for Environmental Assessment
Brown Bag Luncheon
TRR
September 9, 2016
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Presentation Overview
Introduction
• Steve Ellingson
Regulatory Overview
• Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
• Other Federal Requirements
• State/Local Requirements
Potential Environmental Applications
• Market Growth and Use
• Examples
2A&WMA Georgia Chapter
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Regulatory Overview
Air & Waste Management Association
September 2016
9/7/2016
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What is a Drone (aka Small Unmanned Aircraft System)
A&WMA Georgia Chapter
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Summary Timeline of Drone Regulation
Dow v. U.S.(no reasonableexpectation ofprivacy)
Drone Flightat UVA
(Drones not Regulated?)
FAA Modernization& Reform Act
Proposed Rule(80 FR 9544)
5/19/86
Registration Rule(80 FR 78594)
Final Rule(81 FR 42064)
GA Drone Law(HB 779, vetoed)
Effective Date(FAA Part 107)
10/17/11 2/14/12 2/23/15 12/16/15 5/3/16 6/28/16 8/29/16
A&WMA Georgia Chapter
A&WMA Georgia Chapter 6
Remote Pilot in Command (rPIC) Requirements
Must Hold Remote Pilot Airman Certification with Drone Rating
To Get Certification• Demonstrate Aeronautical Knowledge
‒ Pass Knowledge Test, or‒ Hold Current Pilot Certification and
Complete Online Training• Complete Successful TSA Vetting• Be at Least 16 Years Old
Other• No Alcohol Use or Alcohol/Drug
Convictions• No Interfering Physical or Mental
Conditions• Use English Language
Source: www.fanpop.com
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Confidential Business Information 7
Remote Pilot in Command (rPIC) Responsibilities
Operate within Part 107 Rule, etc. Comply with Drone Registration
Requirements Conduct Preflight Inspection May “Daisy‐Chain” Flights
• Inflight Handoff to Another rPIC
Upon Request Provide Drone, Documents, and Records for Testing or Inspection
Report Injury, Loss of Consciousness or Property Damage
May Deviate from Part 107 Rule in Emergency
A&WMA Georgia Chapter 8
Potential Three-Person Drone Flying Team
http://www.nasa.gov
1. Remote Pilot in Command (rPIC)• Must Maintain Visual Line of Sight
(VLOS)
2. Person Manipulating Flight Controls • Must be Directly Supervised by rPIC• rPIC Must be Able to Immediately
Take Control
3. Visual Observer (VO)• Supplement Situational Awareness
and VLOS
A&WMAGeorgia Chapter 9
Summary of Operating LimitationsRemote Pilot in Command; Optional Visual Observer and/or Control‐Manipulator
Fly < 100 mph Ground Speed,
Drone Registration Stay ˂ 400 ft Above Ground Level, or w/i 400 ftof Structure
Pre‐Flight Checklist and Maintenance Minimum Visibility 3 miles
Suitable Medical Condition, No Impairment, and Carless or Reckless Operations
Stay Away from Clouds (< 500 ft vertically and 2,000 ft horizontally)
Maintain Visual Line of Sight (VLOS) Prohibited Operation Over People
Class G National Air Space Limitation (no Class B, C, D, or E w/o ATC approval; TFR/NOTAMS, etc.)
Operations from Moving Vehicles in Sparsely‐populated Area Only
Daylight Operations Can Transport Property (no Haz Mats) w/ Limitations
Total Take‐off Weight < 55 lbs Can Deviate from FAA Rules in Emergency
Report Accidents w/i 10 Days See also: FAA Summary of sUAS, 6/21/16
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A&WMA Georgia Chapter 10
Potential Opportunity for Waivers
Plan Early; FAA Will Try to Process within 90 Days• Operating form Moving Vehicle/Aircraft*• Daylight Operation• Visual Line of Slight*• Visual Observer• Operate Multiple Drones• Yield Right‐of‐Way• Operation Over People• Operation in Certain Airspace• Other Limitations
‒ 100 mph, 400 ft, 3 miles, near clouds
* = Requirement cannot be waived for carrying packages
11A&WMA Georgia Chapter
Safe Use of National Air Space
POTENTIAL CONSIDERATIONS▪ Class G vs. B,C,D or E Air Space▪ Alert Area▪Warning Area▪ Restricted Airspace▪ Prohibited Airspace▪Military Operation Area▪ Controlled Firing Area▪ National Security Area▪ Regional/Local Airport Advisory▪ Temporary Flight Restriction(NOTAM)
▪ Parachute Jump Area
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Metro. Atlanta Drone Flight Considerations
A&WMA Georgia Chapter
Kennesaw Mtn.Nat’l Battlefield Park
Dobbins AirReserve Base
ATL Airport
Source: http://www.smithsonianmag.com/innovation/where‐drones‐fly‐legally‐united‐states‐180954454/?no‐ist
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Confidential Business Information 13
Dynamic Changes to Airspace Limitations
Any Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFR)?• Check Notice to Airmen (NOTAM)
Before Each Flight
Philadelphia, PA• June 25 to 29, 2016 • Class A Airspace 30 Mile Radius• Class B Airspace 10 Mile Radius • Class C Airspace 3 Mile Radius
On Pre‐Flight Checklist?
NOTAM List: https://pilotweb.nas.faa.gov/PilotWeb/
TFR List: http://tfr.faa.gov/tfr2/list.html
Temporary Flight Restriction
A&WMA Georgia Chapter 14
Limited Federal Preemption, But . . . .
FAA Only Regulates Use of National Air Space to Ensure Safety of Flight and People/Property on Ground• Some Areas Where Consultation is
Recommended
State, County City, Local Authorities Can Establish Other Requirements • Land Use, Zoning, Privacy, Trespass,
Hunting/Fishing, Voyeurism, Law Enforcement, etc.
• Georgia Example (HB 779, vetoed)‒ Cannot Weaponize Drones‒ Privacy Protections‒ Preempt Local/County Ordinances
A&WMA Georgia Chapter 15
Example: Other Federal Requirements
Requirement Reference Requirement Reference
Pre‐Operational Checks of Mobile
Equipment
30 CFR 56.14100 Conduct Preflight Inspection 14 CFR 107.15
Accident Reporting w/i 15 Minutes 30 CFR 50.10 Accident Reporting w/i 10 Days 14 CFR 107.9
Death or Reasonable Potential of Death
Serious Injury of Loss of Consciousness
Any Other Accident Property Damage More Than $500
Report to MSHA Report to Regional Operations Center
Mine Safety & Health Admin. (MSHA) Federal Aviation Admin. (FAA)
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A&WMA Georgia Chapter 16
A&WMA Southern Section State’s Legislation SB 1777 Misdemeanor for drone use to conduct video surveillance of a person hunting/fishing. SB 1892 Misdemeanor for drone use to intentionally conduct surveillance of individual or property.
SB 796 Law enforcement can use drones w/ search warrant, to counter terrorist attack and prevent imminent danger to life.
HB 153 prohibits drones to capture images of open‐air events and fireworks displays; prohibits the use over correctional facility.
SB 2106 Creates crime using drone to fly w/i250 feet of critical infrastructure. HB 2376 clarifies permissible for person to use drone on behalf institution of higher education
SB 2022 Using a drone to commit "peeping tom" activities is a felony.
HR 80, HR 81, SR 172 Resolutions to recognize the benefits of a thriving drone industry in state
Source: http://www.ncsl.org
A&WMA Georgia Chapter 17
Range of State-Specific Requirements
Source: http://www.ncsl.org
A&WMA Georgia Chapter 18
Potential Liability Concerns
FAA and Other Law/Regulatory Violations Tort Liability for Accident
• Personal Injury and/or Property Damage
Invasion of Privacy• Operating Above Non‐Participating People
Trespass or Nuisance Insurance
• Covered by Commercial General Liability Policy?• Do You Need Drone‐Specific Endorsement?• Some States Treat Drones Like Motor Vehicles and Impose Minimum
Insurance Requirements
• Can You Shift Risk to Subcontractor?• How Will They be Vetted and Selected?• Do They Have Ability to Defend/Withstand a Judgement?
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A&WMA Georgia Chapter 19
Potential Liability Concerns - Continued
Drone Ownership and Operations by Your Company Know and Follow FAA and Other Laws/Regulations
Obtain and Maintain rPIC Status Use Applicable Best Practices
Additional Conditions of Drone Use• No Alcohol within 8 Hours of Flight• Blood Alcohol Must be < 0.04%• Potentially Impaired by Antihistamines or Decongestants• Other Medical Conditions (Epilepsy)
• Direct and Indirect Costs• Purchase, Register and Maintain Drone• Recurring Employee FAA Testing, TSA Vetting, Training, etc. • Plans: Pre‐Flight, Health & Safety, Emergency Response, etc. • Data Processing Software
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Potential Environmental Applications
Air & Waste Management Association
September 2016
A&WMA Georgia Chapter 21
Projected Drone Market Growth and Use
Top Five Markets
Projected Growth
Source: FAA Aerospace Forecast, FY16‐36
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A&WMA Georgia Chapter 22
Package Delivery By Drones
Amazon, Alphabet/Google, Walmart, Flirtey & 7‐Eleven, and Others• Goal: 5‐Pound Package in 30 Minutes• Ongoing Testing with Medical Supplies,
Emergency Food/Water, Candy Bars, Dog Treats, etc.
Must Follow Operating Limitations• Needs Remote Pilot • Total Weight Less Than 55 Pounds*• Maintain Visual Line of Sight*• No Hazardous Materials• Not Over Non‐Participating People• Must Stay Intrastate
Will Drone Delivery be Economical?
* = Requirement cannot be waived by FAA
A&WMA Georgia Chapter 23
Data and Sample Gathering Capabilities
Sensor Type Typical Uses
Optical Camera (visible light) Photography, photogrammetry, mapping 3D‐modeling
Thermal Imaging [infrared (IR)] Building heat leaks, broken solar panels, animals, search and rescue
Multispectral (visible, IR and some ultra violet)
Precision agricultural, crop health monitoring
Laser (LiDAR, LADAR) Surveying, high‐resolution mapping
Other Sensors/Equipment Emissions, radiation, gas, electromagnetic, vapor
Sampling Equipment Air (summa canisters, Tedlar® bags),water, etc.
A&WMA Georgia Chapter 24
Drone Finds “River of Blood” In Texas
Recreational Drone Pilot Testing Camera• Found Blood in Creek
Downstream of Slaughter House• Called National Response Center
Began Investigation of Slaughter House• County District Attorney, TX Parks
& Wildlife, TCEQ and USEPA• Found Underground Pipe Flowing
to Creek• Eighteen‐count Indictment
Against Company and Two VPs
Swine SlaughterHouse
Blood in Creek
Pipe
Source: Dallas Morning News, 12/16/12
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A&WMA Georgia Chapter 25
Drone Finds Waste Sites in Mojave Preserve
Results of prior homesteading
Location of Joshua Trees
Waste site
Waste site
Source: U.S. Geological Survey, UAS Project Office
A. B.
C. D.
A&WMA Georgia Chapter 26
Drones for Wildlife Research
Infrared image of caribou Normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI)of wetlands
Source: Christie et al., Front Ecol. Environ., 2016, 14(5): 241‐251
A. B.
A&WMA Georgia Chapter 27
Ecohydrology of Arid WatershedsVegetation classificationby multispectral camera
Digital elevation model (DEM)from three‐dimensional point cloud
Watershed and subwatershed elevations Simulated volumetric soil moisture
Source: Vivoni, et al., Ecosphere, Oct’14, Vol. 5(10), Article 130
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A&WMA Georgia Chapter 28
Drones Monitoring Mining Sites
Normalized differencevegetation index (NDVI)
Tailingspond
A. B.
C. D.
Source: U.S. Geological Survey, UAS Project Office
A&WMA Georgia Chapter 29
River Habitat Mapping by Drones
Orthoimagemosaic
DigitalElevationModel(DEM)
Water depth
Current velocity
Habitat Suitability(Brown Trout)
Source: Whitehead et al.
A&WMA Georgia Chapter 30
Drones Monitoring Sage Grouse Leks
SageGrouse
Sage grouseon lek
Sage grouseon lek
A.
D.
B.
C.Source: USGS Open‐File Report 2104‐1205
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A&WMA Georgia Chapter 31
Drone to Monitor Glaciers
20102011
Orthoimage mosaics, 10‐meter contours
Source: Whitehead et al.
A&WMA Georgia Chapter 32
Drones Collecting Water Samples
Source: http://research.unl.edu/annualreport/2014/water‐slurping‐drones‐have‐broad‐potential/
A&WMA Georgia Chapter 33
Air Sampling Using Drones
Source: http://www.whoi.edu/news‐release/whalecopter
Marine air emissions
Whale’s breath
Direct sampling
Ozone
Temperature
Drone altitude
Source: Kosmatka et al., 2011
Source: Scentroid.com
Source: Baxter & Bush, 2014
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A&WMA Georgia Chapter 34
Site Assessment Capabilities
Phase I for Forestland or Rural(Undeveloped) Property• Properties More 120 Acres• Streamlined Site Reconnaissance
• Real‐Time Data Collection with Mobile Devices• Photographs, Checklists and Notes, and
Location Information
• Aerial Flyovers Using Small Drones• Suspect Areas Flagged for Later “Ground
Truthing”• Estimate Extraction and Stockpile
Volumes
Questions?
Steve [email protected]
O: 770.270.1192 x 112 ▪ C: 678.512.9688
A&WMA Georgia Chapter 36
File: AWMA Drones 9Sep16.ppt
Drones for Environmental Assessment September 2016
4155 Shackleford Road, Suite 225 Norcross, GA 30093 770.270.1192 x 112
Section 2 Summary of Small Unmanned Aircraft Rules
FAA News Federal Aviation Administration, Washington, DC 20591 _____________________________________________________________________ June 21, 2016 SUMMARY OF SMALL UNMANNED AIRCRAFT RULE (PART 107)
Operational Limitations • Unmanned aircraft must weigh less than 55 lbs. (25 kg). • Visual line-of-sight (VLOS) only; the unmanned aircraft must
remain within VLOS of the remote pilot in command and the person manipulating the flight controls of the small UAS. Alternatively, the unmanned aircraft must remain within VLOS of the visual observer.
• At all times the small unmanned aircraft must remain close enough to the remote pilot in command and the person manipulating the flight controls of the small UAS for those people to be capable of seeing the aircraft with vision unaided by any device other than corrective lenses.
• Small unmanned aircraft may not operate over any persons not directly participating in the operation, not under a covered structure, and not inside a covered stationary vehicle.
• Daylight-only operations, or civil twilight (30 minutes before official sunrise to 30 minutes after official sunset, local time) with appropriate anti-collision lighting.
• Must yield right of way to other aircraft. • May use visual observer (VO) but not required. • First-person view camera cannot satisfy “see-and-avoid”
requirement but can be used as long as requirement is satisfied in other ways.
• Maximum groundspeed of 100 mph (87 knots). • Maximum altitude of 400 feet above ground level (AGL) or, if
higher than 400 feet AGL, remain within 400 feet of a structure.
• Minimum weather visibility of 3 miles from control station. • Operations in Class B, C, D and E airspace are allowed with
the required ATC permission. • Operations in Class G airspace are allowed without ATC
permission. • No person may act as a remote pilot in command or VO for
more than one unmanned aircraft operation at one time. • No operations from a moving aircraft. • No operations from a moving vehicle unless the operation is
over a sparsely populated area. • No careless or reckless operations. • No carriage of hazardous materials.
• Requires preflight inspection by the remote pilot in command.
• A person may not operate a small unmanned aircraft if he or she knows or has reason to know of any physical or mental condition that would interfere with the safe operation of a small UAS.
• Foreign-registered small unmanned aircraft are allowed to operate under part 107 if they satisfy the requirements of part 375.
• External load operations are allowed if the object being carried by the unmanned aircraft is securely attached and does not adversely affect the flight characteristics or controllability of the aircraft.
• Transportation of property for compensation or hire allowed provided that- o The aircraft, including its attached systems, payload and
cargo weigh less than 55 pounds total; o The flight is conducted within visual line of sight and not
from a moving vehicle or aircraft; and o The flight occurs wholly within the bounds of a State and
does not involve transport between (1) Hawaii and another place in Hawaii through airspace outside Hawaii; (2) the District of Columbia and another place in the District of Columbia; or (3) a territory or possession of the United States and another place in the same territory or possession.
• Most of the restrictions discussed above are waivable if the applicant demonstrates that his or her operation can safely be conducted under the terms of a certificate of waiver.
Remote Pilot in Command Certification and Responsibilities
• Establishes a remote pilot in command position. • A person operating a small UAS must either hold a remote
pilot airman certificate with a small UAS rating or be under the direct supervision of a person who does hold a remote pilot certificate (remote pilot in command).
• To qualify for a remote pilot certificate, a person must: o Demonstrate aeronautical knowledge by either:
Passing an initial aeronautical knowledge test at an FAA-approved knowledge testing center; or
Hold a part 61 pilot certificate other than student pilot, complete a flight review within the previous 24 months, and complete a small UAS online training course provided by the FAA.
o Be vetted by the Transportation Security Administration. o Be at least 16 years old.
• Part 61 pilot certificate holders may obtain a temporary remote pilot certificate immediately upon submission of their application for a permanent certificate. Other applicants will obtain a temporary remote pilot certificate upon successful completion of TSA security vetting. The FAA anticipates that it will be able to issue a temporary remote pilot certificate within 10 business days after receiving a completed remote pilot certificate application.
• Until international standards are developed, foreign-
certificated UAS pilots will be required to obtain an FAA-issued remote pilot certificate with a small UAS rating.
A remote pilot in command must: • Make available to the FAA, upon request, the small UAS for
inspection or testing, and any associated documents/records required to be kept under the rule.
• Report to the FAA within 10 days of any operation that results in at least serious injury, loss of consciousness, or property damage of at least $500.
• Conduct a preflight inspection, to include specific aircraft and control station systems checks, to ensure the small UAS is in a condition for safe operation.
• Ensure that the small unmanned aircraft complies with the existing registration requirements specified in § 91.203(a)(2).
A remote pilot in command may deviate from the requirements of this rule in response to an in-flight emergency.
Aircraft Requirements • FAA airworthiness certification is not required. However, the remote pilot in command must conduct a preflight check of the small UAS to ensure that it is in a condition for safe operation.
Model Aircraft • Part 107 does not apply to model aircraft that satisfy all of the criteria specified in section 336 of Public Law 112-95.
• The rule codifies the FAA’s enforcement authority in part 101 by prohibiting model aircraft operators from endangering the safety of the NAS.
Drones for Environmental Assessment September 2016
4155 Shackleford Road, Suite 225 Norcross, GA 30093 770.270.1192 x 112
Section 3 Additional Supporting Information
September 2016 1
Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) Rule
Additional Supporting Information Air & Waste Management Association
Georgia Chapter September 9, 2016
1. FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012, Public Law 112-95 (H.R. 658); signed February 14. Copy available here.
2. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). 2015. Operation and Certification of Small
Unmanned Systems; Proposed Rule. Federal Register, Vol. 80, No. 35, pp. 9,544 to 9,590; dated February 23. Copy available here.
3. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). 2015. Registration and Marking Requirements for
Small Unmanned Aircraft, Final Rule. Federal Register, Vol. 80, No. 241, pp. 78,594 to 78,648; dated December 16. Copy available here.
4. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). 2015. State and Local Regulation of Unmanned
Aircraft Systems (UAS), Fact Sheet; dated December 17. Copy available here. 5. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). 2016. On Line Course: ALC-451: Part 107 Small
Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS). Access here. 6. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). 2016. Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical
Knowledge, Publ. No.: FAA-H-8083-25B. Copy available here. 7. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). 2016. FAA Aerospace Forecast, Fiscal Years 2016 –
2036. Copy available here. 8. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). 2016. Press Release – DOT and FAA Finalize Rules
for Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems; dated June 21. Copy available here. 9. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). 2016. Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS),
Advisory Circular No. AC 107-2, dated June 21. Copy Available here. 10. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). 2016. FAA News: Summary of Small Unmanned
Aircraft Rule (Part 107); dated June 21. Copy available here. 11. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). 2016. Operation and Certification of Small
Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Final Rule. Federal Register, Vo. 81, No. 124, pp. 42,064 to 42,214; dated June 28. Copy available here.
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12. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). 2016. Remote Pilot – Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Airman Certification Standards, Publ. No.: FAA-S-ACS-10; dated July. Copy available here.
13. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). 2016. Remote Pilot – Small Unmanned Aircraft
Systems Study Guide, Publ. No.: FAA-G-8082-22; dated August. Copy available here. 14. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). 2016. Remote Pilot Knowledge Test Guide, Publ.
No.: FAA-G-8082-20; dated August. Copy available here. 15. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). 2016. Airman Knowledge Testing (AKT)
Organization Designation Authorization (ODA) Holders, Airman Knowledge Testing center List, updated August 16. Copy available here.
16. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). 2016. Sample Exam for Unmanned Aircraft
General (UAG); effective August 29. Copy available here. 17. Future of Privacy Forum, PrecisionHawk and Intel. 2016. Drones and Privacy by Design:
Embedded Privacy Enhancing Technology in Unmanned Aircraft; dated August 2. Copy available here.
18. National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). 2016. Voluntary
Best Practices for UAS Privacy, Transparency, and Accountability; dated May 18. Copy available here.
19. PwC. 2016. Clarity from Above: PwC Global Report on the Commercial Applications of
Drone Technology; dated May. Copy available here. 20. Stanley, J. and C. Crump. 2011. Protecting Privacy from Aerial Surveillance:
Recommendation for Government Use of Drone Aircraft. American Civil Liberties Union; dated December. Copy available here.
21. Thompson II, R.M. 2013. Drones in Domestic Surveillance Operations: Fourth
Amendment Implications and Legislative Responses. Congressional Research Service Report to Congress, Publ. No. R42701; dated April 3. Copy available here.
22. U.S. Department of Commerce. 2015. Privacy, Transparency, and Accountability
Regarding Commercial and Private Use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems [February 15, 2015, Presidential Memorandum]. Federal Register, Vo. 80, No. 43, pp. 11,978 to 11,980; dated March 5 Copy available here.
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23. U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). 2015. Best Practices for Protecting Privacy, Civil Rights & Civil Liberties in Unmanned Aircraft Systems Programs; dated December 18. Copy available here.
24. U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). National Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Project
Office. Access here. 25. White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP). 2016. Workshop on
Drones and the Future of Aviation; dated August 2. Access here. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) website. Access here. Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) website. Access here. For more information, please contact Steve Ellingson at (678)512-9688 or [email protected]
Flow Chart to Become a Drone Pilot
Qualifications
At least 16 yrs. old Use English proficently Safe physical/mental condition
Knowledge Testing Center (KTC)
Locate KTC near you, 24 in Georgia Bring gov't issued ID
Pass Aeronautical Knowledge Test
Before test review Pilot's Handbook, Study Guide and Sample Tests
Complete FAA Form 8710‐13
Use IACRA system to register
Enter Knowledge Test Exam ID
TSA Security Screening
Complete Background Check
Confirmatory email is sent to you
Remote Pilot Certificate
Issued to you by FAA
See: https://www.faa.gov/uas/getting_started/fly_for_work_business/becoming_a_pilot/
\\ntapa‐grnville\gvl‐vol5\‐\WPGVL\TERRI\S Ellingson\Drone WORKING, App
Printed: 9/7/2016 at 10:22 PM TRC Environmental Corp.
Drones for Environmental Assessment September 2016
4155 Shackleford Road, Suite 225 Norcross, GA 30093 770.270.1192 x 112
Section 4 Additional Drone Applications
September 2016 1
Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) Rule
Examples of Additional Drone Applications Air & Waste Management Association
Georgia Chapter September 9, 2016
The FAA's Focus Area Pathfinder Initiative Three industry partners are exploring incremental expansion of drone operations:
Visual line-of-sight operations over people: CNN explores how UAS might be safely used for newsgathering in populated areas
Extended visual line-of-sight operations in rural areas: PrecisionHawk will explore how UAS flights outside the pilot's direct vision might allow greater UAS use for crop monitoring in precision agriculture operations.
Beyond visual line-of-sight operations in rural/isolated areas: BNSF Railway will explore command-and-control challenges of using UAS to inspect rail system infrastructure.
Source: https://www.faa.gov/uas/programs_partnerships/focus_area_pathfinder/ , accessed 8/22/16
More Examples of Commercial Drone Applications
Insurance Claim Validation: State Farm became the first insurer in the United States to receive FAA permission to test drones for commercial use. State Farm is exploring the use of drones to assess potential roof damage during the insurance claims process, and to respond to natural disasters. Other insurance firms testing the use of drones include AIG and Liberty Mutual Insurance.
Wind Turbine Inspection: Traditionally wind turbine inspection has been carried out visually by an inspector on a rope harness, which is both are risky and expensive. Inspection using drones is faster, safer and more cost effective. Recent advances in machine vision and artificial intelligence mean that the automatic detection and classification of defects is now becoming possible, led by companies such as AirFusion and Strat-Aero who have developed WindSpect.
Construction Site Management: Drone’s are increasingly being used to capture, view and analyze aerial imagery and survey data to help manage construction sites (by tracking location of assets, project progress, etc). US-based startup Kespry has taken this one step further and recently demonstrated a prototype drone that uses an
September 2016 2
NVIDIA deep learning module to recognize and classify assets such as construction vehicles, building materials and other structures.
Agriculture: One of the largest commercial markets for drones is agriculture, for applications such as monitoring crops for disease, assessing yields and identifying where fertilizers are needed.
Live Gas Flare Inspection: Cyberhawk was the first to undertake a live gas flare inspection using a drone. The company’s drone was flown within a few feet of the live flare, at a height of 300 feet, providing detailed images of the condition of the flare tip and associated structure using HD video, still imagery and thermal imaging equipment. Such inspections are carried out ‘on line’ prior to a scheduled shutdown and allow replacement parts to be ordered in advance, meaning overall ‘off line’ can be minimized
First Aid: Researchers have created a prototype flying defibrillator, called the Ambulance Drone. In an emergency, people on the scene can call the drone and it arrives autonomously. The built-in defibrillator can then be used by anyone and also allow doctors to monitor the situation after the shocks are administered.
Security: The security company Secom has developed a drone that will automatically launch when an intruder is detected and follow them. The drone is intended for use by organizations with large areas to track, such as shopping malls and supermarkets with large parking lots. The drone can link with an intruder-detection system that sends beams of laser light along the perimeter of a secure space. When the detector senses motion, the drone automatically takes off from a nearby charging station to investigate and sends real-time video of an intruder or vehicle to a security center for analysis.
Flash Flood Warning: Researchers are developing a drone monitoring system that tracks floods in real time and can sound the alarm before a flash flood hits. The goal is to launch a swarm of about 10 drones to monitor a potential flash flood. The drones will drop disposable wireless sensors in the area at risk. If the sensors meet floodwater they will be carried away on the current, sending out a signal that the drones can track. The system aims to give between 30 minutes and 2 hours of warning, as well as predicting the flood’s path.
Organ Transplant Delivery: Dronelife is developing drones for the delivery of human organs for transplant, while Fortis Healthcare is investigating the use of drones in organ transplants, especially within crowded cities.
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Preventing Shark Attacks: Parts of the Australian coastline popular with swimmers and surfers are now being patrolled by drones to protect beachgoers from shark attacks. The drones send real-time images of coastal waters back to an operator using GPS coordinates. The New South Wales region where the drones are being used has been the site of more than a dozen shark attacks in 2015.
Wildlife Conservation: Drones are being used in wildlife conservation for a range of applications including identifying and intercepting poaching gangs, tracking illegal fishing activities, monitoring populations of grey whales off the US coast during their annual migration, and collecting data about caribou and their impact on vegetation.
Railway Safety: One railway has been using drones for railway maintenance and security, focusing on the inspection of rock faces to assess the risk of rock falls onto the railway; drawing up vegetation maintenance plans; and inspecting station roofing and structures.
Shipping Emission Monitoring: Agencies are collaborating to develop a drone system for tracking pollution from ships sailing in some of Europe’s busiest waters. The system is intended to help enforce stricter emission regulations.
Reforestation: BioCarbon Engineering is developing tree-planting drone to counter industrial-scale logging, and believes that drones may soon have the potential to plant around one billion trees per year. The company plans to use drones for mapping and precision planting to increase the uptake rates and the likelihood of healthy forest development.
Cinematography: Drones are enabling filmmakers to experiment with aerial cinematography in ways not possible before.
Pipeline Leak Detection: Total, the French an energy firm, uses drones to sniff for leaks along its gas pipelines, while PG&E is reportedly working with NASA’s California-based Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) on a small ‘sniffer’ that would detect the smallest of leaks along its 48,000 miles of gas transmission and distribution pipelines.
Cargo Delivery: The ‘Droneport’ project is planning to use cargo drones to deliver urgent supplies to remote areas. The initial plan is for three ‘droneport’ buildings, to be completed by 2020, that will enable the network to send supplies. The specialist drones will carry blood and life-saving supplies at minimal cost, providing an affordable alternative that can complement road-based deliveries.
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Journalism: The BBC was the first broadcast outlet in the world with an internal drone unit, and the use of drones in news reporting overseas is now common. The future of drones in journalism is in data journalism and virtual reality; for example, using a drone to rapidly map a newsworthy area or create 3D models of a place for virtual reality environments.
Search and Rescue: Drones have numerous applications in search and rescue, from finding victims to delivering help. For example, IntelliNet Sensors, a developer of sensitive breathing detection systems for first responders has launched a sensor that can be attached to a drone to detect breathing and heartbeat activity in search and rescue operations. In a post-disaster scenario, the system could be deployed to detect signs of life beneath building rubble, ground collapse or an avalanche. Elsewhere, others have developed a system to automatically analyze aerial photographs taken during a drone search to find missing people.
Oil Spill Monitoring: Port Authorities are collaborating with engineering firm Hope Technik to develop a waterproof unmanned aerial vehicle to monitor offshore spills. In flight, the drone will be able to ‘see’ for at least 450 feet around the vessel to which it is tethered.
Source: http://blog.ventureradar.com/2015/12/29/20-commercial-drone-use-cases-and-leading-innovators/ , accessed 8/22/16
