Watching on 70,000 square miles of California is no little task however Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) is doing it with design and drones.Known for remaining ahead of the curve, PG&E has grown among the nations most enthusiastic drone programs.
As wildfires end up being a bigger risk, the company is leaning into long-range drone flights, likewise referred to as BVLOS (Beyond Visual Line of Sight) missions.
These flights let pilots fly drones over long distances without keeping consistent eye contact excellent for security, but tricky when it comes to following FAA rules.Thats where AirData dives in to help.Tracking whos flying what, when, and where can be a headache especially when youre balancing multiple drone designs and hundreds of flight hours.
PG&E uses AirData to automate everything from flight logs to maintenance reports.
No more spreadsheets or sticky notes AirData collects data directly from drones, remote controllers, and even cloud platforms.Advertisement - scroll for more contentNew: DJI RC Pro 2 adds Air 3S, Mini 4 Pro supportImplementing AirData has actually centralized our flight logging, compliance reporting, and upkeep tracking, states Kellen Kirk, PG&E s Manager of UAS and Fixed Wing Operations.
This permits our pilots, specialists, and administrators to concentrate on their respective objectives with confidence that guidelines are being followed.AirData isnt simply practical its likewise brand-agnostic.
That implies PG&E can sync logs from both DJI and Skydio drones into the very same system.
Its like having a universal translator for drones.Flying drones beyond a pilots line of vision isnt just about range its about obligation.
The FAA has strict requirements for these missions.
Pilots need accreditations, flights need to be logged, and drones have to be carefully maintained.Jon Teach, PG&E s Expert Program Manager of UAS Special Projects, put it this way: Remote BVLOS flights are a game changer, and my concern is to ensure we innovate responsibly and safely.Thanks to AirData, PG&E keeps tabs on each and every single drones upkeep schedule.
Their group utilizes the platforms Custom Maintenance tool to follow producer suggestions, making certain no airplane is ever past due for a check-up.
With AirData, PG&E is future-proofing its drone program.
The centralized system makes it easier to onboard brand-new employee, interact across departments, and remain ahead of altering regulations.
Its not just about examining boxes its about building a much safer, smarter method to uncrewed flight.The PG&E group is likewise building standard procedures that work across all drone operations, not just BVLOS missions.
That consistency helps scale operations without losing sight of security or compliance.Whats next?As more utility business turn to drones for inspections and emergency reaction, PG&E s approach is setting a high bar.
Automating compliance with platforms like AirData permits teams to concentrate on real-world impact like avoiding wildfires, restoring power, and safeguarding important facilities.
And the very best part? The technology is already here, working behind the scenes so pilots and decision-makers can fly even more, much safer, and smarter.Want the full scoop? Have a look at the complete case study here.More: New V-Line Pro provides 10-hour flight time for DJI droneFTC: We use income making automobile affiliate links.More.