Posted on 06/14/2014 2:39:07 PM PDT by BenLurkin
Drone maker AeroVironment, of Simi Valley, and BP energy corporation have been given permission to use a Puma drone to survey pipelines, roads and equipment at Prudhoe Bay in Alaska, the agency said. The first flight took place on Sunday.
Made by AeroVironment, the Puma is a small, hand-launched craft about 4 1/2 feet long and with a 9-foot wingspan. It was initially designed for military use.
Drones are often less expensive to operate than manned aircraft and easier to maneuver. Equipped with 3D cameras, the Puma will provide images of hard-to-reach places not currently available, BP and AeroVironment say.
AeroVironment CEO Tim Conver said the Puma “is now helping BP manage its extensive Prudhoe Bay field operations in a way that enhances safety, protects the environment, improves productivity and
Do we really need to help greedy B.P.?
Let them hire pilots with “real” planes.
All other craft are “target drones”.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EKMm_DZpVTg
Civilian Drones Search and Rescue
This is a long video, but well worth watching. I’m so mad at the FAA for its policies AGAINST Search & Rescue drones that I could spit nails.
There is absolutely NO safety element in withholding permissions to fly these drone during Search & Rescue operations ESPECIALLY when coordinated with local or state LEOs.
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