I recently became a licensed drone pilot after our team realized we had an opportunity to enhance our ability to gather information for traffic projects, whether through obtaining a more comprehensive understanding of the existing conditions within a project area or enhancing our deliverables to clients.
Drone Use in Engineering
While not all engineering projects are a good fit for drone use, there are certainly some projects in which drones can be extremely useful. Projects that require a deeper analysis of the existing conditions within a project area are great examples of when a drone is necessary. Drones are also helpful for traffic observations, traffic counts, parking studies, Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS), construction monitoring, surveying, and updated, real-time aerial imagery.
Drones can also lead to cost savings and efficient use of resources, regardless of the engineering discipline. In some situations, drone use may reduce the amount of time or number of workers needed in the field for data collection. Drone data can be easily stored, allowing the designer to go back and re-analyze the conditions in the office without having to return to the field. The photos and videos collected offer a real-time, bird’s eye view of the project location. This unique perspective is often more comprehensive than standard traffic or site observations on the ground.
Becoming a Drone Pilot
When considering drone licensure, one must first determine whether their drone will be flown recreationally or commercially. Both require passing a test administered by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). However, this test is different for prospective recreational and commercial pilots. The required test for recreational use is a free exam called The Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST), which results in obtaining a TRUST Certificate.
For commercial use, the pilot must be approved by the FAA and obtain a Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate, which is received after passing the FAA’s Unmanned Aircraft General – Small (UAG) Exam. Under the Part 107 regulations, all commercial pilots must register their drones with the FAA. The Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate lasts for two years: after which the pilot must take an online training course to maintain their license with the FAA.
Experience and Advice
I encourage prospective drone pilots to spend the necessary time learning the FAA’s rules and regulations to operate your drone safely and protect the public. Doing so will also decrease liability for yourself and your company. Various classes are offered online to help familiarize yourself with these rules and to prepare you for the required Part 107 exam.
Common regulations that impact drone use include airspace restrictions around airports, stadiums, and other public spaces. Restrictions are also in place for nighttime flights or flights greater than 400’ in elevation. Special approvals must be received from the FAA before such flights. Based on my experience, airport restrictions are the most common hurdle to overcome for drone use in engineering projects. The radii around the airports for which drone flights are impacted vary based on the airport and the classification of controlled airspace surrounding them.
As a drone pilot, I take care to always comply with FAA regulations. It may not always be convenient to comply with these regulations in the field, but it is my responsibility as a licensed pilot to do so for the public’s safety.
Becoming a drone pilot has enabled me to add another tool to the tool belt for myself and Sain’s Traffic Team. I have also been able to support our Infrastructure and Site teams on various projects. Overall, utilizing drones for our engineering projects provides us with additional tools and approaches to solve various challenges collaboratively.