US utility secures FAA exemption for BVLOS operations
Southern Company has become the first utility company in the US to secure a Part 91 exemption for beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) operations from the FAA using SwissDrones’ platform.
The 14 CFR Part 91 exemption allows the firm to use unmanned aerial systems (UAS) developed by SwissDrones and operated in partnership with aerial data acquisition and inspection specialist Phoenix Air Unmanned. Southern Company has been working with Phoenix to assess the viability of using UAS for infrastructure inspections since 2016.
“Our partnership with Phoenix Air Unmanned has been instrumental in achieving this regulatory milestone,” said Dean Barefield, Southern Company’s UAS programme manager. “This collaboration combines their expertise in UAS operations with our vision for innovative solutions, enhancing our ability to inspect and maintain critical infrastructure safely and effectively while delivering measurable benefits to our customers.”
By using SwissDrones technology, Southern Company can more efficiently monitor infrastructure, quickly assess storm damage and respond proactively to potential issues. This significantly reduces downtime and improves service reliability. Traditionally, inspection work is done with helicopters or ground-based teams.
The Part 91 exemption allows Southern Company to operate SwissDrones VTOL platforms without requiring a pilot or visual observer to maintain a direct line of sight.
“This achievement is more than a technological milestone – it’s a testament to Southern Company’s role as a trailblazer in regulatory progress,” said Kevin Brown, Southern Company’s general manager of system aviation operations. “Our collaboration with Phoenix Air Unmanned not only enabled us to secure this exemption but also represents a significant step toward broader acceptance of BVLOS operations, fostering innovation and creating a safer, more efficient energy future.”
The utility said it expects the exemption to set a “precedent” for other industries seeking to adopt BVLOS technology.
There are a growing number of aviation regulators either authorising entirely or providing specific exemptions for BVLOS operations. Notably, Australia’s Civil Aviation Safety Authority has authorised Perth-based Xplorate to commercially operate BVLOS inspections on a 550km export pipeline in Queensland. The company also uses SwissDrones’ UAS platforms, aka remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS).
