Chevron Pipe Line Company (CPL), a subsidiary of Chevron Corporation, in collaboration with American Aerospace Technologies (AATI), has achieved a significant milestone in unmanned aviation. They received a first-of-its-kind waiver from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) allowing the deployment of unmanned aircraft for surveillance over the San Joaquin Valley. This marks a new era in the use of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) for commercial operations in U.S. airspace.
The AiRanger, designed by AATI, is a fixed-wing UAS that boasts long-range operational capabilities and is equipped with advanced detect and avoid (DAA) systems. This system has now been recognized by the FAA as compliant with industry consensus standards, an accomplishment highlighted during flight operations in Buttonwillow, California, in October 2023.
Stephanie Beveridge, president of CPL, noted the significance of this collaboration: "CPL and AATI have been on a journey since 2019 to develop an aerial patrol solution with technology that advances safe, reliable, and cost-effective routine facility inspections and pipeline system surveillance. Through collaboration with the FAA, we are working to do just that in the San Joaquin Valley.”
The AiRanger is capable of flying over 700 miles and up to 17 hours at altitudes of up to 17,000 feet, with a weight of 220 pounds and an 18-foot wingspan. It can operate above 400 feet and beyond visual line of sight, a capability previously unapproved for commercial UAS weighing more than 55 pounds.
David Yoel, CEO of American Aerospace Technology, expressed his enthusiasm about the new operational possibilities: “For the first time, an unmanned aircraft of this scale has been approved for commercial operations in the U.S. This initial Waiver and Exemption covers over 4,000 square miles at up to 8,000 feet MSL, opening a new era in unmanned aviation in the National Airspace System.”
The AiRanger's deployment is particularly aimed at enhancing routine surveillance and inspections of Chevron’s 3,000 miles of regulated pipelines, in compliance with the Department of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) requirements. Roy Martinez, project manager for the UAS initiative and digital advisor for operations in CPL, highlighted the strategic benefits: “The AiRanger UAS beyond visual line of sight operations will help transform routine oil and gas pipeline surveillance and inspections using automated intelligence solutions.”
This pioneering initiative, supported by End State Solutions, showcases how Chevron and its partners continue to push the boundaries of technology and regulatory collaboration to ensure safe and efficient energy development.
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