The New York Power Authority (NYPA) has been granted a pivotal waiver from the FAA, allowing it to conduct fully remote drone operations across its vast network of infrastructure in New York State. This waiver permits NYPA to operate drones beyond the visual line of sight of pilots or observers, significantly expanding the scope of its unmanned aerial capabilities without the need for prior approval in unrestricted airspace, or Class G zones.
This advancement marks a critical step in NYPA’s strategic VISION2030 plan, which emphasizes the integration of cutting-edge technology to enhance the efficiency and safety of its operations. “NYPA has made significant investments in its robotics program, understanding that drones can safely and expeditiously inspect our critical infrastructure responsible for delivering power throughout New York State,” said Justin E. Driscoll, President and CEO of NYPA. “The FAA-approved waiver is reflective of those investments, further expanding our ability to monitor assets and positioning NYPA as an industry leader in drone technology.”
The waiver allows NYPA to deploy drones remotely across its transmission lines, generation facilities, and canal systems, streamlining asset inspection processes and reducing the risks associated with manual inspections. This capability is especially valuable in the aftermath of severe weather events, where rapid assessments are crucial for maintaining operational integrity. Drones, which can now be operated remotely, significantly cut down the time needed to inspect infrastructure, providing quick, accurate data that can be used to address issues before they escalate.
NYPA’s expanded drone operations are facilitated by Skydio, a leading U.S. drone manufacturer, whose equipment and advisory services played a key role in securing the FAA waiver. The approval, which extends through 2028, is specific to Skydio’s drones, including the Skydio Dock and X2 models. “The 107.31 FAA waiver will support NYPA’s efforts to improve safety during infrastructure management and inspection,” noted Peter Kalaitzidis, NYPA’s Robotics Program Manager. “Through investments in advanced robotics and drone technology, NYPA is improving the efficiency of site inspection and security at generating facilities, transmission corridors, and across canal waterways.”
This waiver builds on a previous FAA approval granted to NYPA in 2022 for fully remote drone operations at its Blenheim-Gilboa Pumped Storage Power Project in Schoharie County. The new authorization now extends NYPA's drone capabilities to all relevant infrastructure across the state, including those managed by the New York State Canal Corporation.
NYPA’s drone program is part of a broader initiative to modernize its asset management practices while maintaining stringent safety standards. The Authority has significantly ramped up its drone operations, training more than 115 employees as drone pilots, up from just 40 last year. With an investment exceeding $37 million through 2028, NYPA is committed to expanding its drone program, leveraging these advanced tools to monitor transmission lines, manage vegetation, and map erosion, among other critical tasks.
Daniel Jenkins, Regulatory Program Manager at Skydio, highlighted the importance of this technological integration: “Remote operation of drones has become invaluable for more efficient inspection and monitoring of power generation infrastructure, including generating facilities, substations, and canals. This approval is for Skydio Dock and X2, which enables NYPA to maintain statewide critical infrastructure from anywhere.”
.png)
