MassDOT Aeronautics highlights drone operations, BBLOS permissions and advanced air mobility planning

MassDOT’s Aeronautics Division told the Joint Committee on Transportation it is advancing drone operations, runway and pavement investments and planning for advanced air mobility.

Acting Aeronautics Administrator Denise Garcia said the division oversees 34 of the state’s 37 public‑use airports, operates an Advanced Aviation Technologies Group and manages airport planning, environmental reviews and capital programs that leverage federal funding. She cited an $8,400,000 on‑call pavement contract for state public‑use airports (excluding Massport) to be completed over multiple construction seasons and said the division’s capital program leverages between $30,000,000 and $65,000,000 per year in federal funding.

Garcia described the aeronautics drone team’s work on beyond‑visual‑line‑of‑sight (BVLOS) operations and said the division was awarded an FAA BVLOS waiver to fly long distances, which the division says saves time and money for inspections and emergency response. She said the drone program tested medical delivery flights carrying packages up to 10 pounds over a mile to evaluate feasibility for home‑based healthcare and emergency response but made clear any commercial medical drone deliveries would require FAA approval and determinations from the health care industry.

The division is also planning for advanced air mobility and electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft (eVTOL), integrating sensor technologies, working on counter‑UAS protections and commissioning a strategic business plan as part of a statewide aviation system plan update through 2050.

Less critical details: Garcia said the advanced aviation group manages over 20 terabytes of drone sensor data for MassDOT and the MBTA and supports STEM and workforce development programs at airports.