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MDOT expands drone demonstrations and beyond-visual-line-of-sight work for deliveries, inspections and emergency response
Summary
MDOT officials described demonstrations and infrastructure pilots that support beyond-visual-line-of-sight drone operations, said the department uses drones for airport inspections and emergency response, and argued drones can reduce inspection costs and increase worker safety.
Brian Buds, head of MDOT’s Aeronautics Division, told the appropriation subcommittee that the department is advancing drone (UAS) operations across Michigan through demonstrations, infrastructure pilots and changes to automated weather and communications systems that support more complex operations.
Buds said MDOT’s UAS program began about six years ago and has grown from simple photography to supporting multiple agency missions. MDOT’s work includes: airport inspections and safety surveys; operation of automated weather observation stations (42 statewide) and upgrades to those stations; internal MDOT uses for survey and emergency response; and demonstrations of beyond-visual-line-of-sight (BVLOS) deliveries.
Examples Buds described…
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