The New York Power Authority (NYPA) has been granted a waiver by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to conduct fully remote drone operations beyond the visual line of sight in unrestricted airspace. This waiver, effective through 2028, expands NYPA’s ability to use drones for monitoring and inspecting transmission lines, generation facilities, and canal assets across New York State and further advances the goals of the Power Authority’s VISION2030 strategic plan.
NYPA President and CEO Justin E. Driscoll stated: “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.” He added that the FAA waiver further positions NYPA as an industry leader in drone technology.
The waiver eliminates the need for pilots or observers to have visual contact with the drones during operations and does not require airspace monitoring systems like radar. This capability is expected to enhance worker safety and expedite asset inspections, particularly after events like severe weather or flooding.
NYPA’s expanded drone operations will focus on inspecting transmission assets and canal waterways. The waiver was secured with assistance from Skydio, a US-based drone manufacturer, and is specific to Skydio’s drones.
“The 107.31 FAA waiver will support NYPA’s efforts to improve safety during infrastructure management and inspection,” said Peter Kalaitzidis, NYPA’s Robotics Program Manager. He highlighted that NYPA is investing more than $37 million in its drone program through 2028, with over 115 employees now trained as drone pilots, up from 40 last year.
Daniel Jenkins, Skydio’s Regulatory Program Manager, emphasized the importance of remote drone operations for infrastructure monitoring, stating: “This approval is for Skydio Dock and X2, which enables NYPA to maintain statewide critical infrastructure from anywhere.”
This new waiver builds on NYPA’s previous FAA authorization for remote drone operations at its Blenheim-Gilboa Pumped Storage Power Project in Schoharie County, now extending to all NYPA and New York State Canal Corporation assets in unrestricted airspace.
Through NYPA’s comprehensive in-house drone program, the authority is exploring and testing new ways to integrate drones into everyday utility operations while upholding the highest standards of aviation professionalism and safety. Drones are deployed at various NYPA sites across the state for tasks such as inspecting transmission lines, managing vegetation and monitoring overgrown trees, and mapping spillway erosion. The number of trained drone pilots at NYPA has grown to over 115, up from 40 last year. To enhance the safety and efficiency of its utility operations, NYPA is committing more than $37 million to its drone program through 2028.
