This week, Soaring Eagle Technologies, a drone data collection company that provides services for critical infrastructure in the U.S., received one of the first beyond-visual-line-of-sight (BVLOS) waivers from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to fly unmanned aerial systems (UAS or drones) for commercial inspection missions under operational guidelines as opposed to specific operations in a specific geographical area. This nationwide BVLOS waiver is based on Soaring Eagle’s ability to meet specific operational parameters rather than operating within a specific timeframe in a specific area which is the more common BVLOS waiver granted by the FAA. The waiver allows Soaring Eagle to collect high-resolution images (i.e., Light Detection And Ranging, aka LiDAR) much more efficiently and in a much safer manner than with traditional manned aviation. Now, critical infrastructure asset managers can work with Soaring Eagle to conduct inspections of electric utility corridors and other infrastructure using drones BVLOS. This will allow for more data collection and better return on investment. This long-range BVLOS drone inspection will allow vegetation audits and detailed mapping to occur in large areas. It also will permit asset managers to more efficiently survey land for large construction projects such as solar fields and electrical utility construction. The technology used by Soaring Eagle can survey 800-3,000 acres in a day. This is a huge step for UAS and a substantial benefit to our critical infrastructure.

Photo of Kathryn Rattigan Kathryn Rattigan

Kathryn Rattigan is a member of the Business Litigation Group and the Data Privacy and Security Team. She concentrates her practice on privacy and security compliance under both state and federal regulations and advising clients on website and mobile app privacy and…

Kathryn Rattigan is a member of the Business Litigation Group and the Data Privacy and Security Team. She concentrates her practice on privacy and security compliance under both state and federal regulations and advising clients on website and mobile app privacy and security compliance. Kathryn helps clients review, revise and implement necessary policies and procedures under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). She also provides clients with the information needed to effectively and efficiently handle potential and confirmed data breaches while providing insight into federal regulations and requirements for notification and an assessment under state breach notification laws. Prior to joining the firm, Kathryn was an associate at Nixon Peabody. She earned her J.D., cum laude, from Roger Williams University School of Law and her B.A., magna cum laude, from Stonehill College. She is admitted to practice law in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Read her full rc.com bio here.