First ever BLOS Utility Inspection that is FAA Approved

The UAS flying is a Vapor 55.

AMARILLO, TX (KFDA) – Xcel Energy is making history with they way they are using advance drone technology. It is the first utility company in the country to use unmanned aerial systems in a new way to survey transmission lines.

Xcel has used drones in the past, but the operator was required by the FAA to have clear sight of the drone as long as it was in flight. Now, Xcel has permission to operate drones beyond the line of sight of the pilot.

This allows the company to send drones several miles away along transmission lines to detect any damages or problems before they affect customers.

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