Four companies that requested for regulatory exemptions have received approvals from the Federal Aviation Administration for unmanned aircraft systems operations.
The FAA said Wednesday it granted the exemptions to Trimble Navigation, VDOS Global, Clayco and Woolpert for their aerial surveying, construction site monitoring and oil rig flare stack inspections operations.
Woolpert received two exemptions from the FAA under this initiative.
“The FAA’s first priority is the safety of our nation’s aviation system. Today’s exemptions are a step toward integrating UAS operations safely,” said Michael Huerta, FAA administrator.
According to the FAA, the companies requested exemptions from some regulations on general flight, pilot certificate requirements, manuals, maintenance and equipment.
Companies covered under the approvals are required to issue reports of accidents.
