The GEO Jobe UAV & aerial mapping services team has been busy this year and there’s no sign of slowing down. As business continues to grow, service and data offerings expanding, so too does the need for travel to job sites with equipment in tow. For anyone else in a similar situation, you’ll need to be aware of the many regulations that exist when jetting away on your next assignment.
Indeed, much of the UAV services work that we perform is concentrated around Tennessee, Alabama, Kentucky and surrounding areas. However, as our team continues to grow, the services offered by our group expands, so too does the number of exciting aerial data capture projects and the required distance to travel to project locations and client sites. Occasionally this means air travel, and with that, it is important that we are familiar with the regulations that control travel and shipping of UAV equipment, batteries, and other supporting hardware. Note, for companies securing UAV service providers, you will want to be sure that you are contracting with experienced consultants and service providers in order to safeguard any unforeseen issues and delays in your data capture mission.
Drone Travel Regulations
Some things a professional UAV service provider needs to consider:
- Will UAV equipment be carry-on or checked baggage? Obviously, there are size and weight considerations
- What kind of batteries are there and how will pressure affect them, if at all?
- The quantity of batteries in possession?
- Battery type and Watt-hours will determine if they can be checked as luggage
- Do rules vary in the location you are traveling to/from?
- Is special bag required or helpful for the UAV and equipment?
- Package requirements for batteries?
- What kind of batteries are in your possession? Dry alkaline, dry rechargeable, lithium ion, lithium metal, wet batteries. Know the rules regarding shipping of these products.
Hire a Skilled Professional
It is important that you or your company, and your skilled UAV/drone service provider are familiar with the many rules and regulations affecting UAV technology. A mix-up or oversight resulting from contracting services with consultants not familiar with these and other important drone regulations can result in costly project cost over-runs and delays. If you have questions regarding a future UAV data capture project please feel free to reach out to our team of professionals. We’re glad to chat anytime! Or reach out to us via Twitter or Instagram @geojobeuav
Recently, the GEO Jobe UAV Services group flew a relatively large project area, turning around the data analysis and delivery of 3D data products including 1 ft. contours in just 2 days (see below). Without our experience in UAV battery management and mission planning, this would not be possible!
If you have questions regarding a future UAV data capture project please feel free to reach out to our team of professionals. We’re glad to chat anytime or provide you with a drone mission estimate! Or reach out to us via Twitter or Instagram @geojobeuav
The FAA has published an FAQ regarding batteries carried by airline passengers (See PDF HERE)
See Also:
- DJI Travel Tips
- President Announces Drone / UAV Integration Pilot Program to Accelerate Integration of UAS into national airspace
- Construction and Surveying Industries Seeing Reduced Costs, Increased Productivity by Adopting UAV Technology
See:
Want to travel with your #DJI drone? Read our essential travel tips before you go! https://t.co/Gr20tb9ypw pic.twitter.com/F2xwAa33OU
— DJI (@DJIGlobal) November 1, 2017
