In the last year, the use of drone technology in the oil and gas industry has increased dramatically to enhance activities such as pipeline surveillance and construction and facility inspection. As this technology continues to evolve, companies are left to decide whether to develop their in-house drone capabilities or rely on third-party providers. Whether they should assemble their own internal drone teams or simply outsource this work to dedicated drone service providers? There are advantages to each approach, but then there’s a pretty good case for doing a combination of both for the sake of efficiency, compliance, and cost effectiveness.
The Rise of Internal Drone Teams
Internal drone teams seem like a logical step for many companies. With the ability to deploy drones at a moment’s notice internal teams can handle routine tasks such as basic inspections, small scale mapping or monitoring operations. The benefits of an internal drone team include:
- Immediate Availability: Internal teams can quickly respond to operational needs without waiting for a third-party provider.
- Customization: Teams can focus on specific use cases tailored to company needs.
- Long-Term Cost Savings: For frequent, repetitive tasks, having an in-house team may reduce costs over time.
However, creating and maintaining an effective internal drone program requires significant investments in equipment, training, and compliance.
The Value of Dedicated Providers
Although all the benefits of internal teams can be listed, there are some expertise and capabilities that are difficult for drone service providers to offer when working as dedicated providers as when working in-house. These include:
- Regulatory Expertise: Drone operations, particularly Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) flights, are subject to strict regulations. Dedicated providers are well-versed in Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) rules and have experience navigating the complex approval processes required for advanced operations.
- Specialized Equipment: Advanced drone applications, such as Optical Gas Imaging (OGI), high-resolution videography, and large-scale mapping, require specialized equipment. Providers already have access to these tools, eliminating the need for upfront investment.
- Skilled Pilots: Experienced pilots certified in specialized operations ensure the highest level of safety and efficiency.
- Scalability: Providers can quickly scale up operations for large or complex projects, offering flexibility that may be challenging for internal teams.
- Liability Mitigation: Outsourcing operations reduces the risk of legal or financial liabilities associated with accidents or non-compliance.
Combining Internal Teams and Dedicated Providers
Increasing number of companies are successfully using both in-house drone teams and dedicated providers. This hybrid approach enables organizations to:
- Maximize Efficiency: Internal teams handle routine, day-to-day tasks while providers tackle advanced or large-scale projects.
- Access Advanced Capabilities: Providers bring expertise and equipment for specialized needs, such as BVLOS flights or thermal imaging.
- Optimize Costs: Internal teams reduce costs for frequent operations, while providers eliminate the need for costly investments in advanced technology.
Considerations for Internal Drone Teams
When any company is thinking about adopting an internal drone program, there are certain key factors that need to be considered:
- Regulatory Compliance: Ensure pilots are certified and operations meet all FAA requirements.
- Training: Invest in comprehensive training programs to maintain safety and efficiency.
- Equipment: Choose versatile, reliable drones capable of handling a range of tasks.
- Insurance: Secure coverage for potential liabilities associated with drone operations.
Why Arch Aerial is the Right Partner
At Arch Aerial, we understand the unique challenges of the oil and gas industry. As a dedicated drone service provider, we offer:
- Regulatory Expertise: Our pilots are PHMSA DOT compliant, ensuring safe and legal operations.
- Advanced Capabilities: From OGI for leak detection to BVLOS operations, we provide cutting-edge solutions tailored to your needs.
- Proven Experience: With a track record of successful projects, we deliver reliable, high-quality results.
- Flexible Partnerships: Whether you need end-to-end services or support for your internal team, we’re here to help.
Conclusion
The decision between using internal drone teams and dedicated providers doesn’t have to be an either-or scenario. When it comes to drone technology, oil and gas companies can unlock the full potential of drone technology by combining the strengths of both approaches. They offer expertise, reliability and advanced capabilities that complement the efficiency of internal teams to make sure every project is executed with precision and to compliance.
Contact us today to learn how Arch Aerial can improve your drone operations to help achieve success in your next project.
