Yes. With the right aircraft and operating approvals, drones can patrol hundreds of miles of pipeline and can be deployed at the scale traditionally associated with manned fixed-wing aircraft. The important caveat is that not every drone can do it….
Using Drones for PHMSA Pipeline Patrols and Leak Detection
TL;DR: Federal pipeline regulations require patrol and leak detection programs but don’t mandate a specific aircraft type. PHMSA has confirmed drones are acceptable under 49 CFR § 192.705 and § 195.412. A properly designed drone program doesn’t just document that a…
How Aerial Data Is Changing Pre-Bid Construction
Two years ago, a fly-through of planned construction in a pre-bid package was a differentiator. Today, it’s becoming an expectation. The general contractors winning competitive commercial bids in 2026 aren’t just submitting stronger numbers, they’re submitting stronger presentations, and aerial documentation…
Understanding the FCC DJI Covered List and Its Impact on Construction Drone Programs
Recent changes around DJI and the FCC Covered List have raised questions for general contractors who rely on drones as part of their internal operations. While the headlines can sound concerning, the practical impact is more nuanced. This update is less…
Regulatory Compliance: Drone Data in Environmental Reporting
The oil and Gas industry is under constant pressure to reduce methane emissions, a potential greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change. In response, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has implemented certain regulations to curb emissions from oil and gas…
Construction Safety: Drone Use Can Save Lives and Money
With many facets of construction being high-risk, safety is notably the top priority for every project manager, contractor, and laborer. Large-scale and small developments alike must maintain a level of safety in order to prevent accidents and ensure project success. Technology…
The Future of Oil & Gas: Embracing Drones, Not Fearing Them
Drones are the latest technological advancement in the oil and gas industry, and they are quickly gaining traction. While some people were skeptical or even fearful of drones, now they are seen as something invaluable these buzzworthy that aerial incidents can…
Drones in Construction: Beyond the Basics
Nowadays, the construction industry is rapidly adopting drone technology, where these unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are now a must-have for enhancing the efficiency, safety, and overall management of a project. The drones are not just some newfangled thing to take aerial…
Maintaining Safety and Integrity: Drone Patrols for ROW Protection
In the oil and gas sector, the safety, integrity, and proper maintenance of the infrastructure are of continuous concern. With the vast networks of pipelines and associated facilities spanning over tough terrains, methods for monitoring right-of-ways (ROW) and the overall health…
Drone Solutions: Evaluating Internal Teams vs. Dedicated Providers for Construction
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 With the increasing popularity of drone technology in the construction industry, general contractors have new…