PG&E Enhances BVLOS Drone Compliance with AirData: A Case Study
Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) is significantly advancing its drone operations by automating compliance for Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) flights through AirData’s fleet management platform. This automation is crucial for expanding PG&E’s drone initiative responsibly and efficiently, particularly for essential tasks like wildfire prevention across its extensive 70,000-square-mile service area in California.
Streamlining Compliance for Complex Operations
As PG&E’s drone operations have expanded, so has the necessity for a streamlined compliance process. BVLOS operations, which allow drones to fly beyond the direct visual line of sight, are under stringent regulations set by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Adhering to these regulations requires meticulous tracking of all flight operations, including pilot activities, observer roles, and aircraft maintenance.
Kellen Kirk, PG&E’s Manager of UAS and Fixed Wing Operations, noted:
“Implementing AirData has centralized our flight logging, compliance reporting, and maintenance tracking in an automated and proactive manner. This allows our pilots, technicians, and administrators to focus on their respective missions with confidence that regulations are being followed. The utilities industry is rapidly innovating in drone use, and AirData is a key part of how we stay at the forefront of these changes.”
Automated Workflows and Fleet Integration
PG&E employs AirData’s versatile platform to automatically synchronize flight logs from both Skydio and DJI drones, ensuring complete mission data capture without the need for manual data entry. The platform facilitates direct uploads from remote controllers, flight applications, and cloud servers, aiding in the management of a varied drone fleet.
To meet precise maintenance needs, PG&E takes advantage of AirData’s Customized Maintenance feature. This tool aligns service schedules with manufacturer recommendations, ensuring compliance with FAA waivers and internal protocols. The unified platform also accelerates training and enhances inter-departmental communication.
Jon Teach, PG&E’s Expert Program Manager of UAS Special Projects, emphasized:
“Remote BVLOS flights are a game changer for our operations, and my priority is to ensure we innovate responsibly and safely. One of the largest challenges we face with these new types of operations is the maintenance requirements set forth in our waivers. Thanks to AirData’s ability to track maintenance, it assures that our aircraft remain compliant with our waivers and internal procedures.”
Preparing for the Future of Drone Operations
By automating compliance processes, PG&E is not only addressing the current regulatory landscape but also equipping itself for upcoming changes in drone regulations. This case study demonstrates how essential platforms like AirData’s can facilitate both BVLOS and standard drone operations, setting the stage for ongoing growth and innovation in uncrewed operations.
About AirData UAV
AirData is recognized as the world’s largest online drone fleet data management and real-time flight streaming platform, catering to over 370,000 users and processing approximately 25,000 flights daily. The platform offers sophisticated tools for flight safety analysis, crash prevention, maintenance, mission planning, and live streaming, making it a reliable choice for significant fleet operators worldwide.
For more insights on PG&E’s BVLOS compliance automation, check out the full case study on AirData’s blog or join the discussion panel featuring PG&E at the Energy Drone & Robotics Summit on June 17, 2025.
Related Articles
- AirData UAV Launches Drone Asset Management Tool for Commercial Operators
- AirData Integrates Teledyne FLIR SIRAS Drone Platform for Enhanced Public Safety Operations
- AirData UAV Offers Seamless Flight Tracking Solutions Amid DJI Cloud Sync Discontinuation
For further details, follow our latest updates and articles. Original Article
