FAA Approves Commercial UAS Flights in Alaska
Hand-launched unmanned aircraft the first to be approved for over-land operations in the U.S.
The Puma AE unmanned aircraft weighs 13.5 pounds. [Photo: AeroVironment]
The Puma AE unmanned aircraft weighs 13.5 pounds. [Photo: AeroVironment]

The FAA last week issued oil company BP and unmanned aircraft manufacturer AeroVironment its first official approval for commercial operations over land in the U.S. using unmanned aerial systems (UAS). Flights using AeroVironment’s 13.5-pound Puma AE began immediately on June 8, performing aerial surveillance of BP’s pipelines and other facilities in support of the Prudhoe Bay oilfield in Alaska.