Verizon deploys remote network-connected drone during Big Hollow Wildfire
September 23 2020 - 1:20PM
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) granted Skyward, A
Verizon company, a temporary waiver that allows company pilots to
fly the Percepto Sparrow drone from their homes to inspect critical
communications infrastructure near the Big Hollow wildfire in
Washington. The waiver permits operations 24 hours a day, with less
than 3 miles of visibility, and no pilot or observer on site.
With multiple natural disasters occurring throughout the United
States, the ability to safely inspect sites that support critical
communications for first responders has never been more important
or necessary.
“At a moment when we are facing dangerous consequences of
climate change and coping with a global pandemic, maintaining the
Verizon Network has never been more important,” said Rima Qureshi,
Chief Strategy Officer, Verizon. "Innovations in airborne
technology have enhanced our ability to inspect our sites without
putting engineers in harm's way, and provide our first responders
with reliable communications. We appreciate the FAA's swift action
in granting the waiver, which allows us to deploy a
network-connected drone and provide critical services, safely and
effectively."
Although the FAA can grant “beyond visual line of sight,” or
BVLOS, waivers to businesses that prove they can fly safely, an
onsite pilot or visual observer has still been generally required.
In preparation for crises such as this, Skyward spent nearly a year
testing and proving it could safely fly without onsite personnel.
In addition to the groundbreaking nature of the flight, the waiver
itself is a milestone for remote deployment of drones in the
U.S.
“We’ve built a BVLOS capability consisting of a remotely
deployable drone system, weather monitoring systems like those used
at airports, Skyward’s Aviation Management Platform, and
state-of-the-art airborne safety systems that allow us to check the
surrounding airspace for other aircraft,” said Skyward's Director
of Aviation Development Centers whose name is X. “Verizon’s 4G LTE
network connected these systems, giving the team’s operations lead
in Alaska a near real-time picture of the operation from 1,600
miles away.”
The waiver was granted through the FAA’s expedited Special
Governmental Interest process. The waiver applies to drone support
operations for critical infrastructure that maintain communications
for emergency responders and extends until Friday, Sept. 25.
Since September 9, the Big Hollow Fire has burned more than
24,000 acres and caused mandatory evacuation orders in the area.
The location of the critical communications infrastructure itself
is within blocks of a Level 1 evacuation order and the air quality
was unsafe for humans. This operation not only allowed Verizon
engineers to confirm the integrity and operability of its
infrastructure was not impacted, it also allowed them to do so
without putting people in harm’s way.
Verizon continues to closely monitor dozens of wildfires burning
in the western US and our network is currently performing well with
no significant impacts to date.
Our Verizon Response Team (VRT) is available 24/7 to provide
on-demand, emergency assistance to first responders. We are
mobilizing charging stations, WiFi hotspots, devices, special
equipment, emergency vehicles and more to support local, state and
federal agencies in Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, New
Mexico, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington and Wyoming.
Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE, Nasdaq: VZ) was formed on
June 30, 2000 and is celebrating its 20th year as one of the
world’s leading providers of technology, communications,
information and entertainment products and services. Headquartered
in New York City and with a presence around the world, Verizon
generated revenues of $131.9 billion in 2019. The company offers
data, video and voice services and solutions on its award winning
networks and platforms, delivering on customers’ demand for
mobility, reliable network connectivity, security and control.
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Media contact: Jess
Moodyjessica.moody@skyward.io907-602-3313
Verizon Communications (NYSE:VZ)
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