Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) is taking a major step forward in drone operations by automating compliance for Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) flights using AirData’s fleet management platform. This move enables PG&E to expand its drone program safely and efficiently, supporting critical missions like wildfire prevention across its 70,000-square-mile service area in California.
Centralizing Compliance for Complex Operations
As PG&E’s drone program has grown in size and complexity, the need for streamlined compliance has become essential. BVLOS operations, which allow drones to fly beyond the pilot’s direct line of sight, are strictly regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Meeting these requirements involves detailed tracking of every aspect of flight operations-from pilot and observer activity to aircraft maintenance.
Kellen Kirk, PG&E’s Manager of UAS and Fixed Wing Operations, explains:
“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 leverages AirData’s brand-agnostic platform to automatically sync flight logs from both Skydio and DJI drones, ensuring that all mission data is captured without manual entry. The platform supports direct uploads from remote controllers, flight apps, and cloud servers, making it easier to manage a diverse fleet.
To address strict maintenance requirements, PG&E uses AirData’s Customized Maintenance feature. This tool maps service schedules to manufacturer recommendations, helping the company stay compliant with FAA waivers and internal policies. The unified platform also speeds up training and improves communication across departments.
Jon Teach, PG&E’s Expert Program Manager of UAS Special Projects, highlights the impact:
“Remote BVLOS flights are a game changer for our operations, and my priority is to make sure 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.”
Future-Proofing Drone Operations
By automating compliance, PG&E is not only meeting today’s regulatory demands but also preparing for future changes in drone rules. The case study shows how foundational systems like AirData’s can support both BVLOS and standard drone missions, positioning PG&E for continued growth and innovation in uncrewed operations.
About AirData UAV
AirData is the world’s largest online drone fleet data management and real-time flight streaming platform, serving over 370,000 users and processing an average of 25,000 flights per day. The platform provides advanced tools for flight safety analysis, crash prevention, maintenance, mission planning, and live streaming, making it a trusted solution for large fleet operators around the globe.
To learn more about PG&E’s BVLOS compliance automation, visit the full case study on AirData’s blog or attend the discussion panel with PG&E at the Energy Drone & Robotics Summit on June 17, 2025
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Miriam McNabb is the Editor-in-Chief of DRONELIFE and CEO of JobForDrones, a professional drone services marketplace, and a fascinated observer of the emerging drone industry and the regulatory environment for drones. Miriam has penned over 3,000 articles focused on the commercial drone space and is an international speaker and recognized figure in the industry. Miriam has a degree from the University of Chicago and over 20 years of experience in high tech sales and marketing for new technologies.
For drone industry consulting or writing, Email Miriam.
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