First-of-its-kind BVLOS waiver enables nationwide deployment of security drones
Titan Protection and Consulting announced that its self-docking, remote-piloted security drone successfully deterred a theft attempt at Molle Toyota in Kansas City. The system, installed only two weeks earlier, represents the first documented commercial security drone deployment at an automotive retail facility under a nationwide FAA “beyond visual line of sight” (BVLOS) waiver.
The waiver allows Titan to operate surveillance drones across the United States without the need for site-specific FAA approval. This authorization enables businesses to quickly install drone security solutions without the high cost and delays often associated with regulatory processes.
Prevention in Action
On July 27, 2025, two suspects approached a black Corvette parked in a poorly lit area of the dealership. After shattering the driver’s side window, they were met by Titan’s autonomous drone. The drone diverted from its patrol route to investigate, and Titan’s remote monitoring center immediately notified on-site security. With aerial surveillance support provided by remote pilots, the suspects fled on foot.
“This incident is a perfect example of why our remote-piloted drones are a game changer for businesses – especially those with valuable assets in hard-to-patrol areas,” said Titan Founder and President, Ryan Smith.
Rick Van Zon, CFO of Molle Toyota, described the impact on the dealership. “This was the first time we’ve ever seen criminals actually run away because they knew they were caught. Previously, we used to watch footage the next morning of criminals who had free rein of our property for over an hour. It was demoralizing for our team and devastating for our bottom line.”
Addressing Ongoing Security Challenges
Molle Toyota and its neighboring Cable Dahmer Chevrolet adopted Titan’s drone-as-a-service system after experiencing ten major security incidents. Despite using fixed cameras and guard patrols, the dealerships had lost hundreds of thousands of dollars to theft and vandalism. Titan’s Automated Response and Patrol (ARP) Technology now patrols more than 100 acres of property, providing real-time intelligence to security teams.
“These systems can conduct scheduled patrols, proactively respond to threats, monitor blind spots, and provide real-time intelligence to security teams anywhere in the United States outside of restricted airspace,” Titan said in its case study.
Breaking Down Cost Barriers
One of the largest hurdles for security drone adoption has been the cost and complexity of obtaining FAA waivers. “The biggest entry barrier for potential security drone customers has been the time and expense of obtaining a location-specific waiver – which can cost tens of thousands of dollars per site,” said Thomas Keary, Autonomous Operations Manager at Titan. “Our solution eliminates that, allowing us to expedite comprehensive drone-as-a-service solutions for customers as well as decrease their costs.”
From its UL-certified remote pilot operations center in Kansas City, Titan’s operators monitor and respond to incidents across customer properties nationwide. The system can cover blind spots and hard-to-reach areas, reducing reliance on ground patrols while extending the reach of security teams.
Drones: the New Standard in Commercial Security
The incident at Molle Toyota highlights the effectiveness of drone-based surveillance in protecting high-value assets. By combining autonomous drone technology with trained remote pilots and nationwide BVLOS authorization, Titan offers a scalable model for commercial security.
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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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