AM-15-58 Flare Inspection by Unmanned Aircraft System

Description:

Planned, periodic inspection of flares can prevent incidents and costly repairs. Aerial inspections with an unmanned aircraft system (UAS), or small drone, offer a fast, low-price alternative to traditional inspection methods. An FAA exemption is required to operate a UAS legally in the United States. State laws also may apply, particularly those related to privacy. In 2014, Total Safety US, Inc. applied for an exemption to use a UAS for flare inspections. The exemption was granted in February of 2015. This paper presents an overview of flare inspections, the advantages of aerial inspections using a UAS, and FAA requirements associated with operating within a legal FAA exemption for flare inspections.