Scaling Safe BVLOS Drone Operations with Automated Compliance

Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) leverages AirData’s automated drone compliance platform to safely scale its Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations across California. By streamlining flight logging, pilot tracking, and maintenance management, PG&E enhances regulatory adherence and operational efficiency, setting a new standard in utility drone safety and innovation.

PG&E stands at the forefront of utility innovation by integrating advanced drone technologies across its vast 70,000-square-mile California service territory. Faced with the growing challenges of wildfire risk and infrastructure monitoring, PG&E has evolved its drone program into a complex, large-scale operation focused on efficiency, safety, and regulatory compliance. Central to this transformation is PG&E’s strategic adoption of AirData’s platform—enabling automated compliance management, streamlined fleet oversight, and the scaling of BVLOS drone missions under stringent Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations.

PG&E’s BVLOS flights are critical for accessing remote areas and conducting long-range inspections vital to wildfire prevention. These operations demand comprehensive compliance workflows covering every phase of flight—from automatic logging of aircraft activity and real-time tracking of pilot and visual observer duties to detailed maintenance records that meet regulatory standards. Leveraging AirData UAV, PG&E has created a unified, brand-agnostic system that syncs flight logs seamlessly from major commercial drone manufacturers, including DJI and Skydio, consolidating data from remote controllers, flight applications, and cloud servers.

To maintain regulatory compliance, PG&E employs AirData’s Customized Maintenance feature to align drone service schedules with manufacturer recommendations, ensuring proactive upkeep of its expanding fleet. This integration significantly enhances training efficiency, accelerates operational adoption, and improves communication across departments. The continuous flow of mission data empowers both pilots and management to make informed decisions, driving strategic advancements in uncrewed aviation safety.

By future-proofing its drone program through automated fleet management and intelligent compliance protocols, PG&E not only meets today’s regulatory demands but also sets a robust precedent for the evolving landscape of utility drone operations. This foundation supports all PG&E drone missions—not only BVLOS flights—positioning the company for ongoing growth, innovation, and leadership in safe, scalable unmanned system technology.