FAA Grants McKim & Creed Exemption to Fly Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS)

McKim & Creed, Inc. has received an exemption from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to fly commercial unmanned aerial systems (UAS). The exemption enables McKim & Creed to collect surveying data safely and effectively in areas that are inaccessible with more conventional surveying methods.

This technology can be used for a variety of project types, including surveying and mapping of energy and transportation corridors, vegetation management, environmental studies, and real-time monitoring of construction sites.

“Unmanned aerial systems have applications that have yet to be discovered. This will change the way the industry conducts business,” said Christian Stallings, CP, research & development manager with McKim & Creed and a licensed pilot.

According to the FAA website, Section 333 of the FAA exemption process “provides operators who wish to pursue safe and legal entry into the NAS [national airspace system] a competitive advantage in the UAS marketplace, thus discouraging illegal operations and improving safety.” Companies receiving the exemption have proven that their use of unmanned aerial systems will be conducted within the safety requirements of the FAA and is in the public interest.

“Innovative and leading-edge firms are taking advantage of this technology and applying it to real-world applications, which makes this is an exciting time to be in the industry,” said Tim Cawood, PLS, senior vice president with McKim & Creed, Inc.  “The UAS technology will provide safe, alternative surveying and mapping methodologies, as well as efficient cost-effective solutions for our clients.”