FAA lets BP fly drones over the U.S.

WASHINGTON, June 10 (UPI) -- The first commercial drone has been approved for flight over the U.S. by the FAA, granting energy company BP the right to fly aerial surveys over Alaska.

The approval was announced Tuesday, after drone manufacturer AeroVironment flew a Puma AE drone to survey BP-owned pipelines, roads and equipment around Alaska's Prudhoe Bay. BP has awarded AeroVironment with a five-year contract to use their drones to monitor maintenance activities to increase efficiency and reliability.

"These surveys on Alaska's North Slope are another important step toward broader commercial use of unmanned aircraft," said Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx. "The technology is quickly changing, and the opportunities are growing."

The FAA has already approved drone use for public safety and academic research but has only issued case-by-case approval for commercial use.

"This is an important achievement for our joint team and for the industry in demonstrating the safe and effective use of our proven UAS technology for commercial applications," said AeroVironment Chief Executive Timothy E. Conver.

The drone launched Sunday is a small Puma AE, a hand-launched craft about 4.5 feet long with a 9 foot wingspan. It can fly four for 3.5 hours 200-400 feet off the ground.

"[Drones] will help BP optimize the planning and implementation of maintenance programs for the North Slope infrastructure throughout Prudhoe Bay," said BP spokeswoman Dawn Patience.

Prudhoe Bay is the largest oil field on American land.