COLUMBUS — The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has approved the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) to operate a drone over some of U.S. 33, northwest of Columbus, according to a press release.

What You Need To Know

  • The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has approved the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) to operate a drone over some of U.S. 33, northwest of Columbus

  • This operation will serve as a test for the drone’s capability for “traffic monitoring and incident management"

  • The operation will focus on a four mile stretch on U.S. 33, between U.S. 42 and Watkins Road

  • The release stresses the importance of drones for viewing traffic in areas without cameras in place in emergency situations

This operation will serve as a test for the drone’s capability for “traffic monitoring and incident management.” The reason FAA approval was needed is that this flight will occur past the pilot’s sight.

“The on-board system to detect and avoid other aircraft with be supplemented with visual observers on the ground to keep eyes on the aircraft and bolster safety,” the release reads. “This is the first aircraft of its size to be approved for this type of operation, and the second in the United States approved for operations over people and traffic without a parachute. Safety will remain paramount during this trial period.”

The aircraft itself is a Censys Sentaero. It comes in at 20 pounds and with a 7.5-foot-wingspan. The operation will focus on a four mile stretch on U.S. 33, between U.S. 42 and Watkins Road, according to the release.

“Drones can do a lot of things. Depending on the aircraft, they can be equipped with object detection and analytics, which form a critical piece in improving safety on the roadway,” said UAS Center Director Rich Fox in the release. “This is only the beginning. We’re excited to test the potential benefits and leverage this special approval to continue integrating new UAS technology into agency operations.”  

The release stresses the importance of drones for viewing traffic in areas without cameras in place in emergency situations. It also stresses that operating these vehicles beyond the pilot’s sight “could get real-time information to ODOT more quickly to help identify congested areas, crashes, or hazards on the road.”

The release also highlights the potential for these drones to be rigged with radiation or chemical toxin sensors for emergencies. The approval from the FAA lasts four years. Test flights have yet to be assigned dates.

“Ultimately, testing these types of operations along U.S. 33 will help determine the benefit of replicating this approach statewide to aid the public and first responders in emergency response and traffic monitoring, especially in rural areas,” the release reads.

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