American Water’s Unmanned Aerial System Program Earns FAA High-Altitude Authorization

Rhea-AI Summary

American Water (NYSE: AWK) announced its Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Program has received FAA authorization for beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) operations at altitudes of up to 1,500 feet. This certification allows American Water to enhance environmental monitoring and inspection capabilities, capturing high-resolution aerial mapping from three miles away. The UAS technology enables safe inspections of facilities remotely. The company collaborates with various government entities to facilitate UAS missions, especially post-natural disasters, marking a significant step in integrating drones into national airspace.

Positive

• Earned FAA authorization for UAS operations, enhancing environmental monitoring capabilities.
• Ability to conduct high-resolution mapping and inspections from up to three miles away.
• Collaboration with government agencies for UAS missions during emergencies.

Negative

• None.

Provides opportunities for enhanced environmental monitoring

CAMDEN, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- American Water (NYSE: AWK), the largest publicly traded U.S. water and wastewater utility company, announced today its Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Program has earned a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Certificate of Authorization to fly both beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) and up to an altitude of 1,500 feet above ground level.

“American Water is proud to earn this authorization from the FAA, which will allow us to fly three miles from a UAS pilot at an altitude of 1,500 feet to capture wide area mapping at high resolutions,” said Christopher Kahn, Director of UAS, American Water. “This significant milestone will enhance monitoring of source water and potential environmental threats to the water supply.”

Additionally, American Water’s long-range mapping and inspection airframe, the Censys Technologies Sentaero BVLOS V2, provides the ability to safely inspect facilities from miles away through high-resolution cameras, while staying in the air for over an hour.

"American Water earning this FAA approval is important for the integration of drones in the national airspace because it is an example of enterprise operation standardization across multiple applications,” said Trevor Perrott, CEO & Co-Founder, Censys Technologies. “Through American Water's leadership, our country is another step closer to making safe BVLOS drone missions commonplace. The exciting part is the story doesn't end here."

American Water is also working closely with several government agencies and partner organizations to enable BVLOS UAS missions during temporary flight restrictions, which are commonly in place after natural disasters.

About American Water

With a history dating back to 1886, American Water (NYSE: AWK) is the largest and most geographically diverse U.S. publicly traded water and wastewater utility company. The company employs more than 6,400 dedicated professionals who provide regulated and regulated-like drinking water and wastewater services to more than 14 million people in 24 states. American Water provides safe, clean, affordable and reliable water services to our customers to help keep their lives flowing. For more information, visit amwater.com and diversityataw.com. Follow American Water on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.

About Censys Technologies

Censys Technologies Corporation builds remote sensing hardware and software solutions for UAS service providers, enterprise organizations and government entities. This includes the Sentaero family of products – which is the UAV performance and value leader in the fields of agriculture, infrastructure monitoring, disaster relief and public safety. Created by three Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University alumni in 2017, Censys Technologies’ priorities are centered on understanding customer needs and delivering technology and products that will perform and grow their business – bringing intelligence to business from beyond the horizon.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230124005683/en/

Media

Alicia Barbieri

Manager, Corporate Communications

American Water

856-676-8103

alicia.barbieri@amwater.com

Source: American Water

FAQ

What recent FAA authorization did American Water (AWK) receive?

American Water received FAA authorization for beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) operations, allowing drone flights up to 1,500 feet.

How will the FAA authorization impact American Water's operations?

The FAA authorization will enhance American Water's ability to monitor environmental threats and inspect facilities remotely.

What technology will American Water use under the new UAS program?

American Water will utilize the Censys Technologies Sentaero BVLOS V2 for high-resolution mapping and facility inspections.

Why is American Water's FAA approval significant?

The FAA approval signifies a major milestone for drone integration in national airspace and enterprise operation standardization.

When was the FAA authorization announced by American Water?

The FAA authorization was announced on January 24, 2023.