FAA Issues First-Ever Authorization for Long-Range Drone Flight Beyond Visual Line of Sight Over the Gulf of America
WASHINGTON — The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced in Washington on November 9 that it has issued the first authorization of its kind, allowing a drone to fly beyond its operator's visual line of sight from the U.S. coastline over the Gulf of America. The authorization lets Skyways operate its autonomous V2 vertical-takeoff-and-landing aircraft from Shell's SPLC facility in Gibson, Louisiana, to a Shell platform in the Gulf, inspecting a pipeline right-of-way along the way and making a simulated equipment delivery to the platform.
The FAA said the historic authorization demonstrates its commitment to safely accelerating the deployment of advanced drone technology, unlocking new opportunities for American industry, strengthening U.S. leadership in aviation innovation, and enabling long-range commercial drone operations over the high seas.
"The Trump Administration envisions a future where advanced drone operations are routine," said Michael Kratsios, Assistant to the President for Science and Technology and Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy. "This authorization marks an important step toward that vision, demonstrating the potential of American innovation and ingenuity to transform offshore operations as we work to establish a regulatory framework that enables these capabilities safely and at scale."
Acting FAA Deputy Administrator Liam McKenna said the FAA is focused on safely unlocking the full potential of American drone technology and ensuring the regulatory framework keeps pace with innovation, and that the first-of-its-kind authorization shows how the agency is working with industry to move beyond traditional operating limitations and enable the next generation of commercial drone operations.
The FAA authorized Skyways under Section 927 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024, which allows the agency to approve certain drone operations through a waiver rather than through rulemaking or an exemption, providing a pathway to safely advance innovative operations and expand the capabilities of the nation's drone industry.
Related: Five Federal Agencies Sign Counter-Drone Pact to Speed Safe Deployment of New Systems
(Source: Federal Aviation Administration)
Source: Federal Aviation Administration
Published by GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: 图：美国联邦航空局总部 Wilbur Wright 大楼（GSM 固定图库）。 / Photo: Federal Aviation Administration headquarters, the Wilbur Wright Building (GSM asset library).
