Drones

Drones on Cape Cod: Skyports and MassDOT companions

Drone service provider Skyports has teamed up with the Aeronautics Division of the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) to bring drones to Cape Cod.

Cape Cod is a popular New England vacation spot, but includes many islands, peninsulas that are difficult to get to, especially in winter: including the well-known communities of Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket. There are also offshore energy projects in the region. The “arm” of Massachusetts, the mainland of Cape Cod, is only accessible to most people via bridges, airplanes, and seasonal ferry services.

Cape Cod Drones: Connecting Communities with Everyday Services

“MassDOT is investigating the use of drones as a solution to connect its remote communities with everyday services such as healthcare and logistics, and is particularly looking for ways to provide medical emergencies after storms or other natural disasters,” said a press. Publication.

Skyports drones “are able to fly safely in harsh weather conditions and carry various cargo payloads of up to 100 lbs,” making them an ideal partner for reaching remote Cape Cod communities.

Skyports has received approval from the Federal Aviation Administration to operate out of line of sight (BVLOS) flights during a week-long feasibility project. The project will lead MassDOT in researching wider BVLOS drone operations in Massachusetts to perform services such as rail network and road inspections.

Drones are already part of MassDOT’s transport infrastructure programs. “MassDOT’s drone program operates daily flights to support MassDOT’s Highway, Rail and Transit, and Aeronautics divisions and the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA), which operates the subway and subway lines,” it said in the press release. “These flights inspect tracks, document the condition of wetlands near construction sites and map motorway and airport projects.”

As part of this effort, MassDOT also aims to expand its ability to conduct complex drone operations such as BVLOS flights over the rail and emergency deliveries to remote communities. MassDOT turned to Skyports to define the approach to delivery operations and demonstrate delivery flights across Vineyard Sound between Woods Hole on Cape Cod and Martha’s Vineyard Island. “

Dr. Jeffrey DeCarlo, MassDOT Aeronautics Administrator, said: “MassDOT is excited to partner with Skyports on this first deployment demonstration to help us lay the foundation for new, innovative drone use cases to serve communities across the Commonwealth. The Aeronautics Division launched the drone program after realizing the potential of drones to support MassDOT’s traditional inspection and asset management missions. We are now exploring new use cases for drones such as emergency care and we are fortunate to work with companies like Skyports who are driving innovative technologies and operations. Massachusetts has diverse geography and complex airspace to navigate, and Skyports has brought its vast flight experience to the table to make this first demonstration a success. “

Alex Brown, Head of Drone Delivery at Skyports, said: “We are excited to partner with the Massachusetts Department of Transportation to demonstrate how our drone services can bring life-enhancing benefits to rural communities. At Skyports, we believe that services such as health care should be readily available to everyone regardless of where they live, which has been a major challenge for road traffic in hard-to-reach areas. Drones are really changing the logistics sector by providing fast, frequent, reliable and inexpensive solutions. This is just the first step in bringing BVLOS drone operations, including drone delivery services, to Massachusetts in the years to come. “

During the project, Skyports will conduct a series of test flights and demonstrations to demonstrate its operational reliability and technological capabilities. Upon completion of the project, Skyports plans to commence full permanent commercial operations in Massachusetts before expanding to other US states.

Read more about Skyports, Skyports, and BVLOS drone delivery, connecting remote island communities with drones and drones in Massachusetts.

Miriam McNabb is the Editor-in-Chief of DRONELIFE and CEO of JobForDrones, a professional marketplace for drone services, and a passionate observer of the emerging drone industry and regulatory environment for drones. Miriam has written over 3,000 articles on the commercial drone field and is an international speaker and recognized figure in the industry. Miriam graduated from the University of Chicago and has over 20 years experience in high-tech sales and marketing for emerging technologies.
For advice or writing on the drone industry, email Miriam.

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