FAA approves use of commercial drones in Alaska

A Monrovia-based drone maker has secured the first federal permit to fly an unmanned aircraft system across U.S. skies.

The Federal Aviation Administration said Tuesday it granted permission to AeroVironment and BP energy corporation to use a Puma drone to survey pipelines, roads and equipment at Prudhoe Bay in Alaska.

Initially designed for the military, the Puma is a small, hand-launched craft with a 9-foot wingspan. It made its first flight Sunday.

"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."

Steve Gitlin, vice president of marketing and communications at AeroVironment, said the drone industry could grow into an $82 billion industry over the next decade.

"The more value we can demonstrate in a safe and reliable manner, the more confidence the regulators are going to have and people (will have) that this technology really is helpful and it's ready for broader use," Gitlin said.

The data collected will be used to create 3D maps and allow BP to monitor 200 miles of gravel roads and 1,300 miles of pipelines, Gitlin added.

"The UAS (unmanned aircraft system) technology has potential to improve safety, efficiency and the reliability of BP's Alaska North Slope infrastructure and maintenance programs," BP released in a statement.

Few exceptions to the FAA's ban on commercial drones have been granted. Limited flights were approved over the Arctic Ocean.

The latest exception is restricted to BP's oil fields.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.