SAM is pleased to announce a major advancement in our Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) capabilities: the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has officially granted SAM a Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) waiver for UAS operations utilizing the Skydio X-10 inspection platform.
This waiver marks a significant milestone in SAM’s ongoing commitment to advancing technology-driven inspection solutions. Under standard FAA regulations, commercial drone operations require a visual observer to maintain continuous line of sight with the aircraft. This requirement can present logistical challenges, particularly during inspections of large-scale infrastructure such as bridges, transmission corridors, and industrial facilities. With the newly approved BVLOS waiver, SAM is now authorized to conduct drone inspections without a visual observer on site—expanding operational flexibility and increasing overall efficiency.
The Skydio X-10 platform, already recognized for its industry-leading imaging and thermal capabilities, now offers even greater value through this enhanced operational range. By integrating BVLOS capabilities, SAM is positioned to deliver more effective inspection workflows, streamlined data acquisition, and increased cost efficiencies for clients across a range of markets.
This approval also represents a strategic step forward in SAM’s broader UAS program, reinforcing the firm’s role as a leader in advanced geospatial solutions. The ability to operate beyond visual line of sight not only improves the scale and scope of current inspection efforts but also opens the door to future innovations in remote sensing and aerial data collection.
SAM extends its appreciation to Bryan Fitzpatrick, Gary Niemeyer, and the entire UAS and Inspection management team for their leadership and dedication in securing this critical authorization.