Kentucky UAS Services Company Cleared for Night Flying

Lexington, Ky.-based Unmanned Services Inc. (USI) has inked a waiver from the Federal Aviation Administration for nighttime drone flights.

By being able to operate at night, USI says it can provide enhanced services to clients and communities: e.g., infrared search-and-rescue assistance, disaster relief, and utility and transportation monitoring.

“Nighttime operations are essential to so many drone services we will now offer,” says Mickey Marotta, CEO of USI.

With the waiver, drone operations can be conducted only in uncontrolled airspace unless the company is given prior authorization from the FAA. In addition, the UAS must be equipped with anti-collision lighting visible from at least three miles away. Flight operators must also have specific training for night operations, including recognizing visual illusions caused by darkness and understanding conditions that can degrade night vision, explains USI.