DRONES Uses of commercial drones Search and rescue operations As the technology matures, drones are being deployed in an ever wider array of commercial activities. The following are some of the most prominent uses of drones that demonstrate their growing significance in various industries: The use of drones in inspections and mapping is becoming increasingly evident. Industries such as construction, oil and gas, and utilities are employing drones to inspect infrastructure for wear and tear, defects, or compliance with regulations. The high-resolution imagery and data collected can be used to create detailed maps and 3D models. This not only minimises human risk, but also cuts down on the time and resources required for these tasks. Drones have become instrumental in search and rescue operations, offering a new set of eyes where needed most. This is a critical development in aviation safety one that can save lives and drastically improve emergency response times. Its crucial to note, however, that their operations are intended to be complementary to existing manned aviation efforts, particularly helicopters. Drones offer advantages in terms of cost, accessibility, and the ability to operate in challenging conditions; however, they are not a replacement for the skill, experience and capabilities that manned rotary-wing pilots bring to these sectors. Rather, the goal is to create a more robust, flexible and efficient operation by leveraging the strengths of both platforms. The applications for drones in commercial settings are vast and continue to grow. Their ability to carry out tasks more quickly, safely and cost-effectively than traditional methods offers not just a technological advantage, but also a competitive one. This wide range of uses highlights why drones are becoming an integral part of our professional landscape, and its another reason we, at BALPA, are committed to embracing this promising technology. Agricultural applications The rise of BVLOS operations Agriculture has been given a massive boost in efficiency and resource management thanks to drones. Whether its for crop monitoring, irrigation management, or planting seeds, drones offer quick and precise solutions. By providing real-time data and imagery, they help farmers make informed decisions that can improve yields and reduce waste. One of the most talked-about advancements in drone technology is beyond visual line of sight, commonly abbreviated to BVLOS. But what exactly does it mean, and why is it critical for the aviation industry and BALPA members? Photography and videography In the realms of media and entertainment, drones have been nothing short of revolutionary. Capable of capturing stunning aerial footage, drones are now staples in film production, news reporting, and even real-estate marketing. Their agility and ability to access hard-to-reach locations offer a fresh perspective that, before, was either extremely costly or impossible to achieve. Inspections and mapping A firefighter from a UK fire and rescue service uses a drone during a training scenario What is BVLOS? In traditional drone operations, pilots are required to keep the drone within their visual line of sight at all times. This inherently limits the range and scope of operations. BVLOS is a set of regulations and technologies that allows drones to operate beyond the visual line of sight of the operator. This can dramatically extend the range and utility of drone operations, opening up new possibilities for commercial applications. Blue-light services Drones are quickly becoming essential tools for emergency services, including police, fire, and medical response teams. They are used for tasks ranging from surveillance and crowd monitoring to assessing disaster-stricken areas and locating missing persons. In search and rescue missions, drones can cover large areas rapidly, providing real-time information that can be crucial in life-ordeath situations. Drones are used for monitoring soil hydration and yield problems in agriculture 28 THE LOG Win 24 pp26-32 Drones.indd 28 01/12/2023 14:49