United States Department of Transportation
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The use of small unmanned aircraft by the Washington State Department of Transportation
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2008-06-01
[PDF-401.28 KB]
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Alternative Title:Unmanned aerial vehicles
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OCLC Number:243714480
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NTL Classification:NTL-AVIATION-AVIATION;NTL-SAFETY AND SECURITY-SAFETY AND SECURITY;
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Abstract:Small, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are increasingly affordable, easy to transport and launch,
and can be equipped with cameras that provide information usable for transportation agencies. The
Washington State Department of Transportation conducted a series of UAV tests to evaluate their
capabilities while also exploring institutional issues. These tests, while exploring the general
capabilities of UAVs, focused on evaluating the use of a UAV as an avalanche control tool on mountain
slopes above state highways. WSDOT’s maintenance division has an active snow avalanche control
program that is designed to reduce highway closure time and hazards to motorists, and the use of UAVs
was seen as having some potential operational advantages. The UAVs also captured aerial images
suitable for traffic surveillance and data collection. The evaluation found that the main limitation to
UAV use is institutional, particularly the need to obtain approval to fly from the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA). This approval process will make UAV use a challenge, but these issues may
change as the FAA considers new rules.
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