The American Petroleum Institute (API) announced the publication of its Guide for Developing a Unmanned Aircraft Systems Program, which will help ensure worker and operational safety as the industry introduces drones in its operations.
“API is excited to announce a new guide for drone programs in the natural gas and oil industry, which have and will continue to grow significantly as new systems, applications, sensors, and techniques are developed to make drone operations more tailored to the industry," said Suzanne Lemieux, manager in API’s midstream and industry operations group. "The industry works to continuously integrate the latest technology, including the use of drones, to enhance safety and increase efficiencies in operations. However, before adopting their use, operators need to consider data protection, standard operating procedures, contingency planning, and risk management. Safety is always our industry’s top priority, and this guide ensures owners, operators, and service providers that are considering entering the industry all introduce UAS into operations in a thoughtful way.”