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Anderson Engineering is adding topographic surveys through the use of commercial drones.
Anderson Engineering is adding topographic surveys through the use of commercial drones.

Anderson Engineering rolls out commercial drone service

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Anderson Engineering Inc. is rolling out a commercial drone service months after receiving certification from the Federal Aviation Administration.

After purchasing its second drone last week, the Springfield-based engineering company will offer customers new aerial data services after becoming certified in December.

“We just now got comfortable enough with it that we can let people know about it,” President and CEO Neil Brady said, noting a couple of clients have used the service during the training period. “It opens up a much larger area that we can get our work into.”

The drone service is designed to enhance surveying, including the addition of topographic surveys and inspection of electrical lines and bridges.

“Before, they used to have to get a helicopter or something else,” Brady said.

Currently, the FAA requires drone operators to earn a pilot’s license. Brady said Anderson Engineering has one full-time employee and one contract worker who can operate the company’s drones, and another two are actively pursuing their licenses. According to FAA.gov, the agency is pursuing a less-restrictive rule for unmanned aircraft systems weighing less than 55 pounds.

“It’s an exploding market that everybody’s got to get a handle on,” he said. “The regulations are trying to catch up.”

Anderson Engineering last week purchased its second drone, a Falcon 8 model created by Topcon Positioning Systems Inc. Brady said the commercial-grade drones, including cameras and other equipment, start at around $10,000 apiece.

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