The oil and gas drilling industry is in the midst of what many consider a devastating bust tied to increased production and lower prices per barrel. At the same time, a completely separate industry, the unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) or “drone” industry, is on the rise with the help of new Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) rules on commercial use of small UAS that became effective in August.
As unrelated as the industries may seem at first glance, the simultaneity of the oil and gas bust and the drone boom has created a perfect storm for integrating the two; that is finding a place for drones in the world of drilling. From research and development to commercially available solutions, drones are already being tested in and utilized for drilling applications. Drone solution providers say the technology promises to save time, increase safety and cut costs for oil and gas stakeholders in particular.