Use of UAS to Enhance the Design, Maintenance, Inspection, and Construction of Transportation Infrastructure

The use of uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS), commonly known as drones, has increased exponentially in various industries due to their versatility and cost-effectiveness. However, as the use of UAS in commercial operations under Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations continues to expand, ensuring the safety, reliability, and airworthiness of the UAS fleet becomes increasingly important. Maintaining a diverse fleet of UAS from multiple platforms, used across various industries, necessitates a comprehensive maintenance optimization strategy to address potential risks, ensure regulatory compliance, and maximize operational efficiency. Research is needed to help state departments of transportation (DOTs) manage UAS maintenance activities to enhance the design, maintenance, inspection, and construction of transportation infrastructure. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this project is to develop guidelines for state DOTs for comprehensive maintenance of UAS to promote safe, reliable, and cost-effective operation. The guidelines shall include minimum maintenance standards and schedules adaptable to multiple UAS platforms and operational demands that can support streamlined maintenance management approaches.  

• Record URL:
  • http://apps.trb.org/cmsfeed/TRBNetProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=5673
• Supplemental Notes:
  • Contract to a Performing Organization has not yet been awarded.

Language

• English

Project

• Funding: $500,000.00
• Contract Numbers:

  Project 13-10

• Sponsor Organizations:

  National Cooperative Highway Research Program

  Transportation Research Board
  500 Fifth Street, NW
  Washington, DC  United States  20001

  American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO)

  444 North Capitol Street, NW
  Washington, DC  United States  20001

  Federal Highway Administration

  1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Project Managers:

  Abu-Hawash, Ahmad

• Start Date: 20250113
• Expected Completion Date: 0
• Actual Completion Date: 0

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Asset management; Drones; Maintenance management; State departments of transportation; Unmanned aircraft systems
• Subject Areas: Aviation; Maintenance and Preservation; Planning and Forecasting; Vehicles and Equipment;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01919277
• Record Type: Research project
• Source Agency: Transportation Research Board
• Contract Numbers: Project 13-10
• Files: TRB, RIP
• Created Date: May 21 2024 8:22PM