Post-disaster damage control by UAVs

Post-disaster damage control by UAVs

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Quadricopter2Much has been said about the different uses of unmanned aerial vehicles in a range of missions and assignments. The first mission the average person would think about in context of these platforms will probably be of militaristic character, whether as an active assault weapon or by gathering intelligence in different ways. However, recently it appears that non-military bodies are starting to appreciate the benefits that can be produced from using UAVs, among those bodies are Search and Rescue services. The Choicago Tribune now reports that among the different clients for unmanned aerial platforms emerges a new sector – insurance companies that want to estimate damages in unaccessible areas after disasters.

Because of the frequency of natural disasters in the United States, many of the citizens insure their property for just such a scenario where extreme situations beyond their control, such as hurricane, tornado, snow storms etc., cause any damage. Since whenever there’s a need for a certain service, the right person to provide it to those willing to pay will always be found, american insurance companies jumped on the wagon and begun offering their services to those who wish it. After a disaster occures, insurance companies show up to evaluate the damages and compensate acoordingly but sometimes the wreckage prevents comfortable access, which brought along the idea of using UAVs for aerial observation in unaccessible places.

AUS&R2015_E_468x60The use of UAVs will help insurance agents by providing them images according to which the damage to the costumer’s property can be estimated. The approval for using UAVs by insurance companies, which was recently granted by the Federal Aviation Administration, is a big step towards reaching that goal. Shawn Broadfield, Vice President for Allstate Claims, said that “Having the ability to use drones in areas hit hard by catastrophe where accessibility is limited will help us better assist our customers when they need us most”.

In the approval granted by the FAA there are also restrictions to the UAVs’ use in damage estimation missions: The minimal height of flight must be 120 meters and the vehicle cannot get closer than 10km to airports while flying. The UAV operator must also have a license to fly it and is forbidden to do so over public areas.