Mesa Associates Expands UAS Capabilities with FAA-Approved BVLOS Operations
At Mesa Associates, we’ve never been content with doing things the way they’ve always been done. That’s why we’re proud to highlight one of the most significant advancements in our service offerings: our FAA-approved Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) drone operations.
What Is BVLOS and Why Does It Matter?
Traditional drone operations require a pilot to keep the aircraft in direct visual sight at all times, which limits range, efficiency, and the scope of what’s possible. BVLOS changes everything. Operating under FAA Part 107 with BVLOS approvals through 2030, Mesa’s UAS team can cover more miles, in less time, at a higher resolution and at a lower cost than manned aircraft. For utility and industrial clients managing miles of infrastructure, that’s a game changer.
More Than a Drone Service: A Lifecycle Intelligence Platform
Mesa has supported the electric utility industry for over 30 years. Since launching our Unmanned Aerial Systems program in 2016, we’ve built one of the most advanced utility-focused drone programs in the country. And what sets us apart isn’t just the technology; it’s how we deploy it.
Our pilots are utility-trained technical professionals, not just aviators. They understand the infrastructure they’re inspecting, which means the data they capture is engineering-grade, actionable, and integrated directly into your project workflow.
Mesa’s UAS program supports clients across the entire Power Delivery lifecycle, including:
- Needs Assessment and Feasibility – BVLOS corridor reconnaissance, LiDAR terrain modeling, wetland and floodplain mapping
- Engineering – Plus or minus 5 cm LiDAR for PLS-CADD, structure geometry capture, clearance verification
- Procurement and Construction – Material takeoff validation, as-built LiDAR, storm impact assessments, clearance and sag confirmation
- Maintenance and Service Life – Routine BVLOS patrols, vegetation encroachment monitoring, predictive thermal maintenance, Infrared hotspot detection, UV corona sensing,
- Decommissioning – Pre-removal mapping, access planning, and post-removal restoration verification
Cutting-Edge Sensors, AI-Ready Data
Mesa continues to invest in next-generation sensor technology, including 61+ MP still imagery, 4K/6K video, radiometric thermal imaging, LiDAR, UV corona detection, and multispectral options. Every dataset we capture integrates seamlessly with LogicLync for workflow automation and DocuLync for AI-driven asset recognition and cloud storage, turning raw data into searchable, analyzable, and actionable intelligence.
Serving Utilities and Industrial Clients Alike
Our capabilities extend well beyond the power line. Mesa’s UAS program serves a wide range of industrial sectors including data centers, manufacturing facilities, oil and gas, renewables, hospitals, and campuses, supporting thermal envelope scans, facility expansion planning, construction progress documentation, and asset condition assessments.
Mesa UAS is not a drone service — it is a lifecycle intelligence solution integrated with our engineering, LogicLync, and AI-driven data ecosystem (DocuLync).
To learn more about Mesa’s BVLOS UAS services, contact: Aaron Haithcock, P.E., PMP | 423.424.7269 | [email protected] Lance Geren | 423.424.7446 | [email protected]
