Mountain Aviation receives FAA approval for commercial drone ops

Friday March 18, 2016 Tags: Denver, Mountain Aviation, Gregg Fahrenbruch, FAA, drones

DENVER -- Mountain Aviation  announced it has received FAA approval as the first FAA-certified airline authorized to conduct commercial unmanned aircraft systems ("UAS" or "drones") operations.

After 23 years of operating private jets for business and leisure travelers, Mountain Aviation said it is expanding its product offering into the newly regulated field of commercial drone operations.

To ensure public safety, the FAA requires oversight similar to that of passenger aircraft including a requirement that the drone be operated by only licensed and current aircraft pilots, strict UAS inspection requirements, and adherence to the same Federal Aviation Regulations that apply to manned aircraft.

Besides being an FAA-certified air carrier, Mountain Aviation is one of a few aviation companies holding the ARGUS Platinum safety rating uniquely positioning it for safe commercial drone operations, the company said.

Mountain Aviation's commercial drone operations will extend to a variety of industries and services including aerial mapping, agricultural support, industrial inspections, aerial video, search-and-rescue, energy system inspections, as well as forestry and wildlife monitoring.

"After two decades as a global leader in private jet charter, we are excited to bring our technology-based aviation safety systems to the long-unregulated and emerging commercial UAS market," said Gregg Fahrenbruch, CEO of Mountain Aviation. 

"We're certain the impeccable safety record we've earned in our private jet business will set the bar for reliable and safe drone operations in the commercial and industrial sectors.

“As an air carrier with full global operating authority, we have the ability to service clients both domestically and overseas," Fahrenbruch said.

In addition to commercial drone operations, Mountain Aviation operates a fleet of 23 private jet and turbo-prop aircraft and operates flights globally while also assisting clients with aviation maintenance and aircraft acquisition services.