Refineries and petrochemical facilities are increasingly relying on drones to improve safety and security. These facilities require sophisticated forms of security to mitigate and protect against threats or attacks. Drones provide an aerial vantage point that can go beyond the capabilities of ground personnel conducting regular inspections.

This technology requires the adoption of responsible drone practices by its users. AFPM’s Drone Tool Kit is designed to provide refineries and petrochemical manufacturers an understanding of the existing Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) legal framework. This includes the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Part 107 waiver process, so that companies may determine whether and how to seek permission to fly drones. It also outlines the risks to the industry as a result of the increasingly prevalent use of this technology by hobbyists, public entities, news organizations and the commercial industry, and it describes what protections are available.

AFPM is concerned about safety and security issues for drone use around critical infrastructure sites and wants a clear process for reporting drone surveillance to local law enforcement, the FBI, and the FAA. AFPM also supports a requirement that drone operators obtain permission from the owners and operators of facilities before flying over them.