Madison-based American Family Insurance recently received a Section 333 exemption from the Federal Aviation Administration to use an unmanned drone as part of its disaster response efforts.
The property and casualty insurance company was granted the exemption to conduct aerial photography and videography, and conduct research and development on catastrophe response.
While current FAA rules prevent the commercial use of drones, receiving a Section 333 exemption allows a company to fly commercially under certain restrictions including flying under 400 feet, flying at least three miles away from an airport, and weighing less than 55 pounds.
American Family will join other insurance companies that use drones to inspect and take photos and video of damage after a disaster.
American Family Insurance plans to begin testing the drones this fall in Madison, and its exemption is valid until July 2017.
