Unmanned Aircraft Systems

Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) uses Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS, or “drones”) to further the work of CTDOT. Use of UAS has expanded across transportation agencies and benefits of UAS are wide ranging and impact nearly all aspects of transportation. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) governs the commercial use of UAS technology.  Information relative to the FAA rules can be found at http://www.faa.gov/uas/

How CTDOT is using UAS

CTDOT is continuously expanding its use of UAS for various applications.  Below are most common use cases of UAS by CTDOT:

  • Aerial documentation of construction project sites
  • Evaluate traffic conditions
  • Traffic data collection
  • Emergency projects
  • Assess flood and storm damages
  • Public outreach
  • Inspection of high-mast light towers
  • Mapping and surveying
  • Structure inspections

CTDOT UAS Program Implementation Documents

Engineering and Construction Directive for UAS

UAS Standard Operating Procedures (SOP)

UAS Request Form (fillable PDF, please submit to: DOT.UASrequests@ct.gov)

Media

Northeast UAS Peer Exchange

Roundabout Intersection Traffic Monitoring

Roundabout Intersection (Route 110 & Route 111, Monroe, CT)

Legislative Site Tour at Rochambeau Bridge

Resources

14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 107: Federal regulations covering registration, airman certification, and operation of civil small unmanned aircraft systems within the United States.

Drone Laws in Connecticut

Public Act No. 17-52. An Act Concerning Municipalities and Unmanned Aircraft. This law prohibits Connecticut municipalities from regulating drones, but it does allow a municipality that is also a water company to enact ordinances that regulate or prohibit the use or operation of UAS over the municipality’s public water supply and land.

Use of drones at CT State Parks. The use of remote controlled model aircraft or “drones” is prohibited at Connecticut State Parks, State Forests or other lands under the control of the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.