Skip to content
MarketScale
‹ Back to IndustriesEnergy

Will Easing Restrictions of Flights Over People Increase UAV Use in Construction?

On this episode of Drones in America, host Grant Guillot was joined by Brasfield & Gorrie Innovation Specialist Ryan Hittie. Brasfield & Gorrie is a general contracting firm, making Hittie uniquely qualified to touch on the subject of this episode – how the potential lessening of regulations surrounding the use of drones and UAVs over…

This story was produced through MarketScale. See how Energy teams put it to work with Customer Stories & Case Studies.

Share

On this episode of Drones in America, host Grant Guillot was joined by Brasfield & Gorrie Innovation Specialist Ryan Hittie.

Brasfield & Gorrie is a general contracting firm, making Hittie uniquely qualified to touch on the subject of this episode – how the potential lessening of regulations surrounding the use of drones and UAVs over people could impact the construction industry.

Hittie has experienced the benefits of drones in data collection firsthand, which led him toward a career in drones and eventually to Brasfield & Gorrie.

Even in a relatively short career, he’s already seen large-scale trends in how drones can – or can’t – be used across different industries. In particular, during time spent leveraging them in oil and gas, Hittie labels Beyond Line of Sight regulations and necessary licensing as inhibitors to drone adoption.

Now, however, as regulations surrounding the use of drones and UAVs ease and technology continues to leap forward, the challenge will be less in encouraging adoption and more in keeping up with rising demand.

“In 2016, 2017 and 2018, it was adoption. We still had to try to show people that drones are more than a pretty picture. We started doing that as technology evolved,” Hittie said. “That kind of created a new problem, which was scale.”

Still, as more firms like Brasfield & Gorrie navigate this ever-shifting landscape and provide key drone services, drones will become increasingly practical for more and more construction projects.

Catch up on previous episodes of Drones In America!

https://marketscale.com/industries/podcast-network/drones-in-america/

Energy: are you visible to AI?

Before they reach out, Energy buyers ask AI engines which vendors to trust. See how AI describes your company today, and where competitors show up instead.

Free workspace

You just read one expert. Imagine publishing your whole team.

This article was produced through MarketScale. Create a free workspace and turn your own team's expertise into articles, video, and social posts. No credit card, no demo required.

NPS +73 · 1,000+ creators · 38+ countries

What you get, free

Your own MarketScale Studio workspace
One video edit a month, on us
AI writing, editing, and publishing tools
In-platform coaching to learn the system

More Energy Insights

Cornerstone Energy Services' 4th Annual Energy Transition Forum tackles reliability, decarbonization, and New England's grid future

Cornerstone Energy Services' 4th Annual Energy Transition Forum tackles reliability, decarbonization, and New England's grid future

Utility leaders, engineers, and regulators gathered in New England for the 4th Annual Energy Transition Forum organized by Cornerstone Energy Services. Discussions focused on the reliability of energy sources, decarbonization strategies, and the future of New England's energy grid. The forum also explored planning for gas networks and the potential roles of geothermal and hydrogen in the region's energy mix.

  • 01Utility leaders in New England are actively exploring gas network planning and energy reliability strategies.
  • 02Geothermal and hydrogen are being considered as viable options for enhancing New England's energy grid.
  • 03The forum addressed important issues related to decarbonization and winter reliability in energy supply.

Jul 16, 2026

Microsoft-commissioned report finds three soft barriers slowing AI adoption across Australia's electricity grid

Microsoft-commissioned report finds three soft barriers slowing AI adoption across Australia's electricity grid

A report commissioned by Microsoft identifies three key barriers to AI adoption in Australia's electricity grid. These barriers are strategic planning, investment constraints, and data fragmentation. Addressing these obstacles is crucial for enhancing AI deployment in the energy sector.

  • 01Three main barriers to AI adoption in Australia's electricity grid are strategic planning issues, investment constraints, and data fragmentation.
  • 02Effective AI deployment in the energy sector demands overcoming these barriers to enhance efficiency and innovation.
  • 03Microsoft commissioned a report that highlights the challenges of integrating AI into Australia's energy infrastructure.

Jul 16, 2026

NextEra-Dominion's $420B merger signals a new M&A cycle built on AI load growth

NextEra-Dominion's $420B merger signals a new M&A cycle built on AI load growth

The merger between NextEra and Dominion, valued at $420 billion, marks the beginning of a new M&A cycle driven by the growth of AI data center demand. The power and utilities sector saw M&A activity reach $216 billion in the six months leading up to May 2026, a 173% increase year-over-year. This trend highlights the reshaping of power generation ownership due to the rising influence of artificial intelligence.

  • 01Power and utilities M&A reached $216 billion in the six months to May 2026, increasing 173% year-over-year.
  • 02The $420 billion merger of NextEra and Dominion signifies a shift in industry dynamics fueled by AI data-center demand.
  • 03AI-driven load growth is reshaping the ownership structure in power generation.

Jul 16, 2026

Explore More Energy Insights

Read more expert perspectives from across Energy.

Browse Energy Hub

For B2B teams

Your experts could be publishing here

Stories like this one run on content MarketScale captures from real practitioners. See how your team's expertise becomes coverage in Energy and beyond.

Book a 15-minute demo

Or call us. No forms required. We pick up. 214-945-2512