Menet Aero Inc, a Wisconsin startup, has received permission from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to provide commercial unmanned aircraft system (UAS) services.

The FAA granted Menet Aero a Section 333 exemption, which is required for commercial UAS operations. The exemption permits the company to provide contract aerial data collection for use by industries such as construction project management, precision agriculture, geological survey, structural inspection, aerial photography and videography, real estate and insurance inspection.

"I'm excited to provide organizations a safe, legal and effective resource for UAS services," says Peter Menet, Menet Aero owner and founder. "There are countless ways to use this technology to enhance businesses, but many companies don't have the aviation and UAS experience necessary to bring these operations in house. That's where we come in."

Unlike many exemption holders, Menet Aero’s exemption does not limit it to a specific industry, use or type of UAS platform when providing contract services. This flexibility allows it to help organizations in a broad range of industries use UAS technology to enhance their business.

"I’ve talked with many businesses across a variety of industries and one theme has consistently emerged,” says Menet. “They want to leverage UAS technology, but once they learn what it takes to get an exemption, stand up a flight department, and keep on top of the technology and FAA regulations, they don't necessarily want to commit resources to do it.”

The popularity and accessibility of UAS has exploded in recent years, with many high-performing UAS platforms becoming more affordable for individual consumers. Many companies who want to use drones have found UAS enthusiasts who are willing to provide UAS services for hire. “But without permission from the FAA, those operators are operating illegally, and could end up exposing the companies who hire them to a lot of risk," Menet says.

About Menet Aero Inc.

Menet Aero Inc. is a Milwaukee-based company committed to providing responsive, on-request, insured and legal unmanned aircraft system services performed by professional UAS operators. The Menet Aero team is comprised of military trained UAS operators, current and former military helicopter pilots, FAA licensed private and commercial pilots, and UAS technology experts. Menet Aero provides clients the opportunity to work with aviation experts to leverage UAS technology without detracting from their core business.