Alaska’s Drone
Task Force

Drones Built for Alaska – A Team Built for You

Oil spill response in Alaska demands precision, speed, and resilience, with the environmental and operational stakes higher than almost anywhere else in the world. The Alaska Drone Task Force (ADTF) is a specialized drone solutions provider designed to support Oil Spill Response Organizations (OSROs), oil producers, maritime operators, and spill response teams operating in the harsh, remote environments of Alaska and the U.S. Arctic region. Learn More

Our primary focus is Prince William Sound, Alaska—home to one of the most advanced oil spill prevention and response systems in the world. However, the ADTF is prepared to deploy anywhere in Alaska and the U.S. Arctic on a case-by-case basis, ensuring that our solutions are available whenever and wherever you need them.

We Understand the Challenges You Face

Our journey began over a decade ago, working alongside the largest oil and maritime operators in Alaska, supporting their mission-critical work in spill prevention, vessel operations, and environmental protection. We gained a deep understanding of oil spill response operations, not just from the air, but also from the water—through participation in SERVS Vessels of Opportunity (VOO) drills, and from behind the lens, producing training content showcasing oil spill response tactics, strategies, and equipment.

Our first operational drone deployment during an oil spill incident came in 2020, when we provided real-time aerial situational awareness during a nearshore oil spill at the Valdez Marine Terminal. That successful deployment validated what we had long believed—drone technology is a critical tool that enhances oil spill response, safety, and environmental protection.

Purpose-Built Drone Solutions for Oil Spill Response

Building from that pivotal moment, we formalized the Alaska Drone Task Force (ADTF) to meet the growing demand for advanced drone integration in oil spill response. We provide solutions—not just services—tailored to the specific needs of oil spill preparedness and response in Alaska.

Our platforms are built to meet the demanding requirements of the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (ADEC), including 18 AAC 75.425(e)(3)(E) for Air Logistics and 18 AAC 75.425(e)(4) for Best Available Technology (BAT).

Whether enhancing initial site assessments, monitoring nearshore task force operations, tracking wildlife impacts, or supporting the protection of sensitive areas, our drone solutions seamlessly integrate into the Incident Command System (ICS)—supporting Operations Section fieldwork as well as Command Staff roles, including Situation Unit mapping and Safety Officer aerial hazard monitoring.

Operational Applications – Proven & Emerging Use Cases

Our solutions are designed to support all phases of oil spill preparedness, drill exercises, and emergency response, including:

• Initial On-Site Assessment – Rapid aerial site assessments and environmental observations to support ICS planning within hours of activation.
• Nearshore Oil Spill Operations – Real-time aerial surveillance to enhance boom deployment, skimmer efficiency, and task force coordination during spill response.
• Sensitive Area Protection – Autonomous, long-duration monitoring of Geographic Response Strategies (GRS) and critical habitat sites using drone-in-a-box systems, Starlink satellite connectivity, and off-grid power solutions.
• Wildlife Monitoring & Impact Assessment – Drone-supported wildlife hazing, impact observation, carcass recovery, and post-spill environmental assessments using high-resolution imaging and AI object detection technology.
• Situational Awareness for Unified Command (UC) – Real-time live streaming from the spill site to the Incident Command Post (ICP), enhancing tactical decision-making and ensuring a common operating picture across all response teams.

1: Drone Task Force – Mission-Ready Air Support

Our Drone Task Force (DTF) solution deploys a highly trained, experienced UAS crew capable of performing a range of oil spill response operations in Alaska’s toughest environments. Equipped with weather-rated drones, live streaming capabilities, and real-time assessment tools, our team can operate anywhere—whether from land, vessel, or remote shoreline.

We provide the boots-in-the-air support you need during a spill drill or real-world response, helping your team gather real-time aerial data to make informed decisions—even in remote regions like Prince William Sound, Cook Inlet, the Arctic, or the North Slope.

Capabilities Include:

• On-Site Initial Assessment
• Live Streaming to Command Posts
• Ongoing Aerial Observation & Surveillance
• Nearshore Task Force Support (Boom deployment, vessel coordination, situational awareness)
• Sensitive Area Monitoring
• Wildlife Observation
• Thermal Imaging & High-Resolution Visual Payloads
• Launch from Land or Vessel

Flexible deployment options from:

• 1-Day Missions
• Multi-Day Drill Support
• Emergency Spill Response Activation

Contact Us for Pricing

2: Drone-in-a-Box – Persistent Remote Monitoring

Our Drone-in-a-Box Solution is ideal for continuous monitoring of strategic locations—such as Geographic Response Strategy (GRS) sites, remote shorelines, or critical spill containment zones. This remotely operated system can launch, capture high-resolution data, return, and recharge autonomously, minimizing the need for on-site personnel while ensuring 24/7 situational awareness.

Perfect for sensitive area protection and long-term observation, this solution is built to operate in Alaska’s harshest environments, using solar, battery banks, generator power, and Starlink satellite connectivity to function completely off-grid.

Key Features:

• Autonomous Flight Operations
• Continuous Site Monitoring & Live Data Feeds
• BVLOS Waiver (Pending) – Long-range remote operation capability
• Solar, Battery, Generator Power Solutions
• Satellite & Cellular Connectivity for Remote Command
• Designed for GRS Sites, Sensitive Areas & Long-Term Spill Monitoring

Contact Us for Pricing

3: Annual Response Solution – Full Integration Partnership

Our Annual Response Solution is a comprehensive partnership designed for OSROs, oil producers, and maritime operators looking to integrate drones as a permanent component of their spill response operations. We work alongside your team year-round, ensuring that pre-planned flight routes, FAA authorizations, and response-ready drone systems are in place before an incident occurs.

With this solution, we become your aerial response partner, ensuring immediate activation when you need it—minimizing response delays and maximizing operational effectiveness.

Includes Access to:

• Custom Response Plans Tailored to Your Operations
• Pre-Mapped Flight Plans for Key Sites
• Pre-Authorized FAA Permits (BVLOS-ready where applicable)
• Priority Deployment Status for Emergencies
• Annual Equipment Readiness & Technology Updates
• Drone Task Force + Drone-in-a-Box Systems Combined

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4: Experimental Solution – Testing Future UAV Use Cases

The Experimental Solution is designed for organizations looking to explore, test, and validate emerging drone applications in real-world spill response and industrial operations. As drone technology rapidly evolves, AKDRONE provides a structured approach to field-test new capabilities, assess feasibility, and refine UAV applications before full-scale deployment. Whether for heavy-lift logistics, BVLOS (Beyond Visual Line of Sight) reconnaissance, or AI-driven aerial mapping, this solution enables decision-makers to gain operational insights and regulatory clarity while testing cutting-edge UAV systems in Alaska’s toughest environments.

Purpose & Value

• Short-Term Deployment – Evaluate new drone technologies without a long-term commitment.
• Field-Proven Testing – Real-world assessments to validate feasibility, performance, and impact.
• Operational Data Collection – Capture actionable insights to refine future drone integration.
• Regulatory & Compliance Review – Assess FAA requirements and regulatory pathways for emerging UAV applications.

Experimental Applications

• Heavy-Lift Drone Testing – Evaluate payload transport, sling load operations, and equipment delivery to remote sites.
• BVLOS Operational Trials – Extend operational reach with long-range drone missions using satellite and cellular connectivity.
• AI-Powered Aerial Mapping – Leverage autonomous drones with AI-driven analytics for shoreline spill detection, environmental monitoring, and wildlife impact assessments.

How It Works

1. Define the Test Mission – Collaborate to identify the experimental UAV application and key success metrics.
2. Deploy for a Short-Term Trial – Execute a structured, real-world test with live operational feedback.
3. Collect & Analyze Data – Deliver actionable insights, reports, and recommendations based on field performance.

Contact Us to Explore an Experimental Use Case!

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Airspace & Safety Management – Built for Alaska’s Complexity

Operating drones in Alaska is not like operating anywhere else.
Our team’s flight safety and operational capabilities are built for Alaska’s unique challenges—combining national certifications with real-world experience across rugged terrain, harsh weather, and vessel-based operations.

Trained & Tested for Alaska

Our pilots are NIST Level V trained and certified, with several also certified as NIST proctors—the highest national standard for UAS proficiency testing and evaluation.
Every operator is FAA Part 107-certified, but certifications alone don’t prepare you for Alaska. Our team’s experience flying in Prince William Sound, rural Arctic communities, vessel-based launches, and mountainous regions ensures we deliver when conditions are at their worst.

We Can Scale Up When It Matters Most

Because we train and evaluate drone pilots in-house as NIST-certified proctors, we have the ability to scale our operations rapidly if a major spill requires additional air assets.

• We are actively developing Alaska’s Drone Task Forces—building a network of trained, pre-qualified UAS operators who can mobilize statewide in the event of a large-scale oil spill response.
• Our Mission: Build Alaska’s Drone Future, One Pilot at a Time.

Safety Is Our Priority

We operate under strict protocols aligned with FAA regulations and ICS standards, including:

• Localized NOTAM Creation – Alerting airspace users to drone operations.
• VHF Communications – Maintaining direct communication with airports, vessels, and command teams.
• Visual Observers (VOs) – On-site personnel trained to assist pilots and maintain airspace safety.

When you partner with AKDRONE, you are working with a team that is prepared, proven, and built specifically for Alaska’s oil spill response needs.

Next Steps – How to Work With Us

1. Schedule a Meeting – Let’s assess your response needs and how ADTF can enhance your operations.
2. Deploy the Right Solution – We tailor the Drone Task Force, Drone-in-a-Box, or Annual Solution to your operational plan.
3. Respond with Confidence – When oil hits the water, we provide the aerial insights you need—faster, safer, and smarter.

Schedule a Meeting