We have made measurements using an electric, zero emissions, remote control model aircraft equipped with a compact methane sensor to quantify CH4 emissions around near-field gas and oil facilities. The remote control aircraft can sample much closer to local sources than conventional manned craft and higher maneuverability.

The scientific objectives are to address the following questions:
What are CH4 plume sizes and magnitudes from gas/oil facilities?
What are the spatial and temporal characteristics of the CH4 plumes?
What are the emissions of methane from these sources?