Munson Healthcare's drone trial now flies a three-mile hospital route in Traverse City, through October 30

Phase two of a medical drone delivery project began in Traverse City, Michigan, on October 6. The partners are Traverse Connect, Munson Healthcare, Blueflite, and Central Michigan University's Rural Health Excellence Institute. The test flights run between Munson Medical Center and the Crystal Lake Health Center at 5191 Rosewood Drive. The Ticker reported the two are about three miles apart. Flights end by October 30. The partners' joint release says the flights simulate deliveries of supplies, lab samples, and medications between the two Munson sites.

Warren Call, who leads Traverse Connect, said in the release that this phase runs longer flights with several drones and sensors, with FAA approval. Katherine DeGood, a Traverse Connect spokesperson, told The Ticker the first flights would use visual observers. Later flights would go beyond visual line of sight. Tracy Cleveland, Munson's vice president of supply chain, said flying to more sites moves the system closer to running the service for its region. The Ticker describes Blueflite as a Michigan-based drone manufacturer.