UAS uses in the INFRASTRUCTURE | UTILITIES sector enable users to conduct inspections to determine the condition of infrastructure features, such as vertical utility towers and horizontal pipelines. UAS uses within this sector are commonly executed near infrastructure and require high-quality sensors to detect and assess the condition of infrastructure features. Due to the need for detailed images, camera photo and video quality are key attributes for uses in this sector.
3.1. Vertical Infrastructure Inspection
3.2. Linear Infrastructure Inspection
Vertical Infrastructure Inspection (VII) entails use of a UAS to collect information on the condition of vertical structures, such as power line transmission towers, water towers and other fixed vertical features. These use generally require operation of the UAS in close proximity to and potentially inside the structure of inspected features.
Utility companies
Instructure managers
Infrastructure inspection service providers
Vertical structures
Structural features that block visibility from some angles and require precise location and hovering of the UAS
Potentially active signal emitters that can impede UAS controller linkage
Often high winds due to high altitude above ground level
In addition to the priority user requirements identified above there are some use-specific considerations that should inform your development of the UAS life-cycle capabilities needed to successfully execute this use. We provide a range of support services to help you determine what these and other considerations mean for your UAS selection and use. These key considerations include:
Specialized Sensor Requirements: Due to the need to examine soil and vegetation features often not possible with standard cameras, this use often demands use of specialized sensor packages. These packages can add significant cost and potentially weight to the total UAS.
Enhanced UAS Training: This use requires operation of UASs in often challenging environmental conditions, to include high winds and potential electromagnetic interference. These factors can require UAS operator ability to manage unexpected UAS actions and emergencies, such as the temporary loss of controller and/or downlink signal.
Structure Familiarity: This use’s need to examine detailed features of vertical structures generally requires an operator familiar with the specific composition and features of the structure inspected.
Linear Infrastructure Inspection (LII) entails use of a UAS to collect information on the condition of linear structures, such as pipelines, railroads, and power lines. These use generally require operation of the UAS over long distances, emphasizing flight time and maximum controller distance. Current FAA regulations limiting UAS operation to line of sight (LOS) are often significant challenges for efficient execution of this use.
Utility companies
Infrastructure inspection service providers
Generally long linear infrastructure features
Some vertical obstacles possible (utility poles, power lines, etc.)
Current FAA limitation on beyond line of sight (BLOS) operations often requires relocating the operator between flights to cover full length of inspected infrastructure
Potentially active signal emitters that can impede UAS controller linkage
In addition to the priority user requirements identified above there are some use-specific considerations that should inform your development of the UAS life-cycle capabilities needed to successfully execute this use. We provide a range of support services to help you determine what these and other considerations mean for your UAS selection and use. These key considerations include:
Need for Re-positioning of Operator and Controller: Current FAA requirements to operate UASs within the operator line of sight (LOS) generally require movement of the UAS operator to cover extensive distances. This requires UAS and support capabilities (vehicle, etc.) that enable frequent re-positioning.
Prior Approval for Beyond Line of Sight (BLOS) Operations: There are significant potential benifits of BLOS operations to execute this use. However, BLOS operations require explicit FAA approval of a waiver to current policy in advance of operations (for U.S. operators). See FAA rule for Beyond Line of Sight (BLOS) UAS Operations