Electrical Transmission Line Inspection using Unmanned Aircraft

Electrical transmission line inspections are currently performed by ground or helicopter crews to assess vegetation encroachment and line component quality. Weather and aging have dramatic effects on transmission lines which may result in failures and emergency repairs. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approved the rules for small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) on 16 July 2016 requiring registration, operation by a certified pilot with an observer to limit the maximum allowable altitude to 400 feet above the ground, higher if your drone remains within 400 feet of a structure and a maximum speed is 100 mph (87 knots). Electrical utility companies have started using sUAS or drones to perform inspections to save operating costs and reduce personnel risks in the field. sUAS may be operated as remotely piloted or in autonomous mode. There are potential risks of loss of control when the drone is too close or contacts an energized high voltage line or support structure. Inspections may be conducted using fixed wing or multirotor drones. The technical advantages of performing the inspections with sUAS include video and photographic documentation of line component quality and vegetation proximity to the lines which may be viewed by management or technical staff for efficient routine maintenance.