Advanced Aerial Inspection Resources (AAIR), a Houston based provider of inspection sUAS (small Unmanned Aircraft Systems) services to the electric power and wind energy industries says it has been awarded a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Section 333 Exemption allowing the use of its drone technology in the United States National Air Space (NAS).
AAIR’s airborne cameras have several advantages over conventional wind turbine inspection methods.
“Section 333 Exemption is an exciting development for AAIR and our North American customer base” said Wes Oliphant, AAIR’s President “Our clients can use AAIR’s UAV systems for asset inspection and know with certainty that they’re in full compliance with U.S. Government and FAA regulations. This is truly a redefining moment for the future of this cutting edge infrastructure inspection technology.”
“When coupled with the highly specialized expertise that our infrastructure engineering arm (RISC – www.polesafety.com) provides, we have the unique ability to inspect, assess and provide meaningful recommendations in one seamless package” commented Oliphant.
The use of sUAS’s for transmission line and wind asset inspections provides several key advantages over methods currently being employed, including:
The ability to inspect high voltage transmission lines in service (no outages required) with no risk to inspection personnel.
Inspecting lines, components and right of ways in challenging and hazardous terrain.
Real time, streaming video/images allows immediate viewing of inspection results.
Significant cost savings in manpower and equipment need to safely perform aerial inspections versus traditional methods such as cranes or man baskets.
“AAIR has been working diligently behind the scenes to secure this exemption for several months” noted Grant Leaverton, Vice President “Now that AAIR can commence full commercial operations, this technology is available for immediate deployment and will improve safety, promote innovation and reduce maintenance and operating costs for our valued customers.”
AAIR Team
www.aairteam.com
Filed Under: News, O&M
