Observations all along the line - Kimball & the Southern Panhandle First
Observations all along the line - Kimball & the Southern Panhandle First
High West Energy Says Drones Are Invaluable In Hard To Reach Areas
High West Energy confirmed that it will be using a drone for inspection purposes in Kimball County in the next few weeks.
A pilot on the ground uses drones to inspect lines, insulators, poles, wire breaks and insulator wraps. They visually inspect the lines in the field and take photos of the structures for further review and documentation.
Drones are invaluable for hard-to-reach areas where the roads are muddy and provide an overhead view of the utility structure.
High West Energy drones fly only in the daytime, and the pilot, according to the rules in Part 107, must have the drone in sight at all times. High West keeps drone operations to less than a mile from the pilot.
Due to the wind, snow, and recent weather forecast, there is no timeline for the inspection process to begin in the Kimball area. They have been working north of Potter for the past few months, weather permitting. The wind must be less than 20 to 25 mph for the drone to fly.
Drones have been used by High West Energy since 2019, but they have seldom flown in Nebraska.
High West Energy’s drone pilot is Tom Gleason. He has a two-year FAA commercial remote pilot certificate. He studied, took a test and passed the FAA Part 107.
If you see a drone checking out High West Energy equipment, a High West Energy vehicle will be close by. Gleason also mentioned that he is usually unable to talk one-on-one when flying because he must maintain visual contact with the drone.