Aerial Inspection J.P. Donley System Maintenance Director Pedernales Electric Cooperative

Benefits to PEC Safety Speed Non-intrusive Cost effective Close-up views Data Collection / Reporting Practical Applications System inspection / assessment Emergency / Storm Response Hazardous Terrain Crossing Next Steps Vegetation Management Pilot Equipment Inspection Aerial Inspection

4 feeders inspected – 961 miles of line – 17,703 poles – 2532 accounts – Completed in ~10 days – 72 issues identified Aerial Inspection

Emergency / Storm Response May, 2015 – Wimberley, TX Aerial Inspection

Site Reconnaissance Utilizing Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) Aerial Inspection

Previous Methodology

River Crossings Utilizing Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) Aerial Inspection

Procedures Contact Emergency Management Coordinator to receive written permission. Concerns of crowded airspace(Rescue and Reporters)

Typical FAA section 333 Requirements The UAV must be operated at an altitude of no more than 400 feet above ground level (AGL). The UAV must be operated within visual line of sight (VLOS) of the Pilot in Charge (PIC) at all times. All operations must utilize a visual observer (VO). The VO and PIC must be able to communicate verbally at all times. The UAV may not be operated less than 500 feet below or less than 2,000 feet horizontally from a cloud or when visibility is less than 3 miles from the PIC.

Questions? Aerial Inspection