1. Caleb Amstutz and Ethan Kocjan
Integration of Observation UAV’s Monitoring and inspecting the world’s infrastructure
Caleb Amstutz and Ethan Kocjan

2. Airspace Requirements
Low-Speed Localized Traffic
For inspections and surveying, the UAVs will be operating at altitudes much lower than 200 feet
Need easy/close access to infrastructure for use of sensors and cameras
Our operating zone

3. Benefits
Traditional pipeline inspections take up to 1 week for a 2-mile stretch of pipeline. With a drone, that same 2-mile stretch can be inspected in 30 minutes
672 miles of pipeline could be inspected by drones in the same time it would take humans to inspect 2 miles!
Source: “Unmanned Aerial Vehicle In Logistics”, DHL Trend Research

4. Benefits Increased worker safety
Less need for workers traverse difficult terrain in remote locations
Less scaffolding or lifts on inspection of structures like bridges or dams resulting in less chance of falls

5. Benefits Inspection Frequency Saving costs from multiple areas
Due increased speed of inspections they can be economically done quicker
More frequent inspections would increase data quality and catch issues sooner
Saving costs from multiple areas
Less personnel required for inspections
Lower cost equipment (fewer boom lifts)
Savings from more frequent inspections resulting in better data; better data would help prevent negative incidents

6. Preprogrammed Flight Paths
By using GPS tracking and assistance from UTM, it would be possible to pre-program a flight, send out the drone to collect data, and have it independently return without the need of operators or ground assistance
Can easily reach hard to reach areas in remote locations the Alaskan oil fields that is otherwise a long, treacherous journey for humans.
Since inspection sites would be fixed objects, repeat inspections would be easy as location data would already be added.

7. Disadvantages
Operation in Low-Speed Localized Traffic Zone requires careful monitoring and excellent sense-and-avoid technology
Birds, buildings, trees, and other UAVs are all present in this zone.
Will place greater emphasis on developing new technology/creating key industry partnerships in AI/Object Detection fields to develop superior self-monitoring flight-correction software
UAVs inspecting bridges have to ensure that they do not interfere with bridge traffic during inspections
UAV may have to deploy temporary barriers, etc.
Similar procedures in construction sites may be needed
Current hold ups due to line of sight requirements

8. Disadvantages UAV range still limited by battery life
Difficult to inspect hundreds of miles of pipe, would still require strategic charging stations placed along the pipe
Easy-to-install remote charging stations can be developed, along with continual improvements to battery life as they are developed
Remote Locations would make recovery of disabled drones difficult

9. Where to Go From Here Cooperation with State/Federal/Local Governments
Lobbying for positive and effective UAV policies
Public education to fight negative stereotypes about drones
Inform about beneficial purposes and uses
People get wary about “DRONES”, public must be educated that government agencies are not using inspection UAVs for spying

10. Where to Go From Here Managing Low-Altitude Operation
Utilize AirMap to navigate No Fly Zones/obstacles

11. Where to Go From Here Developing technology Developing business plan
Review current size and costs of inspection cameras/equipment
Determine optimal network of easy-to-install charging stations for longer distance inspections
Improve sense-and-avoid, self-correcting technology
Determine effective methods for barrier deployment/collection as needed in certain industries
Developing business plan
Develop optimization of cost/weight of inspection equipment vs. cost/payload of UAV’s
Review industry standards and guidelines in depth to determine where lobbying emphasis against poor policy needs to be

12. Sources
“Unmanned Aerial Vehicle In Logistics”, DHL Trend Research
“Significant Developments at NASA's 2015 UAS Traffic Management Convention”, Wiley Rein LLP