Peter Keum

WTD GIS Specialist

WTD & DRONE

May 5, 2020

FAA Part 107 Certified Remote Pilot

Drone Inspection

1. Background information  
2. Inspection Types  
3. Potential Work Flow 

UAV - Unmanned Aerial Vehicle

FAA Definition: Unmanned Aircraft (UA) system that is operated by a pilot via ground control or on-board computer. 

1. Background Information

UAV Categories

Small  - $

• Size: 1 - 2 meters ( 3 ft - 6.5 ft), < 55 lbs.
• Control: Radio control

Medium

• Size: Equivalent to a car, ~ 1000 lbs.
• Control: Visual Line Of Sight (VLOS) & Beyond LOS, RC & Satellite ~ $$$

Large  

• Size: > 30,000 lbs.
• Control: Visual Line Of Sight (VLOS) & Beyond LOS, RC & Satellite ~ $$$$

UAV as Platform

Multi-rotors

Fixed-wing & VTOL

• Shorter flight time (< 30 min)
• Cover smaller area
• Highly maneuverable
• Less expensive
• Access to confined spaces

• Long flight time (+ 40min)
• Covers large area
• Larger selection of sensors

(vertical take-off & land)

 Sensors Payload

Multi-spectral 

Thermal Infrared

Lidar Camera

High resolution digital camera (100 MP)

Lidar Camera

Lidar Camera

Methane Gas Dector

Inspection:

Improve Safety, 

Save time, Improve efficiency

FAA Regulations - Where are we now?

Regulations

Commercial/Governmental

FAA Part 107 Rule, July 2016

• Need FAA Remote Pilot Certification (Pilot license NOT needed)

• 171,744 - Remote pilot certified (2020)

• 441,709 - Commerical Drones Registered

• Fly under 400 feet above ground level

• Not to fly < 5 nautical miles around airport

• Aircraft < 55 lbs.

• Fly during daytime

• Fly visual line of sight ( VLOS)

• No flight over non-participating people

FAA Part 107 Rule

King County WTD

"Subject: WTD Policies on Use of Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (Drones)

Managers/Supervisors: August, 2016

I’d like you to share the following policy guidance regarding the use of drones for work purposes with your staff as appropriate. The guidance specifically addresses the use of drones classified as small unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), which weigh less than 55 lbs."

• No owning or operating drones by WTD *
• Manager/Supervisor review and require Division Director approval
• 3rd Party to meet KC Risk Management requirements

Two Spaces for Drone

Outdoor

Indoor

• No GPS signal
• Limits on speed and motion
• Manual flight control
• Tight spaces

Outdoor

Indoor

DJI Air & Mavic 2< $1500

Aertos 120 $25,000 +

Eilos 2  $48,000 +

DJI Matrice 210 $10,000 +

Standard Drone Workflow

WTD Workflow

WTD Workflow

• Recorable

• Searchable

• Measurable

Drones, What are they Good for?

peter.keum@kingcounty.gov   

Just another tool in the toolbox

THANK YOU

Drone Inspection

1. Background information (10 min)
2. Inspection Types (5 min)
3. Potential Work Flow ( 5 min)
4. WTD Inspection Project Discussion (25 min)