Peter Keum

WTD GIS Senior Specialist

Use of Drone for Project Mgmt- Wastewater Treatment Division

2021

FAA Part 107 Certified Remote Pilot

Background information
Use Cases
Project Managment Workflow

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)

Multi-rotors

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

Sensors Payload

Multi-spectral

Thermal Infrared

Lidar Camera

High resolution digital camera (100 MP)

Lidar Camera

Methane Gas Dector

Sensors Payload

High resolution digital camera

credit: Esri

1. Aircraft + Sensor (Data Collection)

2. Data Processing & Analyzing (GIS)

3. Information Products

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+

Information Products

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 or night time operation with appropriate lighting
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."

"A drone can be used at any WTD facility; however, staff wanting to use a drone must work with Peter Keum to ensure that the proposed use meets the FAA and local regulations because the regulations vary geographically.... permissible to operate drones indoor or in confined spaces for specialized uses, like inspections."

Update April 2021