Harsh Weather Obtains Remote Inspection Services Using Vantis Network

The state's Northern Plains UAS Test Site (NPUASTS) has once again proven to be a fine investment, bringing a plethora of uncrewed aircraft operators into the state, perfectly poised to aid in case of emergency. 

This week, a round of severe weather brought blizzards, heavy snow, and icing across western North Dakota, hampering emergency services and embattling public works with harsh conditions and overwork. Governor Doug Burgum announced a joint release with NPUASTS that they would enlist UAS operators to survey rural areas, locating and assessing damage to utility infrastructure in order to triage recovery efforts. 

The remotely piloted drones, flown by ISight Drone Services and the NPUASTS, are able to operate BVLOS flights as part of the state's creation and implementation of its unique UAS network, Vantis. The flights were cleared with the FAA before rolling out, allowing them to assist the North Dakota Association of Rural Electric Cooperatives. Their work in assessing and inspecting utilities is estimated to have brought expected downtime to days as opposed to the weeks that would be taken for on-site human inspection. 

“This is one of the primary applications we envisioned in creating this UAS network,” said Trevor Woods, NPUASTS executive director. “We hope this nimble response can help the state’s residents in getting life-saving power restored, and benefit areas and businesses affected by the natural disaster. For such a massive undertaking in fixing lines and infrastructure, we know that locating damage in difficult-to-travel-to areas saves time and assets that can’t afford to be wasted.” 

FMI: www.vantisuas.com