Can Drone Tower Inspections Save Time and Money? A Case Study

CrossFlight Sky Solutions is a commercial UAS Company located in South Carolina. We are experts in Tower and Aerial inspections and documentation of Tower assets and Infrastructure.

Here are a few facts concerning Tower Inspections:

Currently, tower inspections are A LONG AND LENGTHY PROCESS. A climber could take 3 -5 hours to climb and manually inspect a tower, and then another 3 - 5 hours to come down and climb it again if there are repairs that need to be made.

Tower Inspections are VERY EXPENSIVE. Generally done by climbers who charge by the hour and also charge travel time, having a tower inspected could cost up to $2,500 per tower.

Tower inspections are INCREDIBLY DANGEROUS. Climbers have to deal with high risk issues such as RF burn, wind, rain, birds, bees, as well as other unknown factors

Tower inspections are TERRIBLY DISRUPTIVE. A broadcast signal will either require transmit power reduction or be totally turned off before a tower inspection can be done, causing a disruption in service.

What can we offer

With CrossFlight, tower inspections can be done while ON-AIR AT FULL POWER, no more power reduction or turning off the signal!

With CrossFlight, tower inspections can be done DURING THE DAY, no more night tower inspections by flashlight!

With CrossFlight, tower inspections can be done with ZERO ENTRY DISRUPTIONS, we do not require entry to the compound or access area nor do we require staff members to accompany our pilots!

With CrossFlight, tower inspections can be done in HALF THE AMOUNT OF TIME with less lead time necessary for routine or emergency inspections!

With CrossFlight, tower inspections can be done at up to a 50% COST SAVINGS with Ultra HD digital documentation that can be archived!

With CrossFlight, tower inspections can be done with absolutely NO RISK to a climber or the company!

Cost Benefits Analysis- Drones vs. Traditional

Traditional Inspections:

  # Hours to Perform Job:                 4-8 hours, per inspection

  Costs:                                                 $1,600.00 - $2,500.00 Per Inspection

  UAS Inspections:

  # Hours to Perform Job:      2 hours

  Costs:                                                  $995.00 - $1,300.00 Per Inspection

  Savings

  # Hours to Perform Job 2 - 6 hours per inspection

 Total Est. Savings:       $600.00 - $1,200.00 per inspection

Contact CB Gaffney @ CaryG@Crossflightskysolutions.com or Brian McGuire Email: Brian@CrossFlightskysolutions.com for an estimate.

How can drones save the construction industry time and money?

A few years ago, the thought of an unmanned drone flying around a construction jobsite reporting project progress would have seemed highly unusual. In the future, this may become commonplace for all construction companies and projects in the next few years. 

Construction site monitoring and reporting- 3D Images and measuring volumes of pits and piles. Our mapping software calculates the amount of dirt or earth to be moved in subject areas. Remote project engineers and owners can be updated with accurate images on a daily or weekly basis, saving time and money and improving the efficiency of your projects.

A record investment of over $1.9 billion had been invested in drone industry start-up companies by mid last year. And the market for commercial and private use drones is exploding.  Predictions of the global market for production drones for personal and commercial use is expected to grow to more than $6 billion in 2017 and more than $11.2 billion by 2020.  On construction sites, where the risk and cost of mistakes are extremely high, drones show a lot of promise for saving time and money. 

Construction projects are often extremely complex with many time-consuming tasks that can be simplified, automated and accelerated by using drones.  Here are some important ways drones can help improve jobsite efficiency, saving construction firms money:

• 3D mapping: One of the biggest financial benefits of using drones the ability to create highly accurate 3D topography models. Drones provide a cost-effective, fast way of mapping build sites and existing facilities, while gathering geographical and topographical data in the form of photography, Lidar and video.
• 3D mapping data can be instantly uploaded and shared with stakeholders anywhere in the world. What’s more, time is money, and 3D mapping via drones saves lots of it. Drones have been shown to cut surveying time for a 12-acre property from 100 hours down to about 2.
• High-definition maps can be created in a fraction of the time it used to take. Drones also make it easier to survey locations that are difficult to access, reducing safety hazards. Drones are cheaper to fly than small aircraft and don’t require a pilot.
• Improved project management, reporting and tracking:   Using 20 megapixel cameras,  drones can capture images rapidly and even stream live video to remote project managers. This footage can be uploaded automatically into cloud-based project management software, and easily shared with stakeholders regardless of location, to keep them abreast of a project’s progress. Real-time data enables faster, more informed decision-making throughout construction and the ability to mitigate delays or other issues before they cost firms money.
• Better security and surveillance: Drones can help construction firms produce accurate surveys of progress and site inventory quickly and cost-effectively. They eliminate human error and are able to capture data faster than an inspector walking the site. Drones also enable firms to perform jobsite surveillance, not only to ensure employees aren’t wasting time or violating safety codes, but to prevent potential hazards. Photography and live footage becomes convincing in the case of thefts or misused equipment, or other security violations.
• Effective communication on the project: Drones simplify and enhance communication with investors and stakeholders, particularly those who are not local. Aerial photography captured by drones can be streamed live and accessed by connected devices anywhere, anytime. This capability helps cut travel time and expense—investors need not travel to the job site and project managers can keep them in the loop with frequent and highly insightful video updates.
• Improved efficiency: All of these benefits lead to increased efficiency—most likely reducing the workforce needed on a drone-assisted jobsite. Industry estimates for the current value of labor and services that may be replaced by drones is about $127.3 billion, a third of which comes from the infrastructure and construction industries. The ability of drones to collect and report on data enables you to complete projects faster at at lower cost. Faster completion means you can take on more work in the same amount of time.
• Competitive advantage & differentiation: Construction firms who use drones can bid lower and be more competitive than firms that don’t. Drones can be used to survey jobsites before work begins—even before bidding. They provide up-to-date, detailed data, helping you bid more accurately and avoid surprise costs. Adding drone-collected photography and video footage, as well as 3-D maps created with data collected from drones, makes a lasting impression and may differentiate you from other bidders.
• Improved marketing of your projects and win more work: Aerial images of your project will help you with marketing your projects. In fact, many projects can be monitored from start to finish and these can be condensed in 2-3 minute videos of your projects for future and prospective clients. 

Learn more about using commercial drone technology to improve construction and jobsite security, project management and tracking. Please contact Crossflight Sky Solutions for more information @ 888-912-3766, Ext 2 or learn more @ www.CrossFlightskysolutions.com.

The Sky is No Longer the Limit with Drones!

FAA FAR 107 Interesting Questions on UAS or Drone Operations?

Commercial Drone Operations requires FAA FAR 107 Pilot Certification....Learn more!

FAA Federal Air Regulations (FAR) Part 107 Questions you may want to know...if you operate a UAS or drone.

The following questions will make you smarter on UAS Operations. These answers are aligned with FAA FAR 107 Regulations.

Can I attach a drone to another drone?

• As long as the maximum takeoff weight is under 55 lbs and follows procedures for safe flying.

Can I have a drone perform a landing onto another drone?

• No, in 14 CFR 107.37 any operation that creates a collision hazard is not allowed.

Can I land a drone onto a manned aircraft?

• Yes, provided that the operatior is following all other rules this is allowed.

What accounts as operating the drone?

• Operating from drone is from takeoff to drone landing. The definition of operating the drone is not specified by FAA Regs.

Can a drone carry live animals or people?

• No, carrying living creatures creates possibility of serious injury or death.

Can a certificate holder supervise multiple people flying?

• Certificate holder is the Pilot in Command (PIC). No, one PIC per aircraft

Can you change PIC during flight?

• Yes, changing PIC during flight is allowed as long as each PIC has a FAA UAS or drone license.

• Yes. Add change of PIC into preflight planning or request

Can a person spectating be called as a participant for an operation?

• No, if the person is not part of the ground crew ensuring a safe operation they are not a participant and must be under a structure if the drone is flying overhead. The person may spectate closely if they are under a covered structure.

Can a person fly a drone or UAS at night?

• No, operation is restricted to daylight hours and civil twilight given that the UAS has lights that can be seen from 3 statute miles away. In order to legally operate at night you must submit a waiver to the FAA

Can a person fly a UAS with FPV gear using sense and avoid technology?

• No, sense and avoid technology does not satisfy the see and avoid requirement

Can an international student fly under Part 107?

• Under current US Law, a US owned aircraft but flown by an international student is considered a foreign civil aircraft.  An international student must first apply with the Office of the Secretary Foreign Air Carrier Licensing Division for permission. 

Can a drone weighing more than 55 lbs begins flight indoors and then exits, does this violate part 107?

• While outdoors the UAS is subject to the FAA's authority and having exceeded the 55 lbs restriction would be a violation.

Are drones that repeatedly enter and exit buildings, such as those for emergency services, required to follow part 107 throughout the entire procedure, or just when it is outside the building?

• The FAA does not regulate indoor airspace, but each time the UAS exits the area it must be compliant with the appropriate laws.

What is classified as indoors?

• A covered structure that prevents access to the national airspace system.

Who is final authority on what is considered safe, Pilot or Law enforcement?

• The FAA is the final adjucator. If you suspect unsafe activity, inform local law enforcement or the FAA to make a report. Local law enforcement may request a pilot to cease activities if harm is imminent.

What aircraft fall under Part 107?

• All Civil Aircraft under 55 lbs, some public and non-public.

Multiple drones catch and release an object, is this legal?

• As long as it has been determined prior to the flight that the maneuver will not cause an undue hazard to people or property it is legal.

Can a cluster of drones break apart and reform together using only a single PIC?

• Cluster drones are not outlawed by the FAA, however, one PIC will need to take control of each individual group drone grouping. Should they reform into one cluster only one PIC will be needed at that time.

Can a drone be attached to a balloon to make it lighter than air?

• Yes, but then the system would be classified as an airship and subject to  those laws including part 91.

What emergency conditions must be met for the PIC to deviate from the certification and responsibilities that are otherwise mandatory? Do the conditions vary on what clause is being waved?

• It is as the pilot sees fit to immediately remedy the situation, a written report must be submitted to the FAA about the incident and why protocol was changed

Can I drop a glitter bomb from a drone?

• No, the operation is considered unacceptable and potentially hazardous.

Can I use a drone to launch tennis balls for tennis practice?

• Under strict operations, using a drone for practice can be acceptable only after making negative consequences extremely improbable.

Can we drop t-shirts from drones?

• With an attached parachute, a t-shirt can be dropped, but drones can't be flown over people.

Does 14 CFR 107 apply to buildings where the roof doors open?

• As long as the doors are closed, then they do not follow part 107 laws. Once they open, the building is no longer a covered structure which make 107 laws apply.

Can we make drones catch other drones?

• Special permission would be needed from the FAA because the drones is making a collision with another drone.

Is a drone glider still considered a drone?

• Yes, because a glider is considered an aircraft.

Can I fly a drone outside from inside a building?

• Yes, as long as the PIC keeps visual line of sight.

Can a drone pull a wagon or fixed object?

• This is allowed so long as the total weight of the drone and object is less than 55 lbs.

Can Multiple drones be used for lifting one object? Where does the weight account for?

• The weight of the small unmanned aircraft includes everything that is on board or otherwise attached to the aircraft and may be lifted. Everything connected would account as one mass.

Does bartering for goods count as payment or compensation for services?

• Yes, It does count as compensation and would thus be subject to Part 107

Can I fly over a sporting event with a drone as a hobby?

• No, the FAA has a ban on all UAS flights below 3,000 ft. within 3 nautical miles of a stadium with a seating capacity of 30,000 people or more. The operator will also be subject to the AMA restrictions of operation.

What are the statute of limitations on breaking FAA law?

• For under $50,000 the time limit is typically 6 months from the incident, for over $50,000 the time limit is 5 years from the time of the incident

Can I fly my drone over other people's land?

• Yes and no, the FAA doesn’t have jurisdiction over what is considered trespassing. However, state and local authorities may have trespassing laws that you may be in violation of. For instance, in CA it is illegal to use a UAS for the purpose of trespassing and spying on people during private or personal matters irregardless of whether a video or image.

Can I get pre-vetted by the TSA prior to taking the UAS pilot certification course?

• No, the FAA will take your application to the TSA after the exam should you have a sufficient score to pass

Can I perform aerobatics with my drone?

• Yes, as long as the performances are done under safe conditions.

Does the fuel include my max takeoff weight?

• Yes, the fuel is included with the max takeoff weight of the drone

Learn More about FAR 107

CrossFlight assists Wetlands Studies with FAR 107 Waiver in Dulles Airspace!

CrossFlight Sky Solutions successfully completed and received approval from the FAA on an FAR 107 airspace waiver in one of the busiest and strictest airspaces in the country, Washington Dulles Intl. (Class B airspace, depicted below). We are very excited about our partnership with Wetland Studies and supporting their drone division.  Below is a picture of a Wetlands Studies Engineer flying his DJI drone in Class B Airspace.  Operations in Class B Airspace are very restrictive. The FAA ensures that all FAR 107 waivers are safe and will not affect manned aircraft operations.

Washington Dulles (IAD) International Airport Class B Airspace

Wetlands Flying a mission in Dulles Airspace!

Crossflight is very excited about our partnership with Wetlands Studies in delivering drone-based solutions for their customers. 

So what's going on with drones in the Low Country?

By: Jerry Whittaker- CrossFlight Sky Solutions CEO

CrossFlight Sky Solutions is an innovative aviation company who is introducing drone based technology to the Low Country.  Opening in Jan 2017, CrossFlight has been working with the Bluffton SC based Don Ryan Center for Innovation (DRCI) in their business incubator program. 

"DRCI's CEO David Nelemns a seasoned commercial pilot and innovator immediately knew that this new company would be a great addition to their small business incubator program and a great partner company."

The overall purpose of CrossFlight is to provide aviation related technical jobs and innovative technology to the local communities. We are introducing new services and capabilities using drones that have only been available using commercial aircraft.  Our company model and corporate culture is different than most companies.  We are keenly focused on safety and are teamed with some amazing companies and partners including disabled Veterans, local businesses, schools, and Beaufort county.

The CrossFlight team of FAA certified pilots getting ready for a video shoot of Low Country Community Church.  Check our our website @ www.crossflightskysolutions.com for more details.

Capabilities and Service Offerings:

Commercial Drone Services: Our team of FAA certified pilots take the risks out of drone based solutions for our clients. All of our pilots are FAA certified experts with drones and up to $10 million of insurance coverage for our clients. We are your own private Air Force!

Aerial Imaging- We take amazing aerial images and video of commercial and residential property for marketing and insurance purposes.  Construction progress reporting and documentation and 2D and 3D photogrammetry data for analysis and Civil Engineering applications.

Surveying Support- We provide aerial images for surveyors for commercial buildings, construction projects, as-built surveys, and cad drawings. Survey grade volumes of pits piles and land development projects. Saving time and money for clients.

Consulting Support- We provide support for companies that are considering using drones in their operations, including local and federal government, Civil Engineering, Fire Stations, Police Stations, Surveyors, Insurance Companies, etc.

UAS Training- We provide training courses for drone pilots who want to learn more about drones and gaining FAA certifications.  We also provide "Drone Day" training for local students and individuals who want to learn more about drones and Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) and Aviation careers.

Tower Inspections- Our teams of FAA certified pilots provide detailed inspections of cell towers, water towers, and other high rise structures reducing the risk to personnel who service towers.

Why Bluffton Hilton Head?

The Bluffton and Hilton Head area is uniquely situated between Savannah, Beaufort and Charleston SC. Savannah is home to Gulfstream Aviation Company, Beaufort is home to Marine Corp Air Station and Charleston is home to Boeing Commercial Aircraft Inc. This is one of the most beautiful locations in the country and is a evolving leader in aviation science and industries.

The opportunities for Aerospace Sciences and Aviation in the Low Country are endless. The future of Beaufort Country is to be a leader in aviation supporting businesses, education and training, and technology innovation companies. CrossFlight is leading the way to providing new technology and innovations in robotics and drone-based solutions for industry and government clients.  We are developing aviation programs with local schools and the community.  

We are really excited to have the community embrace our services and support our growing business in the Low Country.   Please call us for an inspection or visit our website @ www.crossflightskysolutions.com or call 888-912-Drones (3766) for more information.

Drones Continue to Assist Disaster Relief Areas after Hurricane Irma

Blog written by: Justin Clemmer, CrossFlight Pilot

Hurricane Irma brought widespread devastation to the state of Florida. Homes, businesses, roadways, and industries all across the state were impacted by the storm’s intense winds and floodwaters. In the wake of Irma, a fairly new kind of technology is being used in the relief and recovery efforts – drones. Drones are capable of producing high-quality aerial videos and pictures that are highly beneficial in operations such as search and rescue, powerline inspection, and building documentation.

Cell Tower Inspection by commercial drones

When a wide variety of agencies sought authorization from the Federal Aviation Administration to fly drones in the affected areas, the FAA responded quickly, issuing a total of 132 airspace authorizations as of today to ensure safety in drone operation.

The Air National Guard as well as the private sector has been using drones to perform area surveys, assess disaster-stricken areas, and conduct inspections. Drones have been used by Florida Power and Light to play a significant role in helping to restore electricity for its 4.4 million customers, surveying parts of the state still not accessible by vehicles.

The stellar cooperation by local, state, and federal authorities has been cited by FPL, and this is only the beginning. In a speech given at the InterDrone conference last week, FAA Administrator Michael Huerta summed up the importance of drone operations to Irma and Harvey recovery operations saying,

“Essentially, every drone that flew meant that a traditional aircraft was not putting an additional strain on an already fragile system. I don’t think it’s an exaggeration to say that the hurricane response will be looked back upon as a landmark in the evolution of drone usage in this country.”

The use of drones will continue to provide much needed assistance in future disaster relief and recovery efforts. As the FAA continues to monitor the advancement of this growing drone industry, companies like CrossFlight Sky Solutions will continue to be on the cutting edge of this quickly advancing technology.

Hurricane relief and using drones for recovery efforts- they are hard to beat!

Hurricane Irma slammed into Florida and parts of Georgia this past few days. This resulted in power outages for millions of Americans and cell phone towers out of service, flooding, and massive damage to low lying areas as well as downed trees and power lines.  This resulted in lost lives and flooding of may low lying areas of Florida, Gulf coast, and South Carolina.

CrossFlight is partnered with other companies to provide experienced FAA certified drone pilots who are responding to disasters in the US.  Some of our pilots are in the disaster area working to restore power and cell phone towers to normal operations.  We provide aerial images and data for our customers to save time and money.

Drones are used for restoration of power, identifying downed power lines, inspecting property and equipment, and surveying the damaged areas from the air. Using drones we can take video images that help power line crews prioritize their work and improve safety of crews.

The key to any disaster is rapid response and recovery so people can begin to recover from the effects of a storm or natural disaster. Drones can be used to locate people who are stranded in their homes, insurance estimates of damages, video for news agencies and businesses, and insurance adjusters, and FEMA disaster relief teams.  CrossFlight's pilots are ready to respond on the ground in Florida and Georgia and South Carolina. 

Hurricane Irma Photo-  Damages in Coastal Areas and Jacksonville Florida Flooding

15 ft. storm surge damages all along the coastal regions

Florida Keys flooding and wind damages Photo

The CrossFlight team has deployed FAA certified UAS pilots who are responding to the call for Hurricane Irma.  We are honored to provide safe and efficient drone operations for disaster recovery efforts. Drones are changing the way we respond to Hurricanes and natural disasters. 

CrossFlight is bringing Unmanned Aircraft Systems(UAS) or Drone Technology Solutions to the Low Country

What does CrossFlight Sky Solutions do?

CrossFlight Sky Solutions is a commercial drone services company located in Bluffton SC.  We deliver high quality aerial images for businesses and government organizations. One of our products is Photogrammetry support, here is a brief description: 

What is Photogrammetry?

Photogrammetry is the science of making measurements from photographs. The input to photogrammetry is photographs, and the output is typically a map, a drawing, a measurement, or a 3D model of some real-world object or scene. Many of the maps we use today are created with from aircraft.   In Aerial Photogrammetry, the camera is mounted in an aircraft and is usually pointed vertically towards the ground. Multiple overlapping photos of the ground are taken as the aircraft flies along a flight path. The aircraft traditionally have been fixed wing manned craft but many projects now are done with drones or UAV's.  To learn more....please go to our website @ www.crossflightskysolutions.com

Example Job Site- Construction Site

Picture of a Construction site in Bluffton SC.  Volumetric measurements of the piles of materials is available in minutes using our software. We can provide precise volumes for contractors or site managers. 

This type of data is readily available using drones for progress reporting, inventory management for site supervisors or managers. We offer subscription services for site reporting with progress from start to final completion of the projects. Call 888-912-Drones (3766) for more information on our services.