Aviation Safety Management Systems Ltd (ASMS) congratulates Cobi Digital Productions Ltd (COBi Digital) on the establishment of its Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) operations. ASMS is proud to have worked with COBi Digital to have developed best practice operational procedures.
COBi Digital (www.cobidigital.co.nz) is a Christchurch-based professional production company that specialises broadcast quality video production, corporate promotional videos and corporate photography. The video clip below is COBi Digital's 2012 Show Reel, showcasing the stunning quality of their video productions. More high quality videos and photographs are available on the Cobi Digital website.
The entire production process involves script writing, interviewing talent, filming, editing, and producing the final product. COBi Digital’s UAS operations are conducted as part of the filming process, supplementing more traditional means of photography and videography, such as fixed cameras and modern go-pro camera systems. The use of a UAV means that unobtainable aerial shots can be shot without the use of cumbersome cranes and booms. The UAV also enables video to be shot from positions that are difficult to access and would otherwise be impossible to get safely. The UAV allows for camera panning and movement that is traditionally only possible with very technical and expensive mounted camera systems and or helicopters. Adopting the UAV system appeals as it has minimal noise and operational disruption to the environment, when compared to using a full size helicopter and or camera crane system.
The complex flying environment of overhead electricity distribution power lines. Photo: Andrew Shelley
Unison Networks Limited (Unison) owns, designs, manages and operates the electricity network that serves the Hawke’s Bay, Taupo and Rotorua regions. Working with the support of Callaghan Innovation and the Ministry of Science and Innovation, Unison is investigating the potential to use Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and Systems (UASs) for power line inspection. Unlike most electric utilities who are primarily focussed on evaluating the performance of the UAV in an operational setting, Unison's research programme also considers the electronics and control systems.
ASMS is proud to have worked with Unison to develop the procedures manual for UAS operations. The manual includes procedures specifically tailored for operations around live distribution power lines, and includes a robust risk assessment process. This application of UAVs highlights the potential of UAVs to improve safety as humans are removed from dangerous situations, in this instance close physical proximity to live power lines.
Mr Rex Kenny, CAA's Manager of Special Flight Operations & Recreational Aviation stated that "The quality of the Manual is consistent with CAA's views as to what an appropriate code of practice for a UAS might look like." Mr Kenny noted that it was CAA's view that "the manual represents a robust code of practice for [Unison's] operation. [The] Manual is demonstrative of an organisation that is committed to safe operation and operating at above the minimum rules standards."
Contact us to see how we can help establish documented procedures for the safe operation of your UAV.
The Schiebel Technical Director explains features of the Camcopter Photo: ASMS Ltd.
ASMS attended Transpower's demonstration of the Schiebel Camcopter at Drury Substation on Thursday 19 September 2013. Standing approximately 3.5 feet tall, the Camcopter has an Empty Weight of approximately 110kg, and a Maximum Take-Off Weight of 200kg.1 It has a rotary engine that can be fuelled by 95 Octane, 98 Octane, Avgas, or Diesel. Capable of operating in most weather conditions, the Camcopter can withstand a downpour of up to 50mm per hour.
The unit being demonstrated had been fitted with the FLIR Systems Corona 350 Airborne Sensor package, specifically designed for power line inspections.
FLIR Corona 350 Airborne Sensor Photo: ASMS Ltd.
The Corona 350 is a four axis gyro-stabilized gimbal containing four different cameras including an ultraviolet camera for corona detection, a thermal imaging camera for detecting hot-spots in power lines, a visual light camera and a digital frame camera. [The Corona 350 overlays] its ultraviolet and color TV video data to create a combined image that allows operators to detect and identify coronal discharges – areas of ionized air – that are known to damage power line insulators and other electrical components.2
Successful integration of the two systems had only been publicised by Schiebel a week earlier.2
The video clip below shows the unit taking off and the imagery available to the operators from the Corona 350:
CAA had authorised beyond line-of-sight operations within an area of restricted airspace, subject to on-the-ground observers maintaining visual contact at all times. CAA's view is that visual contact, whether by the pilot or by observers in radio contact with the pilot, will remain essential until sense-and-avoid technology can be reliably implemented.
One option for integrating UAVs into the national airspace system is to have a restricted areas that can be activated when a UAV is to fly in that area. However, a further interesting aspect of the demonstration was the General Aviation (GA) sector's demonstration of their inability to comply with airspace restrictions. By 10:30am on Thursday morning, 8 aircraft had violated the restricted area. Transpower and CAA had ensured that the restricted area was well publicised and NOTAMed, with all local aero clubs and flying school advised. Not only would a network of restricted areas be cumbersome to implement and acivate, but they will also be ignored by at least part of the GA sector. The implication is that 'see-and-avoid' (in visual contact) and 'sense-and-avoid' (beyond line-of-sight) will be the necessary conditions for UAV integration.
Aviation Safety Management Systems Ltd (ASMS) congratulates the the University of Canterbury's Department of Geography on the grant of an authorisation by the Civil Aviation Authority to operate an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV). The authorisation relates to a Draganfly X4-P, shown in the photo accompanying this release.
ASMS is proud to have project managed the application process and developed the exposition for the Department of Geography's operation. CAA authorisation ensures that the UAV is only flown by approved pilots and within appropriate safety limits.
