Lee Pope, CEO HiLine Nation is revolutionizing the utility industry by introducing innovative drone-based inspection services for transmission and distribution (T&D) assets.
Where once utility companies had to rely on time-consuming and risky manual inspections, with linemen physically climbing towers using bucket trucks or cranes, HiLine Nation’s dronebased inspections provide a swift and remote solution that significantly accelerates the process while eliminating potential risks.
HiLine Nation also goes a step further by combining the expertise of drone pilots with that of expert linemen. During inspections, linemen act as visual observers, working in tandem with drone pilots—subject matter experts in terms of aerial imaging—to provide a more practical and precise assessment of the critical utility infrastructure. This collaboration is the most distinguishing feature of HiLine Nation’s drone-based inspection services to ensure comprehensive and accurate inspection results.
“Our drone-based inspection services offer a remarkable advantage over traditional methods, as we can complete inspections in half the time. However, it is also important to note that our goal is not to diminish the importance or necessity of linemen, but to enhance their work efficiency,” says Lee Pope, CEO of HiLine Nation.
While there were various drone-based inspection services, a common challenge they faced was maintaining the drone’s safe distance from utility structures. This issue is seamlessly resolved by HiLine through the integration of teams comprising drone pilots and experienced linemen in the field. By combining their expertise, the company ensures inspections are conducted safely and in accordance with established protocols and industry standards.
As technology continues to make its way into the industry, another major challenge lies in training field workers who may not have extensive experience with modern technology. HiLine Nation excels in this aspect as well by having well-established systems and processes for training field workers on AI-powered drone inspection systems.
Clients seek HiLine’s services for multiple purposes. To start with, it focuses on being proactive by conducting predictive maintenance work to mitigate potential risks, including fire hazards, for all its customers. It also proves beneficial for maintenance purposes, especially in the aftermath of storms or other catastrophic events. In these cases, HiLine’s teams can assess the situation and provide consultation to assist clients in the restoration process as needed.
In a particular case, a client approached HiLine with a circuit experiencing interruptions and requested its assistance in identifying the underlying problems. During inspection, the HiLine team not only pinpointed issues such as insulator tracking or line sagging that could cause the lines to swing together causing interruptions, but it also provided valuable insights to fix the issues. The client’s contractor could then address these problems while HiLine offered assistance in ensuring the line sagging met the required specifications and inspection standards.
Our drone-based inspection services offer a remarkable advantage over traditional methods, as we can complete inspections in half the time
Many of HiLine’s projects are based in California, where the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) mandates specific guidelines, particularly in relation to fire mitigation and general order compliance. In terms of planning, its approach involves assessing the number of structures that need to be inspected for each utility project. The team works closely with various stakeholders, including environmental organizations and local/state government agencies to comply with access protocols, especially when dealing with areas like state parks or forested regions where specific issues may need to be addressed. HiLine’s boots-on-the-ground teams maintain close communication with clients to stay ahead of any logistical challenges that may arise.
To ensure smooth operations, HiLine’s operation manager Chris Lloyd highlights how their company adheres to rigorous processes and regulations. All its pilots hold Part 107 licenses from the FAA, demonstrating their competence and expertise in airspace management and public safety. When it comes to lineman teams, HiLine prioritizes hiring the best in the industry. The firm’s journeymen linemen possess extensive experience, with many having a record of 20 or more years of fieldwork.
“We also navigate the requirements of military bases when necessary. Clearances and coordination with military installations are crucial to ensure the seamless execution of our projects. Attention to detail and meticulous adherence to regulations are vital aspects of this work. We ensure thoroughness so all necessary protocols are followed, leaving no room for oversight,” says Lester Pate, field superintendent at HiLine Nation.
A commitment to adaptability, reliability, and innovation for stellar services continuously raises HiLine Nation’s bar in an often-challenging field. The leadership team is now spearheading advancements to incorporate LIDAR inspections, thermal imaging, video recordings, and high-resolution imagery. By continuously striving to adapt and leverage these latest advancements, the HiLine team aims to remain at the forefront of the industry and deliver a comprehensive inspection platform for electrical utilities.
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