Drones Revolutionize Communication Tower Inspections for Cal OES Public Safety Communications Office
The Cal OES Public Safety Communications Office is utilizing drones for inspecting communication towers, a significant shift from traditional manual climbing methods. Eric Telles, an engineer with the office, highlights that drones are now used to survey towers, including radio equipment and antennas, to ensure proper engineering and installation. This approach replaces the previous method where engineers had to physically climb towers, some as tall as 200 feet. The Cal OES Public Safety Communications Office currently operates a fleet of six drones and employs ten licensed pilots. These drones are equipped with various camera lenses, including those for 3D mapping and telephoto viewing, allowing for comprehensive inspections and the identification of potential obstructions like new buildings or growing trees that could affect line of sight for communication dishes. The engineers piloting these drones are licensed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and undergo extensive training, including a week...
