Aggregates Manager Digital Magazine
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/789750
AGGREGATES MANAGER / March 2017 29 Drones are increasingly being used to conduct survey work and volumetric analysis within aggregate operations. T he use of drones for the hobbyist and profes- sional has literally taken off in the past cou- ple of years. Drones can be found fl ying over back yards, parks, weddings, sporting events, real estate parcels, construction sites, and aggregate operations. In the case of construction and mining, these unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) are deployed to conduct volumetric analysis and survey work. Acquiring a drone is extremely simple as various drone types and models can be found at big box stores, drone dealers, and numerous on-line suppliers – with prices ranging from tens of dollars to tens of thousands of dollars. With this ease of access, relatively low cost to purchase, and the promise of big benefi ts achieved using a drone for projects, people with little experience in fl y- ing, regulations, and maintenance are now "drone pilots," or in FAA terminology, remote pilots in command (RPIC). As with any device that tries to defy gravity, mistakes and mishaps occur. Any drone user will have at least one story to tell about their experience. Most of the mistakes, errors, mishaps, and close calls with drones can be avoid- ed with a few simple rules and guidelines. These rules can be broken down into the following categories: 1. The drone, 2. The fl ight, 3. The pilot, and 4. Drone maintenance. The drone Drones come in various sizes and types with varying fl ight control methods and devices. To be successful and achieve the outcome required from a drone, it is important to select the right tool for the job. Knowing basic information such as what you want the drone to do, how much area needs to be covered in a single fl ight, and typical fl ight environmental conditions is critical to selecting the right tool for the job. A quadcopter drone may be perfect for real estate projects, but it may not be the best choice for surveying hundreds of acres in a limited amount of time. So, do your research and start with the right drone platform matched to your project. The fl ight The fl ight itself is where most errors and mistakes occur. Not a big surprise...the gravity thing again. Here are some basic fl ight tips. 1. Flight area. Survey the fl ight area before unpack- ing your drone. Make sure you know where every