POWERGRAMS

15 15 switches that had problems that needed correction. These fixes can help keep our customers' lights on." Alabama Power drone pilots have flown almost 2,000 flights for training, routine power line inspections and storm restoration. But the sky's the limit as to how they can be used. "The list of use cases for drones is almost endless. They offer benefits to practically every department within the company," Hawthorne said. "In addition to (power line) inspections, they will also assist in mapping, surveying, public relations, line construction and many use cases that have not even been thought of. "Over time, drones will become just another tool in our toolbox," he said. Drones are technically called "unmanned aircraft systems" (UAS) and became increasingly popular the past decade as technology and design improvements made them easier to fly and cheaper to buy. Flown by handheld controllers today, the drones Alabama Power uses range in size from 30-by-30-inches down to 18-by-18. Research is underway to develop technologies to enable drones to recognize pole lines and identify abnormal conditions on these lines. The advancements will make drones even more beneficial in the future. It's a little more complicated to fly them for Alabama Power's purposes than opening a package on Christmas morning and trying it out in the backyard. Flying drones commercially requires a Remote Pilot Certificate, which Alabama Power employees must earn through a 60-question, two-hour written test — called the Part 107 exam — administered by the Federal Aviation Administration. The minimum score is 70, which involves a maximum of 18 wrong answers. "Getting prepared for the test wasn't an overnight thing," Whisenant recalled. In addition to obtaining an FAA certificate, Alabama Power drone pilots must go through training with Southern Company System Air, which manages the company's aircraft fleet. Another drone knowledge certification test must be completed with a third-party provider prior to being certified to fly for Southern Company. The exam is not easy. Questions range from weather conditions to interpreting complicated aeronautical charts to radio communication procedures. Here's an example, according to dronepilotgroundschool.com: "You're asked to inspect the high-intensity lighted A company DJI Phantom 4, capable of flying for about 20-25 minutes per battery. PHOTO by JAY PARKER

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