Maui Electric Drone Aerial Line Inspections Today and Tomorrow

PC: Hawaiian Electric Companies

Maui Electric Company will be using unmanned aircraft, or drones, for routine aerial power line inspections today and tomorrow, Thursday, Nov. 21 and Friday, Nov. 22, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., in West Maui.

The drones, or Unmanned Aircraft Systems are being used as a cost effective measure when accessing remote areas or challenging terrain, for increased employee safety, and to reduce the company’s carbon footprint.

The company has begun to use drones for a variety of inspections, most recently in assessing power lines damaged in recent wild fires.

According to Maui Electric, it’s UAS program “is in compliance with Federal Aviation Administration rules and has developed safety, training, operating and privacy procedures to make sure the unmanned aircraft are flown with the highest regard for the safety of the public and crews.”