Roof Inspection
Zero Grid Airspace

OVERVIEW

CLIENT:       Short Hill Consulting

LOCATION:  Washington, D.C.

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The DC Water Authority Bryant Street pump station was in need of a new roof. The building was originally constructed in 1905, to improve water flows and expand the water system due to substantial population growth in the city.  Today the building sits surrounded by buildings and Bryant Street has become a busy thoroughfare since the early 1900s.  A roof inspection of the historic building comes with a number of logistical and high-risk factors that present as challenges making an inspection nearly impossible.

To adequately view the entire roof and provide a quality inspection, conventional methods include using a large boom.  The boom truck would have to be placed in the road, blocking traffic for several hours over multiple days. In addition, the boom truck activity would interfere with the Water Authority's daily operation, hindering access to vehicles that require access throughout the day. Furthermore, the inspector would have to scale the slate roof, proving to be extremely dangerous. These factors prove to be cost-prohibitive, very unsafe, and disruptive to commuters, workers, and the general public.  In addition to the risk and logistics nightmare, operating a drone in that area would require an experienced, professional service provider able to fly in zero-grid airspace.  Zero-Grid represents the areas in controlled airspace that have the highest level of restrictions. 

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The Cost-Effective, Safe, Timely, and Lawful Solution

Using a professional aerial drone service is the logical solution.  Using one that has experience flying in Zero-Grid is the only solution! This authorization requires a number of specific requirements from the FAA and TSA. The process is extensive and time-consuming. Ultimately there is always a risk that the TSA will not approve your request.  Working with the right partner is critical to obtaining the required waivers and authorizations to assure your project is done safely, lawfully, and ultimately is a success!

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No need for a boom and truck that would prohibit traffic flow and impede access to the water authority building.  No need for anyone to take the risk of accessing the roof and would require less than one day on-site to complete the process.  Once the high-quality and resolutions images were captured, the data would be shared with the inspector to safely make evaluations.