We would like to take this opportunity to define the difference between an aerial patrol and an aerial inspection. The words patrol and inspection are synonymous within the utility industry; yet the scope, purpose and results are dramatically different. When a patrol is flown, it is for the purpose of a general overview of the system and the right-of-way. A patrol is not intended to be specific. In medical terms it would be defined as a general physical and normally would not require any additional follow-up.

On the other hand, the Comprehensive Visual Inspection (aerial inspection) is the most inclusive type of inspection. In medical terms it would be defined as an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging). Prior to flying this inspection the crew will know the complete scope of the project, structure type, conductor kV and type, all structure and conductor hardware types and they will have access to the Haverfield database of similar materials from other inspections. In other words this will be a "deliberate" inspection and it is very proactive. The sole purpose of a Comprehensive Visual Inspection is to define, "the exact state of condition of the system."

		PATROL: This picture of a star cluster best defines the term "patrol", a broad overview of an area. As we explore the universe we do so with a shotgun approach. When we spot something that attracts our attention, we then send a specific craft to get a "close up" view of the area that attracted our attention. In the grand scheme of things, there is a tremendous amount of information that is missed with this type approach...
		COMPREHENSIVE VISUAL INSPECTION: This picture of a hypodermic needle magnified 1500 times defines in detail and to the point, no pun intended, the scope of a CVI. The Comprehensive Visual Inspection is conducted at a range of 1' to 15' for the best possible results. This type of inspection covers every aspect of the circuit; the structure, structure hardware, the conductor and conductor hardware. And as the picture below shows, even things left behind.

Patrol
Right of Way

Comprehensive Visual Inspection

Steel Structures

footers

wood structures

conductor

shield wire

spacers

Insulators

Hancor

dampers

hardware

X-Ray

POST CONSTRUCTION INSPECTION (NEW LINES)
The following pictures represent recent " post construction inspection" projects for different utilities. The basis for this type inspection is to insure the "condition of the system prior to energizing the lines." These inspections act as insurance policies for the benefit of the utility company as well as the construction company. Finding these discrepancies while the construction company is still on property and while they're available to correct these new construction discrepancies saves a tremendous amount of time and money.