A Step-by-step on how to add construction drones to your site
Construction drones are a hot-ticket item right now. Figuring out how to implement them can be a problem for a lot of companies, however. If you’re struggling with how to utilize construction drones in your own company, zbrella has outlined the basics of how to get started.
Get Educated
In other words, know your stuff. Take the time to acquaint yourself with drone laws and look into the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) drone rules and regulations. Make sure you research into your specific use cases, and understand the difference between recreational drone use and construction drones. Some quick FAA highlights include; drone must:
- Weigh less than 55 pounds.
- Remain within the operator’s field of vision at all times.
- Can only be flown above people involved with the operation.
- Be used during daylight hours.
- Be registered.
In addition to the other specifications, know that you can file for rule exemptions. Companies should look into this depending upon individual needs.
Outline
Once you understand the basic laws of construction drones, make a plan. Knowing as much about the kind of drone you need to fulfill specific roles will make all the difference in drone choice. Ask yourself what you need a drone for, and what you want to accomplish with it. Construction drones can fulfill all kinds of jobsite needs. From surveying to inspection or monitoring to data gathering, outlining the purpose for construction drones will dictate everything else. Construction drones can even be used for something as simple as showing a client jobsite progress.
Create a Financial Plan
How much are you willing to spend on construction drones? Again, this step will piggyback off of your outline. When you decide on the role you want a drone to fulfill, you can begin to zone in on price-points specific to your needs. For seamless integration, make this a comprehensive financial plan. Set an overall budget for the entire project, determine how much you are willing to pay for services, like a drone pilot, and be firm with what you can afford. Determining all these variables will make it even easier to narrow down what you want to spend on construction drones.
Get Insured & Find a Pilot
With hardware ranging anywhere from $500 to $5,000 for one drone, finding the right insurance isn’t something you should overlook. Proper insurance can help manage and mitigate risk in the future, and is an investment worth looking into. Lots of construction companies lose their way here because the FAA doesn’t require you to get insured. But if you want to secure your assets for the future, it’s a wise move. Also make sure to secure a licensed pilot that will be able to operate your construction drones.
Develop Drone Guidelines & Get Testing!
Before you finally move on to using construction drones onsite, develop some guidelines for your company to follow. Whether it’s training documents, a formal manual, or even just a piece of paper with simple rules and guidelines to follow, create something substantial for people to adhere to. Creating and setting a strong foundation for new technology is key to its success, and creates less liability and risk.
Make sure you outline how, why, where, when and for what reasons the company wants to utilize construction drones. Be as clear as possible and create a protocol workers can follow when operating construction drones and for when something goes wrong. Once all the necessary precautions have been taken, get started and start testing them in a controlled environment! You will be able to see what works, what doesn’t, and go back to hit the board and make changes that will be necessary for successful implementation. Construction drones can be a great benefit to a construction site. But the only way you’ll ever know if they’re a fit for you is if you try them.
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Are you interested in implementing construction drones in your own company but don’t know where to start? Call zbrella Technology Solutions today to see how we can help you get up in the air and start flying! 718.355.9155
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