Specialized drones have brought a new level of accessibility and efficiency to Alaska’s DOT&PF Bridge Design team, particularly given the state’s vast and often remote terrain. Traditional bridge inspections typically require deploying Under Bridge Inspection Trucks (UBITs), snoopers, or man lifts—equipment that can be difficult and costly to transport. By integrating drones into their workflow, the team can now travel statewide with a versatile fleet suited to a variety of inspection scenarios. In addition, the use of Starlink stations has enabled seamless communication between the Juneau office and crews operating in remote regions, enhancing coordination and data sharing. One of the most valuable advancements has been the ability to live stream inspections directly to the office, a feature especially useful during critical bridge assessments and emergency situations, allowing real-time collaboration and faster decision-making. 

Introducing drones to TAPS

The concept of drone use on TAPS started in 2015 as a group of employee hobbyists were developing their piloting and video skills. They formed an informal committee to examine potential benefits and worked through federal regulations about UAS use by following models used around Alaska by other companies, including BP on the North Slope.

Successes of drone use and their imaging systems were instant and groundbreaking: they provided new perspectives of the visible spectrum, allowing Alyeska to detect and address issues sooner than in the past

Wind turbine and blade inspection can be challenging, especially when internal structural issues are involved, which might not be visible from the outside. Manual inspections alone may not easily identify these technical faults, but drone-powered solutions prove invaluable in addressing such challenges. Our wind turbine inspection services utilize drones equipped with highly advanced sensors like thermal and infrared sensors specially designed and calibrated for wind turbine and blade inspection. These wind turbine drone inspections gather information rapidly and can see up to 15cm deep into wind turbines. Our team uses machine learning and advanced processing software to identify any internal or external structural issues (issues as small as 5mm), helping wind farms maintain structural integrity, extend the lifespan of turbines, and take the right action at the right time.

The innovative system centers around a DJI Enterprise Dock 2 that’s been specially modified through collaboration with local fabricators at Peterson Welding to handle Alaska’s extreme weather conditions. This isn’t your typical drone setup – it’s a robust system designed to work in temperatures as low as -13°F and includes a heated dock with sophisticated environmental monitoring. The dock comes equipped with an array of sensors that track wind speed, rainfall, temperature, and humidity, ensuring operators always know the exact conditions at the site. For added protection, the system includes both lightning protection and comprehensive security features.