Charlie Toms of Edge’s UAS department was referenced in this technical report produced by the Oak Ridge National Laboratory for the US Department of Energy (USDOE).  The document “An Early Survey of Best Practices for the Use of Small Unmanned Aerial Systems by the Electric Utility Industry” (ORNL/TM-2017/93) provides best practices for unmanned aerial system (UAS) operators to complete their work safely.  This manual is collection of best practices from UAS operators across the world and provides a body of knowledge for utility businesses, directors, managers and operators to strategize, plan and incorporate this new technology into their day-to-day operations.

The technical paper cited in the document “Opportunities for Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) Use by Electric Utilities” was co-authored by Charlie and was distributed to National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) members as a TechSurveillance in 2016.  The paper discusses the use of UAS/Drones in the electric utility industry and the potential impact to electric cooperatives.  It also explains the technology, current and anticipated future features and relevant Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) rules.