Alabama public power utility Troy Utilities recently hosted a Federal Aviation Administration Safety Team First Responder training.
In an interview with Public Power Current, Chase Collins, small unmanned aircraft system (UAS) Program Director for the City of Troy Utilities and FAA Safety Team Representative, noted that the training covered scenarios involving rescuing personnel and how to approach an aircraft safely, among other things.
Collins is a FAA Safety Team Representative for Alabama and Northwest Florida. “I primarily do the UAS side of things,” he noted.
“We helped facilitate the program” and coordinated with personnel at Fort Novosel in Alabama to “get the aircraft down here.” Collins also worked with local airmen who offered aircraft for the training.
There was no cost to the utility for its role in the training, which took place at Troy Municipal Airport.
In his role at Troy Utilities, Collins is responsible for drone operations including the use of drones for the inspection of transmission distribution lines, mapping and asset management.
The City of Troy owns its utilities, which includes the Electric Department, the Water Department, Sewer Department, and the Billing Department.
Troy Utilities provides electric, water, and sewer services to its 7,800 customers.
