AEP Ohio Plans to Deploy a Fixed-Wing Drone With a 12-Foot Wingspan and LIDAR to Inspect for Potential Power Line Tree Damage

    This post comes from my local power provider, AEP Ohio, via its monthly newsletter, The Wire. Below, AEP Ohio Project Manager Principal Jake Reed explains the new fixed-wing drone deployment plan, which is equipped with LIDAR and a twelve-foot wingspan and intends to inspect power lines, particularly in rough terrain. We have some of that here in the Appalachian foothills of Southeastern Ohio.

“This year, we’re deploying an innovative fixed-wing drone with a 12-foot wingspan —the largest in our fleet — to inspect vegetation along the power lines that bring electricity to homes and businesses. What sets this drone apart is its high-resolution camera and lidar sensors.”

     The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) describes LIDAR as follows:

“Lidar, which stands for Light Detection and Ranging, is a remote sensing method that uses light in the form of a pulsed laser to measure ranges (variable distances) to the Earth. These light pulses—combined with other data recorded by the airborne system — generate precise, three-dimensional information about the shape of the Earth and its surface characteristics.”

“Lidar systems allow scientists and mapping professionals to examine both natural and manmade environments with accuracy, precision, and flexibility.”

     AEP Ohio’s Center for Customer Reliability plans to use the data generated from the LIDAR measurements to “identify vegetation — down to a single tree branch — that may be too close to equipment and needs trimming to prevent future outages.” The goal is to prevent outages before they happen.

     AEP employs certified drone pilots who have completed advanced training and are familiar with all FAA regulations.

     According to the newsletter:

“The fixed-wing drone enhances our capabilities, flying up to 400 feet, reaching speeds of 45 miles per hour and staying airborne for up to two hours while collecting critical data. That information helps crews make proactive repairs before outages occur. This year, the fixed-wing drone will travel roughly 8,000 miles of our distribution power lines, capturing images and data on vegetation within our rights of way.”

“The fixed-wing drone is supported by a mobile command center, where crews operate the aircraft autonomously while a certified pilot monitors each inspection remotely.”

     AEP Ohio also employs traditional, or multi-copter, drones for powerline inspection. Drone inspections improve safety by reducing the need for field personnel to work at heights, “minimizing the risk of accidents and injuries, and allow large areas — especially challenging terrain — to be covered more quickly than with traditional methods.” 

     The newsletter also notes that AEP Ohio is utilizing AI image processing along with LIDAR to map out power lines.

 

 

 

References:

 

Faster, Farther, Stronger: Fixed-Wing Drones Increase Reliability. AEP Ohio. The Wire. February 2026. Faster, Farther, Stronger: Fixed-Wing Drones Increase Reliability - AEP Ohio Wire

What is lidar? Lidar — Light Detection and Ranging — is a remote sensing method used to examine the surface of the Earth. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. What is lidar?