Title: Aerial Surveillance System for Overhead Power Line Inspection

Electrical companies routinely inspect their overhead lines by helicopter. Current detailed aerial inspection approach uses trained inspectors who fly aboard helicopters to inspect the lines with binoculars and cameras, while recording the data in a logbook. The procedure is performed while the helicopter hovers over and around power lines and structures, creating an element of danger for the pilot and the inspector. A manned helicopter with automatic video surveillance system will be a promising alternative. Existing automation technology for the power line inspection is described: the concept, the current status, and the key problems. Further, unmanned remotely operated flying robot might be the future of overhead power line inspection.