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At Drone Solutions & Consulting, LLC, we strive to take our client's visions to new heights. We offer state-of-the-art infrared thermography from the Teledyne/FLIR, SIRAS-drone, providing MSX technology.  Our Teledyne/FLIR drone is rated to fly in the rain or snow (IP 54 rating), which is rare among common drones.  We also offer standard still and video drone shots with a DJI Phantom 4-Pro V.2 drone with a 4K camera payload.  

What is
Infrared thermography?

Infrared thermography is a process that uses a thermal imager to detect heat radiating from an object, converting it to temperature, and displaying an image of the temperature distribution.   These images make it possible to see heat-producing things invisible to the naked eye.  It is widely used in predictive maintenance and condition monitoring and is effective in total darkness.

Thermal imagers can easily detect and display infrared images, which are commonly used in a variety of industries and applications, including  Electrical system monitoring (see below image);  Building diagnostics for moisture, roof, and energy-loss inspections; Law enforcement and security imaging; Search and rescue missions; Firefighting, to detect where the highest temperatures are located; Machine monitoring for bearing and fluid temperatures.  The aerial perspective allows a view impossible to obtain from hand-held infrared cameras.  

Thermal image of Building Inspection.  Thermal image of solar panel inspection.
Hot Bushing discovered with Infrared Thermal Inspection

What is MSX technology?

MSX is a patented FLIR imaging technology that combines visual and thermal spectrums to richly-detail thermal images. Based on FLIR's unique onboard processor, this innovative technology uses an internal digital camera to enhance real-time thermal images.

Aerial infrared thermography 
is beneficial for many purposes:

 

  • Industrial and Utility operations can utilize the IR detection of poor electrical connections in substations,  power lines, and components to allow repair before unexpected power outages occur. 

  • Solar Farm inspections can be done in a fraction of the time of hand-held IR cameras.

  • Hunters can find wounded, unlocated game.

  • Public Safety  - for search and rescue, where the aerial infrared camera can easily detect body heat from people or animals.

  • Roof-top and building inspections for heat loss, moisture, and other issues related to rarely viewed or difficult-to-view areas for homeowners, realty, and insurance companies.

Heating anomolies easily detected with drone thermal camera on electrical connections.

 Aerial photos and videos are beneficial for many purposes:
 

  • Aerial shots of a home give a unique perspective to help realty companies attract potential buyers. 

  • Homeowners can use drone shots and footage for safe roof and gutter inspection to detect issues or establish a reference for later years.

  • Insurance companies can utilize drone shots to pinpoint damages without risky climbs onto the roof.

  • Lucky couples getting married can get a different perspective of their special day to add to their wedding album.  

  • Construction and excavating companies can get before and after aerial views to show potential clients what they can accomplish. 

  • And, of course, you can get a beautiful aerial photo on canvas for your home decor.

Bent Creek Golf Course aerial photo.
A higher perspective of this same family hayride outing.
Our drone captured this family hayride! memory.

Ken Ford

Owner / Certified Part 107 Commercial Drone Pilot and Certified  Level 2 Aerial Thermographer

This is Ken Ford, who founded and owns Drone Solutions & Consulting, LLC .  He is fully insured and a licensed Part 107 Pilot and Level 2 Thermal certified.

Our owner, Ken Ford, holds a degree in Industrial Electrical Technology and has worked in an industrial environment for over 40 years.  Throughout that time, one responsibility was maintenance and preventing undesired power interruptions.  He experienced the benefit of hand-held infrared technology over the years and learned to identify areas most likely to have heating issues.  Many infrared surveys over time revealed heated components and connections that could be repaired at scheduled outages, saving costly unplanned downtime.  Aerial infrared surveys were unavailable until recently but are more valuable than hand-held cameras, which have range limitations on elevated components and power lines. Ken is an expert drone thermographer.


Ken has been a drone owner and recreational drone pilot for nearly ten years.  This is where he developed aerial photography and videography skills and experienced the benefits of aerial photos and videos.  He is now a licensed Part 107 commercial drone pilot and has been certified as a Level 2 drone thermographer by ITC, the nation's leading infrared training institute.  Ken is ready to share his visions and experience with clients of all types.  See his qualifications below.

Part 107 Commercial Drone Pilot Certification and Level 2 Thermographer Certification.
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