Mongrels Find Air Space with Unmanned Roof Inspections

The 51st Civil Engineering Squadron launches a drone to perform a roof inspection outside of Osan Air Base’s Turumi Lodge, Nov. 2, 2020. Specialized drones equipped with various camera sensors are being utilized to perform roof inspections across the installation to reduce work hours, remove safety hazards, and simplify the annual process. (U.S. Air Force photo by 1st Lt. Daniel de La Fé)

A 51st Civil Engineering Squadron drone inspects the roof of the former Safety Office at Osan Air Base, Nov. 2, 2020. The building’s roof was damaged during Typhoon Ling Ling in 2019, and the 51st CES takes special precaution to ensure the roof remains in serviceable condition with regular inspections. (U.S. Air Force photo by 1st Lt. Daniel de La Fé)

Staff Sgt. Jason Holmes, 51st Civil Engineer Squadron construction inspector, views a drone’s camera feed while flying over Osan Air Base, Nov. 2, 2020. The 51st CES is responsible for inspecting the thousands of roof tops across the installation, and they have incorporated the use of drones to remove Airmen from the inherent hazard of physically inspecting rooftops. (U.S. Air Force photo by 1st Lt. Daniel de La Fé)

Staff Sgt. Jason Holmes, 51st Civil Engineer Squadron construction inspector, sets prepares the battery to launch a roof inspection drone outside of Turumi Lodge on Osan Air Base, Nov. 2, 2020. The 51st CES has set an Air Force benchmark as the first unit to utilize drones to inspect the thousands of roofs across an installation. (U.S. Air Force photo by 1st Lt. Daniel de La Fé)

Staff Sgt. Jason Holmes, 51st Civil Engineer Squadron construction inspector, prepares a roof inspection drone for launch outside of Osan Air Base’s Turumi Lodge, Nov. 2, 2020. As the first Air Force unit to utilize drones to perform roof inspections, the 51st CES has made it possible for Airmen to perform their duties safely from the ground without risking rooftop falling hazards. (U.S. Air Force photo by 1st Lt. Daniel de La Fé)

A drone’s camera powers on to prepare for an annual roof inspection flight in a field outside Osan Air Base’s Turumi Lodge, Nov. 2, 2020. The 51st Civil Engineer Squadron is utilizing drones for the first time to perform roof inspections, which are normally performed by dozens of Airmen with fall hazard, harness, and various other safety training. (U.S. Air Force photo by 1st Lt. Daniel de La Fé)

Staff Sgt. Jason Holmes, 51st Civil Engineer Squadron construction inspector, manages a facility inspection from a pop-up office outside of Osan Air Base’s Turumi Lodge, Nov. 2, 2020. The 51st CES coordinated with the 51st Operations Support Squadron, who manages Air Traffic Control and Airfield Operations, to institute a new roof inspection program, which utilizes the use of drones to remotely perform annual facility inspections. (U.S. Air Force photo by 1st Lt. Daniel de La Fé)

Staff Sgt. Jason Holmes and Senior Airman Clara Song, 51st Civil Engineer Squadron construction inspectors, operate drones to inspect roofs across Osan Air Base, Nov. 2, 2020. The two set an Air Force benchmark by reducing the inherent dangers associated with the roof inspection process through the use of drones to perform the annual duty. The 51st CES worked closely with the 51st Operations Support Squadron to ensure the continued safety of the airfield while operating the non-standard procedure. (U.S. Air Force photo by 1st Lt. Daniel de La Fé)

A 51st Civil Engineering Squadron drone performs a roof inspection roughly 200 feet above Osan Air Base, Nov. 2, 2020. The 51st CES has incorporated the use of drones into the facility inspection process in close coordination with the 51st Operations Support Squadron, who overseas Air Traffic Control and airfield operations, to ensure the continued safety of the airfield while operating a non-standard flying operation in close proximity to the flightline. (U.S. Air Force photo by 1st Lt. Daniel de La Fé)