In Episode 16 of The Unmanned Podcast, host Matt Hernandez is joined by Scott Lashmit from CyberHawk to discuss how drones are transforming industrial inspections. They explore how UAS technology helps organizations inspect critical infrastructure more safely and efficiently while identifying potential failures before they become costly problems.
Q1: CyberHawk has been around since the early days of commercial drones. Can you tell us what the company does and the role you play there?
Scott: CyberHawk started in 2008 when offshore oil rig technicians realized drones could make dangerous inspections safer. Today we operate globally and specialize in industrial asset inspections, especially for utilities and energy companies. My role focuses on aviation management, FAA compliance, and scaling safe drone operations, including beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) missions.
Scott: Most drone use cases accelerate traditional inspections. Instead of sending someone to climb a structure or inspect from the ground, drones provide a safer aerial view. That allows operators to detect problems earlier and make better maintenance decisions without putting workers at risk.
Scott: The ROI is huge. In some cases, we’ve found structural issues before they caused failures. Catching a problem early can save millions compared to emergency repairs, downtime, or lawsuits. Preventing one major incident can justify the entire drone program.
Scott: Utilities and energy companies were some of the earliest adopters. They manage massive infrastructure networks and drones help inspect them faster and more safely. We’re also seeing growth in sectors like agriculture, oil and gas, and construction as companies realize the operational advantages.
Scott: The biggest hurdle is regulation. Operations like beyond visual line of sight and flights over people require approvals or waivers. Companies need to build strong safety cases and work with the FAA to show they can operate responsibly within the national airspace.
Scott: Training is critical. Passing the Part 107 exam doesn’t necessarily mean someone can safely operate a drone in complex environments. Practical flight experience and structured training programs help build confidence, safety awareness, and operational discipline that organizations need for large scale drone operations.
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