Kim Michaels

About Kim Michaels

Working as a drone pilot is an adventurous and gratifying profession. I\'ve now experienced a higher level of service that was very rewarding. As a contractor for Duke Energy, I was dispatched to Asheville, NC for Helene storm response. The amount of devastation, and the visual of how it happened, is so very surreal. My partner and I provided reconnaissance data in many of the hardest hit areas. Surveying the flooded Hot Springs substation and flying the mountain ridges looking for downed lines. Checking on the Walters Dam allowing an evacuation order to be cancelled. Documenting the amount of downed poles and wires in the River Arts District, and covering the arrival of the mobile substation in Swanannoa. Please keep Asheville in your hearts, it\'s a special place that experienced a horrible tragedy. My drone experience is flying power pole inspections and for real estate photography. I have been a part 107 pilot since 2019. I am experienced with the Skydio X10 and S2+, DJI Matrice 300, Matrice 200/210, and Mavic 2 Pro. In addition to food, product, and real estate photography, I\'ve shot various types of events: music shows, seminars, private parties, wedding receptions, holiday events, charity events, parades, and sports including pro cycling, soccer, regattas, surfing, and horse racing. My passion is wildlife photography. I live to tell nature stories through photos and written word. Specialties: I have an eye for composition and story telling through photographs.

Experience

1. Drone Pilot Ii on Assignment for Duke Energy

   Zempleo

   Apr 2023 — Present · Charlotte, NC, US

   UAS Pilot for electric distribution infrastructure inspections in North and South Carolina.• RPIC experience flying distribution power pole inspections with a Skydio X10 and 2+.• Part 107 is current.• I fly safely and efficiently while maintaining consistent data quality.• I perform the proper pre-flight research, make flight notifications in flight areas, and check airspace for updates.• I minimize risks by evaluating my scope of work and implementing necessary precautions.• I discuss each flight with my VO to enforce safety, minimize errors, and increase efficiency.• I employ daily consideration of all human factors that could affect my performance.• Duke inspections require knowledge of the power flow, direction, phasing. Understanding what the pole components do. How to recognize pole offsets, power line additions or subtractions.• I have transmission VO experience.• Obtained OSHA 10 and CPR / AED / First Aid certifications.• I have a beneficial combination of skills: I\'ve been a data handler, I am a photographer, and I know birds.