For CSX, Drones Are An Important Item In The Toolbox
Written by David C. Lester, Editor-in-Chief
Image courtesy of CSX
JACKSONVILLE –– CSX employs drones for inspection and engineering assessments and has found them to be among of the key tools supporting the operation of the railroad.
It’s difficult to believe that drones have been used for a variety of missions at CSX for nearly 10 years. What once seemed like a hobbyists “toy” has become a critical tool for industrial applications, including in the railroad industry. CSX says that “What began as a proof of concept nearly a decade ago has evolved into a critical tool helping CSX employees work smarter and safer across the network.”
Patrick Barnett, CSX’s Technical Director of GIS Services, has prepared a new video that “shares how CSX’s drone program has grown from its first fixed-wing drone into an enterprise-wide capability supporting more than eight departments.” You can view this at the link below. It is a high-quality video that runs less than two minutes.
CSX flies over 250 drones for various purposes and has trained more than 350 FAA Part 107-certified pilots. This is a significant investment in people and technology.
Barnett said, “Since 2018, we’ve continued to evolve the drone program. We’ve made an investment not only in our company, but in our employees — advancing their [use of] technology and skill sets.”
Two areas of the company that employ drones are CSX Police, which uses them for a variety of operational needs, and bridge inspectors to safely look at and photograph bridges to identify areas that need attention. During the recent flooding and devastating line washouts in the southeast, drones were employed to get a look at the condition of track and other components of the right of way that could not be accessed by vehicles or people. The information gathered during these flights enabled engineering teams to better understand how to get started with restoration work.
CSX adds that “Within GIS Services, drones play an essential role in mapping, aerial surveys and rapid response following natural disasters that impact the CSX network. By delivering high-quality, real-time data from above, drone technology enables teams to assess conditions faster and make more informed decisions.”
Barnett said, “At the end of the day, anytime we can help mitigate risk and assist employees in making safer decisions, we look to technology to help.”
Avoiding the need for CSX employees to work at heights or enter hazardous environments is a key element in the railroad’s safety program.
Take a look at the video at the link below and hear from Barnett on how drones are supporting CSX operations across the network.
You may view the video here. (Courtesy of CSX).
