Drones specialists mark decade of supporting critical energy infrastructure

Specialist drone inspection service provider CJK Drones is preparing to mark a decade of using drones to improve the safety, efficiency and inspection of critical energy infrastructure. 

The family business operated by husband and wife Chris and Jessica Kitson provides expert led aerial inspections for utilities, the construction and renewable energy sectors and bespoke projects, capturing data safely and efficiently. 

With more than 25 years of engineering and construction experience between them, managing director Chris and operations manager Jessica provide clients with expert services in challenging and high risk environments including high resolution aerial surveys and asset inspections, thermal imaging and 3D mapping, high quality aerial photography and video and drone payload technology for specialist applications. 

Based at the University of Lancashire’s Altitude facility at AeroTech NW, the business has delivered more than 4,500 drone flights for clients in the north west of England, the UK and worldwide including Electricity North West, National Grid, SP Energy, Aberla Energy, Omexom (part of Vinci Group), the NHS and Tesco. 

One current key partnership is using drones to install hundreds of bird flight diverters manufactured by PLP, a US based global leader in engineered solutions for energy, communications, and other critical infrastructure, on live overhead power lines. 

PLP’s bird flight diverter made from plastic or aluminium makes overhead lines more visible to birds, helping to reduce bird collisions and protecting wildlife while reducing the risk of network faults, customer outages, emergency repairs and associated costs for distribution network operators (DNOs). 

Jessica said: "As specialist drone pilots for PLP, we are providing the operational expertise to safely install their equipment on live overhead power lines.  

"Recent media coverage of a bird strike creating a major power outage, leaving hundreds of customers in Devon without electricity, is a timely reminder of the operational and financial damage caused by bird strikes and why proactive mitigation is essential." 

John Bentley, regional managing director EMEA North PLP, said: "PLP is excited to be working with CJK Drones for the UK's first drone installation of Raptor Clamps. The combination of CJK's proven utilities flying expertise with the updated drone version of PLP's proven and durable Raptor Clamp is an ideal way for utilities to protect wildlife and power assets in hard-to-reach, environmentally sensitive and boggy areas." 

Jessica said: “We are incredibly proud to be developing innovative drone technologies from our home at the centre of advanced engineering excellence that is Altitude while supporting some of the UK's most critical infrastructure.  

“Our valued contracts recognise our commitment to delivering practical engineering solutions, investing in innovation and maintaining the highest standards of safety and professionalism.” 

The Altitude Facility is a nationally recognised centre for aerospace, advanced engineering and uncrewed aerial systems, uniting industry, academia and government to develop the next generation of aviation and autonomous technologies. Altitude is home to one of Europe's largest indoor flight-testing environments for uncrewed aircraft, making it an ideal base for companies like CJK Drones developing innovative drone technologies and engineering solutions. 

Developed by the Lancashire Combined County Authority (LCCA) and championed by the Lancashire Business Board (LBB), comprising members of the county’s leading regional, national and international businesses, the Lancashire Growth Plan identifies transformational projects in five high-growth business sectors including advanced engineering and manufacturing (AEM) with the potential to attract more than £20bn of additional public and private investment.  

Together, these projects could create thousands of jobs and strengthen Lancashire’s role at the heart of the national economy. 

Prof Miranda Barker, spokesswoman for Lancashire Business Board, said: “Lancashire plays a vital role in the UK economic landscape, being one of the largest and most dynamic economies in the North.  

"Home to over 55,000 businesses and supporting more than 740,000 jobs, Lancashire’s economy is powered by strengths in advanced engineering, manufacturing, nuclear energy, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and sustainable industries. 

“CJK Drones’ unwavering commitment to using innovative drone technology to protect energy infrastructure and its prestigious clients in the North West, UK and worldwide reflect the AEM sector’s resilience, innovation and global competitiveness, playing a critical role in driving productivity, exports, and sustainable growth.”