Cox Aerial Solutions LLC
Advanced Thermal Inspection Report & Service Summary
Thermal Intelligence for Safer, More Reliable Infrastructure
Customer Information
Customer / Utility
Prairie Valley Electric Cooperative
Project Name
Distribution Line Thermal Reliability Assessment
Contract / Agreement
Annual Utility Partnership Program – Tier 3
Inspection Date
July 18, 2026
Inspection Location
Rural Distribution Circuit 14-27
Inspection Performed By
Cox Aerial Solutions LLC
Pilot in Command
FAA Part 107 Certified UAS Operator
Aircraft Platform
DJI Matrice 4T
Inspection Technology
Radiometric Thermal Imaging & High-Resolution Visual Documentation
Service Summary
| Distribution Line Thermal Inspection | 13.4 Miles |
| Utility Structures Reviewed | 126 |
| Electrical Assets Evaluated | 312 |
| Thermal Images Captured | 486 |
| Visual Images Captured | 512 |
| Thermal Findings Identified | 3 |
Inspection Results Summary
| Condition Rating | Quantity | Recommended Action |
|---|---|---|
| Level 1 – Normal Operation | 309 | Continue normal operation |
| Level 2 – Monitor | 2 | Review during scheduled maintenance |
| Level 3 – Maintenance Recommended | 1 | Schedule corrective evaluation |
| Level 4 – Critical | 0 | No immediate critical concerns identified |
Thermal Finding Report
Finding #CAS-PVE-2026-0718-001
Asset Information
Asset Type: Primary Distribution Connection
Structure ID: PV-1427-083
Circuit: 14-27
Voltage Class: 13.8 kV
GPS Coordinates:
39.123456° N
98.654321° W
Thermal Analysis
Ambient Temperature: 82°F
Maximum Recorded Temperature: 147°F
Temperature Differential: +65°F
Thermal Pattern: Localized elevated temperature identified at conductor connection hardware.
Condition Assessment
Severity Rating: LEVEL 3 — MAINTENANCE RECOMMENDED
Inspection Observation
Thermal imaging identified an abnormal heat signature concentrated at the primary conductor connection point.
The observed thermal pattern may indicate increased electrical resistance caused by:
- ☐Loose connection hardware
- ☐Corrosion
- ☐Connection degradation
- ☐Hardware deterioration
Additional field evaluation is recommended.
Recommended Action
Priority:
- ☑Scheduled Maintenance Review
- ☐Immediate Response Required
Recommended Maintenance Actions:
- Perform ground inspection of connection hardware
- Verify hardware torque specifications
- Inspect for corrosion or physical degradation
- Replace components if necessary
Asset Reliability Impact
Potential Impact:
- ☑Equipment Reliability Concern
- ☑Potential Future Failure Risk
- ☐Immediate Safety Concern
- ☐No Operational Concern
Additional Findings Summary
| Finding ID | Asset | Rating | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| CAS-PVE-002 | Pole Transformer Connection | Level 2 | Monitor during routine maintenance |
| CAS-PVE-003 | Fuse Cutout Assembly | Level 2 | Continue thermal monitoring |
Service Deliverables Provided
- ✓Thermal Inspection Report
- ✓High-Resolution Visual Documentation
- ✓Thermal Image Documentation
- ✓GPS-Referenced Findings
- ✓Condition Assessment Summary
- ✓Maintenance Recommendations
Inspection Completion Statement
Cox Aerial Solutions LLC completed the requested aerial thermal inspection utilizing FAA-compliant UAS operations and radiometric thermal imaging technology.
The purpose of this inspection was to provide additional visibility into asset condition, identify abnormal thermal signatures, and assist with preventative maintenance planning.
Disclaimer
Thermal imaging identifies temperature variations and potential areas of concern. This report is intended to support maintenance planning and asset awareness.
This inspection does not replace electrical testing, engineering evaluation, manufacturer recommendations, or established utility maintenance procedures.
Final repair decisions remain the responsibility of qualified utility personnel.