Reclamation to conduct drone flights at Grand Coulee Dam
Last updated 6/6/2018 at 10:05am
If you see some unidentified flying objects near the Grand Coulee Dam, don't be alarmed! It most likely isn't aliens studying hydroelectric power, but rather "drones" capturing aerial footage of the dam.
The Bureau of Reclamation detailed the flights in a June 4 press release, saying the purpose is to "photograph and obtain video footage of the structure while water is spilling over the drum gates during the month of June."
The new footage will show infrastructure improvements made over recent years.
"Reclamation's Unmanned Aircraft System team consists of Federal Aviation Administration and Department of the Interior-certified pilots," the press release stated. "The team will operate a small black quadcopter primarily on federal lands but may fly over adjacent private lands such as the Town of Coulee Dam, Grand Coulee, and Electric City."
"Reclamation has obtained the required authorization from the Federal Aviation Administration and Department of the Interior, which allows the flights to occur within the No-Fly Zone surrounding the dam," the press release continues. "Strong safety requirements and practices will be observed, including not flying over people."
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