Release sent on sent on July 18, 2022
The action aims to reduce the risk of collisions between aircraft and machinery used in agriculture and transmission towers and lines.
To alert pilots and agricultural producers, State Grid Brazil Holding has initiated an awareness campaign aimed at reducing the risks of aircraft and agricultural equipment operating near power lines. Brazil has the second-largest fleet of agricultural aircraft in the world, used to apply agricultural inputs and pesticides to large plantations such as soybeans, corn, wheat, cotton, rice, forestry crops, and sugarcane. According to data from the National Union of Agricultural Aviation Companies (SINDAG), a significant percentage of incidents involving agricultural aircraft result from collisions with the power grid.
"We've observed that closer collaboration between pilots and agricultural producers could reduce the impacts on both activities, which are so essential to the development of the regional and national economy. Therefore, we are pursuing this connection through an active search for and sharing of information and materials that can improve the prevention of accidents of this type. This initiative is part of the company's extensive effort to ensure the safety of people and its assets, preserving life and the energy supply to the National Integrated Electric Energy System," says Jorge Bauer, O&M Director at State Grid Brazil Holding.
In addition to agricultural aviation, efforts are focused on active search and direct communication with helicopter pilots and drone and agricultural machinery operators, who can also be involved in accidents due to collisions with power transmission lines, towers, and the guy wires supporting the towers. In addition to the risk to the lives of pilots and machinery operators and the damage to aircraft and equipment, these accidents can impact the entire population, which may experience power outages.
To minimize the risk of collision, in its actions with pilots, operators, and agricultural producers, State Grid Brazil has been reinforcing some essential measures, such as:
• Ensure that the pilot is physically and mentally fit to fly;
• Conduct aerial reconnaissance before operating at low altitude, looking for potential obstacles, including power cables and guy wires. Risk management of the area is essential to identify potential obstacles and hazards;
• Reassess the risks and presence of obstacles whenever there is a change in the flight plan;
• Avoid unnecessary distractions and regain focus whenever you are distracted, as performing monotonous tasks for a long time affects your ability to remain attentive;
• Actively search for stay wires and cables.
Aircraft accidents involving power transmission lines can be fatal, so safety must always be prioritized, and any emergency must be immediately reported to the authorities and companies involved. To this end, State Grid Brazil has an information, monitoring, and emergency response channel available by calling 0800 942 0142 or emailing [email protected].
