Industrial aerial inspections led by a Chemical Engineer with 25 years in heavy manufacturing and an 18-year Army Aviation Officer. We don't just fly drones — we deliver engineering-grade insights that prevent catastrophic failures before they happen.
What We Do
We bring engineering-grade analysis to every mission — not just aerial photography, but actionable intelligence from a team that understands your facility from the inside out.
Full structural and refractory surveys of steel, concrete, and brick stacks. We identify corrosion, cracking, spalling, and thermal anomalies at heights that would be impossible or prohibitively dangerous for rope-access crews.
Infrared sensors detect "hot spots" on exterior shell surfaces, indicating refractory thinning or missing internal brick before it becomes an emergency. Catch insulation failures before they breach the outer shell.
LiDAR-generated 3D models allow engineers to track crack growth and structural deformation over years with mathematical precision — creating a permanent baseline for future inspections.
Leveraging 25 years of hands-on refractory experience, we identify spalling, brick loss, chemical attack, expansion joint failure, and liner anchor fatigue that standard inspections routinely miss.
Every inspection is captured in full 4K resolution with GPS-tagged defect locations. Deliverables include a detailed engineering report with photographs, mapped defect locations, and prioritized repair recommendations.
We verify CEMS probe integrity, FAA aviation lighting compliance, silencer and baffle condition, and all ancillary accessories including ladders, platforms, grating, expansion joints, and lightning protection systems.
The Case for Aerial Inspection
Drones eliminate the need for technicians to climb 100-meter stacks via ladders, scaffolding, or rope access — removing the leading cause of industrial fatalities.
External structural checks and many internal inspections can be performed while your facility is running or during the cooling phase — no full shutdown required.
4K video, thermal imaging, and LiDAR deliver millimeter-level crack detection and heat mapping that is simply impossible from a vibrating ladder at distance.
Replace a 4-person rope access team and thousands in scaffolding rentals with a single expert pilot. Reduce your Total Cost of Risk — including insurance premiums.
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Factor | Traditional | Skyline Aerial |
|---|---|---|
| Setup Time | Days / Weeks | Minutes |
| Personnel Risk | High — Falls, Fumes | Near Zero |
| Plant Status | Full Shutdown | Often Operational |
| Data Quality | Subjective / Handheld | 4K + Thermal + LiDAR |
| Engineering Analysis | Inspection Only | 25yr Expert Review |
| Total Cost | $$$$$ | Up to 90% Less |
Leadership
I founded Skyline Aerial Systems to bridge the gap between high-level aviation technology and boots-on-the-ground industrial expertise. With over 25 years in heavy manufacturing and mining, I don't just see a chimney or a stack — I see a complex chemical and structural system.
My background as a Chemical Engineer and my extensive hands-on experience with refractory work allow me to identify critical failure points — like spalling, thermal bridging, and anchor fatigue — that others simply miss.
My approach to safety and precision is rooted in my 18 years as an Army Aviation Officer. As a combat veteran and commercially rated Blackhawk pilot, I bring a military-grade "zero-fail" safety culture to every UAS mission we fly.
How It Works
We discuss your asset type, inspection goals, and schedule. As engineers, we ask the right technical questions upfront to scope the mission precisely.
Flight path design, sensor selection (thermal, LiDAR, 4K), safety protocols, and FAA coordination. Military-grade planning applied to every mission.
Systematic, high-resolution data collection across external, internal, and ancillary systems — while your facility stays operational whenever possible.
A detailed, prioritized report with GPS-tagged photographs, defect maps, thermal analysis, and actionable repair recommendations from a degreed engineer who understands your process.
Technical Scope
Our specialized checklist targets the failure modes that lead to catastrophic structural events or unplanned shutdowns — informed by 25 years on the plant floor.
Request a Quote
Tell us about your asset. We'll respond within one business day with a tailored inspection scope and pricing.