Drone Case Study:
Heineken Brewery
Overcoming Challenges in Aerial Photography
Introduction:
The Heineken Brewery Drone Project involved providing aerial photography services to Heineken Brewery at their Tadcaster, UK complex. The project aimed to capture detailed images of over 40 roof sections across diverse buildings within the brewery. This case study highlights the unique challenges faced during the project and showcases the strategic measures employed to ensure safety, efficiency, and successful delivery of the required footage.
Thorough Pre-Assessment and Planning:
Prior to initiating any drone project, a comprehensive pre-assessment was conducted. This involved evaluating flight zones, potential risks, wildlife factors, and adherence to health and safety regulations. Additionally, a creative assessment was carried out to identify the optimal areas, views, and angles that would best fulfill the client’s requirements.
Assessing a Complex and Varied Site:
With Heineken’s request for aerial photography, our team conducted an extensive assessment of the vast Tadcaster site and the potential challenges it presented. The project required capturing images of roof sections across buildings of various sizes and shapes, ranging from small huts to expansive warehouse bottling plants. Additionally, the presence of cables, chimneys, silos, and other obstructions added complexity to the task, demanding meticulous planning and on-site safety checks.
Prioritizing Safety in a Busy Environment:
Given Heineken’s stature as one of the largest brewery and bottling sites in the UK, safety was of paramount importance throughout the project. Considering the scale of the undertaking and the demanding flying conditions, it was decided to split the project into 2-3 days of shooting to prevent any compromise on safety due to pilot fatigue resulting from the intense concentration required. Extensive plans were developed, and safety checks were diligently performed before the site visit. Flight zones were thoroughly examined to ensure compliance with regulations. Upon arrival, the team was keenly aware of the expansive premises, busy traffic, pedestrian routes, and strict health and safety protocols. All requests and routines stipulated by the client were strictly adhered to.
Addressing Avian Challenges:
During the project, the team encountered a significant challenge in the form of a large flock of pigeons, occasionally accompanied by Red Kite birds of prey, near the old main building. Anticipating the potential problem, the decision was made to tackle this building last to allow sufficient time for devising effective solutions to avoid the pigeons. The first day progressed smoothly with favorable weather and calm winds. The drones were thoroughly tested, and the team successfully documented the roofs of more than half the required buildings. Given the lengthy flight times exceeding four hours on the first day alone, the team relied on an ample supply of batteries. Monitoring the pigeons at the end of the day reinforced the team’s concern regarding their impact on the project.
Challenges Amidst Strong Winds and Wildlife:
The second day proved to be the most demanding due to stronger winds and the persistent pigeon nuisance. Although snow was forecasted for the afternoon, the team aimed to complete the project before its arrival. The team captured internal footage of the large bottling plant, highlighting its grandeur for future social media content. Moving swiftly through the remaining buildings, they reached the last one—the main old building with the flock of pigeons residing at the top, lured by the brewery’s grains and seeds.
Adopting an Effective Approach:
To navigate the avian challenge, the team opted for an up-and-down approach from multiple locations, rather than flying around the building. This strategy minimized the time spent in the air and reduced the need to travel to different points. The team would walk to specific areas around the building, check for bird activity, and, if deemed safe, fly the drone straight up to capture the necessary photos before descending. At times, they had to engage the drone’s sports mode and descend rapidly to avoid swooping birds. Fortunately, no harm was caused to the drones or wildlife. Despite the limitations posed by the birds, the team successfully completed the required tasks and the client expressed satisfaction with the footage captured.
Project Completion and Client Satisfaction:
To navigate the avian challenge, the team opted for an up-and-down approach from multiple locations, rather than flying around the building. This strategy minimized the time spent in the air and reduced the need to travel to different points. The team would walk to specific areas around the building, check for bird activity, and, if deemed safe, fly the drone straight up to capture the necessary photos before descending. At times, they had to engage the drone’s sports mode and descend rapidly to avoid swooping birds. Fortunately, no harm was caused to the drones or wildlife. Despite the limitations posed by the birds, the team successfully completed the required tasks and the client expressed satisfaction with the footage captured.
Conclusion:
The Heineken Brewery Drone Project exemplified the diverse challenges encountered in aerial drone projects. By conducting meticulous pre-assessments, prioritizing safety, and devising effective strategies to overcome obstacles such as avian interference, our team successfully delivered high-quality aerial photographs of the roofs across Heineken Brewery’s Tadcaster complex. This case study exemplifies the importance of planning, adaptability, and a safety-oriented approach in ensuring the success of drone projects.
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