As part of a Radio operators review of its future transmission policy, we were commissioned to conduct a full structural condition survey on a pair of MF Masts. The site was built in 1965 and consists of a pair of 180ft tubular mast radiators operating as a simple phased-array.

The masts had not received any high level maintenance since 1999, therefore the condition of the structures was unknown which posed a problem.

Initial Remote Ariel Inspection

In order to ascertain if the structures were safe to climb and highlight any areas of concern, the structures were first inspected using a drone, this enabled us to check not only the mast column, but also the stays and insulators. In order to reduce service disruption the remote survey was conducted while the site was still ‘on air’.

Our Engineer/Pilot was able to review the images live, this enabled us to highlight any areas of concern. These were then investigated in more detail, and the structures were deemed safe to climb for inspection.

Climbing Inspection

With the structures being deemed safe to climb by our on site team, a full climbing inspection was then carried out, this was conducted in a single day by our Engineer/Pilot and Surveyor team, keeping the time ‘off Air’ to a minimum. The issues highlighted from the remote inspection, were then investigated in further detail.

The combined information from both the Remote Survey and the Climbing Inspection enabled a complete condition report to be written. This included reccomendations on any remedial action required for the structures to remain serviceable in the future.