Anna-Karin RyanMeet Jakub, one of Sulzer Schmid’s top drone pilots. Hailing from Poland, Jakub has spent three seasons inspecting wind turbines for us and started as a freelance pilot for one of Denmark’s largest wind service providers. Over the years, Jakub has gained deep technical knowledge and is known for being an incredibly reliable & efficient drone pilot. His can-do attitude takes him above and beyond, and in this interview, Jakub shares his insights on what it’s like to work as a drone pilot for Sulzer Schmid, the challenges he encounters, and how he overcomes them. Get ready to soar into the world of drone inspections and learn more from and about one of our leading pilots!
Q: What inspired you to become a drone pilot, and how did you get started in this field?
A: I started out having my own video production company and it was kind of a necessary step to upgrade my company’s service portfolio. When you want to be competitive in the video production business, you need to be able to provide the newest trends to your clients. Aerial shootings happened to be the big one. So we had to have this option in our menu. I like to always understand the field that my company is working in, so I did the drone operator license. When I came across drone-based wind turbine inspections, I realized that this was a great way to expand the services I can provide and later to make it a full commitment working for Sulzer Schmid.
Q: Can you walk us through a typical day on the job as a Sulzer Schmid drone pilot?
A: Well, the working day at the campaign usually starts the day before. You charge all the batteries for the devices and check if there is any new software update that you can benefit from. You plan the next day before you go to bed, and in the morning, you need to check if you have packed everything. On-site, you meet with the turbine operator, give him or her a high five, and get started to rock the day.
Q: What sets Sulzer Schmid’s drone technology apart from other systems you have worked with in the past?
A: Ease of use. It is like an iPhone of wind turbine inspection technology. Everything just works. The hardware is tidy, it has a sleek design and is super smooth to handle. The software gives all necessary feedback during the flight and does a lot of the job for you. I have never worked with a more intuitive and repeatable system, and believe me, I have seen more than a few.
Q: What are some of the biggest challenges you encounter as a drone pilot, and how do you overcome them?
A: I would say logistics and planning. Being open and flexible in case of changes is essential for this job. This is a very dynamic business. In the beginning, it might be a bit overwhelming. One day you are in Lofoten Islands in Norway, and a week after you have to do a support session in Australia. For me, the bigger the challenge, the bigger the smile on my face. But you have to be available.
Q: How do you solve the challenge of being away from your family during inspections?
A: We have FaceTime, just kidding. I have dragged my fiancé into the business, and last year she did a BTO certificate so she could join me in the field. She is super smart and has an incredible memory for images and sequence, so for her, operating a turbine is a piece of cake. And for me, well… it is nice to have her around.
Q: What traits do you think are essential for someone to become a successful drone pilot for Sulzer Schmid?
A: For me there are a few things that stand out. Firstly, being aware of your own performance and capabilities is crucial. It’s important to understand what you can deliver and not overestimate your abilities by ego-planning things. Taking each campaign day by day and getting the most out of each one is vital for success.
Secondly, being transparent with your thoughts and providing feedback to your supervisors and planners is important. At Sulzer Schmid, the Operations Team takes feedback seriously and always tries to accommodate it. Being open and communicative about your experiences, challenges, and suggestions can help improve the overall workflow and efficiency of the inspections.
Patrik and Michael who are leading the Sulzer Schmid Operations Team, are an amazing duo. The fact that I have 100% confidence in them and allow them to “plan my life” in terms of inspection campaigns is a testament to the strong teamwork and collaboration at Sulzer Schmid.
Q: Can you share a memorable experience or highlight from your time as a drone pilot for Sulzer Schmid?
A: One memorable experience that stands out for me is a close encounter with a bear while leaving the wind park after a day of inspecting. Although unexpected, I was fortunate to be in the car as it happened, and I was safe. Being a drone pilot for Sulzer Schmid can sometimes be unpredictable but I love it.
Q: As a professional photographer, how does your passion for photography tie into your work as a drone pilot?
A: Being able to combine my passion for photography with blade inspections is a dream come true.
It allows me to travel to unique and breath-taking locations, pushing myself to inspect as many turbines as possible in a day, but at the same time using the opportunity to capture beautiful drone air-to-air footage that can be utilized for marketing purposes.
My experience as a professional photographer also helps me to plan the execution of inspections efficiently. My understanding of lighting, composition, and other technical aspects of photography helps me deliver visuals that are of high quality and visually appealing.
And of course, being out in the field for long periods of time, I am able to shoot when the weather is good and the conditions just right.
Q: What are some of the most stunning photos or videos you have captured during your inspections?
A: First of all, it’s important to know that we need permission to document inspections on site, and we try to clear that beforehand. When it comes to stunning photos and videos, carrying out inspections in Norway is a mind-blowing experience. Picture yourself in perfect weather, standing on a hill overlooking a Fjord an hour before sunset. Reindeers in the background and you are accompanied by the sound of a grand waterfall just 100 meters away. No camera will ever be able to capture that feeling. So far, this experience in combination with the bear encounter are my strongest memories working as a drone operator for Sulzer Schmid.