Payload support frame for unmanned aerial system

An apparatus comprising:

• a payload support frame selectively and releasably coupled to an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), wherein the payload support frame comprises:
• at least two elongated rigid segments, each elongated rigid segment comprising a hollow elongated pole;
• at least two upper flexible segments, each upper flexible segment positioned at an upper end of a corresponding rigid segment;
• and
• at least two lower flexible segments, each lower flexible segment positioned at a lower end of a corresponding rigid segment;
• an intermediary frame selectively and releasably coupled to the payload support frame via the at least two lower flexible segments, wherein the intermediary frame is coupled to a power line device at one or more points, wherein the power line device is configured to measure one or more properties of an electrical power line and/or a splice on the electrical power line;
• and
• a base frame selectively and releasably coupled to the power line device.

A method for contact inspection of electrical power lines and/or splices on energized electrical power lines, the method comprising:

• attaching a power line tool to an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) via a payload support apparatus, wherein the payload support apparatus is selectively releasably attached, directly or indirectly, to the UAV;
• piloting the UAV to a position adjacent to and at an altitude that is higher than an energized electrical power line and/or a splice on the electrical power line upon which it is desired to perch the power line tool;
• reducing the altitude of the UAV to lower the power line tool onto the power line and/or the splice such that the power line tool is perched on the power line and/or the splice;
• and
• obtaining, by an electronic device, measurement data from the power line tool,
• wherein the payload support apparatus comprises a payload support frame coupled to an attachment flange, an intermediary frame coupled to the payload support frame, and a base frame coupled to the power line tool.