Drone Inspection Startup Launches in Nederland, Texas

Kaycie Gunn spent years working in the Ethylene Unit at Sabine River Operations, writing hundreds of confined space entry permits and watching crews prepare before anyone could climb into a vessel, tower or tank. She kept coming back to the same thought: there had to be a safer way to get eyes inside those spaces.

This year, she launched a company to help provide one.

Gunn founded Aerospec Solutions in Nederland, Texas. Aerospec Solutions is an industrial inspection company that uses advanced drone technology to perform confined space, hazardous environment, and asset inspections for refineries, liquid natural gas (LNG) facilities, marine operations, and chemical plants. The drones go in first, so crews don’t have to.

A Decade of Experience Behind the Idea

The idea grew from more than a decade of experience. Gunn began flying drones through the photography and videography business she has operated since 2016 and continues to run on the side. She also holds an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate, an Associate of Applied Science degree and multiple OSHA certifications.

Her time as a process and board operator in the Ethylene Unit gave her a close-up view of the atmospheric testing, permitting and other preparation required for confined space entry. Her cousin, who has spent about a decade conducting pipeline inspections, also helped spark the idea.

“Companies are starting to adopt drone inspections, but most are still relying on traditional methods,” Gunn said. “It felt like the perfect time to get into this space because the industry is starting to shift.”

A Drone Built for Confined Spaces

Aerospec’s primary tool will be a Flyability Elios 3, a drone designed specifically for confined space inspections. It flies inside a protective cage that allows it to bump into walls while navigating tight spaces. The drone also offers LiDAR, thermal imaging and gas detection capabilities.

During training, instructors turned off the lights, filled the room with fog and had Gunn fly the drone into another room without a direct line of sight.

“It’s unlike anything I’ve flown before,” she said.

Financing the Equipment

Purchasing the drone was the biggest obstacle.

A friend suggested Gunn contact Communities Unlimited (CU) for help financing the equipment. She connected with Yadira Hernandez, a Resource Manager on CU’s Sustainability Team who works across Southeast Texas. Hernandez then introduced her to Chris Ranniger, a Senior Economic Development Loan Officer on CU’s Lending Team. Ranniger and Gunn worked through Communities Unlimited’s lending process together, and the loan closed July 10.

“Honestly, it’s everything because I can’t do the work without the drone,” Gunn said.

A few months earlier, Gunn had to turn down an opportunity to inspect a reactor in Houston because she did not yet have the equipment. She had the business experience, industry connections and marketing in place, but not the specialized drone the job required.
The loan closed that gap.

Rooted in the Golden Triangle

Aerospec is based in the Golden Triangle, the Southeast Texas region encompassing Beaumont, Port Arthur and Orange. The area is home to numerous refining, petrochemical, liquefied natural gas and marine facilities, with the Houston industrial market nearby.

CU’s loan to Aerospec was made possible through its work with the T.L.L. Temple Foundation in East Texas. The foundation also supports CU’s Sustainability Team presence in the region, helping staff members such as Hernandez build relationships with entrepreneurs and communities on the ground.

“Chris has been great to work with,” Gunn said. “He’s communicated with me almost every day and worked incredibly hard to get this loan approved. I can’t say enough good things about him. I’m grateful to CU for everything.”

What Comes Next

Several facilities have already contacted Gunn about scheduling demonstrations and lunch-and-learns for their teams. She believes drone inspections will become increasingly common as industrial companies look for safer, faster and more cost-effective ways to inspect hazardous spaces.

“The work is already out there,” Gunn said. “Now it’s just time to go do it.”