Can Drones Transform Aircraft Inspections?
Drones could change how we inspect aircraft. They are currently being tested for maintenance, repair, and operations (MRO). Their speed and accuracy could make inspections safer and more efficient. However, rules and regulations around their use still need to catch up.
Insights From Testing
Lufthansa Technik has experimented with drones to inspect aircraft surfaces. They found valuable information during tests, but a spokesperson mentioned that drones are not quite ready for regular use in MRO. They’re keeping an eye on future tech developments, hoping for progress.
Donecle offers a drone that uses advanced imaging and cloud-based analytics. Adélaïde Poisson, their marketing manager, highlights that it can inspect an entire aircraft faster than a technician can. This drone can handle various types of inspections, such as checking for lightning damage and monitoring paint conditions.
It works through three steps: scanning the aircraft with the drone, reporting findings using AI software, and tracking past inspections on a secured cloud system.
Changing Inspection Techniques
Experts say inspection methods are evolving. Drone technology is gaining interest in maintenance circles because of its potential advantages. Drones could take over some visual inspections, improving speed and safety, especially in hard-to-reach areas like the upper fuselage and wing tops.
This shift could enhance technician safety and reduce inspection time. Drones can quickly scan high areas without needing ladders or lifts, which lowers the risk of accidents and speeds up the process.
Additionally, new software might eventually allow drones to assess damage automatically, improving the quality of damage reports.
Donecle’s drone is fully automated. It follows a pre-defined flight path around the aircraft. No external assistance or equipment is needed, making it a safer option. After the flight, a tablet analyzes images, allowing other tasks to continue simultaneously. This efficiency helps aircraft get back into service quicker.
Future Possibilities
Looking ahead, drones could also be used for important tasks like damage mapping. This involves keeping accurate records of repairs during heavy maintenance checks. Such records could streamline airworthiness inspections and lease transitions.
Despite its promise, drone technology in MRO needs to meet stringent safety standards and prove it’s more reliable than human inspections. Many believe that overcoming these challenges will mark a major success for the aircraft maintenance industry.
Donecle’s drone is already recognized in maintenance manuals for Airbus and Boeing aircraft, a sign of growing acceptance in the industry.
This feature was first published in MRO Management – November/December 2024. To read the magazine in full, click here.
