Delta Advances Drone Technology for Fleet Maintenance Inspections

Delta Air Lines continues to lead the industry by securing FAA acceptance to use drone technology for visual maintenance inspections across its mainline fleet. This milestone builds on years of testing and collaboration with Dutch drone specialist Mainblades, making Delta the first U.S. commercial operator to achieve this approval.

Delta TechOps has integrated small, unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) into the Aircraft Maintenance Manual (AMM) for its fleet, starting with inspections following lightning strike events. These semi-autonomous drones, named Reba and Dolly, capture hundreds of high-resolution images of an aircraft’s airframe without requiring manual input from a pilot. Skilled technicians then analyze the photos to determine airworthiness efficiently and safely.

The benefits of drone technology are substantial. Inspections that typically take 16 labor hours can now be completed in under 90 minutes for narrowbody aircraft and less than two hours for widebodies. This innovation not only reduces the time needed to return aircraft to service but also mitigates risks associated with manual inspections performed at height. According to Delta, technicians can assess aircraft conditions up to 82% faster.

Currently approved for use at Delta maintenance facilities in Atlanta, Detroit, and Minneapolis, these drones are designed for both indoor and outdoor inspections. Looking ahead, Delta envisions expanding drone applications to other general visual inspections (GVI), such as hail or paint condition assessments.

This advancement highlights Delta’s commitment to leveraging technology for improved safety, efficiency, and reliability in aircraft maintenance.

To explore the full details of Delta’s announcement, read the article here.

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