Industry first: FAA accepts Delta’s plan to use drones for maintenance inspections

Industry first: FAA accepts Delta’s plan to use drones for maintenance inspections

Featured

Delta Pioneers Drone Technology for Aircraft Maintenance Inspections

Delta Air Lines has become the first U.S. commercial operator to gain FAA acceptance for using drones by Mainbladesin maintenance inspections—a significant milestone for both the airline and the industry. This groundbreaking step allows Delta TechOps to integrate small, unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) into their maintenance processes, beginning with inspections following lightning strike events.

The Mainblades solution is a camera-equipped drone, operating semi-autonomously, capturing high-resolution images of the aircraft’s airframe. Delta’s skilled technicians and inspectors then analyze the images to assess the aircraft’s condition and confirm airworthiness. By removing the need for manual inspections at height, drone technology not only enhances safety for maintenance personnel but also improves inspection efficiency, reducing assessment times by up to 82%.

The introduction of drones aligns with Delta’s ongoing commitment to innovation and operational excellence. Faster inspection processes mean quicker aircraft turnaround times, ultimately minimizing delays and cancellations for passengers.

To learn more, read the full article on Delta’s announcement here.

learn more about implementing inspection automation

contact us