How can you use drones for airport inspections?

1 Types of inspections

Drones can perform a variety of inspections at airports, such as checking the surface conditions, markings, lighting, and signs of the runways and taxiways for foreign object debris (FOD). They can also inspect the roofs, walls, windows, and doors of the terminal and hangar buildings, as well as monitor fire safety systems, ventilation, and electrical wiring. Drones can also patrol the airport perimeter and fence to identify breaches or intrusions, as well as monitor access points, gates, and vehicles. Furthermore, drones can survey wildlife habitats and populations around the airport to assess potential risks of bird strikes or other wildlife hazards. Additionally, they can measure the noise, air quality, and water quality impacts of the airport operations.

2 Advantages of drones

Using drones for airport inspections can provide several advantages, such as saving time and money, improving accuracy and quality, and enhancing safety and security. Drones can inspect large areas and hard-to-reach places faster and cheaper than human inspectors or vehicles, while capturing high-resolution images, videos, and data that can be analyzed and stored digitally. They can also reduce the need for runway closures or disruptions to the airport operations, reduce the exposure of human inspectors to hazards, and improve the detection and response to security threats or incidents.

3 Challenges of drones

Using drones for airport inspections presents several challenges, from regulatory and legal issues to operational and technical ones. For example, drones must comply with aviation rules and regulations, coordinate with air traffic control, and have reliable systems. Additionally, they must be operated by trained and qualified pilots and inspectors who can follow standard procedures and protocols, as well as have the support of airport management and staff who can integrate them into operations. All of this must also take into consideration the privacy and property rights of airport neighbors and stakeholders.

4 Best practices and tips

Using drones for airport inspections can be effective and efficient, but it requires careful planning and coordination. Before using drones, you should conduct a risk assessment, define the objectives and scope of the inspection, select the appropriate drone model and equipment, and obtain the required permissions and approvals. During the inspection, you should follow the flight plan and the inspection checklist, communicate with the ATC and airport staff, and monitor the drone performance and status. Afterward, download and review the images, videos, and data collected by the drone. Generate a report, share it with relevant parties, provide recommendations for improvement, and offer feedback. By adhering to these best practices and tips, you can use drones for airport inspections safely, legally, and effectively.