The FAA recently accepted Delta’s application to utilize camera-based, small drones to conduct visual inspections of our aircraft in the operation. Delta TechOps was granted this acceptance earlier this year and has thoughtfully been implementing drone inspections into our maintenance processes. These conditional visual inspections will initially be used following lightning strike events, and the use of drone inspections has been added to the Aircraft Maintenance Manual (AMM) for Delta’s entire mainline fleet. 

Delta is the first U.S. commercial operator to receive FAA Certificate Management Office concurrence for our plans to use these drones for maintenance inspections across our fleet. 

The small, unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) are semi-autonomous drones that navigate around an aircraft taking images without manual inputs from a pilot. Once images of the airframe are captured, trained TechOps technicians and inspectors will evaluate those photos to determine airworthiness prior to returning the aircraft to service much like they have historically. 

While TechOps has long had safety protocols in place to provide for the safe inspection of aircraft, the introduction of drone technology removes the risks associated with technicians and inspectors working from heights. Along with reducing the risk of injuries, the technology will also help technicians and inspectors make decisions on aircraft conditions up to 82% faster. 

Implementing drone technology enables aircraft to be returned to service more quickly and supports efforts to reduce delays and cancellations for our customers.