At Schiphol East, a new relationship between KLM, Mainblades Inspections, and Dutch Drone Delta is transforming aircraft servicing using advanced Drone Technology. Generally, audits are conducted inside a aircraft, but now they can also get performed around, thanks to the modern use of intelligent drones. This growth has the potential to improve aircraft inspection efficiency and safety.
Streamlining Aircraft Inspections
This modern step is being driven by KLM’s partnership with Mainblades Inspections. Mark Terheggen, co-founder of Mainblades, explains that these drones are equipped with specific tracking application, allowing them to maneuver around aviation and conduct careful inspections.
” We use a bright helicopter that we have created to perform automatic aircraft checks,” Terheggen claims. This technology drastically reduces the time required for lengthy, labor-intensive manual inspections.
At Schiphol Airport, a DJI Matrice helicopter with AI capabilities inspects a KLM plane.
Overcoming Regulatory Hurdles
Running a helicopter function in an aircraft is no small feat. Serdar Çifoglu, KLM’s Program Manager for Innovations, highlights the governmental challenges involved.
” You do n’t just fly a drone at the airport, you need permission from Schiphol, LVNL ( as air traffic controller ), and also from other authorities active at the airport”, Toby Enzerink, project manager at Dutch Drone Delta explains..
Despite these difficulties, the engagement was able to pass these difficulties, making drone inspections easier to perform closer to the arrival gate.
At Schiphol Airport, a DJI Matrice helicopter with AI capabilities inspects a KLM plane.
Enhancing Efficiency and Safety
Terheggen emphasizes the effectiveness gains made by this program. Usually, unexpected checks required plane to become towed into a aircraft. Today, checks can be performed at the wall.
” This means, a injury report can be made for the consumer, who can then decide whether upgrades are necessary”, Terheggen information.
This helps to save time as well as reduce the chance of injury during pulling. According to Terheggen, the DJI Matrice aircraft was equipped with AI-enabled technology and a little piece of hardware. The helicopter can then automatically inspect the airplane as a result. The drone’s photos are then used in the user’s harm report.
A major advancement in aircraft maintenance is made by the inclusion of bright drones into airport checks at Schiphol Airport. By enabling faster, safer, and more accurate checks, this tech is setting new standards for the business. The advantages to efficiency and safety may only increase as drones become more important in these businesses.
DroneXL’s Get
The development of aircraft technology for airplane inspections highlights how significant it is becoming in different sectors. The effective collaboration at Schiphol Airport demonstrates the potential of drones to improve maintenance processes, reducing downtime, and improving safety. Check out our most recent articles on the use of drones in professional inspections for more information on the effects of drones on various industries.
Photos courtesy of KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Mainblades, LVNL, Dutch Drone Delta, and Air Hub.
