We are pleased to announce the availability of the following draft EUROCAE document prepared by EUROCAE WG-132 – Automated Aircraft Inspections:
- ED-359 – “Guidance for Automation of Aircraft Inspection“
This document provides guidelines and recommendations to support the adoption of automated aircraft inspections, specifically in the context of automated UAS-based image acquisition.
Its purpose is to provide stakeholders with an implementation framework to support aircraft inspectors in adopting automated aircraft inspections, while supporting regulatory adoption and maintaining safety and efficiency across the aviation industry. The guidance also aims to potentially reduce operational turnaround decisions and Aircraft on Ground (AOG) delays.
The document provides guidance across the key domains that impact the ability to carry out automated aircraft inspections, including environmental conditions both inside and outside hangars, hardware and software system design recommendations enabling safe and efficient operations, equivalency between automated inspections and traditional physical visual inspections, training requirements covering general UAS knowledge, handling and maintenance, indoor and outdoor operations, and image-based inspection training, as well as regulatory considerations related to the use of technology as a means of inspecting an aircraft.
This document focuses solely on the technology used to inspect aircraft and does not cover regulatory licences to operate drones or operational flying authorisations, which remain under the jurisdiction of National Aviation Authorities (NAAs).
Machine Learning (ML) integration will not be considered in this first deliverable, as it is not currently identified as a priority need by the stakeholders involved. However, this topic may be developed in future revisions following technological advancements within the industry.
You are invited to review the proposed draft on the EUROCAE Workspace and complete the comment form. If you are a non-member of EUROCAE, please register here (and click on “Access only to Open Consultation”). Early replies are encouraged.
End Date: 20/10/2026.