Chad is the editor of AINalerts, AIN's daily business aviation newsletter, and is also the news editor at AIN Media Group.&nbsp;He has been writing about aviation, with an emphasis on business aviation, since 1994. Chad started his writing career at The Avion,&nbsp;the&nbsp;student newspaper at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Florida, serving as editor-in-chief before graduating with a bachelor's in aeronautical science. After a stint as managing editor at Professional Pilot&nbsp;magazine, he joined&nbsp;AIN in late 1998. Chad holds a commercial pilot certificated with instrument and multi-engine ratings, and he also is a CFI/CFII. He lives and works from his home in Venice, Florida.

Online Editor

Chad Trautvetter

Near Earth Autonomy has successfully developed and tested using autonomous small uncrewed aerial systems (sUAS) to more safely and efficiently conduct preflight checks of airliners. This was done under NASA’s Small Business Innovation Research program and in partnership with Boeing. Over the last six years, Near Earth Autonomy completed several rounds of test flights with its sUAS solution on Boeing airplanes operated by American Airlines and Emirates.
According to the Pittsburgh-based company, using sUAS trims the time needed for these detailed external inspections from up to four hours to less than 30 minutes. It also reduces the risk of diagnosis errors and workplace injuries, because manual inspections require workers to “climb around” on the airplane.
With NASA and Boeing funding to bolster commercial readiness, Near Earth Autonomy developed a sUAS-enabled solution under its Proxim subsidiary that can fly around an airliner and gather inspection data. The sUAS is able to autonomously fly around an aircraft, following a computer-programmed task card based on FAA regulations for these inspections. This card outlines the flight path needed to conduct the inspection.
Photos collected from the sUAS can be analyzed remotely, meaning operators can tap its most experienced aircraft inspectors to support repair decisions faster from any location. Additionally, new images can be compared to older ones for comparison to look for cracks, missing rivets, leaks, or other issues.
The sUAS operator can also create alerts if an area needs to be inspected again or fails an inspection. According to Near Earth Autonomy, using sUAS for aircraft inspections can save an average of $10,000 per hour of lost earnings during unplanned time on the ground.
“NASA has worked with Near Earth Autonomy on autonomous inspection challenges in multiple domains,” said NASA senior leader for autonomous systems Danette Allen. “We are excited to see this technology spin out to industry to increase efficiencies, safety, and accuracy of the aircraft inspection process for overall public benefit.”

News and issues about aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), covering all segments of the aviation industry; and modifications for aircraft and engines. Subjects include product support of aircraft, engines and avionics, MRO company mergers, acquisitions, announcements and personnel, Airworthiness Directives, Supplemental Type Certificate approvals and other topics.

Near Earth Autonomy Develops Preflight Inspection Drones for Airliners

Working with NASA, company successfully tested autonomous inspection system on Boeing aircraft

Pittsburgh-based Near Earth Autonomy has successfully developed and tested the use of autonomous small uncrewed aerial systems to inspect airliners.

Drones Could be Used For Airliner Preflight Checks

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Curt Epstein

News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

It adds capability for the PC-24 and expands locations for the PC-12

Banyan Increases Pilatus Service Capabilities

Charles Alcock

News about bills, laws, regulations and other governmental decisions affecting aviation and aerospace. Topics include FAA re-authorizations, taxes on fuel and aviation activities, environmental legislation, ICAO decisions, governmental mediation of labor conflicts and World Trade Organization disputes and decisions.

Kuala Lumpur facility provides line and base maintenance for Challengers and Globals

Taiwan Approves ExecuJet Malaysia for Bombardier MRO Work

Matt Thurber

Dassault-owned facility offers maintenance services on a variety of aircraft types

EASA Approves ExecuJet Middle East for Global 7500 Mx

Kerry Lynch

News about simulators and training procedures, as well as workforce.

Committees are meeting directly with students at universities

NBAA Mx Committee Creates Campus Outreach Program

The facility represents a major increase in the airframer's maintenance network

Gulfstream Inaugurates New Arizona Service Center

News and developments about everything that goes into the cabin of an aircraft, from floor coverings to headliners, with a special emphasis on in-flight entertainment, communications and other electronics for passengers. If it is in the cabin of an aircraft, it’s covered here.

The move expands Yingling's MRO capabilities In the Wichita area

Yingling Aviation Acquires Interiors Solutions Provider

AmyWilder

News and issues concerning general aviation, specifically airplanes and helicopters powered by piston and alternative engines (i.e., non-turbine powered aircraft). Subjects include aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

More In Maintenance and Modifications

Banyan Increases Pilatus Service Capabilities

It adds capability for the PC-24 and expands locations for the PC-12

Taiwan Approves ExecuJet Malaysia for Bombardier MRO Work

Kuala Lumpur facility provides line and base maintenance for Challengers and Globals

EASA Approves ExecuJet Middle East for Global 7500 Mx

Dassault-owned facility offers maintenance services on a variety of aircraft types

NBAA Mx Committee Creates Campus Outreach Program

Committees are meeting directly with students at universities

Gulfstream Inaugurates New Arizona Service Center

The facility represents a major increase in the airframer's maintenance network

Yingling Aviation Acquires Interiors Solutions Provider

The move expands Yingling's MRO capabilities In the Wichita area

Blackhawk Group Acquires Glendale Aero Services MRO

Capabilities include Cirrus and Cessna service range

Florida Charter Operator Earns FAA Maintenance Approval

ExecuJet Charter Service has been in operation since 1994

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