NASA, Boeing Back Drone-Based Inspection of Commercial Airliners

Autonomous system sends drones, rather than humans, to capture images in hard-to-reach places, allowing personnel to analyze them remotely.

Tuesday, January 21, 2025 at 02:53 PM ET

Verified

Near Earth Autonomy’s drone-based remote aircraft inspection system surveys a Boeing 777-300ER at an Emirates Airlines facility in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. [Courtesy: Near Earth Autonomy]

Key Takeaways:

NASA and Boeing are backing Near Earth Autonomy's drone-based system, Proxim, which performs aircraft inspections significantly faster and safer than traditional methods.
The drone system reduces inspection times from hours to under 30 minutes, minimizes human risk at dangerous heights, and accurately detects defects by creating a digital twin of the aircraft.
Currently in beta testing at seven defense bases, the technology is compatible with a wide range of commercial and military aircraft models.
While offering substantial efficiency and cost savings, the system faces potential challenges related to evolving FAA regulations and its impact on human labor.

See a mistake? Contact us.

NASA and Boeing are backing a startup that uses drones to conduct what it claims are faster, safer inspections for commercial airliners.

The space agency in a blog post last week revealed it is helping Pittsburgh-based Near Earth Autonomy develop the drone-based remote aircraft inspection system under its Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program. The partners claim the system—which Near Earth told FLYING is already in beta testing at seven defense bases nationwide—can cut inspection times from four hours to less than 30 minutes.

Jack Daleo

Jack is a staff writer covering advanced air mobility, including everything from drones to unmanned aircraft systems to space travel—and a whole lot more. He spent close to two years reporting on drone delivery for FreightWaves, covering the biggest news and developments in the space and connecting with industry executives and experts. Jack is also a basketball aficionado, a frequent traveler and a lover of all things logistics.