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

Sarah Rose

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.

Increasing demand drove move to add technicians and another hangar

Thornton Aviation Expands Burbank Maintenance Services

Charles Alcock

New developments at airports including regulations and noise issues; legal disputes; openings, acquisitions and mergers.

Enlarged and modernized Australian maintenance facility is set to open in early 2026

Textron Expands Asia Pac MRO Support at Melbourne Base

Matt Thurber

News and issues concerning the aviation charter and fractional-ownership industries and markets, including company announcements, regulations, new developments and labor issues.

Software helps aircraft operators manage the minimum equipment list process

TrustFlight Signs Heartland Aviation for MEL Manager

Curt Epstein

News and issues relating to international air transport and cargo carriers, national airlines and regional airlines, including aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

A new service center is expected to open in Dubai next year

Liebherr Expands Middle East Component Service Options

AmyWilder

New facility eliminates the need to fly aircraft to Europe for livery work

Satys Unveils New Aircraft Painting Facility in Dubai

Richard Pedicini

New developments at FBOs including regulations and noise issues; legal disputes; openings, acquisitions and mergers.

More In Maintenance and Modifications

Thornton Aviation Expands Burbank Maintenance Services

Increasing demand drove move to add technicians and another hangar

Textron Expands Asia Pac MRO Support at Melbourne Base

Enlarged and modernized Australian maintenance facility is set to open in early 2026

TrustFlight Signs Heartland Aviation for MEL Manager

Software helps aircraft operators manage the minimum equipment list process

Liebherr Expands Middle East Component Service Options

A new service center is expected to open in Dubai next year

Satys Unveils New Aircraft Painting Facility in Dubai

New facility eliminates the need to fly aircraft to Europe for livery work

Brazil’s Lider Pivots at Congonhas, Expands at Sorocaba

Business aircraft services company has to move from its longtime hangar at the São Paulo airport

Precision Aircraft Management Digitizes Records with Bluetail

Bluetail’s cloud-based solution streamlines operations and maintenance

Aviation Partners’ Winglet Installation Network Expands

Three MRO providers join the Aviation Partners network

AIN Products

SUBSCRIPTIONS

RESOURCES

ABOUT AIN