EXTERNAL MARKING VERIFICATION
Check and document your aircraft's external markings with automated drone inspection and DVI's technical expertise.
External markings are important to aircraft identification, operation and maintenance. Their presence, condition and positioning must meet the technical requirements applicable to each aircraft.
Drone Visual Inspection (DVI) supports operators and maintenance organisations in planning and performing photographic inspections dedicated to these markings.
Through automated high-resolution image capture and an appropriate analysis methodology, DVI can help search for and document visible anomalies, according to the technical references supplied and system capabilities.
Our aim: to facilitate visual checks of external markings, particularly in areas that are difficult to access, and provide usable documentation for maintenance teams.
WHY CHECK EXTERNAL MARKINGS?
Verify that expected markings are present, visible and properly documented.
Aircraft carry various external markings, inscriptions and reference marks relating to identification, operation or maintenance.
During the aircraft's service life, these items may be affected by wear, cleaning, technical work, touch-ups or painting.
Some markings may also be on surfaces that are difficult to access, particularly the upper fuselage, wings or tail surfaces.
Automated drone inspection captures structured photographs of the surfaces concerned.
Using usable images and applicable technical references, DVI can document visual findings that may require further checking or work.
WHAT CAN BE CHECKED?
Depending on the aircraft model, available reference documents and technical feasibility, several aspects can be assessed.
01 — MARKING PRESENCE
Visually checking for expected markings on photographed surfaces by comparison with the defined technical references.
This analysis can flag markings that appear absent or cannot be identified in usable images.
02 — MARKING CONDITION AND LEGIBILITY
Searching for visible deterioration that may affect marking condition or legibility:
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Partial or apparent erasure.
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Paint deterioration.
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Scratches or visible changes.
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Inscriptions that are difficult to identify.
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Deterioration of outlines and graphic elements.
The ability to assess these features depends in particular on their size, contrast and photographic quality.
03 — MARKING LOCATION
Assessing the apparent position of markings relative to reference areas or components defined in the technical documentation.
Findings flag situations requiring further checking without replacing any prescribed positioning measurements.
04 — MARKING IDENTIFICATION
Where resolution and acquisition conditions allow, analysis can help identify visible markings and inscriptions.
This check must use the applicable documentary references and remain within the limits of validated technical capabilities.
05 — POST-PAINT MARKING CHECK
Following painting or a change to the external coating, a specific inspection can be considered to document the apparent condition of the relevant markings.
It can contribute to checks performed before aircraft redelivery.
WHICH MARKINGS CAN BE INCLUDED?
Depending on the aircraft configuration and technical references supplied, the scope may include:
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Identification markings: external inscriptions and reference marks applicable to the aircraft.
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Safety markings: warnings and indications visible on external surfaces.
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Maintenance markings: technical reference marks, servicing inscriptions and indications associated with ground operations.
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Wing markings: inscriptions and reference marks on wings and accessible surfaces.
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Tail markings: inscriptions on the vertical stabiliser or horizontal stabilisers.
The categories and references actually covered are determined during the feasibility assessment.
A PRIOR TECHNICAL ASSESSMENT IS ESSENTIAL
Each aircraft has its own marking references and requirements.
Unlike photographic documentation alone, checking markings against technical references requires specific preparation.
The client supplies DVI with documents applicable to the requested scope, including as needed:
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Relevant IPC/SIPC references.
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Marking drawings and parts lists.
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Document references and revisions.
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Aircraft configuration information.
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Specific requirements associated with the requested check.
DVI then assesses inspection feasibility and, where necessary, coordinates with its technology partner to integrate the references into the acquisition programme.
The service is confirmed after feasibility and the technical, operational and commercial conditions have been validated.
HOW DOES THE SERVICE WORK?
01 — Defining your requirement
Identifying the aircraft, marking families concerned and expected checks.
02 — Document review
Examining drawings, references, revisions and configuration information supplied by the client.
03 — Technical feasibility assessment
Assessing acquisition and verification options. The inspection programme may need to be adapted with the technology partner.
04 — Photographic acquisition
Once the prerequisites have been validated, capturing the planned images of accessible aircraft surfaces.
05 — Analysis of findings
Reviewing usable images within the defined scope and against the selected technical references.
06 — Reporting the results
Delivering the agreed photographs and technical report, specifying visible findings and any verification limitations.
BENEFITS FOR OPERATORS AND MAINTENANCE ORGANISATIONS
ACCESS TO ELEVATED AREAS
The drone facilitates photographic documentation of markings on certain surfaces that are difficult to access using conventional methods.
STRUCTURED PHOTOGRAPHIC ACQUISITION
Automated flight paths support organised image collection according to the defined inspection programme.
DOCUMENTING MARKING CONDITION
Photographs retain a visual record of inscriptions and reference marks actually covered by the inspection.
IDENTIFYING APPARENT ANOMALIES
Analysis can help flag degraded or apparently absent markings and those requiring further checking.
SUPPORTING PAINTING OPERATIONS
This service can be considered after painting to complement visual checks of markings before delivery.
DOCUMENTARY TRACEABILITY
Findings can be compiled in a technical report to facilitate tracking and use by maintenance teams.
A SERVICE TAILORED TO YOUR NEEDS
Targeted marking verification
Assessing a limited set of markings or an area precisely defined with the client.
Post-paint inspection
Documenting external markings as part of checks following painting work.
Specific verification campaign
Assessing an acquisition programme covering several areas or marking categories.
Remote Technical Assessment
Reviewing available photographs where their quality, coverage and the references supplied meet the requirement.
VERIFICATION GOVERNED BY TECHNICAL DATA
Automated inspection provides complementary documentation and visual verification.
The ability to identify or verify a marking depends on its characteristics, location, image quality and the functions validated for the inspection programme.
A marking's absence from a photograph does not always mean it is actually absent from the aircraft.
Similarly, photographic documentation alone does not certify regulatory compliance of all markings.
Any additional checks, compliance decisions and maintenance validations remain the responsibility of competent personnel and organisations.
WOULD YOU LIKE YOUR AIRCRAFT'S MARKINGS CHECKED ?
Let us assess how this application could be integrated into your maintenance or post-paint inspection operations.
DVI helps define the scope, analyse technical references and assess your project's feasibility.
Whether you need targeted verification, a specific campaign or recurring support, we assess possible solutions according to your aircraft and organisation.