POST-PAINT VISUAL INSPECTION
An automated inspection to document the visual quality of your aircraft's finish before redelivery.
After aircraft painting, examination of external surfaces is an important step in identifying potential visual imperfections and documenting the aircraft's finish.
Drone Visual Inspection (DVI) supports paint shops, maintenance organisations and operators with automated drone visual inspection technology combined with technical expertise in aircraft surfaces.
Our aim: to facilitate visual checks of finishes, particularly in elevated areas, and provide usable photographic documentation before aircraft delivery.
WHY CARRY OUT A POST-PAINT INSPECTION?
Provide an additional view of the finish before aircraft redelivery.
Aircraft painting involves several stages of preparation, treatment and coating application.
Once the work is complete, certain imperfections may require checks or touch-ups before final client acceptance.
Automated drone inspection photographs many external surfaces according to a defined acquisition programme.
The images can then be analysed to locate and document visible findings, facilitating discussions between the paint shop, maintenance organisation and client.
WHICH SURFACES CAN BE EXAMINED ?
Depending on the aircraft model and operating conditions, image capture may cover:
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Fuselage: accessible side, upper and lower surfaces.
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Wings: coatings and finishes on accessible surfaces.
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Vertical stabiliser: observation of elevated vertical areas.
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Horizontal tail surfaces: examination of accessible surfaces, particularly on aircraft with a T-tail.
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Panels and junctions: documenting transition areas and visible differences in appearance.
This approach is particularly useful for elevated areas that normally require specific access equipment.
WHAT DEFECTS CAN BE SOUGHT ?
Subject to their visibility in the acquired images, findings may include:
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Chips, flaking and apparent coating deterioration.
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Scratches and visible marks on painted surfaces.
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Runs or apparent application irregularities.
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Certain visible differences in appearance or colour.
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Areas showing apparent imperfections or touch-ups.
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Finish defects identifiable under the available photographic conditions.
Identifying and characterising certain defects requires direct examination, specific lighting or further checks by competent professionals.
HOW DOES THE SERVICE WORK?
01 — Defining the scope
DVI liaises with the paint shop or maintenance organisation to define the surfaces to document, areas requiring attention and expected results.
02 — Preparing the operation
We check access conditions, the site environment and compatibility of drone operations with the constraints of the painting area.
The inspection is scheduled after painting is complete, when technical and safety conditions allow the operation.
03 — Automated photographic acquisition
The drone performs the planned image capture on accessible surfaces, particularly the upper fuselage, vertical stabiliser and tail surfaces.
04 — Image analysis
Depending on the selected service, DVI experts examine usable data to look for and document visible imperfections within the agreed scope.
05 — Reporting the results
The images and, where applicable, a technical report provide the paint shop and client with located photographic findings to support their checks.
BENEFITS FOR PAINT SHOPS AND CLIENTS
ACCESS TO ELEVATED AREAS
Drone inspection facilitates photographic documentation of the upper fuselage, vertical stabiliser and tail surfaces, particularly on business aircraft and larger aircraft.
DOCUMENTING FINISHES
High-resolution photographs retain a visual record of the surfaces actually inspected after painting.
LOCATING FINDINGS
Visible imperfections can be documented to help identify areas requiring further examination or touch-ups.
COORDINATION BEFORE DELIVERY
Photographic data facilitate communication between painting teams, quality managers, technical representatives and clients.
TRACEABILITY OF EXTERNAL CONDITION
The inspection creates a documented visual record at a specific stage of aircraft redelivery.
OPERATIONAL FLEXIBILITY
The service can be arranged as a one-off operation or integrated into a recurring post-paint inspection process, according to needs and site conditions.
A SERVICE COMPLEMENTING QUALITY CHECKS
Automated inspection supports visual checks without replacing prescribed verification tasks.
Photographic acquisition alone cannot verify all the characteristics of an aircraft coating.
Thickness measurements, adhesion tests, detailed gloss assessment, colour conformity and other specific checks remain subject to applicable technical methods and requirements.
DVI's analysis addresses visual findings within the agreed scope. Acceptance of the work remains the responsibility of competent persons or organisations.
SHOWCASE THE QUALITY OF YOUR FINISHES
Would you like to include automated inspection in your post-paint quality control process?
DVI helps define the areas to document and assess the conditions required for an operation suited to your paint shop.
Whether you need a one-off pre-delivery inspection or a recurring solution, we assess your needs to offer an appropriate service.