Eye in the Sky

Eye in the Sky

Pilot project sees Fanshawe conduct first drone‑based runway inspection at YXU.

The London International Airport (YXU) closed runway 09/27 for over six hours the morning of September 20 to allow faculty and students from the Norton Wolf School of Aviation and Aerospace Technology to conduct the first drone-based runway safety inspection at the airport.

With the assistance of specialized equipment provided by Toronto-based drone inspection company, Rosor, the team methodically collected real-time, geo-referenced data from the 1.9-kilometre-long runway. Faculty and students will use photogrammetry—the science of extracting 3D information from photographs—to identify and quantify any potential problems like cracks, buckled pavement or any other abnormalities.

Adam Debevc, coordinator of Fanshawe’s Remotely Piloted Aerial Systems (RPAS) – Commercial Operations program, says the project has two main goals: provide a baseline condition assessment that can be compared to subsequent drone inspections and demonstrate that crewed and uncrewed aircraft could operate safely in the same airspace by completing the inspection while runway 15/33 remained open to normal airport operations.

“The aviation industry is still in the early stages of adopting drones to conduct these safety inspections,” says Adam, “so this is an exciting opportunity to get our students involved in an innovative practice.”

Scott McFadzean, president and CEO of London International Airport, says he is excited to partner with Fanshawe on this RPAS special project.

“We have keen interest in supporting Fanshawe’s aviation programs, and their students, in all aspects of the aviation and aerospace industry,” says Scott. “This will be the first time our runway will be inspected by drones using real-time data and we are eager to see the results. We expect drones to play a large role in the aviation industry in the future, in several capacities, and it is exciting to partner with Fanshawe on this unique opportunity.”