Precision PAPI Light Inspection with Drone Technology
ICAO-compliant automated testing delivering 50% cost savings. Our specialized drone system provides unmatched accuracy for Precision Approach Path Indicator verification, eliminating costly flight inspection aircraft while meeting all Doc 9157 Part 4 specifications.
Precision PAPI Light Testing
Revolutionizing Airport Lighting Inspection
Our specialized drone system provides ICAO-compliant Precision Approach Path Indicator (PAPI) testing with unmatched accuracy and efficiency using commodity drones like DJI and similar platforms. Eliminate costly flight inspection aircraft while achieving superior results.
Full Compliance
ICAO Doc 9157 Compliant
Our drone-based PAPI inspection system meets all ICAO specifications for precision approach path indicator verification. Automated technology delivering the same precision as traditional flight inspection aircraft at a fraction of the cost.
- Angular Measurements.
- Vertical angle verification within ±3 minutes of arc tolerance per ICAO standards
- Intensity Distribution.
- Minimum 10,000 candela output verification and intensity distribution per Annex 14 Appendix 2
- Position Verification.
- Photogrammetry confirms 15m ±1m lateral placement and 9m inter-unit spacing
- Color Chromaticity.
- Spectral analysis confirms red and white beam specifications per Appendix 1
Proven Technology
Built for Airport Safety
Our PAPI inspection system represents the evolution of airport lighting verification. Similar drone technology is already operational at over 200 airports worldwide for various inspection tasks. We've specialized our platform specifically for precision approach path indicator testing, meeting the most stringent ICAO requirements.
- RTK GPS Positioning.
- Centimeter-level accuracy for precise ICAO-compliant measurements
- Calibrated Photometric Sensors.
- ICAO Annex 14 compliant light intensity measurement
- Spectral Analysis.
- Color verification per ICAO chromaticity specifications
- Automated Flight Planning.
- Repeatable missions along approach path at pilot eye positions
- Post-Processing Analytics.
- Precise angular calculations and calibration recommendations
- System Integration.
- Seamless integration with airport maintenance management systems
How Our System Works
Advanced technology delivering precise PAPI measurements
RTK-Positioned Precision
Drone system uses Real-Time Kinematic positioning for centimeter-level accuracy, essential for ICAO-compliant PAPI angle measurements. Each measurement point is precisely positioned along the approach path, matching pilot eye positions for accurate vertical guidance verification. Operators view the complete measurement setup on an interactive map, validating each PAPI light's position with centimeter precision. The system identifies and georeferences every individual light unit, ensuring precise documentation for compliance reporting.
Calibrated Light Intensity Measurement
Specialized light intensity receivers verify minimum 10,000 candela output and measure intensity distribution per ICAO Annex 14 Appendix 2 specifications. Our sensors capture precise photometric data at each PAPI unit.
Angular Verification and Color Testing
Measure beam angles and color transition boundaries within the required 3 minutes of arc tolerance. Spectral sensors confirm red and white beam specifications per ICAO chromaticity coordinates, ensuring proper visual guidance.
Comprehensive Inspection Deliverables
Every inspection provides detailed documentation for regulatory compliance
- Individual Light Reports
Detailed analysis for each PAPI unit including vertical angle, intensity measurements, color verification, and operational status.
- Calibration Recommendations
Precise adjustment instructions when units fall outside tolerance, with exact angular corrections needed for ICAO compliance.
- Position Verification
Photogrammetry confirms 15m ±1m lateral placement and 9m inter-unit spacing requirements are met.
- Historical Trending
Track PAPI performance over time with GPS-timestamped measurements enabling predictive maintenance planning.
- Digital Evidence
Complete georeferenced documentation with timestamps for regulatory audits and civil aviation authority reporting.
- Compliance Certification
Reports formatted for submission to civil aviation authorities demonstrating ICAO Annex 14 compliance.
Operational Advantages
Benefits beyond cost savings
- Zero Emissions.
- No noise pollution or emissions versus flight inspection aircraft
- No ATC Disruption.
- No airspace coordination complexity or air traffic control disruption
- Weather Independent.
- Flexible scheduling with weather-independent operations
- Enhanced Safety.
- Personnel never exposed to approach zone during operations
- Consistent Results.
- Repeatable automated flight paths ensure consistent measurements
- Same-Day Results.
- Immediate data processing with same-day comprehensive reports
Operational Flexibility
Inspections During Active Airport Operations
Our drone-based PAPI inspection system is designed to operate safely during full airport operations. With proper coordination between the drone operator and air traffic control, measurements can be conducted efficiently between aircraft movements. The drone can execute short inspection missions in the gaps between landing or departing aircraft, and when instructed by the controller, can land in a designated safe zone within 20-30 seconds. This operational flexibility means airports don't need to schedule special closure windows, minimizing disruption to normal operations while maintaining the highest safety standards.
Become a Partner
We're seeking certified drone operators worldwide to deliver ICAO-compliant PAPI inspection services to airports. Our proven software platform enables you to offer more accurate reports at 50% lower cost with zero airport disruption. We provide comprehensive training, technical documentation, 24/7 support, secure data hosting, and transparent pricing. Required: drone pilot license and commitment to excellence.
Deploy faster
Why Choose Our PAPI Testing System
Industry-leading drone technology designed specifically for precision approach path indicator inspection and calibration
- 50% Cost Savings
- Eliminate expensive flight inspection aircraft. Our drone system delivers the same precision at a fraction of the cost.
- ICAO Compliant
- Full compliance with ICAO Doc 9157 specifications for PAPI verification and calibration measurements.
- Automated Reporting
- Comprehensive reports generated automatically for each PAPI unit including angular measurements, intensity data, and calibration recommendations.
- Minimal Runway Impact
- Complete PAPI system inspection in under 20 minutes with minimal runway occupation versus hours for traditional methods.