What Happened
Regulatory Scrutiny of Virtual Inspection Tools Intensifies
The Federal Aviation Administration has outlined the use of remote technologies in aircraft maintenance and inspection, emphasizing that such tools must comply with existing regulations. Remote technology covers tools using video, audio, imaging, or communication systems to support maintenance from a location other than the immediate inspection area. The FAA notes that general aviation operators are adopting consumer-grade AR, VR, and sUAS systems for maintenance support, but stresses that remote technology cannot replace physical presence where tactile assessment is required. The guidance was reported by AviNews.