Interior inspection by drone: what are the regulations?

Technology for safety and performance

Indoor inspection by drone is a technological solution that is transforming the way companies operate in complex or high‑risk environments. These drones, designed to operate in confined spaces such as pipelines, ship hulls or large warehouses, offer unprecedented prospects in terms of safety, speed and cost reduction.

Unlike their outdoor counterparts, indoor drones are not subject to airspace regulations. This flexibility makes them a major asset for many industries, while raising questions about their applications and associated best practices.

1. A revolution in industrial inspection

Indoor drones are revolutionizing industrial inspection, with their ability to intervene where traditional means fail or become too costly.

Speed and operational efficiency

By eliminating the need to erect scaffolding or mobilize rope access technicians, drones enable rapid deployment. In a matter of minutes, they can explore areas previously inaccessible or requiring hours of preparation. This represents a competitive advantage for companies seeking to minimize business interruptions.

Significant cost savings

Manual inspection can involve significant resources: specialized equipment, preparation time and skilled labor. With a drone, these expenses are reduced. What's more, equipment downtime is limited, optimizing overall productivity.

Greater safety for operators

Certain environments, such as confined spaces or high elevations, expose workers to significant risks. The use of drones limits their presence in these critical areas, offering a safer alternative for carrying out surveys or diagnostics.

Adaptability to a variety of environments

From penstocks to large warehouses, from ship hulls to industrial caissons, indoor drones adapt to a multitude of situations. Their compact design, often reinforced by protective covers, enables them to navigate in tight spaces without the risk of damaging infrastructure.

2. General regulations governing the use of drones

The use of drones outdoors is strictly governed by national and European regulations. Drones are classified into open, specific or certified categories, depending on the risks associated with their operations:

- Open category: low‑risk operations, maximum height 120 m, no overflight of people.

- Specific category: more complex operations requiring special authorization.

Operators must also comply with requirements such as registering drones on the AlphaTango portal, taking mandatory training courses, and checking authorized flight zones via tools such as Géoportail.

3. Regulatory specifics: indoor, a field of freedom

The big difference between indoor and outdoor flying lies in the absence of a specific regulatory framework for drones operating indoors.

Why this absence of regulation?

Unlike outdoor drones, which are subject to strict national and European laws, indoor drones are not considered to be operating in public airspace. Indoors, they are treated as conventional work tools, in the same way as a gondola or an inspection robot.

This means that there are no government directives governing their use. The only requirement is compliance with the company's internal rules, in particular those defined in its prevention plan.

Valuable flexibility for companies

The absence of administrative constraints means that indoor drones can be deployed rapidly. Unlike outdoor drones, which require declarations five working days before the flight and special authorizations, an indoor drone can be used almost immediately after the mission has been planned.

However, to ensure safe and efficient use, operators should be trained in the basics of piloting, and use protocols adapted to each environment should be clearly defined.

4. Technical criteria for efficient deployment

To exploit the full potential of indoor drones, it's essential to choose the right equipment and establish clear procedures.

A design optimized for confined spaces: drones intended for indoor inspections are generally compact, equipped with protective features such as cages or hulls to avoid collisions. Their lightness and maneuverability enable them to operate without difficulty in restricted areas.

High‑performance sensors for precise inspections: equipped with HD, thermal or infrared cameras, indoor drones capture detailed data even in difficult conditions, such as poor lighting or cluttered spaces.

Stability and autonomous navigation: indoor navigation, often without GPS signal, requires advanced technologies such as LIDAR sensors or obstacle avoidance systems. These features ensure optimum flight stability and enhanced safety.

Sufficient autonomy for extended missions: long inspections require UAVs capable of flying for 15 to 30 minutes continuously. Interchangeable batteries make it possible to extend the duration of operations if necessary.

5. Best practices for interior inspection

Although the use of indoor drones has been simplified from a regulatory point of view, certain best practices are essential to ensure successful missions.

Rigorous mission preparation: every mission must start with a risk assessment and a clear definition of objectives. This includes checking the condition of the drone and selecting the appropriate sensors.

Securing the work area: even indoors, it's crucial to mark out a safe zone to avoid any incidents, especially if workers or sensitive equipment are in the vicinity.

Data analysis: drone images and readings must be processed using appropriate software tools. These analyses enable precise conclusions to be drawn and corrective actions to be optimized.

Ongoing operator training: although not mandatory for indoor flights, regular training in technological developments and good piloting practices is highly recommended.

An essential, affordable technology

Indoor inspection by drone stands out for its efficiency, ease of use and lack of regulatory constraints. Relying on high‑performance equipment and well‑trained teams, companies can take advantage of this technology to optimize their processes while minimizing risks.

Indoor drones not only represent a cost‑effective investment, but also a real breakthrough in the way inspections are carried out in complex environments. For industries seeking to combine innovation, safety and performance, they are an essential tool.