Drone Inspection for Insurers and Compliance

Inspection data that convinces inspection organisations and insurers – traceable, reproducible, standard-referenced. 4K + LiDAR + thermography in a format that TÜV, DEKRA and industrial insurers accept.

The Problem: Inspection Results Nobody Trusts

You have had a drone inspection carried out. The results look good. Then comes the question from the expert, the insurer or the authority: Can you prove that this data is reliable?

This is the moment where many drone inspections fail. Not because of the technology – but because of the documentation. Nice drone images are not enough. What inspectors and insurers need:

• Traceable finding localisation – not just a photo, but the exact position within the component
• Reproducible results – the same finding must be comparable at the next inspection
• Standard reference – which testing procedures were applied, which standards followed?
• Qualification of the inspector – who collected and assessed the data?

We deliver not just data – we deliver data in a form that inspection organisations and insurers accept.

Note: This article is for general information purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Kopterflug Inspection Services GmbH accepts no liability for the accuracy, completeness or currency of the information. The current versions of regulations on gesetze-im-internet.de and from the relevant authorities are always authoritative.

What Inspection Organisations Need

We work regularly with experts from TÜV, DEKRA, DNV and other inspection organisations. Over time we have learned what they expect from inspection data:

CompletenessNot just highlights, but seamless 4K capture of all relevant surfaces – as continuous video documentation.

3D LocalisationEvery finding is assigned an exact position in the component. LiDAR point cloud (centimetre-accurate): height, circumferential position, distance to reference points.

Quantitative DataNot just “there is corrosion”. But: where, how large, what extent? LiDAR measures areas and geometries. Thermography delivers absolute temperature values.

Comparability over TimeDamage progression monitoring requires comparable data sets. 3D point clouds from different inspection dates can be overlaid and compared.

No Room for InterpretationThe raw data (video, LiDAR, thermography) is objective. Assessment and classification is carried out by the expert – not the drone pilot.

What Insurers Need

Industrial insurers (FM Global, Allianz AGCS, HDI, Zurich etc.) have a concrete interest in good inspection data – because they need to assess their risk:

Regular DocumentationProof that the operator actively monitors their plant. Drone inspection lowers the threshold for more frequent inspections.

Early DetectionThe earlier damage is identified, the smaller the repair scope – and the smaller the loss risk for the insurer.

Objective Documentation4K video and 3D models are far more robust than handwritten inspection reports or phone photos.

Damage Progression MonitoringLiDAR comparisons show whether a known defect is stable or progressing – invaluable for risk assessment.

Zero Human EntryFewer personal injuries during the inspection itself – an argument insurers understand immediately.

Our Documentation Standards

Every inspection includes the following deliverables:

Inspection Report (PDF)Client, plant, technology used, inspection scope, findings overview with classification and comparison with previous findings.

4K Video DocumentationSeamless video of all inspected surfaces, annotated still images of findings with timestamp.

LiDAR 3D DataComplete point cloud (.las/.e57), colourised point cloud, findings localised in 3D model, export for CAD/BIM.

Thermography DataRadiometric thermal images, temperature profiles and anomalies, overlay on LiDAR point cloud.

Flight LogFlight times, battery changes, pilot information plus gas-free measurement protocol as an appendix to the report.

Relevant Standards and Compliance Frameworks

Plant Safety (Germany):

• BetrSichV – Betriebssicherheitsverordnung (inspection obligations for equipment requiring supervision)
• DGUV Regel 113-004 – Working in vessels, silos and confined spaces
• TRBS 1112 – Maintenance

NDT / ZfP (Non-Destructive Testing):

• DIN EN ISO 17637 – Visual testing of welds
• DIN EN 13018 – Visual testing: general principles

Tanks:

• API 653 – Tank Inspection, Repair, Alteration, and Reconstruction
• EEMUA 159 – Guide to the Inspection of Aboveground Storage Tanks

Boilers:

• EN 12952 – Water tube boilers
• API 510 – Pressure Vessel Inspection Code

Maritime:

• IACS Guidelines – Class Survey Requirements
• SOLAS / IMO regulations

Important: No inspection organisation is obliged to accept drone data as the sole basis for inspection. The decision always rests with the responsible expert. Our experience: acceptance is growing steadily, especially when data quality is high and documentation meets requirements.

Working with Inspection Organisations: Our Approach

We see inspection organisations not as adversaries but as partners. Our proven process:

1. Pre-flight coordination: Before every inspection we clarify with the responsible expert what data format and quality they expect. Inspection scope, data format, remote-VT or contact testing.
2. Expert on-site: The expert sees the live feed and can mark areas in real time for closer inspection – the pilot flies to those points directly.
3. Joint evaluation: After the flight: joint review of the data. The expert assesses; we deliver the data and technical context.
4. Report to their standards: Our inspection report is formatted so it serves as an appendix to the expert's own report. No duplication of effort, no formatting conflicts.

Conclusion: Drone Data as a Compliance Tool

Drone inspection is not a compliance risk – it is a compliance tool. Properly documented, drone data delivers more, more reproducible and more objective information than manual inspections.

For OperatorsProof of inspection obligation under BetrSichV/DGUV, seamless condition documentation, reduced liability risk through Zero Human Entry.

For InsurersBetter risk assessment through high-quality data, damage progression monitoring via 3D comparisons, proof of proactive maintenance.

For ExpertsPreliminary documentation reduces the expert’s own inspection effort, 3D-localised findings instead of vague position descriptions, more data for better-founded assessments.

We support you in integrating drone inspection seamlessly into your compliance process – from initial consultation to inspector-ready report.

Related Services

• Industrial Inspection – Standard-compliant drone inspection with seamless documentation for auditors.
• Confined Space Inspection – Safe inspection of confined spaces without human entry per DGUV.
• Tank Inspection – Drone-assisted tank inspection with auditor-ready findings documentation.
• Boiler Inspection – Boiler inspection with 4K video and LiDAR for BetrSichV documentation.
• Chimney Inspection – Condition survey of chimneys and flue gas ducts by drone.
• Chemical Industry – Inspection of reactors, columns and pipelines in chemical plants.

Your Contacts

Christian Engelke and Dipl.-Ing. Karsten Lehrke – your direct contacts for inspection data, compliance and expert coordination.

We advise you on integrating drone inspection into your compliance process – including coordination with your inspection organisation. Straightforward and competent.

Christian Founder & Drone Pilot

Karsten Founder, Managing Director

Philipp Founder, Operations & Logistics

Juliana Drone Pilot

Stephan Operations & Logistics

Frequently Asked Questions: Drone Inspection and Compliance

Inspection Data That Convinces Auditors

We advise you on integrating drone inspection into your compliance process – including coordination with your inspection organisation. Without obligation and competently.

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