Confined‑area inspection: is the drone pilot exam necessary?

Inspection in confined spaces is a major challenge for many industries, especially those handling hazardous substances or operating in high‑risk environments. Places such as underground tanks, pipelines, chemical plants, and even nuclear or oil sites, represent environments that are often inaccessible and potentially dangerous for workers. The physical, chemical and biological hazards inherent in these environments make human intervention complex and risky. Fortunately, inspection drones, like those offered by Multinnov, have come to transform these practices, offering a safer, more efficient alternative. But one question remains: is the remote pilot exam necessary to guarantee the success and safety of these inspection missions?

The challenge of confined space inspections

Confined‑area inspections mainly concern areas that are difficult to access, where human presence is either risky or impossible. These environments are often associated with risks such as inhalation of toxic gases, fires, explosions or falls. In the nuclear sector, for example, the inspection of underground tanks or pipelines requires strict measures to avoid contamination or exposure to radiation. In the oil or chemical sectors, gas leaks or steam build‑ups can make access extremely hazardous.

Drones, particularly those equipped with advanced technologies such as high‑resolution cameras and specialized sensors, are capable of carrying out inspections in these environments, while guaranteeing the safety of operators. These devices enable continuous monitoring without the need to send personnel on site, thus considerably limiting human risks. They can detect anomalies invisible to the naked eye, such as gas leaks or cracks in structures, while enabling more accurate, real‑time data collection.

Risks associated with confined space inspection

Inspection in confined spaces is particularly complex, due to the risks inherent in these environments. These include

- Chemical and biological risks: Inspectors may be exposed to toxic gases, corrosive chemicals or pathogens in the air or materials being inspected.

- Physical risks: Lack of space, instability of structures, risk of falls and darkness make inspections particularly hazardous. Interrupted oxygen supplies and poor ventilation in confined spaces are also hazardous factors for human operators.

- Electrical hazards: In some industrial environments, faulty electrical installations can lead to electrocution.

In many cases, the optimum solution is to use automated technologies to minimize exposure to human risks. The use of drones not only avoids such exposure, but also provides valuable information in hard‑to‑reach areas. These devices can operate autonomously in confined spaces, carrying out spotting, measuring or leak detection missions without requiring the physical presence of a technician in these hazardous areas.

The role of the remote pilot in confined‑space inspection

Although drones make it possible to avoid the risks associated with human presence in hazardous areas, their effectiveness depends to a large extent on the skill of the remote pilot who controls them remotely. In complex environments such as confined spaces, the remote pilot plays a crucial role in ensuring mission success. His role is not limited to simply operating the aircraft, but also involves :

- Risk management: The telepilot must be able to assess the risks of a mission in real time, and modify the drone's trajectory if necessary.

- Data understanding: Modern drones, like Multinnov's Roview2 or Stereo2, are equipped with advanced sensors to detect invisible anomalies, such as gas leaks or cracks in structures. The telepilot needs to be trained to interpret this data and react appropriately.

- Navigation in complex spaces: One of the major challenges of inspection in confined environments is navigating the drone in narrow, poorly lit or cluttered spaces. A qualified telepilot is essential to prevent the drone from getting stuck or suffering damage in confined areas.

In short, the effectiveness of drones in inspection depends largely on the telepilot's ability to manage both the technology and the risks associated with the environment. This raises the question of the need for a certified and qualified telepilot to carry out these inspections.

Telepilot examination: an essential competence criterion?

The role of the remote pilot is central to the efficiency and safety of drone missions in confined environments. Telepilot examination and certification, as a criterion of competence, are therefore essential elements in guaranteeing the quality of inspections. A certified telepilot not only has the technical knowledge required to pilot a drone in extreme conditions, but is also trained in risk management and interpretation of the data collected.

The certification of a remote pilot ensures that he or she not only masters the use of drones, but also the regulations in force and the specificities of confined environments. This enables them to manage the risks inherent in inspections, and to make

decisions in real time to avoid incidents. A qualified remote pilot is therefore a guarantee of safety, both for the crew and for the integrity of the installations inspected.

In addition, the telepilot exam validates his or her skills in navigating in confined spaces. He must be able to pilot drones in restricted and dangerous areas, while complying with safety protocols, making him a key player in accident prevention and mission success.

Inspection in confined environments represents a major challenge for industries, due to the risks associated with difficult‑to‑access and potentially dangerous environments. The use of drones, such as Multinnov's Roview2 and Stereo2 solutions, overcomes these challenges, ensuring risk‑free interventions for operators. However, these technologies are only effective when used by qualified and certified telepilots. The telepilot's examination, as a criterion of competence, is therefore essential to guarantee the safety and success of inspection missions in confined environments. This process ensures that remote pilots have the necessary skills to master the specific technical challenges and risks of each environment, while offering safe and effective inspection solutions.