Perform ISO 18644 2016 Inspection using eAuditor
Performing an ISO 18644 2016 Inspection using eAuditor ensures a structured and standards-based evaluation of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS / drones), their operational environment, and supporting processes to confirm compliance with the international requirements defined in ISO 18644 2016. ISO 18644 2016 focuses on operational procedures, safety controls, risk management, airworthiness support, personnel competence, and system documentation for safe and reliable drone operations. Using eAuditor enables digital inspections, consistent checklist execution, evidence capture, and controlled corrective action management.
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Definition and Purpose of ISO 18644 2016 Inspection
An ISO 18644 2016 Inspection is a formal compliance assessment used to verify that an organization’s unmanned aircraft operations, systems, and supporting processes meet the requirements of ISO 18644 for safe, controlled, and standardized drone usage.
Conducting an ISO 18644 2016 Inspection using eAuditor helps aviation operators, service providers, and regulators:
- Validate operational safety and regulatory alignment
- Standardize drone operation procedures
- Reduce flight and system risks
- Demonstrate international compliance
- Maintain auditable digital records
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Scope of ISO 18644 2016 Inspection using eAuditor
An ISO 18644 2016 Inspection typically covers:
- UAS system design and configuration
- Operational procedures and flight planning
- Risk assessment and hazard controls
- Personnel training and competency
- Maintenance and airworthiness support
- Data handling and documentation systems
- Emergency and incident response procedures
Using eAuditor ensures inspections are repeatable, traceable, and aligned with clause-based ISO requirements.
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Pre-Inspection Setup in eAuditor
3.1 Digital Checklist Configuration
Create an ISO 18644 2016 Inspection checklist in eAuditor including:
- Organization and site details
- UAS model and serial numbers
- Operation type (commercial, survey, inspection, mapping, etc.)
- Inspection date and auditor details
- Applicable ISO 18644 clauses
Checklist features should include:
- Yes / No / Not Applicable responses
- Mandatory comments for non-conformities
- Photo and document evidence upload
- Risk classification fields
- Corrective action assignment and deadlines
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UAS System and Equipment Compliance
During the ISO 18644 2016 Inspection using eAuditor, assess:
- Airframe condition and structural integrity
- Propulsion and power systems
- Navigation and communication modules
- Fail-safe and redundancy mechanisms
- Payload integration and secure mounting
- Firmware and software version control
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Operational Procedures and Flight Planning
The inspection should verify:
- Documented standard operating procedures (SOPs)
- Pre-flight and post-flight inspection processes
- Mission planning and airspace assessment
- Weather and environmental risk evaluation
- Operational limitations are clearly defined
- Authorization and flight approval records
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Risk Management and Safety Controls
An ISO 18644 2016 Inspection includes validation of:
- Formal risk assessment methodology
- Hazard identification procedures
- Risk mitigation measures
- Safety performance indicators
- Operational safety reporting mechanisms
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Personnel Competency and Training
Review and confirm:
- Pilot certification and licensing
- Initial and recurrent training programs
- Medical fitness where applicable
- Crew roles and responsibilities
- Training records and competency evaluations
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Maintenance and Airworthiness Support
As part of the ISO 18644 2016 Inspection using eAuditor, verify:
- Preventive maintenance schedules
- Component replacement records
- Calibration documentation
- Fault reporting and rectification tracking
- Spare parts management
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Data Management and Documentation
Ensure:
- Secure storage of flight logs
- Data integrity and confidentiality controls
- Version control of manuals and procedures
- Regulatory reporting documentation
- Incident and anomaly reports
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Emergency and Incident Response Readiness
The inspection should confirm:
- Emergency response procedures documented
- Loss-of-control and fly-away handling plans
- Crash recovery processes
- Communication protocols
- Incident investigation framework
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Non-Conformity Management and Corrective Actions
11.1 Classification of Findings
Findings from the ISO 18644 2016 Inspection should be categorized as:
- Critical – immediate operational safety risk
- Major – significant non-compliance
- Minor – improvement opportunity
11.2 Corrective Action Tracking in eAuditor
- Record findings with evidence
- Assign corrective actions to the responsible personnel
- Set deadlines and priority levels
- Track completion and verification digitally
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Reporting and Continuous Compliance Improvement
12.1 Digital Reporting
Generate inspection reports, including:
- Clause-by-clause compliance status
- Risk summary
- Corrective action register
- Certification readiness overview
12.2 Continuous Improvement
- Analyze trends from repeated inspections
- Update SOPs and training programs
- Strengthen system reliability and safety culture
- Improve regulatory and certification readiness
Final Summary
Conducting an ISO 18644 2016 Inspection using eAuditor provides a robust and standardized method for evaluating unmanned aircraft systems, operational safety, personnel competence, and compliance readiness. Digital inspections improve traceability, reduce audit preparation time, strengthen risk control, and support continuous improvement in professional drone operations.