Methods and systems for inspecting aircraft fuselage frames

A method for inspecting an aircraft comprising:

• moving a detector along the aircraft;
• operating the detector to inspect the aircraft;
• coupling a collision avoidance system to the detector, the collision avoidance system comprising at least one protection device, wherein said coupling comprises coupling the protection device to the detector to prevent contact between the detector and the aircraft, and wherein the protection device comprises at least one of an air-filled bladder sensor, a balloon, and an airbag system;
• monitoring the collision avoidance system during said operation of the detector;
• and
• controlling said movement of the detector with the collision avoidance system.

An apparatus for inspecting an aircraft fuselage comprising:

• a movable detector;
• a collision avoidance system in electrical communication with said movable detector to control movement of said movable detector;
• and
• at least one proximity sensor coupled to said movable detector,
• wherein said proximity sensor is coupled to said collision avoidance system such that said collision avoidance system receives a signal from said proximity sensor during operation of said moveable detector,
• wherein said proximity sensor generates an imminent collision signal and transmits the signal to said collision avoidance system, and
• wherein said collision avoidance system controls the movement of said moveable detector based on the signal received from said proximity sensor, including moving said movable detector away from the aircraft fuselage in response to the imminent collision signal.

An inspection system for inspecting an aircraft comprising:

• a moveable detector;
• at least one proximity sensor coupled to said moveable detector;
• and
• a collision avoidance system coupled to said moveable detector and said at least one proximity sensor for controlling said moveable detector during the inspection of the aircraft in response to a signal from said proximity sensor,
• wherein said proximity sensor generates an imminent collision signal and transmits the signal to said collision avoidance system, and wherein said collision avoidance system moves said movable detector away from the aircraft in response to the imminent collision signal.