Frequently asked questions

Deutsche Drohnen Inspektion GmbH is an inspection specialist for wind turbines, headquartered in Dortmund. As a modern alternative to conventional rope access inspection, we deliver the same report quality, shorter downtime and simpler project workflows. Operating Europe-wide.

Two core services: LPS testing to IEC 61400-24 with DDI's proprietary high-voltage testing method, and visual blade inspection with high-resolution imagery. Both can be commissioned individually, as a full inspection or as an annual campaign.

Yes. Offshore deployments are carried out directly from the Transition Piece (TP) of the turbine. The operator steps onto the TP and launches the drone from there. All pilots are GWO-certified with all required offshore qualifications.

Yes, Europe-wide. We have already operated in many European countries and carry out the majority of our deployments abroad. The fixed price per turbine applies without country surcharges.

No. DDI is a pure inspection specialist. This is not a limitation. It is positioning: neutrality and focus.

Our benchmark is not other drone companies but conventional rope access inspection: report quality, cost, downtime and simplicity of project workflows. It must be as straightforward to commission DDI as to organise the inspection you have been using so far.

A specialised inspection drone positions itself at the rotor blade tip, places a measurement probe at all receptors and blade tips and measures the down-conductor resistance along the entire path. The 4-pole measurement comes as standard on the Voliro T and is supplemented by DDI's proprietary high-voltage testing method, which makes all turbine types testable.

International standard: IEC 61400-24. German standard: DIN EN 61400. Supplemented by the BWE guideline for periodic inspection.

Drone-based measurement captures the entire down-conductor path from all receptors and blade tips. The drone operator controls the turbine from the tower base. No service technician, no rope access team required. Approx. 30 minutes downtime instead of several hours. Fixed price per turbine.

DDI produces the LPS inspection reports in-house. Standards-compliant measurement protocols with recommended actions.

The Voliro T comes with 4-pole measurement as standard. DDI supplements it with a proprietary high-voltage testing method that makes all turbine types testable, including those that cannot be tested with conventional methods.

The conventional base-point measurement measures the resistance between a blade injection point and the tower earthing. It reliably captures the lower half of the down-conductor path, but can miss interruptions in the upper blade section. The 4-pole measurement at the receptor with the Voliro T docks directly at the blade tip and captures the entire down-conductor path from the receptor to earth. Details on the methodology.

For periodic lightning protection inspection to IEC 61400-24, drone-based measurement is a fully-fledged alternative to rope access. It captures the entire down-conductor path, detects interruptions in the upper blade section and delivers a complete resistance profile per receptor. For specific repair and detailed laminate inspections, rope access remains necessary.

Four surfaces per blade (leading edge, trailing edge, suction side, pressure side), high-resolution with overlap at the edges. All images in original quality in the DDI Portal.

By defect classification by escalation scale from Class 1 (cosmetic) to Class 5 (urgent repair required). The inspection reports are produced by independent experts. Each finding receives a class, position, size and recommended action.

The visual inspection reports are produced by independent experts. DDI delivers the report as PDF plus all images in original quality in the DDI Portal.

Approx. 30 minutes downtime per turbine. This applies to LPS testing, visual inspection or both. The drone operator controls the turbine from the tower base; afterwards the turbine goes back online immediately.

After completion, the inspection reports are available in the DDI Portal, of the highest standard. Access is free of charge.

Flight operations are postponed at wind speeds above 12 m/s or in rain. No additional costs arise.

No. Our drone operators hold manufacturer-certified operator training from Nordex, Enercon, Vestas and other OEMs and control the turbine from the tower base.

The drone operator is reachable by phone; the status per turbine is updated in the DDI Portal.

Inspection reports are delivered as PDF. The associated original images are provided in high-resolution JPEG, including EXIF metadata (GPS coordinates, timestamps, camera parameters). All data is available and exportable via the DDI Portal.

DDI works on a fixed price per turbine. You receive the specific fixed price after a short campaign enquiry. No day rates, no rope access surcharges, no additional travel costs.

Offshore is quoted separately. The fixed price per turbine remains predictable offshore as well.

Yes. Framework agreements with multi-year price commitments are available.

Nothing. Included in the fixed price. Rescheduling is coordinated by the sales team.

Nothing. Access to the DDI Portal is free of charge for all clients.