Using the Tent to Perform Indoor-Considered Operations
Why Use a Tent for Outdoor-to-Indoor Transitions?
With the increasing adoption of the Elios 3 in a wide variety of use cases, some operators are facing new regulatory challenges especially in the European Union. The A3 subcategory of the Open Category requires operations take place at least 150 meters away from residential, commercial, industrial, or recreational areas. As a result, some missions that start inside such zones—like entering a sewer, a storage tank, or a tunnel—may fall under the Specific category, requiring authorization from a National Aviation Authority.
This can be the case even if the actual inspection is entirely performed in an indoor or enclosed environment, where drone regulations do not apply. Flying a drone outside even for a few seconds to reach the indoor space can trigger regulatory limitations.
To address this, Flyability has developed a practical workaround: enclosing the transition area with a specially designed mesh tent. By physically enclosing the drone from take-off to entry, the operation is considered indoor, and can therefore remain outside the scope of drone regulations (we still recommend you check if this method is accepted by your local regulatory authority).
Product Overview
To support our customers in staying compliant while maintaining operational efficiency, we have selected and validated a dedicated tent structure that enables safe and regulation-compliant entry into indoor spaces from outdoor starting points.
Key Features:
Dimensions: 160 cm x 160 cm base, 180 cm height (approx. 63 in x 63 in base, 71 in height).
Weight: Approx. 3.5 kg (approx. 7.7 lbs).
Structure: Lightweight and foldable, easy to deploy and transport.
Material: Mesh walls that allow LiDAR signals to pass through, ensuring georeferencing targets remain visible.
Access: Two wide openings to facilitate safe entry and exit of the drone.
Vertical Use Option: Mount vertically with magnets for storage tanks and vertical manholes on metallic structures.
Reflective Safety Bands: Increase visibility.
Reinforced Floor: Designed to handle frequent use on the ground.
Ballast Attachment Points: Equipped with buckles for securing ballast weights when needed in windy or unstable environments.
Transport bag diameter: 75 cm (30 in)
This tent has been tested in real-world conditions to ensure its compatibility with Elios 3 drones and to provide a robust solution for constrained entry points.
Setup Instructions: Folding and Deployment
We recommend familiarizing yourself with the deployment and folding procedure before first use. Below are resources to guide you:
If you have further questions about using the tent or whether your operation qualifies as indoor, please contact the Flyability support team or your local compliance authority.
Learn more about regulatory support here: https://www.flyability.com/training/regulatory-support
Last updated
Was this helpful?