Drone First Glossary (A–Z)
You can find glossary terms relevant to Drone First’s drone-powered cleaning services here.
A
Aerial Cleaning
The use of drones to clean building exteriors, rooftops, windows, and other hard-to-reach surfaces.
B
Building Washing
Drone-enabled washing of building exteriors to remove grime, mould, and pollution. Ideal for urban and coastal environments.
C
Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA)
Australia’s national aviation regulator. CASA oversees licensing, safety, and compliance for drone operations, including RePL and ReOC certification.
Commercial Drone Cleaning
Drone-powered cleaning for commercial buildings, warehouses, and office complexes. Faster, safer, and more cost-effective than traditional methods.
D
Drone Pilot
A certified professional licensed to operate cleaning drones under CASA regulations for commercial use.
F
Facade Cleaning
Removing dirt, pollution, and debris from building exteriors using drone-mounted sprayers. Ideal for high-rise and glass surfaces.
G
Gutter Inspection
Drone-assisted checks to identify blockages or damage in gutters before or after cleaning, improving maintenance efficiency.
H
High-Access Cleaning
Cleaning hard-to-reach areas such as tall walls, signage, or architectural features without scaffolding or boom lifts.
High-Rise Cleaning
The use of drones to clean multistorey buildings, reducing risk and avoiding costly height-access equipment.
M
Mission Planning
Setting the drone’s cleaning path, altitude, and spray zones before flight to ensure safety and precision.
N
No-Contact Cleaning
A method where drones spray cleaning solution or water without physically touching the building. Ideal for delicate surfaces or cladding.
P
Payload
The cleaning equipment carried by the drone, such as spray tanks, nozzles, or brushes.
Property Maintenance Drone
A drone configured specifically for cleaning tasks like roof washing, window cleaning, and surface spraying.
R
Remote Operator Certificate (ReOC)
A licence issued by CASA to organisations like Drone First, allowing them to legally operate drones commercially in Australia.
Remote Pilot Licence (RePL)
A CASA-issued licence required for individuals to operate drones commercially in Australia. It involves training and certification.
Roof Cleaning
Using drones to remove leaves, moss, and debris from rooftops, reducing water damage risks.
Rotor Wash
The airflow generated by the drone’s propellers that can impact loose objects. Managed during cleaning to avoid disruption.
S
Safety Perimeter
A ground exclusion zone established around the cleaning area to ensure safety for staff and bystanders.
Solar Panel Cleaning
Drone-powered cleaning that removes dust and grime from solar panels to improve energy efficiency.
Static Signage Cleaning
Drone cleaning of fixed outdoor signs such as billboards or directional signage. Ideal for areas with difficult manual access.
Surface Treatment Drone
A drone that applies cleaning or protective solutions to exterior surfaces like render, metal, or cladding.
V
Variable Message Signage (VMS) Cleaning
Specialised drone cleaning for digital traffic signs and road displays, ensuring visibility and safe communication on roads.
Visual Line of Sight (VLOS)
Operating a drone within the pilot’s visible range, as required for most cleaning operations under CASA rules.
W
Window and Facade Cleaning
Cleaning of glass surfaces and building facades using drones. Perfect for high-rises, reducing the need for rope access or scaffolding.
Window Cleaning Drone
A drone designed to clean exterior windows on mid- and high-rise buildings safely and efficiently.
Wind Farm Cleaning
Drone-powered cleaning of wind turbine blades and towers. Removes dirt and residue to maintain performance and prevent long-term damage.