Adding the procedures.

Welcome back. This week we will be going over the procedures. There are a few .docx file you must create and then upload to each section. Let’s go over each section and I’ll show you each of the documents you can upload to them.

First section is the Lost Link/Mission procedures: This is pre-typed for the inspire 1. If you have a different drone you must update and change the information

Lost Link Procedures/ Flight Termination Procedures

The <Responsible Agencies> Inspire 1 has two radio links, one with control of the aircraft and the second with control of the camera. The aircraft control can override the camera control at any time to facilitate safe flight. If RC is lost the aircraft will continue to fly its preprogramed mission and return to its takeoff position and land. Mission can be modified in flight at the ground control station. Mission will be discussed and reconnaissance will be performed to ensure the aircraft will perform properly.

The <agency> Inspire 1 has its mission loaded in to the aircraft prior to launch. Once the aircraft is launched it will fly the programmed profile to include returning to the launch site and auto landing without any input from the ground. The program can be modified in flight as long as there is connectivity with the aircraft through the radio Lightbridge communication link. If connectivity is lost and not re-established within 5 seconds and the pilot has not assumed control using the RC link, then the Aircraft will abort the mission, and return to, and auto-land at the home point. The aircraft will return in one of two ways. It can follow the path that it flew to get the point of a lost link if battery power permits it. If the battery does not have the power available to return the original path it will fly at 200ft AGL in a straight line back to the home point.

If the autopilot fails and/or aircraft departs its programed flight path, pilot will assume control of the aircraft utilizing RC controls and immediately land the aircraft in the safest location. Autopilot failure rate is not documented because the autopilot historically outlasts the airframe.

Loss of GPS signal in flight will send the aircraft in to a predetermined hold. The aircraft will level out and maintain its altitude via built in barometer and use its vision positioning system to ensure its landing gear is down during landing. Pilot will take control of the aircraft and control it back to the home point.

Loss of Communications between the Pilot in Command and Air Traffic Control

If required, the PIC will communicate with ATC through use of two way radio communications or a cellular phone based on the agreement between ATC and the PIC. In the event the PIC is unable to establish communications, the PIC will immediately land the UA until communications can be regained. In all cases, when during Loss of Communications there is concern for people or property in the air or on the ground the PIC will immediately land the aircraft.

The next document is for the Lost link procedures.

Lost Link Procedures/ Flight Termination Procedures

Loss of Communications between the Observer and the Pilot in Command

The PIC and Observer will be co-located during operations for this COA and communications will be through direct communication. However, if the observer and the PIC are not co-located where verbal communication is not possible, the following communication tools will be utilized….

-Hand held Fire radio

-Voice actuated headsets

-Cellular phone

-Hand Signals (may be used solely or in conjunction with the communication equipment)

If communication is lost and cannot be re-established the UA will immediately land.

The last section is:

Emergency Procedures

Personnel flying the UAS will first and foremost be trained that in any emergency situation, the safety of persons on the ground and in the air is number one. The following are emergency procedures and each will be documented with an emergency checklist for crew to review.

Fire: UAS will be flown away from people and property until a safe landing location can be found. A fire extinguisher and first aid kit will be located at the mission site.

Loss of Link: Onboard system will land aircraft automatically.

Line of Sight lost: In the event that both crew members lose sight of the aircraft the pilot will initiate a “return to launch” on the remote control. The “return to launch” protocol is identical to the Loss of Link protocol. The aircraft will climb to 100 feet AGL, turn the tail of the aircraft toward the take-off point and fly directly to the point of take-off at 100 feet AGL. Once visual contact with the aircraft is re-established the pilot will take-back the aircraft using the remote control.

Loss of Engine: During an engine failure UAS flight cannot be maintained and the DJI Inspire 1 will make an uncontrolled landing. An announcement will be made to all crew members of the loss of the flight of the aircraft and to watch for the landing site. One crew member will bring a fire extinguisher to the landing site in case of fire.

Unusual Attitude: Onboard stabilization gyro's will be allowed to level aircraft before control is resumed by ground control.

In the unlikely event of an emergency involving the aircraft and person on the ground, the flight crew (PIC and Observer) shall maintain a list of applicable numbers (EMS, Dispatch, ATC) for emergency contact. The flight crew will also be trained in CPR and first responder medical techniques.

If there is any question that the UAS is no longer flying its programmed mission, manual control of the aircraft will be assumed and return it to the landing zone if able and land it under RC control.

There may be minor problems that do not require emergency assumption of control. In these cases the PIC can direct an autopilot landing or manually land the aircraft.

Well I know this is a lot of information and we are always here to help you with this process. Email us and we are happy to help.

Next week we will cover avionics/equipment section and maybe a few more. Thanks for joining me this week this is Nate signing off, drink whisky, fly drones, shoot guns, (but not at the same time) and have fun in life. Semper FI

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