Mavic Drone Media Safety Notes
SAFETY PROCEDURE IN DRONE OPERATIONS
Pre-Flight Prior to flight the RP must:
- Verify that Flight Crew are adequately briefed, have completed all required checklists and that suitable cordons and safety equipment are in place
- Ensure that Flight Crew and relevant 3rd parties are specifically briefed on the commands that may be utilised during the operation, the meaning of those commands and actions required upon hearing those commands, if any
- Ensure landowners/land users permission has been granted for operations to commence
- Ensure 3rd parties are a safe distance away in accordance with the PfCO/OA.
- Ensure timings are in keeping with any clearances or NOTAMs issued. Most ATC units will require an update via telephone prior to launch.
- Conduct a final check to ensure that the SUAS is airworthy and safe to operate. This is to be conducted prior to and after each flight and is to be documented each time in the aircraft logbook.
Start This is defined as the moment the RP takes the SUAS to the TOLP for the purpose of starting a flight. Prior to engaging any power with the SUAS and equipment, a final check is to be made to ensure the TOLP and surrounding area are clear in accordance with the PfCO / Operational Authorisation.
The start sequence documented in the SUAS Operating Manual/FRCs will then be followed, paying particular attention to battery and Flight Controller Status indications. The observer(s) are to position themselves in a suitable location to assist the RP with the launch. The RP will give the command ‘Starting’ to alert Flight Crew members and 3rd parties that the rotors are about to start turning. All Flight Crew members are to make note of the start time at this point in case of failure of SUAS based Flight Logging.
Take-Off Where practical the RP/Crew are to stand at a safe distance behind the SUAS, with the take-off direction away from them. It is not a requirement to take off into wind, but it is recommended. It is desirable for all 3rd parties to be positioned behind the pilot at this stage and in all cases, a minimum of 30m away from the SUAS.
Immediately prior to launch, a final check is to be made to ensure that the TOLP is clear of obstructions or hazards including people/animals, at which point the RP will give the command ‘Taking Off’ to alert all Flight Crew members and 3rd parties. The RP is to ensure he has a clear path for the SUAS during this transition phase. Once the SUAS is in a safe hover position the RP will perform a brief flight check to ensure the aircraft is responsive to all relevant commands. At this stage if there is any doubt as to the integrity of the control of the SUAS then it is to be landed immediately. If the SUAS begins to drift, then a re-calibration of the compass and or IMU (if appropriate) should be conducted. If satisfied that the controls are working in the correct manner the RP will inform the Flight Crew, he is content to continue the task by calling ‘continuing’.
In-Flight The RP and Flight Crew are to remain alert for any other aircraft operations or unforeseen/unexpected hazards that could present a risk of Aerial Collision. All 3rd parties are to remain a minimum of 50m from the SUAS during this phase. All Flight Crew are to be aware of the initiation process for any fail-safe and the loss of control procedure in case of RP incapacitation and/or loss of control.
Landing Prior to commencement of the landing procedure, the Flight Crew are to ensure that any 3rd parties are moved to a minimum distance of 30m clear of the RP and the cordon area, ideally behind the RP. When conducting the landing procedure, the RP is to give the command ‘landing’. In the event of the RP losing control, the Flight Crew will initiate the fail-safe procedure as briefed by the RP. Shutdown The SUAS is still to be considered ‘live’ and remains a possible danger until the battery is disconnected and the transmitter is switched off.
The RP will power down the aircraft, making a note of the time and ensure it is safe prior to its removal from the landing area. The RP is to conduct a thorough check of the aircraft’s airworthiness at this point. All equipment is to be collected immediately after shutdown and stored appropriately to prevent loss due to distraction. The battery is to be removed, allowed to cool to ambient temperature and placed in to a ‘LiPo Safe’ bag, if possible, immediately after its inspection, if it is not to be charged on site for further use.
All relevant flight information is to be recorded in the flight and battery log. If operating within an ATZ or restricted airspace, then the Flight Crew are to ensure that the relevant authorities are contacted and informed that the SUAS is on the ground. The landowner should also be contacted upon cessation of the flying.
Some Emergency Examples:
Aircraft Fire in Flight
RP should shout ‘UAV FAIL’ then attempt to land As Soon As Possible in a safe area (ideally close to the RP but if required, in situ) then an attempt made to fight the fire if appropriate.
An attempt may be made to disconnect and isolate the power source from the Aircraft if safe to do so. The safety of 3rd parties and Flight Crew are always paramount, and personal safety must not be prejudiced to prevent further damage to the SUAS. If necessary, a nominated member of the Flight Crew is to ensure that all personnel are a safe distance away from the source of fire and the relevant Emergency Services contacted.
Public Incursion
Observers or any personnel involved with SUAS operations who see or spot an incursion by a member of the public or 3rd party are to warn the RP ASAP. The RP is to act as required to maintain a minimum separation of 50m from the member of public or 3rd party who has entered the operating area.
When it is safe to do so, a member of the flight crew will then approach the member of the public or 3rd party to remove them from operating area or to bring them under the control of the flight crew. The flight will re-commence only when safe to do so.
Low Battery Voltage/Power Loss in Flight
The control systems utilised in most SUAS means that a loss of battery power is likely to be either:
- Catastrophic (if a total power loss is experienced) or;
- Contained (e.g. if the battery voltage is allowed to drop too far the SUAS will enter automatic landing mode, landing at its current position or completing an auto RTH and Landing if applicable) or in the event of a battery cell failure, the SUAS may be controllable for a short time such that it may be safely returned to a safe location and landed without delay.
In any event of SUAS power loss, the RP is to declare ‘UAV FAIL’ to warn any persons in the operating area and either land the SUAS immediately or return to the TOLP and land without delay if possible. Operator Incapacitation A nominated person (either Flight Crew or Client) must be briefed on how to set the RTH Failsafe in the event of the RP being unable to continue the flight.
With a GPS lock of 6 satellites or more the SUAS will automatically RTH and land itself at the recorded TOLP (or dynamic home point if equipped). With less than 6 GPS Satellites locked, the SUAS will automatically land in situ. The person who triggered the SUAS to RTH is to ensure sure the TOLP is clear of people/animals while the SUAS is completing RTH and auto landing. In this event, the person triggering the RTH is to declare ‘UAV Return to Home FAILSAFE.’
Bird Incursion
Should the UAS be hit by a bird in flight the RP will shout ‘Bird! UAV Fail’ at that point the aircraft will fall to the ground, you should be aware of the drone falling and clear its path. Never approach the fallen SUAS, the flight crew will deal with the emergency.
Control Brief:
***Read out loud to the flight crew and clients if any. ‘Today we are flying a drone which could potentially be dangerous. Please do not approach the aircraft during take-off or landing. While the aircraft is in the air, please always be aware of it. If you hear me shout ‘UAV FAIL’ at any time, please find the aircraft in the sky and avoid it, as it might be deviating from its planned flight route and I might not have control of it.’
Pilot Incapacitation:
‘In the event of me becoming unwell during the flight, press and hold this button. The controller will beep and the aircraft will return to the landing/take-off point. Keep this area clear until the aircraft lands and then deal with any medical emergency(ies).’