RPFlightSystems, Inc. / RPSearch Services, Inc. Flight Safety Operations Procedures

1 4/30/2015 

# Field Safety Operations & Procedures

Copyright © RPFlightSystems, Inc. 2007

Published 04/10/2007

Revised 04/30/2015

Revision 3.17

RPFlightSystems, Inc. P.O. Box 470, Wimberley, TX 78676RPFlightSystems, Inc. / RPSearch Services, Inc. Flight Safety Operations Procedures

2 4/30/2015 Flight & Incident Procedures for Spectra UA’s and Inspire 1 UA’s in search & rescue and

disaster assistance.

I. Personnel qualifications a. Pilot in Command (PIC) b. Pilot at controls (PAC) c. Ground System Crew

d. Observers

II Airframes a. Configuration

b. Construction c. Propulsion d. Hazard mitigation

III Flight Operations and Mission Profiles a. Search and Rescue/Recovery b. Disaster Mitigation Support

IV. Launch and Landing Zones

a. Launch Site Selection b. Landing Site & Alternate Landing Sites c. Safety & Crowd control

V. Preflight Checklist a. Primary Responsibility b. Airframe Preflight/Inspection c. Control system/ground station d. Post Flight

VI. In Flight Operations a. Flight Clearance & Authorization

b. Ground Crew & Observer Communications

VII. NIMS & IC Interface a. ICS accountability

b. ICS communications

c. Permissions

VIII. Field Maintenance and Repairs a. Logbooks b. Field Repairs

IX. Clearing the Scene a. Personnel accountability

b. Environmental considerationsRPFlightSystems, Inc. / RPSearch Services, Inc. Flight Safety Operations Procedures

3 4/30/2015 X. Media Interface

a. Incident Public Information Officer

b. Internal media interfaceRPFlightSystems, Inc. / RPSearch Services, Inc. Flight Safety Operations Procedures

4 4/30/2015 Introduction

It is the intent of RPFlightSy stems, Inc. to provide techno logical support in the form of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) to communities and responding agencies that do not currently have the capability, nor foresee obtaining it in th e near future. RPSearch Services is a subsidiary of RPFlightSyst ems Inc. and is a non-profit (IRS 501(c)3) organization. This document shall provide best practices and internal procedures for the safe operation of its UAS’s in all environmen ts it may be asked to participate in.



### Section I : Personnel qualifications

Pilot in Command (PIC)

The PIC shall be the individual with respons ibility for all other personnel involved with the operation. For clarification, this section will include both the Pilot in Command and the Pilot at the Controls although they may both be the same person in most circumstances. The PIC shall have the minimum qualifications:

1. Knowledge of general aviation practices and FARs

2. When operating under an FAA exemption, holds either a sport pilot, recreational pilot, or private pilo t certificate issued by the FAA.

3. Successful completion of a trai ning program consisting of :

a. 8 hours of classroom training on systems and mission planning

b. 4 hours of field maintenance, repair, and setup

c. 4 hours of in flight training on aircraft of type (Spectra or Inspire 1).

d. Successful demonstration of 3 take offs and landings in aircraft of type (Spectra or Inspire 1)

4. Familiar with aviation communications protocols for control and reporting 3. National Incident Management System Certification 100, 300, & 700 level

4. 20/20 corrected vision 5. Familiarity and operations of Spectra aircraft to include; a. At least three events utilizing UA

b. At least three take offs and r ecoveries within 90 days with type

c. Familiar with the latest revision of ground control software d. Emergency recovery proce dures in failed link situations 6. Familiar with the qua lification requirements of all subordinate personnel 7. Familiar with communications pr otocols in an NIMS/ICS environment 8. Familiar with mission pla nning and preflight procedures 9. Versed in emergency proce dures and contingency operations 10. Familiar with acceptable field repair and maintenance procedures

Pilot at controls (PAC)

1. Knowledge of general av iation practices and FARsRPFlightSystems, Inc. / RPSearch Services, Inc. Flight Safety Operations Procedures

5 4/30/2015 2. When operating under an FAA exem ption, holds either a sport pilot, recreational pilot, or private pilo t certificate issued by the FAA. 2. Knowledge of aviation communications protocols for control and reporting 3. National Incident Management System Certification 100, 300, & 700 level

4. 20/20 corrected vision 5. Familiarity and operations of Spectra or Inspire 1 UA to include: a. At least three events utilizing UA

b. At least three take offs and r ecoveries within 90 days with type

c. Familiar with the latest revision of ground control software d. Emergency recovery proce dures in failed link situations 6. Familiar with mission pla nning and preflight procedures 7. Versed in emergency proce dures and contingency operations 8. Familiar with acceptable field repair and maintenance procedures

Ground System Crew

1. National Incident Management System Certification 100, 300, & 700 level

2. 20/20 corrected vision 4. Familiarity and operations of Spectra and Inspire 1 UA to include;

a. Familiar with the construc tion and configuration of each UA

b. Familiar with GCU/MCU electronics and configuration c. Familiar with field repair procedures for each UA

d. Familiar with the latest revision of ground control software

Observers

1. National Incident Management System Certification 100, 300, & 700 level

2. 20/20 corrected vision 3. Familiar with emergency recovery procedures in failed link situations



### Section II : Airframes

The Spectra airframe is based upon a proven de sign that has been developed over the last 10 years by RPFlight Systems, Inc. The mate rials incorporated are new and electronics are off the shelf components that are new a nd of well known manufact ure. The aircraft are designated for visual line of sight opera tion (VLOS) and are equipped with flight control systems for waypoint navigation and telemetry and built in failsafe modes in the standard configuration utilized.

The DJI Inspire 1 is a state-of-the-art light weight quad-rotor-craf t design equipped with sophisticated flight modes and failsafe procedures.

As configured, the aircrafts operational area would extend no more than 1⁄2 to 3/4 of a mile laterally from the pilot at the controls or the observer furthest away from the PIC. Each aircraft of type is flight tested in an isolated area to ensure airframe structure andRPFlightSystems, Inc. / RPSearch Services, Inc. Flight Safety Operations Procedures

6 4/30/2015 propulsion capability are suffici ent for the intended payload, operating environment, and maneuvers required before it will fly any mission stated herein.

Configuration 1

Spectra Aircraft Type : Spectra AP flying wing Manufacturer : RPFlightSystems, Inc.

Construction : EPS foam/ABS/composite Aircraft Empty Weight : 3.3 lbs. Aircraft RTF AUW : 4.5 – 5.5 lbs. Propulsion : Electric sing le propellorr

Power : 5.4AH lithium polymer flight batteries

Onboard electronics : Manual control system RX, flight control system Optics : (1) still imager, up to (2) video video, 2.4/5.8Ghz. Launch Type : Hand launch Landing Type : Skid, net retrieval Launch Speed : 15 mph Cruise Speed : 25-34 mph (@ 75% power) Cruise Speed : 25 mph (@ 50% power) Landing Speed : 12 mph

Stall : 12 – 18mph (depending upon wing loading)

VNE : 75 mph

Duration : 1 hour (5.4Ah battery, 50% power)

Construction

As noted, UA are constructed of foam (Expa nded PolyStyrene) wings with internal bracing. Center section may include carbon fibe r skeleton and outer skin of vacuformed

ABS.

Propulsion

Aircraft utilize brushless, three phase, AC motors. They require a switching electronic speed control to provid e throttle management.

Hazard mitigation

The Spectra is designed to collect imagery utilizing a lightweight and relatively slow airframe. This reduces the potential for inju ry by reducing the mass that can be delivered

in a small area. These UAS are considered “f rangible” in that they will come apart on impact without concentrating force in any v ector. They do not use internal combustion motors and do not carry any fl ammable liquids for operation. The aircraft utilizes a

redundant communications fail safe so that that if either the command over-ride link or the telemetry fails, the UAS will abort the mission and return to the launch area.RPFlightSystems, Inc. / RPSearch Services, Inc. Flight Safety Operations Procedures

7 4/30/2015 Configuration 2

DJI Inspire 1 Aircraft Type : Multi-rotor, Inspire 1 Manufacturer : DJI

Construction : Carbon fiber, plastic, aluminum Aircraft Empty Weight : 3.3 lbs. Aircraft RTF AUW : 4.5 – 5.5 lbs. Propulsion : Electric – four two blade propellers

Power : 5.4AH lithium polymer flight batteries

Onboard electronics : Manual control system RX, flight control system Optics : (1) still imager, up to (1) video video, 2.4/5.8Ghz Lightbridge. Launch Type : VTOL Landing Type : VTOL Launch Speed : 15 mph vertical Speed Evelope : 15-35 mph Cruise Speed : 0-25 mph Landing Speed : 0 mph

Stall : N/A

VNE : N/A

Duration : 15 minutes (typical)

Construction

As noted, UA are constructed of carbon fiber rods with internal bracing. Center section may include carbon fiber skeleton and out er skin of vacuformed ABS.

Propulsion

Aircraft utilize (4) four brushless, three phase, AC motors. They require a switching electronic speed control to pr ovide throttle management.

Hazard mitigation

The Inspire 1 is designed to collect its imag ery utilizing VTOL capabilities where a fixed wing airplane would have difficulties in eith er take off or landing. The Inspire 1 is equipped with a return to launch area (RTH) f eature. The Inspire 1 does not use internal combustion motors for propulsion and does not carry any flammable liquids for operation. Risk is further mitigated by the In spire 1's ability to stay aloft while moving slowly, or to hover in place, unlike a fixed-wing UA which mu st continue lateral motion during flight.



### Section III : Flight Operations and Mission Profiles

RPFlightSystems, Inc. recognizes that each mission has its’ own unique circumstances that may affect the operation of the UA, safety factors, and personnel involved.RPFlightSystems, Inc. / RPSearch Services, Inc. Flight Safety Operations Procedures

8 4/30/2015 Search and Rescue/Recovery

Search and Rescue operations range from sm all singly controlled units to multi agency units requiring coordination and close disse mination of information. The PIC will consider the following factors before authoriz ing any launch of either UA for the purpose of Search and Rescue;

1. Weather

When possible, the PIC shall contact the closest flight service station for weather in the immediate area of operati ons. In lieu of that source, the local source of weather may be utilized th rough the internet, or may be observed on

site. The PIC shall have final determinat ion of risk due to weather and authority over launch of any aircraft

2. Hazards to the public

The PIC shall make every effort to ensure that flight operations will not pose any undue risk to the public not directly involved with the effort. The PIC shall have final determination of risk to the public and authority over launch of any aircraft

3. Hazards to property

The PIC shall make every effort to ensure that flight operations will not pose any undue risk to any property in th e area involved with the effort . The PIC shall have final determination of risk to the property a nd authority over launch of any aircraft

4. Hazards to personnel

The PIC shall make every effort to ensure that flight operations will not pose any undue risk to the personnel directly involved with the effort. The PIC shall have final determination of risk to the public and authority over launch of any aircraft

5. Proximity to controlled airspace

The PIC shall ensure that all operations take place at least five (5) nautical miles from any airport having an operational cont rol tower and within Class G airspace, absent express ATC authorization for other operational airspace locations. Operations inside controlled airspace sh all be performed with permission of, and in communication with, the controlling aut hority of the airspace. The PIC shall have final authority over launch afte r clearance has been granted by the controlling authority. The c ontrolling authority maintains the right to abort any flight operation regardless of th e stage that operation is in.

Disaster Recovery SupportRPFlightSystems, Inc. / RPSearch Services, Inc. Flight Safety Operations Procedures

9 4/30/2015 Search and rescue in the context of disa ster recovery support operations shall be controlled by a NIMS Incident Command Syst em. The PIC shall re port to the Incident

Commander with a list of all resources that can be made available for the situation. Regardless of authority, the PIC has final auth ority for all launches of unmanned aircraft

under his/her control.



### Section IV : Launch and Landing Zones

Launch Site Selection

Launch site selection shall be driven by safety first and foremost. Selection of launch sites will be considered based upon :

1. Ability to maintain adequate buffe r zones between aircraft and personnel

RPFS personnel shall maintain a buffer of at least 50 feet between aircraft operations and all non-essent ial personnel. Observer s shall act as safety supervisors while not performing the duty of in flight observer. Emergency management personnel, law enforcement, or other PIC designees may augment with proper on site instru ction for crowd control.

2. Communications with the re questors and their personnel

RPFS personnel shall maintain communicati ons with any author ity requesting the flight operation. The communications may be made verbally if within proximity, via cell phone, or by tactical radio as required. The requesting authority shall provide final permission over all launches . If the requesti ng authority grants independent flight operations, the PIC sha ll have full authority of all launches.

3. Environmental Assessment

No launches shall occur until all environmenta l assessments have considered. Personnel have final authority to abor t any launch based upon hazard to the environment, themselves, or other personnel in the area.

4. Departure over spar sely populated corridors

The PIC shall make every effort to select a launch site that minimizes departures over populated areas. If fli ghts over populated areas must take place the PIC shall plan each flight to minimize the time of areas of concern.



### Landing site & Alternate landing sites

1. Primary Landing siteRPFlightSystems, Inc. / RPSearch Services, Inc. Flight Safety Operations Procedures

10 4/30/2015 Typically the primary landi ng shall be the same as th e launch site. The PIC has final authority for any approaches to the primary site and may wave off any approach deemed unsafe.

2. Alternate landing sites

The PIC shall designate at least one alte rnate landing site. In the event that a wave off is not possible and the pr imary landing site is deemed unsafe, procedures to utilize the s econdary site will be invoked.

3. Mission Abort Sites

The PIC may optionally designate an “abort site” whereby the aircraft may be “dumped” in an emergency situation. The abort site shall be so far removed as to provide absolute minimal risk should th e aircraft be required to vacate airspace in an emergency.

4. Approaches over populated areas.

The PIC shall make every effort to select a landing site that minimizes approaches over populated areas.

5. Landing Safety & Crowd control

All landing sites shall be maintained a nd operated as the launch sites. personnel shall maintain a buffer of at least 50 feet between aircraft operations and all non-esse ntial personnel. Observers shall act as safety supervisors while not performing the dut y of in flight observer. Emergency management personnel, law enforcement, or other PIC designees may augment with proper on site instru ction for crowd control.



### Section V : Preflight, Takeoff, and Post flight Checklists

Primary Responsibility

Preflight activities are comple ted and verified by the PIC before takeoff, generally upon arrival at the location and the operation is to be performed. Activities in this segment refer to all knowledge gathering, area assessmen t, and actions performed on the aircraft before taxi or takeoff. These include insp ection of aircraft, asse ssment of the operating location, coordination with other crew member s involved in the operation, and equipment

checkouts.

Mission Plan

The mission plan shall contain all actions and contingencies for the mission planned. Any limiting factors in the flight envir onment may alter the intended operation andRPFlightSystems, Inc. / RPSearch Services, Inc. Flight Safety Operations Procedures

11 4/30/2015 modify the mission plan accordingly. Continge ncy planning should include safe routes in the event of a system failure, degraded perfor mance, or lost communication link, if such a failsafe exists. Additional plans should be established for all flight and ground crew

should the need arise to evacuate any situation.

Airframe Inspection/Preflight

Each air frame has its own unique set of pr e-flight inspection requirements. RPFS/RPSS personnel shall follow the recommended manu facturer’s inspecti on, but as a minimum the airframe shall be given a thorough inspec tion thru the use of a checklist. The content

of the checklist will be as follows:

1. Before the first flight of the day, verify all transmitter, on-board aircraft, and camera batteries are fully charged. 2. Check all control surfaces for signs of damage, loose hinges, and overall

condition. 3. Check the control linkages are secure d and the condition of the control horns

and brackets. 4. Check the wing to make sure it is in good structural condition and properly secured and aligned to the airframe. 5. Check the motor/engine and mounting syst em to make sure it is firmly attached

to the airframe. 6. Check the propeller or rotor blades for chips, cracks, looseness and any

deformation. 7. Check the landing gear (if applicable) for damage, for secure attachment, and the wheels are in good shape and rotate freely. 8. Check that the servos are firmly att ached to the airframe and all receiver

connections are secure. 9. Check all electrical connections making sure they are plugged in and secured to

the airframe. 10. Check that the photography equipmen t and mounting system are secure and operational.

11. Perform an overall visual check of the aircraft prior to arming any power

systems. 12. Repair or replace any part found to be un-airworthy in the pre-flight prior to

take-off.

Flight Control/Ground station

1. If necessary check for frequency conf licts by use of frequency scanner before turning on transmitter. 2. Make sure that all of your body pa rts, clothing, other obstructions, and bystanders are well away from any propelle r or rotor and its arc before turning power on to any systems. Make sure the airc raft is secure and will not move if the motor was suddenly powered up.RPFlightSystems, Inc. / RPSearch Services, Inc. Flight Safety Operations Procedures

12 4/30/2015 3. Announce out loud - "CLEAR PROP". 4. Turn on the transmitter. If it displays information such as aircraft memory and battery voltage, be sure th ese numbers are correct.

5. Make sure that the throttle stick on th e transmitter is in the power off position. 6. Connect the battery and/or turn on the power switch to the aircraft. 7. Follow the recommended range test procedures as outlined in your radio

transmitter/receiver owner's manual. 8. Check for proper operation of control surfaces. 9. Check that all servos are steady and not chattering or making any other abnormal noise when in operation or idle. 10.Check the motor/engine for proper ope ration. Firmly secure the aircraft and gradually increase the throttle to full power and back down to idle - checking for lack of thrust, vibration or other possib le anomalies. Check that the motor stops completely when the throttle stick is at the off position. 11. Ensure the triggering device is working correctly.

Before Take Off:

1. Confirm transmitter antenna is fully extended if applicable.

2. Confirm transmitter trims settings in proper position.

3. Confirm receiver antenna is fully extended if applicable.

4. Check that the take off area is clear of obstructions and people.

5. Double check weather conditions and review potential emergency landing

areas. 6. Set flight timer alarm.

7. Announce out loud - "PREPARING TO TAKE OFF".

8. Launch aircraft.

In-Flight:

1. Climb to a safe altitude away from pot ential hazards and check control systems. Reset trims if necessary. 2. Keep UAS at a safe operating distance from people and buildings.

3. Keep UAS to a maximum altitude of 400 feet above ground level.

4. If aircraft must be flow n over buildings or people, maintain a safe altitude for recovery & make every effort to minimize exposure. 5. Continually scan the flight a nd ground areas for potential hazards

6. Prepare hand off of manual control to ground control station by announcing

“STANDBY FOR FLIGHT PLAN INITIATION”

7. PAC should acknowledge with “STANDING BY”

8. When ready the PIC shall announce “FLIGHT PLAN INTIATED” and release

manual command.RPFlightSystems, Inc. / RPSearch Services, Inc. Flight Safety Operations Procedures

13 4/30/2015 9. PAC shall announce “FLIGHT PLAN MODE CONFIRMED”

Landing:

1. Check the control systems and set the trims that if necessary an emergency abort landing can be made. 2. Scan landing area for potential ob struction hazards and recheck weather

conditions.

3. Announce out loud - "PREPARING TO LAND". 4. Always be prepared to go around. 5. Carefully land the aircraft away from obstructions and people.

Post-Flight:

1. Turn the power off to the aircraft and/or disconnect the batteries.

2. Turn off the transmitter. 3. Turn the power off to the sensor equipment. 4. Visually check aircraft for signs of damage and/or excessive wear. 5. Remove the flight pack and stage for recharge.

6. Secure the aircraft.



### Section VI : In-flight Operations Communications

Flight Clearance & Authorization

PIC and aircrew shall have access to FAA c ontrolling entity (TRACON, FSDO, or local tower) via either handheld aviation radio, loca l agency radio, by cell phone or face to face in prior authorization when re quired. Operations in Class G airspace and in sparsely populated areas generally do not require dire ct communication unless within five (5) nautical miles (or less) of an airport with a control tower.

In the event that personnel ar e given the task of independently performing missions, or the absence of a formal Incident Command, the PI C shall have full authority for all flight operations. The PIC will be solely responsible for the conduct of the ground crew and observers before, during and afte r the flight while on duty. The PIC shall also ensure that all standards of safe flight are met befo re authorizing launch of any aircraft.

Ground Crew & Observer Communications

Ground crew and observer communications and “ch atter” shall be kept to a minimum and

shall focus on the mission at hand. Communicat ions not directly affecting the outcome

of the mission should be avoided so as to not distract the PAC from his/her assigned duties. The use of two radios with a VOX cap ability will be utilized when possible. Cell phone communication may be utilized when it is reliably available but radios will be on standby for backup. Aircrew not requiring the use of cell phones will place their devices

on silent or vibrate mode during actual flight.RPFlightSystems, Inc. / RPSearch Services, Inc. Flight Safety Operations Procedures

14 4/30/2015 Sterile Cockpit

The area immediately around th e flight command center and the Ground Control Station shall be kept clear of all non-essential personnel. If the use of mobile command unit (MCU) is available, the area occupied by th e flight crew shall be identified and segregated from any other operations or personnel, communications, or any other operations that could become a di straction to the flight crew.RPFlightSystems, Inc. / RPSearch Services, Inc. Flight Safety Operations Procedures

15 4/30/2015 

### Section VII : NIMS & IC Interface

ICS accountability

If an Incident Command stru cture is implemented on any mission involving personnel, the PIC shall report directly to the situation Incident Commander with a full disclosure of

assets available. The PIC shall defer aut hority for flight clearance to the Incident Commander unless a safety situation that th e Incident Commander may not be aware of arises. In that case, the PIC must halt flig ht operations and report immediately to the IC for further instructions. Regardless of au thority, no UA shall impinge, interfere, or hinder any full size aircraft entering into proxi mity of the operation. In an incident of large scale, a temporary flight restric tion (TFR) may be imposed by the FAA and controlled by the Incident Comm and. PIC shall ensure all operations are confined to the

limits and restrictions of the TFR.

ICS communications

All communications in a IC structure shall be the proscr ibed method of the incident which may two way radio, cell phone, or face to face. Regardless of method, communication between the PIC, ground crews, and incident command shall be conducted in plain English. All personnel s hould reduce the amount of codes and jargon to an absolute minimum to ensure clarity of information transmitted. Flight personnel shall not disclose any information to partie s outside the responding agency concerning the mission or the payload unless it has been approved by the ICS Public Information Officer (PIO)

Permissions

In order of hierarchy, flight authoriz ations will come from the following:

1. Area Command – in a multi-agency oriented incident

2. Situation Incident Command – in a local incident a. Incident command may designate an “Air Boss” 3. Pilot in Command – in an independent operation.

Field Maintenance and Repairs and Logbooks

Field Repairs

After recovery of the aircraft, if an insp ection should reveal any damage, the PIC may authorize the field repair of the aircraft. Fi eld repairs can consist of two types, critical

and non-critical.

1. Non-critical repairs are repairs made to the airframe or co mponents that are not critical to the flight co ntrol or function of the airc raft in its assigned mission.RPFlightSystems, Inc. / RPSearch Services, Inc. Flight Safety Operations Procedures

16 4/30/2015 Repairs of this nature are patches to covering, replacing fairi ngs or cowlings, or repairs that enhance the mission payload.

2. Critical repairs or those repairs that must be made that directly affect the ability of the aircraft to perform its fu nction and to continue the mission. Typical repairs of this nature would be such as replacing a motor, or replacing a fight

control servo.

All repairs made to an aircraft shall be noted in the individual airc raft maintenance log. Special care should be taken to record failure s of any type with detail sufficient to determine average time in service and cause for failure.

Logbooks

Logbooks shall be utilized in every flight operation. The logbook may be consulted to ascertain any condition the PIC might need to be aware of concerning behavior of the ai rcraft or past repairs made to the aircraft. An entry into that aircrafts logbook shall be comp leted after every landi ng cycle, regardless

of outcome.



### Section VIII : Clearing the scene

Personnel accountability

The PIC shall be responsible for the sa fe accounting of all flight personnel and

observers. In the event of an incident command, every person involved in flight operations shall be checked into the IC by full name and time on scene. At the completion of mission operations, the PI C shall ensure that all personnel are CHECKED OUT by full name and time out with the IC before departing the

scene.

Environmental considerations

Flighcrew shall leave as small an envi ronmental footprint as possible. The immediate area around the flight operati ons shall be policed for equipment, personal items, or trash. Any material that was removed to make way for flight operations shall be returned a nd re-established as it was found.



### Section IX : Media Interface

Incident Public Information Officer

In the event an ICS is established, all information made available to the media concerning flight operations and payloa d shall be cleared through the incident command Public Information Officer (PIO). If an Area Command is established,

the area command PIO shall clear all in formation made available to media.RPFlightSystems, Inc. / RPSearch Services, Inc. Flight Safety Operations Procedures

17 4/30/2015 Internal media interface

In the event independent operations are underway, the PIC shall act as the liaison between the flight team and media. It is advisable in every case to divulge as little as possible to the media concer ning operations of the aircraft and the payload.