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(606) 78.9-5961 

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f!JJocook 8n!finee!tt"n!f_, #nc. 0 ~on:Jullinfl8nflineelM 

May 21, 2015 

U.S. Department ofTransportation 

Docket Management System 

West Building Ground Floor Room W12-140 

1200 New Jersey Ave. 

Washington, DC 20590 

259 ,/f. •~ri~iui/d ,_rfll,emre 

~~ealon.Jbrtifj; .1(y. H65.r:: ·-, 

(606) 886-7895 . 

!7ca: (606) 886'-7895 

Re: Exemption Request Under Section 333 of the FAA Reform Act and Part 11 of the 

Federal 

Aviation Regulations 

Dear Madam, Sir, 

Pursuant to Section 333 of the FAA Modemization and Reform Act of 2012 (the 

"Reform Act") and 14 C.F.R. Part 11, Bocook Engineering. ("Dewey L. Bocook III"), an 

operator of the eBee Unmanned Aircraft System ("eBee") seeks an exemption from the 

Federal Aviation Regulations ("FARs") listed below: 

• 14 C.F.R. 21 

• 14 C.F.R. 45.23 

• 14 C.F.R 45.29 

• 14 C.F.R. 61.3 

• 14 C.F.R. 61.113(a) & (b) 

• 14 C.F.R. 91.121 

• 14 C.F.R. 61.133(a) 

• 14 C.F.R. 91.7(b) 

• 14 C.F.R. 91.9(b)(2) 

• 14 C.F.R. 91.109(a) 

• 14 C.F.R. 91.119 

• 14 C.F.R. 91.151(a) 

• 14 C.F.R. 91.203(a) & (b) 

• 14 CFR Subpart E (91.401- 91.417) 

The requested exemption would authorize commercial operations using the eBee for 

mapping and survey applications. These operations will be subject to strict operating 

requirements defined in the eBee user manual (Bocook Engineering requests the FAA 

treat the eBee training program as proprietary under 14 C.F.R. 11.35(b) and does not 

include this document in the public docket) and conditions defined by the Safety Code 

of the Academy of Model Aeronautics (see Annex B), in order to ensure at least an 

equivalent level of safety to currently authorized operations using manned aircrafts. 

The eBee will be operated by an individual who fulfill the following requirements: 
• Has successfully passed a manufacturer's training program for the eBee and 

the written test of the Private Pilot's License; Bocook Engineering requests the FAA 

treat the eBee training program as proprietary under 14 C.F.R. 11.35(b) and does 

not include this document in the public docket. 

1. CHARACTERISTICS OF THE AIRCRAFT 

The eBee is a small (37.8 inches wingspan) and ultra-light (maximum take-off weight 

of 1. 7 pounds) platform made of flexible foam that performs pre-programmed precision 

aerial mapping missions thanks to the on-board GPS and the related flight 

management software (eMotion) that allows the operator to plan safely and efficiently a 

mission in 3D, and then monitor it in real-time. Thanks to the embedded camera, 

protected by a foam envelope, the eBee takes a collection of high-definition still images 

that are used later to generate maps and contour lines of the surveyed area. 

The four main characteristics of the eBee are: 

a. Very light weight 

The eBee is so light that the operator can launch it by hand and let it land on almost 

any surface without requiring a parachute or landing net (belly land). Its low impact 

energy (38 J in case of a controlled emergency landing) also significantly reduces the 

risk of hazardous situations. Finally, the wings of the eBee are detachable and made of 

flexible foam with no sharp or hard edges and almost no intemal strengthening 

structure. 

b. Electric-powered 

The eBee is electric powered. A brushless engine technology makes it silent and 

reliable. The propeller is attached with a rubber band to the body of the plane so that 

it can easily flex away in case of contact with any object. 

c. Semi-automatic flight 

The artificial intelligence incorporated within the eBee autopilot system continuously 

analyzes data from the Inertial Measurement Unit and from the onboard GPS and 

takes care of all the aspects of the flight under the supervision of the operator. 

d. Option for Manual control 

Additionally, the eBee provides an override capability that allows the operator to take 

manual actions during the flight (Go to Home, Go Land, Hold and Resume the 

mission) and also suspend automated operations and take manual control of the 

aircraft should it become necessary to respond emergent circumstances, thanks to the 

remote controller provided with the system. 
2. APPLICATIONS 

The eBee will be used to map for natural resources, endangered species and plant life, 

topography, as-built construction conditions and progress, quarry and mining 

operations (non- congested areas). 

3. APPLICABLE LEGAL STANDARD UNDER SECTION 333 

a. Airworthiness assessment of the eBee 

Bocook Engineering notes that the airworthiness of the eBee has already been 

demonstrated for different projects in the United States, involving state/federal 

agencies or universities (among others the New Mexico State University: 

https:/ jnewscenter.nmsu.edu/ Articles/view/ 10208/nmsu- uas-flight-test-centerconducts-ebee-airworthiness-assessment, and the USACE New Orleans, who 

coordinated with the Department of Army and the FAA to obtain all authorizations 

required in order to operate the eBee UAS). 

Moreover, SenseFly obtained flight approvals for the eBee (delivered by national civil 

aviation authorities) in many countries, among others: 

• Switzerland (flight approval for VLOS operations) 

• Canada (flight approval for VLOS operations) 

• Australia (flight approval for VLOS operations) 

• France (flight approval for Extended-VLOS operations) 

• Germany (flight approval for VLOS operations) 

• United Kingdom (flight approval for VLOS operations) 

• Norway (flight approval for VLOS operations) 

• Sweden (flight approval for VLOS operations) 

• Denmark (flight approval for VLOS operations) 

b. Operating requirements 

Grant of the exemption to Bocook Engineering for the eBee will be subject to the 

following operating conditions, based on the operating conditions set forth by the 

Academy of Model Aeronautics (see Annex B). The main restrictions are summarized 

below: 

• Operations to be conducted over private, controlled-access, or public property 

where approved; 

• Permission from the land owner f authority required before commencing any flight; 

• Operations over congested areas shall be avoided; 

• Operations must not interfere with manned aircraft operations, must yield the right 

of way to manned aircraft, and operators must See & Avoid other aircraft and 

obstacles at all times. 

• Operations limited to Visual Flight Rules Meteorological Conditions (VMC) and 

daylight hours. 

• Aircraft operations must remain within Visual Line of Sight (VLOS) and will be 

visually monitored at all times; 

• VLOS guaranteed with a GPS geo-fence around operator of 0.5 miles 

• Flight ceiling pre-programed at 400 feet; 
• All operations conducted within 5 miles from an airport shall only be initiated after 

verbal coordination with the airport authority, or air traffic control when a control 

tower is present at the airport; 

• All operations shall comply with required permissions and permits 

established by territorial, state, county or city jurisdictions; including local law 

enforcement, fire, or other appropriate governmental agencies. 

• The eBee operations will be compliant with existing safety procedures inherent to 

the activities of the related company. 

c. Operator Requirements 

The eBee operator will have successfully completed the written test of the Private Pilot 

license. 

CONCLUSION 

Bocook Engineering is a Civil & Mining Engineering Company and the use of the 

eBee's technology will make our work more profitable, efficient and will enable us to 

deliver accurate results in near real time to our clients. This accuracy and time saving 

ability will allow the clients to make on-time decisions. The eBee is safer than having 

Bocook Engineering employees out in the field for specific projects, and also very safe 

for other aircrafts because of the mission specifications (below 400 ft.) and eBee 

integrated safety features. 

We are prepared to modify or amend any part of this request to satisfy the need for an 

equivalent level of safety. We look forward to working with your office. Please contact 

us at any time if you require additional information or clarification. 

Sincerely, 

Dewey L. Bocook III 

bo@bocook.com 

606-789-5961 work 

606-793-0015 cell 

Bocook Engineering 

312 lOth Street 

Paintsville KY 41240 
ANNEX A: EXEMPTION REQUEST AND EQUIVALENT LEVEL OF SAFETY SHOWINGS 

UNDER APPLICABLE RULES SUBJECT TO EXEMPTION 

XXXX requests an exemption from the following regulations as well as any additional 

regulations that may technically apply to the operation of the eBee: 

14 C.F.R. Part 21, Subpart H: Airworthiness Certificates 

14 CFR § 91.203(a)(1) 

Section 91.203 requires all civil aircraft to have a certificate of airworthiness. Part 21, 

Subpart H, entitled Airworthiness Certificates, establishes the procedural 

requirements for the issuance of airworthiness certificates as required by FAR § 

91.203(a). Given the size of the eBee, its very light weight (the maximum take-off 

weight is 1. 7 pounds) and the limited operating area associated with its 

utilization, it is unnecessary to go through the certificate of airworthiness process 

under Part 21 Subpart H in order to achieve or exceed current safety levels. 

Such an exemption meets the requirements of an equivalent level of safety under Part 

11 and Section 333 of the Reform Act. The Federal Aviation Act and Section 333 of the 

Reform Act both authorize the FAA to exempt aircraft from the requirement for an 

airworthiness certificate, upon consideration of the size, weight, speed, operational 

capability, and proximity to airports and populated areas of the UAS involved. An 

analysis of these different criteria demonstrates that the eBee operated without an 

airworthiness certificate, under the conditions proposed in that exemption, will be at 

least as safe, or safer, than a conventional aircraft with an airworthiness certificate. A 

proprietary risk assessment for operations with the eBee, which demonstrates that 

assertion, is also being submitted to the FAA as part of this application. Bocook 

Engineering requests the FAA treat the eBee risk assessment as proprietary under 14 

C.F.R. 11.35(b) and not include this document in the public docket. 

14 C.F.R. § 45.23 & 14 C.F.R. § 45.29: Display of marks; size of marks 

These regulations provide that each aircraft must display "N" and the aircraft's 

registration number in letters at least 3 inches high. Additionally, the aircraft must 

display the word "EXPERIMENTAL" in letters at least 2 inches high near the entrance 

to the cabin, cockpit, or pilot station. 

Given the size of the eBee (wingspan of 37.8 inches), this requirement is impossible to 

match. 

14 C.F.R. § 91.7(a): Civil aircraft airworthiness 

This regulation requires that no person may operate a civil aircraft unless it is in 

airworthy condition. Should the exemption be granted allowing commercial operation 

of the eBee without an airworthiness certificate, no standard will exist for 

airworthiness of the eBee. Given the size of the aircraft and the previous airworthiness 

assessments given to the eBee, among others: 

• New Mexico State University: 

https: j jnewscenter.nmsu.edu/ Articles/view j 10208 jnmsu-uas-flight-test-centerconducts-ebee-airworthiness-assessment 
• USACE New Orleans, who coordinated with the Department of Army and the 

FAA to obtain all authorizations required in order to operate the eBee UAS for levee 

system monitoring, documentation of construction progress, and extensive oblique 

photography of USACE structures & activities 

An equivalent level of safety will be achieved by insuring compliance with the SenseFly 

manuals prior to each flight. 

14 C.F.R. § 91.9: Civil aircraft flight manual, marking, and placard requirements. 

This regulation provides that no person may operate an aircraft unless a current, 

approved flight manual is in the aircraft. Bocook Engineering assumes that the intent 

of this requirement is to ensure that flight manual information is available to the 

aircrew while operating the aircraft. Bocook Enigneering requests an exemption to 

this requirement since the aircraft is not only too small to carry documentation, the 

documentation would not be available to the crew. 

The equivalent level of safety will be achieved by keeping a hard copy of the flight 

manual in the eBee transportation box. 

14 C.F.R. § 61.3: Requirements for certificates, ratings and authorizations 

14 C.F.R. § 61.113(a) & (b); 61.133(a): Private Pilot Privileges and Limitations; Pilot in 

Command; Commercial Pilot Privileges and Limitations 

The regulation provides that no person may serve as a required pilot flight 

crewmember of a civil aircraft of the United States, unless that person: 

(1) Has a pilot certificate or special purpose pilot authorization issued under this part 

in that person's physical possession or readily accessible in the aircraft when 

exercising the privileges of that pilot certificate or authorization. However, when the 

aircraft is operated within a foreign country, a pilot license issued by that country may 

be used. 

The regulation provides also that no person that holds a private pilot certificate may 

act as pilot in command of an aircraft for compensation or hire. Subparagraph (b) 

allows a private pilot to act as pilot in command of an aircraft in connection with any 

business or employment if: 

(1) The flight is only incidental to that business or employment; 

(2) The aircraft does not carry passengers or property for compensation or hire. 

Given the safety features of the eBee and the fact that the missions are preprogrammed and monitored in real-time with a specific flight management software 

(eMotion), SenseFly proposes that operators of the eBee should not be required 

to hold a commercial or private pilot certification. Instead, operators should be 

required to: 

• Have passed SenseFly's training program for operation of the UAS. The 

manufacturer's training program for operators has been already satisfactorily reviewed 

through the Application for Airworthiness Qualification Level (AQL) 3 

Airworthiness Release (A WR). 
• Has the written test of the PPL 

The equivalent level of safety will be achieved by having an operator trained by the 

AMA (or any FAA qualified entity) and SenseFly, and using the integrated features of 

the aircraft to maintain a high level of safety during the different missions. 

14 C.F.R. § 91.109(a) & 91.319(a)(1): Flight Instruction 

The regulation provides that "No person may operate a civil aircraft that is being used 

for flight instruction unless that aircraft has fully functioning dual controls." 

Flight instruction will be accomplished through an elaborated training program, using 

first the simulation mode of the flight management software eMotion. The equivalent 

level of safety during the training will be achieved by the manufacturer or authorized 

distributor providing the training and through the use of experienced and qualified 

operators familiar with the eBee. 

14 CFR § 91.119: Minimum Safe Altitudes 

The regulation provides that over sparsely populated areas the aircraft cannot be 

operated closer than 500 feet to any person, vessel, vehicle, or structure. Since the 

aircraft will be operating at a maximum of 400 feet AGL, the eBee cannot comply with 

this requirement. 

The equivalent level of safety will be achieved because the eBee will only fly over 

private property with the permission of the landowner. The operator will defme before 

every flight a working area radius and a flight area ceiling, preventing the eBee to go 

beyond the flight area. 

The landowner and the persons who may be on the ground in the flight area will be 

briefed of the expected route of flight and the associated risks to persons and property 

on the ground. Due to the small size of the eBee and the material with which the eBee 

is built, the hazard to persons, vessels, vehicles, and structures is not comparable to 

manned aircraft and should be considered in granting the exemption. 

Moreover, the aircraft will not be operated over congested areas nor over any open-air 

assembly of persons. The aircraft will be operated at an altitude allowing, if a 

power unit fails, an emergency landing without undue hazard to persons or property 

on the surface. 

14 CFR 91.121 - Altimeter settings 

This section requires that each person operating an aircraft shall maintain the 

cruising altitude or flight level of that aircraft, as the case may be, by reference to an 

altimeter that is set, when operating below 18,000 feet MSL to: 

• The current reported altimeter setting of a station along the route and within 

100 nautical miles of the aircraft; 

• If there is no station within the area prescribed in paragraph (a)(1)(i) of this 

section, the current reported altimeter setting of an appropriate available station; 
• In the case of an aircraft not equipped with a radio, the elevation of the 

departure airport or an appropriate altimeter setting available before departure. 

To provide an equivalent level of safety, the eBee autopilot calculates the reference 

altitude (ground level) with the on-board GPS during the pre-flight tests. The GPS and 

barometer data are merged with respect to their respective precisions. The GPS 

provides reliable information to correct potential barometric bias, while rapid 

variations in altitude are detected through the barometer. Hence, barometric bias 

induced by environmental factors is rejected. 

14 C.F.R. § 91.151(a): Fuel Requirements for Flight in VFR Conditions 

The regulation provides that no person may begin a flight in an airplane 

under day-VFR conditions unless there is enough fuel to fly to the first point of 

intended landing and to fly after that for at least 30 minutes. 

Given the area of operation for the eBee, Bocook Engineering believes that an 

equivalent level of safety is already achieved with the specific procedure preventing the 

eBee to accept a take-off order is the battery level is below a given value. Moreover, 

SenseFly has integrated "low'' and "critical" battery level warnings and implemented a 

"return to Home" (and "Go Land") actions in these situations. 

14 C.F.R. § 91.203 (a) & (b): Carrying Civil Aircraft Certification and Registration 

This regulation provides as follows: 

• No person may operate a civil aircraft unless it has an appropriate and 

current airworthiness certificate. 

• No person may operate a civil aircraft unless the airworthiness certificate 

required by paragraph (a) of this section or a special flight authorization issued under 

§91.715 is displayed at the cabin or cockpit entrance so that it is legible to passengers 

or crew. 

The eBee weighs only 1. 7 pounds (max take-off weight). As such, there is no ability or 

place to carry certification and registration documents or to display them on the UAS. 

In addition, there is no pilot or passengers on board the aircraft. 

To obtain an equivalent level of safety and meet the intent of 91.203, Bocook 

Engineering propose that documents deemed appropriate for this aircraft by the FAA 

will be located with the operator at the ground control station in the eBee box and 

available for inspection upon request 

14 CFR Subpart E (91.401- 91.417)- Maintenance, Preventive Maintenance, and 

Alterations 
The regulation provides that the operator is primarily responsible for maintaining the 

aircraft in an airworthy condition, including compliance with Parts 39 and 43. 

Paragraphs 91.407 and 91.409 require that the aircraft be "approved for return to 

service by a person authorized under 43.7" after maintenance and inspection. Section 

91.409(a) (2) requires an annual inspection for the issuance of an airworthiness 

certificate. Section 91.417(a) requires the owner or operator to keep records showing 

certain maintenance work that has been accomplished by certificated mechanics, 

under Part 43, or licensed pilots and records of approval of the aircraft for return to 

service. 

Bocook Engineering proposes that the maintenance of the eBee will be accomplished 

by the owner j operator according to the maintenance manual, provided by SenseFly. 

Bocook Engineering requests the FAA treat the eBee training program as proprietary 

under 14 C.F.R. 11.35(b) and not include this document in the public docket. 

An equivalent level of safety will be achieved because the eBee is small in size, it is not 

a complex mechanical device, it will carry no external payload, and it will operate only 

in restricted predetermined areas. Moreover, the operator is the person most familiar 

with the aircraft and is best suited to maintain the aircraft in an airworthy condition 

and to ensure an equivalent level of safety. Finally, before every flight, the eBee runs 

automatically a sequence of pre-flight tests to make sure that every sensor and every 

critical part is running properly. If a problem is detected, the eBee will not be able to 

be switched-on and a message error is displayed on the main screen of the flight 

management software. The operator can then refer to the maintenance manual to 

troubleshoot this issue. Several parts of the eBee are easily interchangeable 

(propellers, wings), which allows the operator to make sure the wings and propulsion 

system are always airworthy when a mission is initiated. 

ANNEX B: ACADEMY OF MODEL AERONAUTICS SAFETY REQUIREMENTS 

http:/ jwww.modelaircraft.orgjfilesj lOS. pdf 

http:/ jwww.modelaircraft.orgjfilesj540-D.pdf 

http:j jwww.modelaircraft.orgjfilesj560.pdf 
·a 

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ron 

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. ' 

presents 

Certificate of Comp

Bo Bocook 

for 

16 Hour Sensefly UAS Field/Off

Training 

Chris Robson, Authorized trainer Caron East, 

Inc 
...._.'vsenseFiy 

Author Document Title 

Sense Fly SenseFiy eBee Training documentation 

I Date I Version 

09.13.13 V2.0 

Table of content 

INTRODUCTION .............................................................................................................................................. 3 

1 MODULE A: OFFICE TRAINING ( 4 HOURS) ....................................................................................... 3 

1.1 FUNDAMENTALS (30 MINUTES) ................................................................................................................. 3 

1.1.1 UAV and fixed wing technology ......................................................................................................... 3 

1.1.2 Basics: flight dynamics ...................................................................................................................... 3 

1.1. 3 eBee technical parts ........................................................................................................................... 4 

1.2 SOFTWARE AND FIRMWARE INSTALLATION AND USE (3 HOURS) ................................................................ 4 

1.2.1 Download of eMotion 2 and Postflight .............................................................................................. 4 

1.2.2 Mission planning and flight simulation ............................................................................................. 5 

1.2.3 Plan and save locally different missions ............................................................................................ 6 

1.3 WEATHER AND TECHNICAL LIMITATIONS (30MINUTES) ............................................................................ 6 

2 MODULE B: FIELD BASE TRAINING (5 HOURS) .............................................................................. 7 

2.1 CHECKING THE WEATHER CONDITIONS OUTSIDE (1 0 MINUTES) ................................................................. 7 

2.2 SET-UP AND TAKE-OFF PHASES (30 MINUTES) ........................................................................................... 7 

2.3 "LIVE" MISSIONS WITH DIFFERENT SCENARIOS ( 4 HOURS) ......................................................................... 7 

2.4 MISSION CONTROL AND ABORT TECHNIQUES (1 0 MINUTES) ...................................................................... 8 

2.5 IN-FLIGHT ERRORS AND CRITICAL WARNINGS (10 MINUTES)·································-~---······························· 9 

3 MODULE C: ADVANCED TECHNIQUES AND MAINTENANCE (2 HOURS) ............................... 9 

3.1 ADVANCED FLIGHT PLANNING IN 3D (40MINUTES) .................................................................................. 9 

3.2 MANUAL CONTROL OF THE EBEE (20 MINUTES) ........................................................................................ 9 

3.3 PRE/POST-FLIGHT INSPECTION AND PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE (20 MINUTES) ........................................ 9 

3.4 RECOVERING THEEBEE (20 MINUTES) .................................................................................................... 10 

3.5 REPLAY A FLIGHT WITH EMOTION 2 (20 MINUTES) .................................................................................. 10 

4 MODULE D: REGULATORY FRAMEWORK (1 HOUR) .................................................................. 11 

5 MODULE E: POSTFLIGHT DATA PROCESSING (2 HOUR AND 30 MINUTES) ........................ 12 

5.1 DESCRIPTION OF THE EMOTION 2 FLIGHT DATA MANAGER (30 MINUTES) ............................................... 12 

5.2 USING POSTFLIGHT (2 HOUR) .................................................................................................................. 12 

6 MODULE F: QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS (1 HOUR) ...................................................................... 12 

6.1 QUESTIONS ASKED BY THE TRAINER TO THE AUDIENCE (15 MINUTES) .................................................... 12 

6.2 QUESTIONS ASKED BY THE AUDIENCE ( 45 MINUTES) ............................................................................... 14 

SenseFiy SA- eBee training documentation Page 2/14 
."':\._)..-· senseFiy 

Author 

SenseFiy 

Document Title 

SenseFiy eBee Training documentation 

Introduction 

I Date 1 Version 

09.13.13 V2.0 

The SenseFiy eBee training is a 2 days training based on 6 different modules. These modules will 

allow any future eBee operator to learn the essential information to conduct a mission safely with 

the eBee, and to process the data efficiently to create accurate 20 orthomosaics and 30 Elevation 

Models. Moreover, the current UAV regulations in the country of operation will be explained and the 

different parameters to configure in eMotion 2 - in order to comply with those rules - will be 

reviewed. 

1 Module A: Office training (4 hours) 

1.1 Fundamentals (30 minutes) 

1.1.1 UAV and fixed wing technology 

Introduction to the UAV technology, the different categories and architectures of UAVs and the main 

differences between them (ability to glide, stationary flights ... ) 

Figure 1: Sense Fly fixed-wing eBee and Parrot AR Drone quadcopter 

1.1.2 Basics: flight dynamics 

How and why does the eBee fly and glide? Focus on the propulsion and control surfaces. 

Figure 2: flight dynamics 

SenseFiy SA - eBee training documentation Page 3/14 
...... '\..,).,-

senseFiy 

Author Document Title 

Sense Fly SenseFiy eBee Training documentation 

I Date 1 Version 

09.13.13 V2.0 

1.1.3 eBee technical parts 

During that module, the SenseFiy trainer will describe every component of the global system (eBee 

+ ground station) and its specific role. 

ground 

~n~ -------+--~~ 

camera lens hole --1ll--• Q 

Bottom face of 

the central body 

~:---battery compartment 

pltot probt!, status LED ...,..,~~r---- central body ..,..,,.__-lllr_ camera compartment 

servo connection ------~---~ 

*-~------l~-propeller 

-~--Wing 

~::----~-aileron 

Figure 3: eBee paris 

1.2 Software and firmware installation and use (3 hours) 

1.2.1 Download of eMotion 2 and Postflight 

- Demonstration on how to install the updated firmware in the eBee autopilot. 

- Introduction to the safety/flight parameters in eMotion 2: 

SenseFiy SA - eBee training documentation Page 4/14 
...... 'v--- senseFiy 

Author 

Sense Fly 

Document Title 

SenseFiy eBee Training documentation 

~lJ!tt (!!r&meters 

Working area radius: 

Wct~lng 

Figure 4: eMotion 2 flight/safety parameters 

1.2.2 Mission planning and flight simulation 

I Date 1 Version 

09.13.13 V2.0 

This part of the training will be performed by using the simulation tool of eMotion 2. That feature 

allows anyone to prepare, manage and control a mission. It allows any operator to learn how to use 

advanced functions such as in-flight waypoint editing and camera control. When eMotion 2 is 

connected to a simulated eBee an extra set of buttons appears in the Toolbar: 

Simulator II [Ej ..,. • 0 ::! 8 ! Wind 2.J mf! ~ l6o·f!ll 

pap~= ...J I I I I lnltiare take-off 

high-speed L..::=. re-position take-off location 

Figure 5: eMotion 2 simulation too/bar 

The operator can set the take-off location of the eBee by clicking on the dedicated icon and placing 

the point on the map. It simulates the action of switching-on the real eBee and letting it acquire a 

GPS position. The operator can test the flight plan by clicking the related icon, simulating a take-off 

manoeuvre. The eBee will then go through its flight plan in the same way it would in a real mission. 

You can pause, play or speed up the simulation by clicking the corresponding buttons in the 

SenseFiy SA- eBee training documentation Page 5/14 
..._\...>-

senseFiy 

Author Document Title 

Sense Fly SenseFiy eBee Training documentation 

I Date I Version 

09.13.13 V2.0 

2 Module 8: Field base training (5 hours) 

2.1 Checking the weather conditions outside (10 minutes) 

- Learn how to "read the weather conditions outside", especially wind direction - for take-off and 

landing operations. 

- Learn in eMotion 2 how to detect - during the flight - the wind conditions with the eBee. 

2.2 Set-up and take-off phases (30 minutes) 

- Set up phase: description of the workflow to prepare the aircraft for a mission. 

- Description of the pre-flight tests sequence and how to interpret the related errors: 

- Launch technique: 

Caution: always orient the eBee 

against the wind for take-off! 

,-

status LED: I :!~ ~ l ,_ ... motor ready for take-off 

:~;;~ri·i status LED: :. blink: t · .... · 

place nose up 10° 

status LED: green 

( solid 

step forward and release 

Figure 8: Take-off procedure 

2.3 "Live" missions with different scenarios (4 hours) 

The following missions will be done in an open area in compliance with the flight regulations of the 

country of operation: 

1. Take-off+ wind detection + linear landing using the "Go land" option. 

2. Take-off+ 5- 8 waypoints mission (parallel flight lines) + circular landing. 

3. Take off+ 5-8 waypoints mission (parallel flight lines) +linear landing. 

4. Take off + 10 - 18 waypoints mission (perpendicular flight lines) + linear landing + monitoring the 

evolution of the battery life. 

5. Take-off+ 5-8 waypoints mission (parallel flight lines)+ emergency landing procedure. 

SenseFiy SA - eBee training documentation Page 7/14 
\,-\.._.>.., 

sensefly 

Author Document Title 

Sense Fly SenseFiy eBee Training documentation 

I Date I Version 

09.13.13 V2.0 

2.4 Mission Control and abort techniques (1 0 minutes) 

During that part, the SenseFiy trainer will show the operator how to monitor and control the eBee 

while in-flight through eMotion 2 using the Map Area and the Flight Monitoring tab in the Sidebar. 

The Map Area displays the current position of the eBee. It is updated live as the eBee executes its 

flight. A small arrow and info box shows the speed and direction of the wind as measured by the 

eBee. The Status Panel that follows the position of the eBee displays basic flight information 

including battery charge, flight time and height, both above the take-off location (ATO) and from 

mean sea level (MSL). This same information is reproduced in the Flight Monitoring tab, along with 

other useful flight data. 

At the top of the Map Area is the Control Bar, which can be used at any time to send commands to 

the eBee as well as to acknowledge warning and failure messages if they occur. 

RESUME GOTO GOTO GO 

M!SS!ON STARTV.'PT HOMEWI'T LAND 

HOlD 

POSfllOH 

Figure 9: eMotion 2 manual controls 

ABORT 

t.A>;O!NG 

The eBee will control its flight autonomously from take-off to landing and the operator does not need 

to use any of the control buttons. The control buttons can however be useful in case of unexpected 

situations to temporarily hold position by pressing the 'HOLD POSITION' button or to send the eBee 

to the Home or Start waypoints with the 'GO TO HOME WPT' or 'GO TO START WPT' buttons, 

respectively. 

Note: During the flight simulations (see Module A), we will use the simulator to show to the 

operators the effects of the buttons on the eBee. 

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2.5 In-flight errors and critical warnings (10 minutes) 

- Description of the different failures that can occur and how to react in that specific case. 

3 Module C: Advanced techniques and maintenance (2 hours) 

3.1 Advanced flight planning in 30 (40 minutes) 

The senseFiy trainer will show the ability to take into account elevation data to set the altitude of 

mission waypoints and the resulting flight lines of a mapping mission. This not only improves the 

resulting ground resolution but also increases mission safety (particularly in uneven terrain) by 

keeping a more even distance between the eBee and the ground. 

The operator can activate the 30 mission planning feature by selecting the 'Use elevation data to 

set absolute waypoint altitudes' parameter in the 'Mission Planning' tab. Once activated, eMotion 2 

will download elevation data for the mission area that is currently defined. Elevation data is 

displayed in the Map Area above the current map using a range of colours based on the legend in 

the bottom-right corner of the Map Area. 

3.2 Manual control of the eBee (20 minutes) 

- Full Manual Mode. 

- Assisted Manual Mode. 

3.3 Pre/Post-flight inspection and preventive maintenance (20 minutes) 

Before a new mission and after every flight, the trainer will teach that the pilot in charge, or one of 

the observers, shall make a visual inspection of the eBee to look for cracks or damages. 

The following components of the UAV shall be inspected: 

(a) Body: Fabric and skin- for deterioration, distortion, and other evidence of failure; 

(b) Flight controls -for deterioration or improper installation; 

(c) Batteries- for improper installation; 

(d) Engine section -for improper installation; 

(e) Propeller section (blades and rubber bands) -for cracks, nicks, binds or deterioration; 

(f) All components of the wings, body-section assembly and flight surfaces for poor general 

condition, fabric or skin deterioration, distortion, evidence of failure, and insecurity of attachment; 

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(g) Camera system for improper installation, poor general condition, defects, and insecure 

attachment; 

(h) Radio and electronic equipment, sensors (Pitot, optical ground sensor) - for improper 

installation and/or cracks/obstructions. 

3.4 Recovering the eBee (20 minutes) 

- Write the address and phone number of the operator on the eBee in case it gets lost and 

subsequently found by a third party. 

- In case the operator loses its eBee in the field, whether from a loss of communications, a critical 

failure or an accidental collision, the trainer will teach the operator how to recover it: 

(a). Do not disconnect the connection in eMotion 2! If it is simply out of communication range the 

eBee should reconnect automatically as it returns to the Home waypoint after completing its 

mission. 

(b). Note the last known location of the eBee in eMotion 2 by printing the screen or writing down the 

location displayed in the Flight Monitoring tab. 

(c). Move towards this last known direction with the computer running eMotion 2 in the hope of 

regaining a connection. Be sure to take the remote control with you as well. 

(d). If you have reached the last known location of your eBee and have not yet found it, turn on the 

remote control. 

(e). Try moving both the control sticks around. If the eBee is within range it may start making noise 

with its main motor or servos. 

(f) Try moving downwind from the last known location in case the eBee was pushed by the wind 

while still in the air. 

3.5 Replay a flight with eMotion 2 (20 minutes) 

Using eMotion 2 and the flight log of the eBee allow the operator to replay a flight. It can be useful to 

understand the cause of an issue with the eBee and is also useful to gain experience in flying the 

aircraft by doing post-flight analysis. 

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Figure 11: eMotion 2 log player 

4 Module D: Regulatory framework (1 hour) 

-Regulations in the country of operation. 

- How to find the mission area on an aeronautical chart and detect the proximity with airports. 

- Configure eMotion 2 in order to comply with the regulations. 

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5 Module E: Postflight data processing (2 hour and 30 minutes) 

5.1 Description of the eMotion 2 flight data manager (30 minutes) 

After completing a flight, the next step is to import the raw images and log files to a computer. The 

eBee records flight data onboard in a special Drone Flight Log file. The Drone Flight Log tracks 

important information throughout a flight, such as sensor data, GPS location and control inputs. The 

file is required for assigning GPS location information to the images taken by the eBee. The file is 

also required and must be sent to senseFiy in case an issue occurred during the flight. A similar 

eMotion Flight Log file is created within eMotion 2 during a flight and serves as a backup in case the 

Drone Flight Log file cannot be recovered. The log file is compulsory for any warranty cover to be 

applied. 

eMotion 2 features a Flight Data Manager to help the operator transfer and consolidate all the data 

related to a mapping mission. 

5.2 Using Postflight (2 hour) 

1. How to import the pictures and the flight log in order to do the gee-tagging. 

2. How to create a Postflight project. 

3. How to process data, how to select the output formats and define the processing parameters. 

4. How to post-process the data and interpret them. 

6 Module F: Questions and Answers (1 hour) 

6.1 Questions asked by the trainer to the audience (15 minutes) 

- How to react after a take-off crash? 

Answer. Disconnecting the battery + visual inspection of the motor and propeller + check that the 

sensors (Pitot, optical ground sensor) are not obstructed. 

- How to react if a manned/unmanned aircraft enters in the flight envelop? 

Answer. Depending on the case, Hold position OR modify in real time the position of the next 

waypoint OR Go Land OR Emergency landing procedure. 

- How to react after a computer crash? 

Answer: Do not panic! Restart your computer. Since the flight path of the eBee is recorded into the 

autopilot, the eBee will continue its mission. Restart eMotion 2 and you will retrieve the link with the 

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aircraft! Depending on regulatory region, the observer or additional person attending should 

maintain visual lock on the drone with the RC controller in hand ready to take control in case of 

emergency whilst the operator is rebooting the laptop. 

- How to react when there is only 30% battery remaining? 

Answer. Go land. 

- How to react if you want to land on a landing zone with discontinuous elevation? 

Answer. Deactivating the optical ground sensor. 

- How to react if a person or an object enters in the landing zone during the approach? 

Answer. Abort Landing! 

- How to react if the wind conditions change during a flight? 

Answer: Readjust manually the landing approach or set a new approach sector. 

- How to react if it starts raining? 

Answer: Go Land or Emergency landing depending on the distance of the eBee to the Home Point 

and the type of rain (drizzle, rain showers, rain). 

- How to make sure that the right flight path is loaded into the drone? 

Answer. Click on "set flight plan as default in drone" and not on "upload" again! 

- How to orient my flight lines according to the wind direction? 

Answer. Flight lines and the wind direction should be as crossed as possible to keep the needed 

longitudinal overlap. 

- How to react if there is a problem with your eBee? 

Answer. If there is a problem with your eBee, whether it is a software malfunction, damaged 

airframe or any other problem, we recommend the following actions: 

a. If there is an error message displayed in eMotion 2, begin by checking section 'Troubleshooting' 

on page 1 01 of the user manual to see if there is a solution to the particular message. 

b. Check the on-line Questions & Answers section on SenseFiy's website to see if there is a solution 

to your problem: http://www.sensefly.com/faq.html 

c. If you have still not found a solution, contact your eBee reseller. Please include the following 

information with the inquiry: 

- The serial number of the eBee. 

- A short description of the problem. 

- The Drone Flight Log file of the flight that had a problem, if available. 

- The eMotion Flight Log file of the flight that had a problem. 

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6.2 Questions asked by the audience (45 minutes) 

To be determined ... 

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