WILSON & COMPANY - PETITION FOR EXEMPTION UNDER SECTION 333

Wilson & Company, Inc., Engineers & Architects (Wilson & Company) of Kansas City, 

Missouri is petitioning for an exemption to the FAA to operate unmanned aircraft in the 

National Airspace System (NAS). We are requesting the FAA to grant relief from its 

regulations from airworthiness certification requirements under the FAA Modernization and 

Reform Act of 2012, Public Law 112-95 FEB. 14, 2012, Section 333.

This request for exemption for our firm is being submitted so that we can continue to provide 

our clients with the best tools available for obtaining aerial imaging, and the subsequent 

generation of geospatial data for engineering applications. Wilson & Company has been 

acquiring aerial photography for photogrammetric mapping with our manned aircraft and 

metric mapping camera for over fifty years throughout the United States. With the advent of

UAV technology, and related geospatial production software advances, in the past few 

years, it has become imperative for Wilson & Company to remain competitive in the 

marketplace and retain our current staffing levels, that we be able to offer UAV service to 

our existing clients, as well as presenting our company as technologically advanced and 

competent to new clients. UAV technology will allow Wilson & Company to provide 

specialized imagery acquisition solutions for specialized projects that could not 

economically be accomplished with a manned aircraft or field topographic surveys. Item 12 

of this petition addresses other significant points as to the benefits to the general public for 

granting the requested exemptions.

In the following, we will address items to assist in the FAA analysis and effective evaluation 

of the requested relief for our proposed UAS operation with regards to safety of the general 

public, property and other aviation concerns :

1. Petitioners should describe how the proposed UAS operation will be safely conducted to 

minimize risk to the NAS or to persons and property on the ground. Specifically, 

petitioners should describe the design and operational characteristics for the type(s) of 

UAS they intend to operate, e.g. aircraft performance and performance limitations, 

operating procedures, and aircraft loading information in as much detail as possible. This 

could be provided in the petition or in an Aircraft Flight Manual or similar document. 

1. Use RC for landing/take-off and eyes on to manually divert UAV from any other 

aircraft or obstacles. Fly under 500 feet at 35-38mph clear of obstacles. Airspeed 

sensor allows for accurate speed adjustment in flight.

Fixed wing Skywalker Revolution 1720 with heavy duty carbon fiber wing rod.
UAV weighs approximately 6lbs fully loaded and is sufficiently maneuverable to 

avoid collision with ground features as well as aircraft.

Through R&D at RC field have determined flight time is around 25 min. but telemetry 

returns on 915mhrz allows PIC/visual observer to track/check/verify battery voltages. 

Regularly test and verify settings and configuration of software related to UAV flight. 

The configurations get backed up often so they can be restored if needed.

2. Petitioners should describe any procedures they would implement, such as pre-flight 

inspections, maintenance, and repair, to ensure that the UAS is in a condition for safe 

flight. This could be provided in the petition, an Aircraft Flight Manual, a Maintenance 

and Inspection Manual, or similar document. 

2. Insert Pre-flight checklist. Visual inspection prior to leaving for mission /training and 

after any travel. Manually move all control surfaces while listening for stripped servo 

gears. Have conducted multiple tests on the ground and in flight fail safes for 

Return To Launch/ RTL in case of RC loss of signal on the RC side as well as the 

telemetry modem configuration. Fly in three modes controlled by a three-way toggle 

on the radio: 

1. Manual/RC 

2. Fly-by-Wire A / limiting omega, phi, kappa, and velocity 

3. Full Auto pilot by pre-determined way point locations. Allows for in flight 

adjustments if necessary.

3. The petitioner should describe the Radio Frequency (RF) spectrum used for control of 

the UAS and associated equipment that is part of the UAS (i.e., sensors, cameras, etc.), and 

whether it complies with Federal Communications Commission (FCC) or other 

appropriate government oversight agency requirements. 

3. Operate RC on the 2.4 Spread Spectrum with Hitec Optima 6 receiver and Hitec 

Aurora 9 –radio that we have tested at a range outside visual line of sight. The 

telemetry and flight input commands are sent via 915Mghrz on 3DR radio that we 

have tested to a range around one mile. Non-modified radios and receivers that 

passed FCC regulations and are readily available on the commercial market. Fly 

with Sony NEX-5T camera in non-wireless mode for capturing imagery.

4. Petitioners should describe the qualifications required of any PIC(s) who will be directly 

responsible for the operation of the UAS, including information such as: the level of airman 

certificate held; any applicable training related to the operation; and any minimum hours 

of flight experience required by the PIC(s), both total flight time and the time with the 

particular UAS. If the operation would use visual observers, petitioners should describe 

their roles and qualifications. 
4. SOP to fly with visual observer. Visual observer is eyes on UAV at all times unless 

directed by operator elsewhere. Visual observer can be pilot in contact with radio 

tower if necessary. Operator has 1500+ on simulator and over 500 hours of flight on 

fixed wing RC aircraft. Operator has over 60hours of flight with Skywalker 

Revolution.

5. Petitioners should describe the medical standards and certification of the PIC(s) directly 

responsible for the operation of the UAS. 

5. The company will require, and provide, a full annual physical to all individuals to 

be assigned as PIC of our UAVs, similar to the standards required for the private 

pilot’s license in our manned aircraft. PIC’s will be required to pass an initial 

aeronautical knowledge test at an FAA-approved knowledge testing center and be 

vetted by the Transportation Security Administration. When available, PIC’s will

obtain an unmanned aircraft operator certificate with a small UAS rating (like existing 

pilot airman certificates, never expires) and pass a recurrent aeronautical knowledge 

test every 24 months. The PIC’s must be at least 17 years old.

6. Petitioners should fully describe their intended UAS operation(s). Petitioners should 

describe how the proposed operation(s) would not adversely affect safety, or how they 

would provide a level of safety at least equivalent to that provided by the rule from which 

exemption is sought. Petitioners should address any plans to implement clearly defined 

operational borders and procedures to ensure public safety, which includes persons and 

property both in the air and on the ground. This can be described in the petition, in an 

Operations Manual, or similar document. 

6. The basic usage for Wilson & Company UAV will be for the acquisition of vertical 

photo imagery for photogrammetric mapping purposes and geospatial data 

generations. The type of projects that the UAS will be utilized for are topographic 

mapping and volumetric computations of landfill & quarry sites, strip mine 

reclamation areas, ash ponds, and remote rural development sites for Native 

American Nations. All intended operations with our UAV will not be over or near 

urbanized developed areas. Wilson & Company’s strict policy for UAS operations 

will adhere to the Proposed Part 107 Small UAS Notice of Proposed Rulemaking of 

2015 in regards to flying over people not involved in the operations, whether in 

structures, outside or within transportation corridors. We have added in the 

Appendix at the end of this petition our standard operational guidelines and check list 

to be used and adhered to on every fought mission. By the type of limited areas we 

will be utilizing UAS technology we will not be affecting safety of any people or 

property not involved in the project area,
7. Petitioners should specify the proposed maximum operating speed and altitude, and 

describe minimum flight visibility and distance from clouds for their intended operation(s). 

Petitioners should describe potential hazards and safety mitigations associated with these 

proposed conditions. These issues can be addressed in the petition, an Operations Manual, 

or similar document. 

7. Fly at maximum of 45mph and 500feet high. Fly within visual line of sight. 

Typically less than 2000 feet. Preference is to fly with less than 15mph winds on 

clear bright days for optimal image quality.

8. Petitioners should describe the characteristics of the area of intended operation(s) and 

the associated potential hazards, in accordance with the statutory mandate under Section 

333 

7 Rev. 9/25/2014 regarding proximity to populated areas. These issues can be addressed in 

the petition, an Operations Manual, or similar document. 

8. All intended operations with our UAV will not be over or near urbanized developed 

areas. Wilson & Company’s strict policy for UAS operations will adhere to the 

Proposed Part 107 Small UAS Notice of Proposed Rulemaking of 2015 in regards to 

flying over people not involved in the operations, whether in structures, outside or 

within transportation corridors.

9. Petitioners should describe if they intend to operate in the proximity of any airports, in 

accordance with the statutory mandate under Section 333 regarding proximity to airports. 

9. All intended operations with our UAV will not be within five mile of any airports, 

regardless of size or traffic. It wll be Wilson & Company’s strict policy for UAS 

operations will adhere to the Proposed Part 107 Small UAS Notice of Proposed 

Rulemaking of 2015 in regards to flying near any airports.

10. The UAS must be operated within visual line-of-sight (VLOS), in accordance with the 

statutory mandate under Section 333(b)(1). Petitioners should describe how they intend to 

comply with his mandate. 

10. All intended operations with our UAV will never be beyond the visual unaided line 

of sight for the PIC. Wilson & Company’s strict policy for UAS operations will 

adhere to the Proposed Part 107 Small UAS Notice of Proposed Rulemaking of 2015 

in regards to flying always within visual line-of-sight for the PIC

11. Petitioners should describe any procedures they would implement for conducting a 

preflight safety risk assessment to determine that the UAS is in a condition for safe flight 

(14 CFR § 91.7(b)) and that the planned operation can be completed safely. These 

procedures can be addressed in the petition, an Aircraft Flight Manual, Operations 

Manual, or similar document. 
11. Insert pre-flight, flight and landing checklist. Most importantly, test the fail safes 

regularly to verify they are working properly both on the ground and in flight. 

Constant visual inspection and flight tests.

12. The reasons why granting the request would be in the public interest; that is, how 

would it benefit the public as a whole. 

12. Granting this Petition will further the public interest by allowing Wilson & 

Company to safely, efficiently, and economically perform aerial acquisitions and 

research within the NAS, commercially, in support of government entities, 

agriculture, energy, forestry, and the oil & gas industries. Additionally, use of the 

Skywalker Revolution UAS will decrease congestion of the NAS, reduce pollution, 

and provide significant benefits to the economy. The benefits of the proposed 

operation of the Skywalker Revolution UAS will be realized without implicating any 

privacy issues.

A. The Public Will Benefit from the Aerial Acquisition and Research Performed.

Wilson & Company submits this Petition to commercially operate the Skywalker 

Revolution UAS and perform aerial acquisition within the NAS, in support of 

government entities, agriculture, scientific studies, energy, forestry, mining, and the 

oil and gas industries. The Skywalker Revolution UAS will provide safe, efficient, and 

economical aerial acquisition and research operations to further each of these fields, 

all of which are critical to the well-being of the general public. The specific operations 

that Wilson & Company will perform with the Skywalker Revolution UAS demonstrate 

how the requested exemption will directly benefit the above-referenced industries 

and the public. In agriculture, the aerial acquisition performed by the Skywalker 

Revolution UAS will be used to predict crop yields, research and prevent crop 

disease, and increase crop yields. In the oil and gas industry, the Skywalker 

Revolution UAS will be used to aid in surveying and planning new worksites, 

volumetric analysis, and performing right of way analysis. The Skywalker Revolution

UAS will also further environmental management by researching invasive species, 

mapping deforestation, and surveying point source pollution.

B. The Public Will Benefit from Decreased Congestion of the NAS.

The Skywalker Revolution UA is battery powered and serves as a safe, efficient, and 

economical alternative to the manned aircraft traditionally utilized to obtain aerial 

imagery. By reducing the amount of manned aircraft needed to perform aerial 

acquisitions, an exemption allowing the use of a Skywalker Revolution UAS would 
reduce the amount of manned aircraft in the NAS, reduce noise and air pollution, as 

well as increase the safety of life and property in the air and on the ground. 

Furthermore, by reducing the number of manned aircraft operating in the NAS, 

congestion around airports caused by arriving and departing aircraft will be reduced. 

The Skywalker Revolution UA does not require an airport to takeoff or land. 

Likewise, a reduction of manned aircraft conducting aerial survey missions would 

result in fewer aircraft that must be handled by air traffic control during the ground, 

takeoff, departure, arrival, and landing phases of flight operations.

C. The Public Will Benefit from the Safety and Efficiency of the Skywalker Revolution

UAS.

Conducting aerial acquisitions with the Skywalker Revolution UAS, instead of 

manned aircraft, will greatly benefit the public by drastically reducing the levels of air 

and noise pollution generated during traditional aerial survey flight operations. By 

using battery power and an electric motor, the Skywalker Revolution UAS produces 

no air pollution, and is the most viable environmentally conscious alternative to the 

cabin class, six cylinder internal combustion twin engine aircraft that are typically 

utilized for aerial acquisitions, while burning approximately 20-30 gallons per hour of 

leaded aviation fuel. The Skywalker Revolution UA, while reducing the carbon 

footprint of aerial acquisitions, also eliminates noise pollution, as its battery powered 

electric motor is barely audible during the take-off phase, and cannot be heard when 

operating more than 100 feet above ground level. By using the Skywalker Revolution

UAS to perform aerial acquisitions, the substantial risk to life and property in the air 

and on the ground, which is usually associated with traditional manned aircraft flight 

operations, will be substantially reduced or completely eliminated. Aside from the 

lack of aircrew members located onboard the aircraft, the Skywalker Revolution UA 

(weighing approximately fifteen (10) pounds at its maximum gross weight with a 

wingspan of 78 inches and a length of 66 inches, with no fuel on board), has less 

physical potential for collateral damage to life and property on the ground, and in the 

air, compared to the manned aircraft that typically conduct aerial acquisitions 

(weighing approximately 6,500 pounds with a wingspan of approximately 40 feet, a 

length of 34 feet, and a fuel capacity of 180 gallons).

D. Performing Aerial Acquisition Operations with the Skywalker Revolution UAS Will 

Benefit the Economy.

In addition to being safe and efficient, the Skywalker Revolution UAS is also an 

economical alternative to using manned aircraft to conduct aerial acquisitions. As 
such, operation of the Skywalker Revolution UAS will allow United States based 

companies, like Wilson & Company, to remain competitive and contribute to growth 

of the U.S. economy. Specifically, with the cost of aviation fuel and the 

Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) regulatory actions phasing out leaded 

fuels, U.S. owned and operated companies must adopt new and alternative 

technology in order to remain competitive. Operating the battery powered Skywalker 

Revolution UAS is one such technology that not only allows companies greater 

operational flexibility compared to manned aircraft, but provides such flexibility 

without the high operational cost of a traditional manned aircraft. By operating the 

Skywalker Revolution UAS, companies such as Wilson & Company can remain 

competitive and profitable, and therefore provide greater job stability to employees 

and contractors, which will ultimately contribute to growth of the U.S. economy. 

Improved financial performance of U.S. companies, through commercial use of the 

Skywalker Revolution UAS, provides a stable workforce that increases consumer 

spending; improves local, state, and federal tax revenues; and allows companies to 

invest in research and development in order to remain competitive both in the United 

States and abroad.

E. There Are No Privacy Issues.

Like the manned aerial acquisition flight operations that Wilson & Company has

conducted for decades, the proposed operation of the Skywalker Revolution UAS will 

not implicate any privacy issues. Specifically, the Skywalker Revolution UAS will be 

operated in accordance with operating limitations set forth herein and the Federal 

Aviation Regulations, including the minimum altitude requirements of 14 C.F.R. § 

91.119. Most significantly, the Skywalker Revolution UAS will not be operated closer 

than 500 feet to any person, vessel, vehicle, or structure, which is not directly 

involved in the operation.

13. The specific sections or sections of 14 CFR from which you seek relief, the extent of the 

relief you seek, the reason you seek relief. 

13. The following items are the Specific Sections of 14 C.F.R. 

from which Wilson & Company Seeks Exemption:

A). Wilson & Company Seeks Exemption from the Requirements of Section 

61.113(a) And (b).
Section 61.113, entitled Private pilot privileges and limitations: Pilot in command, 

subsections (a) and (b) prescribe the following, in part:

(a) No person who holds a private pilot certificate may act as a pilot in command

(PIC) of an aircraft that is carrying passengers or property for compensation or

hire; nor may that person, for compensation or hire, act as PIC of an aircraft.

(b) A private pilot may, for compensation or hire, act as PIC of an aircraft in

connection with any business or employment if—

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

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

B. Wilson & Company Seeks Exemption From The Requirements of Section 91.7(a).

Section 91.7, entitled Civil aircraft airworthiness, subsection (a), states the following:

(a) No person may operate a civil aircraft unless it is in an airworthy condition.

C. Wilson & Company Seeks Exemption From The Requirements of Section 

91.121.91.121, entitled Altimeter settings, subsection (a), states the following, in 

relevant part:

(a) 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--

(1) Below 18,000 feet MSL, to--

(i) The current reported altimeter setting of a station along the route and within 100 

nautical miles of the aircraft;

(ii) 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; or

(iii) 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;
D. Wilson & Company Seeks Exemption From The Requirements Of Section 

91.151(a)(1).

Section 91.151, entitled Fuel requirements for flight in VFR conditions, subsection 

(a)(1), states the following:

(a) No person may begin a flight in an airplane under VFR conditions unless 

(considering wind and forecast weather conditions) there is enough fuel to fly to the 

first point of intended landing and, assuming normal cruising speed--

(1) During the day, to fly after that for at least 30 minutes[.]

E. Wilson & Company Seeks Exemption From The Requirement Of Section 

91.405(a).

Section 91.405, entitled Maintenance required, subsection (a), states the following:

Each owner or operator of an aircraft—

(a) Shall have that aircraft inspected as prescribed in subpart E of this part and shall 

between required inspections, except as provided in paragraph (c) of this section, 

have discrepancies repaired as prescribed in part 43 of this chapter[.]

13. The Extent Of Relief Wilson & Company Seeks And The 

Reason Wilson & Company Seeks The Relief.

A. Extent of Relief Wilson & Company Seeks And The Reason Wilson & Company

Seeks Relief From Section 61.113(a) And (b).

Relief from Section 61.113(a) and (b), entitled Private pilot privileges and limitations: 

Pilot in command, is requested to the extent necessary to allow a PIC holding a 

private pilot certificate and an airman medical certificate, and who has completed the

Skywalker Revolution UAS training and currency requirements, to conduct the 

proposed UAS flight operations for compensation.
This relief is requested since the limitations set forth in Section 61.113(a) and (b) 

state that a private pilot may, for compensation or hire, act as PIC of an aircraft in 

connection with any business or employment if: (1) The flight is only incidental to that 

business or employment; and (2) The aircraft does not carry passengers or property 

for compensation or hire.

Wilson & Company submits that an equivalent level of safety will be maintained 

because no PIC will be allowed to operate the Skywalker Revolution UAS unless that 

PIC has demonstrated, through the Skywalker Revolution UAS training and currency 

requirements, that the PIC is able to safely operate the Skywalker Revolution UAS in 

a manner consistent with the operations specifications as described in this 

exemption, including evasive and emergency maneuvers, as well as maintaining 

appropriate distances from people, vessels, vehicles and structures.

Further, Wilson & Company submits that all flights of the Skywalker Revolution UAS, 

conducted by the PIC pursuant to the grant of this Petition will be: (1) incidental to 

Wilson & Company’s business; and (2) not carry passengers or property for 

compensation or hire.

B. Extent of Relief Wilson & Company Seeks And The Reason Wilson & Company

Seeks Relief From Section 91.7(a).

Relief from Section 91.7(a), entitled Civil aircraft airworthiness, is requested to the 

extent required to allow Wilson & Company to determine that the Skywalker 

Revolution UAS is in an airworthy condition prior to every flight by ensuring that the 

UAS is in compliance with the Skywalker Revolution UAS Operator check list 

presented in the Appendix, the Skywalker Family of Systems Operations Manual, 

and the Skywalker Revolution UAS Maintenance Manual, and that the UAS is in 

condition for safe flight. Copies of the manuals, which contain proprietary 

information, are attached hereto in the Appendix, and are to be held in a separate file 

pursuant to 14 C.F.R. § 11.35(b) .

Wilson & Company seeks the requested relief because the Skywalker Revolution

UAS does not require an airworthiness certificate in accordance with 14 C.F.R. Part 

21, Subpart H. Therefore, Wilson & Company will ensure that the Skywalker 

Revolution UAS is in an airworthy condition based upon its compliance with the 

operating documents prior to every flight, and as stated in the conditions and 

limitations.
C Extent of Relief Wilson & Company Seeks And The Reason Wilson & Company

Seeks Relief From Section 91.121.

Relief from Section 91.121, entitled Altimeter settings, may be required to allow flight 

operations of the Skywalker Revolution UAS, because the Skywalker Revolution

UAS’s altitude reporting equipment may be set on the ground to a pressure level of 

zero feet AGL, rather than local barometric pressure or field altitude, before each 

flight. The Skywalker Revolution UAS utilizes a barometric pressure sensor, GPS 

equipment, and a radio communications telemetry data link to downlink altitude 

information from the UAS to the PIC at the ground control station (GCS).

Considering the limited altitude of the proposed operations, relief from 14 C.F.R. § 

91.121 is sought to the extent necessary to comply with the applicable conditions 

and limitations stated below. As more fully set forth herein, a level of safety 

equivalent to Section 91.121 will be ensured as the altitude of the Skywalker 

Revolution UA will be reported to air traffic control (ATC) in feet above ground level 

(AGL), and Wilson & Company will operate the Skywalker Revolution UA within 

visual line of sight, at or below 500 feet AGL.

D. Extent Of Relief Wilson & Company Seeks And The Reason Wilson & Company

Seeks Relief From Section 91.151(a)(1).

Relief from Section 91.151(a)(1) is requested to the extent required to allow flights of 

the battery powered Skywalker Revolution UA during daylight hours in visual flight 

rules (VFR) conditions to continue for a total duration of 30 minutes, with 10 minutes 

of battery power remaining. Wilson & Company seeks the requested relief because 

without an exemption from Section 91.151(a)(1), the flight time duration of the 

battery powered Skywalker Revolution UA will be reduced, which would severely 

constrain the practicality of any aerial acquisition and research operations that 

Wilson & Company proposes to conduct pursuant to this Petition.

Significantly, as set forth below, the technical specifications of the Skywalker 

Revolution UAS, the Skywalker Revolution UAS operating documents, and Wilson & 

Company’s proposed operating limitations, ensure that Wilson & Company will safely 

operate the battery powered Skywalker Revolution UA during daylight hours in VFR 

conditions for a total duration of 30 minutes, with 10 minutes of battery power 

remaining.
E. Extent Of Relief Wilson & Company Seeks And The Reason Wilson & Company

Seeks Relief From Sections 91.405(a), 91.407(a)(1), 91.409(a)(1) & (a)(2), and 

91.417(a) & (b).

Since Sections 91.405(a), 91.407(a)(1), 91.409(a)(1) & (a)(2), and 91.417(a) 

& (b) only apply to aircraft with an airworthiness certificate, Wilson & 

Company requests relief from these Sections because the Skywalker 

Revolution UAS does not require an airworthiness certificate. As set forth 

more fully below, the Skywalker Revolution UAS meets the conditions of 

Section 333 for operation without an airworthiness certificate. Accordingly, 

Wilson & Company will use technicians to perform maintenance, alterations, 

or preventive maintenance on the unmanned aircraft system using the 

methods, techniques, and practices prescribed in the manufacturer’s 

maintenance manual. Furthermore, Wilson & Company will document and 

maintain all maintenance records for the Skywalker Revolution UAS.

Wilson & Company appreciates the time and consideration of the FAA in the approval of our 

request for exemption to operate unmanned aircraft in the National Airspace System (NAS). 

Please address any comments or questions to :

Eric Cenovich

Principal

Wilson & Company, Inc., Engineers & Architects

800 East 101st Terrace, Suite 200 | Kansas City, MO, 64131

Office 816-701-3100 | Direct 816-556-3636 | Mobile 816-835-7096 | Fax 816-942-3013

Eric.Cenovich@wilsonco.com | email

APPENDIX
Arrow-1 Preflight Checklist

Before leaving for flight location

• Prefetch base map imagery in Mission Planner (Flight Plan tab,right-click Map

>Prefetch).

• Create flight plan (waypoint list) using Mission Planner camera tool (Flight Planner

tab, right-click Map Tool >Draw polygon>Auto waypoint>Survey). Use dummy Home

point-it will get reset in the field when GPS lock is achieved.

• NOTE THAT ALTITUDE IS METRIC.

Pre-flight Operations at Flight Location

1. Install the wing. Use 4 undamaged rubber bands.

2. Start computer and open Mission Planner software.

3. Load or create flight plan as described above.

4. Connect the ground station modem to computer's USB port.

5. Turn on RC transmitter, set mode channel(s) to Manual, and SET THROTTLE

POSITION TO IDLE.

6. Make sure UAV is level and motionless.

7. Install batter y in UAV and connect, taking care not to disturb UAV or unlevelit.

8. In Mission Planner software, select correct COM port ID and baud rate (57600) for

telemetr y modem, and hit "Connect" button. Wait for parameter download to complete.

9. Check for 3D Fix on GPS (map display should show current location).

10. Check that battery voltage, compass heading, and GPS time-of-day are correct in

Mission Planner HUD.

11. In lower left corner of Mission Planner, select Actions tab and press "Set Home

Alt" button. Current altitude display in HUD should change to zero.

12. In Mission Planner Flight Planner tab, load or create flight plan. Check that all altitude

values are correct and sufficiently high to clear any terrain or obstacles in flight path.

Press "Write WPs" to transfer flight plan to UAV.

13. Clear the mission (Flight Plan tab, right-click Map>Ciear Mission).

14. Read waypoints back to the Mission Planner ("Read WPs" tab bottom right. Make

sure that the correct flight plan is displayed.

15. Make sure that Default Alt is non-zero and sufficiently high to clear ground-based

obstacles over flight path.

16. Check that all flight controls surfaces have appropriate neutrals, and that they move

in correct direction when RC transmitter sticks are moved, first in Manual mode,

then in FBW-A mode.

17. Switch camera on, check camera settings, and install the camera into the camera

holder.

18. Lift UAV from ground or holder and check that Center of Gravity is OK.

19. Press the arming button for two seconds.

20. Set mode to FBW-A. Move UAV in both pitch and roll axes, and check that ailerons,

rudder, and elevator move in appropriate direction to return UAV to level flight.

21. Check that motor turns in correct direction when throttle is applied.

22. OPTIONAL- Disconnect and re-connect Mission Planner to APM to reset flight log

(eliminates long initial period of inactivity when later reviewing flight logs).Check that

all HUD parameters return to appropriate levels. Press "Set Home Alt" button again if

necessary.
23. OPTIONAL- if images from camera are to be geotagged from the flight log, take a

photo of the Mission Planner screen (at least the HUD portion) such that the GPS

time can be clearly read in the image.This will allow the offset between the camera's

clock and the GPS clock to be determined easily

Launch and Flight

1. Set mode channel on RC transmitter to Manual or FBW-A.

2. Grasp UAV near the CG in one hand, and RC transmitter in other hand.

3. Apply desired amount of throttle (40%-100%) and hand-launch UAV with good authority 

into the wind.

4. Manually pilot UAV in a climb until the approximate mission altitude is reached.

5. Switch to Auto mode and observe that UAV seeks location and altitude of first

waypoint. Maintain visual contact with UAV at all times and be prepared to take over

manual control if UAV exhibits odd behavior, or if another aircraft of any type enters

the UAV's airspace.

6. If another aircraft enters the area, immediately take manual control and take any

action necessary to avoid a collision.

Mission Completion and Landing

1. When the mission is complete (or if mission is aborted) switch flight mode to RTL

using either RC transmitter or GCS. Observe that UAV returns to home position and

orbits. Take over manual control and land UAV straight into any wind.

2. Disconnect Mission Planner from APM upon landing, and physically disconnect or

power down UAV upon retrieval.