## 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
- 9 5 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 enginee ring 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 & Compa ny 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 exemptio ns. 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 regard s 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. Pe titioners 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 Maintenan**  **ce and Inspectio**  **n 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 multi ple 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 wit h 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 t ime and the time with the**  **particular UAS. If the operation would use visual observers, petitioners should describe t** **heir roles and qualifications.**

## 4. SOP to fly with visual observer. Visual observer is eyes on UAV at all times unless

directed by operator el sewhere. 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 d escribe 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 standard s required for the private pilot’s license in our manned aircraft. PIC’s will be required to p ass an initial aeronautical knowledge test at an FAA
- app roved knowledge testing center and b e 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 airma n certificates, never expires) and p ass 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**  **Operation s Manual, or similar document.**  

## 6

. The basic usage for Wilson & Compa ny 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 & Compa ny’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 a nd 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 documen t.**  

## 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 & Compa ny’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 proximi ty 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 & Compa ny’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 stat** **utory 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 & Compa ny’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, Operatio n**  **s 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 w ould 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 economicall y perform aerial acquisitions and research within the NAS, commercially, in support of government entities, agriculture, energy , forestry, and the oil & gas industries. Add itionally, use of the Skywalker Revolution UAS will decrease congestion of the NAS, reduce pollution, and provide significant ben efits to the economy. T he benefits of the proposed operation of the Skywalker Revolution UAS will be realized without implicating any privacy issues. A . The Public Will Benefit from t he Aerial Acqui sition a nd 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 use d 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 Benefi t from Decreased Congestion of t he 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 aeri al 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 ma nned 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 a nd Efficiency of t he 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 trad itional 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 substant ial 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 a ircraft, the Skywalker Revolution UA (we ighing approximately fifteen (10 ) pounds at its maximum gross weigh t 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 prope rty 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 t he Skywalker Revolution UAS Will Benefit t he 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 growt h of the U.S. econom y. 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 trad itional 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 comp anies 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 propo sed 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 m inimum 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 w hich Wilson & Company Seeks Exemption: **A).** Wilson & Company Seeks Exemption from t he 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 Exem pti on 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 stat ion 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 a ppropriate 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 fl y 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 Re lief 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 & Compan y 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 i s 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, ve hicles 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 p roperty 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 Fa mily 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 info rmation, 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 eq uipment 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 communication s 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 co ntinue for a total duration of 3 0 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 p racticality 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 cond itions for a total duration of 3 0 minutes, with 1 0 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 airwo rthiness 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 & Compa ny 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 & A** **rchitects** 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

## Ar **row -**  **1 Preflight**  **Checklist**

**Before leaving**  **for flight**  **location**

• Prefetch base map i m agery in Mission Planner ( Flight Plan ta b , r i g h t- c l i ck Map > P ref e t c h )

. • Create f light plan (waypoi n t list) using Mission Planner camera tool ( Flight P l a n n er ta b , r i ght
- c l i c k Map Tool >Draw p o lyg o n > Auto waypoint>Survey). Use dummy Home p o i n t - it w i ll get reset i n the fi e l d w h en GPS lock is achieve d

. • NOTE THAT ALTITUDE IS METRI C

. **Pre -** **flight Operations**  **at Flight**  **Location** 1

. I nstall the win g . Use 4 undamaged rubber band s . 2

. Start computer and op e n M i ssion Planner software . 3

. L oad or create fl i gh t p l an as described abov e . 4

. Connect the ground station modem to compute r's USB port

. 5

. Turn on RC transmitte r, set mode channe l ( s ) to Manua l , and S E T THROTTLE PO S I T I O N TO IDLE. 6

. Make sure UAV is level and motionless. 7

. Install batte r y in U AV and connect, taking care not to disturb UAV o r u n l ev e l it. 8

. In Mission Planner software , select co rr ect COM port ID and baud rate ( 5760 0 ) fo r telem e tr y m ode m , and hit " Connect" butto n . Wa it for parameter download to com p lete . 9. Check for 3D Fix on GPS (map display should show current location )

. 1 0

. Check that battery voltage, compass heading, and GPS ti m e - of
- d ay are correc t i n M i ssion Plann e r H U D. 1 1

. I n lower left corner of Mission Planner, select Act i ons tab and press "Set Home A l t" butto n . C u rrent altitude display in HUD should change to zero . 1 2

. In Mission Planner Flight Planner ta b , load or create fl i ght pla n . Check that a l l altitude v a l ues are co r re c

t and sufficiently high to clear any terrain or obstacles in flight path. Press "Wr ite W P s " to transfer fli g h t p l an to UA V

. 1 3

. C l ear the mission (Flight Plan ta b , right
-c l ick Ma p > Ciear Missio n )

. 1 4

. Read wayp o i nts back to the Mission Planner ( " Read WP s" tab bottom right. M a ke s u re th at th e co rrect flight plan i s displaye d

. 1 5

. Make sure that Default A l t is non - zero and sufficient l y high to c l ear ground
- based obstacles o

ver fl ig h t pat h

. 16. Check that all flight controls surfaces have appropr ia te neutral s , and t hat t h e y move in co r re c t direction when RC trans m i tter s t i cks are move d , first in Manual mode, then in FBW
-A mode. 17. Switch camera o n , check camera setting s , and insta ll the camera into the camera hold e r. 18. Lif t UAV from ground or h o l d e r and check that Center of Gravity i s OK. 19. Press the ar m in g button fo r two seconds. 20. Set mode to FBW
-A. Move UAV in both pitch and roll axes, and check that a i l erons , rudder, and e l evator move in appropriate direction to return UAV to level flight. 2 1

. Check that motor turns in correct direction when throttle is applie d

. 22

. OPTION A L
- Disconnect and re - connect Mission Planner to APM to r eset fl i ght log ( e l i m in ates long i n it i a l period of inactivity when later reviewing flight logs )

. Check that all HUD parameters ret urn to ap p ro p ria te levels. Press " Set Home Al t" button again if necessar

y .2 3

. OP T I ONAL
- if images from camera are to b e geo tagged fro m the fl i g h t l og, ta ke a

ph oto of the M is s ion Planner screen (at least the H UD port io n) such that the GPS time can be clea r ly re a d in t h e i mag e . T h i s w i ll a l low the offset between the camera 's c l ock a nd the GPS clock to b e determ in ed easi ly **La u**  **n c**  **h a**  **n d**  **Flig h**  **t 1**  **.** Set mode channel on R C trans m itt e r to Manual or FBW
-A. 2

. Grasp UAV near the CG in one h a n d , and RC transmitter in other ha n d

. 3

. Apply desired amount of throttle (40%
- 1 0 0 %) and hand
- launch UAV wit h good a u th o r ity i n t o the w in d

. 4

. Manually pilot UAV i n a climb u n til th e a p p roximate mis s i o n a ltitude i s reache d

. 5. Switch to Auto mode and observe that UAV seeks l ocatio n and al t itud e of fi r st wa ypoint. Mainta i n visu a l co n ta ct with U AV at all t i mes and be prep a r ed to take over manual control i f UAV exhibits odd b e h avi o r, or if a n other a i rc r a ft of a n y type e n t ers th e U AV's a i rspace. 6. I f an ot h er a i rc r

aft e n te r s t he area, i mmediately take ma n u a l con tro l and take any a ct ion necessary to avo i d a co ll i si o n . **Mission Completion**  **and Landing**  1. Wh en the miss i on is complete (or if mission is aborted) switch fl ight mode to **RTL** using either RC transmitte r or GCS. Observe that UAV returns to home position and orb i ts . Take over m a n u al control and land UAV straig h t i n to any win d

. 2

. Disco n n ect Mis s i on P la n n e r from APM upon landin g , and physica l l y disconnect or power down UAV upon retriev a l.