# Standard Operating Procedures



# & Checklists Flight protocols and checklists for small drones operations

# Summary

• sUAS Crew • Flight conditions • Preflight Briefing • Launch and Landing Zones, & Alternate Landing • Preflight Checklists (Conditions/Airframe/Control) • Preflight Inspections Checklist • In - Flight and Post Flight Checklists • sUAS General Maintenance • Memos

# sUAS Crew

• PIC : Pilot in Command Responsible for the operations, familiar with the aircraft, the flight, the ground control software, and Emergency procedures. Perform Mission Planning and ensure preflight procedures 

### • RSO : Ground System and Remote Sensing Operator Familiar with Ground Station Software and remote sensing functions during sUAS operations, familiar with emergency procedures. 

### • Observer(s) Keep the line - of- sight and 360 degree hazard awareness around the sUAS and assist the PIC & RSO

# Flight Conditions

The PIC has final determination of the risk due to weather and shall overview the following flight conditions : • Potential Hazard to Public and property must be avoid • Distance to controlled airspace (min 5 miles) • Distance from non participating people / infrastructures (500 feet) • Daylight • Line-of-Sight (for PIC and Obs) • Altitude : less than 400 feet AGL • Heat <37,7 / 110 • Cold > - 17.77 / 0 • Wind < 30 mph (anemometer) • Avoid Rain, Snow and Fog • Quality of signals (WIFI/Radio/GPS)

# Preflight Briefing

• Mission Goals, methods to achieve goals, handoff procedures • Flight Conditions, weather forecast • Restrictions / tactical environment • Restrictions / tech (battery duration, GPS, Range of transmitter) • Flight Area Review (max ceiling/flooring) • Flight compliance (FSDO / ATC / NOTAMs) • Communication between Crew members • Review of required video/digital images • Frequencies to be used • Contingency procedures, alternate landing zones • Preflight Checklists

## Launch and Landing Zones, & Alternate Landing

• Safety View of the Site (identify trees, bushes, 

### power lines potential obstructions, cell tower interference etc.). • Keep ability to maintain buffer zones between aircraft and personnel • Environment re - assessment before flight • Primary Landing Site : same as the launch site • Alternate landing sites : designate at least 1 

### • Abort Site : as far as possible in case of the necessity to vacate airspace in emergency

# Preflight Checklists

• Reviewed by PIC : • Inspection of aircraft • Assessment of operating location • Coordination with crew • Equipment checkouts



### • Mission Plan • Actions • Objectives • Contingencies

# Preflight Checklists A/Conditions  Winds less than 35mph / 30 knots  Less than 110 degrees Fahrenheit  Time of Operation  Max Altitude  Mission objectives  Safety Parameters  Emergency Procedures (incl . alternate site/abort site)  No Frequency conflicts Aircraft is secure and will not move if the motor was suddenly powered up

# Preflight Checklists B/Airframe  Transmitter, on board aircraft and camera batteries are fully charged  Control surfaces for sign of damage, loose hinges and overall condition  Control Linkages secured  Check the motor/engine, and mounting  Check the propeller (chips, cracks, looseness, deformation)  Check the Landing Gear  Check Servos  Check Electrical Connections  Check the Gimbal  Check the Camera  Repair or replace any un - airworthy part/elements  Buffer zone between propeller and any other elements before flightC/ Control  Announce out loud “CLEAR PROP”  Antenna is extended  Turn on transmitter and remote  Turn on DJI app  Connect the Battery to sUAS  Check signal and battery quality (GPS/WIFI/Battery ) o DJI app  Check Monitor Display  Check Gimbal movement for the camera up/down  Start the Rotors  Check the propellers / motor engine in operations (no abnormal noise, vibrations)  Stop the rotors and Check the Motors stops completely when stick are at the off position  Take off area and operational area are clear, double check weather conditions  Announce out loud “CLEAR FLIGHT LINE”  Start the Rotors and take of the aircraft 

# Preflight Checklists

# In- Flight Checklist  PIC Climb to 10 feet and check every function of remote  RSO has full function of sensors and signal report  Obs and PIC have sUAS in Line - of- sight  Keep aircraft at safe operating distance from people and buildings  PIC RSO & Obs Scan the Flight and ground areas for potential hazards during mission  Mission Specific Checklist  Check the control systems before landing  Scan the landing area for hazards  Announce “PREPARING TO LAND”  Carefully land

# Post Flight Checklist  Turn off the power off to the aircraft, disconnect battery  Turn off the Transmitter and flight control  Turn off sensor Visually check aircraft for signs of damage  Secure aircraft, remove batteries, remove SD card, store and share documentation  Perform field repair if necessary  Clear the scene of any environmental footprints  Mission Specific Debrief  Record Squawk Log for Maintenance purposes

# sUAS General Maintenance

• General Airworthiness of the sUAS, according to manufacturer and industry standards • Mission Specific Airworthiness, prior to each mission • Maintenance : perform maintenance according to manufacturer and record aircraft’s squawks (equipment issues) • Software/Hardware changes : to be documented and shall pass a test-flight before mission • Storage : in the box, during long transit store batteries in separate appropriate container • Battery Charge : LiPO batteries should be fully charged when not in use

# Memos