UAS in EM Standard Operating Guide

Introductory text, etc.

Introduction

Overview

The Center for Disaster Risk Policy (CDRP) at Florida State University established the Unmanned Aircraft System research project to assess and improve the usability of small unmanned aircraft systems in the context of state, local, and federal disaster management. This project examines UAS hardware, software, policies and procedures, data collection methodologies, and crew training and education to develop best practices for UAS applications in emergency management.

CDRP is the applied and field research arm of the Emergency Management and Homeland Security Program at FSU, and CDRP faculty and staff have decades of operational emergency management, communications, and information technology experience.

UAS are gaining national attention as a new and exciting technology. Hobbyists and private citizens are acquiring UAS and using them to capture imagery and other data from a vantage point that was previously reserved for those with access to manned aircraft. Governments at all levels are expressing interest in how UAS can be applied to emergency management processes, including mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery.

Purpose of this Document

This Standard Operating Guide includes all non-aircraft specific information and operational guidelines for CDRP personnel operating a UAS.

Further, this document may be used as a template for any entity conducting UAS operations in support of emergency or disaster response agencies.

Published Location

This guide and all supporting documents is published at http://uas.cdrp.net

Administration

Administrative Control

This unmanned aircraft system research project is under the administrative control of the Center for Disaster Risk Policy at Florida State University. All research and operations must comply with CDRP polices and procedures, University policies and procedures, as well as state, local and federal laws and regulations.

The UAS research project director is the Director of the Center for Disaster Risk Policy at Florida State University.

Authority to Task

Only the Directors of the Center for Disaster Risk Policy and the Emergency Management and Homeland Security Program at Florida State University or their delegates have the authority to task or assign any UAS resources (including but not limited to aircraft, personnel, or equipment) to any project, mission, or other assignment.

Maintenance of this Document

This Standard Operating Guide is maintained and updated by the Center for Disaster Risk Policy and approved by the Director of CDRP.

Coordination with the Federal Aviation Administration

For purposes of correspondence with the FAA, to include (but not limited to) aircraft registration, Certificate of Authorization (COA) applications, incident reporting, operational reporting, etc., this research program should be identified as:

Center for Disaster Risk Policy
Florida State University
113 Collegiate Loop
Bellamy 638
Tallahassee, FL 32306-2250
850.644.9961
uas@cdrp.net

Unmanned Aircraft Systems Limitations and Requirements

Limitations and Requirements Overview

All UAS operated by the Center for Disaster Risk Policy will meet the following requirements and limitations, without exceptions. These limitations and requirements are in effect to ensure safe operation of the UAS and ensure the safety of the crew, onlookers and other personnel not directly involved in the operation.

Weight

The UAS will weigh less than 55lbs. at takeoff. This is gross weight including fuel sources (battery) and mission payload.

Performance and Altitude

The UAS will not exceed 50 knots of airspeed.

The UAS will not exceed 400' AGL unless specifically authorized by the FAA.

Preflight Inspection

Prior to any UAS flight, the Pilot in Command will conduct a thorough inspection of all components of the UAS, including the air vehicle, ground control station, and communication devices. Systems not found to be in condition for safe flight or operation will not be utilized.

Any discrepancies found during pre-flight inspections should be logged in the aircraft logbook.

Minimum Crew

All UAS operations will be conducted by a Pilot in Command (PIC) and Visual Observer (VO). The PIC has the final authority and responsibility for the safe operation of the UAS and the safety and well-being of UAS crewmembers. While not required, an Aircraft Operator (AO) is recommended for safe operation.

Failsafe Mode

All UAS operated by CDRP must be equipped with a failsafe mode in case of primary control link failure. This mode must return the aircraft to the launch area. 3.7 - Emergency Procedures Defined

All UAS must have documented emergency procedures covering (at a minimum): engine or power failure; fire; loss of control link; loss of GPS; loss of telemetry data link; loss of video downlink.

Flight Controls

All UAS must have a Primary Flight Controller (PFC) allowing the pilot manual (or a close approximation of manual) control over the aircraft. All UAS must have an autopilot capable of autonomous and user-directed flight.

The PFC must be in the direct possession of the pilot or pilot-in-command at all times. 3.8.1 Required Flight Modes/Autopilot Modes

Each aircraft and autopilot combination provides different flight control modes. While the aircraft or autopilot may provide additional modes, the following are required:

Manual/Stabilized Mode - Allows the pilot or pilot-in-command to manually control the aircraft. This mode may provide stabilization if required (as on a multi-rotor).
Loiter Mode - Allows the aircraft to hold lateral position and altitude with minimal pilot input. Fixed-wing aircraft may circle a specific point.
Return to Launch - Directs the aircraft to begin an automated least-time/least-distance return to the launch point. Useful as a failsafe mode.

Battery Reserve

Battery voltage is the 'fuel' for electric UAS. With this in mind, all UAS flights will end while the aircraft maintains a 25% battery reserve. Battery voltage and capacity should be measured using voltage of the battery per the aircraft POH.

Aircraft Markings

CDRP will register all UAS with the FAA and mark each UAS with the corresponding registration number (N-number).

If required by the FAA, all UAS will be marked as 'Experimental'. This marking will be visible and permanent.

Aircraft Documentation

Each UAS operated by CDRP for research or operational purposes will have a Pilot's Operating Handbook (POH) specific for the model. The POH will be located with the Ground Control Station and will be familiar to each crewmember.

The POH will include all documentation required by this section and this SOG and will be available for inspection during all UAS operations.

Crewmembers

Crewmembers Defined

CDRP UAS crewmembers constitute any personnel responsible for the safe operation of the unmanned aircraft, support systems, payload, or coordination systems. Crewmembers are classified into one of the following positions: Pilot-in-Command, Aircraft Operator, Sensor Operator, Visual Observer.

The required positions for all UAS flights are Pilot-in-Command and Visual Observer. Other positions may be added to a flight if mission requirements and workload dictate.

Pilot-in-Command

The Pilot-in-Command (PIC) flies the aircraft and is the final authority on all aspects of the UAS operation. The PIC is responsible for all aspects of the UAS operation and supervises the Visual Observer, Aircraft Operator, and/or Sensor Operator.

The Pilot-in-Command must possess a current FAA Private Pilot Certificate or better.

Pilot-in-Command Knowledge Standards

Pass FAA Private Pilot Written Exam
Possess Class 2 FAA Medical Certificate
Pass CDRP UAS Operator Knowledge Exam. This exam verifies knowledge of:
- FAA regulations and guidance on UAS operations in the National Airspace System
- Weather as it applies to UAS operations, including operational minimums
- Parts and function of UAS airframe and systems
- UAS terminology
- UAS crew resource management
- CDRP UAS mission management workflow
- Payload capabilities
- Mission planning
- Autopilot and GCS use
- Launch and recovery field assessment
- UAS power management

Pilot-in-Command Practical Standards

If required, possess a FAA Private Pilot Certificate (or better).
Pass manufacturer specified training program for the UAS
Demonstrate the following:
- Preflight inspection of the UAS and systems
- Assess launch and recovery areas and methods
- Takeoff (manual control)
- Manual and stabilized level flight, maintaining altitude.
- Left and right coordinated turns
- Landing approach and go around
- Hover (if equipped)
- Land (manual control)
- Procedures for loss of control link, power failure, loss of telemetry, and fire
- Create automated mapping mission
- Operate the GCS and autopilot to include:
  - Execute pre-planned autonomous mission
  - Direct the aircraft to a specific location in flight
  - Redirect the aircraft to a second location in flight
  - Change flight modes
  - Restart automated mission
  - Describe aircraft telemetry including GPS status, battery and power status, altitude, heading, airspeed, ground speed, and vertical velocity.
- Assemble and disassemble the aircraft

Pilot-in-Command Currency Requirements

Prior to UAS operations for research or applied applications, the PIC will have logged a minimum of 5 hours as a UAS pilot and 3 take offs and 3 landings in the preceding 90 days. This is total time, not in a specific aircraft.

Aircraft Operator

The Aircraft Operator (AO) operates the UAS autopilot and autonomous systems. Using these systems, the AO may control the aircraft using waypoint navigation or guided mode. The AO assists with the launch and recovery of the aircraft and coordinates with the Sensor Operator if assigned.

Aircraft Operator Knowledge Standards

Pass FAA Private Pilot Written Exam
Possess Class 2 FAA Medical Certificate
Pass CDRP UAS Operator Knowledge Exam. This exam verifies knowledge of:
- FAA regulations and guidance on UAS operations in the National Airspace System
- Weather as it applies to UAS operations, including operational minimums
- Parts and function of UAS airframe and systems
- UAS terminology
- UAS crew resource management
- CDRP UAS mission management workflow
- Payload capabilities
- Mission planning
- Autopilot and GCS use
- Launch and recovery field assessment
- UAS power management

Aircraft Operator Practical Standards

If required, possess a FAA Private Pilot Certificate (or better).
Demonstrate the following:
- Preflight inspection of the UAS and systems
- Assess launch and recovery areas and methods
- Procedures for loss of control link, power failure, loss of telemetry, and fire
- Create automated mapping mission
- Operate the GCS and autopilot to include:
  - Execute pre-planned autonomous mission
  - Direct the aircraft to a specific location in flight
  - Redirect the aircraft to a second location in flight
  - Change flight modes
  - Restart automated mission
  - Describe aircraft telemetry including GPS status, battery and power status, altitude, heading, airspeed, ground speed, and vertical velocity.
- Assemble and disassemble the aircraft

Visual Observer

The Visual Observer (VO) acts as a second set of eyes for the Pilot-in-Command and ensures safe operation of the UAS. This includes ensuring separation of UAS operations from manned aviation activity, enforcing minimum safe distances of bystanders and observers, and safe interaction of the crew. The VO assists with launch and recovery of the aircraft.

Visual Observer Knowledge Standards

Pass CDRP UAS Operator Knowledge Exam. This exam verifies knowledge of:
- FAA regulations and guidance on UAS operations in the National Airspace System
- Weather as it applies to UAS operations, including operational minimums
- Parts and function of UAS airframe and systems
- UAS terminology
- UAS crew resource management
- CDRP UAS mission management workflow
- Payload capabilities
- Launch and recovery field assessment
- UAS power management

Visual Observer Practical Standards

Demonstrate the following:
- Preflight inspection of the UAS and systems
- Assess launch and recovery areas and methods
- Procedures for loss of control link, power failure, loss of telemetry, and fire
- Assemble and disassemble the aircraft

Sensor Operator

The Sensor Operator (SO) operates the UAS payload and/or sensors, including EO/IR cameras, digital still cameras, atmospheric sensors, or any other payload. The SO assists with the launch and recovery of the aircraft and coordinates with the Aircraft Operator if assigned.

Sensor Operator Knowledge Standards

Pass CDRP UAS Operator Knowledge Exam. This exam verifies knowledge of:
- FAA regulations and guidance on UAS operations in the National Airspace System
- Weather as it applies to UAS operations, including operational minimums
- Parts and function of UAS airframe and systems
- UAS terminology
- UAS crew resource management
- CDRP UAS mission management workflow
- Payload capabilities
- Launch and recovery field assessment
- UAS power management

Sensor Operator Practical Standards

Demonstrate the following:
- Preflight inspection of the UAS and systems, with emphasis on payloads
- Program and control payload systems, including cameras and other sensors
- Assess launch and recovery areas and methods
- Procedures for loss of control link, power failure, loss of telemetry, and fire
- Assemble and disassemble the aircraft

Training and Proficiency

CDRP UAS crew will maintain proficiency through periodic training and proficiency flights.

Pilot-in-Command, Aircraft Operator, and Visual Observer must demonstrate proficiency in knowledge and practical standards every 90 days.

Crew Flight Logs

All crew are required to maintain accurate logs of all time associated with UAS flights. This includes, but is not limited to; time as Pilot-in-Command, time as Aircraft Operator, time as Visual Observer, time as Sensor Operator, and time as an instructor.

Flight logs should be consolidated once per calendar month, stored electronically in a centralized location, and reviewed periodically for accuracy and completeness.