Your Flight Assessment [VIDEO]

Welcome to Drone Trust's overview of a typical RPAS flight assessment. We have divided this video into phases or sections that are covered by our examiners. The order may vary depending on the examiner and local conditions, however you should expect to cover these items and tasks during your flight examination.

The format of this examination is the same for both 101 and 102 assessments however 102 candidates are expected to demonstrate a higher skill level and knowledge. Where there are differences we will point them out to you. Prior to the assessment your examiner will have made contact with you arranging a date time and location.

You are the pilot in command so it is expected that you do the necessary research on what airspace you are flying in and if applicable obtain ATC clearances as you would do for any other flight. The exception is if we have arranged for landowner permission.

After introductions The Examiner will brief you on the assessment format. Civil Aviation rules require that we identify each candidate via a photo ID - please make sure that you bring your driver's license, passport, or other photo ID with you.

The assessment commences with questions on your knowledge of the rules, airspace requirements, and visual navigation charts. These are drawn from the theory course content. We recommend that you review the course notes on these topics. You will not be required to answer word perfect from the rules however you must be able to articulate the limitations, concepts and the intent of the rule. Make sure that you review the course content prior to the assessment day.

NOTAMs are an important part of planning any flight. You will be expected to have checked these on the day and be able to demonstrate to The Examiner how to obtain, interpret, and explain what a NOTAM means.

Like NOTAMs, AIP supplements or Subs are also an important planning tool again you will be expected to have checked these prior and be able to demonstrate to The Examiner how to obtain, interpret, and explain what a sup means.

The effects of wind, rain, and visibility impact many drone operations. The Examiner may ask you how to obtain weather information and assess the impact of it on the job that you plan to do. An example here is the windy.com app - there are however many other good providers of weather information. An examiner will have a discussion on how to take into consideration the effect of wind on your drone - for example do not stand downwind during takeoff and landing, consider battery life when operating in strong wind conditions, can you operate in wet conditions? You are the pilot in command so it's your decision to fly or not if weather conditions are unsuitable.

As a professional pilot you are responsible for the safe operation of your drone, so every time you fly you must conduct a hazard assessment of the flight area. During the flight assessment you'll be asked to identify any local hazards. The Examiner may also discuss other potential hazards that you may encounter of a more General nature. Remember to identify an emergency landing site or sites away from the planned flight area.

Airshare is a valuable planning tool. Following our comments at the start of this video, we expect you to have filed the appropriate Air Share requests for this flight assessment.

Here we review how to file a request. The examiner will ask you to demonstrate how to file. If appropriate, you will need to obtain the air traffic control clearance to commence flying.

A pre-flight check of your drone is a must do before every flight. More extensive pre-flight for the first flight, and then quick visual checks in between flights is the norm. The Examiner will ask you to demonstrate your PreFlight and talk through what you're looking for - for example propeller damage, structural or wiring damage, and checking to see that everything is fitted correctly. You can use a checklist if required and we recommend this as good Aviation practice.

During this phase you can expect questions on how your drone works - it's systems, indicators, and what functions the controls have. We suggest you review the manufacturer's operating manual. You will also be expected to display knowledge of the equipment that is attached to the drone. Common examples of this could include cameras, lidar, or spray units.

Now we start flying tasks - this is where you'll be asked to demonstrate various manoeuvres using the cones as a reference. Start with a normal takeoff with the full GPS stabilizing functions operating - this is to allow you to get a feel for the conditions. The Examiner will stand nearby but behind your shoulder. The Examiner may move closer to be able to view your control inputs and look at the screen.

You will be asked to perform each task in either GPS or Atti mode. If you do not understand what is required, hover the Drone and ask for clarification. We all make mistakes from time to time, so the examiner here is looking for how you correct that mistake - we do allow second attempts. The Examiner is here to make the assessment flow smoothly so that you have the best opportunity to demonstrate your skills without being overloaded or confused.

The various flight tasks examiners may choose are shown in the video - all or some of these tasks may be included, and there may be slight variations to each task. However if you can fly these as shown then you will be able to adapt easily.

Now we will move away from the cones to assess your judgment of height and distance. Height and distance assessment is performed without reference to the screen. For example you will be asked to fly up to 60 meters without looking at the screen. We are not seeking 100% accuracy here, just a reasonable judgment on your part for how far away the Drone is. We recommend that you practice this at home by viewing the distance and the height readouts to get a feel of what your drone looks like when it is operating away from you. Typically 60 or 100 to 200 meters in distance is used. This of course varies with the size of the Drone and the prevailing visibility. A review of how height and altitude is measured from the theory course may also be prudent.

Speed descent can be conducted in a number of ways - straight line, corkscrew, or simply descending. Practicing this manoeuvre ensures that you can descend safely should there be an unexpected aircraft incursion in your airspace. Who is in the right is irrelevant, it is up to you to comply with the give-way to aircraft rule.

Now we are coming to the end. We know that this will have been a busy and maybe stressful time for you. The Examiner will ask you to land then shut down and secure the Drone. It isn't quite over yet though - remember to complete the post-flight checks here - discuss the important battery management aspects of flying a drone, how do you care for the battery, how do you visually assess whether a battery is damaged, what are the correct ways to store and transport LiPO batteries. These are all questions that you should be able to answer. Please refer to the battery care section of your manufacturer's operating manual.

Well done!

The examiner will debrief you on the good and not so good aspects of your assessment and you will be advised of the outcome. The intent here is to provide feedback so that you can learn. Examiners are experienced drone operators and they have a wealth of knowledge. It is our mission here at Drone Trust that you not only pass the assessment, but you go away with more knowledge than when you started the day.

The day is not complete until the paperwork is done - Drone Trust Administration will process this and issue your RPAS pilot certificate over the next few days.

Good luck!