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Lab 06- Altitude Waiver
Lab 06 - Altitude Waiver
Google Maps:
Google Earth:
Property Homepage:
Property Automated Weather Data:
Property UAV policy:
Questions
Answer the following guiding questions regarding waivers. Be sure to reference the resources linked above. This application will require more time than the allotted lab time, so please plan accordingly..
1. What area have you selected?
2. Who is on your team of 2-3 people?
a. Names:Sam DuBois, Dylan Vanderploeg, Aditya Musale, Adam Oster
3. What are the specs of the MFE Believer?
Believer Specs:
Size - Fuselage 1070mm wingspan 1960mm
Approx. weight - Flying weight up to 5.5kg
Flight Duration - 120 minutes
Cruise speed - 18-21 m/s
4. In a few sentences, what is the difference between an operational waiver and an airspace authorization?
a. The difference between an operational waiver and an airspace authorization is that the waiver makes the pilot eligible to deviate from part 107 guidelines. An airpace authorization gives you acces to fly in a certain section and controlled airspace. There are more restrictions when flying under an airspace authorization than an operational waiver.
5. Referring to the question above, which one (or both) do you need to fly above 400 ft in your chosen flight area?
a. We only need an operational waiver.
6. What regulation will you be waiving?
a. Section number and title: 107.51(b) Operation Limitations for Small UNmanned Aircraft: Altitude
7. Refer to “Part 107 Waiver - Section Specific Evaluation Information” in section 2 of the FAA Part 107 Waiver Homepage. List out the specific points that evaluators are looking for in a waiver submitted to fly higher than 400 ft.
a. Applicants must address how the operation maintains compliance with the visual line of sight requirements listed in 107.31. This includes the ability to determine if their sUAS is above or below another aircraft, or they may demonstrate the ability of the sUAS to land prior to the sUAS becoming a collision threat to another aircraft
b. An evaluator will refer to the human eye’s physiological limitations (Snellen equation) and perception error research to determine if VLOS can reasonably be maintained at the distance and altitude requested in the application
c. An increase in altitude may increase the potential injuries and property damage a failed sUAS may cause. An applicant must demonstrate when the sUAS is operating over 400’ agl, no additional hazard is posed to persons and property, and the operation has the ability to comply with 107.39
8. Create a Safety Risk Assessment and Mitigation Steps table as outlined in AC 107-2A, Appendix A, Figure A-2. Review pages A-5 – A-9 for guidance on identifying and assessing risks.
9. Refer to the Part 107 Waiver Safety Explanation Guidelines and Guiding Questions document. Copy the five questions below and develop your responses to each of the questions. Refer for the Representative Sample of an approved waiver application for 14 CFR 107.51(b) as a guide for answering the five questions.
a. Question 1:
i. Describe how the small unmanned aircraft (sUA) will not pose a hazard to aircraft, persons on the ground, and others’ property when operating at altitudes other than those prescribed in § 107.51(b).
The UAS is made of Styrofoam and is less than 5.5kg.
a. How will the Remote Pilot in Command (RPIC) and Visual Observer(s) (VO), if used, see and avoid other aircraft when flying over 400 feet above ground level (AGL)?
Multiple VOs will be used and positioned at different points to watch the airspace, and VOs will be listening to aircraft traffic while drone is in the air.
b. Question 2:
i. Describe the anti-collision lighting used on the sUA, in order for it to be seen by crewmembers in other aircraft from a distance of at least 1 statute mile (sm) during daytime operations and 3sm if conducting nighttime operations.
a. Will the sUA be sufficiently visible by crewmembers in other aircraft in the location where the RPIC will operate?
1) If yes, how will you accomplish this?
2) If no, why do crewmembers in other aircraft not need to be able to see your sUA?
It was not built into our sUA, but our drone is highly modular so we can make the necessary
modifications so other crewmembers can see the aircraft.
c. Question 3:
i.Describe how the RPIC will be able to accurately determine the sUA altitude and direction of flight.
a. How will the RPIC know, while keeping eyes on the sUA, the current real-time:
1) Geographic location,
2) Altitude (AGL), and
3) Direction of flight of the sUA
RPIC will have real-time telemetry data on the control station including location, direction of flight, and altitude(AGL).
b. How will the RPIC maintain visual line of sight with the sUA (i.e., meet the requirements of § 107.31) at the maximum altitude and distance requested in the waiver application?
There are no tall visual obstructions that would obscure the aircraft while it is over the property. The flight of the sUA will stay above the highlighted zone on the google map.
d. Question 4:
i.Describe the area of operations using latitude/longitude, street address, identifiable landmarks, or other maps to include the distance from and direction to the nearest airport (e.g., 4.8 miles SE of XYZ Airport).
Lat: 40°17'49.9"N
Long: 86°54'10.8"W
Street Address: 8343 US-231, Lafayette, IN 47909
Identifiable Landmarks:
Maps:
KLAF:
Timber House (31IN):
Distance from KLAF: 7.1 NM
Distance from Timber House (31IN): 2.2 NM
Direction to Timber House (31IN): 293° SE
Direction to KLAF: 352° NW
e. Question 5:
i. In addition to filing a NOTAM, describe how the RPIC will communicate/coordinate with Air Traffic Control (ATC) if required by a Special Provision in your Certificate of Waiver and based on the complexity of your operation.
The RPIC will have the Air Traffic Control number in case we are required by a special provision in our certificate of waiver. 6
Application Draft:
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