Skip to content
Flight Lab 01/02 - NIST OTL Flight (VLOS/BVLOS)
Lab Introduction:
In this lab, we conducted the NIST OTL Proficiency test, which assesses your ability to demonstrate positive control on a UAS Platform, in both VLOS (Visual Line of Sight) and BVLOS (Beyond Visual Line of Sight) scenarios.
Constructing the Test:
Adapting the test to our constraints, we used only the first 3 sets of previously-constructed testing buckets. All spaced 10ft apart, linearly with the landing zone and pilot position, as shown on the testing sheets. The buckets were custom-made to represent targets for UAS alignment and capture. Below is a reference image from the .
To align the UAS with the buckets, the inner green rings must be completely visible. Each Bucket has its own letter designation, and each construct has its own number designation. This allows us to fly using the directions on the test sheets to the right.
DAY 1 (VLOS) - 09/02/25
Preflighting and Materials:
I flew this lab in a group of three people: Kyle Struck, Alex Delatore, and me. We used a Purdue University-owned DJI Mavic 2 Pro, with the serial number 163CG8DR0A0S5M and registration number FA3K7WYW4N. This mission took place at the Purdue Turf Farm, a registered FRIA. However, we still took the precaution of obtaining LAANC authorization, which Kyle completed. On the way to the flight area, we reviewed the nearby weather conditions, which were a fairly calm, sunny day.
Running the Test:
Each person was designated a position in the group. I began the test as the first PIC. Kyle was the Proctor, and Alex was my VO. As the Proctor, it was Kyle’s job to relay the instructions to me and run the stopwatch. Alex, as my VO, would help direct me to each location while looking out for other aircraft or obstructions nearby. After each PIC completes their test, we rotate through the other positions, so each person has each responsibility.
Running through the test was fairly simple; I just had to follow all instructions from top to bottom, take a picture of each location, and I would be scored by time and accuracy. I unfortunately passed over the time limit, which I blame on not flying any UAS in months.
DAY 2 (BVLOS) - 09/09/25
Preflighting and Materials:
I flew this lab in the same group as the previous day: Kyle Struck, Alex Delatore, and me. We used a Purdue University-owned Skydio 2+, with the serial number 1668BS20JB00F96X and registration number FA3HWTHLKT. This mission took place at the Purdue Turf Farm, a registered FRIA. Just like before, we took the precaution of obtaining LAANC authorization, which Alex completed. On the way to the flight area, we reviewed the nearby weather conditions, which were calm and sunny. Additionally, we constructed the test in the same way as on the first day.
Running the Test:
Just like the first day, each person was designated a position in the group. We kept the same assignments as before, and rotated through in the same order.
Running the test was nearly the same as on day 1, although the difference was that the PIC was turned around, only allowed to use the onboard camera feed, and was given the proctor's instructions. Unfortunately, I again exceeded the time limit at the end of the test.
Resources:
Official NIST Test Sheet: VLOS
Note: My time is hard to see on the sheet; it is 12:09.
Official NIST Test Sheet: BVLOS
Final time: 10:33
Want to print your doc?
This is not the way.
This is not the way.
Try clicking the ··· in the right corner or using a keyboard shortcut (
CtrlP
) instead.