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Operational Plan

Last edited 28 seconds ago by Joseph P Salcik.

Operation ASREC

Objectives

The purpose of these operations is to train the AT219 class on the platform the Windracer ULTRA uses. They will be using the MFI Believer with DATX controllers set up in the exact same way the ULTRA controllers are to accomplish this. Various procedures will be rehearsed including takeoffs, landings, strong headwind flight and pattern flying, auto flight, stabilized control and energy management, control handoff procedures, Ground Control Station (GCS) practice, and Visual Observer (VO) duties.

Roles and Responsibilities

PIC and or Safety Pilot: This individual has final authority for flight operations and is ultimately responsible for the safe conduct of an operation in the absence of Clayton. The Safety Pilot is in control of the physical controls of the Believer when in stabilized mode and has the authority to reject a landing and initiate a go around when deemed necessary. VO: The VO is responsible for making sure the Believer does not leave the approved waiver airspace, the airspace is clear of obstacles such as other aircraft, and ensure personnel that are not part of the operation do not enter the operation area. Instructor: The instructor is responsible for ensuring the student under them is conducting maneuvers and maintaining in pattern properly and correcting them when necessary. They have final say during a flight as to when to take over controls in the case of an emergency for major mistake. GCS Operator: The GCS Operator is responsible for reading out the instrument readings when requested and ensuring the next waypoint on the autopilot is always set when in stabilized flight. They can set the aircraft to go to any waypoint as deemed necessary by situations and are responsible for ensuring all avionics and supporting equipment are in working order before flight.

Operational Area

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Set destination as ASREC Poultry Unit to bring you to the operations area. Find parking along Asrec Lane and walk to operations area.

Checklists

Include a copy of the Believer checklist. Build a pre-departure and a return checklist (not included in the Believer checklist).

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SCALED PLATFORM TRAINING CHECKLIST- DRAFT 2024-08-13 02_32_31.pdf

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PRE-DEPARTURE CHECKLIST:

All required documentation is in vehicle

Believer and avionics in vehicle for transport

Battery charged and cells checked for nominal voltage (placed in proper transport bag)

GCS charged and packed

Flight plan for auto flight on hard drive/laptop

Local hotspot device for internet connection for GCS in vehicle

Battery bank for laptop power (if needed) charged and in vehicle

DATX charged and packed in vehicle

Safety vests in vehicle

Any necessary in-field tools to replace props or clear duck tape for minor repairs

Members of operation mental and physical health checks done

Vehicle has gas and all members have transportation/are in vehicle

RETURN CHECKLIST:

Battery disconnected

Propeller inspected for damage

Aircraft inspected for structural damage

GCS Laptop powered down and put away

Battery placed in fire-safe container

All equipment accounted for

Trash removed from site

Any damage documented

Crew debrief completed

Vehicle loaded safely

Operation Guide

Preflight Planning

Prior to departure, the PIC ensures all mission planning elements are complete. Weather must be evaluated including:

Wind speed and gust spread

Visibility

Ceiling

Temperature effects on battery performance

The flight area must be evaluated for hazards and a plan developed to mitigate risks.

Waypoint routes should be reviewed for terrain clearance and containment within the waiver boundary.

Flight Operations

Takeoff

Takeoffs will be conducted into the wind whenever possible. The PIC ensures:

Stable climb rate

Proper airspeed

Smooth control inputs

Positive climb established before initiating turns

Pattern Flying

Traffic patterns will be flown in a rectangular pattern at a consistent altitude.

Standard callouts include:

Upwind

Crosswind

Downwind

Base

Final

The aircraft should maintain stabilized energy throughout the pattern.

Stabilized Approach Criteria

Approach must meet the following criteria by 100 ft AGL:

Constant descent rate

Stable airspeed

Proper alignment with landing zone/center line

Minimal control corrections

If criteria are not met, initiate go-around.

Autopilot Operations

When autopilot is engaged:

GCS operator monitors waypoint tracking

PIC monitors flight path

Safety pilot prepared to override controls

VO monitors airspace

Risk Assessment Matrix

Risk Assessment Matrix

Hazard

Likelihood

Severity

Risk Level

Mitigation

Loss of GPS

Maintain manual control readiness

Lost link

Rally Point programmed

High winds

Check forecast

Battery failure

Inspect batteries

Crew error

CRM procedures

Airspace conflict

VO scanning

Equipment malfunction

Preflight inspection

Hard landing

Stabilized approach criteria

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Emergency and Contingency Procedures

Lost Link:

If DATX connection is lost the aircraft will fly to the rally point in the top right pocket of the pattern after 3 seconds of lost communication. PIC/Safety Pilot will then prepare to regain stabilized control when link is reestablished

Low Battery/Low Battery Cell Voltage:

Beeper will be heard while aircraft is in flight, PIC will initiate leading and pilot the aircraft through the pattern to land immediately.

Crash:

Shut down system and disconnect battery from aircraft. Report through SATT safety report and UAS Dispatch. Return from operations.

Injury:

In case of an injury, call 911 if needed and provide first aid if trained. Have one individual assigned to guide emergency services (preferably near the access to the site) and suspend operations.

Weather:

PIC will suspend flight operations and land the aircraft immediately. All equipment will be secured and return to COMP 101.

Who to Contact:

Emergency: 911

Waiver Problems: Clayton Brown

Instructor: Nathan Rose

Crash: SATT Safety Report