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Mission (kidney bean for potential “runway” at ASRECRally pointAirspace (based on Clayton’s waiver boundary)
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Operational Plan
30 Points
Nathan Tyler Rose
Last edited 6 days ago by Kenzie Michelle Florkiewicz.
Overview
Using the resources below and your experience performing flight operations, complete an operational plan for the flight training missions that we will complete throughout the next 6-7 weeks. The objective is to build a comprehensive operational plan document outlining the training exercise. You may use AI to help you complete this assignment, but you may not copy-paste text directly.
How AI might help:
Resources
Operation ASREC
Use the headings below to build your operational plan. Remove all supporting text in grey.
Objectives
The purpose of this training operation is to develop both technical and operational proficiency in UAS flight missions over the course of the next several weeks. The focus is not just on flying but on executing complete real-world mission workflows.
Primary training goals are going to include:
Developing both manual flight control and autonomous mission execution skills
practicing the full mission planning process (weather checks, NOTAMs, FRAT and briefing)
Improving communication between PIC and VO, especially maintaining continuous two-way communication
Conducting operations that comply with Part 107 regulations and the 107.51 waiver
Strengthening the ability to identify hazards and apply risk mitigation strategies
Rehearsing emergency procedures, including lost link, return-to-launch, low battery, and flyaway scenarios
Roles and Responsibilities
Pilot in command responsibilities
has final authority over the entire operation
Ensures compliance with Part 107 and waiver requirements
conducts preflight inspection and leads the missions briefing
maintains control of the aircraft at all times
maintains continuous communication with the VO
The visual observer
Maintains visual line of sight with the aircraft
Monitors surrounding for hazards people obstacles boundaries
Communicates any risks or deviations to the PIC immediately
Maintains constant two-way (duplex) communication
GCS Operator
Operates ground control station software
Monitors telemetry (battery, GPS signal, link quality)
Confirms mission parameters, rally points, and failsafes
Assists PIC with system awareness during flight
Instructor (or maybe clayton)
Oversees all operations for safety and training quality
Verifies checklists, FRAT, and mission readiness
Provides Feedback and intervenes if necessary
Ensures all procedures follow course and FAA expectations
Operational Area
Include a map of the area, GPS coordinates, and navigation aids (”turn by the cow pasture on Route 43”).
Include information about the area: is there power? Bathrooms? Internet? 40.49568° N, 86.99624° W
Area description
Open-ish agricultural fields with few obstacles
Flat terrain allows for clear visibility and safe maneuvering
Minimal population density
no Bathrooms
Access/navigation
Located off Route 43
Common reference “turn near the cow pasture”
Easy vehicle access to launch area
Site resources
power available in middle of field
Limited or weak internet in field areas
large open space ideal for trianing operations
Checklists
Include a copy of the Believer checklist. Build a pre-departure and a return checklist (not included in the Believer checklist).
Believer checklist (included)
Aircraft inspected and airworthy
firmware up to date
all components full serviced
Required documentation accessible
Waiver documents
Registration
maintenance logs
pilot certificates
pre departure checklist
Mission plan reviewed and loaded into ground control
weather and NOTAMs checked
FRAT completed and approved
all batteries charged and verified
ground station equipment packed and tested
Boundary and airspace files uploaded
Communication systems tested
Briefing completed with all personnel
Return checklist
Aircraft powered down safely
battery levels recorded and removed
airframe inspected for damage
flight logs saved and backed up
equipment packed and accounted for
debrief conducted with team
any issues documented and reported
Operation Guide
Expand the checklist headings into a detailed explanation. Detail the preflight box. Think of this as the advisory circular to your regulations.\
preflight
conducts a full inspection of the aircraft and systems
verify GPS lock, telemetry connection, and control link
Confirm mission file, rally points, and failsafe settings
establish communication between PIC and VO ensure operational area is clear of hazards
Takeoff and climb
perform controlled takeoff under PIC command
Ascend to safe altitude before initiating mission
Confirm stable telemetry and aircraft performance
Mission execution
execute autonomous or manual flight as planned
continuously monitor battery, signal strength, and GPS
VO actively scans for hazards and communicates updates
PIC maintains readiness to override automation if needed
Landing
Return aircraft to designated landing zone
Perform controlled descent and landing
Shut down systems and secure aircraft
Risk Assessment
Build a risk assessment matrix using FAA resources (AC 107-2) to fully identify and mitigate risks associated with this operation.
Using FAA AC 107-2 guidance, the following hazards were identified:
Primary Risks
loss of GPS signal
Low battery or power failure
Flyaway or loss of control
Communication link loss
boundary violations
weather changes
presence of bystanders
mitigations strategies
maintain manual flight proficiency
set RTL and failsafe parameters
Monitor battery levels closely
Use VO for constant situational awareness
establish clear operational boundaries
set weather minimums before flight
Residual Risk
after mitigation overall risk is reduced to low to moderate, acceptable for training operations.
Emergency and Contingency Procedures
Include a complete list of possible emergencies and the appropriate contingency plan. For example, if DATX disconnects, the aircraft will RTL after 3 seconds. Who to contact in an emergency?
Lost Link aircraft will initiate RTL after-3 seconds
attempt reconnection immediately VO monitors aircraft position
Low battery
Immediate return to launch
Prioritize safe landing
flyaway VO calls out direction and movement
PIC attempts manual override
report incident if boundary is exceeded
Crash
secure the area
do not approach until safe
document damage and notify instructor
Weather deterioration
abort mission immediately land as soon as safely possible
Emergency contacts
instructor nathan rose or clayton
responsible person Clayton brown
purdue police
KLAF ATC if required
Compliance and Approvals
Here, you may wish to add a copy of your Part 107 credentials and currency documents. Include a copy of the waiver and highlight important points from the waiver. See resources for waiver information.
PIC must hold a valid Part 107 certificate
recurrent training must be current (within 24 months)
waiver requirements
continuous communication between PIC and VO
Aircraft must remaind within approved boundary
VLOS must be maintained at all times
Risk mitigation procedures must be documented and followed
All required documents (waiver registration, certificates) must be available during operations.
Mission Files
In Ground Control build and export the following (attach them here):
The following files are prepared and uploaded
Waiver Quiz
Complete the form below. If it does not load, click the button below to open in a new window. You must be logged into your Purdue account.
Deliverables
Broken link
Rubric
Generate with AI
Section
Max Points
Criteria summary
1. Objectives
3
Clear, specific training objectives tied to the upcoming missions; not generic.
2. Roles and responsibilities
3
All key roles defined (PIC, VO, instructor, GCS operator) with clear responsibilities.
3. Operational area
4
Map, coordinates, and navigational cues; description of site features and constraints.
4. Checklists
4
Believer checklist included; tailored pre‑departure and return checklists that are complete and usable.
5. Operation guide
4
Expands checklist into a readable, step‑by‑step “how‑to” narrative aligned with course practices.
6. Risk assessment
5
Uses FAA‑style risk matrix (e.g., AC 107‑2 / risk video); clear hazards, mitigations, and residual risk.
7. Emergency and contingency procedures
5
Comprehensive list of emergencies with concrete, safe responses and communication steps.
8. Compliance and approvals
2
Correctly references Part 107, currency, and 107.51(b) waiver; shows how plan complies. Completes waiver quiz with 100%.
There are no rows in this table
30
Sum
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