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NIST OTL Flight
On September 2nd, 2025, my teammates, Alex Delatorre, Evan Madura and I completed the NIST Open Lane Test for pilot acuity. We used a DJI Mavic 2 Pro model number 163CG8DR0A0SSM in class D airspace, so LAANC was required to fly.
METAR data while flying and LAANC authorization
We started the test by setting up the buckets, landing pad and case. Using a 100 ft measuring tape we set up the test procedure according to the diagram below. Then we checked the KLAF METAR for weather data. The winds were VRB at 4 knots with no gusts, 10 statute miles of visibility and clear of clouds.
Our group then assigned a Pilot in Command, Visual Observer and Proctor for the test. I started as the proctor while Evan was the PIC and Alex the VO but as the roles were switched later on, the flight procedure stayed the same.
To execute the flight, we followed the Position Test, Traverse Test - Flying Leftward and Traverse Test - Flying Rightward. I completed the procedure in 00:12:55 but had to change a battery midway through position test. With the upcoming opportunity to do this again, I hope to cut that down significantly.
IMAGES
Personal Score
We then completed the NIST OTL test again without VLOS. For this we used the Skydio 2+ platform, Evan was the VO and Alex was the proctor. I felt much more confident doing this a second time and realized I needed to fly a lot quicker in the Position test. We set the course up exactly the same as before and I found it to be easier flying in FPV rather than relying on VLOS to capture images.
All images from the second test are on the photo link above
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