A2 CofC - Drone Certificate of Competency Battery Management and Safety Questions and Answers

Question 1

After a flight, you notice one of your LiPo batteries is slightly swollen or 'puffed'. What is the correct and safest course of action according to UK operational best practices?

Accepted Answer

Immediately place it in a fireproof container, move it to a safe, isolated outdoor area, and prepare for disposal.

Answer

Charge it slowly on a low current to see if it recovers.

Answer

Continue to use it but monitor it closely for further swelling.

Answer

Wrap it in electrical tape to compress the swelling and store it with your other batteries.

Question 2

For long-term storage (i.e., longer than one week), what is the ideal state of charge for a typical UAS LiPo battery to ensure its health and safety?

Accepted Answer

At approximately 50% capacity, which corresponds to around 3.8V per cell.

Answer

Fully charged to 4.2V per cell.

Answer

Completely discharged to below 3.0V per cell.

Answer

Stored at the same charge level it had after the last flight, regardless of the level.

Question 3

A remote pilot is charging several LiPo batteries in their workshop in preparation for a job. Which of the following actions represents the most critical safety precaution?

Accepted Answer

Never leaving the charging batteries unattended.

Answer

Using the fastest possible charge rate to minimise charging time.

Answer

Charging the batteries inside a vehicle to keep them warm.

Answer

Placing all batteries on a single large metal tray to keep them organised.

Question 4

A LiPo battery that is physically damaged or has an internal short-circuit can experience 'thermal runaway'. What is the primary and most severe hazard associated with this condition?

Accepted Answer

A rapid, self-sustaining, and intense fire that is difficult to extinguish and releases toxic fumes.

Answer

The battery will simply stop holding a charge.

Answer

The battery may emit a harmless, loud popping sound as it vents.

Answer

A reversal of the battery's polarity, which can damage the charger.

Question 5

After completing a flight, a remote pilot removes a warm LiPo battery from their drone. What is the correct immediate next step before recharging it?

Accepted Answer

Allow the battery to cool down naturally to the ambient room temperature.

Answer

Place it in a refrigerator for 10 minutes to cool it down quickly.

Answer

Plug it into the charger immediately to take advantage of its residual warmth.

Answer

Submerge it in cool water to rapidly reduce its temperature.

Question 6

During an A2 operation, the UAS controller issues a "Critical Low Battery" warning, and the aircraft begins an automatic descent. According to CAA safety recommendations and best practice, what is the pilot's primary responsibility?

Accepted Answer

Allow the automatic landing to continue while guiding the UAS to the safest possible landing spot in the immediate vicinity.

Answer

Attempt to override the auto-descent and fly back to the take-off point.

Answer

Immediately turn off the controller to reset the warning.

Answer

Fly the UAS to a higher altitude to get a better view before it lands.