A2 CofC - Drone Certificate of Competency Pre-Flight Planning and Checks Questions and Answers

Question 1

A remote pilot is planning a flight for a weekend event near a coastal town.
What is the most appropriate official source to check for temporary airspace restrictions, such as an airshow or maritime event, that might affect the operation?

Accepted Answer

The CAA's NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) database or a service that provides this data.

Answer

The local council's events website.

Answer

A commercial drone flight planning app's general map.

Answer

The Met Office aviation forecast.

Question 2

During a pre-flight inspection of a multirotor UAS, which of the following checks is most critical for ensuring correct and stable flight control immediately upon take-off?

Accepted Answer

Checking for correct propeller installation (e.g., clockwise/counter-clockwise) and security.

Answer

Verifying the camera lens is clean and free from smudges.

Answer

Ensuring the Operator ID sticker is legible and securely affixed.

Answer

Confirming the microSD card has sufficient space for recording.

Question 3

Before installing a LiPo battery for a flight, a remote pilot observes that the battery casing feels slightly soft and has a noticeable bulge or 'puffiness'. What is the correct course of action according to safety best practices?

Accepted Answer

Immediately remove the battery from service, isolate it in a fire-safe location, and arrange for its safe disposal.

Answer

Use the battery, but for a shorter flight than usual to be safe.

Answer

Charge the battery to 100% to see if the swelling reduces under pressure.

Answer

Carefully press down on the swelling to release any trapped gas before use.

Question 4

A remote pilot is conducting a site survey for an A2 operation in a public park. They identify a children's playground, a designated dog-walking path, and a main road bordering the park. In their pre-flight risk assessment, how should these features primarily be categorised?

Accepted Answer

As areas of high concentration of uninvolved people and potential hazards.

Answer

As potential emergency landing sites in case of failure.

Answer

As locations for positioning the remote pilot during the flight.

Answer

As features that are irrelevant unless a direct flight over them is planned.

Question 5

Which of the following is a crucial component of a remote pilot's contingency plan for a sudden loss of the control link to their UAS during an A2 operation?

Accepted Answer

Knowing the pre-set behaviour of the UAS's failsafe system, such as its Return to Home (RTH) altitude and landing procedure.

Answer

A plan to immediately purchase a new controller after the incident.

Answer

Having the manufacturer's technical support phone number saved in their mobile.

Answer

Ensuring the drone's firmware is updated immediately after the flight.

Question 6

According to UK CAA regulations, which specific identification number must be displayed visibly on the main body of a drone (over 250g or with a camera) being used for an A2 CofC operation?

Accepted Answer

The Operator ID issued by the CAA.

Answer

The remote pilot's Flyer ID.

Answer

The drone's unique serial number.

Answer

The remote pilot's A2 CofC certificate number.