A2 CofC Emergency Procedures 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What should be included in a drone operator's emergency response plan?
- Only the phone number of the drone manufacturer's technical support
- Procedures for loss of control link, battery failure, injury to persons, fly-away, and contact details for emergency services (Correct answer)
- A list of local drone repair shops
- The operator's social media accounts for public updates
Correct answer: Procedures for loss of control link, battery failure, injury to persons, fly-away, and contact details for emergency services
An emergency response plan should cover all foreseeable emergency scenarios including loss of control, battery failure, collision, fly-away, injury, and property damage. It should include emergency service contact numbers, first aid provisions, and notification procedures.
Question 2: If a drone crashes into private property and causes damage, what are the pilot's legal obligations?
- Leave the area immediately to avoid confrontation
- Recover the drone, report the damage to the property owner, exchange details, and report to insurers and the CAA if appropriate (Correct answer)
- Only report it if the damage exceeds £500
- Post about it on social media to document the incident
Correct answer: Recover the drone, report the damage to the property owner, exchange details, and report to insurers and the CAA if appropriate
The pilot has legal obligations similar to a road traffic incident: they must make reasonable efforts to contact the property owner, exchange details, report to their insurer, and file a report with the CAA if the incident meets reporting thresholds.
Question 3: What is the recommended action if a drone's motor begins to sound abnormal during flight?
- Continue the flight but monitor the situation closely
- Land immediately at the nearest safe location and inspect the motor before further flight (Correct answer)
- Perform aggressive manoeuvres to test the motor
- Increase altitude to reduce motor load
Correct answer: Land immediately at the nearest safe location and inspect the motor before further flight
Abnormal motor sounds can indicate bearing failure, propeller damage, FOD ingestion, or electrical issues. Any of these could lead to sudden motor failure. The prudent action is to land immediately and conduct a thorough inspection before resuming operations.
Question 4: How should a drone pilot respond if they observe a manned aircraft approaching their operating area?
- Maintain altitude and course to assert right of way
- Immediately descend and move the drone away from the approaching aircraft's path (Correct answer)
- Flash the drone's lights to signal the manned aircraft
- Increase altitude to fly above the approaching aircraft
Correct answer: Immediately descend and move the drone away from the approaching aircraft's path
Drones must always give way to manned aircraft. The pilot should immediately reduce altitude and move the drone clear of the manned aircraft's flight path. Under UK regulations, drones must never be flown in a way that creates a collision hazard with manned aircraft.
Question 5: What is the primary risk of continuing to fly a drone with a swollen or damaged LiPo battery?
- Reduced flight time only
- Risk of thermal runaway leading to fire or explosion (Correct answer)
- The drone will fly slower
- The GPS signal will be weaker
Correct answer: Risk of thermal runaway leading to fire or explosion
A swollen or damaged LiPo (Lithium Polymer) battery is at risk of thermal runaway, which can cause the battery to catch fire, emit toxic fumes, or explode. A damaged LiPo should never be used and must be disposed of safely at a battery recycling point.
Question 6: After an emergency landing in an unfamiliar location, what should the pilot prioritise?
- Immediately relaunch to fly the drone back to the original take-off point
- Secure the area around the drone, make it safe, then recover the drone and assess for damage (Correct answer)
- Leave the drone and return with a vehicle to collect it
- Call the manufacturer for remote diagnostic support
Correct answer: Secure the area around the drone, make it safe, then recover the drone and assess for damage
After an emergency landing, priority is safety: ensure the drone is not a hazard (disconnect battery if safe to do so), secure the area from public access if needed, document the scene, then recover and inspect the drone for damage before any further flight.
A2 CofC Emergency Procedures 2
What should be included in a drone operator's emergency response plan?