GVC Battery & Equipment Maintenance

Question 1

What is the recommended action when a LiPo battery's capacity has dropped to 80% of its original rated capacity?

Accepted Answer

Retire the battery from flight operations — it has degraded beyond safe use limits

Answer

Continue using it but only for shorter flights

Answer

Recharge to 100% after every use to recover capacity

Answer

Store at room temperature to restore original capacity

Question 2

Why should LiPo batteries never be charged on or near flammable materials?

Accepted Answer

LiPo batteries can catch fire or explode if they fail during charging — a LiPo-safe bag or fireproof charging container should always be used

Answer

Flammable materials can contaminate the battery cells

Answer

Charging near fabric increases static discharge risk

Answer

Regulations require a metal surface for all battery charging

Question 3

What should a commercial drone operator record in their equipment maintenance log?

Accepted Answer

All flights, battery cycle counts, repairs, firmware updates, propeller replacements, and any incidents or anomalies

Answer

Only repairs costing over £100

Answer

Battery charge dates and completion of annual inspection only

Answer

The drone's GPS position at the end of each flight

Question 4

What is the significance of a drone manufacturer's specified 'maximum wind speed rating' for a commercial operator?

Accepted Answer

Operations must not take place when wind speeds exceed this rating — it defines the aircraft's safe operating envelope

Answer

The rating is a guideline only and may be exceeded by experienced pilots

Answer

The rating applies only to indoor flying; outdoor limits are set by the CAA

Answer

It refers to storage conditions, not operational limits

Question 5

How should a drone operator manage firmware updates before a commercial assignment?

Accepted Answer

Update firmware before the assignment and allow time for a test flight to verify correct operation before the commercial flight

Answer

Apply firmware updates immediately before the commercial flight

Answer

Never update firmware — older versions are more stable

Answer

Only update firmware when instructed by the CAA

Question 6

What pre-flight equipment check should a commercial operator perform on the remote controller?

Accepted Answer

Check battery charge level, antenna condition, control input response, and confirm correct pairing with the drone

Answer

Only check that it powers on — no further controller checks are needed

Answer

Verify the controller's weight does not exceed 500 g

Answer

Confirm the controller firmware is exactly one version behind the drone firmware