GVC Flight Planning and Navigation 2

Question 1

What does VLOS mean and what is its practical implication for UAS flight planning?

Accepted Answer

Visual Line of Sight — the remote pilot must maintain unaided visual contact with the UAS at all times

Answer

VLOS stands for Visual Line of Sight. It requires the remote pilot to maintain direct, unaided visual contact with the UAS at all times during flight. This means the pilot must be able to see the drone clearly enough to determine its orientation, direction of flight, and proximity to other aircraft or obstacles.

Question 2

When planning a flight route for a commercial UAS operation, which of the following should be given the HIGHEST priority?

Accepted Answer

Minimising flight time over uninvolved persons and congested areas

Answer

Safety is the overriding priority in flight planning. Routes should be planned to minimise overflying uninvolved persons, congested areas, and sensitive sites. This reduces the ground risk and is a key element of the operator's duty of care and SORA compliance.

Question 3

What is the purpose of establishing a 'flight geography' and 'contingency volume' in UAS flight planning?

Accepted Answer

To define the intended flight area and the additional airspace buffer for handling abnormal situations

Answer

The flight geography defines where the UAS is intended to fly during normal operations. The contingency volume is the additional airspace surrounding the flight geography where the UAS may manoeuvre in abnormal situations (e.g., wind gusts, minor system issues) before triggering emergency procedures. Together they form the operational volume.

Question 4

How does the remote pilot's position relative to the sun affect VLOS operations?

Accepted Answer

Looking toward the sun can cause glare, making it difficult to maintain visual contact with the UAS

Answer

Solar glare is a significant factor in VLOS operations. If the remote pilot must look toward the sun to observe the UAS, the glare can make it extremely difficult or impossible to maintain adequate visual contact. Flight planning should consider the sun's position relative to the pilot's viewing direction at the planned time of operation.

Question 5

What is an 'Emergency Response Plan' (ERP) and when must it be prepared?

Accepted Answer

A documented plan detailing actions to take in emergency scenarios — required before every Specific category operation

Answer

An Emergency Response Plan must be prepared before conducting Specific category UAS operations. It documents the procedures to follow in various emergency scenarios such as flyaway, loss of control link, loss of GNSS, battery failure, or injury to persons. It should include emergency contact numbers, hospital locations, and notification procedures.

GVC Drone Practice Test

GVC Drone Practice Test

GVC Flight Planning and Navigation 2