GVC Flight Planning and Navigation

Question 1

When planning a commercial UAS flight in the UK, which source should a remote pilot consult for active airspace restrictions and NOTAMs?

Accepted Answer

NATS Drone Assist app or the UK AIS website

Answer

The NATS Drone Assist app and UK Aeronautical Information Service (AIS) website are the authoritative sources for checking active airspace restrictions, NOTAMs (Notices to Airmen), and temporary danger areas. These provide real-time and planned restriction data essential for safe flight planning.

Question 2

What is the purpose of a site survey before conducting a commercial UAS operation?

Accepted Answer

To identify hazards, assess the operating environment, and determine suitable take-off and landing areas

Answer

A site survey allows the remote pilot to identify physical hazards (power lines, trees, buildings), assess ground conditions, determine suitable launch and recovery points, evaluate electromagnetic interference risks, and identify uninvolved persons who may be present. This feeds directly into the operational risk assessment.

Question 3

What is the 'Flight Restriction Zone' (FRZ) around a UK aerodrome?

Accepted Answer

A defined zone around an aerodrome where drone flights require permission from the air traffic control unit

Answer

A Flight Restriction Zone is a defined area of airspace around a UK aerodrome (typically extending to a radius of approximately 2.5 nautical miles) where UAS flights are restricted. Drone pilots must obtain permission from the relevant air traffic control unit before flying within an FRZ.

Question 4

Which coordinate reference system is most commonly used for UAS flight planning and navigation in the UK?

Accepted Answer

WGS84 (World Geodetic System 1984)

Answer

WGS84 is the standard coordinate reference system used in aviation worldwide, including UK UAS operations. GNSS receivers (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo) use WGS84, and aviation charts and airspace definitions are based on this datum.

Question 5

When planning a UAS flight, what is the significance of 'magnetic declination'?

Accepted Answer

It is the angular difference between true north and magnetic north, affecting compass-based navigation

Answer

Magnetic declination (or variation) is the angle between true north and magnetic north at a given location. It affects any compass-based navigation and must be accounted for when correlating chart bearings (referenced to true north) with compass readings on the UAS or controller.

GVC Drone Practice Test

GVC Drone Practice Test

GVC Flight Planning and Navigation