GVC Operational Risk Assessment

Question 1

In a drone operational risk assessment, what is meant by 'Ground Risk Class' (GRC)?

Accepted Answer

A measure of the expected severity of harm to people on the ground if the drone crashes

Answer

The classification of the ground surface type below the flight path

Answer

The operator's insurance coverage tier for ground incidents

Answer

A CAA certificate required before flying over populated areas

Question 2

What is an 'operational volume' in the context of a SORA risk assessment?

Accepted Answer

The volume of airspace used during normal operations, defined by lateral and vertical boundaries including buffers

Answer

The physical volume of the drone including its rotors

Answer

The maximum payload weight the drone can carry safely

Answer

The area of ground below the planned flight path

Question 3

What is a 'contingency volume' in SORA and why is it important?

Accepted Answer

The additional airspace beyond the operational volume into which the drone may fly to execute a contingency procedure, such as an emergency landing

Answer

The backup battery volume required by regulations

Answer

The volume of space reserved for ground observers

Answer

An additional airspace block that must always remain empty

Question 4

How does population density affect the Ground Risk Class in a SORA assessment?

Accepted Answer

Higher population density increases the GRC because more people could be harmed if the drone crashes

Answer

Population density has no effect — only drone size matters for GRC

Answer

Higher population density decreases GRC because urban areas have better emergency services

Answer

GRC only applies in rural areas where ATC services are unavailable

Question 5

What is a 'mitigating measure' in a drone operational risk assessment, and give an example?

Accepted Answer

An action or technical measure that reduces the likelihood or severity of an identified risk, e.g., cordoning off the area below the flight path to exclude uninvolved persons

Answer

A financial guarantee paid to the CAA before operations begin

Answer

A NOTAM filed 24 hours before flight

Answer

An additional qualification held by the remote pilot

Question 6

What is the purpose of defining 'critical areas' in a pre-flight operational risk assessment?

Accepted Answer

To identify specific locations where failure would have the most severe consequences, requiring additional mitigation measures

Answer

To mark areas where the drone's GPS signal is strongest

Answer

To designate zones where the ground crew must stand during flight

Answer

To identify areas where return-to-home should be activated automatically