Mixed Deck — All UAS Topics Flashcards

In GPS navigation, what does HDOP (Horizontal Dilution of Precision) measure?

Answer: The geometric quality of satellite positioning affecting horizontal accuracy

HDOP reflects how satellite geometry affects horizontal position accuracy; a lower HDOP value means better geometric spread and higher accuracy.

What is the primary requirement for operating a UAS at night under Part 107?

Answer: Use of a strobe light visible from at least 3 statute miles.

To operate a drone at night under Part 107, the FAA requires the drone to be equipped with anti-collision lighting that is visible for at least three statute miles. This ensures the drone can be seen by other aircraft and ground personnel, significantly enhancing safety during reduced visibility conditions.

Which of the following airspace classifications is most commonly restricted for UAS operations without prior authorization?

Answer: Class B

Class B airspace surrounds the busiest airports and is highly controlled due to the volume of manned aircraft traffic. Operating a UAS in Class B airspace almost always requires specific authorization from Air Traffic Control (ATC) to ensure the safety of all aircraft and prevent conflicts.

What does a visual inspection of motor mounts primarily check for?

Answer: Loose fasteners, cracks, or signs of vibration damage

Motor mount inspections focus on loose fasteners, cracks, and vibration damage because compromised mounts can cause motor separation during flight.

A mission requires operating within 5 miles of an airport that lacks an operating control tower. Under Part 107, what must the pilot do before flight?

Answer: Give prior notice to airport operators and provide relevant details of the intended operation

Under 14 CFR 107.43, pilots must give prior notice to the airport operator when flying within 5 miles of a non-towered airport.

A wildfire agency wants to use a drone to drop fire retardant on a hotspot. Under current FAA regulations, this operation primarily requires the drone to carry what?

Answer: A payload release mechanism approved for the operation

Dropping objects from a UAS requires that no hazard is created to persons or property below, and operations typically rely on an approved payload release mechanism.

What does IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit) calibration correct for in a UAS?

Answer: Sensor drift caused by temperature changes and vibration

IMU calibration corrects for sensor drift caused by temperature changes and vibration, ensuring accurate attitude estimation for stable flight.

After safely landing a UAS following an in-flight emergency, what is the recommended next step before any further flights?

Answer: Perform a full systems check and identify the root cause of the emergency

A thorough systems check to identify and address the root cause of the emergency is essential before any subsequent flights.

During mission planning, a pilot determines that the target area has multiple tall communication towers nearby but none are depicted on aeronautical charts. Where should the pilot look for this obstacle data?

Answer: FAA Digital Obstacle File (DOF) and local survey data

The FAA Digital Obstacle File and local surveys are the most comprehensive sources for unlighted or recently constructed obstacles not yet charted.

What information does a sectional chart legend provide regarding color-coded airspace?

Answer: The meaning of airspace class depictions, symbols, and chart features

The sectional chart legend explains the symbols, colors, and depictions used throughout the chart, including airspace class boundaries.

What is the first priority in any emergency situation?

Answer: Ensure the safety of all personnel

In any emergency, the first priority is always the safety and well-being of all personnel. Equipment and materials can be replaced; lives cannot.

What is 'precision livestock farming' in the context of UAS applications?

Answer: Using UAS to monitor individual animal health, location, and behavior across large ranches

Precision livestock farming uses UAS to monitor herd health, count animals, detect injured or missing livestock, and assess pasture conditions over large areas.

The 5.8 GHz frequency band is most commonly used for which function in UAS systems?

Answer: Analog or digital video downlink (FPV transmission)

The 5.8 GHz band is commonly used for video downlink (FPV) because its higher frequency supports greater bandwidth needed for video, though its range is shorter than the 2.4 GHz C2 band.

Which threshold triggers mandatory FAA accident reporting under Part 107?

Answer: Property damage exceeding $500 and not involving the sUAS itself

Accidents must be reported if they cause serious injury OR property damage (excluding the sUAS) exceeding $500.

What is the primary purpose of a UAS preflight inspection checklist?

Answer: To systematically verify all components are airworthy before flight

A preflight checklist ensures each critical system and component is verified airworthy, reducing the risk of in-flight failures.

What is the function of a UAS geofencing system?

Answer: Creates virtual boundaries that prevent the aircraft from entering restricted areas

Geofencing uses GPS coordinates to define virtual boundaries, automatically preventing the drone from flying into restricted or hazardous zones.

Which of these weather conditions typically accompanies a cold front passage?

Answer: Rapid wind shift, pressure rise, and clearing after squall line

Cold front passage is characterized by a rapid wind shift to northwest, pressure rise, and clearing after a narrow band of intense weather.

In UAS operations, what is 'waypoint navigation'?

Answer: Autonomous flight along a pre-programmed series of GPS coordinates and altitudes

Waypoint navigation allows the UAS to autonomously fly a predefined route between GPS coordinates at specified altitudes and speeds, enabling repeatable mission execution without continuous pilot input.

A commercial drone pilot is planning a long-range mapping flight. Which flight planning parameter directly determines the number of batteries required?

Answer: Total flight time based on area, speed, and battery endurance

Total flight time, derived from the area to cover and the drone's airspeed and battery endurance, determines how many battery swaps are needed.

What is the chain of command?

Answer: The hierarchical structure of authority in a military organization

The chain of command is the line of authority along which orders pass from the highest rank to the lowest.