Flight Operations - Site Survey, Performance, Emergencies and VLOS
Site survey
Before launch, assess obstacles (wires, poles, trees, buildings), the launch and recovery area, bystander access, RF and GNSS interference, emergency landing options, and the airspace and NOTAM picture. Identify abort criteria and alternate landing sites and write them into the brief. Confirm the crew: pilot, observer, visual observer, and who has authority to stop the flight.
Performance and loading
Respect the manufacturer's maximum takeoff weight and centre of gravity. Payload shifts and cold batteries reduce both endurance and control margin. Factor wind, temperature and density altitude into the flight-time plan, and treat the published endurance figure as an ideal, not a promise.
VLOS and operational limits
The aircraft must remain in visual line of sight at all times - unaided vision, corrective lenses allowed, no binoculars and no flying on the screen alone. Standard limits: 400 ft AGL, at least 30 m from bystanders, 3 NM from aerodromes, and no flight over people without the appropriate declaration.
Emergencies and contingencies
Brief lost link, fly-away, GNSS degradation, battery failure, fire and injury. For a fly-away: attempt return-to-home, note the last known position and track, notify ATC if near controlled airspace, and notify the authorities. Report reportable incidents to Transport Canada and record the details.
Traps
- RTH altitude set below obstacles in the area.
- Assuming RTH works after GNSS loss.
- Observers not briefed on emergency actions.
- Flying downwind until the battery reserve is gone.
Rule of thumb and worked example
Land with a reserve - plan on roughly 20–30% battery remaining. If a site visit reveals a powerline running through the only recovery area, that is a survey failure, not a flying problem: relocate the launch point before arming.