Author: Flite Test STEM
Learning Strand: Ft Workbench
Level: All School Levels
Length: 1 hours. Safety plans for flying safe (This Lesson should be shared to students in order to complete lesson)
Standards Addressed:
ISTE STANDARDS FOR STUDENTS
STUDENTS WILL
FT Safety Lesson for Reference
NOTE: The following information is from the Know Before You Fly program
UNDERSTANDING THE NATIONAL AIRSPACE (NAS) by CLASS
The United States NAS classification scheme provides maximum pilot flexibility within acceptable levels of risk appropriate to the type of operations, and air traffic density within a given class of airspace. Airspace classification allows for the active control and separation of areas with high-speed operations or high-density traffic, from areas with lower operational risks.
Intruding into Class B airspace in an extremely serious matter. You may endanger the lives of many others since a fully loaded passenger jet carries hundreds of people. Remember Class B as “Big City” airspace.
Class D airspace towers may have no radar and may, except for the controllers’ eyes, be blind. If you have an aircraft frequency radio and understand radio communication procedures, it may be wise to inform a nearby Class D tower where you are and where you plan to fly. Often a simple courtesy call to that tower in advance of operations is in order and a great way to build a positive relationship between the manned- and unmanned-aircraft communities.
UNDERSTANDING THE NATIONAL AIRSPACE (NAS) by SPECIAL USE AIRSPACE
There are some categories of airspace that have no correlation with existing airspace classes, but are nevertheless important. Special Use Airspace consists of airspace where activities must be confined due to their nature or limitations imposed upon aircraft operations that are not a part of those activities or both. The airspace class that the Special Use Airspace is found in still controls the requirements and procedures for flying into or through that space.
Alert Area (Courtesy FAA)
Warning Area - airspace of defined dimensions, extending from three nautical miles outward from the coast that contains activity that may be hazardous to nonparticipating aircraft. The purpose of such warning areas is to warn nonparticipating pilots of the potential danger.
Restricted Airspace - contain airspace identified by an area on the surface of the earth within which the flight of aircraft, while not wholly prohibited, is subject to restrictions. Activities within these areas must be confined because of their nature or limitations imposed upon aircraft operations that are not a part of those activities or both. Restricted areas denote the existence of unusual, often invisible, hazards to aircraft such as artillery firing, aerial gunnery, or guided missiles. Penetration of restricted areas without authorization from the using or controlling agency may be extremely hazardous to the aircraft and its occupants.
Restricted Airspace (Courtesy State of North Dakota)
AVIATION SAFETY
Whether you are operating RC or sUAS, chances are you will be operating it from a dedicated RC airfield and/or club. Even if you are not, following these rules is always good practice. The Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) has been directed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to develop safe operating procedures for all remotely piloted aircraft under 55 pounds. The AMA Safety Code (Jan. 2014) outlines RC flight rules and safe operating practices.
Whether operating out of a local club or private property, these rules are not AMA exclusive. They apply to anyone operating a RC AV. According to the AMA Safety Code, an RC AV is a non-human carrying aircraft capable of sustained flight in the atmosphere. It may not exceed limitations of this code and is intended exclusively for sport, recreation, education and/or competition. All flights must be conducted in accordance with this safety code, additional AMA guidelines, and any additional rules specific to the flying site.
Whether under manual or autopilot control, when operating in National Airspace, it is extremely important to be familiar with these rules. Failure to comply can be extremely hazardous to other aircraft (manned and unmanned), people, and property. An operator can also be subject to fines and/or arrest if found to be negligent in causing a mishap.
In addition to weight limitations, every attempt to operate at a safe, controllable airspeed must be made. Safe airspeeds vary between different AVs but a rule of thumb is to not exceed 87 knots, or 100 mph, when operating in a public area.
The AMA Safety Code states:
Model aircraft will not be flown:
o In a careless or reckless manner.
o At a location where model aircraft activities are prohibited.
Model aircraft pilots will:
o Yield the right of way to all human-carrying aircraft.
o See and avoid all aircraft and a spotter must be used when appropriate.
o Not fly higher than approximately 400 feet above ground level within three (3) miles of an airport without notifying the airport operator.
o Not interfere with operations and traffic patterns at any airport, heliport or seaplane base except where there is a mixed use agreement.
o Not exceed a takeoff weight, including fuel, of 55 pounds unless in compliance with the AMA Large Model Airplane program.
o Ensure the aircraft is identified with the name and address or AMA number of the owner on the inside or affixed to the outside of the model aircraft.
o Not operate aircraft with metal-blade propellers or with gaseous boosts except for helicopters operated under the provisions of AMA Document #555.
o Not operate model aircraft while under the influence of alcohol or while using any drug that could adversely affect the pilot’s ability to safely control the model.
o Not operate model aircraft carrying pyrotechnic devices that explode or burn, or any device which propels a projectile or drops any object that creates a hazard to persons or property.
o Not operate a turbine-powered aircraft, unless in compliance with the AMA turbine regulations.
All pilots shall avoid flying directly over unprotected people, vessels, vehicles or structures and shall avoid endangerment of life and property of others.
A successful radio equipment ground-range check in accordance with manufacturer’s recommendations will be completed before the first flight of a new or repaired model aircraft.
At all flying sites a safety line must be established in front of which all flying takes place.
Only personnel associated with flying the model aircraft are allowed at or in front of the safety line.
An area away from the safety line must be maintained for spectators.
Intentional flying behind the safety line is prohibited.
Aircraft must use the radio-control frequencies currently allowed by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Only individuals properly licensed by the FCC are authorized to operate equipment on Amateur Band frequencies.
Aircraft will not knowingly operate within three (3) miles of any pre-existing flying site without a frequency-management agreement.
With the exception of events flown under official AMA Competition Regulations, excluding takeoff and landing, no powered model may be flown outdoors closer than 25 feet to any individual, except for the pilot and the pilot’s helper(s) located at the flightline.
Under no circumstances may a pilot or other person touch an outdoor model aircraft in flight while it is still under power, except to divert it from striking an individual.
RC night flying requires a lighting system providing the pilot with a clear view of the model’s attitude and orientation at all times. Hand-held illumination systems are inadequate for night flying operations.
The pilot of an RC model aircraft shall: Maintain control during the entire flight, maintaining visual contact without enhancement other than by corrective lenses prescribed for the pilot.
All model aircraft flights utilizing stabilization and autopilot control systems must be conducted in accordance with AMA’s current National Model Aircraft Safety Code and any additional rules specific to a flying site/location.
Operators flying radio-controlled model aircraft equipped with flight stabilization and autopilot systems must maintain visual line of sight (VLOS) with the aircraft at all times including programmed autopilot waypoint flight.
Operators must be able to instantaneously deactivate programmed flight of autopilot and regain manual control of the systems at any time during flight.
Operators must perform an RC Test Flight of a model aircraft before activating a newly installed autopilot or stabilization system and/or after any repairs or replacement of model aircraft essential flight systems.
Model aircraft exceeding 15 pounds and/or 70 mph may only use an autopilot for programmed Return Home flight plans and not for programmed waypoint flying of a predetermined course.
For further safety information, please visit the AMA website at:
DEVELOPING AN FT SAFETY 5 PLANS FOR FLYING
Based on the information provided
Here is an example of "Know Before You Fly" ORM Operation Risk Management
The ORM process is broken down into five standardized steps designed for time-critical identification and assessment of potential risks.
By maintaining a high level of Situational Awareness and applying ORM to everyday operations, you’re taking the proper steps to ensure quality decision making and sound judgment.
Your done!