Task 14.1 - Mapping a safe VLOS operation

This task helps the group understand the spatial requirements for STS-01 operations, with a focus on ground safety.

Learning materials:

An open outdoor area (e.g. schoolyard, park, or large indoor space), tape measure or rope, and possibly cones or chalk to mark areas.

Activity:

Scenario:

Imagine that your group is planning an STS-01 VLOS drone operation - e.g. inspection of a building or aerial photography for a local event. The operation requires the use of a drone weighing more than 4 kg to fly over a controlled ground area.

Define and label:

Physically mark a hypothetical operating area - for example, a 10 x 10 meter square - where the drone will actually fly.

Contingency area:

Then measure and mark the contingency area, based on the outer limits of the operational area. For STS-01 this should be at least 10 meters.

Discussion about buffer zone:

The regulations state that the buffer zone for the STS-01 must be adapted to the drone's maximum altitude and MTOM. Discuss and estimate how large the buffer zone should be around the operation area and why it is important.

Ground control:

Discuss how you would ensure that the entire area (operation area, contingency area and buffer zone) is a controlled ground area, where only involved persons have access.

Discussion:

• What challenges did you face in defining and labeling the areas in a physical space?
• What specific measures (e.g. physical barriers, security) would you implement to ensure that only the people involved are present?
• How would you use M1 measures to reduce ground risk (e.g. reduced number of people, barriers, 1:1 rule)?
• The STS-01 requires the drone to be C5 marked and to use slow mode (max 5 m/s) if it is not attached. How do these requirements reduce the risk to people on the ground?
• What important pre-checks for pilots under STS-01 would you perform? (e.g. active Return-to-Home function, activated Direct Remote ID)