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Task 14.2 - BVLOS communication challenge

This task is an interactive and fun way to understand the complexity and coordination required for beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) flying, as described in STS-02.

 

Learning materials:

An open outdoor area with natural obstacles (trees, benches), a small object representing the "drone" (e.g. paper airplane, ball or a person), and preferably walkie-talkies or mobile phones for communication (or just shouting if the area is small).

 

Activity:

Role assignment:

  • Pilot: Standing still and unable to see the "drone".
  • Aerospace observers: Position themselves so that they have visual contact with the "drone" and their surroundings.
  • Drone: Represented by a person walking, a paper airplane or a small object. 

 

Mission:

The pilot will steer the drone along a predefined BVLOS route (e.g. around a tree and back), but only based on information from the observers.

 

Simulated BVLOS:

The observers must:

  • Maintain visual contact with the drone at all times.
  • Call out position, direction and any hazards (e.g. "Drone approaching obstacle at 12 o'clock", "Clear airspace", "Person observed at 3 o'clock, high").
  • Provide clear and concise information to the pilot.
  • The pilot then gives commands (e.g. "Turn left", "Go forward", "Hold position").

 

Landing:

Guide the "drone" to an imaginary emergency area of at least 10 meters. Remember that in STS-02, take-off and landing must take place within VLOS.

 

Discussion:

  • How difficult was it for the pilot to steer without visual contact?
  • How effective was the communication between the observers and the pilot? Which communication protocols would have been necessary in a real STS-02 operation?
  • The STS-02 allows observers to extend the range to 1 km from the pilot, with the drone up to 1 km from the observer - giving a total of 5 km visual range. How did this exercise demonstrate the importance of this requirement?
  • What air risk mitigation measures (e.g. low traffic, specific flight times, visual control with multiple observers) were highlighted in the exercise?
  • STS-02 requires a C6 marked drone. How does this classification relate to BVLOS flying over controlled or sparsely populated areas?