The team goes through a series of training steps to pilot UAVs:
- Safety
Aviation and drone safety is priority number one here at Post 888. Some of our aviation explorers have completed their ground school training and are planning on acquiring FAA certification to pilot aircraft, and drones. The Post regularly stays up to date on changes to the FAA rules and regulations.
Click here to learn more about FAA Part 107
rule and other important information about operating UAS in the United States.
- Training
We provide training and start our explorers with flying on flight simulators, such as the RealFlight RF7.5 RC Flight Simulator. This is how we start the process of training students on how to pilot different aerial vehicles. The training of students on the flight simulator makes them more familiar with the elements that affect the aircraft in flight. In addition, students fly virtual aircraft to gain more practice and experience before flying real ones.
- Flight Procedure
The team goes through a series of steps before even touching the real drones.
- Check for land clearance and assess flight area.
- Setup drone and batteries.
- Look over drone components, propellers, and connect battery.
- Turn on the transmitter.
- Have the visual observer (co-pilot) visually observe the flight process and advise the pilot.
- Safely and efficiently pilot the aircraft under the established flight plan.
The pilot during the flight has his eyes always on the drone – visual line of sight. The visual observer is making sure the operation is safe and clear from potential hazards.