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Night Moves

September 20, 2016/in Tips and technique/by studentpltnews

In 1976 Bob Seger released “Night Moves”, a song about going out “parking” on a date. For those of you too young to have ever bought an 8-track tape, prior to the eighties most cars other than true sport cars had bench seats. The room these seats offered made drive in movies and country gravel […]

Guide to Part 107 Drone Operations

August 28, 2016/in Regulations/by studentpltnews

On August 29, 2016, new operational rules become effective for routine, commercial use of small, unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) or “drones.” It’s known as Part 107 and is viewed as an early pathway to fully integrating drones into the national airspace. The much anticipated rulemaking has been applauded by many industry trade groups and helps provide structure to what has been a somewhat chaotic environment.

Night Moves

September 20, 2016/in Tips and technique/by studentpltnews

Guide to Part 107 Drone Operations

August 28, 2016/in Regulations/by studentpltnews

Full Sized Blog Element (Big Preview Pic)

Night Moves

September 20, 2016/in Tips and technique/by studentpltnews

In 1976 Bob Seger released “Night Moves”, a song about going out “parking” on a date.

For those of you too young to have ever bought an 8-track tape, prior to the eighties most cars other than true sport cars had bench seats. The room these seats offered made drive in movies and country gravel roads a lot more interesting.

For pilots north of the Tropic of Cancer, approaching the end of Daylight Saving Time means fall weather is rapidly approaching. It also means that, for many of us, it will be dark by the time we can make it to the airport after work. (OK, I know I work at an airport, but I understand most pilots aren’t that lucky). But does darkness mean you can’t fly or continue your training? Hardly. Even if you are nyctophobic, (look it up, it is a word) now is the time to conquer your fears. Flying after dark can be just as much fun as in daylight but does require some additional planning.

First of all, your aircraft must be ready for night flight. Navigation lights are required for any flight after sunset. Landing lights become more critical and, of course, you want interior lights to work after dark. You will need a good flashlight, make that two or three. I prefer one fairly bright to perform the necessary pre-flight inspections and securing the aircraft post flight. (Author’s note: If you are planning an overnight stay and flying after dark, consider buying an overnight bag of some bright color or putting reflective tape on it. This will make it less likely for you to leave it on a dark ramp. Don’t ask me how I know this.)

I prefer a dim white light over a red lens (or LED) for additional cockpit lighting. In my opinion, night vision is not compromised very much by low white light while everything on a sectional chart that is red or magenta, and a lot is, will “disappear” under red illumination. Some lights allow varying degrees of illumination and are perfect for pilots. Also consider using a lanyard to secure your flashlight during flight. A dropped unilluminated flashlight is virtually impossible to find as it rolls under the rudder pedals (again, don’t ask me how I know). These new LED lights are super reliable and darn nearly indestructible, but I always like to carry a spare, just in case.

How can you incorporate night flying into your training? You may be aware that 10 night landings are required for Private Pilot candidates. It’s a lot easier to “stay up” until 8 or 9 pm fulfilling this requirement than starting your lesson at 10 pm as long summer days require. A night cross country flight is another requirement. Also, the obligation for 3 hours of flight solely by instrument reference can be more realistically fulfilled (with less cheating out the corner of the hood) at night.

Often the combination of cool air and darkness will lead to superb visibility. On one recent trip, (in Sporty’s Legend Cub Sweepstakes Airplane) I could see the lights of Cincinnati from Columbus nearly 90 nautical miles away. At a groundspeed of 80 MPH, my destination was visible for well over an hour. The towns look just like those yellow areas on the sectional charts and the navigation lights make airplanes easier to spot.

The color of those lights also makes it easy to tell if the traffic is approaching or flying away from you. If you see a green light on the left and a red light on the right the airplane is heading for you. Hence the mnemonic Red Right Run! These days, most of the airplanes I fly have LED landing/taxi lights with 5000 hour service lives. 5000 hours is essentially forever so I leave them on all the time making my airplane visible to others from even greater distances.

Like all flights, an off airport landing is a risk. At night it is hard to tell if that dark spot is an open field, woods or a lake. I have pre-decided that if required, I would land close to a light hoping someone would hear me and come help. Other than a flashlight, I think a handheld transceiver is required equipment. If all the electrons in your airplane quit moving, the handheld can be used to get you home and turn on the airport’s pilot controlled lighting. In an off airport landing, a call on 121.5 to some airplane monitoring “guard” may bring you the help you need.

There is no thing such as bad weather, just inadequate clothing. I always like to carry an extra jacket and some insulated gloves with me during winter, but especially at night. Think about other things you might need to make it to morning. More and more pilots are carrying a Personal Locator Beacon that will not only notify search and rescue you are in distress, but also inform them who you are, who to contact and your exact location.

Night flying has one great advantage. The amount of traffic decreases greatly. Usually controllers have time for flight following and the traffic patterns are empty. A word of caution as you land on rural runways. Watch out for critters! (OK four words).

Deer tend to move just after dark and just before dawn. I have found making a low pass over the runway, then circling in the pattern to land will keep the deer away long enough. Smaller critters may also snuggle in for the latent heat in the asphalt as the night air cools off. Just be ready to maneuver around whatever comes into view and remember you are not done flying until all the parts quit moving.

Yes night flying is a lot of fun. So practice your aeronautical “Night Moves” during the long evenings this winter. It will keep your skills sharp. Just like everything else, the more you do it, the better you will become. The better you are flying at night, the more those scary gremlins will be chased out of your psyche, making night flights more comfortable for both you and your passengers.

Guide to Part 107 Drone Operations

August 28, 2016/in Regulations/by studentpltnews

In August, 2016, new operational rules became effective for routine, commercial use of small, unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) or “drones.” It’s known as Part 107 and is viewed as an early pathway to fully integrating drones into the national airspace. The much anticipated rulemaking has been applauded by many industry trade groups and helps provide structure to what has been a somewhat chaotic environment as regulations attempt to catch up to the rapid technological advancements and accessibility of small drones.

Part 107 does not apply to recreational drone use

For those operating a drone for fun, Part 107 does not apply. You do not need permission from the FAA to fly, but you do have to be at least 13 years of age and also a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. You must register and label your drone if it weighs more than .55 pounds. And you are required to abide by these minimum safety practices:

Fly at or below 400 feet
Keep your drone within sight
Never fly near other aircraft, especially near airports (5 miles)
Never fly over groups of people
Never fly over stadiums or sporting events
Never fly near emergency response efforts such as fires
Never fly under the influence of alcohol or drugs
Be aware of airspace requirements

Additional best practices for recreational drone use are available from KnowBeforeYouFly.org.

PART 107 HISTORY

Prior to 107, drone operators had to seek exemptions

In 2012, Congress passed the FAA Modernization and Reform Act (Public Law 112-95). Section 333 of the law directed the Secretary of Transportation to determine whether UAS operations posing the least amount of public risk and no threat to national security could safely be operated in the national airspace system (NAS) and, if so, to establish requirements for the safe operation of these systems. The FAA has done so, in part, with the introduction of Part 107.

Prior to Part 107, anyone intending to utilize a drone for a commercial purpose had to seek an exemption from Section 333 which have been issued by FAA on a case by case basis. While there were many challenges associated with the exemption process, the number of requests exploded in 2014-2015 as the industry began garnering attention from entrepreneurs, start-ups, and mass-consumer outlets. It also sought to discourage illegal use of drones in commercial use which was, and still remains, rampant.

The volume of exemption requests was such that FAA opted to streamline the exemption process and began issuing blanket authorizations for use under certain conditions, but the backlog of requests still required months to be processed. Part 333 exemptions also required the operator to possess a traditional manned pilot license – sport, private, commercial, etc. To date, more than 5,500 Part 333 exemptions have been granted.

Today, most Part 333 exemption holders and new commercial operators will now be able to operate under Part 107.

NEW PILOTS OPERATING UNDER PART 107

New drone pilots must pass a written exam

The rule requires all operators to possess a remote pilot operator certificate. The basic requirements for a remote pilot certificate for those who don’t already possess a pilot certificate are:

Must be at least 16 years old
Must pass an initial, 60-question, aeronautical knowledge test at an FAA-approved knowledge testing center
Must be vetted by the Transportation Safety Administration (TSA)

After completion of the knowledge test, you must apply for the remote operator certificate via the FAA’s online application system (IACRA). A permanent certificate, valid for two years, will be mailed once the internal processing and TSA vetting is complete. Certificate holders will be required to pass a recurrent knowledge test every two years. There are a variety of resources available to prepare for the FAA knowledge test including Sporty’s Drone Study Buddy. An endorsement to take the test is not required and results are valid for 24 calendar months.

EXISTING PILOTS OPERATING UNDER PART 107

Existing pilots must complete a free online safety course

Existing pilots who wish to operate a drone under Part 107 must be current (flight review completed within the previous 24 months) and also possess a remote pilot certificate. To obtain the remote pilot certificate, pilots must:

Complete an online training course – Part 107 Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems – available on the FAA FAASTeam website.
Apply for the remote operator certificate via IACRA.
Contact a FSDO, an FAA-designated pilot examiner (DPE), an airman certification representative (ACR), or a certified flight instructor (CFI) to make an appointment.
Present the completed FAA Form 8710-13 along with the online course completion certificate and proof of a current flight review.
The completed FAA Form 8710-13 application will be signed by the applicant after the FSDO, DPE, ACR, or CFI examines the applicant’s photo identification and verifies the applicant’s identity.
A FSDO representative, a DPE, or an ACR will issue the applicant a temporary airman certificate (a CFI is not authorized to issue a temporary certificate; they can process applications for applicants who do not need a temporary certificate).
A permanent remote pilot certificate will be sent via mail once all other FAA-internal processing is complete.

There is no direct cost incurred for remote pilot certification for existing pilots. Pilots must pass a recurrent online training course every two years.

PART 107 OPERATING RULES

Your drone must always be close enough to see and react

Once you’ve obtained the necessary pilot certification to operate your small drone in commercial operations, ensure it’s been registered. The operator should always avoid manned aircraft and never operate in a careless or reckless manner. You must keep your drone within sight. Alternatively, if you use First Person View or similar technology, you must have a visual observer always keep your aircraft within sight. An important note is that even if using a visual observer, you must still keep your drone close enough to be able to see it if something unexpected happens. Neither you nor a visual observer can be responsible for more than one unmanned aircraft operation at a time.

You can fly during daylight or in twilight (30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset) with appropriate anti-collision lighting. Minimum weather visibility is three miles from your control station. The maximum allowable altitude is 400 feet above the ground, and higher as long as your drone remains within 400 feet of a structure. The maximum speed is 100 mph (87 knots).

You can’t fly a small UAS over anyone who is not directly participating in the operation, under a covered structure, or inside a covered stationary vehicle. No operations from a moving vehicle are allowed unless you are flying over a sparsely populated area.

Operations in Class G airspace are allowed without air traffic control permission. Operations in Class B, C, D and E airspace need ATC approval.

Many Part 107 limitations are waivable with approval

You can carry an external load if it is securely attached and does not adversely affect the flight characteristics or controllability of the aircraft. You may also transport property for compensation or hire within state boundaries provided the drone – including its attached systems, payload and cargo – weighs less than 55 pounds total and you obey the other flight rules.

Part 107 includes the option to apply for a certificate of waiver, which allows for a small UAS operation to deviate from certain operating rules if the FAA finds that the proposed operation can be performed safely. Waivable sections of part 107 include:

Operation from a moving vehicle or aircraft
Daylight operation
Visual line of sight aircraft operation
Visual observer
Operation of multiple small unmanned aircraft systems
Yielding the right of way
Operation over people
Operation in certain airspace
Operating limitations for small unmanned aircraft

A drone operator is required to report an accident to the FAA within 10 days if it results in a serious injury to any person or any loss of consciousness or if damage to any property, other than the drone, if the cost is greater than $500 to repair or replace the property (whichever is lower).

COMMERCIAL VERSUS NON-COMMERCIAL USE

Determining whether you’re subject to Part 107 as a commercial drone operator versus flying for fun, which is not subject to Part 107, comes down to the purpose of your flight. Recreational or hobby use is flying for enjoyment and not for work, business purposes, or for compensation or hire. In the FAA’s Interpretation of the Special Rule for Model Aircraft, it relied on the ordinary, dictionary definition of these terms. UAS use for hobby is a “pursuit outside one’s regular occupation engaged in especially for relaxation.” UAS use for recreation is “refreshment of strength and spirits after work; a means of refreshment or division.”

If in doubt, consider erring on the side of caution and take the steps to obtain your Remote Pilot Certificate. You’re able to use the guidance of Part 107 even if your drone flight is for recreational purposes. And while the FAA is first to admit that the availability of resources limits its ability to pursue all illegal drone use, there are numerous stories of severe penalties being levied against those who openly flaunt the law. Besides, what could be more fun than showing off a new “drone license.”

TRAINING AND PRODUCTS

UAS Ground School Course (online) – https://www.sportys.com/pilotshop/uas-ground-school-course.html

UAS Safety Awareness Course (online) – https://www.sportys.com/pilotshop/uas-safety-awareness-course.html

Sporty’s Drone Study Buddy (online)

Sporty’s Drone Store – https://www.sportys.com/pilotshop/video-cameras-drones/drones.html

PART 107 RESOURCES

Summary of Part 107 – https://www.faa.gov/uas/media/Part_107_Summary.pdf

Part 107 Advisory Circular – https://www.faa.gov/uas/media/AC_107-2_AFS-1_Signed.pdf

Part 107 Online Course – https://www.faasafety.gov/

Knowledge test study resources – https://www.faa.gov/uas/getting_started/fly_for_work_business/becoming_a_pilot/

Knowledge test study guide –https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/handbooks_manuals/aviation/media/remote_pilot_study_guide.pdf

UAS FAQs – https://www.faa.gov/uas/faqs/