AMC2 UAS.OPEN.030(2)(b) UAS operations in subcategory A2

PRACTICAL COMPETENCIES FOR THE PRACTICAL-SKILLS SELF-TRAINING

When doing the practical-skills self-training, the remote pilot should perform as many flights as they deem necessary to gain a reasonable level of knowledge and the skills to operate the UAS.

The following list of practical competencies should be considered:

(a) Preparation of the UAS operation:

(1) make sure that the:

(i) chosen payload is compatible with the UAS used for the UAS operation;

(ii) zone of UAS operation is suitable for the intended operation; and

(iii) UAS meets the technical requirements of the geographical zone;

(2) define the area of operation in which the intended operation takes place in accordance with UAS.OPEN.040;

(3) define the area of operation considering the characteristics of the UAS;

(4) identify the limitations published by the MS for the geographical zone (e.g. no‑fly zones, restricted zones and zones with specific conditions near the operation zone), and if needed, seek authorisation by the entity responsible for such zones;

(5) identify the goals of the UAS operation;

(6) identify any obstacles and the potential presence of uninvolved persons in the area of operation that could hinder the intended UAS operation; and

(7) check the current meteorological conditions and the forecast for the time planned for the operation.

(b) Preparation for the flight:

(1) assess the general condition of the UAS and ensure that the configuration of the UAS complies with the instructions provided by the manufacturer in the user’s manual;

(2) ensure that all removable components of the UA are properly secured;

(3) make sure that the software installed on the UAS and on the remote pilot station (RPS) is the latest published by the UAS manufacturer;

(4) calibrate the instruments on board the UA, if needed;

(5) identify possible conditions that may jeopardise the intended UAS operation;

(6) check the status of the battery and make sure it is compatible with the intended UAS operation;

(7) activate the geo-awareness system and ensure that the geographical information is up to date;

(8) set the height limitation system, if needed;

(9) set the low-speed mode, if available; and

(10) check the correct functioning of the C2 link.

(c) Flight under normal conditions:

(1) following the procedures provided by the manufacturer in the user’s manual, familiarise themselves with how to:

(i) take off (or launch);

(ii) make a stable flight:

(A) hover in case of multirotor UA;

(B) perform coordinated large turns;

(C) perform coordinated tight turns;

(D) perform straight flight at constant altitude;

(E) change direction, height and speed;

(F) follow a path;

(G) return of the UA towards the remote pilot after the UA has been placed at a distance that no longer allows its orientation to be distinguished, in case of multirotor UA;

(H) perform horizontal flight at different speeds (critical high speed or critical low speed), in case of fixed-wing UA;

(iii) keep the UA outside no-fly zones or restricted zones, unless holding an authorisation;

(iv) use some external references to assess the distance and height of the UA;

(v) perform a return-to-home (RTH) procedure — automatic or manual;

(vi) land (or recover);

(vii) perform a landing procedure and a missed approach in case of fixed-wing UA; and

(vii) perform real-time monitoring of the status and endurance limitations of the UAS; and

(2) maintain sufficient separation from obstacles.

(d) Flight under abnormal conditions:

(i) manage the UAS flight path in abnormal situations;

(ii) manage the situation when the UAS positioning equipment is impaired (if the UAS used allows the deactivation of that equipment);

(iii) simulate the incursion of a person into the area of operation, and take appropriate measures to maintain safety;

(iv) manage the exit from the operation zone as defined during the flight preparation;

(v) simulate the incursion of a manned aircraft nearby the area of operation;

(vi) simulate the incursion of another UAS in the area of operation;

(vii) select the safeguard mechanism relevant to the situation;

(viii) resume manual control of the UAS when the use of automatic systems renders the situation dangerous; and

(ix) apply the recovery method following a deliberate (simulated) loss of the C2 link.

(e) Briefing, debriefing and feedback:

(i) shut down the UAS and secure it;

(ii) carry out a post-flight inspection and record any relevant data on the general condition of the UAS (its systems, components, and power sources);

(iii) conduct a review of the UAS operation; and

(iv) identify situations where an occurrence report is necessary, and complete the occurrence report.