In the world of small unmanned aerial systems (sUAS), emergencies can happen at any time. As a remote pilot, being prepared to handle these situations effectively is not just a regulatory requirement but a vital component of ensuring the safety of both your drone and the people and property around you. This section will elaborate on handling in-flight emergencies, executing emergency landings, and the importance of post-incident reporting, providing you with the knowledge needed to manage unexpected challenges during drone operations.

Handling In-Flight Emergencies

In-flight emergencies are scenarios where the drone’s normal operation is disrupted, potentially leading to loss of control, damage to the aircraft, or harm to people and property. The ability to respond quickly and correctly to these situations is crucial.

Key Points:

1. Loss of GPS Signal:

   • The GPS (Global Positioning System) is a critical component in modern drones, providing real-time data on location, altitude, and flight path. When a drone loses its GPS signal, it can drift off course, potentially leading to hazardous situations.

   • Switching to Manual Control: In the event of a GPS signal loss, it is essential to know how to take manual control of the drone. Most drones have a “manual” or “attitude” mode that relies on the pilot’s direct input rather than GPS data. Pilots should practice using this mode in controlled environments to build confidence in handling the drone without GPS assistance.

   • Landing Safely: If GPS signal loss occurs, the priority is to stabilize the drone and land it as soon as possible in a safe location. This prevents the drone from drifting into restricted airspace or over people, which could result in serious consequences.

2. Fly-Aways:

   • A fly-away is a severe situation where the drone loses connection with the remote controller and begins flying away uncontrollably. This can be caused by interference, hardware malfunction, or software issues.

   • Regaining Control: If a fly-away occurs, the first step is to attempt to re-establish a connection with the drone. This may involve moving to a location with a clearer line of sight or switching to a backup controller if available. Some drones are equipped with a “return-to-home” (RTH) function that automatically directs the drone back to its takeoff point when it loses signal. Ensuring this function is enabled and set correctly before each flight is a critical preventative measure.

   • Safe Landing: If control cannot be regained, the priority shifts to minimizing potential damage. This might mean allowing the drone to land in a less-than-ideal location (e.g., a field or open space) rather than continuing to drift into more hazardous areas like highways or populated regions.

3. Battery Failures:

   • The drone’s battery is its lifeline, powering all systems and ensuring flight stability. If a battery fails or runs critically low during flight, immediate action is required.

   • Monitoring Battery Levels: Pilots should continuously monitor battery levels during flight and plan operations to include a buffer for unexpected situations. Modern drones typically provide warnings as battery levels drop; heed these warnings and initiate a return or landing procedure well before critical levels are reached.

   • Landing Procedures: If the battery fails, the drone may lose power mid-flight. In such cases, if the drone is still responsive, attempt to bring it down as quickly and safely as possible, choosing an open, unobstructed area. Some drones may enter an automatic landing mode when the battery reaches a critically low level, so pilots should be prepared to guide the drone to a safe landing spot if possible.

Emergency Landing Procedures

Knowing how to execute an emergency landing is one of the most critical skills for a remote pilot. Emergencies can arise from various scenarios—mechanical failure, loss of communication, or even unexpected weather conditions—and the ability to land the drone safely can make the difference between a minor incident and a major disaster.

Key Points:

1. Identifying Safe Zones:

   • During an emergency, time is of the essence. Quickly identifying a safe landing area is paramount. A safe zone is typically an open, unobstructed area away from people, buildings, and vehicles.

   • Pre-Flight Planning: Part of pre-flight planning should include identifying potential emergency landing zones within the operational area. This could include open fields, parking lots, or other large, clear spaces. Knowing these locations in advance allows for quick decision-making in an emergency.

   • In-Flight Assessment: During flight, continuously assess the surroundings for new obstacles or changes in the environment that might affect the choice of a landing zone. Factors such as wind direction, terrain, and moving obstacles like vehicles or people should be considered.

2. Communicating During Emergencies:

   • In some cases, especially when operating in controlled airspace or near populated areas, it may be necessary to communicate with team members, bystanders, or even Air Traffic Control (ATC) during an emergency.

   • Informing the Team: If you are part of a team, immediately inform them of the emergency situation and your intended actions. Clear communication helps coordinate efforts and ensures everyone is aware of the situation.

   • Alerting ATC: When operating near controlled airspace, it is crucial to inform ATC of any issues that could affect other airspace users. This might include a loss of control or a need for an emergency landing near an active runway or in controlled airspace. ATC can provide guidance and clear other air traffic if necessary.

3. Post-Emergency Actions:

   • After the drone has been safely landed, it’s important to follow specific procedures to ensure that the incident is properly managed.

   • Inspecting the Drone: After landing, inspect the drone for any damage. Look for visible signs of stress or impact, and check all systems for functionality. This inspection is critical to determine if the drone can be flown again or if repairs are necessary.

   • Incident Documentation: Record the details of the incident, including what happened, how it was handled, and any damage sustained. This documentation is vital for future reference and may be required if the incident needs to be reported to the FAA or insurance providers.

Post-Incident Reporting

Proper reporting of incidents is not just about compliance; it’s also about contributing to the overall safety and improvement of drone operations. Accurate reporting allows for the identification of trends, potential hazards, and areas where safety can be enhanced.

Key Points:

1. FAA Reporting Requirements:

   • The FAA requires that certain incidents be reported within a specific timeframe. For instance, any operation that results in serious injury, loss of consciousness, or property damage exceeding $500 must be reported within 10 days.

   • What to Report: Incidents that need to be reported typically include loss of control leading to injury, significant damage to property, or near misses with manned aircraft. The report should include details such as the time and location of the incident, the nature of the operation, and a description of what happened.

   • How to Report: Reports are typically filed through the FAA’s DroneZone portal, where pilots can submit details of the incident. It is important to be as detailed and accurate as possible when completing these reports.

2. Documentation:

   • Keeping detailed records of all incidents, regardless of whether they need to be reported to the FAA, is a best practice. This documentation should include all relevant information about the incident, including pre-flight planning, the circumstances leading up to the event, how it was handled, and any corrective actions taken afterward.

   • Incident Logs: Maintain a log of all incidents and near-misses, as well as routine maintenance checks. This log can be invaluable for identifying recurring issues and ensuring that corrective measures are put in place to prevent future incidents.

   • Review and Analysis: Regularly review your incident logs to look for patterns or recurring problems. This analysis can help you refine your operations, improve safety protocols, and reduce the likelihood of future incidents.

Conclusion:

Emergency procedures are a crucial aspect of safe drone operations. By preparing for in-flight emergencies, knowing how to execute emergency landings, and understanding the importance of post-incident reporting, remote pilots can significantly mitigate risks and enhance the safety of their operations. Whether it’s a loss of GPS signal, a battery failure, or a full-blown fly-away, being ready to respond effectively ensures that even in the face of challenges, the operation can be brought to a safe and controlled conclusion. Regular training, thorough pre-flight planning, and diligent post-flight analysis are the cornerstones of maintaining safety and compliance in drone operations.