AMC2 UAS.OPEN.030(2)(b) UAS Operations in Subcategory A2

CAA ORS9 Decision No. 16

PRACTICAL SELF-TRAINING

(a) The aim of the practical self-training is to ensure that the RP can demonstrate at all times the ability to:

(1) operate the UAS within its limitations;

(2) complete all manoeuvres with smoothness and accuracy;

(3) exercise good judgment and airmanship;

(4) apply their theoretical knowledge; and

(5) maintain control of the UA at all times in such a manner that the successful outcome of a procedure or manoeuvre is assured.

(b) The RP must complete the practical self-training with a UAS that features the same flight characteristics (e.g. fixed wing, rotorcraft), control scheme (manual or automated, human machine interface) and a similar weight as the UAS intended for use in the UAS operation. This implies the use of a UA with an MTOM of less than 4 kg and bearing the Class 2 marking after the transition period defined in Article 22 has ended.

(c) If a UAS with both manual and automated control functions is used, the practical self-training must be performed with both control functions. If this UAS has multiple automated features, the RP must demonstrate proficiency with each automated feature.

(d) The practical self-training must contain at least flying exercises covering take-off or launch and landing or recovery, precision flight manoeuvres remaining in a given airspace volume, hovering in all orientations, or loitering around positions when applicable. In addition, the RP must exercise procedures for abnormal situations (e.g., a return-to-home function, if available), as stipulated in the user’s manual provided by the manufacturer.

(e) This must be completed prior to taking the test described in AMC1 UAS.OPEN.030(2)(c). This practical training must be completed within the confines of the A1 or A3 subcategory, and may be completed at either a RAE, or by the individual.

PRACTICAL COMPETENCIES FOR PRACTICAL SELF-TRAINING

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

The following list of practical competencies must be considered:

(a) Preparation of the UAS operation:

(1) make sure that the:

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

(ii) operating area is suitable for the intended operation; and

(iii) UAS meets the technical requirements of any geographical zone that is being flown within;

(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 for any relevant geographical zone (e.g., FRZs around aerodromes, Prohibited, Restricted or Danger areas, etc), and if needed, seek authorisation by the entity responsible for such zones;

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

(6) 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 in the command unit is the latest version published by the UAS manufacturer;

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

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

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

(7) update the geo-awareness system; and

(8) set the height limitation system, if required.

(c) Flight under normal conditions:

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

i. take off (or launch)

ii. carry out a stable flight:

iii. hover in case of multirotor UA;

iv. perform coordinated large turns;

v. perform coordinated tight turns;

vi. perform straight flight at a constant altitude;

vii. change direction, height and speed;

viii. follow a path;

ix. return of the UA towards the RP after the UA has been placed at a distance that no longer allows its orientation to be distinguished, in case of multirotor UA;

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

xi. keep the UA outside any relevant airspace restrictions, unless holding an authorisation to enter;

xii. use some external references to assess the distance and height of the UA;

xiii. perform return to home procedure — automatic or manual;

xiv. land (or recovery); and

xv. perform landing procedure and missed approach in case of fixed wing UA; and

(2) maintain a sufficient separation from obstacles;

(d) Flight under abnormal conditions, where an abnormal condition is one which involves the use of additional procedures to continue the flight safely:

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

(2) manage a situation where the UAS positioning equipment is impaired;

(3) manage a situation of incursion of a person into the area of operation, and take appropriate measures to maintain safety;

(4) manage the exit from the operating area as defined during the flight preparation;

(5) manage the incursion of a manned aircraft into/ near to the area of operation;

(6) manage the incursion of another UAS into the area of operation;

(7) deal with a situation of a loss of attitude or position control generated by external phenomena such as Electromagnetic Interference (EMI);

(8) resume manual control if fitted on the UAS, when automatic systems render the situation dangerous; and

(9) carry out the loss of C2 link procedure.

(e) Briefing, debriefing and feedback:

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

(2) identify situations when an occurrence report is necessary and complete the occurrence report.