COMPETENCY UNIT 01: ROTARY DRONE PRE-FLIGHT
PREPARATION
Question 1: Battery and Hardware Readiness
You are preparing a rotary drone for an outdoor mapping mission in a rural
area. Describe the step-by-step process you would follow to charge the drone
battery, fix the drone propellers, check weather and environment conditions, and
check compass calibration to ensure safe takeoff.
Answer:
For this preparation, I would prioritize battery and hardware integrity,
environmental assessment, and navigation system accuracy to mitigate risks like
power failure or disorientation.
Step 1: Charge Drone Battery
Inspect the battery for physical damage, swelling, or leaks before connecting to the
charger. Use the manufacturer's recommended charger at a stable voltage (typically
5V/2A) and charge to at least 75-80% capacity, monitoring temperature to avoid
overheating—full charges are ideal but reserve 20-25% for reserves in variable
conditions. Disconnect once complete and store in a cool, dry place. This ensures
sufficient power for the mission without risking mid-flight depletion.
Step 2: Fix Drone Propellers
Remove old or damaged propellers using the appropriate tool (e.g., hex driver),
then clean mounting threads and inspect for cracks, chips, or imbalance. Install
new or verified propellers by aligning markings, securing with screws to the
specified torque (usually 0.5-1 Nm), and confirming correct rotation direction
(CW/CCW) per motor. Balance if needed using a propeller balancer to prevent
vibrations. Proper fixation reduces crash risks from propeller failure.
Step 3: Check Weather and Environment Conditions
Use apps like UAV Forecast or official weather services to verify wind speeds
under 15-20 mph, no rain or fog, and visibility over 3 miles; also scan the site for
obstacles like power lines, birds, or pedestrians. If conditions are marginal, delay
the flight. This assessment prevents environmental hazards during operation.
Step 4: Check Compass Calibration
Power on the drone away from metal/electronic interference, then follow the
controller prompts to rotate it horizontally and vertically. Confirm "calibration
successful" on the app, and recheck if errors appear. Accurate calibration ensures
reliable heading data for stable flight.
Question 2: Data and Site Setup
Prior to a surveillance flight, outline the sequence for formatting the storage
card, installing drone sensors, recording the pre-flight log, setting up the ground
control station (GCS), and locating the take-off/landing zone.
Answer:
This sequence focuses on data integrity, sensor functionality, documentation,
control systems, and site safety to support a reliable mission.
Step 1: Format Storage Card
Insert the SD/microSD card into a computer or the drone's slot, then format it in
FAT32/exFAT via the device's file manager or app (e.g., DJI Assistant), ensuring
at least 16-32GB free space for high-res video/images. Avoid quick format to fully
erase old data. This prevents corruption and ensures ample storage for mission
footage.
Step 2: Install Drone Sensors
Mount sensors (e.g., GPS, IMU, or payload cameras) in designated ports, securing
with screws or clips per manual specs, then clean lenses/ports with a microfiber
cloth and verify connections via the app's sensor status. Test basic functionality
like GPS lock. Proper installation guarantees accurate data capture without loose
components.
Step 3: Record Pre-Flight Log
Document in a digital or paper log: mission details (date, time, location), pilot info,
aircraft serial/battery levels, weather notes, and any anomalies. Use apps like
Flight Log for timestamps. Comprehensive logging aids compliance and postmission review.
Step 4: Setup Ground Control Station (GCS)
Assemble the GCS (e.g., laptop/tablet with software like Mission Planner), connect
the controller via USB, update firmware, and pair with the drone over Wi-Fi/
telemetry. Calibrate sticks and test signal range (at least 500m clear line-of-sight).
This establishes robust command and monitoring.
Step 5: Locate Take-Off/Landing Zone
Scout a flat, obstacle-free 10x10m area (e.g., grass or pad) at least 50m from
people/structures, with good GPS signal and wind consideration—mark with cones
if needed. Verify no overhead hazards. Selecting an optimal zone minimizes
landing incidents.
COMPETENCY UNIT 02: ROTARY DRONE FLYING OPERATION
Question 1: Pre-Flight and Emergency Response
During a pre-flight inspection for a rotary drone mission in a windy area, you detect
unusual vibrations in the motors and an error alert on the battery voltage. Describe the
step-by-step process you would follow to check for drone abnormalities, verify thrust and
take-off readiness, and execute emergency recovery procedures if the issue persists during
initial testing.
Answer: To address this scenario, I would begin with a systematic pre-flight inspection to
ensure the rotary drone's safety and airworthiness.
Step 1: Check Drone Abnormalities
• Conduct a visual and physical inspection: Examine the frame, propellers, motors, and
wiring for damage, cracks, or loose components. Check battery levels, ensure
propellers are securely attached and spinning in the correct direction, and verify the
flight controller for any error codes. In this case, the vibrations and battery alert would
prompt me to isolate the affected motor, test it on the ground without props, and
inspect for debris or wear. If unresolved, ground the drone immediately. This aligns
with standard pre-flight checklists that emphasize detecting mechanical issues before
flight to prevent in-air failures.
Step 2: Check Thrust/Take-Off Drone
• Arm the motors and perform a low-throttle test: Gradually increase throttle to 20-30%
in a tethered or open area to assess thrust symmetry and listen for abnormal noises.
For take-off readiness, confirm GPS lock, calibrate compass, and execute a hover test
at 1-2 meters for 20-30 seconds, monitoring for stable ascent, even thrust distribution,
and no further vibrations. If battery voltage drops unexpectedly, abort and recharge or
replace. This verifies the drone can generate sufficient lift without anomalies.
Step 3: Execute Emergency Recovery Procedures (ERP)
• If vibrations or errors escalate during hover (e.g., loss of control or battery failure),
activate fail-safe mode immediately: Switch to return-to-home (RTH) if GPS is
locked, or manual land in a clear area. Notify the team, document the incident, and
follow the operator's ERP, which includes isolating the drone, inspecting postrecovery, and reporting to authorities if required. ERPs minimize risks by providing
coordinated responses, such as signal loss protocols or crash avoidance maneuvers.
This ensures safe recovery while protecting personnel and equipment.
Question 2: Mission Execution and Landing
You are tasked with a 5-minute aerial inspection mission using a rotary drone over an
industrial site. Outline the sequence of manoeuvring the drone, engaging the flying
mission, and preparing for landing, including adjustments for moderate crosswinds.
Answer: For this mission, I would follow a structured flight sequence to maintain control,
complete objectives, and ensure a safe return.
Step 1: Manoeuvre Rotary Drone
• Use basic controls for precise navigation: Apply gentle inputs on the right stick for
forward/backward (pitch) and left/right (roll) movement, and left stick for yaw
(rotation) and throttle (altitude). In crosswinds, apply counter-yaw and slight throttle
compensation to maintain heading. Practice orbits around key site points to build
stability before full mission engagement. This hones responsiveness and wind
handling for smooth operation.
Step 2: Engage Flying Mission
• Initiate the mission via the flight controller: Upload the waypoint-based flight plan
(e.g., grid pattern over the site), confirm no-fly zones, and launch with a stable hover.
Monitor telemetry for altitude, speed (keep under 10 m/s in wind), and camera feed
while following the automated path. Adjust manually if wind drifts the drone offcourse, ensuring all inspection points are covered within the 5-minute window. This
engages autonomous or semi-autonomous modes for efficient data collection.
Step 3: Prepare Drone Landing
• Approach landing zone: Select a flat, clear 5x5 meter area free of obstacles, marked
with a landing pad if possible. Hover at 5-10 meters, reduce throttle slowly (descent
rate <1 m/s), and use the app's precision landing feature if available. In crosswinds,
face the drone into the wind and apply minor corrections to avoid drifting. Touch
down gently, disarm motors, and perform a post-flight inspection. This prevents tipovers and ensures equipment integrity.
COMPETENCY UNIT 03: ROTARY DRONE POST FLIGHT
PREPARATION
Question 1: Data Verification and Initial Inspection
After completing a 10-minute aerial survey mission over a construction site, you notice the
drone landed with some uneven propulsion. Describe the step-by-step process to check data
collection inspect drone abnormalities, and record the post-flight log to document the
mission outcomes.
Answer: Post-flight preparation is crucial for validating mission success, identifying issues
early, and maintaining compliance records, especially in high-risk environments like
construction sites.
Step 1: Check Data Collection
• Power down the drone and remove the storage card or connect via USB to the ground
station. Review files in the mission software (e.g., verify geotagged images or video
footage for completeness, resolution, and no corruption—check file sizes and
timestamps match the flight duration). If data is incomplete (e.g., gaps in coverage),
note potential causes like signal interference and archive the valid portions securely.
This ensures all collected data is usable for analysis.
Step 2: Inspect Drone Abnormalities Conduct a systematic visual and functional check:
Examine the airframe, propellers, motors, and sensors for damage, debris, or wear from the
uneven landing; test motors for smooth operation without grinding noises and inspect battery
for swelling or discharge anomalies. Use a multimeter if needed for electrical continuity.
Document any findings with photos to prevent recurring issues in future flights.
Step 3: Record Post-flight Log
• Update the digital or physical log with mission specifics: Include flight time, data
volume collected, abnormalities noted (e.g., propulsion irregularity), environmental
factors, and recommendations (like propeller replacement). Sign off with timestamp
and pilot details for audit trails. Thorough logging supports regulatory adherence and
performance improvements.
Question 2: Hardware Disassembly and Final Review
Following an indoor inspection flight where the drone encountered minor turbulence,
outline the sequence for inspecting drone abnormalities, uninstalling drone parts, and
recording the post-flight log, including any storage considerations.
Answer: This post-flight routine focuses on safe disassembly, thorough evaluation, and
documentation to facilitate quick turnaround for the next use while preserving equipment
longevity in controlled indoor settings.
Step 1: Inspect Drone Abnormalities
• Begin with a full external and internal scan: Look for dents, loose screws, or residue
from turbulence; disassemble access panels to check wiring, gimbal, and electronics
for stress marks or error logs via the app. Clean any dust buildup and test components
like the camera focus to confirm no latent damage. Early detection here avoids costly
repairs.
Step 2: Uninstall Drone Parts
• Safely remove non-essential components: Start with the battery (disconnect and store
at 50% charge in a fireproof bag), then propellers (unscrew counterclockwise, label
for CW/CCW), and sensors/payloads (unclip and place in anti-static bags). Use tools
like hex drivers without forcing parts, and organize in a labeled kit for easy
reassembly. This step prevents degradation and streamlines maintenance.
Step 3: Record Post-flight Log
• Compile a comprehensive entry: Detail disassembly notes (e.g., parts removed and
condition), any abnormalities from inspection, flight performance metrics, and storage
actions (like humidity-controlled environment). Include metrics such as battery cycles
used and attach photos of inspected areas. Accurate records ensure traceability and
inform maintenance schedules.
COMPETENCY UNIT 04: ROTARY DRONE MAINTENANCE
Question 1: Battery and Propulsion System Check
After a series of outdoor flights, your rotary drone shows signs of reduced flight time and
intermittent motor stuttering. Explain the step-by-step maintenance procedures you would
perform to maintain the drone battery system, maintain the drone motor and avionic
sensors, and maintain propellers to restore optimal performance.
Answer: Routine maintenance after intensive use is vital to prevent failures and extend
component life, particularly for battery and propulsion systems that degrade with cycles and
environmental exposure.
Step 1: Maintain Drone Battery System
• Inspect the battery pack for physical damage, swelling, or corrosion on connectors;
measure voltage with a multimeter (should be 3.7-4.2V per cell for LiPo) and check
capacity using a discharge tester—replace if below 80% of original rating. Clean
terminals with isopropyl alcohol, store at 3.8V (storage charge) in a fireproof bag at
15-25°C, and cycle (charge-discharge) monthly if unused. This regimen avoids
thermal runaway and ensures consistent power delivery.
Step 2: Maintain Drone Motor And Avionic Sensors
Disassemble motor mounts to inspect windings, bearings, and ESC connections for wear or
overheating residue; spin motors manually to detect grinding and test with a wattmeter under
load for balanced current draw (e.g., <5% variance). For sensors, clean IMU/GPS lenses with
a microfiber cloth, recalibrate via the app in an interference-free area, and update sensor
firmware if logs show drift. Lubricate bearings sparingly with light oil to reduce friction
without attracting dust.
Step 3: Maintain Propellers
Remove propellers and examine for nicks, cracks, or imbalance using a balancer tool—sand
lightly if minor, or replace if damage exceeds 1mm. Verify pitch and diameter match specs
(e.g., 10x4.5 for common quads), clean with soapy water, and store flat to prevent warping.
Balancing prevents vibrations that stress motors and sensors.
Question 2: Structural and Control System Overhaul
During a routine inspection following a minor crash, you identify frame dents and erratic
controller response. Outline the sequence for maintaining the drone frame, maintaining
the radio controller, maintaining drone accessories, and maintaining firmware to ensure
airworthiness.
Answer: Post-incident maintenance emphasizes structural integrity and software reliability to
safeguard against cascading failures in rotary drones.
Step 1: Maintain Drone Frame
• Assess the carbon fiber or plastic frame for cracks, bends, or loose arms using a
straightedge and flashlight; reinforce with epoxy for minor dents or replace damaged
sections per manufacturer blueprints. Tighten all screws to spec torque (e.g., 2-3 Nm)
and apply threadlocker to vibration-prone joints. Clean with compressed air to remove
debris that could impede sensors.
Step 2: Maintain Radio Controller
• Check joysticks for stick drift by calibrating in the app and testing range (up to 2km
line-of-sight); clean potentiometers with contact cleaner and inspect antennas for
bends or loose connections—replace if signal strength drops below -80dBm. Update
controller firmware and bind securely to the receiver. This maintains precise
command transmission.
Step 3: Maintain Drone Accessories
• For items like gimbals or LED lights, disassemble to inspect wiring and mounts for
frays or corrosion; lubricate moving parts with silicone grease and test functionality
(e.g., gimbal tilt range). Store in protective cases away from moisture, and replace
consumables like filters if soiled. Proper care prevents accessory-induced imbalances.
Step 4: Maintain Firmware
• Connect to a PC via USB and use official software (e.g., DJI Assistant) to check for
updates—backup current config, then flash the latest stable version, verifying
checksums post-install. Reboot and test all flight modes in a safe area to confirm no
regressions. Regular updates address bugs and enhance stability.
COMPETENCY UNIT 05: DRONE STORAGE OPERATION
Question 1: Inventory Setup and Requisition Process
As a drone operations supervisor, you are tasked with onboarding a new batch of 5 rotary
drones for a fleet expansion. Describe the step-by-step procedure to prepare the drone
inventory control system and perform drone requisition and acceptance to ensure accurate
tracking from receipt.
Answer: Efficient storage operations begin with robust inventory management to prevent
losses and facilitate quick access, especially during fleet scaling.
Step 1: Prepare Drone Inventory Control System
• Set up a digital inventory system using software like DroneLogbook or a customized
Excel/Google Sheets template: Create fields for serial numbers, model types,
acquisition dates, storage locations (e.g., rack A1-B2), and status (e.g.,
operational/pending QC). Assign unique QR/barcode labels to each drone and
integrate with a barcode scanner for real-time updates. Conduct an initial baseline
audit to log existing assets, establishing protocols for check-in/out logs. This
foundation enables seamless tracking and reduces errors in high-volume storage.
Step 2: Perform Drone Requisition And Acceptance
• Initiate requisition by submitting a formal request via procurement channels,
specifying quantities, specs (e.g., 5x DJI Mavic 3 with LiPo batteries), and delivery
timelines. Upon arrival, verify against the purchase order: Count units, check for
transit damage via visual inspection and unboxing, and cross-reference serial numbers
with supplier manifests. Sign acceptance forms only after matching, then update the
inventory system immediately. This process confirms receipt integrity and initiates
internal workflows.
Question 2: Quality Assurance and Data Archiving
Following a delivery of spare drone parts for routine maintenance, you must integrate them
into storage while handling post-mission data from recent flights. Outline the sequence for
performing drone parts incoming quality control (IQC) and archiving flight log data, including documentation standards.
Answer: Post-receipt quality checks and data archiving are essential for maintaining
operational reliability and regulatory compliance in drone storage environments.
Step 1: Perform Drone Parts Incoming Quality Control (IQC)
• Unpack parts (e.g., propellers, motors) in a controlled clean area and inspect against
specs: Measure dimensions/tolerances with calipers (e.g., propeller pitch ±0.1mm),
test functionality (e.g., motor spin test at 50% voltage), and check for defects like
cracks or contamination using magnification tools. Reject non-conforming items with
supplier notification and quarantine approved ones with QC stamps. Log results in a
digital form for traceability. This gatekeeping ensures only reliable parts enter
inventory.
Step 2: Archive Flight Log Data
• Export logs from the flight controller app (e.g., CSV files with telemetry, GPS tracks,
and error codes) immediately post-mission. Organize into a secure cloud or local
server folder structure by date/mission ID, encrypt sensitive data (e.g., using AES256), and create backups on external drives. Retain for the required period (e.g., 2
years per regulations) with metadata tags for easy retrieval. This preserves historical
data for audits, incident reviews, and performance analysis.