UAS-Drone Basics of Flight (Week 1)

For Hocking College NRM-1128, Intro Unmanned Aerial Systems. Originally created by Luke Gilkey

What are a drone’s basic components contained in the body/frame

Motors, Electronic Speed Controller (ESC), Batteries, Flight Controller, GPS Receiver, Compass

What are the axes of rotation

Roll (controlled by ailerons), Pitch (controlled by elevator), Yaw (controlled by rudder)

Roll is controlled by what

Ailerons, they turn the aircraft rotationally

Pitch is caused by what

Elevators, turns the aircraft up and down

Yaw is caused by what

The rudder, turns the aircraft left and right, similar to a boat rudder

How is lift created

Vertical lift must be as much as the weight of the aircraft, more lift is necessary if the aircraft is to increase altitude. The lift must be greater than the weight + drag

What is heading

The direction the drone is looking

What is course

The direction the drone is travelling

What is GPS mode

The drone uses GPS to keep the drone in its place, it helps to automatically correct the drone in case of wind, creating a failsafe where you can release controls and the drone will stop

What is ATTI mode

The mode that does not use GPS, instead using internal sensors, the aircraft can drift in the wind, aircraft will continue in the direction of motion when controls are released, requiring more skill and understanding to use

What is a good practice to do before each flight?

Preflight Inspection

When undergoing a preflight inspection, what parts should the operator inspect

Registration markings, all flight controls and linkages, powerplants, propellors, rotors, etc., control station

What should every Remote Pilot In Command (RPIC) plan for

Emergency situations

How can an RPIC adequately plan for emergency situations

Briefing all crew members of operation on the emergency procedures

Under what circumstances are RPIC’s allowed to deviate from any rule contained in part 107

During emergency situations to the extent necessary to respond to the emergency

Typical UAS components

Flight Controller
Electronic Speed Controllers (ESCs)
Brushless Motors
Propellers
GPS Receiver
Compass
IMU
Battery Management System
Camera
Remote Controller