Aeronautical Information Management

GENERAL RULES FOR RPAS FLIGHT OPERATIONS


  1. Prior to operations, ensure both RPA and RPS are fully operational and the RPA, airworthy.
  2. Always maintain VLOS (Visual Line of Sight) with your RPA.
  3. Fly in VFR (Visual Flight Rules) conditions, clear of clouds and weather.
    1. Control, monitor and navigate the RPA safely and to plan
    2. Avoid other aircraft, terrain, obstacles, people, clouds and weather
    3. In low light or Night operations, ensure correct, adequate lights are mounted on the device and operating correctly.
  4. See and avoid “Legacy” (manned) aircraft at all times. Yield right-of-way.
  5. Fly responsibly, never recklessly or without “due regard” for people and property.
  6. Remain well clear of
    1. Class A, B, C, D and E airspace unless authorized
    2. Class F “Restricted” airspace unless authorized
    3. Fires, accidents, disaster areas, where emergency personnel are working unless authorized
    4. Formal air displays or air shows with manned aircraft unless authorized
    5. Airports (remain outside 5NM or 9 KM) unless authorized
  7. Co-ordinate in advance with Air Traffic Control (ATC) for specific requirements to operate.
  8. Fly only when well rested and not under the influence of any substance or medication.
  9. Fly within the RPAS operating limits and only one RPA at a time.
  10. Obtain and ensure you have reliable communications with assisting observers.
  11. Observers are to assist with only one RPA at a time.
  12. Do not operate any PED’s (personal electronic devices) near the control station (RPS).
  13. Never carry any corrosive, explosive, or bio-hazard materials on the RPA.
  14. Never drop, or cause to be dropped, any item from your RPA.
  15. Do not operate the RPS from a moving vehicle unless authorized.
  16. Do not allow observers to operate from a moving vehicle unless authorized.
  17. Ensure adequate liability insurance is in place to cover the size and capabilities of the RPA and the scope, extent and
    location of the operation to be conducted.
  18. Have a command and control link Security Plan and follow it exactly. Assess the loss of link risk.
  19. Ensure the RPAS is configured and equipped to operate in the area of operation (radio, transponder, etc. as required by
    ATC Instructions)
  20. Have permission to operate from the owner of the property used for take-off and landing.
  21. Be fully briefed and prepared before the flight regarding weather, NOTAMS, area conditions, ATC requirements, local risks
    and obstacles, and file your intentions with ATC. Comply with ATC needs.
  22. Immediately notify ATC of any RPA loss of link or “flyaway”.
  23. Within 24 hours, notify the QCAA, AIIB of any accident or serious incident with your RPA.
  24. Comply with your assigned “Permissions” including those for altitude, speed, and distances, both lateral and vertical, from
    persons, animals, structures, buildings, and vehicles not associated with the assigned tasks for the RPA.