OPEN A2 - Practical Competencies Self-Training
In order to train in the safest manner, you must conduct your operation in OPEN A3 conditions meaning:
at a safe horizontal distance of at least 150 meters from residential, commercial, industrial or
recreational areas
where you reasonably expect that no uninvolved person will be endangered within the range
where the UAS is flown during the entire time of the UAS operation.
1. Preparation of the UAS operation
o define the area of operation considering the characteristics of the UAS;
o define procedures to perform in case of emergency (wind gust, link loss, other traffic incursion…)
o make sure that the payload is compatible with the UAS (MTOM) and category (OPEN A2 limitations);
o identify the limitations published for the geographical zone and if needed, seek authorization by the entity responsible
for such zones; in Luxembourg you must use https://g-o.lu/uas
o identify any obstacles and the potential presence of uninvolved persons in the area of operation; and
o check the current meteorological conditions and the forecast for the time planned for the operation
2. Preparation for the flight
o 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;
o ensure that all removable components of the UA are properly secured;
o make sure that the software installed on the UAS and remote controller is the latest published by the UAS manufacturer;
o calibrate the instruments on board the UA, if needed;
o identify possible conditions that may endanger the intended UAS operation (antenna, power lines…);
o check the status of the battery and activate the geo-awareness system; ensure that the geographical information is up
to date; set the height limitation system and set the low-speed mode, if available;
o check the correct functioning of the C2 link.
3. Flight under normal conditions
o take off or launch (fixed wings);
o make a stable flight:
v hover in case of multirotor UA;
v perform coordinated large and tight turns;
v perform straight flight at constant altitude;
v change direction, height and speed, follow a path;
v return of the UA towards the remote pilot after the UA has been placed at a distance that no longer allows its
orientation to be distinguished, in case of multirotor UA;
v perform horizontal flight at different speeds (critical high speed or critical low speed), in case of fixed-wing UA;
o keep the UA outside no-fly zones or restricted zones, unless holding an authorization;
o use some external references to assess the distance and height of the UA;
o perform a return-to-home (RTH) procedure — automatic or manual
o perform a landing procedure and a missed approach in case of fixed-wing UA; and
o perform real-time monitoring of the status and endurance limitations of the UAS; and
o maintain sufficient separation from obstacles
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4. Flight under abnormal conditions
o manage the situation when the UAS positioning equipment is impaired (if the UAS used allows the deactivation of that
equipment);
o simulate the incursion of a person into the area of operation, and take appropriate measures to maintain safety;
o manage the exit from the operation zone as defined during the flight preparation;
o simulate the incursion of a manned aircraft or UAS nearby the area of operation;
o apply the recovery method following a deliberate (simulated) loss of the C2 link.
5. Briefing, debriefing and feedback
o shut down the UAS and secure it;
o carry out a post-flight inspection and record any relevant data on the general condition of the UAS;
o conduct a review of the UAS operation; and
o identify situations where an occurrence report is necessary, and complete the occurrence report.
Remember
o it is forbidden to hand over the control of the UA to another command unit during the flight
o always respect horizontal safety distances and 1:1 rule
v Legacy drones up to 2kg 50m (check for national exemptions)
v “C” drones up to 4 kg – Normal Speed 30m
v “C” drones up to 4 kg – Low Speed 5m
Important websites
Official Journal of the European Union (European legal texts): https://www.eur-lex.europa.eu
CAA websites in Europe: https://www.easa.europa.eu/domains/civil-drones/naa
Occurrence reporting website: https://www.aviationreporting.eu/AviationReporting/
Operator registration for the Grand-Duchy of Luxembourg: https://guichet.public.lu/
Training courses and examinations: https://trainingzone.eurocontrol.int/
Grand-Duchy of Luxembourg Geozones: https://g-o.lu/uas
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