Aggregates Manager Digital Magazine
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/789750
30 AGGREGATES MANAGER / March 2017 EQUIPMENT MANAGEMENT tree, guide wire, silo, pole, and post are on the site and the height of each of these potential "drone killers." Try to find the flattest, softest, and cleanest takeoff and landing spot. One of my first drone flights in a quarry resulted in the drone momentarily disappearing in a cloud of limestone dust upon takeoff. I have since learned to carry a tarp or extra ground control point to place on the ground before taking off. 2. Flight condition. Knowing the flight conditions is critical to a successful drone flight. In my experience, flight condi- tions are second only to pilot error in creating mishaps. Make sure you know and understand the weather con- ditions that could be experienced during your flight. This includes winds and wind gusts, rain, cloud cover, humid- ity, etc. All these parameters can affect the drone flight, your resulting control inputs, battery life, and quality of pictures. There are numerous apps available for free or low cost to help you quickly and easily determine weather conditions at your exact flight area. 3. Flight laws and regulations. In the U.S., this topic is very important. As the pilot in command of your drone, you are responsible for its flight and operation. Make sure you know where you can fly, who needs to be notified if you are flying, FAA drone registration requirements, and a host of other national and local laws and regulations. The FAA website is a great source to start learning about drone laws, regulations, and restrictions. The FAA website also contains information on Section 107 drone pilot (RPIC) certification and requirements. The pilot The pilot, the person behind the controls, contributes enor- mously to a safe and successful drone flight. The pilot is also the number one reason for a drone mishap — usually resulting from inadequate skill level, misreading flight conditions, and/or poor pre-flight practices. Some pilot tips are: 1. Practice! Practice! And practice some more! Make sure you understand how your drone operates, how the flight controls work, what all the functions on your controller do and, more importantly, what they do not do. It is best to start "low and small" until you become comfortable with the drone, controls, and battery life. Test yourself with each practice flight thinking and practicing which direction I should go if this happens, or what I will do if I have to land right now. 2. Pre-Flight Inspection. A large majority of drone pilots un- pack their drone, slap in the battery, turn on, and go. Next time you are in the airport, look out the window. You will likely see an airline pilot conducting a pre-flight inspec- tion on the plane. Commercial pilots are highly trained Hit the road with: collect them all! Flexible payment plans Downtime reimbursement Online certificates Flexible payment plans Downtime reimbursement Online certificates Hit the road with: collect them all! Protecting the rig that runs your business! Protecting the rig that runs your business! Protecting the rig that runs your business! Protecting the rig that runs your business! Progressive Casualty Ins. Co. & affi liates. All coverage subject to policy terms. 1-800-PROGRESSIVE 1-800-PROGRESSIVE PROGRESSIVE.com