2018 Prince of Wales UAS Operations - Project Aviation Safety PlanMission: UAS remote sensing of forested environment collecting reference imagery for vegetation mapping.
Project Name: Prince of Wales UAS
Risk Assessment Outcome: Medium
Unit: Tongass National Forest
Anticipated Project Date: June 11-15, 2018 Start Time: TBA (post sunrise) Ending Time: TBA (NTE sunset)Project Plan Prepared and Reviewed by: Dustin Wittwer/Patti Huddlestun Title: R-10 Remote Sensing Coord/TNF FAO Date: 5/11/2018 Note: Signature by the preparer verifies that all personnel have the required training for the mission. Maps will be attached to emails when this document is forwarded for signature, clearly showing areas to be flown; aerial hazards must be indicated. Project Plan Reviewed by: /s/ Robert Roth Title: R-6/10 Assistant Director, Aviation Date: 06/03/2018Project Plan Reviewed by: /s/ Kurt S. Kleiner Title: Acting Regional Aviation Safety Mgr. Date: 6/4/2018Project Plan Approved by: Title: TNF POW District Ranger Date:
Project Description and justification:The Forest Service is working in partnership with the National Park Service via an established Interagency Agreement (#18-IA-11100100-059) for providing OAS, National Park Service sUAS flight services for obtaining Aerial Images, data collection and mission support. Shared mission support will include mission planning, sUAS pilot services, sUAS equipment, and data processing.
We will be capturing sUAS imagery in support of a large vegetation mapping project underway on Prince of Wales Island, Alaska. We will acquire reference/plot data from very high resolution imagery collected over specified sample segments. Typical segment size is 0.5 – 5 acres. The target resolution would likely be in the range of 1cm GSD as this data will be interpreted as “truth” information. Resulting imagery will be post processed into orthomosaics and stereo data.
Traditionally, in past vegetation mapping projects, this reference data was collected from a helicopter and interpreters on board made real time calls about the dominance classes. However the flight profile required for the helicopter is too low and slow and introduces large risk to personnel on board the helicopter. Additionally, the helicopter platform is hugely expensive.
Initial flights are planned June 11-15th, 2018 with future follow-up flights possible later in the summer of 2018.
Location & Operational Parameters:The vegetation mapping sampling area are located in remote, unpopulated locations on Prince of Wales Island, Alaska where privacy is not a concern. Project site access will be via state/forest road systems with the project team selecting an appropriate launch/recovery site (project base location) that insures adequate line of site observations of all planned UAS flight activity. Flight Operations are limited to line of sight and will generally not exceed 1/4 nautical miles from the UAS launch/recovery location. Flight altitudes will generally remain below 200 ft. AGL, and will not exceed 400 ft. at any time. Both horizon and vertical flight deconfliction will be conducted as instructed in the UAS flight training, and as reviewed in the flight currency practices and yearly proficiency testing. Handheld aviation radios will be onsite with the flights and two-way communication with other pilots in the area will be readily available.
We anticipate up to four 5-acres sites can be flown in one hour and on average four sites will be flown from one launch/recovery location. Accounting for transition time to other launch and recovery locations, we anticipate completing 20 sites per day or 80 sites in a workweek. Target clusters are being developed and fall within the identified access zone map, in daily operating areas (Map 1). All identified areas for sampling are within class G airspace and do not contain any class B-D airspace overhead. Class E5 airspace occurs near Craig/Klawock and on the north end of Prince of Wales island. These areas have also be eliminated as possible sample sites.
We understand that there are line of sight limitations for sUAS missions and I believe we could work within those limitations, identifying target sample segments within proximity of existing roads or water access points.
Cooperator Aircraft & Cooperator Pilot Approvals:In accordance with Forest Service Manual (FSM) 5712.43, the USDA Forest Service (USFS) recognizes Form OAS-30U as a valid pilot card for Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Remote Pilots. The NPS pilot performing this mission will hold a current, signed OAS-30U.In accordance with Forest Service Handbook (FSH) 5709.16, Chapter 46.1. USFS may use aircraft approved by the Department of interior (DOI). The aircraft used for this mission will be a UAS approved by the DOI with a signed OAS-36U.
The SAFECOM system (www.safecom.gov) will be used to report hazards, maintenance deficiencies and acts or circumstances which have the potential to cause an aviation related mishap.
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Dispatch Coordination (day of operations):Forest Dispatch will be notified prior to, and at the conclusion of any UAS mission flight activity, via either radio or phone call.Flight following will be conducted using the Tower software on the ground control unit of the UAS.Loss of Link setting will be return to the home waypoint. When operating in the vicinity of an airport without an operatingcontrol tower, ground control will announce operations on the appropriate Unicom/CTAF frequenciesalerting manned pilots of sUAS operations.
Safety:In addition to the general parameters described above, all flights will take place away from people, vehicles, or structures on the surface (except as necessary during takeoff and landing operations), and will remain over Forest Service land throughout the flight. Eye protection will be used during run-up and launch. Any unplanned mechanical or operational anomalies or mishaps will immediately be reported in accordance with Forest Aviation Emergency Action Guide and documented/submitted into the SAFECOM database.
Personnel should dress appropriately for cold and wet weather conditions. Temperatures could range from 40-70 degrees .
The overall risk rating for this project is Medium as determined by the risk assessment shown below.
Attachments: Maps Other:
Project Manager: Dustin Wittwer, R-10 Remote Sensing Coord. Phone: 907-586-8764 Cell: 907-957-6800Project Aviation Manager/ Mission Operator: Parker Martyn, DOI, NPS I&M Regional Inventory Program Manager
Phone: 907-644-3697 Cell: 907-231-4349
PIC: Parker Martyn (Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate # 4010251) Phone: 907-644-3697 Cell: 907-231-4349Observers: Dustin Wittwer/Jacob Hofman Phone: 907-586-8764 Cell: 907-957-6800Tongass Forest Aviation Officer: Patti Huddleston Phone: 907-228-6345 Cell: 907-617-3190R-10/6 Assistant Fire Director, Aviation: Aaron Schoolcraft Phone: 503-808-2359 Cell: 202-302-4518Dispatch Center: Ketchikan FS Dispatch, [email protected] Phone: 907-228-6211 Cell: 907-617-3190
Mission: UAS remote sensing, Aerial Photography
Cost Code: Funded through IAA agreement # 18-IA-11100100-059Project Cost: TBD
UAS Kit# SN / Tail#: BB11A5B00706 / FA3XYRYYMFSN / Tail#: S111A5B07077 / FA3RER9WF4
Make & Model: 3DR SoloNPS – AKRO UAS Fleet
The 3DR Solo is a remotely piloted quadcopter that weighs 4 lbs. flown with either a RC style hand controller or a tablet.The 3DR Solo specifications are: Size and Weight: 18 inches wide X 10 inches tall. 4 lbs. Propulsion: 4 Electric motors Max Cruising Speed: 55 Mph Range: 0.6 miles. (Flights expected - line of sight below 200’.)Service Ceiling: 400 ft. AGL; Flight time- 20 minutes Pilot/Operator Name(s): Parker Martyn Pilot(s) Carded: Yes No A/C Carded: Yes No
Flight Following Procedure: Conducted by operator and/or qualified observers within line-of sight.
AM Air to Air AM (other): CTAF UAS controller Frequency 122.75000 MHz 122.9 MHz 2.4 GHz
See Map 2, “Tongass Radio Repeater Site Reference Map”, for Forest Service channels and locations. Applicable Prince of Wales frequencies are as follows. 12 Mile: Rx 164.8250 (Mhz), Tx 169.5750 (Mhz), Tone 114.8000 (Hz)Polk: Rx 164.8250 (Mhz), Tx 169.5750 (Mhz), Tone 151.4000 (Hz)Sunnae Hae: Rx 415.4250 (Mhz), Tx 406.4250 (Mhz), Tone (Hz)Thorne Hill: Rx 415.2750 (Mhz), Tx 406.2750 (Mhz), Tone (Hz)Twin Peaks: Rx 164.8250 (Mhz), Tx 169.5750 (Mhz), Tone 123.0000 (Hz)Baird: Rx 164.8250 (Mhz), Tx 169.5750 (Mhz), Tone 203.5000 (Hz)Red Bay: Rx 164.8250 (Mhz), Tx 169.5750 (Mhz), Tone 136.5000 (Hz)
Daily Operational Area* Latitude DDMs Longitude DDMs Elevation (m) Radius miles
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1 132° 41.622' W 55° 40.439' N 69 22 132° 54.190' W 55° 41.205' N 240 23 132° 35.574' W 55° 43.737' N 122 24 133° 2.917' W 55° 48.601' N 65 25 133° 6.834' W 55° 55.454' N 91 26 132° 44.525' W 55° 55.624' N 558 2
*See Map 1. Daily Operational Areas dependent on local weather and site conditions and is subject to change. Dispatch and affected airspaces will be notified.
Type of Flight Personal Personnel Protective Equipment Requirements Photography Project, 3DR Solo Eye protection will be used during run-up and launch.
Personnel should dress appropriately for cold and wet weather conditions. Temperatures could range from 40-70 degrees.
Military Training Route (MTR) Information: N/AMTR Route Legs-Altitude Activity Time Time Zone
N/A Hot Cold Start Stop UTC Local Hot Cold Start Stop UTC Local Hot Cold Start Stop UTC Local
Other airspace concerns/hazards: General aviation traffic not expected to be a factor. The only hard runway airport of concern is Klawock Airport, class E5 airspace. Operations will be outside of a 5 mile radius of this airport or proper notification will be followed. All other airspace is class G. UAS operations will be conducted below 400 ft. AGL.
Airspace Deconfliction Procedures: An “Operations Area” NOTAM will be submitted via the FAA NOTAM system by the Pilot(s) in advance of the flight. Handheld aviation radios will be onsite with the flights and two-way communication with other pilots in the area will be readily available.
Prince of Wales air traffic/airport/heliport and contact numbersNAUKATI BAY Phone: +19076294104KLAWOCK ICAO: PAKW, ICAO: PAQC Phone: +19077552229CRAIG CG heliport: Phone: +19075867351HYDABURG: ICAO: PAHY, Phone: +19077552229
Special Instructions: Notify Ketchikan FS Dispatch Center 907-228-6211 before flight operations begin, and when flights are completed.
Emergency medical attention and evacuation plan: Notify: Ketchikan FS Dispatch Center 907-228-6211, alternatively US Coast Guard (VHF Ch. 16) can be called.
Logistics: Aircraft and equipment are small, light and portable. No equipment storage is needed on-site. Portable batteries and cables are required to recharge aircraft batteries. There are no hazardous materials associated with operating this platform requiring special handling and storage.
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Risk Assessment MatrixSeverity
Likelihood IV Negligible III Marginal II Critical I CatastrophicFrequent
A 2 3 4 4
ProbableB 2 3 4 HIGH
OccasionalC 1 2 SERIOUS 4
RemoteD 1 MEDIUM 2 3
ImprobableE LOW 2 2 2
Reference the Aviation Risk Mgmt. Workbook, JHAs, etc., to assist completion of Risk Assessment. Assess the risks involved with the proposed operation. Use additional sheets if necessary.
Hazards:Pre-Mitigation hazards rate out as:LikelihoodA-E
SeverityI-IV
RiskLevel
1. Mid-air collision with another aircraft E II 22. Aircraft collision with buildings or vehicles in the takeoff/landing area D II 2
3. Loss of Link with aircraft. (LOL) D III 2
4. Injury to fingers/hands due to spinning blades on aircraft D II 2
5. Aircraft loss of control. D III 2
Pre-Mitigation Overall Rating: Medium
Mitigation Controls: Post Mitigation hazards rate out as:LikelihoodA-E
SeverityI-IV
RiskLevel
1. UAS operations will remain below 400 ft. AGL. Prior to launch, launch personnel will conduct a visual scan in all quadrants to ensure no other aircraft are in the area at low altitude. UAS Operators will practice "See and Avoid."
E II 2
2. Flight patterns will be planned so to avoid people and property on the ground during takeoffs and when approaching for landings. Non-participating personnel will be briefed to remain clear of the flight operations and the ground control station. Aircraft will take off and land no closer than 100 ft. from any person, structure, or vehicle. Flights will not occur outside the Mine site's project area, over any adjacent private land or structures.
E II 2
3. Prior to launching any aircraft the Loss of Link (LOL) settings will be verified. LOL setting will cause the aircraft to return to its point of launch and AUTOLAND.
E III 2
4. Checklist procedures will be followed to ensure that personnel keep their hands clear of rotating blades. Personnel who are not trained or authorized will not be allowed to handle or stand near operating aircraft.
D III 2
5. The 3DR Solo is primarily hand flown by the operator in lieu of being flown on a pre-programmed flight route or plan. The operator is trained and responsible for maintaining control of the aircraft at all times. There will always be a minimum of two personnel on site when flights are conducted. All operators must complete the IAT A-450 course (DOI UAS Operator certification) before being issued a card by OAS as either trainee or fully certified.
D II 2
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Post-Mitigation Overall Rating: Medium
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Mission Planning/Preflight Briefing Checklist: Review with all participants as part of preflight briefing
1. Chain of command, individual roles and responsibilities are identified to all participants? Yes No NA2. Project Aviation Safety Plan is approved and signed at the appropriate levels? Yes No NA3. Is the emergency evacuation plan reviewed? Yes No NA4. Are all elements in place to track the UAS at all times? Loss of Link procedures. Yes No NA5. Can terrain, altitude, temperature or weather that could have an adverse effect be
mitigated? Yes No NA
6. Are all aerial hazards identified and known to all participants? Yes No NA7. Have ground operations hazards and safety been identified to all participants? Yes No NA8. Have mitigating measures been taken to avoid conflicts with military or civilian aircraft? Yes No NA9. Have adequate landing areas been identified and or improved to minimum standards? Yes No NA10. Are all agency personnel qualified for the mission? Yes No NA11. Are there enough (qualified) agency personnel to accomplish the mission safely? Yes No NA12. Is the pilot carded and experienced for the mission to be conducted? Yes No NA13. Will adequate briefings be conducted prior to flight with all participants? Yes No NA14. Is the aircraft capable of performing the mission with a margin of safety? Yes No NA15. Does the aircraft have the capability to perform the mission based on predicted weather
conditions? Yes No NA
16. Is the aircraft properly carded? Yes No NA17. Do all personnel have the required PPE? Yes No NA18. Remember; maps of areas/sites, handheld radios, cell phones. Yes No NA19. Are pilot flight and duty times compromised? Yes No NA20. Is there an alternative method that would accomplish the mission more safely? Yes No NA21. Have the proper approvals been given by FAA? Yes No NA22. If flying in Restricted Airspace, has notification been made with controlling authority
prior to launching UAS? Yes No NA
23. Other? (identify) Fire Extinguisher Yes No NA24. Other? (identify) Dispatch notification (Ketchikan FS Dispatch) Call: 907-228-6211 Yes No NA
25. Other? (identify) Yes No NAIdentify Corrections (if any):
PIC Signature: Date: Operator/Observe Signature:
Date:
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Map 1.
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Map 2.
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