Using a multi-rotor to gather imagery and using mission planning software

Introduction:

At the beginning of class we learned some information on the flight plan software to prepare of for our field activity outside in the commons area.  We went outside to learn how to do the pre-flight check list and to learn how it looked on the computer.  We then learned how to check the items on the pre-flight check list on the Matrix.  We moved around stations and learned to do each station. We did set up a flight plan but did not fly the Matrix this day. After observing the cloud cover, it was mainly overcast but there were scattered alto cumulostratus clouds.  The temperature was 81.1 degrees F and there was a 3 mph wind S SE direction.  This day prepared us for real time when we are doing the checklist for real and checking all the parts of the aircraft to ensure it flies safely. 



Figure 1:  Computer used to do the preflight check list.

Study Area:

Figure 2: Study area between Davies Hall and Phillips Hall at the UWEC campus. 

 

We went outside in the commons area between the buildings and used the tables to do the computer part of the check list.  We all gathered around the tables to learn how to do the checklist and then used the courtyard in the yellow area to do our mock preflight checklist. 

Methods:

First we sat down at the tables and split into groups.  Each group had a chance to sit at the computer and read the checklist to our team mates who were at the aircraft performing the checklist from there. 
The checklist had a large list of items to go down the list.  The computer person yells out to the team member with the aircraft:
electrical connections ?
frame connections?
motor connections?
prop secure and no cracks?
battery secure?
battery balanced?

The team member with the aircraft then answers these questions back with repeating the question back.  Such as the person doing the check list with the aircraft would say for example, "prop secure, no cracks," and so on for each item. 

The TX is the transmitter and the RX is the receiver. 
We then checked to see if the modem is connected, Pac Person on computer and then we did the mission software.  We used com 5 57-600 frequency.

There were 11 satellites at the present time, you should not try to use your aircraft with less than 6 satellites. 
 The yaw (degrees) oriented North

G3 battery at 8 volts
We did the whole process just like we were flying that day.  Each group was able to do each activity. 





Figure 3: Michael Bomber showing Cullen and Ethan how to the parts of the checklist that involved the aircraft. 

FIgure 4:  Station where the flight plan is checked and Michael was checking the wind for the weather portion of the checklist. 

 

 Discussion:

 This exercise of a mock flight was very informative. I learned a lot from it.  The pre-flight checklist is a lot more extensive than I thought, there were many items on it I would not have thought of.  All the items on the check list are very important.  I do think I could perform the checklist by myself so I feel comfortable with that. I do think I could learn how to use the flight plan software a little better.  This hands on approach helped me understand many different aspects of the task.

Conclusion:

The activity taught me a lot.  There are so many different aspects of flying a plane.  There are many different aspects of planning a flight, including weather, surroundings, safety and the aircraft working properly.  There also needs to be enough satellites to use to make the flight plan successful and to have the plane return home.  There a so many things to do but once you learn them, you learn to fly safely for anyone around you and the safety of the aircraft as well.