VLOS Site Surveys
Name one tool used to measure the angle of a slope or elevation during a site survey.
Clinometer
It allows surveyors to determine slope angles, tree heights, building elevations, and other vertical measurements by sighting along a line and reading the angle directly.
What is the primary goal of contingency planning in organizations?
Ensure that critical operations can continue—or be quickly restored—when unexpected disruptions occur
What does an inclinometer measure?
angle of slope, tilt, or inclination
Infrastructure refers to these types of structures needed for a society or organization to function.
Infrastructure includes essential systems like transportation, utilities, communication networks, and public facilities
What does the N.O.T.E.D. framework help drone pilots accomplish?
Perform a structured pre‑flight site assessment so they can identify hazards and operate safely.
N — Notice the environment and any obvious hazards
O — Observe details like people, vehicles, wildlife, and obstacles
T — Think about how those hazards could affect the flight
E — Execute safe actions or adjustments to the flight plan
D — Decide whether it’s safe to fly or if changes are needed
What is the purpose of a worksite diagram in UAS operations?
Visual planning and safety tool
List two examples of power backup systems used to protect against outages.
Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS)
Backup Generators
Name one risk associated with flying drones near wildlife.
Answers will vary:
Disturbing or stressing the animal
Name one way water infrastructure is kept safe for human use.
Regular treatment and disinfection, such as using chlorine or UV systems to remove harmful bacteria and pathogens.
Name two types of surface conditions that can affect drone takeoff and landing.
Loose gravel or sand — can cause instability and get kicked up into the motors or sensors.
Wet or muddy ground — increases the risk of slipping, skidding, or contaminating the drone’s landing gear.
Name two types of obstacles that should be identified during a VLOS site survey.
Answers will vary:
Power lines
Trees or tall vegetation
What is one essential facility that must be addressed in emergency planning for human needs?
Answers will vary:
Evacuation
Shelter‑in‑Place
What does the first digit in an IP rating (e.g., IP54) represent?
Represents the device’s level of protection against solid objects and dust
What is the purpose of a backup generator in a power system?
To provide power when the main electrical supply fails.
What is the basic formula for calculating Minimum Safe Altitude (MSA)?
MSA = Highest terrain or obstacle elevation (within 5 NM of the route) + safety buffer
What is the recommended minimum safe distance to maintain from a flare stack when operating a drone?
100 meters or 328ft
Give one example of a risk mitigation strategy organizations might use.
Regular employee training
Why is it important to maintain a minimal ground slope for drone takeoff and landing?
Helps ensure the aircraft lifts off and touches down smoothly and safely.
List two sectors considered critical infrastructure.
Answers will vary:
Energy — includes electricity generation, power grids, and fuel systems
Water and Wastewater Systems — covers drinking water treatment and sewage systems
Why is it important to check for no-fly zones before planning a drone flight?
Avoid restricted or prohibited airspace, which keeps your operation legal and safe.
Before launching a drone, pilots conduct this type of survey to identify hazards like trees, power lines, and terrain while ensuring the aircraft can be seen at all times.
VLOS site survey
What is the first step in the risk management process?
Identifying the risks
List two tools (other than an inclinometer) used for site assessment in drone operations.
Anemometer — Measures wind speed to ensure conditions are safe for flight.
Rangefinder — Measures distances to obstacles or terrain features for accurate hazard assessment.
What is one benefit of using digital elevation models in flight planning?
They help identify terrain hazards so you can set safe flight altitudes.
List two benefits of using photogrammetry in site assessment.
High‑accuracy 3D mapping — It creates detailed, measurable models of terrain, structures, and obstacles, giving you a far clearer understanding of the site than ground observation alone.
Efficient data collection over large areas — You can capture comprehensive imagery quickly, reducing time on‑site while still producing precise maps, orthomosaics, and elevation data.