PM-04-PS01: Conduct Operational and Site Assessment
Practical Activity 1: Conduct an RPAS Operational and Site Assessment
Objectives
After completing this practical activity, learners will be able to:
- Conduct an operational site assessment for RPAS operations
- Identify environmental and operational hazards
- Assess the suitability of a flight area
- Evaluate operational risks and restrictions
- Apply workplace and aviation safety procedures during operational planning
Scenario
You are part of an RPAS operational planning team preparing for a scheduled drone mission within a designated operational area. Before flight approval can be granted, you are required to conduct a full operational and site assessment to determine whether the location is safe and suitable for RPAS activities.
The assessment must identify hazards, operational risks, environmental conditions, obstacles, and airspace concerns that may affect flight safety and operational compliance.
Instructions
Step 1: Inspect the Operational Area
Inspect the planned operational site and identify:
- Buildings and structures
- Trees and obstacles
- Power lines
- Roads and public areas
- Restricted zones
- Emergency landing areas
Ensure the operational area is suitable for RPAS activities.
Step 2: Assess Environmental Conditions
Assess environmental conditions such as:
- Wind direction and speed
- Visibility conditions
- Weather conditions
- Lighting conditions
- Surface conditions
Identify any environmental hazards that may affect operations.
Step 3: Evaluate Airspace Restrictions
Verify operational airspace conditions including:
- Controlled airspace
- Restricted areas
- Nearby airports
- Flight altitude restrictions
- NOTAM information where applicable
Confirm whether operational authorization may be required.
Step 4: Conduct a Risk Assessment
Identify operational risks such as:
- Collision hazards
- Communication interference
- Unsafe weather
- Unauthorized people in the area
- Equipment risks
- Emergency access limitations
Assess:
- Risk likelihood
- Severity of impact
- Required control measures
Step 5: Identify Emergency Procedures
Establish:
- Emergency landing areas
- Emergency communication procedures
- Evacuation routes
- Safety assembly points
Ensure all personnel understand emergency procedures.
Step 6: Complete Operational Documentation
Complete:
- Site assessment checklist
- Environmental assessment report
- Airspace compliance checklist
- Operational risk assessment report
Expected Output
Learners must produce:
- A completed operational site assessment
- An environmental and hazard assessment report
- An airspace compliance checklist
- A flight risk assessment report
Skills Practiced
- Site assessment
- Environmental analysis
- Airspace evaluation
- Hazard identification
- Risk assessment
- Emergency planning
- Operational safety compliance
- Flight preparation documentation