Author - Pamela

23Jan

Drones in Hurricane Relief

2017 brought some of the most powerful storms of the decade, resulting in over $188 billion in damages. Just three major storms of the Atlantic hurricane season — Harvey, Irma and Maria — ran up the majority of the damages. Manned aircraft, though incredibly helpful, are often too large and heavy to land in areas affected by these storms. As such, many aid and relief organizations are looking for unorthodox solutions. Enter drones.  

Growing demand

Recently, the American Red Cross teamed up with the UPS Foundation in an effort to bring drones to natural disaster sites. But they aren't the only organization looking to use drones for disaster relief. Following Hurricane Irma, the FAA issued 132 airspace authorizations for drones to aid in recovery and response efforts.  

The advantages

When it comes to disaster relief work, drones offer many advantages over manned aircraft. Rapid deployment is one such advantage. Thanks to a small footprint, drones can launch quickly -- there is no need for a lengthy runway that is free from debris. Instead, drones can deploy from a variety of scenarios that are conducive to the hostile conditions surrounding relief work. As such, drones can quickly perform a wide variety of critical tasks, such as: finding people in need of help, surveying the scope of the disaster, delivering supplies, etc. Drones can also deliver life jackets and rescue ropes to areas ground-based rescuers can’t access as well as predict further flooding and provide estimates of how long specific areas will remain underwater. In preliminary research conducted last year in Europe, drones found isolated people significantly faster than ground-based rescue teams.  

Air National Guard

The Air National Guard found use for UAVs typically deployed in combat operations. These long-endurance UAVs are especially helpful when it comes to conducting aerial survey. Such survey are incredibly helpful and are used for a variety of purposes. Surveys provide a better understanding of the measure and scope of the destruction zone. They help inform which areas may need the most urgent assistance. And, they help identify passable routes for emergency crews to get to those in need.  

Florida Power

Commercial drone companies in Florida conduct aerial surveys to provide clear shots of damaged homes. This information, in turn, is given to insurance companies so that they can act quickly on claims. Florida Power deploys dozens of drone teams following a storm. The teams use the drones to access areas not available by other means. These quick aerial surveys help the company identify areas that need to have electricity restored.  

Red Cross and CyPhy

The Red Cross is also beginning to use drones for relief work. Their pilot program uses CyPhy Works’ Persistent Aerial Reconnaissance and Communications (PARC) platform. The platform provides continual power to drones flying stationary and up to 400 feet in the air via a tether. The tethered drone allows for uninterrupted surveillance for weeks at a time. Equipped with a 30X zoom camera, the drones can survey several miles. Such surveys allow users to assess the impact of a disaster in order to best direct relief efforts.   Drones played a growing and invaluable role in hurricane relief efforts in 2017. As the hurricane season ramps up, it is likely that drone use will continue to improve natural disaster relief efforts for years to come. As stated by FAA Administrator Michael Huerta, “I don’t think it’s an exaggeration to say that the hurricane response will be looked back upon as a landmark in the evolution of drone usage in this country.”
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23Jan

5 Tips for Flying Drones in Cold Weather

Flying drones in cold weather is not an issue for many operators. After all, there is not much that keeps them from flying, even extremely cold weather. Besides rain and high winds, a drop in temperature is usually not enough to keep a pilot grounded. Today, a majority of multi-rotors can withstand temperatures ranging from 32-145 degrees Fahrenheit. For specific thresholds, check the user manual which came with the drone. However, drone operations in cold-weather do require adequate preparation.  

Tip #1: Avoid Ice Build-Up

Of course, there are a variety of cold-weather conditions that could endanger a drone's function. However, ice is one of the biggest issues an operator needs to guard against. At all costs, avoid any ice build-up on the device. If a drone’s wings or propellers become covered by ice, it can alter its load distribution and thereby affect its aerodynamics. Condensation is of particular concern. In cold-weather flights, freezing air flows over the warm body of the drone which can form into condensation. It can then settle and freeze on the surface of the drone affecting the UAVs flight performance. Furthermore, when the ice melts it can cause further damage by seeping into the drone’s internal electronics.  

Tip #2: Keep an Eye Out for Rain

Unless a pilot is aware and confident in the drones overall IP-rating, it is simply good practice to avoid flying in rainy conditions. Obviously, drones are machines made up of various electrical components. As such, these components are affected by moisture just like any other electronic. Water can seriously damage motors, camera’s and other parts. If caught in rain or snow, cease operations immediately and remove any water by wiping down the drone.  

Tip #3: Remember the Batteries

Cold weather impacts batteries differently than warm weather. As such, batteries need to be adjusted accordingly. In cold weather, the chemical response within the battery slows. This results in the reduction of flight time. Depending on the temperature, flight time can reduce by up to 20%.  Extreme drops in temperature can also result in a sudden reduction in power. In some instances, extreme temperatures can result in complete battery failure. Best practices for cold-weather battery care include:
  • Fully charge all batteries
  • Pack spare batteries
  • Store batteries in a warm place
  • Hover on the spot after take-off
  • Take it easy on the throttle when flying
  • Take a portable charger
To get longer life and flying time out of your batteries always ensure they are fully charged in preparation. These and any spares should be stored somewhere warm such as a suitable carrier during transit to avoid degradation. A sensible idea is to hover "on the spot" for a few seconds after takeoff. This allows the battery to warm up prior to full flight. Finally, be sure to also take it easy on the throttle during flight and consider bringing in the drone to land once you have less than 30% of power left as a precaution. This is where having spare batteries or a portable charger come in and it helps to guard against any sudden loss of power midair.  

Tip #4: Altitude and Local Weather

Another consideration is altitude. Flying in high altitudes means the propellers must spin faster to compensate for thinner air. As such, the batteries drain more quickly which means shorter flight times. Local weather can also greatly impact the length of drone flight. Areas described as ‘dry’ versus areas with more humidity in their air certainly affect a drones performance. Ground conditions are another factor. For example, puddles of water of packs of snow can damage a landing drone. In such conditions, weighted sheets can provide a dry surface on which to land - thereby minimizing contact with any moisture.  

Tip #5: Don't forget the pilot

Last but not least, it’s a good idea to look after the pilot, as well. Essential supplies, such as: gloves, goggles, scarves, layers of warm clothes, and hot drinks can keep pilots safe in the elements. Packing extra cloths to wipe down the drone after operations, is also helpful. Flying drones in cold weather is possible. Simply keep in mind the tips above to ensure a safe, efficient flight...despite the temperature.
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22Jan

FAA Drone Registry Breaks 1 Million

Recently, U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary, Elaine L. Chao, announced that the total number of drones registered with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) eclipsed one million. Chao made the announcement at the annual Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, NV. The 1 million registrants include 878,000 hobbyists and 122,000 commercial users. Hobbyists receive one identification number for all the drones they own. Commercial, public and other drones are individually registered. “The tremendous growth in drone registration reflects the fact that they are more than tools for commerce and trade. Drones can save lives, detect hazardous situations and assist with disaster recovery,” said Chao.  “The challenge is to remove unnecessary hurdles to enable the safe testing and integration of this technology into our country’s airspace.”  

FAA drone registry

Once again, drone registration with the FAA is mandatory for hobbyist and recreational operators. On Dec. 12, President Donald Trump signed the 2018 National Defense Authorization Act, which applies primarily to defense funding. However, it also included a measure reinstating the requirement for hobbyists to register drones with the FAA. Last May, a federal judge ruled that the agency exceeded its authority to regulate hobbyist and recreational drones, a category Congress specifically excluded. Currently, the FAA requires registration for drones weighing between .55 and 55 pounds for both commercial and recreational use. Hobbyists and other users whose drones meet these requirements can register using the FAA’s web-based registry system. Registration costs $5 and is valid for three years. Some unmanned aircraft must still be registered using the agency’s paper-based traditional aircraft registration system. Those who fail to register can face civil and criminal penalties, according to the agency.  

Education, an added benefit

Additionally, the registration process helps educate drone operators who may be entirely new to aviation. As drone registrants go through the process they also learn about and agree to the FAA's operating rules. Plus, registration helps increase airspace security by identifying drones with their owner. The agency also uses the registration database to push important safety messages to drone users.  
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16Jan

Latitude Engineering Successfully Tests HQ-55

The HQ-55, the newest airframe from Latitude Engineering, recently completed a successfully flight.

This flight marked the completion of a Phase 1 National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR).

On December 12, 2017, the Part 107 compliant aircraft successfully preformed multiple auto-hovers and a short flight.

 

HQ-55 Phase II

Phase II will involve refinement of the design and testing of the automated launch and recovery from a moving ship. This ship-borne capability will dramatically improve the capabilities of atmospheric and oceanic researchers around the world.

In addition, the vehicle will provide one of the highest payload capacities and range of any part 107 compliant aircraft.

  Find other Latitude Engineering products at Unmanned Systems Source.
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12Jan

Drone Airborne Collision Report Released by FAA, ASSURE

Last October, a research team from the Alliance for System Safety of UAS through Research Excellence (ASSURE) released a report on airborne collisions. At this time, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is yet to definitively address drone collision concerns. Currently, several universities continue to conduct studies and collect data to help inform any future decisions by the FAA. The report by ASSURE concludes that drones that collide with large manned aircraft can cause more structural damage than birds of the same weight for a given impact speed. The FAA plans on using the research results to develop operational and collision risk mitigation requirements for drones.  

Choosing the aircraft

The research team began the study in FY 2016. The focus of the study was simple, answer the question: what happens when there is a collision between an sUAS and an airplane? Researchers determined the most like impact scenarios by reviewing the operational environments of both sUAS and manned aircraft. Based on this evaluation, the team selected the business and commercial aircraft as well as the sUAS for computer modeling and physical validation testing. The final selections included the characteristics of a Boeing B737 and an Airbus A320. These crafts represent 70% of today's commercial aircraft fleet. Characteristics of the Learjet 30/40/50 represented the business jet model. For the sUAS, the team chose a small quadcopter as well as a light fixed-wing UAV. Areas of a manned craft determined to most likely experience impact included: edges of wings, vertical and horizontal stabilizers, and windscreens. The ASSURE team continues to conduct testing of engine impact scenarios. The findings will be released in the future.  

The impact results

Currently, commercial aircraft manufacturers design aircraft structural components to withstand bird strikes. Simulations by ASSURE demonstrate that sUAS of an equivalent size and speed of a bird strike inflicts more damage. And, whereas birds are mostly composed of water...drones are not. Testing showed that the stiffest components of the sUAS – such as the motor, battery and payload – cause the most damage. Concentrating those masses on the drone also increases the damage. The structural damage severity levels ranged from no damage to failure of the primary structure and penetration of the drone into the air-frame. However, the research specifically did not explore the risk to flight imposed by that damage. ASSURE researchers emphasized the importance of properly researching and regulating the use of sUAS in the increasingly crowded national airspace system. Safe sUAS operations were a point of emphasis. Adoption of  “detect and avoid” or “geo-fencing” capabilities by manufacturers are another way to reduce the probability of collisions. Read the entire report, here. In 2014 Congress directed the FAA to establish a UAS Center of Excellence. The FAA selected ASSURE, led by Mississippi State University, in May 2015.
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11Jan

Keys to Adding Drones to Public Safety Agency Operations

Often, one of the biggest obstacles to the widespread adoption of any new technology is the initial uncertainty of the regulation landscape. For example, consider the promise of self-driving cars. While the technology is advancing by leaps and bounds, the much-needed test-driving hours are constrained by red tape. Without real-world testing the acceptance and adoption of this technology stalls. Thankfully, drones are further down the road in terms of both societal acceptance and utilization. As the regulation landscape settles, the largest growth of drones is still ahead. Today, more and more industries utilize drones to perform functions that were once unimaginable. Public Safety Agencies are beginning to harness their potential, as well. And, though they are some integration obstacles, advanced planning can reduce the pain.  

Challenges of adding drones

For most public agencies, navigating drone operation regulations is fairly straightforward and manageable. A thornier issue is managing public opinion. Public opposition to the use of UAVs by local municipalities, though decreasing, is still fairly high. A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone and online survey finds that 36% of American Adults now favor the use of unmanned drones by police agencies in the United States. Slightly more (39%) still oppose the use of police drones, while 25% are undecided. Objections range from concerns about privacy to liability issues in the event of a drone mishap. At the same time, municipal agencies face resistance from within their organizations. Of particular concern is the financial cost of purchasing equipment, training staff, and the natural hesitance that comes with adopting any new technology. It's best if any agency looking to add drones to the public safety toolkit address these issues in advance.  

Overcoming Perceptions

Drones are powerful tools which can help maintain public safety, assist in search and rescue operations and even perform humanitarian relief work. However, for many in the general public, drones are just glorified toys. In part, this is due to the relative newness of the technology coupled with limited experience with "serious" drone operations. The "drone is just a toy" mentality is particularly harmful when it comes to price. Acquiring a drone built for commercial or public service involves considerable financial outlay. Commercial drones can cost several thousand dollars once peripherals and accessories are taken into consideration. There is also the added cost of training personnel and securing the proper certification for the pilots. Understanding the costs of adding a drone to the agency is imperative. Keep in mind, though, the technological benefits are substantial. From conducting night operations with infrared cameras to surveying areas that are inaccessible or inhospitable to humans, drones extend the reach of an agency. In high risk situations, drones can help minimize personnel exposure. Plus, drones are highly portable with a small take-off and landing footprint, and deploy rapidly.  

Integrating the technology

Once an agency decides to add a drone to their operations, the next step is to ensure adequate preparation for their use. Commercial drone operations are, of course, regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Drone operators must complete training and certification before taking control of a drone. The agency, as well, must apply for their waiver in order to conduct operations. The issue of liability is another consideration when integrating this technology. In the course of any operation, mishaps occur. It is important to understand the liabilities associated with operating a drone for public safety work. It is helpful, too, to understand how they agency will handle any liability issues that arise. A review of insurance coverage is vital. Integrating drone technology into public safety operations can vastly improve the reach and efficiency of an agency. With careful investment in the right equipment, training and education, an agency can integrate drones with much success.
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