RPAS on the Ground – Procedures

On-ground control is all about ensuring SAFETY.

For example:

Starting and running of engines CAR 230, CAO 20.9 (5)

A person must not start, or permit an aircraft engine to be run unless the engine is started or run when the control seat is occupied by an approved person or by a person who may fly the aircraft. This may include a pilot qualified to fly, or maintenance personnel qualified to work on, that type of aircraft. In any case, the person starting or taxiing the aircraft must have sufficient knowledge of the aircraft’s controls and systems to ensure the starting or running does not endanger any person or damage the aircraft (CAR 230 (3)).

https://vfrg.casa.gov.au/general/pilot-responsibilities/engine-ground-operations/

Every aircraft will come one of the following:

• An Aircraft Flight Manual (AFM):
  • The AFM is a regulatory document (it’s contents are prescribed under the section of the regulations the aircraft was certificated under – Part 23, Part 25, etc).
• A Pilot Operating Handbook (POH):
  • The POH with contents that meet the regulatory requirements of an AFM
  • It presents other aircraft information in a standardized way!
    • This means a pilot can go from one aircraft to another to learn about the airplane they’re about to fly, and see all the information in the same format no matter the manufacturer!
  • Alternatively, the POH is a document developed by the aircraft manufacturer and contains aviation authority approved AFM information.

Extracted from: https://vfrg.casa.gov.au/operations/controlled-airspace/engine-start-and-taxi/

*** Generally not applicable to Unmanned Aircraft Operations ***

The taxi clearance regulates movement on the manoeuvring area. The separation of aircraft taxiing on the manoeuvring area is a joint pilot in command and controller responsibility. Taxi clearances will contain concise instructions and adequate information so flight crew can:

• Follow the correct taxi routes; and
• Avoid collision with other aircraft and objects; and
• Minimise the potential for the aircraft inadvertently entering a runway.

Please review the “CASA Engine start and taxi documentation” linked above for more information.

Exercise:

After reviewing the CASA “Engine start and Taxi” CASA document, discuss ground handling, engine start, and pre-take-off positioning and procedures applicable to unmanned aircraft.

Note any differences between fixed wing aircraft and multirotor aircraft!