Safe UAV and drone operation is a priority for the fast-growing multi rotor industry, and for JX Live.

JX Live follows community-based safety guidelines as prescribed by organizations including the Academy of Model Aeronautics, AUVSI and Small UAV Coalition.

The guidelines are:

• Fly no higher than 400 feet and remain below any surrounding obstacles when possible.
• Keeping the UAV in eyesight at all times, and using an observer to assist if needed.
• Remaining clear of and not interfering with manned aircraft operations. Other aircraft and obstacles must be seen and avoided at all times.
• Not to intentionally fly over unprotected people or moving vehicles, and remain at least 25 feet away from individuals and vulnerable property.
• To contact the airport or control tower before flying within eight kilometres (five miles) of an airport.
• Not to fly in adverse weather conditions such as in high winds or reduced visibility.
• Not to fly under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• To ensure the operating environment is safe and that the operator is competent and proficient in the operation of the UAV.
• Not to fly near or over sensitive infrastructure or property such as power stations, water treatment facilities, correctional facilities, heavily traveled roadways, government facilities, etc.
• To check and follow all local laws and ordinances before flying over private property.
• To not conduct surveillance or photograph persons in ares where there is an expectation of privacy without the individual’s permission.
• To not equip the UAV with weapons.

SAFETY CHECKLIST & POLICY

Area & Environment

• Hazards / Site Selection
  • Check for wires / cables
  • Animals
  • People / bystanders
  • Property in the vicinity
  • Site is away from nonessential participants
  • Ability to maintain adequate buffer zones between aircraft and personnel;
  • Minimize departures and landings over populated areas
  • Take into account local topography, ensuring a visible line of sight towards the UAV at all times. Ensure the telemetry connection is not obstructed.
  • Investigate potential alternative landing sites in case take-off site is obstructed.
• Psychological consideration (are you well rested, rushed, “get there-itis”, are you being pressured by client)
• Weather considerations
  • Temperature
  • Visibility
  • Precipitation
• Wind Speed
  • Upper winds / at altitude
  • Rotor (lee side of large objects)
• Notify any bystanders or nearby property owners of your intentions (permission)
• Discuss flight plan with your co-pilot or spotter
• If flying in controlled airspace, have you notified airspace authority
  • NOTAMs
  • Can you reach authorities?
  • Do you need to maintain communication?
• First Aid Kit stocked, readily accessible and visible to anyone in the area.

Equipment / UAV / Drone

• Walk-around
• Crack in joints and structural members
• Loose or damaged screws, ties, fasteners, straps
• Loose or damaged wiring
• Loose or damaged connections (solder, plugs, etc.)
• Inspect prop mounts and screws and apply slight counter pressure on arms to check for loosened components
• FPV , inspect / clean FPV (Camera) Lens and insure it is secured and connects are firmly attached
• Camera settings are correct (still images, video, framerate)
• Battery / Batteries are fully charged, properly seated and Secured
• Fail-safe equipment functioning
  • RTH (return to home)
  • Recovery chute
  • Firmware Airport Proximity Detection Functioning
• Props are smooth and free of damage / defect (check blade, surface and hub)
• Prop adapters are tight / secure
• Ensure voltage alarm is connected
• Ensure arming / idle timeout is properly configured
• Correct model is selected in transmitter (if applicable)
• Check RC transmitter shows the right range and centering for all sticks
• Perform range test

Mission Plan

• All actions and contingencies for the mission planned.
• Contingency planning should include safe routes in the event of a system failure, degraded performance, or lost communication link, if such a failsafe exists.
• Mission plans and flight plans should be shared with other operators in the vicinity.

Public Awareness

• Be courteous and polite
• You are an ambassador and your actions will affect other pilots and the industry in general
• Be professional / appear professional

Pre-Flight

• Verifying all transmitter, on-board aircraft and camera batteries are fully charged; (confirm voltages)
• Ensure no frequency conflicts with both video and transmitter / receiver
• Checking all control surfaces for signs of damage, loose hinges, and overall condition; Looking over the wing/rotors to ensure they are in good structural condition and properly secured;
• Check motor/engine and mounting attached to the airframe;
• Study propellers / mounting hardware (tight) / rotor blades for chips and deformation;
• Check the landing gear for damage and function
• Test electrical connections, plugged in and secure
• Ensure photo / video equipment mounting system is secure and operational.
• Check location of GPS equipment controlling the autopilot.
• Check the IMU movements in the ground control software.
• UAV in stabilization mode, ensure control surfaces move towards the correct positions
• UAV / Drone is in a level location safe for takeoff
• FPV / Power up ground station
• FPV / Power up Video receiver / goggles
• If using Video recorder turn on camera system
• Camera settings are correct (still images, video, framerate)
• SD camera memory clear and inserted into the camera
• Action / Start filming
• All transmitter controls move freely in all directions
• All transmitter trims in neutral position
• All transmitter switches in correct position( typically away)
• Transmitter throttle to zero
• Radio transmitter on
• Connect / power on battery to airframe
• Ensure led indicators and audible tones are correct
• Timer on (if applicable)
• FPV, confirm video is in monitor / goggles
• Scan for nearby cars / people / animals
• Say “CLEAR!”
• Arm flight controller
• Increase throttle slightly listening for any abnormalities
• Short 20-30 second hover at 3-5 feet (listen for vibrations / loose items)
• Confirm Voltage levels are correct

In Flight

• Basics: If flying manually, always keep your fingers on the controller/transmitter.
• Never let the UAV out of your sight even for a second.
• Climb to a safe altitude away from potential hazards and to reduce noise pollution.
• Keep aircraft at a safe operating distance from people, electric utility lines and buildings.
• If the UAV must be flown over buildings or people, use a lightweight UAV and maintain a safe altitude for recovery and make every effort to minimize exposure.
• Spotter: Use a spotter whenever possible and appropriate, especially when flying by First Person View (FPV).
• Do not fly UAVs within distance defined by local laws of any private/commercial airport/helipad
• Do not fly around a pre-existing UAV flying site without a frequency-management agreement.
• Do not interfere with operations and traffic patterns at any airport
• Landing: Regardless of whether of a manual or automated UAV landing, scan landing area for potential obstruction hazards.
• Announce out loud “Preparing to Land”.
• Carefully land the aircraft away from obstructions and people.

Post-Flight

• Shutting Down: Turn the power off to the aircraft and/or disconnect the batteries.
• Turn off the transmitter.
• Turn the power off to the photo equipment.
• Visually check aircraft for signs of damage and/or excessive wear.
• Remove the unused fuel if applicable. Secure the aircraft.
• Check pictures: Verify that the UAV camera actually took the pictures.
• Log Flight