sUAS Flight Operations (Fall 2018)

McCormmick Woods Data Collection: Forest Classification Research

Dates: MSN#1 23OCT2018, 

           MSN#2 30OCT2018,

           MSN#3 TBD
Location: McCormick Woods

The Purdue UAS class set out to gather data for a combined research project between undergraduates in the Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) program and from the Forest and Natural Resources departments (FNR).  The general idea of this mission was to map the area during different stages of chlorophyll breakdown in leaves, in an attempt to categorize the different species of trees within McCormick Woods. The research for this project involves using RGB images as the primary means for classification. The mission was to use a sUAS to take pictures and video of McCormick Woods on a minimum of three separate occasions that showed variation between the different color stages of the trees. Due to the nature of the target area, teams of visual observers were used in conjunction with the flight crew to conduct the operation safely and to follow all necessary rules and regulations. Mission planning was completed prior to the flight times and all parties were briefed on their responsibilities. The data collection was within a 5 mile radius of an airport. Because of that, extra caution was needed as well as a proactive culture of communication with the visual observers.

Team using backup communications with PIC

There are many factors and task that need to be completed prior to conducting data gathering of this type. Airspace, weather, and regulations, among others, all of which played a part in completing this task. The major concern for me during this operation was safety of flight. To accomplish this, I acted as a visual observer for the Pilot In Command (PIC) so that the flight could be conducted while maintaining integrity of visual line of sight. From any one location, line of sight for the entire flight could not be maintained. Therefore, the visual observer teams worked together to accomplish the mission.  Some photographs of the team on location can be seen to the right. Below is an image of aircraft operating in the general area of McCormick Woods during this sUAS operation. With the help of vigilant observers, strong communication between all parties (including ATC), and a detailed mission plan, this operation was conducted safely without interference with either flight practitioners. 
 

Aircraft operating in general area of  sUAS,
 showing high need for vigilant visual observers

FAR Part 107 sub-section 31 and 33 outlines the duties and responsibilities of the PIC and a visual observer during sUAS operations. Due to the larger area and relative low separation of the drone and the canopy of the tress, visual observers were placed at positions that increased the vantage points to maintain “eyes on” the drone during all phases of flight. Effective communication was maintained by creating a communication plan between the PIC and the visual observers. Primary communication for this operation was to use handheld radios that had the ability to have more than 2 radios on the same frequency. To meet the requirement of “effective” by the FAA, a quick block of instruction was conducted so all parties involved knew how to operate the radios. As a backup, mobile phones were utilized in case the radios malfunctioned. Having a multifaced approach to communication between all parties both satisfied regulations and provided safe UAS flight operations.

McCormick Woods is an area less than one miles north of Purdue University’s main campus in West Lafayette Indiana. The woods cover an area that is approximately 1,700 sq. feet or about 40 acres. The following maps, provided by google maps, show the location of the woods, trails within, and its boundaries.

McCormick Woods (Physical Location)

McCormick Woods (Trail Map)

McCormick Woods (Satellite Image)

Controlled Burn Observation and Collection
Date: 18 SEP 2018
Location: Martell Forest

MSN: A research mission focusing on the application of sUAS for the monitoring of the controlled burning of a field.

Brammer Flights: Demonstration
Date: 20 SEP 2018

Platform: DJI Inspire 1
Payload: Red Edge

               DJI Zenmuse X3