A2 CofC - Drone Certificate of Competency Pre-Flight Planning and Checks Questions and Answers — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A remote pilot is planning a flight for a weekend event near a coastal town. What is the most appropriate official source to check for temporary airspace restrictions, such as an airshow or maritime event, that might affect the operation?
- The local council's events website.
- A commercial drone flight planning app's general map.
- The Met Office aviation forecast.
- The CAA's NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) database or a service that provides this data. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: The CAA's NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) database or a service that provides this data.
NOTAMs (Notices to Airmen) are the official system used by aviation authorities, including the UK's Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), to disseminate timely information about temporary hazards and restrictions to all airspace users. While some apps display this data, the NOTAM database is the primary official source.
Question 2: During a pre-flight inspection of a multirotor UAS, which of the following checks is most critical for ensuring correct and stable flight control immediately upon take-off?
- Verifying the camera lens is clean and free from smudges.
- Ensuring the Operator ID sticker is legible and securely affixed.
- Checking for correct propeller installation (e.g., clockwise/counter-clockwise) and security. (Correct answer)
- Confirming the microSD card has sufficient space for recording.
Correct answer: Checking for correct propeller installation (e.g., clockwise/counter-clockwise) and security.
Incorrectly installing propellers, for example by swapping a clockwise and a counter-clockwise prop on adjacent motors, will prevent the UAS from generating balanced thrust. This will make it impossible to take off or will cause it to flip over immediately upon applying power, resulting in a total loss of control.
Question 3: Before installing a LiPo battery for a flight, a remote pilot observes that the battery casing feels slightly soft and has a noticeable bulge or 'puffiness'. What is the correct course of action according to safety best practices?
- Use the battery, but for a shorter flight than usual to be safe.
- Charge the battery to 100% to see if the swelling reduces under pressure.
- Immediately remove the battery from service, isolate it in a fire-safe location, and arrange for its safe disposal. (Correct answer)
- Carefully press down on the swelling to release any trapped gas before use.
Correct answer: Immediately remove the battery from service, isolate it in a fire-safe location, and arrange for its safe disposal.
Swelling or 'puffing' in a LiPo battery is a clear sign of internal damage and gas build-up, which creates a significant fire risk. The battery is compromised and must be safely decommissioned immediately. Attempting to charge, use, or puncture it is extremely dangerous.
Question 4: A remote pilot is conducting a site survey for an A2 operation in a public park. They identify a children's playground, a designated dog-walking path, and a main road bordering the park. In their pre-flight risk assessment, how should these features primarily be categorised?
- As areas of high concentration of uninvolved people and potential hazards. (Correct answer)
- As potential emergency landing sites in case of failure.
- As locations for positioning the remote pilot during the flight.
- As features that are irrelevant unless a direct flight over them is planned.
Correct answer: As areas of high concentration of uninvolved people and potential hazards.
The purpose of a site survey is to identify potential risks. Areas where uninvolved people are known to congregate (playground, path) or dynamic hazards (road) are key elements to identify. This allows the pilot to plan flight paths, establish buffers, and create contingency plans to ensure required separation distances are maintained throughout the operation.
Question 5: Which of the following is a crucial component of a remote pilot's contingency plan for a sudden loss of the control link to their UAS during an A2 operation?
- A plan to immediately purchase a new controller after the incident.
- Knowing the pre-set behaviour of the UAS's failsafe system, such as its Return to Home (RTH) altitude and landing procedure. (Correct answer)
- Having the manufacturer's technical support phone number saved in their mobile.
- Ensuring the drone's firmware is updated immediately after the flight.
Correct answer: Knowing the pre-set behaviour of the UAS's failsafe system, such as its Return to Home (RTH) altitude and landing procedure.
The failsafe system determines what the UAS will do automatically if the control link is lost. The pilot must know what this behaviour is (e.g., will it return to home at a specific altitude, land on the spot, or hover?) to anticipate its flight path and ensure the automated action does not create a new hazard, such as colliding with an obstacle on its way home.
Question 6: According to UK CAA regulations, which specific identification number must be displayed visibly on the main body of a drone (over 250g or with a camera) being used for an A2 CofC operation?
- The remote pilot's Flyer ID.
- The drone's unique serial number.
- The Operator ID issued by the CAA. (Correct answer)
- The remote pilot's A2 CofC certificate number.
Correct answer: The Operator ID issued by the CAA.
The CAA requires the person or organisation responsible for the drone (the operator) to register and receive an Operator ID. This Operator ID must be clearly and visibly displayed on the drone itself. The Flyer ID belongs to the individual remote pilot and proves they have passed the required competency test, but it is not what is displayed on the aircraft.
A2 CofC - Drone Certificate of Competency Pre-Flight Planning and Checks Questions and Answers
A remote pilot is planning a flight for a weekend event near a coastal town.
What is the most appropriate official source to check for temporary airspace restrictions, such as an airshow or maritime event, that might affect the operation?