Benjamen D. Miller

Drone Operating Documents

• MDOT RTK Channels

  Download the RTK channel document from MDOT and create an NTRIP account with MDOT so you can use the correction service. Set up the account through MDOT's NTRIP registration process, then use the approved login details in your drone or controller before flight.

• Flight Notification Contacts

  Call both numbers about 2 hours before flying to notify them of the flight: DPSS Non-Emergency Line at (734) 763-1131 and U-M Survival Flight Dispatch at (734) 936-6035.

  Survival Flight Dispatch answers directly at that number. For DPSS, do not select any options in the answering machine; wait until it connects you to a person.

  If there are any issues such as damage or mishaps during a flight, follow the UMich post-flight reporting requirements. If a fly-away event happens, immediately notify both Survival Flight Dispatch and DPSS.

• Required Documents

  Carry your UMich flight waiver and your Part 107 license with you at all times while flying.

• Drone Registration

  Keep an active and up-to-date drone registration under your Part 107 license. You can manage registration through the FAA DroneZone website.

  Whenever that registration changes, update the UMich waiver information and replace the physical label on the drone.

• Raster Grid Planning

  Use the built-in waypoints in Pilot 2 operations to plan raster grids, and use the pause and resume buttons at the end of each grid to control timing. I previously used third-party software and custom scripts inside Dronelink to do this, but that workflow was not based on the standard Dronelink operating guides, so using Pilot 2 waypoints with pause and resume is simpler with slightly less precision for timing.

  The built-in RTK functionality works with Pilot 2 operations, but it does not currently work with Dronelink unless you buy a new controller.

• HMS Preflight Checks

  Read through the Health Management System (HMS) notices at the beginning of every flight before takeoff. Pay close attention to the action on signal lost, since that setting should match the operating environment.

  Inside a net, the signal-loss action should be set to hover or land, not return to home, because RTH could send the drone into the net. In a field, RTH is usually appropriate, but always confirm the altitude and other return settings so the drone will not climb into trees or other obstacles.

  Also check the battery percentages and make sure the two batteries are balanced with each other, and do not launch if there are any warnings or errors. Plan to begin landing with at least 30% battery remaining so you have a margin for unexpected delays or go-arounds.