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