Session 5 · Failsafes & Emergencies
Aim: the trainee recognises degraded/failed states and executes the correct recovery, calmly and promptly. Reference: Ops Manual §6.7 Emergency procedures.
Guiding principle: always try to recover the aircraft safely. First option RTL; if RTL is unsafe, divert to a pre-surveyed alternate within visual line of sight.
5.1 RTL drill
Section titled “5.1 RTL drill”Trigger an RTL mid-mission; identify the aircraft state; supervise the return; assume manual control for the landing. 🚫 Do not use RTL in hover configuration — land in hover mode.
5.2 Link-loss drill
Section titled “5.2 Link-loss drill”Simulate GCS link loss; confirm the aircraft initiates auto-RTL after ≥ 5 s; set the GCS to RTL in case the link re-establishes; supervise recovery.
5.3 EKF / degraded-state drill
Section titled “5.3 EKF / degraded-state drill”On an EKF orange/red indication, switch to FBWA (forward) or hover and fly to a safe site; land in hover, escalating to a direct-throttle stabilised mode if hover misbehaves. Practise a VIBE response (land at nearest safe location).
5.4 Scenario drills
Section titled “5.4 Scenario drills”- Deteriorating weather — manoeuvre clear or land as soon as practical.
- Bird/wildlife — track/aggressive-bird responses; avoid vortex-ring on descent.
- Incapacitated pilot — crew initiates RTH and attends; second RP assumes control if available.
After any real emergency: record it in the RPAS Technical Log and contact RFD support before further flight.
Outcome: trainee executes RTL, link-loss and EKF drills correctly and responds appropriately to weather, wildlife and crew scenarios.