Lesson 1Visual line of sight and crew roles: PIC, VO, observer, data manager, client liaisonOrganise crews to maintain visual line of sight and safe operations. You will define roles for PIC, visual observers, and data staff, set communication methods, and coordinate with clients on-site responsibilities.
Regulatory basics of visual line of sightDefining PIC authority and dutiesUsing visual observers and spottersData manager and payload operator tasksClient liaison and on-site briefingsLesson 2Selecting cameras and sensors for construction monitoring: RGB, wide-angle, nadir vs oblique, video codecs, resolution and dynamic rangeSelect cameras and sensors tailored to construction monitoring. You will compare RGB options, focal lengths, nadir and oblique views, codecs, resolution, and dynamic range to support progress tracking and reporting.
Choosing RGB cameras for site monitoringWide-angle versus longer focal lengthsNadir versus oblique capture strategiesVideo codecs, bitrates, and file sizesResolution, bit depth, and dynamic rangeLesson 3UAS platform selection: fixed-wing vs multirotor trade-offs, payload capacities, endurance, and certification statusCompare UAS platforms and match them to mission needs. You will weigh fixed-wing and multirotor trade-offs in endurance, payload, launch needs, and certification, then select airframes that meet regulatory and client demands.
Fixed-wing versus multirotor capabilitiesPayload capacity and gimbal compatibilityEndurance and coverage rate comparisonsLaunch, recovery, and site constraintsCertification, approvals, and documentationLesson 4Flight performance planning: speed, endurance, battery counts, estimated flight time per battery, thermal effects on performancePlan flight performance to avoid surprises in the air. You will estimate speed, endurance, and flight time per battery, account for payload and weather, and plan reserves to keep operations safe and predictable.
Estimating cruise speed and ground speedCalculating endurance with payload weightEstimating flight time per battery packPlanning fuel and battery safety reservesThermal and wind effects on performanceLesson 5Flight pattern design: mapping grid (orthomosaic), linear corridor inspections, orbit/pano shots, waypoint cinematographyExplore flight patterns for mapping, inspection, and cinematic work. You will design grids, corridors, orbits, and waypoint paths that respect airspace, reduce risk, and deliver usable imagery for processing or clients.
Designing orthomosaic mapping grid patternsPlanning linear corridor inspection flightsOrbit and panorama shot design and safetyWaypoint paths for repeatable cinematographyManaging turns, wind, and ground speedLesson 6Altitude, overlap, and GSD planning for photogrammetry: calculating GSD, front/side overlap, and mission altitudeLearn how altitude, overlap, and ground sample distance interact in mapping missions. You will calculate GSD, set front and side overlap, and choose mission altitude to balance coverage, detail, and flight time.
Relating sensor size, focal length, and GSDCalculating mission altitude from target GSDChoosing front and side overlap percentagesAdjusting overlap for terrain and structuresBalancing GSD, coverage, and flight timeLesson 7Telemetry, logging, and onboard settings: logging frequency, camera settings, shutter speed, ND filters, and anti-vibration mountingMaster telemetry, logging, and onboard configuration for reliable data. You will set log frequency, tune camera exposure, select ND filters, and reduce vibration to protect hardware and ensure high quality imagery and records.
Configuring flight controller log settingsChoosing camera modes and exposure valuesSetting shutter speed for motion controlSelecting and sizing ND filtersAnti-vibration mounting and balance checksLesson 8Mission segmentation: number of sorties, battery change logistics, hot/cold swap proceduresBreak complex jobs into safe, manageable sorties. You will decide sortie counts, plan battery swaps, organise hot or cold changeovers, and coordinate ground crew tasks to minimise downtime and risk.
Dividing missions into logical sortiesEstimating sorties from area and GSDPlanning battery staging and rotationHot swap versus cold swap proceduresCrew roles during battery changeoversLesson 9Takeoff/landing zone layout and ground control: marking pads, clearing obstacles, controlling public accessUnderstand how to select and prepare safe takeoff and landing zones. You will mark pads, clear hazards, manage public access, and integrate ground control points to support accurate mapping and repeatable missions.
Selecting safe launch and recovery areasMarking pads and orienting to windClearing obstacles and FOD from the zoneControlling public and vehicle accessPlacing and surveying ground control points
