Ensuring safe launch, landing, and retrieval procedures is crucial for protecting your equipment, data, and team members. Here are some best practices for launching and landing both multirotor and fixed-wing drones, as well as guidelines for assessing the safety and feasibility of retrieving a drone that has become caught or stranded.

Launching Multirotor Drones

  1. Choose a clear, open area with a flat surface for takeoff. Ensure that there are no overhead obstacles, such as trees or power lines, that could interfere with the drone’s ascent.
  2. Place the drone on the ground or a landing pad, ensuring that it is level and stable.
  3. Check that the propellers are securely attached and free from damage.
  4. Power on the drone and the remote controller, and wait for them to establish a connection.
  5. Ensure that the drone’s GPS has acquired a sufficient number of satellites for stable flight.
  6. Arm the drone and slowly increase the throttle until the drone lifts off the ground. Be prepared to make small corrections to maintain stability.
  7. Once the drone is hovering steadily, begin your mapping mission.

Launching Fixed-Wing Drones

  1. Choose a clear, open area with a surface suitable for takeoff, such as a paved road, short grass, or hard-packed dirt. Ensure that there is ample space for the drone to accelerate and climb.
  2. Assemble the drone according to the manufacturer’s instructions, ensuring that all components are securely attached and properly oriented.
  3. Power on the drone and the remote controller, and wait for them to establish a connection.
  4. Ensure that the drone’s GPS has acquired a sufficient number of satellites for stable flight.
  5. Hold the drone level and facing into the wind. If using a hand launch, grip the drone securely and give it a firm, forward throw. If using a bungee or catapult launch, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for setting up and releasing the drone.
  6. Once the drone is airborne, maintain a steady climb and begin your mapping mission.

Landing Multirotor Drones

  1. Identify a clear, open area with a flat surface for landing. Ensure that there are no obstacles that could interfere with the drone’s descent.
  2. Slowly descend the drone, maintaining a stable hover at a low altitude (approximately 1 meter) above the landing area.
  3. Assess the drone’s stability and the landing area for any potential hazards.
  4. If the conditions are safe, slowly lower the drone until it touches down. Be prepared to make small corrections to maintain stability.
  5. Once the drone has landed, disarm the motors and power off the drone and remote controller.

Landing Fixed-Wing Drones

  1. Identify a clear, open area with a surface suitable for landing, such as a paved road, short grass, or hard-packed dirt. Ensure that there is ample space for the drone to decelerate and come to a stop.
  2. Initiate the landing sequence, either manually or using the drone’s autonomous landing function.
  3. Maintain a steady, shallow descent, aligned with the landing area.
  4. As the drone approaches the ground, flare the nose up to reduce speed and allow for a gentle touchdown.
  5. Once the drone has landed, power off the drone and remote controller.

Retrieving Caught or Stranded Drones

In some cases, a drone may become caught in trees, power lines, or on roofs. Before attempting to retrieve the drone, assess the situation carefully:

  1. Evaluate the height and accessibility of the drone’s location. If the drone is too high or in a dangerous position, such as near live power lines, do not attempt to retrieve it yourself. Contact professional assistance, such as a tree service or utility company.
  2. If the drone is within reach and can be safely accessed, assess the stability of the surface you will need to stand on. Do not climb onto roofs or other structures without proper safety equipment and training.
  3. If you determine that it is safe to proceed, use a long, non-conductive pole, such as a fiberglass extension pole, to attempt to dislodge the drone gently. Avoid using metal poles or tools, as they can cause electrical hazards if they contact power lines.
  4. If the drone remains stuck or cannot be safely reached, consider using a second drone with a camera to assess the situation more closely and potentially guide the retrieval process.
  5. If all retrieval attempts fail or the situation is deemed too risky, contact professional assistance or local authorities for guidance.

Remember, the safety of you and your team should always be the top priority. No drone or dataset is worth risking injury! By following best practices for launching, landing, and retrieving drones, you can minimize the risk of accidents and ensure the success of your mapping missions.

In addition to these guidelines, always follow local regulations and guidelines for drone operations, and maintain a detailed flight log and maintenance record for your equipment. By staying organized, prepared, and safety-conscious, you can make the most of your drone mapping missions and contribute valuable data to your environmental research.