4.20. Emergency Procedures

1 4.20. Emergency Procedures
- 1.1 4.20.2. RTH Events
- 1.2 4.20.3. Radio Line-of-Sight

4.20. Emergency Procedures

Emergency Procedures form a critical section of the Emergency Response Plan. Following their activation, the Remote Pilot will conduct the Post Incident Procedure and contact the Accountable Manager. In line with the safety management system, the occurrence of the use of an emergency procedure will be reviewed so the organisation can act to prevent a re-occurrence of the situation. This may mean a temporary suspension of all operations pending the completion of the Internal Investigations Procedure, depending on the severity of the incident.

Emergency procedures shall be committed to memory and regularly practised. In line with the requirements of section 3.4.3, emergency procedures shall be drilled annually, at minimum, with all RPs.

Additional considerations around RTH events and radio line-of-sight must also be considered in certain scenarios, for clarity, these are listed separately at the end of this section.

NB. BOLDFACE CAPS (Critical Action Procedures) actions must be carried out immediately to regain some control and avoid the situation deteriorating. These will be learnt and committed to memory by the remote pilot and subject to testing during annual currency training.

Remote Pilot Incapacitation
Sign/ Symptom	RP Action	Flight Crew Action	Reporting
RP feels unwell, losing consciousness or is unconscious	Warn the flight crew. Clear TOLS Activate RTH Monitor UA Shutdown UAS	Clear TOLS Activate RTH Monitor UA Shutdown UAS Administer first-aid	Request ambulance. AAIB ECCAIRS Report
Mitigations
Remote Pilot/ Flight Crew IMSAFE Declaration RTH Familiarisation/ Demonstration

Loss of Command & Control Link
Sign/ Symptom	RP Action	Flight Crew Action	Reporting
Loss of video link Loss of UA Control Loss of CU lights/ power	Check antenna position. Move closer to UA. Restart CU Power CU from an alternative power source Follow the FLYAWAY procedure if the aircraft does not RTH.	Monitor UA Clear TOLS	ATC AAIB ECCAIRS Report
Mitigations
Operational planning/ risk assessment Site survey UA Assembly UA Functional checks

Public Encroachment/ Uninvolved Person(s)
Sign/ Symptom	RP Action	Flight Crew Action	Reporting
Uninvolved person(s) observed entering the operating site	Increase separation distance. Select TOLS Follow the landing procedure.	Inform RP Intercept encroaching person(s) Request they hold their position until the UA has landed.	Nil
Mitigations
Operational planning/ risk assessment Site survey Cordon erection Flight Crew personnel Situation awareness

Aircraft Encroachment
Sign/ Symptom	RP Action	Flight Crew Action	Reporting
(Un)Manned Aircraft observed entering the operating area.	Manoeuvre UA away from aircraft. If a head-on collision is imminent, turn RIGHT. Follow the landing procedure.	Inform RP Clear TOLS	ATC UK Airprox Board ECCAIRS
Mitigations
Operational planning/ risk assessment Site survey Flight Crew personnel Situation awareness

Loss of Control
Sign/ Symptom	RP Action	Flight Crew Action	Reporting
UA behaving erratically or visually unstable. Uncommanded movement	Toggle flight mode. Activate RTH If no control: Restart CU If no control: Motor stop If no control: Follow FLYWAY procedure	Clear operating site Monitor UA	ATC AAIB ECCAIRS Report
Mitigations
Operational planning/ risk assessment Site survey UA Assembly UA Functional checks

Loss of GNSS
Sign/ Symptom	RP Action	Flight Crew Action	Reporting
UA lights iOSD warning UA drift	Inform the flight crew. Orientate UA Control UA Toggle flight mode. Select TOLS Follow the landing procedure.	Clear operating site Monitor UA	Nil
Mitigations
Operational planning/ risk assessment Site survey UA Assembly UA Functional checks

UA Fire
Sign/ Symptom	RP Action	Flight Crew Action	Reporting
Smoke/ flames visible from UA	Inform the flight crew. Identify suitable LS. Descent Follow the landing procedure. Contain/extinguish (if safe to do so)	Inform RP Clear operating site Monitor UA Prepare safety equipment. Contain/extinguish (if safe to do so)	Fire Service AAIB ECCAIRS Report
Mitigations
Operational planning/ risk assessment Site survey Flight Crew Briefing Battery Maintenance UA Assembly UA Functional checks

CU Fire
Sign/ Symptom	RP Action	Flight Crew Action	Reporting
Smoke/ flames visible from CU. CU become hot to the touch	Inform the flight crew. Activate RTH Power off CU Place on the ground away from TOLS and equipment. Monitor UA Contain/ extinguish (if safe to do so)	Clear operating site Monitor UA Prepare safety equipment. Contain/ extinguish (if safe to do so)	Fire Service AAIB ECCAIRS Report
Mitigations
Operational planning/ risk assessment Site survey Flight Crew Briefing CU Maintenance UA Assembly UA Functional checks

Flyaway
Sign/ Symptom	RP Action	Flight Crew Action	Reporting
UA not responding to input and departing the operating site	Inform the flight crew. Record Speed Direction Height Battery % Contact Police	Monitor UA Record Speed Direction Height Battery %	ATC Police (Via 999) AAIB ECCAIRS Report
Mitigations
Operational planning/ risk assessment Site survey Flight Crew Briefing UA Maintenance UA Assembly UA Functional checks

Loss of Lights (Night Operation)
Sign/ Symptom	RP Action	Flight Crew Action	Reporting
Loss of Lights and VLOS	Inform the flight crew. Activate RTH Clear TOLS Monitor iOSD. Following landing procedure	Clear TOLS Illuminate sky. Monitor airspace.	ECCAIRS Report
Mitigations
Operational planning/ risk assessment Site survey Flight Crew Briefing UA Maintenance UA Assembly UA Functional checks

EVLOS - Loss of Communications between RP and Spotter
Sign/ Symptom	RP Action	Flight Crew Action	Reporting
RP notices that a spotter fails to check in during a 60-second check or notices a failure of the communication system.	Carry out comms check. If no response within 10 seconds, Transition to Back-Up communication method If communication is still not re-established, Activate RTH or Land UA Regain VLOS Following landing procedure	If fault is noted by spotter, transition to Back-Up communication method and re-contact RP. If the backup Communication method fails, await action from RP and return to the ROLS.	ECCAIRS Report
Mitigations
Flight Crew Briefing, with comms check. Crew Communication Methods

EVLOS – Weather Enveloped Exceeded
Sign/ Symptom	RP Action	Flight Crew Action	Reporting
Weather limits noted to be exceeded, either wind or precipitation.	Upon hearing the spotter command, or noting weather limits exceeded, return to the TOLS or land. Recover the UA and check for damage. Await weather to recover or reschedule operation.	Call “WEATHER LIMITS EXCEEDED, RTB” Monitor the UA and complete VLOS handover procedures.	Check UA for damage
Mitigations
Flight Crew Briefing, with Communications check. Crew Communication Methods Site survey Weather Checks & Limitations

EVLOS – Airspace Incursion
Sign/ Symptom	RP Action	Flight Crew Action	Reporting
A manned aircraft is noted to incur into the operational volume by the spotter	Await proximity, altitude and directional information from the RP. If the spotter advises to reduce height, do so until hearing “STOP STOP” If suitable, identify the emergency landing site via the camera. Hover in position until the aircraft poses no further risk. Increase altitude and continue the task.	Inform RP by calling “AIRCRAFT INCURSION” on the Radio. Provide proximity. altitude and directional information to the RP via radio. Provide continual information to the RP. Advise RP to reduce altitude if a collision is imminent. When the UA is at a safe height, call “STOP, STOP’ on the radio.	ATC UK Airprox Board ECCAIRS
Mitigations
Flight Crew Briefing, with Communications check. Crew Communication Methods Site survey

EVLOS – Ground Obstacle
Sign/ Symptom	RP Action	Flight Crew Action	Reporting
The Spotter notes that the UA is on course to collide with a ground obstacle.	Hold position upon hearing “STOP. STOP, STOP” Await instructions from the spotter to deconflict with the obstacle. Once safe to do so, continue the task.	Inform RP by calling “STOP, STOP, STOP” on the Radio. Provide proximity. altitude and directional information to the RP via radio. Provide continual information to the RP to achieve deconfliction.	Consider submission of ECCAIRS
Mitigations
Flight Crew Briefing, with Communications check. Crew Communication Methods Site survey

EVLOS – Loss of Situational Awareness
Sign/ Symptom	RP Action	Flight Crew Action	Reporting
RP receives mixed messages on the UA path and heading. Crew are unable to effectively communicate the current heading, orientation, or location of the UA to the RP.	Upon realising that this has occurred. Hold the UA in position. Assist the spotter in regaining VLOS through activation of aircraft lighting or rotating the aircraft. If the RP is unable to regain VLOS or the RP is not satisfied that the aircraft is sufficiently observed, cease the operation, and return the aircraft to the TOLS or land in an emergency landing area. Re-brief the spotter.	Relay any doubts or confusion about the position of the UA to the RP via the radio immediately. Follow the RP instructions to regain orientation / VLOS. Upon VLOS being regained, the task may continue.	Consider submission of ECCAIRS
Mitigations
Flight Crew Briefing, with Communications check. Crew Communication Methods Site survey

EVLOS - Remote Pilot Incapacitation
Sign/ Symptom	RP Action	Intervention RP Action	Reporting
RP feels unwell, losing consciousness or is unconscious	Warn the flight crew. Clear TOLS Activate RTH Monitor UA Shutdown UAS	Clear TOLS Take Command of UA if requested - Clearly state ‘My Aircraft’. Activate RTH Monitor UA Shutdown UAS Administer first-aid	Request ambulance. AAIB ECCAIRS Report
Mitigations
Remote Pilot/ Flight Crew IMSAFE Declaration RTH Familiarisation/ Demonstration

EVLOS - Loss of Command & Control Link
Sign/ Symptom	RP Action	Intervention RP Action	Reporting
Loss of video link Loss of UA Control Loss of CU lights/ power	Check antenna position. Move closer to UA. Restart CU Power CU from an alternative power source Follow the FLYAWAY procedure if the aircraft does not RTH.	Monitor UA Consider taking command and following RP Actions - Clearly state ‘My Aircraft’. Clear TOLS	ATC AAIB ECCAIRS Report
Mitigations
Operational planning/ risk assessment Site survey UA Assembly UA Functional checks

EVLOS - Public Encroachment/ Uninvolved Person(s)
Sign/ Symptom	RP Action	Intervention RP Action	Reporting
Uninvolved person(s) observed entering the operating site	Increase separation distance. Select TOLS Follow the landing procedure.	Inform RP Consider taking command and following RP Actions - Clearly state ‘My Aircraft’. Intercept encroaching person(s) Request they hold their position until the UA has landed.	Nil
Mitigations
Operational planning/ risk assessment Site survey Cordon erection Flight Crew personnel Situation awareness

EVLOS - Aircraft Encroachment
Sign/ Symptom	RP Action	Intervention RP Action	Reporting
(Un)Manned Aircraft observed entering the operating area	Manoeuvre UA away from aircraft. If a head-on collision is imminent, turn RIGHT. Follow the landing procedure.	Inform RP Consider taking command and following RP Actions - Clearly state ‘My Aircraft’. Clear TOLS	ATC UK Airprox Board ECCAIRS
Mitigations
Operational planning/ risk assessment Site survey Flight Crew personnel Situation awareness

EVLOS - Loss of Control
Sign/ Symptom	RP Action	Intervention RP Action	Reporting
UA behaving erratically or visually unstable. Uncommanded movement	Toggle flight mode. Activate RTH If no control: Restart CU If no control: Motor stop If no control: Follow FLYWAY procedure	Consider taking command and following RP Actions - Clearly state ‘My Aircraft’. Clear operating site Monitor UA	ATC AAIB ECCAIRS Report
Mitigations
Operational planning/ risk assessment Site survey UA Assembly UA Functional checks

EVLOS - Loss of GNSS
Sign/ Symptom	RP Action	Intervention RP Action	Reporting
UA lights iOSD warning UA drift	Inform the flight crew. Orientate UA Control UA Toggle flight mode. Select TOLS Follow the landing procedure.	Consider taking command and following RP Actions - Clearly state ‘My Aircraft’. Clear operating site Monitor UA	Nil
Mitigations
Operational planning/ risk assessment Site survey UA Assembly UA Functional checks

EVLOS - UA Fire
Sign/ Symptom	RP Action	Intervention RP Action	Reporting
Smoke/ flames visible from UA	Inform the flight crew. Identify suitable LS. Descent Follow the landing procedure. Contain/ extinguish (if safe to do so)	Inform RP Clear operating site Consider taking command and following RP Actions - Clearly state ‘My Aircraft’. Monitor UA Prepare safety equipment. Contain/ extinguish (if safe to do so)	Fire Service AAIB ECCAIRS Report
Mitigations
Operational planning/ risk assessment Site survey Flight Crew Briefing Battery Maintenance UA Assembly UA Functional checks

EVLOS - CU Fire
Sign/ Symptom	RP Action	Intervention RP Action	Reporting
Smoke/ flames visible from CU. CU become hot to the touch	Inform the flight crew. Activate RTH Power off CU Place on the ground away from TOLS and equipment. Monitor UA Contain/ extinguish (if safe to do so)	Clear operating site Consider taking command and following RP Actions – Clearly state ‘My Aircraft’. Monitor UA Prepare safety equipment. Contain/ extinguish (if safe to do so)	Fire Service AAIB ECCAIRS Report
Mitigations
Operational planning/ risk assessment Site survey Flight Crew Briefing CU Maintenance UA Assembly UA Functional checks

EVLOS - Flyaway
Sign/ Symptom	RP Action	Intervention RP Action	Reporting
UA not responding to input and departing the operating site	Inform the flight crew. Record Speed Direction Height Battery %	Monitor UA Record Speed Direction Height Battery %	ATC Police (Via 999) AAIB ECCAIRS Report
Mitigations
Operational planning/ risk assessment Site survey Flight Crew Briefing UA Maintenance UA Assembly UA Functional checks

EVLOS - Loss of Lights (Night Operation)
Sign/ Symptom	RP Action	Intervention RP Action	Reporting
Loss of Lights and VLOS	Inform the flight crew. Activate RTH Clear TOLS Monitor iOSD. Following landing procedure	Clear TOLS Consider taking command and following RP Actions - Clearly state ‘My Aircraft’. Illuminate sky. Monitor airspace.	ECCAIRS Report
Mitigations
Operational planning/ risk assessment Site survey Flight Crew Briefing UA Maintenance UA Assembly UA Functional checks

4.20.2. RTH Events

All operations must take place within one class of airspace, with permission to operate within that airspace. Operation planning must ensure there will be no additional classes of or controlled airspace between the drone and its recorded ‘home’ or landing location. Thus, no need to transverse controlled airspace in an RTH event.

4.20.3. Radio Line-of-Sight

Radio line of sight must be considered in VLOS and EVLOS situations. In the event of a loss of control connection signal with the UA, it must be set to enter RTH.

If possible, field sampling will be completed in such a manner that EVLOS operations are avoided, for example by the RP choosing areas where VLOS is able to be maintained. Therefore, radio line of sight will also be maintained.
Where needed, due to terrain, Spotters will be paced to maintain VLOS and either 4G secondary C2 comms or DJI Relay systems will be used to maintain C2 comms with the RP.
The UA and software control must ensure that should the radio/signal connection be lost, the UA enter RTH. The UA will follow the loss of signal RTH procedures and climb to the safe-predetermined RTH altitude. Upon doing this, the UA will return to RLOS requirements.

Drone Ag Operations and Training

4.20. Emergency Procedures