Practical flight assessment — transcript

00:00:00.400 --> 00:00:04.397 The practical flight assessment: what you'll do, and how to prepare.

00:00:05.400 --> 00:00:11.390 A RePL takes two things: pass the theory, and show an instructor you can fly safely.

00:00:11.390 --> 00:00:15.196 It's competency-based, so you demonstrate each skill.

00:00:17.400 --> 00:00:22.370 Before CASA issues your licence, you also need at least five hours of flight time,

00:00:22.370 --> 00:00:23.748 recorded in a logbook.

00:00:27.400 --> 00:00:32.494 On the practical day, you fly with an instructor beside you, watching every step.

00:00:34.400 --> 00:00:38.599 The course groups the skills into units: pre- and post-flight procedures,

00:00:38.599 --> 00:00:42.911 energy management, crew, payload and bystanders, navigation and operations,

00:00:42.911 --> 00:00:46.599 non-technical skills, automated flight, and English proficiency.

00:00:48.400 --> 00:00:52.292 It starts on the ground. Check the flight zone and conditions,

00:00:52.292 --> 00:00:56.431 inspect the aircraft and batteries, and brief your crew. Power up,

00:00:56.431 --> 00:01:00.756 confirm the home point, then lift off, hover, and check full control.

00:01:03.400 --> 00:01:06.205 In the air: normal manoeuvres, flown smoothly,

00:01:06.205 --> 00:01:10.861 keeping orientation even with the nose towards you. Manual flight counts too.

00:01:10.861 --> 00:01:15.756 In attitude mode, the drone holds height, not position, so you correct the drift.

00:01:18.400 --> 00:01:22.198 Expect emergency procedures. Know your aircraft's failsafes,

00:01:22.198 --> 00:01:26.433 and when to use return to home. If something fails, tell your crew,

00:01:26.433 --> 00:01:29.110 and land as quickly and safely as you can.

00:01:30.400 --> 00:01:33.708 The examiner can also ask questions to check your knowledge,

00:01:33.708 --> 00:01:37.828 and records whether each manoeuvre met the required accuracy and tolerance.

00:01:37.828 --> 00:01:40.431 Your instructor will brief you on the standard.

00:01:42.400 --> 00:01:45.509 Quick check. Which part of the flight is assessed?

00:01:47.400 --> 00:01:49.856 All of it, from pre-flight to post-flight.

00:01:50.400 --> 00:01:54.896 Prepare before the day. Finish your online theory modules first:

00:01:54.896 --> 00:01:58.009 you must complete them before the practical.

00:01:58.009 --> 00:02:01.398 Set up your aviation reference number with CASA,

00:02:01.398 --> 00:02:03.958 and install the flight app if asked.

00:02:05.400 --> 00:02:09.759 Pack for a day outside: enclosed shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses and water.

00:02:09.759 --> 00:02:13.341 Bring a phone or tablet, and its cable, for the controller.

00:02:13.691 --> 00:02:16.173 In training, drills like the triangle,

00:02:16.173 --> 00:02:19.673 the diamond and an orbit around a point build control.

00:02:19.673 --> 00:02:23.618 Then change the drone's orientation, and fly them in reverse.

00:02:25.691 --> 00:02:31.518 Stay calm and disciplined, and use your checklist every time. After landing:

00:02:31.518 --> 00:02:35.302 power down, check motor and battery temperatures,

00:02:35.302 --> 00:02:38.178 and log the flight and battery times.

00:02:38.528 --> 00:02:42.239 Recap: know the standard, check everything, fly smoothly,

00:02:42.239 --> 00:02:44.222 and practise your emergencies.

00:02:44.572 --> 00:02:48.569 Final check. What must you finish before you can attempt the practical?

00:02:50.972 --> 00:02:52.670 Your online theory modules.