Before flight, the student or employee needs to cover the following:
- Have read and understood the current legislation regarding drone flight in Denmark: https://www.droneregler.dk/generelt-om-regler-for-droneflyvning/droneregler-og-lovgivning
- Have acquired at least the A1/A3 certificate or A2, depending on the drone platform and flight area: https://www.droneregler.dk/dronecertifikat
- Have read and understood the legislation concerning noise-sensitive nature areas if the flight will be performed in one of these: https://www.retsinformation.dk/Forms/R0710.aspx?id=188581
- Have checked the no-flight zone map: https://www.droneregler.dk/dronezoner
- Have obtained the necessary permissions and dispensations for flight in the specific area (this may include dispensation from the TBST, MST, municipality, and/or local landowners). See OIS.dk for matricular information.
- Have registered the drone correctly with SDU's drone operator number (this can be obtained from SDU TEK – Dronecenter or Niels Svane at the Department of Biology). This number needs to be placed on the drone.
- Have the compulsory insurance for the drone (employees and staff are covered by self-insurance – but only "ansvarsforsikring").
- Have inspected the weather forecast on DMI.dk, YR.no, or other services to determine the conditions on the day of the flight.
- Have read the manuals for all equipment and have full knowledge of how to use it. The equipment should be checked for damage, be updated, and be fully functional.
- Batteries should be fully charged and inspected for damage/errors before flight.
In the field, the student or staff should:
- Follow the legal requirements for flight (distances, etc.) as stated above unless dispensation for special operations has been granted.
- Always be aware of the surroundings, such as tall trees or buildings, people in the area, livestock, etc.
- Identify an appropriate area for emergency landing.
- Turn off the Wi-Fi on your phone, as it might interfere with the signal between the drone and remote.
- Check if the drone flies as it should before the operation is initiated.
- It is recommended to wear a reflective vest clearly identifying the drone pilot while flying. These can be borrowed from Niels Svane at the Department of Biology.
- Never fly beyond the visual line of sight as stated in the legal documents.
- Always keep the required distance from other people in the area (depending on your drone class and certificate). Alternatively, get verbal consent from the people entering your area of flight, informing them of the purpose of the flight and that they are entering a risk area.
- Always be polite, answer questions from people entering the area of flight, and explain who you are and what you are doing.
- Limit stress on livestock and wildlife as much as possible.
- Always land if/when a manned aerial vehicle enters the area of flight. Check FlightRadar and NOTAM before your flight.
- Land or fly close to the ground whenever a predatory bird enters your flight space.
- Be aware of flocks of birds.
- Always be aware of the state of the battery – especially when flying far away from the pilot or above water. Be mindful of the prevailing wind direction.
- Always keep the remote in hand when performing automatic flights, so control of the drone can be quickly regained.
- Never leave the batteries unattended or in the sun, wind, or cold. Allow them to cool down slowly.
After flight, the student or staff should:
- As quickly as possible, inform the supervisor or project manager of any problems, accidents, or similar issues.
- Inform the supervisor/manager of any situations involving elevated risk.
- Examine the equipment for any damage or issues, remove dust/sand/water droplets, and report any damage or issues to the supervisor/manager.
- Store and discharge/charge batteries in a controlled environment, and check them for any damage.
- Keep a logbook of your flights as stated in the legal documents.