Navigating Sectional Charts With a Focus on UAVs

Introduction:

When operating an unmanned aerial vehicle it is important to know what hazards are nearby, the air-traffic, and the restrictions in place based on what airspace your operation is taking place in. Sectional charts provide all the information needed to operate safely, but can be confusing due to the amount of symbols and markings. For this lab there were three scenarios of a section of airspace, which have a set of questions that need to be answered:

1. Is approval required to perform an operation in the area?

2. What are the potential hazards inside the airspace?

3. What important aspects of the airspace should be noted?

Scenarios 1-3 and Discussion:

Scenario One- Tower Inspection In New York City, New York

In this scenario a quad copter UAV is being used for an inspection of the towers that are circled in orange. The No Fly Zone shown in circled in red should be noted.

Questions:

1. Approval is needed to fly in the area around the towers, such approval would come from JFK as they have jurisdiction of the airspace. 

2. There are a few hazards in the area. There are two runways facing the area, so air traffic will be heavy in this area. As previously stated there is a no fly zone nearby so you need to geo-lock your UAV. 

3. Important aspects of the zone: Since it is a highly populace city, there is a high chance of interference and the problem of other large buildings. The area is also highly lit so it is important to have the operation before they disturb the UAVs sensors.

Disc. 1: Highly populace areas such as this require a lot of preparation, as an accident has a high chance of injury or damage. A waver would have to be obtained and it is crucial to have contact with officials in the area.

Scenario Two-Mapping Carrington Island

In This scenario a fixed wing UAV is being used to map Carrington island, which is circled in red on the left. 

Questions:

1. Approval is not needed to fly in this area.

2. Some potential hazards in this situation are that there is a restricted airspace to the west of the island, as well as a VFR checkpoint route.

3. It is again a good idea to geo-lock the aircraft due to the restricted airspace, there will likely be a higher than normal traffic of aircraft due to the VFR route in the area. There is also an isogonic line that runs by the island, so your compass may need calibrated.

Disc 2: There isn't a high chance of injury or area due to it's location. Since you are tasked with mapping an island, flight over water may occur, which  in the event of a crash a loss of property and data is possible.

Scenario Three-Forest Analysis

In this scenario an analysis on the forest of fox island is being done.

Questions:

1. Approval to operate in this area is needed, and will come from GRF, alerting TIW may also be required depending on your flight path.

2. There are two airports in the area of operation so there will be high traffic, as well as a group obstruction to the east of TIW.

3. There is a class E airspace 700ft above teh island, and although a UAS cannot legally be flown that high, it is still important to note in the event of a flyaway.

Disc 3: There will be a very high volume of air traffic in this area do to the two airports, which may cause interference or other problems. The nearby obstacles may also cause problems depending on the type of vehicle used.

Conclusion:

Understanding sectional charts is critical for unmanned aerial system operation. It is important to be able to note what types of hazards are present and what steps the user can take to operate safely and efficiently.