Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v4 - SHS 2

Lesson Video

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Performance objectives

• Explain the basic components and functions of UAVs.
• Demonstrate using flight simulation software.
• Fabricate a simple UAV model.
• Identify and apply safety measures for UAV operation.
• Evaluate a UAV's performance in simulated flight.

Lesson summary

This lesson focuses on the practical and exciting skill of flying a UAV, commonly known as a drone. After learning how to design and build a UAV, the final, most rewarding step is to see it fly. Flying a UAV is not just a hobby; it is a critical skill in many modern industries growing right here in Ghana. From farmers in the Volta Region using drones to spray their crops, to Zipline delivering life-saving medical supplies in rural areas, to filmmakers creating stunning music videos in Accra, UAV pilots are in high demand. This lesson will provide you with the fundamental knowledge and hands-on experience to safely operate a UAV, starting with a simulator and moving to a real model.

Lesson notes

This lesson is highly practical. We will learn the theory and immediately apply it. The key to flying a UAV is understanding how your controller (transmitter) commands the aircraft. A. The Four Primary Flight Controls

Imagine you are the pilot. The two sticks on your controller allow you to control the UAV in four fundamental ways. We will assume a "Mode 2" controller, which is the most common setup worldwide. Throttle (Left Stick: Up/Down) What it does: Controls the overall power of the motors. It makes the UAV go up or down. How it works: Pushing the left stick up increases the speed of all propellers, generating more lift and causing the UAV to climb. Pulling the left stick down decreases the speed, reducing lift and causing the UAV to descend. Analogy: Think of it as the accelerator in a car, but for vertical movement. Yaw (Left Stick: Left/Right) What it does: Rotates the UAV on the spot, changing the direction its "nose" is pointing without moving from its position. How it works: Pushing the left stick to the left makes the UAV spin (or yaw) counter-clockwise. Pushing it to the right makes it spin clockwise. Analogy: Imagine standing in one spot and turning your whole body to look left or right. Pitch (Right Stick: Up/Down) What it does: Tilts the UAV forward or backward, causing it to move in that direction. How it works: Pushing the right stick up (forward) tilts the nose of the UAV down, and it flies forward. Pulling the right stick down (backward) tilts the nose up, and it flies backward. Analogy: Think of nodding your head "yes". Roll (Right Stick: Left/Right) What it does: Tilts (or banks) the UAV to the left or right, causing it to slide sideways. How it works: Pushing the right stick to the left makes the UAV roll left and move sideways to the left. Pushing it to the right makes it roll right and move sideways to the right. Analogy: Imagine tilting your head towards your left or right shoulder. B. Pre-Flight Safety Checklist

Safety is the most important part of being a UAV pilot. A professional pilot NEVER flies without a pre-flight check. This prevents accidents, protects the UAV, and ensures the safety of people and property.

Here is a simple checklist to perform before every flight: | Check Area | Action to Take | Why it is Important | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Environment | Check the weather: Is it too windy? Is it raining? Look for obstacles like trees, power lines, and buildings. Ensure no people or animals are in your planned flight path. | Wind can make the UAV uncontrollable. Rain can damage electronics. Obstacles can cause crashes. | | UAV Frame | Visually inspect the arms, body, and landing gear for any cracks or damage. | A damaged frame can break mid-flight, leading to a total loss. | | Propellers | Check that propellers are securely fastened. Look for any chips, cracks, or bends. Replace if damaged. | A broken or loose propeller can fly off and cause a catastrophic failure or injury. | | Batteries | Check that the UAV battery is fully charged. Check that the controller (transmitter) battery is also well-charged. | A low UAV battery can cause it to fall from the sky. A dead controller means you lose all control instantly. | | System Check | Power on the controller first, then the UAV. Confirm that they are connected (usually indicated by solid lights). If it is a GPS drone, wait for a good GPS satellite lock. | Following the correct power-on sequence prevents the motors from accidentally starting. GPS lock is needed for position hold features. | C. Basic Flight Manoeuvres Arming: This is the command that tells the UAV it is okay to start the motors. On many models, this is done by pushing both sticks to the bottom-center or bottom-outer corners. The propellers will start spinning slowly. Takeoff: Slowly and smoothly push the throttle (left stick) up until the UAV lifts off the ground to about 1-2 meters (waist or head height). Avoid sudden, jerky movements. Hovering: This is the most important skill to master. Try to keep the UAV in one spot in the air by making small, gentle corrections with the pitch (right stick up/down) and roll (right stick left/right). The UAV will naturally drift, and your job is to "nudge" it back into place. Landing: From a low hover, slowly and gently pull the throttle (left stick) down. As the UAV touches the ground, continue to lower the throttle to zero. Disarming: Once safely on the ground, disarm the motors (the opposite command of arming). This makes the UAV safe to approach. D. Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) Safety Rules (Simplified)

Evaluation guide

• Fly the fabricated UAV .
• Experiential Learning :
• ● Learners use the simulation software to practice the flying of UAV .
• conceptual