Sectional Charts

Scenario 1 :

Scenario 1 revolves around using a quadcopter to inspect towers in the area circled in orange near LGA. For this operation, flying up to 1800 MSL approval from Newark, JFK, and Laguardia would be necessary to ensure that all airports are aware of the operation in the class B airspace. This airspace is quite congested considering there are 4 other airports nearby, so caution of other manned aircraft is key. The area of this operation is over a large city (figure. 1) consisting of many tall buildings and other towers such as the one to the southwest that is 1505 MSL. According to the sectional chart, a high amount of birds are in the area due to it being a large city. Careful planning and awareness of the area is important as well as how flight operations work at the airports nearby.

(figure. 1 Newark/JKF INTL in google maps satellite view)

Scenario 2 :

In scenario 2, a fixed-wing UAS is used to create a map of Carrington Island. For this operation, approval from Salt Lake City Intl Airport would be necessary because the operation requires flight back and forth over the airport. Letting ATC know about the operation will help reduce the risk of accidents. Since the operation is being completed using a fixed-wing, maneuverability will be more difficult than if a quadcopter was used. This area has a couple different hazards that should be taken into account when completing this operation. Farnsworth Peak, southwest of SLC, is a large mountain that might affect operations over this island. (figure. 2) The height of the mountain and the weather conditions nearby are some large cautions that the pilot should be aware of. Another hazard in the area is the amount of traffic, including manned aircraft and flocks of birds.

(figure. 2 Carrington Island in google maps satellite view)

Scenario 3 :

For scenario 3, a fixed-wing is used to perform an analysis of any forest on Fox Island. Fox Island is located in Class C airspace so keeping the height of the operation lower is important. Much like the previous scenario, a fixed-wing is being used to danger to other aircraft is higher than if the operation was being completed using a rotorcraft. There are not many potential hazards in the area, however, some manned aircraft traffic will be present so being aware of that will keep risk to a minimum. Since the operation takes place over a large lake, there will be many boaters and swimmers so low flight may run into the risk of interfering with the operation. (figure. 3)

(figure. 3 Fox Island in google maps satellite view)

Conclusion

Reading sectional charts can be immensely helpful during UAS operations. They give information about where approval is needed from as well as other potential hazards in the area. These charts are not strictly for manned aircraft and can help UAS pilots be aware and avoid dangerous operations in any area.