Flight Planning

Introduction:
Flight planning is essential during all operations as it lays out all of the tasks at hands and ensures that every individual of the crew knows their role exactly. There are a plethora of software that help crews plan out their operations including the DJI app or the Mission Planner Software. Ensuring that the mission is planned out accordingly will help keep the equipment, like the aircraft, and the crew/surrounding area safe and out of harms way as well as being able to tackle any obstacle or unforeseen event that may occur.

Method/Discussion:

(Figure.1 Flight Route)

For this specific section I will be going over some components of the mission planner software and how it can help to make flight planning much easier. The Mission Planner software allows the user to manage every single aspect of the flight. It allows the crew to plan out the specific route that the aircraft will be taking during the operation. (Figure.1) This will ensure that there are no deviations and if there are deviations the pilot of the crew will be able to identify it almost immediately. Specific points can also be set along the route of the flight plan such as a stopping point or certain waypoints. These waypoints can be adjusted to have a specific altitude at each one. The software also allows the user to set up preflight checks. This will help the crew in setting up the operation and ensure that the aircraft is in peak condition to be able to fly. Alongside this, manual controls can be customized and the specifics like altitude and airspeed. Some of the sections in the software are listed below.

Simulation Screen: 

(Figure.2 Simulation Screen)

This screen allows the user to configure different options for the operation. Some of these include joystick setup, Telemetry rates, and video formatting. This screen is essentially available to increase quality of life functions for the program (Figure.2)

Mission Planner Configuration and Tuning:
This is the section that allows the user to configure the parameters on how the autopilot will function. It allows you to adjust how the aircraft will behave in the way you prefer. Some of the subsections include: The Planner that lets you set up options for how the Mission Planner will work. The Flight Modes Section allows the user to select specific flight modes for different scenarios before flight. The FailSafe screen lets the user adjust failsafe options in case of emergencies.