All volunteer pilots are responsible for their own aviation activities. The Pilot-In-Command (PIC) “is directly responsible for, and is the final authority as to, the operation of that aircraft.” – Source
No pilot should accept any mission, request, or flight they are not comfortable with. Each pilot has different experiences, skills, and capabilities. If you have any hesitancy in accepting a flight request, talk with us.
The NCVRP group will never dictate any flight that must be flown that the PIC does not accept the responsibility for since “No person may operate an aircraft in a careless or reckless manner so as to endanger the life or property of another.” – Source
All UAS operations should conduct flights in accordance with the limitations under CFR Part 107. No deviations from the flight regulations should be conducted without an emergency SGI regulation waiver or airspace authorization from the FAA System Operations Support Center. The UAS PIC will be solely responsible for regulatory compliance and should never allow any other entity or person to give directions to fly outside the regulations and accept those deviations.
Keep in mind, flight distances with drones are significantly limited by VLOS and even a BVLOS flight still requires a VO. Night flights are limited to no more than 65 feet from the PIC to comply with 14 CFR 107.31. Additional information on legal flight distances can be found here.
FCC Assigned Frequencies
See this page for specific radio technical information.
Communications With Ground Teams
It may be necessary to communicate with other teams on the NC public safety VIPER network. Messages can be relayed through Fire Demon 1 if on the scene above. Otherwise, text will be the best form of communication. A ground team member may have a VIPER radio if they are affiliated with a public safety agency and are using their assigned radio.
It is suggested that UAS teams on the ground utilize a handheld aviation radio on one of the aviation support channels and airplanes on station will monitor the agreed-upon frequency for the mission. You should be able to reach the airplane above when they are within three miles or less.
Tracking Aircraft
You can track airplanes on a mission by using the tail number and FlightAware.com.