Qualification Standards

Platform Qualification Standard — Draganfly Heavy Lift · PQS-HL-01, Revision A (Draft)

Document Control

Document	PQS-HL-01, Rev A (Draft — sample for demonstration)
Platform	Draganfly Heavy Lift (octocopter, 30 kg payload class)
Source documents	Heavy Lift Operator’s Manual Rev 1.1 · Herelink GCS Pilot’s Manual Rev 1.2
Regulatory basis	14 CFR Part 107 · FAA-S-ACS-10B (structural model)
Owner	Training Standards & Development Lead
Change trigger	Any revision to a source document, safety finding, or regulatory change generates a review of every task row citing it (§7)

1. Proficiency & Evaluation Codes

Knowledge: K1 — recall facts, limits, procedures from memory · K2 — apply: interpret indications and select the correct procedure.
Performance: P1 — perform with instructor guidance · P2 — perform unassisted to the stated standard (qualification level) · P3 — perform, teach, and evaluate (instructor level; see IQS-01).
Special: M — memory item (initial steps immediate, correct, from memory) · R — recurrent item (re-evaluated at each recurrent evaluation, proposed 12-month interval) · Xfer C/P — task transferability: C carries across Draganfly multirotor platforms with differences training; P is retrained and re-evaluated per type. The Xfer column drives the transition-course derivation (§6).
Evaluation: WE written exam · OE oral evaluation · PE practical evaluation.

Grade	Meaning
U	Unable — task not performed or safety intervention required
F	Familiar — performs with instructor assistance; does not meet standard
Q	Qualified — performs unassisted to the stated standard (= P2)
QI	Qualified-Instructor — performs to standard while teaching/evaluating (= P3)

Qualification requirements (initial): written exam ≥ 85% · all Area I memory items verbatim-correct · all P2 tasks graded Q on a single qualification evaluation by a qualified instructor. (Proposed values — final thresholds set with Manager, Flight Operations.)

2. Critical Knowledge — Memorization Bank

The platform’s boldface-equivalent: limits and immediate-action values a pilot must produce cold. Any miss on a memory item fails the written exam regardless of overall score. All values from source manuals as cited.

#	Item	Value	Ref
M-1	Maximum takeoff weight	80 kg	HL 2.2.1
M-2	Maximum payload weight	30 kg	HL 2.2.1
M-3	Primary power minimum voltage	79.2 V	HL 2.2.2
M-4	Low battery failsafe	<30% or <43.4 V — persistent warning, no automatic action; pilot returns at discretion	GCS 6.1
M-5	Critical battery failsafe	<10% or <42.3 V — aircraft enters land mode and lands in place	GCS 6.2
M-6	RC failsafe action	Loss of HHC control input → RTL (GPS available) or land mode (no GPS)	GCS 6.3
M-7	Loss of C2 link failsafe	Link not re-established within 5 seconds → autonomous RTL, land, disarm	GCS 5.16
M-8	RTL failsafe limitation	Functions only with GPS lock before takeoff; otherwise forced emergency landing at current location	GCS 5.16
M-9	Max descent rate (emergency landing)	2.5 m/s	GCS 5.7
M-10	Max horizontal velocity at touchdown	0.2 m/s	GCS 4.6
M-11	Landing gear auto-extension	Below 5 m AGL	GCS 4.6
M-12	Max GPS HDOP for launch	1.7	GCS App. B
M-13	Compass recalibration triggers	DGCS alarm · >500 km from last calibration · incorrect heading · abnormal flight behavior · tip-over/crash/impact	HL 6.2.3
M-14	Potential Thrust Loss prohibition	No Loiter or automated modes (incl. auto-RTL) while alarm present	GCS 5.4
M-15	Flight termination irreversibility	Once initiated, cannot be aborted	GCS 5.8
M-16	Battery max charge current	30 A	HL 3.2
M-17	Battery storage / damage temps	Store 20–25 °C; permanent damage above 65 °C	HL 3.3
M-18	Swollen/damaged battery action	Discontinue, disconnect, isolate outdoors away from combustibles, observe ≥ 15 min	HL 3.1

3. Immediate Action Procedures (Memory Items)

Initial steps performed from memory; subsequent steps by reference. Condensed from GCS Manual §5.

#	Condition	Immediate actions (memory)	Ref
IA-1	Propulsion system failure	Announce “Crash, Crash, Crash” — flight termination inputs to disarm remaining motors — maintain VLOS for recovery	GCS 5.1
IA-2	Potential Thrust Loss alarm	Attitude mode — reduce speed <2 m/s — stop climb — announce “Thrust loss, manual flight”	GCS 5.4
IA-3	Fire (airborne)	Assess overflight area — announce “Emergency Landing ×3” — execute Emergency Landing (or termination if uncontrollable)	GCS 5.2
IA-4	Fly away	Announce “Fly Away ×3” — attempt recovery via mode toggles / GCS repositioning — VO records bearing, altitude, velocity, time remaining	GCS 5.5
IA-5	Compass/magnetometer failure	Attitude mode immediately — announce “Manual flight” — no automated modes	GCS 5.13
IA-6	GNSS degradation / EKF failsafe	Verify Attitude mode — stabilize — confirm cause before continuing	GCS 5.14
IA-7	Loss of C2 link	Attempt link recovery — announce “Comm Loss ×3” — monitor autonomous RTL	GCS 5.16
IA-8	Erratic/degraded flight	Attitude mode immediately — land if controllable; Emergency Landing if not	GCS 5.18
IA-9	Forced landing over unsafe area	Override via mode toggle + throttle — reposition in Attitude — land safe	GCS 5.10
IA-10	Flight termination decision	Attitude — overflight area clear — announce “Terminate ×3” — left stick lower-left 1 s + motor stop (alt: DGCS Disarm + slider)	GCS 5.8

4. Qualification Task Table

Area I — System Knowledge & Operating Limitations

Code	Task	Standard	Prof	Train	Eval	Xfer	R	Ref
HL.I.1	Operating limitations & failsafe values	Recite all Memorization Bank items (M-1–M-18) verbatim	K1 M	Ground	WE/OE	P	R	§2
HL.I.2	Airframe & propulsion system	Describe octocopter configuration, folding-arm/latch architecture, 8×LiPo power system, motor/prop layout	K1	Ground	WE	P		HL 2.1–2.2
HL.I.3	Avionics, sensors & redundancy	Describe redundant baro/accel/gyro suite, GPS, rangefinder, camera placement; state which failures have no cockpit indication	K2	Ground	WE/OE	P		HL 2.1, GCS 5.17
HL.I.4	Flight modes & control logic	Explain Attitude vs. Loiter vs. Auto/Guided/RTL behavior, incl. wind-drift in Attitude and GPS dependence of automated modes	K2	Ground	WE/OE	C	R	GCS 3.3, 5.13–5.14
HL.I.5	Failsafe hierarchy	Given a scenario, predict automatic behavior (low/critical battery, RC, EKF, C2 loss, geofence)	K2	Ground	WE/OE	C	R	GCS 6.1–6.5
HL.I.6	Procedural terminology	Apply must/shall/should/may and Warning/Caution/Note conventions	K1	Ground	WE	C		HL 1.1

Area II — Batteries & Ground Safety

Code	Task	Standard	Prof	Train	Eval	Xfer	R	Ref
HL.II.1	LiPo hazard knowledge	State ignition conditions, gas hazards, re-ignition behavior, and the ≥15-minute quarantine rule	K1 M	Ground	WE	C	R	HL 3.1, GCS 5.3
HL.II.2	Charging operations	Charge a battery group: correct grouping by state of charge, ≤30 A, attended, flame-retardant area	P2	Ground	PE	P		HL 3.2
HL.II.3	Storage & transport	Prepare batteries for storage/shipment: storage charge, 20–25 °C, UN3480 Class 9 / UN 38.3 documentation	K2/P2	Ground	OE/PE	P		HL 3.3, 2.2.3
HL.II.4	Battery fire response	Execute battery-fire response: upwind, CO₂ + sand, EMS contact, SDS reference	K2 M	Ground	OE	C	R	GCS 5.3
HL.II.5	Rotor/ground hazard discipline	Personnel positioning, “Clear” discipline, never approach before disarm confirmed	P2	Field	PE	C	R	HL 1.2, GCS 4.5–4.6

Area III — Assembly, Inspection & Servicing Awareness

Code	Task	Standard	Prof	Train	Eval	Xfer	R	Ref
HL.III.1	Case removal & assembly	With one assistant: gear receivers latched, arms extended with security latches engaged, zero dropped-aircraft events	P2	Field	PE	P		HL 2.3
HL.III.2	Pack-away & transport prep	Fold, case, and secure aircraft and components per procedure	P2	Field	PE	P		HL 2.4
HL.III.3	Propeller check	3-point check (rock, edge feel, twist); correct pass/fail disposition per stated criteria	P2	Field	PE	P	R	HL 6.2.1
HL.III.4	Visual inspection	Structural inspection: fasteners, dome seating, latch engagement, carbon-fiber condition	P2	Field	PE	P	R	HL 6.2.2
HL.III.5	Compass calibration	State the five triggers (M-13); perform calibration via DGCS Vehicle Setup	K1/P2	Field	OE/PE	C		HL 6.2.3, GCS 4.8
HL.III.6	Scheduled maintenance awareness	State inspection tiers and which items require factory-trained personnel	K1	Ground	WE	P		HL 6.1
HL.III.7	Data log backup	Download and archive flight logs; state the 10-log support submission after abnormal occurrence	P2	Field	PE	C		HL 6.2.4, 6.1.6

Area IV — Mission Planning & Regulatory Compliance

Code	Task	Standard	Prof	Train	Eval	Xfer	R	Ref
HL.IV.1	Site survey	Complete Site Survey Template with zero blank fields: airspace, aerodrome data, obstacles, RFI/EMI, hazards, NOTAMs, EMS	P2	Ground/Field	PE	C	R	GCS App. D
HL.IV.2	Part 107 application	Apply Part 107 to the planned operation (airspace authorization, VLOS, weather minimums, waiver provisions)	K2	Ground	WE/OE	C	R	14 CFR 107; ACS-10B
HL.IV.3	Weather & environmental limits	Evaluate conditions vs. platform limits (precipitation, icing, RFI/EMI) and make a correct go/no-go call	K2	Ground	OE	C	R	HL 1.2.2
HL.IV.4	Automated flight plan construction	Build, save, brief a DGCS mission: waypoints, altitudes, speeds, camera, mission end, RTL altitude, geofence, ceiling	P2	Ground	PE	C		GCS 1.4
HL.IV.5	Crew brief	Deliver brief covering mission, roles, callouts, emergency plan, abort criteria	P2	Field	PE	C	R	GCS 4.1
HL.IV.6	Pre-flight documentation	Complete Appendix A incl. RTL altitude, geofence, ceiling entries; authority documentation on hand	P2	Field	PE	C	R	GCS App. A

Area V — Normal Procedures

Code	Task	Standard	Prof	Train	Eval	Xfer	R	Ref
HL.V.1	Initialization & connection	Power sequence, DGCS launch, heading verification vs. true, AHRS response check	P2	Field	PE	C	R	GCS 4.2
HL.V.2	Pre-takeoff checks	Complete Appendix B: avionics, payload, motor response, antennas, props, latches, HDOP <1.7	P2	Field	PE	P	R	GCS App. B
HL.V.3	Manual takeoff & hover	Arm with callouts, 3-s spool, stable hover; control response all axes; alt ±1 m, position ±2 m (proposed)	P2	Flight	PE	C	R	GCS 4.3
HL.V.4	Manual flight maneuvering	Commanded headings/altitudes/patterns in Attitude and Loiter; wind-drift anticipation	P2	Flight	PE	C	R	GCS 3.3
HL.V.5	Automated mission launch & monitoring	Launch with callouts; monitor; ready to assume manual control at all times	P2	Flight	PE	C	R	GCS 4.4
HL.V.6	Commanded RTL	Path/landing-zone assessment with VO, announce, confirm slider, monitor descent, confirm disarm, “Clear”	P2	Flight	PE	C	R	GCS 4.5
HL.V.7	Manual landing	Stable position, gear check <5 m, drift <0.2 m/s, straight-back throttle, 3-s disarm hold, “Clear” after prop stop	P2	Flight	PE	C	R	GCS 4.6, 3.4
HL.V.8	Shutdown & post-flight	Shutdown sequence and Appendix C: inspection, logbook, log backup, regulatory reporting	P2	Field	PE	C	R	GCS 4.7, App. C

Area VI — Automated & Payload Operations

Code	Task	Standard	Prof	Train	Eval	Xfer	R	Ref
HL.VI.1	Survey pattern missions	Configure and fly survey/transect with correct pattern, overlap, camera settings	P2	Flight	PE	C		GCS 1.4.23–24
HL.VI.2	Guided-mode operations	Guided repositioning and ROI pointing	P2	Flight	PE	C		GCS 1.4.25–27
HL.VI.3	Payload installation & verification	Install per class procedure; verify security, power, function, W&B within M-1/M-2	P2	Field	PE	P	R	HL 4.1–4.3
HL.VI.4	Alarm & message interpretation	Given DGCS alarms, state meaning and required response	K2	Ground	WE/OE	C	R	GCS 2

Area VII — Abnormal & Emergency Procedures

Code	Task	Standard	Prof	Train	Eval	Xfer	R	Ref
HL.VII.1	Immediate action procedures	Recite and correctly initiate IA-1–IA-10 from memory; follow-on steps by reference	K1/P2 M	Ground/Flight	WE/OE/PE	C	R	§3
HL.VII.2	Emergency landing	Area selection with VO, callout ×3, Attitude, descent ≤2.5 m/s, post-landing actions, ops suspension	P2	Flight	PE	C	R	GCS 5.7
HL.VII.3	Mission abort	Recognize abort conditions; execute abort/pause/recover sequence	K2/P2	Flight	PE	C	R	GCS 5.9
HL.VII.4	Sensor degradation management	Disposition baro drift/EKF lane switch (>3 in 30 s → abort), rangefinder failure, visual-aid loss	K2	Ground/Sim	OE	C	R	GCS 5.6, 5.12, 5.15
HL.VII.5	Post-crash procedure	E-stop/disarm, injury triage priority, documentation, battery quarantine, no-power-on rule, log recovery, reporting	K2/P2	Ground	OE/PE	C	R	GCS 5.19
HL.VII.6	Object strike / structural failure	State that structural failures present no alarm; select correct response path	K2	Ground	WE/OE	C	R	GCS 5.17, 5.20
HL.VII.7	Pilot incapacitation (VO task)	As VO: command RTL via DGCS, manage medical response, complete reporting	P2	Field	PE	C	R	GCS 5.21

Area VIII — Crew Coordination & Communication

Code	Task	Standard	Prof	Train	Eval	Xfer	R	Ref
HL.VIII.1	Standard callouts	Use all prescribed callouts without omission during evaluation	P2	Flight	PE	C	R	GCS 4–5
HL.VIII.2	PIC/VO duty split	Correct task allocation during normal and emergency sequences	P2	Flight	PE	C	R	GCS 4–5

5. Evaluation Construction Rules

1. Written exam — drawn only from K-coded rows; every M item on every version; ≥85% with zero M-item misses (proposed).
2. Oral evaluation — scenario-based from K2 rows; same session as practical.
3. Practical evaluation — every P2 row graded; U or F on any M-flagged or Area VII task fails qualification; up to two F on non-critical tasks may be retrained and re-evaluated within 7 days without full re-evaluation (proposed, per progress-check model).
4. Evaluator — any pilot holding QI on this platform under IQS-01 and current per the instructor standardization program.

6. Program Derivations — How One Standard Becomes Six Programs

Program	Derivation rule applied to this table
Initial	All rows, to stated proficiency
Recurrent	All R rows + full Memorization Bank + IA bank, at proposed 12-month interval
Transition (e.g., → Commander 3XL)	C rows credit with differences training; P rows retrained/re-evaluated against the gaining platform’s PQS; new memorization bank required
Mission-specific	Base qualification + appended task block (e.g., payload delivery profile, waiver-governed operation)
Customer	Initial or transition set scoped to the customer’s approved operations and equipment
Instructor	P3 proficiency on designated rows + IQS-01 teaching/evaluating tasks

7. Change Control

Each row carries a source reference. A manual revision, safety finding, or regulatory change triggers: (1) identify affected rows by reference; (2) revise rows, republish at next revision letter; (3) regenerate affected lesson plans, exam items, and checklists; (4) disposition currently-qualified pilots (bulletin / differences training / re-evaluation) with an effectivity date. Records retain the PQS revision in effect at each evaluation, preserving the audit chain: grade sheet → PQS revision → manual revision.