Qualification Standards

Platform Qualification Standard (PQS) — 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 (cited as HL) · Herelink ground control station (GCS) Pilot’s Manual Rev 1.2 (cited as GCS)
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 citing it (Section 7)

1. Proficiency & Evaluation Codes

Code	Meaning	Applies
Knowledge
K1	Recall: state facts, limits, and procedures from memory.	Written exam
K2	Apply: interpret system indications and select the correct procedure for a given condition.	Written and oral evaluation
Performance
P1	Perform the task with instructor guidance.	Training only
P2	Perform the task unassisted, to the stated standard.	Qualification level
P3	Perform, teach, and evaluate the task.	Instructor level (IQS-01)
Special flags
M	Memory item: the initial steps must be performed immediately, correctly, and from memory, before reference to any checklist.	Graded to 100%
R	Recurrent item: re-evaluated at each recurrent evaluation.	Proposed 12-month interval
Transfer column
C	Common: carries across Draganfly multirotor platforms.	Credited with differences training
PS	Platform-specific.	Retrained and re-evaluated per type
Evaluation method
WE / OE / PE	Written exam · oral evaluation · practical evaluation (flight or hands-on).	Section 5

The Transfer column drives the transition-course derivation (Section 6).

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; proficiency code P2
QI	Qualified-Instructor — performs to standard while teaching and evaluating; proficiency code P3

Qualification requirements (initial): written exam ≥ 85% · all 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: limits and immediate-action values a pilot must produce from memory. 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	Radio-control (RC) failsafe action	Loss of hand-held controller (HHC) control input → return to launch (RTL) with GPS available or land mode (no GPS)	GCS 6.3
M-7	Loss of command-and-control (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 above ground level (AGL)	GCS 4.6
M-12	Max GPS horizontal dilution of precision (HDOP) for launch	1.7	GCS App. B
M-13	Compass recalibration triggers	Draganfly ground control software (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 Section 5.

#	Condition	Immediate actions (memory)	Ref
IA-1	Propulsion system failure	Announce “Crash, Crash, Crash” — flight termination inputs to disarm remaining motors — maintain visual line of sight (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	Satellite navigation (GNSS) degradation / state-estimator (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	Transfer	R	Ref
HL.I.1	Operating limitations & failsafe values	Recite all Memorization Bank items (M-1–M-18) verbatim	K1 M	Ground	WE/OE	PS	R	Section 2
HL.I.2	Airframe & propulsion system	Describe octocopter configuration, folding-arm/latch architecture, 8×LiPo power system, motor/prop layout	K1	Ground	WE	PS		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	PS		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 — Abnormal & Emergency Procedures

Code	Task	Standard	Prof	Train	Eval	Transfer	R	Ref
HL.II.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	Section 3
HL.II.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.II.3	Mission abort	Recognize abort conditions; execute abort/pause/recover sequence	K2/P2	Flight	PE	C	R	GCS 5.9
HL.II.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.II.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.II.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.II.7	Pilot incapacitation (visual observer task)	As visual observer (VO): command RTL via DGCS, manage medical response, complete reporting	P2	Field	PE	C	R	GCS 5.21

Area III — Batteries & Ground Safety

Code	Task	Standard	Prof	Train	Eval	Transfer	R	Ref
HL.III.1	Lithium-polymer (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.III.2	Charging operations	Charge a battery group: correct grouping by state of charge, ≤30 A, attended, flame-retardant area	P2	Ground	PE	PS		HL 3.2
HL.III.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	PS		HL 3.3, 2.2.3
HL.III.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.III.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 IV — Assembly, Inspection & Servicing Awareness

Code	Task	Standard	Prof	Train	Eval	Transfer	R	Ref
HL.IV.1	Case removal & assembly	With one assistant: gear receivers latched, arms extended with security latches engaged, zero dropped-aircraft events	P2	Field	PE	PS		HL 2.3
HL.IV.2	Pack-away & transport prep	Fold, case, and secure aircraft and components per procedure	P2	Field	PE	PS		HL 2.4
HL.IV.3	Propeller check	3-point check (rock, edge feel, twist); correct pass/fail disposition per stated criteria	P2	Field	PE	PS	R	HL 6.2.1
HL.IV.4	Visual inspection	Structural inspection: fasteners, dome seating, latch engagement, carbon-fiber condition	P2	Field	PE	PS	R	HL 6.2.2
HL.IV.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.IV.6	Scheduled maintenance awareness	State inspection tiers and which items require factory-trained personnel	K1	Ground	WE	PS		HL 6.1
HL.IV.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 V — Mission Planning & Regulatory Compliance

Code	Task	Standard	Prof	Train	Eval	Transfer	R	Ref
HL.V.1	Site survey	Complete Site Survey Template with zero blank fields: airspace, aerodrome data, obstacles, radio/electromagnetic interference (RFI/EMI) sources, hazards, notices to air missions (NOTAMs), emergency medical services (EMS) info	P2	Ground/Field	PE	C	R	GCS App. D
HL.V.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.V.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.V.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.V.5	Crew brief	Deliver brief covering mission, roles, callouts, emergency plan, abort criteria	P2	Field	PE	C	R	GCS 4.1
HL.V.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 VI — Normal Procedures

Code	Task	Standard	Prof	Train	Eval	Transfer	R	Ref
HL.VI.1	Initialization & connection	Power sequence, DGCS launch, heading verification vs. true, AHRS response check	P2	Field	PE	C	R	GCS 4.2
HL.VI.2	Pre-takeoff checks	Complete Appendix B: avionics, payload, motor response, antennas, props, latches, HDOP <1.7	P2	Field	PE	PS	R	GCS App. B
HL.VI.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.VI.4	Manual flight maneuvering	Commanded headings/altitudes/patterns in Attitude and Loiter; wind-drift anticipation	P2	Flight	PE	C	R	GCS 3.3
HL.VI.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.VI.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.VI.7	Manual landing	Stable position, gear check <5 m, no visible drift at touchdown, within the target landing location, straight-back throttle, 3-s disarm hold, “Clear” after prop stop	P2	Flight	PE	C	R	GCS 4.6, 3.4
HL.VI.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 VII — Automated & Payload Operations

Code	Task	Standard	Prof	Train	Eval	Transfer	R	Ref
HL.VII.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.VII.2	Guided-mode operations	Guided repositioning and ROI pointing	P2	Flight	PE	C		GCS 1.4.25–27
HL.VII.3	Payload installation & verification	Install per class procedure; verify security, power, function, weight and balance within M-1/M-2	P2	Field	PE	PS	R	HL 4.1–4.3
HL.VII.4	Alarm & message interpretation	Given DGCS alarms, state meaning and required response	K2	Ground	WE/OE	C	R	GCS 2

Area VIII — Crew Coordination & Communication

Code	Task	Standard	Prof	Train	Eval	Transfer	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	Pilot-in-command (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 tasks; every M item on every version; ≥85% with zero M-item misses (proposed).
2. Oral evaluation — scenario-based from K2 tasks; same session as practical.
3. Practical evaluation — every P2 task graded; U or F on any M-flagged or emergency-procedure task (Area II) fails qualification; up to two F on non-critical tasks may be retrained and re-evaluated within 7 days without full re-evaluation (proposed).
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	Rule applied to this standard
Initial	Every task in this standard, to the stated proficiency.
Recurrent	Tasks flagged R, plus the full memorization bank and the IA bank, at the recurrent interval.
Transition	Tasks marked C in the Transfer column are credited with differences training; tasks marked PS are retrained and re-evaluated against the gaining platform’s standard.
Mission-specific	This standard plus an added task block for the tasking.
Customer	This standard scoped to the customer’s requirements and mission-specific tasks.
Instructor	P3 proficiency on designated tasks, plus the teaching and evaluating tasks in IQS-01.

7. Change Control

Each row carries a source reference. A manual revision, safety finding, or regulatory change triggers: (1) identify affected tasks by reference; (2) revise those tasks, 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.