Unit Outline

This unit is designed to provide you with the knowledge and skills required to become a certified drone pilot. The unit consists of three components: CASA RePL theory, drone flight training, and using drones for geospatial mapping. You will learn about basic aviation, multi-rotor systems and functionality, mission preparation and planning, aerodynamics, navigation, meteorology, human factors, and maintenance. You will also learn how to fly a drone safely and proficiently, and how to use drones for geospatial mapping. The unit will have three assessments: CASA RePL theory and Aeronautical Radio Operator Certificate (AROC) exam, drone flight test demonstrating safe and proficient drone flying skills, and drone flight planning for geospatial mapping with an RGB camera, camera settings for mapping, and production of a 3D point cloud and orthomosaic with photogrammetric software. Upon successful completion of this unit, you will be CASA-certified for RePL operations.

Intended Learning Outcomes

As per the Assessment and Results Policy 1.3, your results will reflect your achievement against specified learning outcomes.

On completion of this unit, you will be able to:


1.	Explain basic aerodynamics, aircraft systems, air law, operational planning, and meteorology in the context of drone piloting.
2.	Conduct drone flying activities in a professional manner.
3.	Use radio communications procedures considering appropriate CASA regulations.
4.	Plan a drone flight for geospatial mapping in a real-world scenario.
5.	Produce a 3D point cloud and orthomosaic using photogrammetric software.

Requisites


REQUISITE TYPE	REQUISITES
Pre-requisite	KGG102

Alterations as a result of student feedback

How will I be Assessed?

For more detailed assessment information please see MyLO.

Assessment schedule


ASSESSMENT TASK #	ASSESSMENT TASK NAME	DATE DUE	WEIGHT	LINKS TO INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES
Assessment Task 1:	Drone Flight Test	Refer to Assessment Description	30 %	LO1, LO2
Assessment Task 2:	Geospatial Mapping with a Drone	Refer to Assessment Description	30 %	LO4, LO5
Assessment Task 3:	CASA RePL Theory and Aeronautical Radio Operator Certificate (AROC) Exam	Refer to Assessment Description	40 %	LO1, LO2, LO3

Assessment details

Assessment Task 1: Drone Flight Test

Task Description:

Completion of three phases of flight training consisting of a set of pre-defined manoeuvres.

Due date will be depending on environmental conditions.

Task Length:

5 hours of flying.

Due Date:

Refer to Assessment Description

Weight:

30 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Demonstrate safe and proficient drone flying skills.	LO2
2	Recall regulations and procedures for drone piloting.	LO1, LO2
3	Recall regulations and procedures for drone maintenance.	LO1

Assessment Task 2: Geospatial Mapping with a Drone

Task Description:

Processing of imagery collected with a drone to produce 3d point clouds and an orthomosaic. Critical analysis of the accuracy of the products produced.

Assignment due by the end of the unit.
16th February 2024

Task Length:

1500 - 2000 word report with diagrams

Due Date:

Refer to Assessment Description

Weight:

30 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Develop a drone flight plan for geospatial mapping in a real-world scenario.	LO4
2	Use appropriate camera settings for mapping.	LO4
3	Apply photogrammetric data processing methods to produce and assess the accuracy of 3D point clouds and orthomosaics.	LO5

Assessment Task 3: CASA RePL Theory and Aeronautical Radio Operator Certificate (AROC) Exam

Task Description:

2 exams: The first is the RePL exam, the second is the AROC exam.

The RePL exam is a multiple choice exam with 85 questions. Pass mark is 85% (you must get 73 correct answers).

The AROC exam is a multiple choice exam with 26 questions. Pass mark is 80% (you must get 20 correct answers).

Exams may be conducted at the end of the unit or earlier depending on environmental conditions for flying practicals.

Task Length:

100 minutes

Due Date:

Refer to Assessment Description

Weight:

40 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Recall aviation concepts and terminology.	LO1
2	Recall regulations and procedures for radio communication in the context of drone piloting.	LO3
3	Recall the regulations and procedures for drone piloting.	LO1, LO2

How your final result is determined

To pass this unit, you need to demonstrate your attainment of each of the Intended Learning Outcomes, achieve a final unit grade of 50% or greater, and pass any hurdle tasks.

Submission of assignments

Where practicable, assignments should be submitted to an assignment submission folder in MYLO. You must submit assignments by the due date or receive a penalty (unless an extension of time has been approved by the Unit Coordinator). Students submitting any assignment in hard copy, or because of a practicum finalisation, must attach a student cover sheet and signed declaration for the submission to be accepted for marking.

Requests for extensions

If you are unable to submit an assessment task by the due date, you should apply for an extension.

A request for an extension should first be discussed with your Unit Coordinator or teaching support team where possible. A request for an extension must be submitted by the assessment due date, except where you can provide evidence it was not possible to do so. Typically, an application for an extension will be supported by documentary evidence: however, where it is not possible for you to provide evidence please contact your Unit Coordinator.

The Unit Coordinator must notify you of the outcome of an extension request within 3 working days of receiving the request.

Late penalties

Assignments submitted after the deadline will receive a late penalty of 5% of the original available mark for each calendar day (or part day) that the assignment is late. Late submissions will not be accepted more than 10 calendar days after the due date, or after assignments have been returned to other students on a scheduled date, whichever occurs first. Further information on Late Penalties can be found on the Assessments and Results Procedure.

Review of results and appeals

You are entitled to ask for a review of the marking and grading of your assessment task if there is an irregularity in the marking standards or an error in the process for determining the outcome of an assessment. Details on how to request a review of a mark for an assignment are outlined in the Review and Appeal of Academic Decisions Procedure.