Unit Outline

In this unit you will learn the knowledge and develop the skills required to become a certified drone pilot. To achieve this you will complete 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 you will develop skills that will enable you to use drones for the purposes of geospatial mapping.

To complete the unit there are three main assessments:

CASA theory exams

Drone flight test demonstrating safe and proficient drone flying skills

A report demonstrating your knowledge of planning a flight and collecting mapping data

To be able to conduct mapping missions with a drone you will be taught how to configure both RGB and multispectral cameras and how to use software to produce 3D point cloud and orthomosaic.

Upon successful completion of this unit, you will be CASA-certified for RePL operations including a radio operators license.

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 according to appropriate CASA regulations.
4	Plan a drone flight for geospatial mapping
5	Produce a 3D point cloud and orthomosaic using photogrammetric software.

Requisites


REQUISITE TYPE	REQUISITES
Pre-requisite	KGG539 KGG540 KGG542

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	25 %	LO1, LO2, LO4
Assessment Task 2:	CASA RePL Theory and Aeronautical Radio Operator Certificate (AROC) Exam	Refer to Assessment Description	35 %	LO1, LO2, LO3
Assessment Task 3:	Geospatial Mapping with a Drone	Refer to Assessment Description	40 %	LO4, LO5

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.

Completion of a mapping flight using a predefined flight plan to collect data for main assignment.

Due date will be depending on environmental conditions.

The flight practical component provides assurance of learning for this unit.

Task Length:

5 hours of flying.

Due Date:

Refer to Assessment Description

Weight:

25 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Demonstrate safe and proficient drone flying skills.	LO1
2	Recall regulations and procedures for drone piloting.	LO1, LO2
3	Recall and explain regulations and procedures for drone maintenance.	LO1
4	Demonstrate knowledge of flight planning	LO4

Assessment Task 2: 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.
RePL Exam is worth 25% and AROC exam is worth 10% giving a total of 35%

Task Length:

100 minutes

Due Date:

Refer to Assessment Description

Weight:

35 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


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

Assessment Task 3: Geospatial Mapping with a Drone

Task Description:

Processing of imagery collected with a drone to produce 3d point clouds and an orthomosaic. Then conduct a critical analysis of the accuracy of the products produced.
Produce a 1500-2000 word report with diagrams.
Assignment due by the end of the unit.

Task Length:

1500 - 2000 word report with diagrams

Due Date:

Refer to Assessment Description

Weight:

40 %

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

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.

Academic progress review

The results for this unit may be included in a review of your academic progress. For information about progress reviews and what they mean for all students, see Academic Progress Review in the Student Portal.

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.

Academic integrity

Academic integrity is about acting responsibly, honestly, ethically, and collegially when using, producing, and communicating information with other students and staff members.

In written work, you must correctly reference the work of others to maintain academic integrity. To find out the referencing style for this unit, see the assessment information in the MyLO site, or contact your teaching staff. For more detail about Academic Integrity, see Important Guidelines & Support.

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.