FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot (UAG)OperationsMedium
A remote pilot transports a sUAS to a new operating location 300 miles from where it was last flown. During preflight checks, the flight controller displays erratic heading information and the aircraft drifts unexpectedly during a low hover test. What should the pilot do before proceeding with the mission?
- AIncrease throttle rapidly to reset the internal sensors
- BProceed with flight and monitor for further drift
- CIgnore the indication because GPS will self-correct once airborne
- DPerform a compass/magnetometer calibration at the new location
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Perform a compass/magnetometer calibration at the new location
Erratic heading and drift after relocating a sUAS a significant distance are classic symptoms of magnetic compass/magnetometer error caused by local magnetic variation differences. The correct corrective action is to recalibrate the compass at the new site before flight, not to launch with faulty heading data.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Throttle changes have no effect on sensor calibration.
- B. Flying with known erratic heading data risks loss of control and is unsafe.
- C. GPS position and magnetic heading are separate systems; GPS will not fix a compass error.
Compass/Magnetometer Calibration
A preflight procedure that recalibrates the sUAS's magnetic heading sensor, especially important after moving to a new geographic location or magnetic environment.
- Recommended after long-distance travel or near magnetic interference
- Erratic heading/drift are common symptoms of miscalibration
- Should be performed in an open area away from metal/magnetic sources
Memory trick: 'New place, new compass dance' — recalibrate after relocating.