Definition of Automated Operation

In plain language

An automated operation is when you upload a flight plan to your drone, and the drone's onboard autopilot takes over the flight controls to execute it. If you lose connection, the drone will typically continue its mission or execute a return-to-home sequence.

Requirement as structured

Defines an automated operation as one where the remote pilot inputs a flight plan into the control station, which is executed by the onboard autopilot, and flight control inputs are made by onboard components rather than the control station.

Original regulatory text

An automated operation is generally considered an operation in which the remote pilot inputs a flight plan into the CS, which sends the flight plan to the autopilot on board the small unmanned aircraft. During automated flight, flight control inputs are made by components on board the aircraft, not from a CS. If the remote PIC loses the control link to the small unmanned aircraft, the aircraft would continue to fly the programmed mission/return home to land.

Applies when

country

United States

operation

automated

regulatory category

General