29.4. DAF Local Operating Procedure – Coolum

Set Up

• Collect tower keys from lock box using code 5528
• Unlock first aid room and drone cupboard – Return tower keys immediately
• Ensure all batteries, controller have charged overnight. If not, reposition on charge.
• Collect Hilux keys from drone cupboard, as well as drone pelican case, mobile phone, laptop, SLSQ and aviation radio
• Log on to SURFCOM via radio
• Call Sunshine Coast Airport Control Tower YBSU – 07 5458 2953 to notify them of days operations
• Plan mission on laptop using phone hotspot for internet connection following DAF Drone Logbook guide
• Inspect all equipment including UAV, controllers and signage
• Conduct pre-flight checklist and JSA
• Set up exclusion area as per diagram. May need to alter location due to beach and surf conditions however generally between access 73 and 80
• Set up additional equipment such as pop up tent, tables, chairs, landing pad
• Calibrate compass and Home Point prior to first flight
• Inform SURFCOM when commencing flights

Transect Flights

• Calibrate the compass/check the home point at your take off/landing position.
• Fly the drone out to the back of the break, maintaining Visual Line Of Sight (up to approximately 500m from where you are standing on the beach)
• Point the camera back in to shore at approximate 45 to 50 degree angle looking into the water
• Commence filming (4K video) and patrol back and forth on a transect line at the back of the surf zone no faster than 8.4m/s (30km/hour)
• When the battery goes down to 40%, finish the transect and stop filming, and then bring the drone back in to the landing pad to change batteries.
• Complete flight operations up to a final flight after midday (average 2 flights/hour from patrol set up if conditions are favourable, without interruptions for air traffic/weather).
• If you spot any marine creatures, pause the transect and drop down to 30m. Identify it (if possible). If it is considered a threatening species follow SLSQ procedures inform the lifeguard/lifesavers and SURFCOM.
  • The Lifeguards/Patrol Captain will go through the processes to evacuate the water etc.
  • follow until the battery needs to be changed. Complete the shark sightings log if you see a shark.
  • try and find the shark on the next battery if possible, and communicate with the relevant authorities.

Inclement Weather

• If it is raining or the wind is above 20knots, DO NOT FLY
• If the weather does not look like it will improve for the rest of your shift, you can fill out the Transect Patrol log with the Inclement Weather section at the bottom.
• A minimum shift is three hours (4 hours on a Sunday/Public Holiday) and you can sign off and go home.
• If you have completed some flights before the weather became Inclement, fill out the Inclement Weather section on your last Transect form (from the last flight you flew.)
• Then pack up and complete all duties and inform your Supervisor if you finish early
  

Pack Up

• Inform SURFCOM that flights have ceased for day and on standby
• Contact Sunshine Coast Control Tower YBSU and notify ceasing operations
• Pack up UAV
• Pack away exclusion area
• Return UAV to drone cupboard. Place baterries and controller on charge.
• Complete any remaining DAF forms including post-op checklist
• Upload all videos to Hard Drive from SD card. Create a folder on HDD using the formula Location Date Initials – EG COOLUM19012023AS for a mission at COOLUM on Jan 19 2023 by pilot Andrew Smith. Format the SD card upon completion and reinsert in UAV
• Finalise mission by syncing flights to Drone Logbook and associate to the day’s mission
• Wash Hilux and sweep out. Ensure fuel is always at least half full. Ampol and BP fuel cards in vehicle. Remain on phone and radio if going to refuel.
• Fill out vehicle log book.
• Clean and store any remaining equipment, ensuring electrical components are on charge
• Sign off with SURCOM
• Lock cupboard and first aid room if required
  

Suggested Exclusion Zone

Area may need to be moved between Access 73 and 80, depending on tide and beach conditions, events, etc