DJI Phantom 3 Operational Risk Assessment

January 10, 2016

Abstract

The operation of the Phantom 3, though relatively simple, requires consideration be given to the environment, and potential hazards in which the UAS will exist.  While this system has a degree of autonomy built in which will allow it to return to its starting point in the event of lost-link, it lacks any sense and avoid capability and so it is the responsibility of the operator to ensure the vehicle does not collide with other aircraft or objects.  This research paper offers an example of operational considerations, potential hazards to flight, an assessment of those hazards, and an operational readiness management assessment tool for the Phantom 3 UAS.

 Research: DJI Phantom 3 Operational Risk Assessment

Introduction

The Phantom 3 Unmanned Aerial System (UAS)  is possibly the easiest small UAS to operate with a robust Line of Sight (LOS) hand held control unit.  This systems offers an easy to operate, aerial imaging platform that can be used for professional aerial photography, and capturing aerial  video.  The operator should carefully consider any potential operational hazards that might exist in the environment.  The tables below (adapted from Introduction to Unmanned Aircraft Systems) will provide a practical analysis tool for the Phantom 3 operator to list potential hazards, and complete an assessment of those hazards as a means of mitigating the risks associated.

Systems Specification as listed on the DJI Phantom web page.

            Aircraft

1. GPS-Assisted Hover
2. Automatic Flight Logs
3. Vision Positioning System
4. Weight: 1280 g
5. Diagonal Size: 590 mm
6. Max Ascent Speed: 5 m/s
7. Max Descent Speed: 3 m/s
8. Max Speed: 16 m/s (No wind)
9. Max Service Ceiling Above Sea Level: 6000 m
10. Flight Time: Approx. 25 minutes when fully charged
    Camera

1. 4K Video Camera
2. 12 Megapixel Photos
3. 3-Axis Stabilization Gimbal
   Remote

1. Easy, Intuitive Controls
2. Integrated DJI Lightbridge
3. Customized Commands
4. 2.400 GHz-2.483 GHz
5. Max Distance: 5 km or 3.1 miles
   Go App

1. Live HD View
2. Easy Video Editor
3. Worry-Free Autopilot
4. Built-in Flight Simulator for Practice

 

Mishap Probability Levels

Description      Level   Specific Individual Item

Frequent          A         Likely to occur often in the life of the Phantom 3 UAS

Probable          B         Likely to occur several times in the life of the Phantom 3 UAS

Occasional       C         Possible to occur sometime in the life of the Phantom 3 UAS

Remote            D         Unlikely but possible to occur in the life of the Phantom 3 UAS

Improbable      E          So unlikely, it can be assumed occurrence may not be experienced

 

Mishap Severity Categories

Description      Category         Environmental, Safety, & Health Result Criteria

Catastrophic    I                       Could result in death

Critical                        II                     Could result in permanent partial disability, or sever injury

Marginal          III                    Could result in minor injury

Negligible        IV                    Could result in damage to equipment

 

Mishap Risk Level Assessment Matrix (MRAM)

                                                                        SEVERITY

PROBABILITY         Catastrophic (1)                      Critical              (2)      Marginal (3)    Negligible (4)

Frequent (A)                          1                              3                        7                        13

Probable (B)                          2                              5                        9                        16

Occassional (C)                     4                              6                        11                      18

Remote (D)                            8                              10                      14                      19

Improbable (E)                      12                            15                      17                      20

Designed Out (F)                  21                            22                      23                      24

The following tables provide an analysis of the operational risks associated with the Phantom 3 UAS.

PRELIMINARY HAZARD LIST/ANALYSIS (PHL/A)   DATE:               PREPARED BY:                                                                    Page       of                  Operational Stage:        (  )  Planning    (  )  Staging    (  )  Launch    ( )  Flight    (  )  Recovery
TRACK #	ACTION REVIEW	PROBABILITY	SEVERITY	RL	MITIGATING ACTION	RRL	NOTES
1.	High Winds	A	II	3	Abort Op.	22
2.	Trees or Other Obstruct.	C	IV	18	Move Location	20
3.	Bird Strike	E	IV	20	-	20	Stay Clear of Birds
4.	Lost Link	C	IV	18	Stay w/in operational range	18	-
5.	Collision w/other Acft.	E	I	12	Follow Know Before You Fly Guidelines	12	-
RL  - Risk Level          RRL = Residual Risk Level

Table 1.1

OPERATIONAL HAZARD REVIEW & ANALYSIS (OHR&A)   DATE:               PREPARED BY:                                                                    Page       of                  Operational Stage:        (  )  Planning    (  )  Staging    (  )  Launch    ( )  Flight    (  )  Recovery
TRACK #	ACTION REVIEW	PROBABILITYI	SEVERITY	RL	MITIGATING ACTION	RRL	NOTES
RL  - Risk Level          RRL = Residual Risk Level

Table 1.2

            The Phantom 3 Professional UAS is a comparatively expensive sUAS designed for professional use in several industries.  Real estate, special event aerial photography, sports photography, and research for example.  As a tool for these industries, the Phantom 3 Professional UAS is critical to achieving business objectives, and client satisfaction, often in circumstances where the opportunity to capture aerial imagery is a one time opportunity.  Systems reliability is essential.  The Risk Assessment Table (3.1) will aide UAS operators in decision making, eliminating mishaps, and missed opportunities.

Date:                            Event:                                                                                                                                      Pilot:                                                                Authorized By:
Mission Type	A/C Checkout 1		Camera Checkout 2		Training 3	Operational Flt. 4
Hardware Upgrade	NO					YES
Software Upgrade	NO					YES
Obstructions – Building/Elect.	None		Few 2			Many
Pilot Experinece	> 100 Hrs.		50 – 99 Hrs.		20 – 49 Hrs.	< 20 Hrs.
Flight Condition	DAY					NIGHT
Visibility	< 10 Miles		11 – 15 Miles		16 – 20 Miles	> 20 Miles
Weather	Clear		Partly Cloudy		Overcast	Possible Rain
Other UAS Activity
Birds/Other Animals	No					Yes
Total
RISK LEVEL
20 - 30 LOW		31 – 40 MEDIUM		41 – 50 SERIOUS			51 – 64 HIGH

Table 1.3

 

Conclusion

 

            These tools provide a starting point to risk assessment and analysis.  All potential risks cannot possibly be considered while the UAS operates in a dynamic environment, and should not be considered to be a replacement for operator experience.  The operator the Phantom 3, or any other UAS should practice, in a controlled environment, to develop the skills necessary for safe operation.

 

References

 

1. Barnhart, R.K., Hottman, S.B., Marshall, D. M., & Shappee, E, Introduction to Unmanned Aircraft Systems, (2012), CRC Press, Taylor & Francis Group, Boca Raton, FL.
2. http://www.dji.com/product/phantom-3-pro/remote-controller#sub-feature
    
    
   List of Tables
   Table 1.1         Preliminary Hazards List/Assessment
   Table 1.2         Operational Hazard Review and Analysis
   Table 1.3         Operational Risk Management (ORM) Assessment Tool