We are suggesting some basic considerations for those operators that are making changes to / modifying their PFCO specified drone aircraft systems.
No matter why you are changing the aircraft system or payload – you should always reconsider the validity of your Operating Safety Case or Operations Manual and your associated Permission For Commercial Operations (PFCO).
When you change the system, and importantly if you are adding a non aircraft OEM sub system; you should consider the implications of the change on a range of factors:
– Your original safety case presented to obtain your Permission For Commercial Operation (PFCO).
– Your aircraft system manufacturers warranty.
– Your insurance cover.
– Your current hazard assessments.
– The impact on the weight and balance of the aircraft.
– The impact on the aircraft system maintenance.
– The impact on the aircraft system reliability and life.
– The impact on operating procedures.
– The impact on human factors.
– The impact on crew training and experience.
Any modifications require some level of analysis and development of some supporting evidence to ensure that the Operating Safety Case (OSC) support the safety claims. Significant changes must be reported to the CAA to ensure that your PFCO remains valid or is amended.
We recommend:
– Assess the impacts of any change to an aircraft system even if you considered it to be safer.
– Gain experience of changes with planned training and trials flights.
– Prove the system in a controlled environment and to the limits of its intended operation.
– Generate evidence to underpin your safety claims.
– Document changed claims and evidence.
– Resubmit changes to CAA if significant.
Our Assistance:
We are assisting customers to analyse their system modifications and/or operational changes and successfully analysing and developing the additional OSC evidence for non standard systems and systems of systems, from different manufacturers.
If you are planning to make changes to your system, for example fitting modifications to increase performance or safety using a third party systems or spares then why not get in touch to get a point in the right direction.
Modification Example: 3rd Party Tether Sub System and Power Supply:
For example – are you considering adding a drone tether that is not provided by the aircraft OEM and is not on your current OSC ?
If you have already followed a logical approach to documenting the impact then that is great. If not, have you thought of the factors above? Has the modification affected your current Operating Safety Case (OSC), Permission For Commercial Operation (PFCO), Warranty or insurance ?
Modification Example: 3rd Party Aircraft Environmental Protection Measures:
For example – are you considering having a drone environmentally protected which is not provided by the aircraft OEM and is not on your current OSC ?
If you have already followed a logical approach to documenting the impact then that is great. If not, have you thought of the factors above? Has the modification affected your current Operating Safety Case (OSC), Permission For Commercial Operation (PFCO), Warranty or insurance ?
Our initial engagement is always free. We are always happy to help you should you require it. We could help you understand how ta modification may affect your safety case and the list of implications and considerations listed above.
Use Live Chat or see other contact methods here.
#Drone, #FPV, #DronePilot, #CAA, #PFCO, #PFCO Application, #OSC, #Operating Safety Case, #Tether, #Drone Safety