If you aren’t confident in your knowledge of one of the following subjects, go back to the relevant lesson in the course to give it a review.

• Drones, also known as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) or unmanned aircraft systems (UAS).
• Multi-rotor drones, also known as multicopters, are the most common type used in construction. These drones have multiple rotors or propellers that generate lift and allow for vertical take-off and landing (VTOL). This makes them highly maneuverable and perfect for capturing data in close proximity to buildings or inspecting hard-to-reach areas.
• Part 107 establishes a set of requirements for safe drone operation, promoting responsible integration of this technology into the airspace. The first step for drone use in construction is registering your drone with the FAA. Registration applies to all drones weighing between 0.55 pounds and 55 pounds and must be completed before the drone’s first flight.
• Construction sites are inherently busy places with numerous potential hazards for drone flight. Carefully examine the site for obstacles like power lines, cranes, tall structures, stockpiles of materials, and excavation pits. Mark these hazards on a map and factor them into your flight plan to maintain a safe distance during operation.
• Commercial Remote Pilot Certificate: This certificate is mandatory for anyone operating a drone for commercial purposes, including data collection, progress monitoring, or aerial photography on a construction site. To qualify for a commercial certificate, you must pass a knowledge test administered by an FAA-approved testing center.
• Developing a pre-flight checklist tailored to your specific drone model is highly recommended. This checklist should include:
  • Physical Inspection
  • Battery Check
  • Remote Controller Functionality
  • Software Updates
  • Flight Location and Airspace
  • Weather Conditions
• Wind is one of the most significant weather factors affecting drone flight. Strong winds can make the drone difficult to control, reduce stability, and decrease battery life due to increased power demands for maintaining position.
• Obstacle avoidance sensors have a finite range. Objects located outside the sensor’s detection zone may still pose a collision risk. For instance, thin wires or low-hanging power lines might not be picked up by the sensors.
• Drones equipped with high-resolution cameras and LiDAR sensors are becoming increasingly valuable tools for data collection on construction sites. These tools capture photos, videos, and 3D point cloud data that can be used for progress monitoring, stockpile measurements, and detailed inspections.
• It’s important to consult with legal counsel to ensure compliance with relevant data privacy regulations. Additionally, construction companies should have clear policies in place regarding data ownership, access control, and data-sharing practices.
• LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) technology uses pulsed lasers to measure distances with high precision. Mounted on a drone, LiDAR systems can rapidly collect vast amounts of data points to create highly accurate 3D models of the terrain or existing structures.
• Conduct a thorough risk assessment for each construction site where drone flights will be performed. This assessment should identify potential hazards such as power lines, cranes, or uneven terrain, and establish protocols to mitigate these risks.
• Conduct pre-flight briefings before every drone operation to discuss the flight plan, potential hazards, communication protocols, and emergency procedures with all personnel involved, including pilots, ground crew, and construction workers.
• Post signage around the construction site to inform workers of ongoing drone operations and designated no-fly zones. Raising awareness among all personnel on the site helps to minimize the risk of accidental drone interference.
• Be mindful of regulations regarding data collection and ensure you have the proper permissions before capturing images or videos of people or private property.