Aerospace - Drones, Rockets & Sims
AEROSPACE consists of various OPTIONAL activities for 3 Striker cadets. These encompass a variety of learning activities for cadets of all ages. Aerospace includes basic and advanced flight simulation skill building, UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) ground school and recreational drone operation, and model rocketry. Drone training, and hands on activities, will be level-based. These are optional activities, but cadets are encouraged to attend regularly so they keep up with the instruction.
UAVs
#3 Striker is embarking on a new program to provide opportunities to learn the dynamics of flight. 3 Striker Cadets may get an opportunity to fly a remote-controlled drone.
Where: LHQ (West Middlesex arena - multipurpose room).
When: See our Squadron Calendar for details.
Activity POSTPONED until further notice.
Programme ON HOLD pending interpretation of Government of Canada Regulations.
Dress: Proper civilian clothing, as per Instructors. (i.e. Sqn T-Shirt might be best)
Do’s and Don’ts for recreational drone operators
From Transport Canada:
Do:
Fly your drone during daylight and in good weather
Keep your drone where you can see it with your own eyes – not through an on-board camera, monitor, or smartphone
Make sure your drone is safe for flight before take-off. Ask yourself, for example: Are the batteries fully charged? Is it too cold to fly?
Respect the privacy of others. Avoid flying over private property or taking photos or videos without permission
Don’t:
Fly in clouds or fog.
Fly closer than 9 km from any aerodrome (i.e., any airport, heliport, helipad, or seaplane base)
Fly higher than 90 m above the ground
Fly closer than 75 m from people, animals, buildings, structures, or vehicles
Fly in populated areas or near large groups of people, including at sporting events, concerts, festivals, or firework shows
Fly near moving vehicles, highways, bridges, busy streets, or anywhere you could endanger or distract drivers
Fly within restricted and controlled airspace, including near or over military bases, prisons, or forest fires
Fly anywhere where you might interfere with first responders
To File a Report
Go to Transport Canada’s website at tc.gc.ca and search drone incident report form
TRANSPORT CANADA sites
Drone Safety https://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/civilaviation/drone-safety.html
Recreational Users http://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/mediaroom/interim-order-respecting-use-model-aircraft.html
(2017) Transport Canada recently amended the regulations concerning the operation of drones and UAVs, particularly in proximity to airports and aerodromes/heliports.
For smaller, non-commercial drones between 250 g and 35 kg, the following new rules apply:
No higher than 90 m AGL
If your drone weighs between 250 g and 1 kg, at least 30 m away from vehicles, vessels, and the public
If your drone weighs between 1 kg and 35 kg, at least 75 m away from vehicles, vessels, and the public
At least 5.5 km from all aerodromes, airports, seaplane bases, and any other areas where aircraft take-off and land
At least 1.8 km away from heliports and aerodromes used exclusively by helicopters outside of controlled or restricted airspace
At least 9 km from a disaster area or natural hazard
Away from interfering with police and first responders
Day only, not in clouds
Within sight at all times
Within 500 m of the operator
Must be clearly marked with operator’s name, address, and telephone number
Failure to follow the regulations for safe, legal drone operation could result in fines of up to $3,000.
MODEL ROCKETRY
Where: To Be Determined, but most likely Redfearn Ridge.
When: See our Squadron Calendar for details.
Dress: Proper civilian clothing for outdoors. Boots recommended if it has snowed or rained recently.
Officer In Charge: Capt. Redfearn
3 Sqn Model Rocketry will follow Transport Canada regulations and a Canadian Model Rocketry Safety Code.
3 Sqn model rockets are made of lightweight materials such as paper, wood, rubber, and plastic suitable for the power used and the performance required. Our rockets do not use any metal for the nose cone, body, or fins. Rocket launches are remotely controlled. With the exception of the OIC (Officer in Charge / Range Safety Officer) all participants must be at least 5 m from launch pad prior to ignition. 3 Sqn uses only commercially-made NAR certified model rocket engines, in the manner recommended by the manufacturer. 3 Sqn may use a recovery system in each model rocket that will return it safely to the ground so it may be flown again. Any recovery system will use only flame-resistant recovery wadding if required.
3 Sqn will launch model rockets outdoors in a cleared area, free of all trees, power lines, buildings, and dry brush and grass. The launcher will have a jet deflector device to prevent the engine exhaust from hitting the ground directly. We clear the area around a launch device of brown grass, weeds, and other easy-to-burn materials. We launch only when the winds are less than 30 km/hr. The rocket will not launch if there is a nearby aircraft in flight.
The OIC will ensure that everyone in the vicinity are aware of the pending launch, and can see the model rocket's liftoff, before beginning an audible countdown. Only the OIC will approach a launcher, on a misfire, after the battery has been disconnected from the ignition system.
FLIGHT SIMULATORS
Activity POSTPONED until further notice.
Sign up on Tuesday night. Contact the TrgO for more info.
The 3 Striker Flight Sim uses X-Plane 9. We can load new aircraft into the program.