Drone exam · UAS general knowledge

A custom accessory appears to work in a short hover test, but the manufacturer provides no data for its mounting point, vibration, or effect on sensors. What should the operator conclude?

Answer

The hover test does not establish that the configuration is safe across the intended flight envelope. The operator needs a defensible engineering or approval basis appropriate to the operation, or should use a supported configuration instead.

Explanation

A brief successful test samples very little of the loads, temperatures, manoeuvres, and failure conditions the aircraft may encounter. Unsupported modifications need more than 'it seemed fine.'