Daytime Waiver Communication method

Kaifect · Feb 15, 2018

I received a reply from the FAA requesting more information about communication between PIC and VOs. ·

"The method(s) your remote Pilot in Command (PIC) and Visual Observers (VOs) will use to communicate."

Any suggestions?

shooter · Feb 15, 2018

Kaifect said:
I received a reply from the FAA requesting more information about communication between PIC and VOs. ·

"The method(s) your remote Pilot in Command (PIC) and Visual Observers (VOs) will use to communicate."

Any suggestions?

Voice and 2-way radios with VOX throat mics.

S F Ogden · Feb 16, 2018

Hi Kaifect. How long after the initial request did they reply asking for more information?

Kaifect · Feb 16, 2018

Applied Jan 8 request for more info Feb 12.

S F Ogden · Feb 16, 2018

Thanks, I applied for an authorization in mid January and wanted a sense of progress. Been hearing about those 5 month horror stories.

Boefinator · Feb 19, 2018

shooter said:
Voice and 2-way radios with VOX throat mics.

S F Ogden said:
Hi Kaifect. How long after the initial request did they reply asking for more information?

I would also add that in case of failure of the back up communications plan that flight operations will be terminated.

Kaifect · Feb 19, 2018

Thanks I will add that.

RNCotton · Feb 22, 2018

They asked me the same question. In my mind, I'm saying, "They're standing right next to each other, so they communicate with their mouths, duh! Letters form syllables. Syllables form words. Words form cohesive communication with phrases and sentences."

But, I decided this sounded better than being a smart*ss ....

For most missions, the flight crew will be in very close proximity to each other, allowing for unassisted verbal communication. If radio communication is required, the Pilot shall account for the latency in communication by modifying operation of the aircraft as the situation warrants.

Wilson Lake Drone · Feb 22, 2018

One method of communications with a VO would be to use cell phones using only one side of earbuds. This would be pretty much a no latency method of communication if the VO is very far away. You would have one ear to listen for manned flights.

Dave Pitman · Feb 22, 2018

RNCotton said:
But, I decided this sounded better than being a smart*ss ....

With these FAA subcontractors, it can be really challenging to hold back sometimes. Some of their questions are so ....

I think if their 10 year old told them they were going outside to play with the neighbor, they would ask them to explain how they were going to do that, lol.

RNCotton · Feb 26, 2018

Wilson Lake Drone said:
One method of communications with a VO would be to use cell phones using only one side of earbuds. .

They would probably come back with "Please explain your process if the earbud you were using were to fail."

Wilson Lake Drone · Feb 26, 2018

Yeah they probably would and the only thing you could say would be to pull the earbud out and put your phone on speakerphone mode having it in a clip on your belt I guess.