Risk Assessment
Flying drones with students can be risky, but if properly managed many of these risks can be controlled. The first part of managing and controlling the risk is to complete a risk assessment. An example risk assessment (in Word format) is available for download as a starting point, but it is important that teachers involved in a drone program tailor this risk assessment to their own environment and requirements.
Student Activity: Drone Risks
Compile a list of possible risks which you could encounter when operating a drone.
In your list, just don't think about risks to yourself — also think about risks to others, their property, and potentially other aircraft operating in the airspace around you.
Then, you also need to provide suggestions about how these risks can be controlled and minimised.
Teachers, you may find that the students consider risks which you have not, and these can be included in your risk assessment documentation.
Checklists
Checklists need to be developed so that before and after flights there is a standardised procedure to follow to ensure the safety of people and the equipment. A great student activity is to have them develop checklists, then pool all the ideas to develop a master checklist which can be used by everyone. However, to get you started and give you some ideas, some sample checklists are provided below in Word format.
Note, some of the information will make more sense once you have flown the drones.
Student Activity: Checklists
Develop a pre-flight and post-flight checklist which you should follow before and after flying drones.
The main purpose of the checklist should be to ensure the safety of people and the equipment, and that the equipment is being used properly.
Once you have finished everyone in the class will pool their ideas to form a master checklist which can be used by everyone.