Level 1

30 / 3 / 2025

Task 1 - Flying the Airblock Drone

I recently flew an Airblock drone and realized how crucial environmental conditions are for a successful flight. During my attempt, I learned how to properly attach the propellers. However, due to a low battery, the Airblock did not fly as expected. I also faced difficulty in controlling the drone, which led to multiple crashes. As a result, the propellers frequently hit the ground. To improve my control, I removed the thermocol protection around the propellers and attempted to fly the drone with only the propellers attached. This adjustment helped me achieve better control compared to my previous attempts. Despite this improvement, flying the Airblock remains challenging. Frequent crashes highlight the need to master control and develop quick reflexes. Additionally, flying in suitable environmental conditions, such as low wind and stable weather, significantly improves performance and reduces the likelihood of crashes.

Task9- DGCA Regulations:

Understanding BVLOS and DGCA Drone Regulations

The Drone Rules, 2021, introduced by the Government of India, aim to simplify drone usage while ensuring safety. One of the key improvements is the shift towards non-intrusive monitoring, where authorities trust drone operators to comply with rules without excessive supervision. This reduces the need for complex approvals, enabling smoother operations via the Digital Sky Platform.

A significant component of drone regulation is BVLOS (Beyond Visual Line of Sight). This refers to drone flights where the pilot cannot directly see the drone. Unlike VLOS (Visual Line of Sight), BVLOS enables drones to fly long distances and is vital for applications such as delivery, agriculture, surveillance, and infrastructure inspection.

However, BVLOS operations are currently limited in India and allowed only under special exemptions, primarily for research and experimental purposes. To ensure safety, BVLOS flights must include systems like GPS, detect-and-avoid, automated return-to-home, and reliable communication links.

Overall, India’s approach is moving toward simplified, technology-driven governance that promotes drone innovation while maintaining airspace safety.

🧭 Flowchart

Drone Operations in India
|
├── Drone Rules 2021
|   ├── Digital Sky Platform
|   ├── Trust-based System
|   └── Non-intrusive Monitoring
|
├── Types of Operations
|   ├── VLOS (Visual Line of Sight)
|   └── BVLOS (Beyond Visual Line of Sight)
|       ├── Long-range flight
|       ├── Special Exemptions Only
|       ├── GPS & Obstacle Detection
|       └── Used in Delivery, Surveillance
|
└── Approval System
    ├── Green Zone → No Approval Needed
    ├── Yellow Zone → Controlled Access
    └── Red Zone → Restricted, Requires Clearance

except nano category drones , which are less then 250grams ,we have to register our drones on digital sky platform , and must obtain an unique identification number , and a remote pilot certificate , which we will get after completing the pilot requirment training from a from a DGCA-authorized Remote Pilot Training Organization (RPTO).

Nano drones (≤250g) can fly up to 50 feet only in Green Zones without registration or permission. Flying in Yellow or Red Zones is prohibited without special approval. They cannot fly above 50 feet under any circumstances. Compliance with DGCA rules is mandatory for safe operations.

Task 8. Different Flight Modes in Mission Planner

Common Flight Modes and Their Uses

Task 7. Basics of PID

Part A: Understanding PID Tuning for UAV Stability

1. What is PID Control?

PID stands for Proportional–Integral–Derivative, which is a mathematical control system used in UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) to correct errors in motion and keep the UAV stable.

The PID controller continuously calculates an error as the difference between a setpoint (what you want) and a measured value (what’s happening), and tries to reduce that error by adjusting outputs like motor speeds.

Detailed Explanation of P, I, D

Proportional (P)

• What it does: Responds based on how far the UAV is from the target.
• Example: If you want the UAV to stay level but it tilts by 10°, the Proportional controller will apply a strong correction. If it's only off by 2°, it applies a smaller correction.
• Formula: P_output = Kp * error
• Effect:
  • High P = fast correction, but may overshoot the target.
  • Low P = slow response, may not correct in time.
• Overshoot: Happens when P is too high and the UAV goes past the target position before stabilizing.

Integral (I)

• What it does: Adds up small errors over time that P couldn't fix.
• Example: If the UAV is always drifting slightly to one side, I will increase over time and apply a slow push to bring it back.
• Formula: I_output = Ki * ∑ error over time
• Effect:
  • Helps eliminate long-term drift or bias.
  • Too much I can make the UAV oscillate or become unstable.
• When useful: Fixes minor but constant deviations the Proportional term misses.

Derivative (D)

• What it does: Predicts where the UAV is going based on how fast the error is changing.
• Example: If the UAV is tilting rapidly, D says “slow down!” before it overshoots.
• Formula: D_output = Kd * (change in error / time)
• Effect:
  • Reduces overshoot.
  • Smooths out the response.
  • Too much D can cause sluggish movement.

2. PID in UAV Flight Control

PID controllers are used in various parts of a drone:

• Attitude control (roll, pitch, yaw)
• Altitude control
• Position control (GPS-based)
• Heading control

Example: When wind causes your drone to tilt, the roll PID detects it and adjusts motor speeds to make the drone level again.

3. PID Tuning for UAV Stability

Tuning PID means choosing the right P, I, and D values to get a good balance between speed, stability, and accuracy.

Part B: Understanding GPS Hold and Altitude Hold

1. GPS Hold (Position Hold)

• Maintains UAV’s X-Y position using GPS.
• Also holds Z (altitude) using a barometer or GPS altitude.
• Requires strong GPS signal with at least 6–8 satellites.
• Combines position control (latitude, longitude) and altitude control.

2. Altitude Hold

• Maintains UAV's height only (Z-axis).
• Does not keep UAV in place on X-Y plane — it can drift in wind.
• Uses barometer (or ultrasonic sensor if flying low).
• Simpler than GPS Hold.

TASK 6. RF Communication in UAVs

What is RF Communication?

RF = Radio Frequency
In drones, RF is like a wireless walkie-talkie between the remote controller (Tx) and the drone (Rx). It allows the pilot to control the drone and receive data like battery level, GPS, speed, etc.

Common RF Frequencies Used in Drones

Protocols Used in UAVs

Security Concerns in UAV RF Communication

• Signal Jamming: Someone blocks your RF signal.
• Signal Spoofing: Someone pretends to be your controller.
• Hacking/MITM: Taking over drone mid-flight.
• GPS Spoofing: Sending fake GPS to confuse drone.

Mitigation Techniques:

• Use encrypted protocols (e.g., ELRS with key-based pairing)
• Avoid public frequency bands in risky areas
• Use failsafe settings (auto land or RTL on signal loss)
• Update firmware regularly to fix security holes

Task5. Understand about ESC

This project demonstrates how to control the speed of a BLDC (Brushless DC) motor using an Electronic Speed Controller (ESC), Arduino UNO, and a potentiometer. The ESC converts the DC power from a battery into three-phase AC power required to run the BLDC motor. The ESC receives PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) signals from the Arduino, which act as throttle commands. A potentiometer connected to the Arduino adjusts these PWM signals, allowing the user to vary the motor speed smoothly.

A critical part of this project is ESC calibration, which ensures the ESC correctly recognizes the minimum and maximum throttle inputs. During calibration, the ESC learns the full PWM range by first receiving a maximum signal and then a minimum signal. Without proper calibration, the motor speed control may be inaccurate or non-responsive.

The circuit involves connecting the potentiometer to Arduino’s analog pin, ESC signal wire to a PWM pin on Arduino, and powering the ESC and motor appropriately.

After calibration, the motor speed changes smoothly according to the potentiometer position.

How 3-Phase AC Helps Motor Rotation

3-phase AC means three alternating currents, each offset by 120°, flow through the motor's stator windings. These create magnetic fields that combine into a single rotating magnetic field inside the stator.

The rotor, which has permanent magnets, tries to align with this rotating field. As the magnetic field continuously rotates, the rotor follows it, causing smooth and continuous motor rotation.

Unlike single-phase AC, which produces a pulsating field, 3-phase AC creates a constant rotating force, making BLDC motors efficient and powerful.

The ESC converts DC power into this 3-phase AC by switching currents precisely to maintain rotation.

Task 1. Introduction to Aerodynamics and Aircraft Structures

1. Aerodynamic Principles in Aviation

1.1 Bernoulli’s Principle

Bernoulli’s Principle states that faster fluid flow results in lower pressure. The wing’s airfoil shape makes air move faster over the curved top and slower underneath. This pressure difference creates lift, allowing the aircraft to rise.

Equation:
p+1/2xv^2=constant Where P = pressure, x = air density, and v = velocity.

1.2 Newton’s Third Law

For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. Wings push air downward; in return, air pushes wings upward, generating lift. Jet engines push air backward, creating forward thrust.

2. Aerodynamic Forces