So after having made multiple autonomous flights, from my home to my parents (10km) and from my home to the rc-club (5km), Some clubmembers got my head crazy and kinda challenged me to cross the English Channel autonomously. But heck, I want my plane back, so I'll be crossing the Channel AND going BACK.
The idea seemed crazy enough at first, but I couldn't get it out of my head and started doing the math (and the $$$ math).
I read about some long distance fpv flights, so there should be airframes capable of such distances. After quite some thought, reading and consulting, the choise fell on the skywalker X8. Total grounddistance to cover is about 70km, but to account for some crosswind and other unforseen circumstances, I wanted a range of 100km.
To make a long story short, my X8 covered a total distance of 102km in 1 flight a few weekends back, complete with onboard video, video transmitter for fpv, minimOSD and telemetry. I still had a little juice left in the batteries when I landed. This flight was for the most part flown with my rc transmitter off (simulated out of rc range). Telemetry was always on (in range) but I have successfully flown with telemetry disconnected and groundmodule ID changed (simulated out of range telemetry)
Now the only thing keeping me from realising my challenge is legislation. I'm a technical guy, so this is not my strongpoint. Has anyone got some info how to tackle this? Should I contact French and English air traffic authorities ? Would I be likely to get permission ?
I plan to fly 97% over sea at an altitude of 100m. At that height I don't think I pose a threat to any ships nor any airplanes. Anything else I should consider regarding safety ? I think the biggest risk I take is losing my plane, which is ofcourse a risk I'm willing to take, but any comments are welcome!
I've uploaded a Tlog file of my 102km flight to droneshare : droneshare 102km flight
Please disregard the total flighttime on droneshare. Flighttime was 90 minutes, not 229 minutes as is mentioned on droneshare.
I have found an online weather report for a calais buoy so I can check for a day where wind conditions are favorable (not to much wind and not too cross)
Ofcourse if anyone from England is reading this and is willing to lend a hand by standing watch and giving me a call when he sees the plane, or maybe even have a pc with telemetry to follow the plane if it gets out of my range, I'll be happy to keep him(her) in the loop. Maybe Martin from http://www.buildyourowndrone.co.uk/ would be interested in giving me a hand ?
Any further advice to help me complete the challenge sucessfully is welcome !
Regards,
U4eake
Comments
What batteries, motors and props were used to clock 102km flight?
Do it now before the laws get really restrictive...
Justin, Mallorca to Menorca would also be achievable technically... That would stay within Spain. But I don't speak spanish and have no idea about model aircraft regulations there. I have been to mallorca on holiday though (10 years ago orso). Still have some T-shirts from disco's "Paradies" and euhm, don't remember the other one :-)
French law seems very restrictive indeed. I understand why the BBC guy got frustrated :-)
An alternative is that I launch from Belgium. It would be a 1 way trip then, but still feasible.
Hmm, I know it has been done by manually flying a model aircraft from a helicopter, but don't know if it has been done autonomously, so without interfering if everything goes well.
The BBC guys also followed their glider in a boat didn't they ?
@u4eake u're welcome. Article 6,1 of http://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/jopdf/common/jo_pdf.jsp?numJO=0&d... states that "one cannot operate an aircraft if in a moving vehicule". The limitations of the French law are very restrictive.
Yes if you follow with a boat or helicopter its fine. Its been done several times.
Thanks for all the info! I had seen the BBC attempt before, but forgot about the burocracy troubles.
I don't really think they'd scramble jets for my 2.15m wingspan X8. I'm sure they can see it on radar, but I doubt if they can distinguish it from a large seagull. Or maybe they can, based on its straight flight at constant altitude... Hmmm. Having a video of my drone being shot down by a tornado or eurofighter would sure be cool! Loosing the house would not...
Hasufel, thanks for those very usefull links! Though my french is a little rusty, I found an interesting passage at the end : no permission needs to be obtained for aircraft below 25kg AUW that fly within line of sight, below 150m and within 100m of the pilot, if the flight is outside populated areas, airports, controlled airspace, etc. Also if an autopilot is used it must be possible to take back control at all times.
If I interpret this correctly I could do it without permission, provided that I follow the plane in a boat, within 100m...
Anyone got a fast boat for hire ? :-) Should be able to reach close to 70km/h
Foolish comment - I know - authorities will confiscate your plane too
I wonder if Gibraltar to Benzu, Spain (Morocca Side) 18 km will be any easier - too far away logistically
http://goo.gl/maps/Rn9ax
Trouble with that Justin is there are further rules coming in shortly that will result in a hefty fine or prison time if you can't pay it. I am talking about more money than is currently being levied at someone in America and I am under a news embargo for reporting the proposed numbers.
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