Question

A common cause of sUAS flyaway events is?

1) Frequency interference
2) Loss of GPS signals
3) Persons standing close to the control station antenna

Answer 1

The common cause of sUAS flyaway events is the loss of GPS signals, often due to distortions from solar storms and CMEs, which can impact navigational accuracy required for aviation. Frequency interference from various electromagnetic signals may also play a role in these flyaway events.

Step-by-step explanation:

A common cause of small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) flyaway events is loss of GPS signals. GPS signals can be disrupted by several factors, such as solar storms and Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs). These solar events can distort the signals from satellites significantly, impacting the accuracy of GPS locations to the extent that they fail to meet the precision requirements for airplane systems, which need to be accurate to within 160 feet. These signal disruptions have at times led to flight restrictions imposed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

In our modern world filled with electronics, we must also consider frequency interference as a potential cause of sUAS flyaways. The electromagnetic spectrum is filled with signals from various sources such as television towers, mobile phone towers, remote controls, and even car keys. These signals can interfere with each other if not appropriately regulated, and such interference can affect the communication between the sUAS and its controller, possible leading to a flyaway event.