FPV Fiber Optic Tether System – Essential Flight Safety Guidelines & Risk Prevention

■ Flight Safety Guidelines for FPV Optical Fiber Spools

Safe Operation Practices, Risk Levels, and Emergency Handling Procedures

Operating an FPV Optical Fiber Spool requires careful attention to payout dynamics, drone flight pattern, and environmental factors.
Unsafe use may result in fiber damage, propeller strike, loss of signal, or uncontrolled flight.
This document details safety practices, risk alerts, and emergency responses.

■ Pre-Flight Safety Checklist (Critical)

1.1 Ensure Free Fiber Exit

Check that fiber leaves the spool without getting hung up.

1.2 Pull Out 2 or 3 Meters of Fiber Manually (Before Takeoff)

This avoids a sudden tension load at takeoff point.

1.3 Prevent Fiber Leaving Near Propeller (Mandatory)

Fiber should never leave the spool towards the propeller.

1.4 Ensure FC Connector & Ground Module Are Firmly Connected

Loose or poorly connected transmitters may cause signal loss.

■ Safe Takeoff Procedures

2.1 Avoid Sudden Acceleration

Do not rapidly increase throttle.

2.2 Avoid Sharp Edges: Flattening Fiber Path

Fiber should either not touch the environment or only smooth but never sharp edges.

■ In-Flight Safety Practices

3.1 Avoid Payout Speeds Exceeding 180km/h

High payout speeds apply exponentially higher strain loads on fiber.

3.2 Avoid Rapid Deceleration or Vertical Trim

Sharp deacceleration or dip develops reverse strain load across the fiber.

3.3 Avoid Small Angle Left/Right Descending Turns

Acute left or right turns develop transverse strain loads on fiber.

■ Environmental Considerations (Optional but Recommended)

4.1 Strong Wind Areas

In high wind conditions:

• Keep greater tension sensitivity awareness

• Avoid lateral descent turns

• Ensure higher fiber emergence angle to avoid sudden sideways tension pulls.

4.2 Heavy Obstacles Areas (Urban, Forests, Factory Areas)

Operating FPV close to buildings and objects develop risk of strikes.

Adjustment Steps:

• Avoid payout low to outside

• Reduce altitude during payout

• Avoid hiding behind buildings or any obstacles that may bend (high risk of damaging or cuts).

• Ensure ground team has active eyes on fiber spool.

4.3 Uneven Terrain Areas

Terrain beyond hills or ground structures alters fiber exit angle.

Adjustment:

• Avoid payout on descending cuts through valleys or hills.

■ Ground-Side Operational Cautions

• 5.1 Ensure No Fiber Contact on Rocks or Corners
  Prevent all contact with operator, tools, and hard or sharp edges.

• 5.2 Ensure Fiber Spool Is Not Rocked
  Repositioning of tools or hands may alter payout dimensions.

• 5.3 Avoid Allowing Fiber 'Falling' on Ground
  Payout drag may scratch the fiber rip the coating.

■ Emergency Handling Procedures (Important)

If any irregularities or unexplained conditions occur during the flight, please follow these recommended emergency procedures:

6.1 Tight Fiber or Sudden Strain Load Sense

Immediate actions you should take:

• Gradually reduce throttle

• Avoid ascent and apply steady flight

• Hover and don’t panic

• Slowly realign angles to reduce tension strain load

6.2 Entwined Fiber Gaining Irregular Exit

This could happen at takeoff phase:

• Avoid turns or pitch.

• Ground crew to check fiber spool or fiber exit position.

• If you feel this is a risk-free location, pull gently or assist.

• If issue persists: initiate slow return flight operation.

6.3 Video Signal Loss or Loop Back

Common causes: ‘spool-hook-up’ or cable twist at exit; bending strain at exit; connector issues.

Procedures if this condition arises:

• Switch to plan B (if available)

• Realign drone

• Stabilize and reduce movements

• Hover and gain some height to realign fiber exit position.

• If signal drop out, follow panic push RTH procedures from operator procedures.

6.4 Fiber May Have Struck the Propeller

This is an emergency signal!

If you assume that fiber has struck the propeller:

• Immediately reduce throttle or panic push RTH

• If at safe exit fiber angle, attempt to stabilize flat position

• Avoid applying aggressive flight settings.

• Fly and land safely.

■ Conclusion

Safe operation of FPV Optical Fiber Spools requires pre-check, careful control of drone dynamics, and tension considerations for specific environmental conditions.
Additional emergency procedures ensure swift action to prevent cut fiber or loss of signal.

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