How to Create and Complete an Operation in Dronecloud

1. Start a New Operation 

• Log in to Drone Cloud.
• Click New Operation on the left-hand side.
• This opens the operation planning screen.

2. Enter Basic Flight Details 

• Choose how you want to define the flight area:
  • Draw a polygon or line
  • Import a KML file
  • Or enter flight details first and create the flight area on the next page
• Fill in the operation details, such as:
  • Operation name or test flight name
  • Type of work (for example, delivery)
  • Category (for example, Open A1)
  • Any description or additional notes
• If extra fields appear, complete them as needed.
• You can also export a PDF at this stage if needed.
• Click Continue.

3. Add Missions or Flight Areas 

• On the Planning tab, add your missions or flight areas.
• Each mission includes:
  • An area
  • A date
  • A time
• All missions remain part of the same operation.
• Enterprise accounts can add up to 20 missions.

4. Define the Flight Area and Mission Details 

• Navigate to the location where you plan to fly.
• Zoom in and use the polygon tool to draw the flight area.
• Alternatives:
  • Draw a line for linear operations
  • Import a KML file
• After creating the area, optionally add:
  • A mission name
  • Start date
  • Start time
  • Duration
  • Contingency buffer (default is 30 meters, but editable)
  • Maximum altitude

5. Assign Aircraft, Pilot, and Additional Resources 

• Select the aircraft from your Drone Cloud fleet.
• Select the pilot and add them to the operation.
• Add any additional personnel if needed.
• Add additional equipment as required.

6. Review Advisories and Acknowledge Risks 

• Once at least one mission is confirmed, review the system advisories.
• Advisories may include:
  • Airspace warnings
  • Ground hazards
• Click each item to view more information.
• Individually acknowledge advisories so there is a record that they were accepted.

7. Add Supporting Documentation 

• Upload any supporting documents needed for the operation.
• Create or select a risk assessment template from your Drone Cloud account.
• Write or use a template for the method statement.
• Add any required checklists or use a template.

8. Submit the Flight Plan

• Click Submit the Flight Plan.
• The plan is submitted into the UTM.
• Other Drone Cloud users can then see the flight location, date, and time to help deconflict operations.

9. Complete On-Site Checks

• After submission, you move to the On-Site tab.
• Add any additional information needed.
• Re-check advisories and acknowledge them if necessary.
• Perform any additional risk assessment.
• Add on-site observations as required.

10. Finish Post-Flight Tasks and Close the Operation 

• When flying is complete, click Complete Flying.
• In the Post-Flight section, add:
  • Flight logs manually or by upload
  • Post-flight reporting information
  • Any additional required answers or follow-up details
• Once everything is finished, click Complete Operation.
• The operation will move to a completed status.