Remote Pilot – Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems › I. Regulations › Task E. Operations Over People

UA.I.E.K16

Knowledge

Impact kinetic energy.

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Get a short, cited explanation of this element written from the FAA handbooks: the core idea, the numbers that matter, common test traps, and a quick self-check.

From the FAA library

Small Unmanned Aircraft System (Small UAS)p. 8-15
CHAPTER 8. SMALL UNMANNED AIRCRAFT OVER PEOPLE › 8.6.1 Impact Kinetic Energy › KEimpact = 0.0155 × 1.0 × (40)2 = 24.8 ft-lbs
speeds the aircraft could achieve as a result of a typical failure in order to determine the maximum impact kinetic energy. The applicant should identify and assess typical failures caused by system or equipment loss of function or malfunction ... ft/s has a maximum impact kinetic energy of: 2. Similarly, a small unmanned aircraft that weighs 1.0 pound and has a maximum impact speed of 40 ft/s has an impact kinetic energy…
Small Unmanned Aircraft System (Small UAS)p. 8-14
CHAPTER 8. SMALL UNMANNED AIRCRAFT OVER PEOPLE › 8.6 FAA-Provided MOC › 8.6.1 Impact Kinetic Energy
Impact Kinetic Energy. An applicant may use the FAA-provided MOC to satisfy the impact kinetic energy requirements by confirming the impact of the small unmanned aircraft does not exceed the applicable injury severity limits during a typical failure mode…
Small Unmanned Aircraft System (Small UAS)p. 8-13
CHAPTER 8. SMALL UNMANNED AIRCRAFT OVER PEOPLE › 8.6 FAA-Provided MOC
energy. This MOC does not account for impact dynamics or other factors, but consists of using only the formula the FAA describes to calculate the small unmanned aircraft’s maximum kinetic energy. This FAA-accepted MOC provides manufacturers with ... unmanned aircraft would meet the requirements to operate over people. As a result, the MOC involves confirming (1) the impact of a small unmanned aircraft does not exceed a certain kinetic energy limit, (2) the small unmanned aircraft does…
Small Unmanned Aircraft System (Small UAS)p. 8-17
CHAPTER 8. SMALL UNMANNED AIRCRAFT OVER PEOPLE › 8.6 FAA-Provided MOC › 8.6.2 Exposed Rotating Parts
shows the aircraft does not transfer more than the kinetic energy limit to a person upon impact, the aircraft may be eligible for Category 2 or 3 operations over people. This demonstration would require an MOC that is not provided ... standards to consider that small unmanned aircraft often have non-rigid structures, which can reduce the kinetic energy transferred to a person upon impact. The FAA encourages the development of such MOC. Please see paragraphs 8.7 and 8.8 below…