Airframes 7

Control Mode Manual It is "purest" form of flight control : Pilot inputs directly control aircraft No stabilization or autopilot assistance This should be the mode that is trained for pilot proficiency : Requires a good level of skill Should be comfortable flying in manual mode in case of failure of autopilot Should be used in Emergency situations: Direct pilot control of the aircraft Eliminates any interference from autopilot or stabilization Does not rely on GPS or sensors Control Mode Attitude Will use sensors in controller to maintain a stable altitude with no user input: Will attempt to maintain level flight Will attempt to maintain altitude Commonly used, but has some limitations: Is dependent on sensors in flight controller Can fluctuate slightly due to magnetic/electrical noise Wind gusts can cause unpredictable stabilization Can lead to a false sense of security

Control Mode GPS Will use GPS for additional stabilization of the RPA with no user input: Will attempt to hold its position in space Will attempt to hold its orientation in space Will attempt to maintain a level attitude Will attempt to maintain its altitude Use with Caution: Is dependent on sufficient GPS signals (6 minimum) Can fluctuate slightly due to magnetic/electrical noise Can lead to a false sense of security