Accelerometer

A device utilized for measuring directional acceleration, employed to stabilize quadcopters.

AGL (Above Ground Level)

Denotes the altitude at which a UAV is flying relative to ground level. For instance, a drone flying 200 feet above a 70-foot hill would be at 200 feet AGL, later changing to 270 feet AGL after crossing the hill.

Acro Mode

Also referred to as manual mode or rate mode, Acro mode lacks automatic aircraft leveling. In this mode, the pilot must continually make adjustments to maintain control of the drone.

Aircraft

A mechanical apparatus designed for airborne travel.

Air Traffic Control (ATC)

A service provided by ground-based air traffic controllers (e.g., FAA in the US) to ensure the safe and organized flow of air traffic.

APAS

Advanced Pilot Assistance Systems - a DJI product that is used in Active Track and Spotlight modes etc.

AMA (Academy of Model Aeronautics)

A non-profit organization dedicated to promoting model aviation as a recreational activity and recognized sport.

Atti Mode

A DJI flight mode, abbreviated for Attitude Mode, where the drone maintains a specific altitude but not position. The pilot needs to make constant adjustments to maintain the drone's position.

Auto Leveling

A flight mode enabling the drone to execute level flight automatically, typically engaged through a setting on the drone.

Autonomous Flight

The flight of UAVs controlled by internal programming rather than manual radio control, directing the drone's flight path.

Barometric Altimeter (BARO)

An altitude measurement sensor utilizing barometric pressure.

Bind

A procedure to establish a connection between the drone and the controller.

Brushless Motor

Efficient and durable motors with permanent magnets rotating around a fixed armature, as opposed to brushed motors.

BVLOS (Beyond Visual Line of Sight)

The capability to operate an unmanned aircraft beyond the pilot's direct line of sight, requiring a special permit from the FAA in the USA.

CAP

Civil Air Publication. For example, CAP 722 (guidance and policy on the operation of unmanned aircraft systems within the UK).

Center of Gravity

The point where most of the aircraft's weight is concentrated, crucial for ensuring level flight and stability.

Certificate of Authorization (COA)

A waiver issued by the FAA allowing a public operator to conduct specific UAS operations.

Commercial Drones

UAS designed for intensive use with specific purposes such as package delivery, 3D mapping with LiDAR, search and rescue, and professional cinematography.

Controlled Airspace

Airspace with defined dimensions wherein ATC services are provided, varying in control levels for different airspace classes.

Collision Avoidance

A system preventing drones from colliding with other aircraft and fixed objects like buildings, powerlines, trees, and towers.

Controller

A handheld device utilizing radio signals to control the drone.

DJI

Acronym for Dà-Jiāng Innovations, the largest manufacturer of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) based in Shenzhen, China.

[DJI Flight Modes]

[DJI Flight Modes]

Drone

A common term for UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles), describing various UAV types for different sizes and purposes.

Dronie

A self-portrait or self-video captured using a camera drone.

Electromagnetic Interference (EMI)

Electrical interference caused by proximity to metal, magnets, powerlines, or cell towers.

Elios

A collision-tolerant, intuitive, and precise drone designed for indoor inspection.

ESC (Electric Speed Control)

An electronic device paired with the drone's power supply and flight controller to control motor speed and direction.

Fail Safe

A system protecting a drone in case of errors, such as automatically returning to home if the signal is lost.

FC (Flight Controller)

The central control unit for a multirotor, often referred to as the brain of the drone.

FOV (Field of View)

The measurement, in degrees, of the visible area through a camera lens.

FPV (First Person View)

A method where the pilot sees what the drone sees through a screen or mobile device.

Frequency

The radio frequency on which FPV equipment operates, allowing for multiple channels to avoid interference.

Geofencing

A virtual geographic boundary created using GPS and software to restrict where a drone can and cannot fly.

GCS (Ground Control System)

A device used to measure directional acceleration, employed to stabilize quadcopters.

Gimbal

The mount on a drone where a camera is placed, enabling movement and stabilization along multiple axes.

GIS (Geographic Information System)

A system for capturing, storing, manipulating, analyzing, managing, and presenting spatial or geographic data.

GLONASS/GNSS/GPS

Global Navigation Satellite Systems

Gyroscope

A device assisting in keeping a quadcopter level while maintaining its reference direction.

Hexacopter

A multirotor aircraft with six rotors, offering the advantage of continued operation even if one engine fails.

HIRTA (High Intensity Radio Transmission Area)

Flying through an HIRTA can interfere with the electronics on a drone.

Hobby Grade

An upgraded drone from a toy, offering reliability at a reasonable price and typically equipped with a camera.

IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit)

A controller combining an accelerometer and a gyroscope to stabilize and orient a quadcopter.

INS (Inertial Navigation System)

A system calculating position based on the initial GPS reading, incorporating speed and motion sensor readings, useful when a drone loses GPS signal.

IOC (Intelligent Orientation Control)

Sets the forward control of the drone equal to wherever the nose of the drone is pointing.

IP Rating

A rating system classifying the degree of protection an electrical enclosure has against water and dust.

LAANC (Low Altitude and Notification Capability system)

Allows drones access to controlled airspace in near real-time, a collaboration between the FAA and private companies in support of UAS integration into national airspace.

Lithium Polymer Battery (LIPO)

Battery chemistry offering more power and less weight than NiMh and NiCad batteries, with variants like Lithium Ion.

LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging)

A method of detecting, measuring, and mapping using a laser, often used in situations requiring high precision.

mAh (Milliampere hours)

A unit of measurement describing the energy capacity of a battery.

METAR (Meteorological Terminal Aviation Routine Weather Report)

Also known as a Meteorological Aerodrome Report, METAR is a format for reporting weather information, covering temperature, dew point, wind, precipitation, cloud cover, visibility, and barometric pressure.

MSL (Mean Sea Level)

Altitude measured above the average height of the ocean/sea.

Multicopter

A rotorcraft with more than two propellers.

NOTAM (Notice to Airmen)

A notice warning aircraft and pilots of possible hazards or flight restrictions at a specific location or along a flight route. Because of wokeness, this is now often refered to as Notice to Air People or Notice to Air Missions.

Observer

Also referred to as a VO (Visual Observer), somebody who observes the pilot flying acting as a second set of eyes for the pilot.

Obstacle Avoidance

A vision system allowing UAVs to detect obstacles in their path and avoid collisions.

Octocopter

A multirotor aircraft with eight propellers.

Photogrammetry

A method of mapping and surveying achieved by stitching photographs together to create one large image.

PIC (Pilot in Command)

The person ultimately responsible for the operation and safety during flight.

Pitch

Used to describe up and down movement along the vertical axis from the front to the back of the drone.

Professional Drone

A high-end UAV fitted with the latest technologies designed for specific professional uses, such as professional media or precision mapping.

Propeller

An angled blade used to create areas of high and low pressure, providing lift or thrust.

Quadcopter

A multirotor with four propellers.

Racing Drone

A quadcopter designed for first-person-view racing competitions.

RPAS

Remotely Piloted Aircraft System. Another term for Drone or UAV and often used in the miltary.

RTH (Return to Home)

A setting triggered by the drone operator to automatically return the drone to a set location if signal is lost or battery power is low.

Roll

Used to describe up and down movement on each side of the drone.

sUAS (Small Unmanned Aircraft System)

Unmanned aircraft systems weighing less than 55 lbs.

Telemetry

A two-way digital data stream relaying flight data and instructions between the UAV and ground station.

TFR (Temporary Flight Restriction)

A temporary restriction of all flights in a specific area due to the presence of government VIPs, natural disasters, special events, or other unusual occurrences.

Trim

Buttons on the controller used to control roll, pitch, yaw, and throttle.

UAS (Unmanned Aircraft System)

An unmanned aircraft, such as a quadcopter, controlled by an operator on the ground.

Uncontrolled Airspace

Airspace without ATC (air traffic control) services; Class F and Class G airspace are uncontrolled.

VLOS (Visual Line of Sight)

Operating a UAV within the operator's direct line of sight without the aid of any device other than corrective lenses.

VO (Visual Observer)

An optional crew member responsible for maintaining visual contact with the UAV to ensure its safe operation.

Waypoints

A set of coordinates defining a point in space, used to create a flight path for UAVs.

Yaw

Rotating the drone along its vertical axis.