FAQs

1. What is the difference between the terms UAV and UAS?
2. How do I order?
3. What is the range of the Quest system - how far away can I fly?  
4. What if I want to Operate Commercially (ie make money)?
5. Why isn't the Transmitter/Receiver included in the UAS Package Price?
6. Why is the Post-Processing Software not included in the UAS Package Price?
7. Once we have bought the equipment, who will be able to fly it?

What is the difference between the terms UAV and UAS?
A UAV is an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle - simply the aircraft that flies around the sky.  A UAS is an Unmanned Aerial SYSTEM, a much larger entity that includes the ground control system, the maintenance tools, the skills involved in operating the system  - all the harware, software and human interaction required to operate the UAV.

How do I order?
We expect to take complete orders for whole systems only after following an email exchange with you and a number of phone calls to discuss your requirements and the capability of the QuestUAV systems.  Then the normal process is quote and invoice followed by a bank transfer. However for smaller intems and for replacements with established clients, it's just a phone call or an email and we will get the items out to you and receive payment generally by bank transfer afterwards.

What is the range of the Quest system - how far away can I fly?  
The range of the systems are probably much more than you can legally fly. With sufficient battery power you could fly out to 40km distance from your start point, but this would be illegal in UK. The restriction is something called VLOS - Visual Line of Sight where the pilot can clearly still see the aircraft (without any visual aids like binoculars) and take control if necessary. For commercial flying this is considered a maximum of 500m horizontally and 400ft vertically.  For research purposes this restriction is relaxed a little but the pilot must still have the aircraft in visual line of sight and under 600ft altitude.  This range will allow a 70ha (hectare) site to be surveyed in one flight.

What if I want to Operate Commercially (ie make money)?
Then you will need CAA permission to operate a sUA in UK. It's something you will need to think about carefully because it's not a straighforward process and will most likely take many months, if not years. You will need to convince the CAA (Civil Aviation Authority) that you are suitable experienced to fly and can operate safely. This will normally need  qualification(s) and UAV flying experience to back your application up as well as an operating manual that you have written to describe your operating intent, along with descritions of safety guidelines and risk assessments.

Why isn't the Transmitter/Receiver included in the UAS Package Price?
There are a number of reasons. Firstly you may already be comfortable with a different transmitter (JR/Multiplex etc) and might want to use that. Also you may already have a transmitter and not want to be forced to buy a new one - especially if you already have a QUEST System. Also different countries have slightly different specifications. Europe is the same, but the States, for example, has a different range of transmitter.  We will advise you when you purchase.

Why is the Post-Processing Software not included in the UAS Package Price?
Firstly, you may already have your methods of post processing and probably wont want the software we use.  Also, if you are going to use it, you will need to decide which level of license you need (Educational or Commercial)  because there is a big difference in price.

Once we have bought the equipment, who will be able to fly it? 
In order to fly the systems safely someone (ie the pilot) must have sufficient skill to deal with things going wrong and be able to land the aircraft safely.  A pilot should also be able to foresee dangers and prevent situations arising.  This all requires a level of competence that takes a time to develop. We therefore recommend that an operator of the aircraft is someone who has former experience of flying model aircraft who can fly safely and make such decisions. Alternately QuestUAV (formerly BlueRiverStudio) have operated sUAV commercially aircraft for years and provide a pilot service that will take you safely through your first surveys.

Don't forget that we now have a very competent simulator based on the Phoenix simulator with aircraft designed to the same characteristics as the QuestUAV 100 and 200. Check out the shop for prices.