When conducting a UAS mission involving multiple people, effective communication is crucial, and a two-way radio is indispensable for this purpose. While cell phones are ubiquitous, the process of retrieving them, dialing a number, and waiting for a connection is far too cumbersome for the fast-paced nature of drone operations. Although using a two-way radio might seem straightforward, following best practices can significantly enhance your field communications. Here are my top tips for using a two-way radio effectively during UAS missions, ensuring clear, efficient, and reliable communication in the field.
1. Position the Microphone Properly
When using a two-way radio, place the microphone 1 to 2 inches from your mouth. Pivot the mic slightly so that you are speaking past it rather than directly into it. This technique helps to avoid plosives—bursts of sound that occur when the air hits the microphone directly, often caused by pronouncing certain consonants like 'p' and 't.' By positioning the mic correctly, you ensure clearer communication and reduce the likelihood of distorted audio.
2. Plan Your Message Before Speaking
Before starting a communication, take a moment to think about what you're going to say. Ensuring your message is precise and straight to the point helps avoid confusion and saves time. Clear, concise communication is key to effective coordination during UAS missions. (Now that I think about it, this isn't terrible advice for everyday communications either!)
3. Press, Hold, Wait, Talk
Remember the sequence: Press, hold, wait, talk. After pressing the push-to-talk button, wait for 2 seconds to ensure you're broadcasting before you start speaking. This small pause guarantees that your entire message is transmitted clearly, and nothing is cut off.
4. Know How to Start
Begin your first message by announcing who you are and who you want to communicate with. Radio quality can sometimes be poor, and even in small groups, voices may not be easily recognizable over the radio. For example, say, "Bob, this is Joe, do you copy?" This helps ensure that your message reaches the right person and reduces confusion.
5. Know How to Finish
Always end your message with the word "over" so the other party knows you’ve finished speaking, and it’s their turn to reply. For example, you may say this after Bob asks you for water, “Bob, this is Joe. Copy that. I will bring you a bottle of water. Over.” This simple practice ensures smooth, orderly communication and prevents overlaps and interruptions.
6. Don’t Leave Your Team Hanging
When you receive a message, confirm that you've received it by saying, "Copy that." This closes the loop, so your crewmate isn’t left wondering if they haven’t been heard and need to talk about alternative actions to transmit the message. Here is an example. "Bob, this is Joe. I'm seeing birds starting to get agitated as you approach the bridge. Over." Bob should acknowledge this with a "Copy that." so Joe knows he doesn't need to run to Bob to let him know about the potential hazard.
7. Direct Questions to Specific Individuals
Avoid asking questions to the entire group. Instead, direct your questions to specific individuals. Group questions often lead to one of two things. First, everyone tries to respond and clogs up the line. Or, two, no one responds because they don’t want to talk over anyone. Neither are good solutions. Keep in mind that you can ask a question of one person, and then after they respond, ask the same question to someone else if needed.
8. Keep Messages Under 8 Seconds
Keep your messages short and to the point, ideally under 8 seconds. If you need to communicate something longer, break your message into 8-second segments and end each segment with “Confirm? Over.” This approach ensures that information is transmitted clearly and allows for confirmations, reducing the risk of missed or misunderstood communication.
9. Conduct Regular Radio Checks
Make regular radio checks to ensure you are still within range and that your equipment is functioning properly. This practice also keeps Visual Observers (VOs) and other crew members engaged. Let's face it, being a VO can be boring! Regular communication not only provides the pilot with continuous data but also helps prevent VOs from getting distracted by butterflies or other shiny objects.
10. Use an Earpiece Wisely
An earpiece can be a double-edged sword. It’s great for noisy environments and can be very convenient. However, sometimes it's beneficial for messages to be broadcast openly for other crew members to hear. The more radios around, the louder the message. Unfortunately, if multiple people are close by, it can cause feedback when one radio transmits the same sound broadcasted by another. If you decide to use an earpiece, ensure the cable is tucked under your shirt or otherwise secured to avoid interference with your movements, especially if you're the one flying the drone. This keeps everything tidy and prevents any unexpected tangles.
11. Keep Things Clean
Always use disinfectant wipes after using any communal radios. It's best to buy a box of single-use wipes and keep them where you store your radios. This simple practice helps maintain hygiene and ensures that everyone can safely use the equipment.
12. Burgett’s Top Phrases I Use in the Field
Here are the phrases I most commonly use in the field. It’s good to stick to a common set of terms so it becomes second nature to your crew.
· Back to Base: "I am moving back to the launch site."
· Copy: "I understand your message."
· ETA: "What is your Estimated Time of Arrival?"
· En Route: "I am on the way to the location."
· I have eyes on [object]: "I am able to see the object or person."
· Negative: "No."
· On Scene: "I have arrived at the location."
· Out: "This conversation is finished, and no reply is expected."
· Over: "I have finished speaking and am waiting for a reply."
· Say Again: "Please repeat your last message."
· Stand By: "Please wait, I will get back to you."
· What’s your 20: "Where are you?"
Sample Conversation Using Best Practices
Joe (Mission Leader): "Bob, this is Joe, do you copy? Over."
Bob (Pilot): "Copy, Joe. What’s your 20? Over."
Joe: "I am at the launch site. Jack, what’s your 20? Over."
Jack (Visual Observer): "Joe, this is Jack. I am en route to the south end of the bridge. ETA 5 minutes. Over."
Joe: "Copy that, Jack. Bob, I have eyes on the drone. How’s it looking? Over."
Bob: "I have eyes on the bridge. The drone is stable. Over."
Joe: "Good to hear, Bob. Jack, confirm when you're on scene. Over."
Jack: "Will do, Joe. Stand by. Over."
Jack: "Joe, I am on scene. I have eyes on the drone. Over."
Joe: "Copy that, Jack. Bob, can you get the drone closer to the bridge? Jack, provide distance measurements. Over."
Bob: "Copy. Moving closer to the bridge. Over."
Jack: "Joe, the drone is about 15 feet from the bridge. Over."
Joe: "Copy that, Jack. Bob, maintain that distance and start the inspection. Over."
Bob: "Copy, Joe. Starting the inspection now. Over."
Joe: "Jack, keep monitoring the distance and let us know if it changes. Over."
Jack: "Will do, Joe. The drone is now about 12 feet from the bridge. Over."
Joe: "Copy that, Jack. Bob, proceed with caution. Over."
Bob: "Copy, Joe. Continuing the inspection. Over."
Joe: "Jack, how's the distance now? Over."
Jack: "The drone is holding steady at 18 feet from the bridge. Over."
Joe: "Copy that. Bob, we need to start wrapping up. What’s your ETA back to base? Over."
Bob: "ETA to base is 10 minutes. En route now. Over."
Joe: "Copy, Bob. Jack, any issues on your end? Over."
Jack: "Negative, all clear here. Over."
Joe: "Copy that. Bob, confirm when you’re back to base. Over."
Bob: "Joe, this is Bob. Back to base. Over."
Joe: "Copy, Bob. Everyone, good work today. Over and out."
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