Range Safety Officer FPV Operations
4 days ago
Mesa
Job Description Range Safety Officer (RSO) – FPV Operations Position Type: Full-Time / Contract Work Location: Indoor & Outdoor UAS Training Ranges Reports To: Operations Manager 1. Position Summary The FPV Range Safety Officer (RSO) is responsible for the safe conduct, oversight, and execution of all First-Person View (FPV) Uncrewed Aircraft System (UAS) training events on approved ranges. The RSO ensures compliance with governing safety policies, unit/agency instructions, applicable COIs, ORM measures, and EAP protocols. The RSO has full authority to suspend, modify, or terminate FPV operations when unsafe conditions arise. 2. Essential Duties & Responsibilities A. Pre-Range Duties • Conduct full site inspection of FPV training area, airspace, and ground hazards., • Verify all required ORM and EAP documents are complete and posted., • Conduct environmental and weather assessment (winds, visibility, precipitation)., • Confirm the presence of required emergency medical support and equipment., • Establish safe flight envelopes, stand-off distances, and launch/recovery zones., • Validate personnel accountability and ensure all students/instructors have received the safety brief., • Confirm battery charging/storage stations meet safety requirements (LiPo protocols)., • Ensure range boundaries, signage, and flight lanes are clearly marked and communicated., • Maintain constant visual oversight of flight zones and personnel movement., • Enforce PPE requirements (eye protection, gloves when appropriate, hearing protection if applicable)., • Supervise battery handling, arming procedures, and pre-flight checks., • Ensure strict separation of powered aircraft, soldering tools, charging stations, and spectator/observation areas., • Monitor RF environment and prevent frequency conflicts/interference., • Execute real-time risk management decisions., • Enforce grounding procedures during lightning, excessive winds, or uncontrolled RF behavior., • Manage flight sequencing to prevent mid-air collisions, loss-of-control events, or flyaways., • Maintain radio/voice communication with OIC and training staff., • Verify all aircraft are safed, disarmed, and batteries removed., • Oversee battery discharge, cooling, and storage according to LiPo safety requirements., • Conduct site walkthrough for debris, FOD, and hazards., • Ensure no equipment is left in controlled or restricted areas., • Complete incident logs, near-miss reports, and range closure documentation., • Participate in instructor debrief and submit recommendations for safety improvements. 3. Required Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities • Comprehensive understanding of FPV systems, including:, • Flight controllers, ESCs, VTx, receivers, radios, • Betaflight / ArduPilot / INAV configuration, • LiPo battery hazards, charging, and storage, • Familiarity with UAS-related risk factors (RF interference, failsafe behavior, latency, link loss)., • Strong situational awareness and ability to make rapid decisions under pressure., • Clear communication skills for giving safety commands, signals, and briefings., • Knowledge of airspace classifications, controlled areas, and local UAS regulations., • Ability to identify unsafe actions or system configurations and redirect personnel immediately. 4. Minimum Qualifications • Prior experience as an Instructor, RSO, Pilot, or UAS Operator (FPV preferred)., • Demonstrated expertise in FPV aircraft assembly, maintenance, and troubleshooting., • Ability to conduct ORM, hazard identification, and control implementation., • Basic first aid/trauma training (CPR/First Aid minimum; TCCC preferred)., • Understanding of applicable training instructions, safety policies, and COIs. 5. Preferred Qualifications • 100+ hours FPV flight experience across multiple platforms., • Prior military/LE range safety or air operations background., • Experience with UAS swarm, BVLOS training, or advanced RF systems., • Certification in LiPo battery handling/fire prevention., • Instructor or evaluator qualifications related to UAS or FPV. 6. Authority The RSO has the authority to: • STOP all training or FPV flight activities at any time., • Remove unsafe personnel from the range., • Reject aircraft or equipment that do not meet safety or maintenance standards., • Modify training flow to mitigate identified hazards. 7. Physical Requirements • Ability to stand and observe outdoor flight operations for extended periods., • Lift/carry up to 25 lbs of UAS support equipment (batteries, toolkits, cases)., • Function safely in hot, cold, or inclement conditions typical of training environments. 8. Working Conditions • Both indoor (simulator, classroom) and outdoor (field range) environments., • Exposure to noise, battery fumes, soldering equipment, and rapidly moving UAS., • Occasional evening or early-morning flight periods depending on training schedule., • Position contingent on contract award, anticipate first quarter 2026.