What is the primary goal of flight planning in RPA operations?

The primary goal of flight planning in Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) operations is to ensure safety and compliance with regulations. Proper flight planning involves assessing all potential risks, airspace restrictions, weather conditions, and operational limitations to create a flight plan that prioritizes the safety of the operation. It is essential to comply with regulations set forth by aviation authorities to mitigate risks associated with drone operations, such as avoiding controlled airspace, maintaining visual line-of-sight if required, and complying with altitude restrictions. A flight plan that adheres to these regulations not only enhances safety for the RPA itself but also protects other airspace users and people on the ground.

Although considerations like fuel usage and flight duration are important, they primarily serve to improve efficiency rather than being the fundamental focus of flight planning. Similarly, while maximizing visibility from the ground may be a beneficial aspect, it is secondary to the overarching concern of safe and compliant operation.