Madagascar Pilot Project
From concept to pilot project in less than 8 months.
Overview
Led a four-week pilot project trip in Ranomafana, Madagascar, from Stony Brook’s Centre ValBio research station. Worked closely with the controller engineer who was also on sight for the whole trip. After overcoming two weeks of customs delays and lost baggage, we eventualy got all of the aircraft assembled, tested, and ready for flight.
Despite illness from contaminated water, I spent 3 days out in the jungle while we performed flight operations. We successfully flew 6 long-range flights of 90 minutes (72 km) each and documented the entire operation on video for a successful promotional piece that supported ongoing program funding.
Panoramic picture showing the whole village out to watch our flight operations.
Me operating my remote ground control station.
Working on a terrace near Centre ValBio to validate the aircraft and perform test flights.
More flight testing from a remote roadside on the side of a mountain.
Locals admiring the aircraft.
The first payload sent with some reminder notes.
Accomplishments
- ✓Completed repeated 72 km BVLOS flights in Madagascar's jungle from Centre ValBio.
- ✓Overcame major logistical delays to deliver all mission objectives.
- ✓Built and sustained off-grid operational base; produced high-impact promo video.
Lessons Learned
- •Logistics delays dominate remote ops. Plan for weeks of buffer and spares.
- •Never trust local water, even if "boiled."