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MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT 

Between 

CL~ONCOUNTYPORTAUTHOruTY 

And 

SINCLAIR COMMUNITY COLLEGE 

For 

OPERATION OF UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS WITIUN 

CLASS D AIRSPACE 

EFEECTIVE DATE: 22 March 2013 

PREAMBLE 

WHEREAS, Sinclair Community College (Sinclair) desires to conduct Unmanned Aerial Systems 

(UAS) training and research to support clients and students and to promote the use and advancement 

ofUAS in Ohio. 

WHEREAS the Clinton County Port Authority (CCPA), Ohio is owner of the Wilmington Air Park 

(KILN). 

WHEREAS KTLN has the requisite airspace and facilities to conduct UAS training and research and 

is in close proximity to public and private universities and other entities for research and 

development (R&D) for UAS technology and procedures. 

WHEREAS the CCPA and Sinclair desire to partner together and utilize the Class D airspace at 

KILN to conduct UAS training, further R&D for UAS, and to make KILN one of the Centers of 

Excellence for UAS within Ohio. 

Now therefore, Sinclair and the CCPA agree that this undertaking shall be implemented in 

accordance with the following guidance and responsibilities set forth in this Memorandum of 

Agreement (MOA). 

ARTICLE 1.0 PURPOSE AND SCOPE 

1.1. PURPOSE: This MOA establishes the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP's) for Sinclair to 

conduct UAS training within the Class D Airspace at KILN. Special coordination and approval from 

the Airport Manager at K.lLN is required should any procedure require further amendment to this 

agreement. 

1.2. SCOPE: KILN's Class 0 airspace extends 5.0 NM from the geographical center of the airport. 

The specific UAS flying area covered in this MOA will be bounded by the limits specified in the 

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approved Certificate of Authorization. In general terms, lhis 

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area is defined as extending the length of Runway 4RJ22L and out Southeast approximately 5.0 

miles. Altitude is COA specific but will be within the Class D airspace. All operdtions will be 

entirely within the KILN Class 0 airspace. 

ARTICLE 2.0 RESPONSIBLITIES 

2. 1. INTRODUCTION: This Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) will be used in conjunction with 

an approved Airworthiness Release and FAA Certificate of Waiver or Authorization (COA) for 

operations at KILN. The Airport Manager and Control Tower Operator will be provided a copy of 

the approved FAA COA and will assess for safety and operational impact prior to flight approvaL 

2.2. GENERAL: One Pilot in Command (PIC) must be designated at all times and is responsible for 

the safety of the Unmanned Aircraft (UA) and persons and property along the UA flight path. The 

PIC will be held accountable for controlling the aircraft to the same standards as the pilot of a 

manned aircraft. The provisions of 14 CFR 91.13, Careless and Reckless Operation, apply to UAS 

pilots. Operations may be conducted a maximum of 5 times a week, and up to 5 one-hour flights per 

day. All UAS operations will be conducted in Visual Meteorological Conditions (VMC) during the 

hours of sunrise to sunset. Visual Observers (VO) will remain in contact with the Pre and will be 

positioned so that they remain within 1 nautical mile horizontally and 3000 feet vertically of the UAS 

during all operations (or within visual limits if less than the aforementioned). Additionally: 

A. Only one (l) UAS may be operated at a time. 

B. Safety of manned aircraft will always take precedent over UA. 

C. The Airport Manager (or qualified representative) will brief PIC detailing UAS airspace, 

local pattern procedures, emergency, communication and lost link procedures. 

D. The UAS PIC will pre-coordinate all UAS missions with the Airport Manager. 

E. Strict compliance with the governing COA is paramount. 

2.3 REFERENCES & GUIDANCE 

FAA FAR's and other guidance pertaining to UAS operations 

** If there is any confliction between this SOP and other guidance, the more restrictive will be 

followed. 

2.4 UAS PATTERN: UAS flight operations shall be contained within the COA defined UAS flying 

area located generally south of Runway 4RJ22L. 

A. A maximum ceiling of 1500' AGL (2500' MSL) or as defined by the COA. 

B. UAS operations shall be launched and recovered on or adjacent to Runway 4R/22L. 

C. UAS flight operations are not authorized during manned aircraft operations. 

D. ATC shall provide visual separation during UA operations and maintain a listening watch 

for all non-cooperative manned aircraft approaching to overfly the KILN Class 0 

Airspace. 

2.5 FLIGHT SCHEDULING: UAS operations within KILN Class 0 airspace will be scheduled a 

minimum of24 hours prior with the KILN Airport Manager who will then coordinate with Columbus 
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Tenninal RADAR Approach Control (TRACON). The schedule shall include, at a minimum, the 

following for each flight: 

A. Takeofftime (all times local). 

B. Estimated land time. 

C. FM Radio Net and/or A TC call sign of PIC and/or observer. 

D. Visual Observer name or initials. 

E. Visual Observer cell phone number (back-up communication). 

2.6 NOTAMS: A NOTAM will be requested NLT 24 hours prior to UAS operations. KILN Airport 

Manager (or designated representative) will request a NOT AM via the Automated Flight Service 

Station (AFSS) at 1-800-487-6867. The following information, as a minimum, will be passed to the 

NOT AM representative: 

A. Date/time UAS activity will begin and end. 

B. A description of the UAS operational area. 

C. The affected altitudes. 

D. Record the AFSS representative initials. 

2.7 FREQUENCY AUTHORIZATION AND DECONFLICTION: A list of frequencies that will be 

utilized will be provided to the KILN Air Traffic Manager/Columbus TRACON for deconfliction 

and approval. Radio/communication checks with the KILN Tower and Columbus TRACON will be 

pre-coordinated and approved by the facility before UAS operations begin. As a minimum: 

A. UAS Data Link Frequency: Verified & approved. 

B. FM Radio Voice Net Frequency: Verified & approved. 

C. PICIVO Back up communication: (available cell phone#). 

D. Tower Back-up communication: (937) 366-2927. 

ARTICLE 3.0 PROCEDURES 

3.1 COMMUNICATION: The PIC, VO, or designated team member will obtain FM net radios 

(primary communication method) from the KILN Airport Manager (or designated representative) and 

conduct a radio check at least one-hour prior to launch to ensure the radio is operational, loud and 

clear. The same individual will verify that Columbus TRACON personnel have the UAS Oight 

schedule for that day's UAS operations and lhat a NOT AM has been issued. Secondary 

communication procedures will be tested as well (normally cell phone) to insure operational, loud 

and clear. 
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3.2 UAS OPERA TlONAL AREA: (See attached) The UAS fly area is defmed as follows: 

Location 1 

Location 2 

Location 3 

Location4 

Location 5 

Location 6 

Latitude 

39-26-57.84N 

39-25-13.66N 

39-22-39.15N 

39-21-59.03N 

39-21-43.04N 

39-24-19.44N 

Longitude 

83-46-15.98W 

83-45-55.13W 

83-44-19 .96W 

83-46-10.43W 

83-48-11.13W 

83-48-53.63W 

All lost link waypoints and scenarios will be programmed during preflight and will be 

coordinated with Clinton County Port Authority (CCPA) A TC who operates the Control Tower. 

3.3 PRE-FLIGHT BRIEFINGS: Prior to any UAS operations, the PIC will conduct a crew and safety 

briefing. The briefmg will include, at a minimum, the following: 

A. Mission overview. 

B. Weather. (Current and forecasted) 

C. Flight route/area. Ensure operations area is briefed and understood. 

D. Airspace surveillance procedures. 

I) Pilot's responsibilities. 

2) Observer's responsibilities. 

3) Pilot responsibilities in the event of ATC notification of observed aircraft in the 

vicinity ofUA operations not in two-way communication. 

4) Pilot/Observer responsibilities when they observe an aircraft in vicinity ofUA 

operations. 

E. Required items, mission equipment and personnel. 

F. Crew actions, duties, and responsibilities. (Flight modes, radio calls, recovery team, etc.) 

1) Emergency actions. 

2) Mission considerations and actions to be performed by PICNO. 

G. General crew duties. 

1) Pilot in Command (PIC) 

a. Fly the UA. 

b. A void traffic and obstacles. 

c. Cross check display symbology, messages, wind velocity/ direction. 

d. Navigate. 

2) Visual Observer (VO) 

a. Must remain within 1 nautical mile horizontally and 3000 feet vertically of 

the UAS during all operations. (Always within visual limits if less than the 

aforementioned) 

b. Must keep the UAS in sight at all times. 

c. Maintain two-way contact with the PIC to warn of potential hazards. 

d. Provide PIC with instructions to steer clear of any potential collisions. 

H. Review logbook ofUAS. 

I. Risk assessment considerations. 
3.4 PRE-FLIGHT PROCEDURES: UAS can be sensitive to adverse weather conditions and wind 

gusts. UAS PICs will be responsible to routinely check current and forecasted conditions. It will be 

the responsibility of the PIC to ensure weather conditions do not exceed system limitations as 

described in the Operator's Manual. All flight operations will be conducted in Visual Meteorological 

Conditions (VMC) under Visual Flight Rules (VFR). The PIC will complete the Preflight checklist 

lAW the Operator's Manual. 

3.5 LAUNCH & FLIGHT: The PIC wiJJ complete, at a minimum, the following: 

A. Follow procedures outlined in the Operator's Manual. 

B. If equipped with anti-collision lights - ON from engine start to shutdown. 

C. If equipped with position lights - ON from launch to recovery. 

D. If equipped with a transponder- ON from launch to recovery. 

E. Inform KILN Tower that the UAS is airborne. 

F. UAS shall remain within COA airspace. 

G. Operations will be conducted over a non-populated area. 

3.6 POST FLIGHT PROCEDURES: The PIC will complete, at a minimum, the following: 

A. Notify KILN tower upon completion of each sortie. 

B. Inventory and account for all equipment. 

C. Report any discrepancies. (See section 3.1 0) 

D. Complete appropriate flight logbook entries. 

E. Last flight of the day: notify KILN tower and Columbus TRACON upon completion of 

daily activities. 

3.7 EMERGENCY PROCEDURES: Preventing a mishap or UAS loss or damage depends on early 

recognition of dangerous flight conditions or malfunctions followed by appropriate corrective action. 

Both the Pilot in Command and Visual Observer will memorize the immediate action items of each 

emergency procedure outlined in the Operator's Manual. Mission planning must include alternative 

courses of action available for each phase ofthc proposed flight. To the extent possible, planned 

courses of actions for emergencies should be made before the flight begins to include ensuring the 

waypoints used for loss-of-link scenarios ("Rally" waypoint for Sinclair UAS operations which is the 

Ground Control Station location in the event of loss-of-link) and waypoint for routine landings are 

within the designated COA airspace. During flight, both the PIC and YO must maintain situational 

awareness and PIC should always know which direction to fly to escape a potential hazard. VO 

should always know UA position relative to hazards and be ready to give PIC headings and altitudes 

to fly to safety. Those steps that must be performed immediately in an emergency are underlined 

and/or in bold print in the Operator's Manual. The PIC and/or YO must be able to perform these 

steps without referencing the checklist or manual. Non-underlined/bold print steps can be 

accomplished with use of the checklist. During an emergency, the PTC will complete, at a minimum, 

the following: 

A. Follow procedures outlined in the Operator•s Manual. 

B. Immediately notify KILN Tower and advise them of the nature of the emergency 

situation and/or any other pertinent information. KILN Tower will then inform 

Columbus TRACON. 
C. If there is a fly-away emergency, KILN tower will contact Columbus TRACON and 

advise last know position, direction of flight, estimated flight time remaining (based on 

remaining battery life or fuel load) and last known altitude. Assist Columbus TRACON 

as much as possible. 

3.8 LOST LINK PROCEDURES: The UA will be programmed "go-to rally" and autoland. The 

''rally" point will be located over the Ground Control Station (GCS) within approved COA airspace. 

A secondary option is available to the UA PIC to program the UA to "End Flight,. upon lost-link 

which will cause the immediate termination ofthe flight. All lost link procedures must be contained 

within the approved COA airspace and remain below 1000' AGL. 

3.9 LOST COMMUNICATIONS: ln the event that two-way communications are lost or become 

unavailable, the PIC will execute "go-to rally'' and auto land or "end flight" within the approved COA 

airspace, below l 000' AGL. 

3.10 MISCELLANEOUS: 

A. Points of Contact: 

Jeffrey A. Miller 

Assistant Vice President, Workforce Development 

Sinclair Community College 

444 West Third Street 

Dayton, OH 45402 

(937) 512-4848 

E-mail: jetf.miller@sinclair.edu 

Mike Ward 

ABX Air, Air Traffic Controller 

Tower Phone: (937) 366-2927 

Cell Phone: (937) 655-0508 

E-mail: Mike.ward@abxair.com 

Kevin J. Carver 

Executive Director 

Clinton County Port Authority 

11 13 port road 

11 14 Wilmington, OH 45177 

(937) 536-1783 

E-mail: kccarver@ccportauthority.com 

Jim Osborne 

Airport Manager, Wilmington Air Park 

LGSTXInc. 

(937) 366-2282 

E-mail: Jirn.osborne@lgstx.com 
B. Sinclair Community College and/or its representatives are responsible at all times for the 

collision avoidance with non-participating aircraft and the safety of persons or property 

on the surface with respect to the UAS. 

C. Incident/Accident/Flight Operations Reporting: All reporting will be done consistent with 

requirements of the Certificate of Authorization (COA). 

ARTICLE 4.0 TERMS OF AGREEMENT 

The term of this MOA is for a period of24 months, commencing on the approval date of the 

Certificate of Authorization (COA). Both parties acknowledge that changes to Clinton County Port 

Authority operations, Sinclair operations, FAA regulations or other undefined operationaUregulatory 

changes could impact this MOA. If either party desires a modification of this agreement, the parties 

shall, upon reasonable notice of the proposed modification by the party desiring the change, confer in 

good faith to determine the feasibility of such modifications. Modifications shall not be effective 

until duly authorized representatives of the parties sign a written agreement. Modifications will be 

made by mutual party written agreement only. In the event the parties are unable to reach an 

acceptable modification, either party may terminate this MOA upon delivery of written notice at least 

30 days in advance . 

.. .._~,..:e<J annually in writing by each party's designated organizational MOA 

Date: tf f /; J -!-,f--,+~-

J.CARVER 

EXECUTNE DIRECTOR 

~ONCOUNTYPORTAUTHOruTY 

Date: t1/J3 
GLOSSARY I DEFINITIONS 

COA: Certificate of Authorization 

lAW: ln Accordance With 

KTLN: Wilmington Air Park 

MOA: Memorandum of Agreement 

NAS: National Airspace System 

NOT AM: Notice to Airmen 

PIC: Pilot in Command 

Rally: A pre-programmed waypoint used by the UAS Platform 

SOP: Standard Operating Procedure 

TRACON: Terminal Radar Approach Control 

UA: Unmanned Aircraft 

UAS: Unmanned Aircraft System 

VFR: Visual Flight Rules as defmed by FAA 

VMC: Visual Meteorological Conditions 

VO: Visual Observer