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Unmanned Aircraft System 

Operations Manual 

January 2016 
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TABLE OF CONTENTS 

1. PREFACE ...................................................................................................................... 1 

2. PHILOSOPHY & MISSION STATEMENT ............................................................. 1 

3. PROTECTION OF RIGHTS AND PRIVACY ......................................................... 1 

4. DEFINITIONS .............................................................................................................. 2

5. ADMINISTRATION .................................................................................................... 2 

5.1 OPERATIONS MANUAL ................................................................................................. 2 

5.2 ORGANIZATION ........................................................................................................... 2 

5.3 PERSONNEL ................................................................................................................. 3 

5.4 FACILITIES .................................................................................................................. 4 

5.5 SCHEDULING ............................................................................................................... 4 

5.6 MISCELLANEOUS ......................................................................................................... 4 

6. SAFETY ......................................................................................................................... 4 

6.1 SAFETY POLICY ........................................................................................................... 4 

6.2 OPERATIONAL HAZARD AND OCCURRENCE REPORT (OHOR) AND INVESTIGATION ....... 5 

6.3 SAFETY OFFICER – OPERATOR/OBSERVER/COORDINATOR ........................................... 6 

6.4 SAFETY TRAINING ....................................................................................................... 6 

6.5 MEDICAL FACTORS ...................................................................................................... 6 

7. TRAINING .................................................................................................................... 7 

7.1 OBJECTIVE .................................................................................................................. 7 

7.2 INSTRUCTORS .............................................................................................................. 7 

7.3 TRAINING PLANS ......................................................................................................... 7 

7.4 INITIAL TRAINING ........................................................................................................ 7 

7.5 RECURRENT TRAINING ................................................................................................ 8 

7.6 MISCELLANEOUS ......................................................................................................... 8 

8. GENERAL OPERATING PROCEDURES ............................................................... 8 

8.1 REQUEST FOR UAS SUPPORT ........................................................................................ 8 

8.2 CALL-OUT PROCEDURE ................................................................................................ 8 

8.3 DEPLOYMENT PRIORITIES .......................................................................................... 10 

8.4 FLIGHT BOUNDARIES ................................................................................................. 10 

8.5 MINIMUM PERSONNEL REQUIREMENTS ...................................................................... 10 

8.6 PERSONNEL RESPONSIBILITIES FOR DEPLOYMENTS.................................................... 10 

8.7 PERSONAL EQUIPMENT .............................................................................................. 11 

9. PRE-FLIGHT/POST-FLIGHT ACTIONS .............................................................. 11 

9.1 INSPECTIONS ............................................................................................................. 11 

9.2 WEATHER .................................................................................................................. 12 

9.3 DOCUMENTATION ..................................................................................................... 12 

9.4 PLANNING ................................................................................................................. 12 

9.5 CHECKLISTS .............................................................................................................. 13 
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9.6 MAINTENANCE .......................................................................................................... 13 

9.7 OTHER ....................................................................................................................... 13 
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1. Preface

The following procedures are intended to promote safe, efficient and lawful operation of 

the SHUTTER INSTINCT unmanned aerial system (UAS). Safety, above all else, is the 

primary concern in each and every operation, regardless of the nature of the mission. 

2. Philosophy & Mission Statement 

It shall be the mission of those personnel of SHUTTER INSTINCT who are trained in 

the use of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), to use this resource to safely operate the UAS 

in accordance with FAA Safety Regulations to aid in shooting photographs and videos for 

events and special engagements. 

It shall be the intent of every UAS operator to make reasonable effort to not invade a 

person's reasonable expectation of privacy when operating the UAS. When operating the 

UAS, SHUTTER INSTINCT operators abide by all FAA Regulations for flight and 

receive the proper authorization for flight. 

3. Protection of Rights and Privacy 

UAS operators and observers ensure the protection of private individuals’ civil rights and 

reasonable expectations of privacy before deploying the UAS. UAS operators and 

observers ensure and are held accountable for ensuring that operations of the UAS intrude 

to a minimal extent upon the private persons and businesses. To accomplish this primary 

goal, SHUTTER INSTINCT observes the following: 

1. When the UAS is flown, the onboard cameras are turned so as to be facing away 

from occupied structures, etc. to minimize inadvertent video or still images of 

uninvolved persons or property. 

2. SHUTTER INSTINCT does not conduct random surveillance activities. The use 

of the UAS is tightly controlled and regulated. 

3. All authorized missions for SHUTTER INSTINCT UAS are for: 

a. Event and special engagement photography and videography.

4. A committee is formed and meets semi-annually for the purpose of reviewing the 

existing UAS procedures as well new technologies, laws, and regulations on UAS 

usage. The committee consists of personnel from SHUTTER INSTINCT and 

business partners and advisors. 

5. SHUTTER INSTINCT UAS operate strictly within the law and regulations. If in 

doubt, prior to operating the UAS we ensure that the proper forms and applications 

are applied for and obtained. We balance all operations with the need to accomplish 

the mission while maintaining public privacy and the freedom from intrusion. 

4. Definitions 
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1. Aircraft: any contrivance invented, used, or designed to navigate, or fly in, the air.

2. Airport: a landing area used regularly by aircraft for receiving or discharging 

passengers or cargo.

3. Civil aircraft: an aircraft except a public aircraft.

4. Landing area: a place on land or water, including an airport or intermediate landing 

field, used, or intended to be used, for the takeoff and landing of aircraft, even when 

facilities are not provided for sheltering, servicing, or repairing aircraft, or for 

receiving or discharging passengers or cargo.

5. Administration 

5.1 Operations Manual 

1. The policies and procedures contained in this manual are issued by SHUTTER 

INSTINCT. As such it is an official business document of SHUTTER 

INSTINCT. 

2. This manual is not intended to be all-inclusive, but as a supplement to other 

company guidelines, Federal Aviation Administration regulations, pre-flight safety 

checklists, aircraft manufacturers' approved flight manual, etc. 

3. This manual is been written to address UAS operations as they existed when it was 

drafted. Equipment, personnel, environment (internal and external), etc., change 

over time. The management of change involves a systematic approach to 

monitoring organizational change and is a critical part of the risk management 

process. Given this, it is essential that this manual be continually updated as 

necessary. The entire manual must be reviewed, at a minimum, annually to assure 

it is up to date. Any changes to the manual will be communicated as currently 

dictated by company policy. 

4. A copy of the manual (electronic and/or paper) is issued to every person having 

UAS responsibilities. 

5.2 Organization 

1. The UAS unit is comprised of those personnel approved by SHUTTER 

INSTINCT and includes operators, observers and others deemed necessary and an 

have assignment as part of the UAS crew. 

2. Assignment to the UAS crew is carefully selected by SHUTTER INSTINCT from 

specially trained staff members of SHUTTER INSTINCT with knowledge of the 

airspace within which the operation will take place and how that airspace fits into 

the National Airspace System (NAS). 

5.3 Personnel 

1. The UAS flight coordinator or pilot-in-command (PIC) is responsible for the 

overall direction and performance of the UAS unit and exercises command and 

control over it. 

2. UAS Coordinator Responsibilities: 
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a. maintaining all training, flight and maintenance records for each operator 

and observer as well as individual airframes; 

b. maintain contact with the FAA and regulations as they change 

c. evaluate airframes based on mission needs; 

3. Operators: 

a. To be considered for selection as an operator, applicants must meet the 

requirements for and successfully pass a SHUTTER INSTINCT

administered UAS Operators Course in order to be accepted into the UAS 

crew. 

b. Operators interacting with Air Traffic Control (ATC) or Terminal Radar 

Approach Control Facilities (TRACON) shall have sufficient expertise to 

perform that task readily. Operators must have an understanding of, and 

comply with FAA Regulations applicable to the airspace where the UAS 

operates. 

c. An operator's primary duty is the safe and effective operation of the UAS 

in accordance with the manufacturers' approved flight manual, FAA 

regulations and company policy and procedures. Operators must remain 

knowledgeable of all FAA regulations; UAS manufacturer's flight manual 

and bulletins and company policy and procedures. 

d. Operators may be temporarily removed from flight status at any time by the 

UAS coordinator, for reasons including performance, proficiency, physical 

condition, etc. Should this become necessary, the operator will be notified 

verbally and in writing of the reason, further action to be taken and expected 

duration of such removal. 

e. The UAS Coordinator shall maintain a file for each operator which shall 

include copies of training records, flight incidents, etc. This file is reviewed 

in accordance with current company policy and procedures. 

4. Observers 

a. Observers must have been provided with sufficient training to communicate 

clearly to the operator any turning instructions required to stay clear of 

conflicting traffic and obstacles. Observers receive training on rules and 

responsibilities described in 14 CFR 91.111, Operating Near Other Aircraft, 

14 CFR 91.13, Right-of-Way Rules, cloud clearance, in-flight visibility, and 

the pilot controller glossary including standard ATC phraseology and 

communication. 14 CFR 91.17, Alcohol or Drugs, applies to UAS 

observers. 

b. An observer's primary duty is to operate the UAS's equipment including 

cameras, FLIR, radio communications with other crew members and 

property owners as well as be an observer for anything that may affect the 

operator's primary duty (see and avoid). 

c. The UAS Coordinator maintains a file for each observer, which includes 

copies of training records, UAS incidents, etc. 
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5.4 Facilities 

1. UAS operations are housed and maintained at a facility designated by SHUTTER 

INSTINCT. 

2. Personnel must not leave the designated facility without making sure the UAS 

equipment is secured. 

3. All personnel are equally responsible for maintaining the facility in a neat, clean 

and orderly fashion. 

5.5 Scheduling 

1. To facilitate the broad use of the UAS, it shall be made available to all UAS flight 

crew members. 

2. To maintain a level of proficiency with the UAS, operators are required, as part of 

their acceptance into the UAS flight crew, to attend training every two months. 

Training is coordinated through the UAS flight crew and announced in advance for 

scheduling purposes. 

5.6 Miscellaneous 

1. Inquiries from the news media must be forwarded to the SHUTTER INSTINCT

owner, Jason Hermosa. Operators/Observers shall follow currently established 

company policy regarding interactions and inquiries from the media. 

2. Requests for support from third-parties will be responded to by the UAS 

coordinator. Should the request involve an immediate threat to life, or property, the 

operator is authorized to accept or decline the request. Proper policy and procedure, 

as well as FAA regulations must be followed when accepting mutual aid support 

for the UAS. 

3. Complaints or inquiries regarding UAS operations must be referred to the UAS 

coordinator. 

6. Safety 

6.1 Safety Policy 

1. SHUTTER INSTINCT is committed to having a safe and healthy workplace, 

including: 

a. The ongoing pursuit of an accident free workplace, including no harm to 

people, no damage to equipment, the environment and property. 

b. A culture of open reporting of all safety hazards in which management will 

not initiate disciplinary action against any personnel who, in good faith, 

disclose a hazard or safety occurrence due to unintentional conduct. 

c. Support for safety training and awareness programs. 

d. Conducting regular audits of safety policies, procedures and practices. 

e. Monitoring the UAS community to ensure best safety practices are 

incorporated into the organization. 
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2. It is the duty of every member within the UAS flight crew to contribute to the goal 

of continued safe operations. This contribution comes in many forms and includes 

always operating in the safest manner practicable and never taking unnecessary 

risks. Any safety hazard, whether procedural, operational, or maintenance related 

must be identified as soon as possible after, if not before, an incident occurs. Any 

suggestions in the interest of safety should be made to the UAS Coordinator. 

3. If any member observes, or has knowledge of an unsafe or dangerous act committed 

by another member, the UAS coordinator is to be notified immediately so that 

corrective action may be taken. 

6.2 Operational Hazard and Occurrence Report (OHOR) and Investigations 

1. Occurrences are unplanned safety related events, including accidents and incidents 

that could impact safety. A hazard is something that has the potential to cause harm. 

The systematic identification and control of all major hazards is foundational to 

safety. 

2. The OHOR concept provides a mechanism to report hazards and occurrences, real 

and perceived, to those responsible for UAS operations. 

3. There is no specific format for the OHOR as the information provided is what is 

important, not the format and should be used without hesitation to report any 

anticipated, current, or experienced safety hazard, or occurrence. Further, the 

OHOR can be submitted anonymously, and to whatever level in the chain of 

command, to get the matter proper attention, without fear of reprisal. 

4. Written memorandums fully explaining the problem will be given to the UAS 

coordinator for investigation. 

5. Every hazard and/or occurrence is investigated, with the results and corrective 

action taken communicated to all members. The investigation will be conducted by 

the UAS coordinator or any other member of the company who has the technical 

skill necessary to do it. The services of an independent subject matter expert may 

be necessary in some cases to assure a thorough and complete investigation. 

6. Hazards requiring immediate attention will be brought to the attention of the UAS 

coordinator, verbally, without delay. 

7. ALL MEMBERS ARE AUTHORIZED TO TAKE ACTION TO CORRECT A 

HAZARD if in that member's opinion delay will result in accident or injury. The 

UAS coordinator will be notified immediately in such situations. 

6.3 Safety Officer - Operator/Observer/Coordinator 

1. In regards to safety, all members of the UAS flight crew are responsible for the 

following: 

a. Ensuring all flight operations personnel understand applicable regulatory 

requirements, standards and organizational safety policies and procedures. 

b. Observe and control safety systems by monitoring all operations. 

c. Review standards and the practices of company personnel as they impact 

operational safety. 
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d. Communicate all reported safety related problems and the corrective action 

taken. If there were any in-flight problems (or learned experiences), the 

proper procedures for handling that problem should be discussed. 

e. Copy and circulate pertinent safety information. 

f. Copy and circulate emergency safety bulletins. 

g. Place any electronic copies of safety information or bulletins in a 

conspicuous location for all employees to access. 

h. It is emphasized again that safety is the responsibility of ALL members of 

the UAS unit. 

6.4 Safety Training 

1. All members shall receive training in the following subjects prior to operating the 

UAS: 

a. Company commitment to safety 

b. Company policy 

c. UAS member's role in safety 

d. Emergency safety procedures 

2. All members shall review the company safety policy and procedures on an annual 

basis and that review shall be noted in their training history. 

6.5 Medical Factors 

1. Operator and Observers shall only deploy the UAS when rested and emotionally 

prepared for the tasks at hand. 

2. Physical illness, exhaustion, emotional problems, etc., seriously impair judgment, 

memory and alertness. The safest rule is not to act as an operator or observer when 

suffering from any of the above. Members are expected to "stand down" when these 

problems could reasonably be expected to affect their ability to perform flight 

duties. 

3. A self-assessment of physical condition shall be made by all members during preflight activities. 

4. Performance can be seriously hampered by prescription and over-the-counter 

drugs. The UAS Coordinator must be advised anytime such drugs are being taken. 

If it is determined that the medication being taken could hamper an operator or 

observer, that member shall be prohibited from the deployment or exercise. 

5. No member shall act as an operator or observer within eight hours after 

consumption of any alcoholic beverage, while under the influence of alcohol, or 

while having an alcohol concentration of 0.04 (FAR 91.17) 

7. Training 

7.1 Objective 
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1. The key to continued safe operations is by maintaining a professional level of 

competency. The first step in this process is establishing minimum qualifications 

for selecting members, and the second step involves training those personnel. 

7.2 Instructors 

1. If any members are FAA certified flight instructors, they are given instructor duties. 

Such duties can include developing training courses, provide training, and student 

evaluation and documentation. 

2. Duties of instructing new members shall fall upon those who have the most flight 

time and knowledge of UAS operations. Instructors are designated by those within 

the unit and approved by the UAS Coordinator. 

7.3 Training Plans 

1. All members have a training plan on file that outlines training objectives for the 

upcoming year. This training plan will be held in conjunction with the member's 

normal training file per company policy. 

2. The approved training plan is developed by the UAS coordinator. 

3. All deployments or exercises are documented and count toward a member's 

training. 

4. It is the member's responsibility to verify their training file contains all pertinent 

information. 

7.4 Initial Training 

1. Observers and Operators must have completed sufficient training to communicate 

to the pilot any instructions required to remain clear of conflicting traffic. This 

training, at a minimum, shall include knowledge of the rules and responsibilities 

described in 14 CFR 91.111, Operating Near Other Aircraft; 14 CFR 91.113, Rightof-Way Rules: Except Water Operations; and 14 CFR 91.155, Basic VFR Weather 

Minimums; knowledge of air traffic and radio communications, including the use 

of approved ATC/pilot phraseology; and knowledge of appropriate sections of the 

Aeronautical Information Manual. 

2. In conjunction with fulfilling all training requirements for operator/observer duties, 

the new member must also become familiar with UAS operations, the aircraft and 

its equipment. 

3. Any new member who fails to successfully complete the initial training may be 

denied as a member of the UAS flight crew. 

4. Before a member can fly as an operator, they must complete at least 16 hours of 

flight training with the UAS instructors to show proficiency of the flight training 

exercises and the airframe. This must be accomplished to show their ability and 

knowledge of the UAS. 

7.5 Recurrent Training 
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1. All members within the unit shall maintain proficiency in their operator/observer 

abilities. Members who do not have any documented training or flight time within 

a span of 90 days will have to show proficiency before being an operator/observer 

during a deployment or exercise. 

2. Recurrent training is not limited to actual operating/observer skills but includes 

knowledge of all pertinent UAS/aviation matters. 

3. Failure to prove proficiency can result in removal from UAS responsibilities. 

7.6 Miscellaneous 

1. Depending on the nature of the training request, all efforts are made to 

accommodate the hours of training so as little impact is made to staffing levels. 

2. All requests for training shall be approved through the member's chain of command 

and timekeeping during those training hours are marked by the UAS coordinator. 

3. Members are encouraged to attend, and forward information on FAA sponsored 

safety seminars. 

4. Training shall only be conducted at approved locations and follow the provisions 

within the approved FAA regulations. 

8. General Operating Procedures 

8.1 Request for UAS Support 

1. Requests for UAS support shall be made through the UAS coordinator who has the 

most current list of UAS operators and observers to contact. 

2. Requests for UAS support can be made at any time during the day or night. 

3. The UAS coordinator will submit a written Plan of Activities to the local FAA 

FSDO three days before the proposed mission. 

4. If a request is made for UAS support during the night, SHUTTER INSTINCT

must contact the local FAA FSDO for approval. 

8.2 Call-out Procedure 

1. The UAS coordinator will screen all initial requests to use a UAS. 

2. The UAS coordinator will then contact the PIC to request the deployment of the 

UAS. 

3. The UAS Coordinator will also contact the UAS flight crew who will screen the 

request using the following factors: 

a. Is the proposed use of UAS within the capabilities of the UAS equipment 

and personnel to perform? 

b. Does the proposed use of the UAS fall within the FAA and department 

policies and regulations for UAS usage? 

c. Can the UAS be deployed safely given current weather conditions? 

d. If the UAS deployment requires a warrant has one been requested and 

approved? 
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e. Are sufficient trained and qualified personnel available to safely operate the 

UAS? 

4. The UAS flight crew will either accept or decline the request for UAS support. If 

the request is denied the UAS flight crew will provide a reason for declining the 

support request to the UAS Coordinator who will provide the requestor this 

information along with the reason for declining. If the UAS Coordinator accepts 

the support request they will contact a UAS operator who will be provided all 

available mission information. 

5. The UAS operator will contact a certified observer from the list of available trained 

observers. The UAS operator is responsible for transporting the UAS and all 

required equipment to the scene. Upon arriving at the requested location the UAS 

operator will contact the requestor to check in and receive a briefing on the mission 

requested. The UAS operator will make an on scene determination of the ability of 

the UAS to perform the requested mission safely and within company and FAA 

policies and procedures. 

6. If the UAS operator determines that the use of the UAS would violate company 

policy or directives then the UAS operator will inform the requestor of the potential 

conflict along with recommendations for modifying the requested mission to 

conform to company policies and procedures. As this is a change from the original 

approved mission the UAS operator will contact the UAS coordinator for direction 

on how to proceed. As soon as possible after the completion of the mission, the 

UAS operator will make a full report of the circumstances and their concern through 

the UAS coordinator. 

7. UAS operators will have sole discretion for declaring safety or violation of FAA 

rules. If the UAS operator determines that a requested mission would violate FAA 

rules or endanger person or property, then the UAS operator will respectfully 

inform the requestor of the reasons for refusing to operate the UAS and contact the 

UAS coordinator immediately. The UAS will not be flown in this circumstance and 

the authority of the UAS operator is absolute. 

8. If the UAS operator determines that the requested mission will potentially damage 

the UAS or its associated equipment the UAS operator will inform the requestor of 

their concerns. The UAS operator will fully document and send a report to the UAS 

coordinator. 

8.3 Deployment Priorities 

1. The UAS shall not be used for the purpose of random surveillance. 

2. If several separate requests for UAS support are received simultaneously, they shall 

be prioritized. 

3. In general terms, requests for UAS support are prioritized as: 

a. Event and special engagement photography and videography. 

b. Landscape photography and videography. 

8.4 Flight Boundaries 
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1. Although there may be requests for UAS support in restricted airspace, FAA 

regulations for UAS restrict UAS deployment inside restricted airspace. 

2. At no time shall UAS support be granted inside restricted airspace without first 

obtaining permission from the local FAA FSDO and approval by local authorities. 

3. Maximum altitude shall not be set more than 400 feet per the FAA regulatory 

standards. 

4. The operator will obtain the consent of all persons involved in the mission and 

ensure that only consenting persons will be allowed within 100 feet of the flight 

operation, and this radius may be reduced to 30 feet based upon an equivalent level 

of safety determination. 

8.5 Minimum Personnel Requirements 

1. Due to the nature of the mission, the minimum personnel required on ALL missions 

will be an operator and observer. Under no circumstances will an operator attempt 

to complete a deployment alone. 

2. Although training is not considered a mission, an observer shall be used. 

8.6 Personnel Responsibilities for Deployments 

OPEN COMMUNICATION ACHIEVES SAFE OPERATIONS 

1. Operator 

a. The operator is directly responsible for, and is the final authority over the 

actual operation of the UAS. 

b. Operators have absolute authority to reject a flight based on personnel safety 

or violation of FAA regulations. No member of SHUTTER INSTINCT, 

regardless of status, shall order an operator to make a flight when, in the 

opinion of the operator, it poses a risk to personnel or is in violation of FAA 

regulations. 

c. Operators are responsible for compliance with this manual, company policy 

and procedure and FAA regulations. 

d. The operator's main duty during the deployment of the UAS is to operate 

the UAS safely while accomplishing the goals of the deployment. 

e. Operators shall see-and-avoid any obstacle that will lessen safety during the 

mission. 

f. Operators shall be responsive to the requests of the observer in order to 

accomplish the deployment. 

g. Operators shall be responsible for documentation for mission training and 

updating of flight books. 

2. Observer 

a. Observers shall see-and-avoid any obstacle that will lessen safety during the 

mission. 

b. Observers are responsible for the operational aspect of the deployment. 

c. Observers shall operate any attachments to the UAS, allowing the operator 

to maintain complete focus on the operation of the UAS. 
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d. Observers shall remain alert for suspicious persons or activities on the 

ground and coordinate response by other UAS flight crewmembers. 

e. Observers shall assist the operator in the main objective of safe operations 

of the UAS. 

f. Observers shall be responsible for documentation for mission training and 

updating of flight books. 

8.7 Personal Equipment 

1. Operators/Observers shall wear eye protection at all times while the UAS is in 

flight. 

2. Although there is no specific uniform for the UAS unit or required for proper 

operation of the UAS, the operator/observer should take necessary measures to 

deploy in a professional matter, wear Hi-Visible vests when appropriate, and take 

into consideration that all deployments are subject to media requests. 

3. Operators/Observers will take into consideration the current weather conditions 

when planning to deploy, and wear appropriate clothing to deploy comfortably. 

4. There are no documented issues with the use of the radio or cellular phones during 

the deployment of the UAS, but the operator/observer should at all times take into 

consideration safe operation of the UAS when using a radio or another device (use 

of the radio or other device is strictly prohibited by the operator during flight). 

5. Operators/Observers shall wear clothing that easily identifies them as SHUTTER 

INSTINCT UAS Flight Crew members. 

9. Pre-Flight/Post-Flight Actions 

9.l Inspections 

1. Operators/Observers are both responsible for a thorough preflight inspection of the 

UAS. 

2. Before and after each deployment (whether a mission or training), the operator and 

observer shall conduct a thorough inspection of the UAS in accordance with the 

instructions contained in the manufactures user's manual. 

3. Any issues found that will put in jeopardy the safe operation of the UAS shall be 

documented and resolved immediately prior to flight. 

4. It has been recognized that the use of a checklist is a significant method to combat 

UAS accidents. A pre-flight checklist is contained with each UAS Base Station and 

is utilized prior to each flight. 

5. Any physical equipment that cannot be resolved on-site, and which have an impact 

on safety or the mission, will override the deployment. These issues will be resolved 

before flight. 

9.2 Weather 

1. Before each deployment the operator/observer will ensure that he/she gathers 

enough information to make themselves familiar with the weather situation existing 
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throughout the area of deployment. The operator shall utilize FAA approved 

weather resources to obtain the latest and most current weather conditions. 

2. An anemometer should be utilized in order to better estimate the wind speed and 

determine if it is within the capabilities of the airframe being flown. 

3. Operators/Observers should use the Beaufort Scale when making deployment 

decisions in regards to wind conditions. 

4. The weather conditions reported for the operation shall be recorded in the pre-flight 

checklist. 

5. The operator shall ensure that the flight will occur within FAA VFR weather 

requirements. 

9.3 Documentation 

1. Inspection and weather will be documented prior to flight within the log book. 

2. After each flight, the operator will complete a statement documenting the UAS 

operations. 

9.4 Planning 

1. The operator/observer shall familiarize themselves with all available information 

concerning the deployment including, but not limited to, the weather conditions, 

hazards, description of the incident, deployment goals, etc. 

2. Operators will ensure that the location for take-off and emergency landing is 

adequate for a safe deployment. 

a. The take-off/landing area should be clearly marked and identifiable with 

short cones. 

b. At least one emergency landing area should be identified per deployment. 

3. Operators will ensure that they are aware of their surroundings in the event that an 

emergency landing is necessary. This includes the ability to recover the UAS. 

9.5 Checklists 

1. Operators shall utilize pre-flight checklists to ensure the highest level of safety for 

deployment. 

2. Prior to flight, the flight log shall be initiated. 

9.6 Maintenance 

1. Although there are few parts on the UAS that need servicing, it is necessary that 

the manufacturer's maintenance schedule is followed and properly documented. 

2. Any issues that arise during maintenance that cannot be resolved by routine 

methods shall be forwarded to the manufacturer for further technical support. 

9.7 Other 
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1. Operators/Observers will ensure that no items are attached to the UAS prior to flight 

that are not required for safe operation and to complete the mission goal.