# Unmanned

Aircraft
Operations

Manual

Verson 1.5 February 2016

# Contents

1 Preface

................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .................. 3

2 Definitions

................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ............ 3

3 Philosophy

................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ............ 4

4 Protection of Rights and Privacy

................................ ................................ ................................ ......... 4

5 Operations

................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ............ 4

5.1 Organization

................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ . 5

5.2 Safety

................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ............ 7

5.3 Training

................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ......... 8

5.4 Flight Planning

................................ ................................ ................................ .............................. 9

5.5 Flight Operations

................................ ................................ ................................ ........................ 11

5.6 Logbook Entries

................................ ................................ ................................ .......................... 13

5.7 Maintenance

................................ ................................ ................................ ............................... 13

5.8 Other

................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ........... 14

5.9 Record Keeping

................................ ................................ ................................ .......................... 1 4

6 Checklis ts

................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ............ 14

6.1 Flight Planning Checklist

................................ ................................ ................................ ............. 15

6.2 Pre

- flight Checklist

................................ ................................ ................................ ..................... 16

6.3 3DR Solo Flight Operations Checklist

................................ ................................ ....................... 16

6.4 3DR Solo Emergency Checklist

................................ ................................ ................................ .. 19

6.5 Post

- flight Checklist

................................ ................................ ................................ ................... 20

7 Logbooks

................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ............. 21

7.1 Pilot / VO Logbook

................................ ................................ ................................ ...................... 21

7.2 Aircraft Maintenance Logbook

................................ ................................ ................................ .. 21

7.3 Squawk Log

................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ . 21

8 Other Documents

................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ 21

8.1 Property Overflight Release

................................ ................................ ................................ ....... 21

8.2 Vessel/vehicle/structure Release Form

................................ ................................ ...................... 21

Version 1.5 2 February 2016

# 1 **Preface**

The fol lowing procedures are intended to promote safe, efficient and lawful operation of unmanned aerial systems (UAS). Safety above all else is the primary concern for every operation, regardless of
the nature of the flight

.



# 2 **Definitions**

**COA** Certificate of Waiver or Authorization. An FAA

- issued authorization to operate in a particular airspace. Contains limitations and restraints. **Flight Director** Designated individual with oversight responsibilities for flight operations **Flight Operation** A flight operation consists of one or more flights at a single location on a single day.

**Non**

**- essential** 
**observers** Any individual without assigned duties during a UA flight.

**Operators** All Esri employees involved in UAS flight operations. Includes the PI C, VO and any other essential personnel. **Operating**

**Documents** Operating documents collectively represent Esri’s UA Flight program. These documents include, but are not limited to, FAA Exemption Letter, COA, Flight Operations Manual, Training Manual, UA Ow ner/Operators Manual and any flight operation or safety checklists. **Part 333 Waiver** Authorization from the Federal Aviation Administration (Director, Flight Standards Service) to operate a n unmanned aircraft. Section 333 refers to
the section of Publi c Law 112−95 that directs the FAA Administrator to authorize UAS operations.

**PIC** Pilot

- in

- Command (PIC) is a current FAA

- license pilot (airline transport, commercial, private, recreational, or sport pilot). **Program**
**Director** Designated senior Esri manager who is the business sponsor of flight operations **Required Flight**

**Crew** Individuals who have assigned functional or safety responsibility for a specific flight.

**UA** Unmanned Aircraft. Pertains to any remote controlled flyin g platform regardless of size or complexity.

**UAS** Unmanned Aircraft System.

**VFR** Visual Flight Rules. VFR is a set of FAA defined rules regarding visibility
and clearance from clouds. VFR condition s vary based on airspace. All Esri UA operations will be conducted in VFR conditions.

**VO** Visual Observers (VO) are part of the required flight crew for UA operations. They serve as visual spotters to ensure that the UA avoids all hazards and operates in the area and flight path intended.

Version 1.5 3 February 2016

# 3 **Philosophy**

Esri may use Unmanned Aircraft (UA) from time

- to

- time to collect aerial imagery and sensor data to help improve and test Esri’s software products and processes.

Esri will comply with all federal, state and lo cal laws and regulations at all times.



# 4 **Protection of Rights and Privacy**

UA operators will make every reasonable effort to not violate any individual’s personal privacy or invade any person's expectation of privacy when operating a UAS in all situations. Where practical,

UA operators will obtain written permission before collecting imagery or video of any individual.

UA operators will assure that the protection of citizen’s civil rights and reasonable expectations of privacy is a key component of any deci sion made in operating the UAS. PICs and VOs will be accountable for ensuring that operations of UAS have minimal intrusion upon citizens.

To accomplish this primary goal
, Esri will provide training for a variety of scenarios:

• When practical
, the onboard c amera(s) will be turned away from occupied structures to minimize inadvertent video or still images of uninvolved persons.

• All video and still images will be used for Esri business only. All employees and UA operators are prohibited from shari ng or releas ing images publicall y without the written authorization the Program Director

.

• Operation of Esri

- owned and loaned equipment for personal use is strictly prohibited

. The use of UAS will be tightly controlled and regulated.



# 5 **Operations**

The policies and procedures contained in this manual are issued by authority of the Program

Director . As such, it is an official document of Esri and is not intended to be all

- inclusive, but is to be used as a supplement to Federal Aviation Regulations, Aircraft Manufacturers' manuals, directives and approved flight manual guides.

This manual address es Esri’s available UAS safety and operations information as of the date published. Technology advancement in aerial equipment, personnel and operations chan ges
over time , and this establishes a requirement for Esri’s management to systematically monitor, edit, organize and change critical parts of the manual and other safety and operations manuals and systems to reduce UAS flight and operations risk of aircra ft failures or loss of operations.

This manual will be updated as required. This manual will be reviewed, at a minimum, annually to assure it provides current and correct information. A copy of the manual (electronic and/or paper) will be provided to all Esri personnel having UAS flight operations responsibilities.

Version 1.5 4 February 2016

## 5.1 **Scope**

This manual applies to the following operations:



### 5.1.1 U.S. Operations. The FAA regulates all UAS operations in the U.S. and its territories. All outdoor flights

conducted in the U.S. or its territories will follow the limitations and policies of this manual.



### 5.1.2 International Operations The policies and procedures outlined in this manual covers flights in the United States that are regulated by the Federal Avi ation Administration (FAA)

. 

### UAS laws and regulations vary widely from country

- to

- country and may have local restrictions. No flights will be performed by Esri employees outside of the U.S. without a thorough review and written flight plan approved by the Program Director.

5.1.3 Indoor Flights The FAA does not regulate airspace inside of a building. Indoor flights are exempt from the conditions and policies in this manual.



## 5.2 **Organization**

Flight crew shall be comprised of those personnel approved in part by the Fed eral Aviation Administration and Esri. Esri’s UAS personnel include UAS PICs, VOs and other personnel assigned to UAS flight operations.

5.2.1 Personnel

Program Director

. The Program Director is a senior Esri manager and business sponsor of flight operations. The Program Director is responsible to provide oversight of all flight operations and safety

programs.

Flight Director

. The Fight Director has overall responsible for flight safety policy and training. The F light Director provides oversight of all flight operations and approve s all flight plans. The Flight

Director must meet all of the requirements of PIC below.

The UAS Flight Director is responsible for the day

- to

- day supervision and management of Esri flight operations and flight personnel. The Flight Director responsibilities include:

• Maintaining all training, flight and maintenance records for each UAS
, PIC , and VO as
well as individual airframes.

• Maintain a file for each PIC and VO which shall include copies of FAA certifications, training records, etc.

Version 1.5 5 February 2016• Maintain contact with the FAA and be familiar with current regulations

.

• Evaluate flight personnel based on flight type and need.

Pilot

- in

- Command (PIC).

All PICs must hold either an airline transport, commercial, private, recreational, or sport pilot certificate. The PIC must hold a current FAA airman medical certificate or a valid U.S. driver’s license issued by a state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, a territory, a possession, or the Federal government. The PIC must also meet the flight review requirements specified in 14 CFR § 61.56 in an aircraft in which the PIC is rated on his or her pilot certificate.

The PIC is responsible to understand and com ply with all conditions, restraints and constraints associated with the FAA granted Waiver and Certificate of Waiver or

Authorization.

UAS PICs interacting with Air Traffic Control (ATC) shall be proficient in air traffic

communications . UAS PICs must hav e an understanding of and comply with FAA and Military Regulations applicable to the airspace where the UAS will operate.

The UAS PIC primary duty is to ensure the safe and effective operation of UAS in accordance with the manufacturers' approved flight ma nual and FAA regulations policies and procedures. UAS PICs must remain knowledgeable of all FAA regulations; UAS manufacturer's flight manual and bulletins and City and State UAS policy.

UAS Flight Director may temporarily remove any employees and personne l or UAS PIC from flight status at any time for any reasons including
, safety concerns, performance, proficiency, physical condition, etc. Should removal become necessary, the person will be notified verbally and in writing of the reason (s) and any requir ed corrective actions.

PICs are responsible for the safety of all personnel during flight operations. The PIC shall terminate flight operations immediately if anyone or property is at risk or if any Esri employee calls for flight operations to stop.

UAS V isual Observers (VO). VOs must hold a valid U.S. driver’s license issued by a state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, a U.S. territory, a U.S. possession, or the Federal
government.

VOs will communicate clearly to the PIC any instructions required to stay clear of conflicting traffic. VOs will 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 clea rance, and in

flight visibility . Visual Observers must complete communications training before communicating with any control tower or air traffic controller.

The VO's primary responsibility is to see and avoid all other aircraft traffic, stay clear of people, building s , structures and obstacles.

VO's may operate the UAS's equipment including the UA, cameras, sensors, and radio

communications under the direct supervision of the PIC.

Version 1.5 6 February 2016

## 5.3 **Safety**

Esri is committed to promoting a safe and healthy workplace, inc luding:

• Personnel will at all times protect and prevent damage to equipment, the environment and property.

• Company culture of open reporting of all safety hazards or incidents.

• The personnel will support all UAS safety training and awareness programs.

• The Flight Director will conduct regular reviews of safety policies, procedures and practices with all personnel.

• The Flight Director continuously monitors the UAS community at large to ensure that best safety practices are incorporated into the Esri UAS fligh t operations.

• It is the duty of every person to contribute to the goal of continued safe operations. This contribution may come in many forms and always includes operating in the safest manner practical and never taking unnecessary extreme risks.

• Any safet y hazards whether procedural, operational or maintenance related should be identified if possible before an incident occurs. Any suggestions in the interest of safety should be made directly to the Flight Director as soon as known.

• If any UAS PICs, VOs or other personnel have knowledge of unsafe or dangerous acts committed by anyone, the UAS Flight Director is to be notified immediately so that corrective action(s) may be taken. Hazards requiring immediate attention will be brought

to the attention of the F light Director verbally and without delay.

• Electronic Messaging or texting is prohibited during all flight operations.

• The PIC and VO must maintain verbal communications at all times.



### 5.3.1 Alcohol and Drug Policy All flight crewmembers will comply with 14 CFR §91.17 regarding the use of Alcohol and Drugs. No person may act as a crewmember of a UA operation:

• Within 8 hours after the consumption of any alcoholic beverage;

• While under the influence of alcohol;

• While using any drug that affects the person's facul ties in any way contrary to safety;

or

• While having an alcohol concentration of 0.04 or greater in a blood or breath specimen. Alcohol concentration means grams of alcohol per deciliter of blood or grams of alcohol per 210 liters of breath.



### 5.3.2 Personal Safety Equipment Flight crewmembers will dress appropriately for weather and conditions for each flight. All

crewmembers must wear the following during flight operations:

• Protective eyewear that meets ANSI Z87.1+ standards

• Reflective safety vest

• Use of safety h at (hard hat) is encouraged, but not required

Version 1.5 7 February 2016• Use of non

- flight radios or cellular phones during missions are prohibited during any flight operation unless being used as backup communications resources.



### 5.3.3 Operational Hazard and Incident Report s (OHIR) are unplanned safety related events, including accidents and incidents that could affect safety or become a hazard that may cause harm.

The OHOR concept provides a mechanism to report hazards and occurrences, real and perceived, to those responsible for E sri UAS operations.

There is no specific format for the OHIR 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 hazards, or occurrence. Reports m ay be submitted anonymously to the Flight Director.

• Every hazard and/or occurrence that involves UAS will be investigated with the

results and corrective action taken communicated to flight personnel. The Flight Director and associated personnel will cond uct the investigation under the direction of the Program Director

.

• UAS operational hazards requiring immediate attention will be brought to the
attention of the PIC or Flight Director immediately

.

• All Esri personnel are authorized to take immediate action to correct any possible hazard or hazardous condition where an opinion or delay may result in an accident, injury or death.

• All Esri employees involved in the flight crew may terminate flight operations. The PIC will terminate flight operations imm ediately upon notification.



## 5.4 **Training**

5.4.1 The key to continued safe operations is by maintaining a professional level of competency. The first step in this process is establishing minimum qualifications and the second step involves training personnel to acceptable levels of flight operations
competency.

5.4.2 Training Plans

• All employees will have a UAS training plan on file that outlines training objectives. This training plan will be part of an employee’s training file.

• T raining plan s will be approved by the Program Manager and Flight Director.

• All UA operations will be documented and count toward an employee’s personal time in operations training.

• It is the employee’s personal responsibility to verify their training file contains all pertinent informat ion.

Version 1.5 8 February 2016

### 5.4.3 Initial Training

The PIC and VO must have completed sufficient training to communicate to alerts, directives or instructions required to remain clear of conflicting traffic. This training at a minimum shall include knowledge of the rules and responsi bilities described in 14 CFR 91.111, Operating Near Other Aircraft; 14 CFR 91.113, Right

- of

- Way Rules: Except Water Operations; and 14 CFR 91.155, Bask VFR Weather Minimums; knowledge of air traffic and radio communications, including the use of approved A TC/pilot phraseology; and knowledge of appropriate sections of the
Aeronautical Information Manual.



### 5.4.4 Recurrent Training Flight crew who do not have any documented training or flight time within a span of 180 days are required to perform a proficiency revie w by a current PIC or Flight

Director

. Recurrent training is not limited to UAS flight skills but also includes knowledge of all pertinent UAS operations and aviation matters.



## 5.5 **Flight Planning** 

The PIC, VO and flight and ground personnel shall familiarize themselves with all available information concerning the UAS flight including, but not limited to, the weather conditions, flight zone or area, hazards, and the flight goals.

Esri voluntarily chooses to fly over property with written permission from the pr operty
owner or authorized official , but may fly over other areas when necessa ry . For routine operations, written approval to overfly is required. If written approval is not practical or possible, written authorization from the Program Director is req uired.

The PIC is responsible for ensuring that the flight complies with the co nstraints and restraints
of Esri’s COA. The PIC shall review the airspace and become familiar with any Special Use Airspace and Temporary Flight Restrictions ( TFR s ) in effe ct for the planned flight area.

Flights will not be conducted less than :

• 5 nautical miles (NM) from an airport having an operational control tower; or

• 3 NM from an airport with a published instrument flight procedure, but not an operational tower; or

• 2 NM from an airport without a published instrument flight procedure or an operational tower; or

• 2 NM from a heliport with a pu blished instrument flight procedure

The PIC is also responsible for ensuring that all additional crewmembers have received the

pro per training and meet the currency requirements identified in this manual.

Version 1.5 9 February 2016PIC will ensure that the location for take

- off and emergency landing is adequate for safe UAS flight and recovery.

The take

- off/landing location should be clearly marked and identif iable with electric lights, brightly colored short cones or by other appropriate methods.

The PIC will identify and mark at least one alternate/ emergency landing area before flight and

make all crewmembers aware of its location.

PICs 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 in encumbered areas.

Prior to any flight operations, the flight crew will thoroughly review the planned flight to

include:

• Ide ntification and review of the airspace;

• Review of Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs);

• Detailed weather forecast;

• Review of potential hazards;

• Review of roles and responsibilities;

• Review of communication protocols;

• Review of emergency procedures;

• Thoroug h equipment inspection;

• Thorough test of communications equipment;

• Review of the flight to be conducted;

The PIC will make an on location determination of the UAS, equipment and personnel required to perform the requested flight safely within Esri’s and th e FAA policies and procedures.

If the PIC determines that the use of the UAS would violate safety measures, Esri policy or federal, state or local laws or directives then the PIC has the authority to modify the flight parameters as needed to conform. If t he flight is unsafe or violates policy, the flight will be

cancelled. Upon completion of the flight , the PIC will make a full report of the modified flight circumstances and their concerns and issues associated with the flight to the Flight

Director.

PIC s have the final decision regarding safety, Esri policy or flight rules

.



### 5.5.1 Weather

Before each flight the Flight Director, PIC and or VO will ensure that he/she gathers enough information to make themselves familiar with the weather conditions existing throughout
the area of flight for the Flight Duration of the flight

.

• The PIC shall utilize FAA approved weather resources to obtain the latest and most
current weather conditions.

Version 1.5 10 February 2016• When necessary, use a hand

- held anemometer to better estimate the wind speed and determine if it is within the flight performance envelope of the UAS before flight

.

• Flight operatio ns will not be conducted if gusts exceed 75% of the UA rated wind

limitation.

• The weather conditions reported for the operation shall be recorded in the flight log pre and post flight.

• The PIC shall ensure that the flights will occur within VFR weather req uirements.


## 5.6 **Flight Operations**

5.6.1 Flight Boundaries

Flights will not be conducted outside of the COA

. N o person at Esri has the authority to
authorize flights outside of the COA

. Information regarding flight boundaries can be found in Esri’s FAA

- COA and regulations regarding the use of the National Airspace System (NAS)

.

Maximum flight altitude will not exceed the maximum altitude permitted by the FAA COA (400' AGL).



### 5.6.2 Minimum Personnel Requirements

T he minimum personnel required for any fligh t will be the UAS PIC and VO.



### 5.6.3 Personnel Responsibilities for Flights

The UAS PIC

• The PIC is directly responsible for safety and is the final authority over the actual flight operations of the UAS.

• UAS PICs have final authority to reject any flight based on personnel safety or violation of Esri policy or FAA regulations.

• No one has the authority, regardless of their position, to order a PIC to conduct a flight of any type when, in the opinion of the PIC, the flight poses risk to personnel or is in v iolation of

Esri Policy or FAA regulations.

• PICs are responsible for compliance with this manual, Esri policy and procedures and FAA regulations.

• The PIC's primary duty during a flight is to operate the UAS safely and protect all ground personnel while acc omplishing the goals of the flight

.

• PICs will maintain visual contact with the UA at all times.

• PICs shall avoid all obstacles that will lessen flight safety during the flight

.

• PICs shall be responsive to the requests of the VO in order to accomplish the f light

.

• PICs shall be responsible for documentation of each flight updating flight logs and notating post flight UAS or equipment issues.

Version 1.5 11 February 2016The UAS VO

• A VOs primary duty during a flight is to have continuous eyes

- on the UAS during all modes of operation allo wing the PIC to maintain complete focus on the operation of the UAS.

• VOs shall see

- and

- avoid any obstacle that will lessen safety during all missions.

• VOs are responsible for ground safety procedures before, during and after the flight

.

• When necessary , VOs shall operate any attached systems and accessories to the UAS such as

cameras or sensor arrays.

• VOs shall remain alert of suspicious persons or activities on the ground and coordinate response by informing the PIC and other security and or operations grou nd personnel.

• VOs shall provide verbal commands and monitor UAS flight position delivering radio flight safety updates as needed.

• VOs shall update and assist the PIC with safe operation alerts of the UAS flight as directed by

the PIC

.

• VOs shall be responsi ble for assisting the PIC with completing all documentation of each flight and the updating of flight logs and other notations.



### 5.6.4 Use of Checklists

C hecklist s helps to ensure effective communication and confirmation among crew members
and to ensure that critical tasks and factors are not missed. The use of checklists is a proven method of reducing aviation accidents.

Checklists do not provide complete instructions, but serve as a reminder. PICs and VOs will always use checklists for pr e

- flight, flight, emergency, and post

- flight operations

.

PIC s , VOs and other crewmembers are responsible for the safe operation of UA regardless

whether a task or factor is on the checklist. Crewmembers are encouraged to provide feedback to the Flight Director for checklist improvements.

PIC s and VOs will use written checklists for all flights. The completed checklist will become part of the flight record.



### 5.6.5 Pre

- Flight Actions

Pre

- Flight Inspection

• PICs/VOs are both responsible for a thorough prefligh t inspection of the UAS and other important inspection operations with regards to UAS equipment to ensure it is in an airworthy condition

.

• Before and after each flight the PIC, VO and flight operations personnel shall conduct a thorough inspection of the U AS in accordance with UAS instructions contained in the
manufacture r s user manual.

• PIC, VO and flight operations personnel shall perform all pre

- flight operations needed such as UAS to radio calibration and of bench testing processes to help insure a safe flight when deployed.

• Any issues found that could place the flight or ground personnel, the UAS or systems and equipment in jeopardy of safe operations, shall be documented and resolved prior to flight.

• A pre

- flight checklist will be utilized prior to each flight.

Version 1.5 12 February 2016• Any system and or physical equipment issues that cannot be resolved through additional inspection and on

- site testing may change the UAS’s airworthy and ready

status.

• Any system and or physical equipment issues that may have an impact on safety of the flight will change the UAS’s airworthy and ready status to “Not Ready for Fight.” All flight and pre

- flight issues with personnel or equipment will be resolved before flight.



### 5.6.6 Post

- Flight Actions The primary tasks following a flight are to document the flight and prepare for the next flight. Maintaining accurate records is important as part of an overall risk

- reduction effort. Following every flight, flight crews will:

• Complete the post

- Flight checklist

• Complete the flight log.

• Log flight crew hours.

• Update squawk log if required . See section 5.8.1



## 5.7 **Logbook Entries**

The PIC and VO s will log each flight following the flight.

PIC qualification flight hours and currency must be logged in a manner consistent with 14 CFR § 61.51(b).

PIC and VO logbooks must include, but are not limited to:

• Date/time of flight,

• Flight duration,

• Location,

• Weather conditions,

• Purpose of flight , and

• Names of other required crewmembers.


## 5.8 **Maintenance**

Although there are few parts on the UA that need servicing, it is necessary th at the
manufacturer's maintenance schedule is followed and documented. This includes the replacement of damaged parts or software/firmware upgrades.

Software and firmware updates will be retained as part of the permanent maintenance reco rd.

Any issues tha t arise during maintenance that cannot be resolved by routine methods shall be forwarded to the manufacturer for further technical support and repair. Any repairs performed by the manufacturer or other company will also be noted in the maintenance log.



### 5.8.1 Sq uawk Log The Squawk Log contains a running list of any discrepancies or problems with a UA or associated communications equipment. It is used to familiarize the flight crew with

Version 1.5 13 February 2016problems that have occurred in the past so that they will be better prepared to deal with the problem should it reoccur. The log will contain:

• Date/time discovered,

• Name of the person who discovered the problem,

• Description of the problem

• Conditions under which the problem occurred, and

• Resolution, if any.

Examples might include unusual vibrations, controller issues, or radio problems.



## 5.9 **Other**
UAS PICs/VOs will ensure that no items are attached to the UAS prior to flight that are not required for safe operation and to complete the flight goal.



## 5.10 **Record Keeping**

Maintain all aircraft f light and maintenance records for a minimum of two years after Esri disposes of the aircraft.

Retain f light
, maintenance and crew training records indefinitely for any aircraft involved in an accident that causes personal or prope rty damage other than damage to the UA itself.

Destruction of any logbooks or flight records requires the written approval of the Program

Director.



# 6 **Checklists**

Version 1.5 14 February 2016

## 6.1 **Flight Planning Checklist**
(conducted before departing for flight area)

 Written permission from property owner or authorized official  Current published airspace charts  Verify operational area on phone/tablet, applicable  Cache maps, if applicable  No planned Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs)  PIC (“Pilot in Command”) is current  VOs (“Visual Observe r s ”) are current  Weather forecast is within limits  Review communications plan  Review safety procedures  Written flight plan  > 5 miles from airports with a control tower  > 2 miles from airports with a published IFR procedure  > 2 miles from any Class B airsp ace  > 2 miles from any restricted airspace or TFR  Batteries are charged  UA  Camera  Tablet/phone/display  Inspect UA  Damage / Loose Components  Cracks in UA or props  Verify controller function  Inspect communications equipment  Batteries charged with spares  Verify operation  Headsets, if applicable  Avionics Radio check, if applicable  Inspect First Aid Kit  Tampering/use  Expiration dates  Missing items

Version 1.5 15 February 2016

## 6.2 **Pre**

**- flight Checklist** 
 Weather is within limits  Launch time is after sunrise and a minimum of 30 minutes before sunset  Inspect flight area for hazards  People, animals, power lines, trees, buildings, towers, antennas  No people within approx. 500’ of any part of the planned flight  Assess RF interference  WI

- FI Networks  GPS Signal Strength

 Minimum of 4 satellites acquired  Conduct pre

- flight briefing  All flight crew present  Review planned flight  Review contingency / termination plan  Review emergency procedures  Conduct UA inspection  Ensure rotors are firmly attached and move freely  Verify geo

- fencing limits an d maximum altitude are set  Identify level and safe take off surface  Place orange safety cones approx. 15’ from takeoff/landing spot

 Minimum of 4 cones

 Clear of Field of Debris  Battery  Charged  Installed  Communications Equipment  Antenna down and away at 20 

### ° angle

 

### Perpendicular with solo in flight  Crew radios on

 Radio check with each VO and PIC  Aviation radio on, if applicable

 Radio check  Camera checklist  Lens clean  Mount is secure  Wi

- Fi off  Control wire connected to UA  UA Power On  Calibrate Sensors  Minimum of 5 Satellites acquired

 Coned safety area clear of all crew  Camera On

Version 1.5 16 February 2016 Controller On  App Connected  Reassess for hazards

Version 1.5 17 February 2016

## 6.3 **3DR Solo Flight Operations Checklist**
**(conducted immediately before Takeoff**  **)**

 PIC: Yell “Clear”  PIC: Ensure takeoff path is clear  Controller: Hold “Fly” to start rotors  All: Observe for vibrations  Controller: Verify data receptions, check for anomalies  Controller: Hold “Fly” to take off  All: Reassess for vibrations

**In Flight**

 Controller: hands on controller  All: Eyes on UA at all tim es  Climb to safe altitude  Maintain safe distance ( est. 500’ ) from people  Yield to all other a/c

o Maintain watch for police , fire/rescue, and med

- evac helicopters  Remain below 400’ at all times  Land NOT LESS THAN 25% remaining battery

**Landing**

 Ensure LZ is clear  Verify “Fly to home” flight path is clear  On final approach

o Hover for 5 seconds at 10 feet

o Confirm LZ is clear

o Slowly descent to land  Shutdown rotors (pause or hold A+B+Pause)

**Shutdown**

 AC Power off and remove battery  Controller off  Disconnect camera  Camera Off

Version 1.5 18 February 2016

## 6.4 **3DR Solo Emergency Checklist**

**Loss of orientation**

 Climb to safe altitude  Reestablish orientation  If unable to regain orientation, Fly

- to

- home and land.

**Loss of WiFi Signal**

 UA will return to home  When signal is re

- established, press “Fly” to r egain control

**Loss of Control**

 Press Pause  Switch to Manual  Press Return to Home  Hold “Fly” to land

**Emergency Termination**

 Press **A+B+PAUSE** (motors will stop, UA will fall to ground)

**Crash**

 Do not approach UA until rotors have stopped  Priorities: Life/safety, property, environment  Call 911 if needed

Version 1.5 19 February 2016

## 6.5 **Post**

**- flight Checklist** 
(Completed following each flight)

 If another flight is planned:

o Replace Battery

o Restart Pre

- flight checklist  Remove battery  Remove rotors before handling UA  Wipe down UA  Contact tower, if n eeded  Debrief with VOs  Complete flight log  Pack up UA

o All equipment present and secured

o Case closed and locked

o Remove any trash or debris  Recharge batteries

 If another flight is planned:

o Replace Battery

o Restart Pre

- flight checklist  Remove battery  Remove rotors before handling UA  Wipe down UA  Contact tower, if needed  Debrief with VOs  Complete flight log  Pack up UA

o All equipment present and secured

o Case closed and locked

o Remove any trash or debris  Recharge batteries

Version 1.5 20 February 2016



# 7 **Logbooks**

**7.1 Pilot / VO Logbook** 

TBD



## 7.2 **Aircraft Maintenance Logbook**

TBD



## 7.3 **Squawk Log**

TBD



# 8 **Other Documents**

**8.1 Property Overflight Release** 

TBD



## 8.2 **V essel**  **/ vehicle**  **/ structure**  **Release Form**

TBD

Version 1.5 21 February 2016