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

6 Checklists............................................................................................................................................ 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 following 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 PIC, 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 Owner/Operators 

Manual and any flight operation or safety checklists.

Part 333 Waiver Authorization from the Federal Aviation Administration (Director, Flight 

Standards Service) to operate an unmanned aircraft. Section 333 refers to 

the section of Public 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 flying 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 conditions 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 local 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 decision 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 camera(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 sharing or releasing images publically 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 addresses Esri’s available UAS safety and operations information as of the date 

published. Technology advancement in aerial equipment, personnel and operations changes 

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 aircraft 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 Aviation 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 Federal 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 Flight 

Director provides oversight of all flight operations and approves 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 comply 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 have 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 manual 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 personnel 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 required 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 Visual 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 clearance, and inflight 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, buildings, 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, including:

• 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 flight 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 safety 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 Flight 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 faculties 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 hat (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 Reports (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 Esri 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 may 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 conduct 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 immediately 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.

• Training plans 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 information.

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 responsibilities 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 ATC/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 review 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 property 

owner or authorized official, but may fly over other areas when necessary. For routine 

operations, written approval to overfly is required. If written approval is not practical or 

possible, written authorization from the Program Director is required. 

The PIC is responsible for ensuring that the flight complies with the constraints and restraints 

of Esri’s COA. The PIC shall review the airspace and become familiar with any Special Use 

Airspace and Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) in effect 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 published instrument flight procedure

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

proper training and meet the currency requirements identified in this manual.

Version 1.5 9 February 2016
PIC 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 identifiable 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:

• Identification 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;

• Thorough 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 the 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 the 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.

PICs 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 operations 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 requirements.

5.6 Flight Operations

5.6.1 Flight Boundaries

Flights will not be conducted outside of the COA. No 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

The minimum personnel required for any flight 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 violation 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 accomplishing 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 flight.

• 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 2016
The UAS VO

• A VOs primary duty during a flight is to have continuous eyes-on the UAS during all modes of 

operation allowing 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 ground 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 responsible 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

Checklists helps to ensure effective communication and confirmation among crewmembers 

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 pre-flight, flight, emergency, and post-flight operations.

PICs, 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.

PICs 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 preflight 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 UAS in accordance with UAS instructions contained in the 

manufacturers 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 VOs 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 that 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 record.

Any issues that 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 Squawk 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 2016
problems 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 flight and maintenance records for a minimum of two years after Esri 

disposes of the aircraft. 

Retain flight, maintenance and crew training records indefinitely for any aircraft involved in an 

accident that causes personal or property 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 Observers”) 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 airspace

 > 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 and 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 times

 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 regain 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 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

 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 Vessel/vehicle/structure Release Form

TBD

Version 1.5 21 February 2016