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Blue Sky Web Solutions LLC

Flight	Operations	Manual	

and	Motion	Picture	and	Television	Operations	Manual	(MPTOM)

Revision	1.0,	Updated:	September	24,	2015	

Operator Information:

Blue Sky Web Solutions LLC

1329 North State Street, Ste. 200

Bellingham, WA 98225

(360) 527‐9111
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Revisions

Revision Number Effective Date Description of Changes

1.0 September 24, 2015 Original version

   

   

   

   
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Blue Sky Web Solutions LLC Flight Operations Manual & MPTOM

Introduction

Blue Sky Web Solutions LLC conducts all flight operations in accordance with the procedures in this manual, the

respective manufacturers’ user manuals and safety bulletins, and relevant Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs). To

the extent that any conflict may arise in the aforementioned documents, the FARs shall prevail.  

Makes and Models of UASs Operated

Flights Operations are limited to the following UAS:

Manufacturer: DJI

Model: Inspire  1

Pilot Qualifications

A sport pilot, private pilot, commercial pilot, or airline transport pilot, with a third‐class medical or valid state

drivers’ license must act as pilot‐in‐command (PIC) for each flight. In addition to this FAA requirement, any pilot

shall receive proper training on the proper and safe operation of the UAS, to include all procedures listed in this

document. Training shall be conducted in an area that is clear of all uninvolved persons within 500 feet. The

training pilot must demonstrate safe and proficient operations using the aircraft before operating within 500 feet

of consenting persons, and must be well versed in all procedures contained in this manual. A minimum of 10 flights

and 2 hours of flying time is required for a training pilot to be qualified for a commercial flight.

Operating Procedures

Limitations

 At no point shall a UA be operated at an altitude of more than 400 feet above ground level (AGL) as

indicated by the GPS‐altitude.

 All operations shall be conducted in a sterile environment as specified under “Operating Area.”

 The flight shall be terminated as soon as practicable if any of the following occurs:

o Loss of radio communication with the drone

o Loss of GPS signal

o Unpredicted obstacles or emergencies

o 25% battery or flight duration of 30 minutes

o A mechanical condition that renders the aircraft unsafe for continued flight

o Entry of an non‐consenting person within 100 feet of the UA

 All flights shall be conducted with a Visual Observer (VO) in addition to the PIC, and the VO & PIC must be

within voice‐range at all times. The VO must be trained in safe operation of the UA and be knowledgeable

of what types of obstacles and hazards to watch for.  
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 The PIC must maintain a Visual Line of Sight (VLOS) with the UA at all times except that the VO may satisfy

the requirement of visually monitoring the UA while the pilot’s eyes are diverted elsewhere, such as at

the remote control.

Permissions

Obtain a COA (Certificate of Waiver or Authorization) from the relevant FSDO or other responsible Air Traffic

Organization.  

For closed‐set motion picture and television filming, submit a plan of activities to the FSDO having geographical

jurisdiction 3 days in advance of filming. These must be filed at least 3 days in advance of the flight. At the

discretion of the FSDO, the 3‐day notification may be waived. Justification of the exception to the 3‐day

requirement should be provided. The FAA must indicate their acceptance of the plan of activities prior to beginning

filming operations. The following information must be included in the plan of activities:

 Dates and times for all flights

 Name and phone number of the person responsible for the filming production event

 List of pilots to be used during filming, including pilot certificate numbers

 List of UASs to be used (including Make, Model, and N‐number or serial number)

 A statement that permission has been obtained from property owners and/or local officials to conduct

the filming production event

 Signature of waiver holder or a designated representative.

 A general outline or summary of the flight activity schedule, including maps or diagrams of the specific

filming location, if necessary.

If local laws require, obtain permissions from the relevant local government agency.

Operating Area

Operations may be conducted in the United States subject provided that a COA has been obtained and a plan of

activities has been submitted to the FSDO responsible for the specific geographic area for the flight operation. In

order to ensure a safe and legal operating area, conduct the following checks prior to operations:

 Ensure location is not within 5 statute miles of an airport reference point (ARP) as denoted in the current

FAA Airport/Facility Directory (AFD) or for airports not denoted with an ARP, the center of the airport

symbol as denoted on the current FAA‐published aeronautical chart. If an exception to this is needed,

obtain a letter of agreement with the airport’s management or ensure that the COA permits the operation

at the intended location.

 Obtain written or verbal permission property owner(s) over which the flight will be conducted.

 Inform all persons within 500 feet of the operation and obtain their verbal or written consent.

 Any person who is an essential part of the operation who will be within 100 feet of the flying UA must

attend a safety briefing to cover:

o Location of the home‐landing location and necessity to keep said area clear

o Situational awareness. Instruct participants to be aware of the location, altitude, and movement

of the UA at all times.

o Intended purpose and expected duration of the flight(s).

o Personnel will also be briefed on any additional provisions that may be issued by the local FSDO,

including the location of boundaries or any other time limits.
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 Record the altitude of the launch site, which will be referenced during pre‐flight inspection.

 Maintain oral communication capability with all participants during actual operation and filming and keep

participants continuously apprised of the current status of the operation

Documentation

The PIC must have the following documents present during all operations:

 Flight Operations Manual

 Certificate of Authorization or Waiver

 Copy of Section 333 Exemption Letter

 Any applicable written permissions

Operating Checklists

The following checklist is not manufacturer‐specific. Follow checklists in manufacturers’ documentation, and use

this checklist as a supplement

BEFORE DEPARTING FOR SITE CHECK

 Aircraft (AC) and Remote Controller (RC) batteries fully charged  

 Tablet or phone fully charged  

 Ensure SD card has free space and is inserted into the camera  

 Ensure Firmware is updated on AC and RC(s)  

 Cache location maps into all DJI Pilot app devices  

 Check if flight location is in No‐Fly Zone (Check here: airmap.io)  

 Check for NOTAMs and Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) (FAA.gov/notamSearch)  

 Check weather  

o No Precipitation

o Winds under 20kts   

o Cloud layer above 500' (152M)   

o 1 statute mile visibility  

o KP index is 5 or less (Check here: UAVforecast.com)  

LOCATION ON‐SITE CHECK

 Check flying area free of overhead obstructions   

 Wires, low flying AC, trees, tall buildings  

 Antennas that may interfere with compass and GPS reception  

 Weather meets conditions  

o Winds under 20 kts (23 MPH or 10 meters per second)  

o Clouds above 500’ (152M)  

o Visibility for 1 statute mile   

o KP index 5 or less  

 Confirm flight plan with camera operator and/or visual observer

 Conduct briefing as prescribed in “Operating Area” section of this manual

PHYSICAL AIRCRAFT CHECK

 Desired ND filter attached to camera  

 Camera locked in place  

 SD card in camera  
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 Motors clear of Foreign Object Debris (FOD)

 Check propellers for any melting, misshapen, or cracks  

 Propellers hand tight and oriented correctly  

 Prop locks firmly attached

 Inspect all other areas of fuselage for damage

REMOTE CONTROLLER CHECK

 Antennas oriented properly

 Power on Remote Control

 Check battery level of RC for minimum 75%  

PRE‐TAKEOFF CHECK

 Maximum Flight altitude set

o Note: 121 Meters = 400’

 Confirm indicated GPS‐altitude is accurate

 Failsafe Mode, Set for 30M Clearance above lowest obstacle in flight plan

 RC Signal Lost set to Return‐to‐Home  

 Check Sensors   

 At least 75% battery   

 Start video recording  

 Start propellers

 Ensure home point is accurately set  

 Ensure elevation reads 0 (zero)  

 Make sure your observer is ready for take off

 Make sure it is safe to take off and people are not in harms way

 Take off!

Accident Notification

Should an accident occur that causes injury or property damage, notification must be made to the NTSB following

procedures published on its website within 24 hours.

Any incident, accident, or flight operation that transgresses the lateral or vertical boundaries of the operational

area as defined by the applicable COA must be reported to the FAA’s UAS Integration Office (AFS−80) within 24

hours.

Procedures for Revision

On the second page of this FOM, Blue Sky Web Solutions LLC shall maintain a list of any revisions made to this

document. Any revisions must be submitted to the local FSDO at least 15 days before the proposed effective date

of the revision.