APPENDIX C: PERSONAL PROTOCOLS AND CONTROLS FOR RUSSELL M. SQUIRE – SLY DOG 

PRODUCTION

I, Russell M. Squire, follow a strict protocol and use a series of controls for every flight of the UAS that I 

utilize. 

Our pre-flight checklist is as follows:

1. Remote controller, Intelligent Flight Battery and the mobile device (a Samsung Galaxy S-5) are 

fully charged prior to each flight to avoid any potential for flight interruption or loss of signal 

between the RC and the UAS.

2. We fully inspect all propeller blades and check all functionality on the remote control to make 

absolutely certain that all systems are operational.

3. We regularly update the firmware for the UAS and the RC device offers warning messages 

should any operational aspect of the UAS be out of compliance or not functioning. If this is the 

case then we abort the flight and take the appropriate corrective action.

4. We make certain that no ferromagnetic interference is present during compass calibration 

which involves staying clear of all power lines and keeping items like keys, smart phones, 

underground steel structures, and clear from the UAS. We also insure that calibration activities 

are performed only outdoors at the takeoff point and performed strictly by the manufacturer’s 

guidelines for safe calibration. The UAS will then give a green light and signal when it is clear to 

fly in GPS mode, meaning all systems are ready.

5. The UAS’s propellers are mounted correctly and firmly then tested during the warm-up period.

6. We make certain that the motors can start and are functioning normally.

7. We calibrate the compass of the UAS and make sure the RC offers the message that we are clear 

to fly in GPS mode which offers far greater control.

8. We make certain that the UAS’s vision positioning system is functioning and enabled which 

allows for greater control, stability and the ability to offer a safe and stable takeoff.

9. Start up allows for the blades to turn and we can observe the connection between the RC and 

the UAS, make note of any unusual sounds or noises and make certain that all systems are 

operational and functional.

Take/Off and Landing Procedures are as follows:

1. I place the aircraft in an open, flat area away from any obstructions, buildings and people with 

the battery indicator lights on the UAS facing towards the pilot.

2. I turn on the RC and mobile device first and then turn on the intelligent battery on the UAS as 

recommended by the manufacturer.

3. I launch the DJI Pilot app which allows for all system controls and real-time images to be sent to 

the RC device at all times.

4. I always fly the UAS in P-mode which means that my UAS is making use of both GPS and vision 

positioning systems to allow for the safest and most stable flight.
5. I wait until the Aircraft Indicators on the RC blink green which means the Home Point is duly 

recorded and it is safe to fly. If they blink yellow we do not takeoff because this means the 

Home Point is not recorded.

6. We push the throttle up slowly to takeoff or use auto takeoff to hover the machine at 4 to 5 feet 

for 30 seconds. This allows us to inspect the UAS’s hover, listen for any abnormal noises, inspect 

for lack of control or anything abnormal prior to flight while the UAS is still close at hand.

7. To land I hover over a level surface and gently pull down on the throttle to descend. I always 

land at the original Home Point. In the event of a need to abort a flight because of the inability 

to return the UAS to the Home Point we can use the Auto land function if there is any type of 

malfunction because we always maintain line of sight control over the UAS.

8. After landing I hold the throttle at its lowest position until the motors stop.

9. After landing we turn off the Intelligent Flight Battery first and then the RC unit as per the 

manufacturer’s recommendation.

Protocols are as follows:

1. I never fly over 200 feet and have automatic altitude limitations of 200 feet set so that the UAS 

may never exceed 200 feet AGL. Most of our flights are conducted at 10 to 30 feet AGL, so I 

seldom go above 50 feet as over 90% of my operations are conducted between 10 and 30 feet. 

2. I stay more than 5 miles away from all controlled air space for operational commercial airports 

during all flight operations.

3. I only fly in VFR conditions and never fly when conditions are rated as IFR. 

4. I never fly in areas that are subject to high pedestrian traffic, near tall buildings, in restricted 

airspace or in any area that may pose a threat to human health, safety or welfare.

5. I always fly the UAS in line of sight never losing visual contact. In distance terms this means a 

limitation of 1,000 lineal feet or less. Over 90% of my operations are conducted at less than 100 

lineal feet.

6. I never fly the UAS unless all systems are listed as functional and operational on the RC.

7. I record all flight data including altitude, flight duration and speed, location via GPS mapping, 

engine and system information and this is permanently logged and stored on the flight 

controller for my UAS.

8. I perform regular maintenance including firmware updates, installing new propellers as needed 

and servicing the UAS with an authorized dealer in the event that any systems become nonfunctional. Should a system show a lack of functionality on the RC then we ground the UAS until 

the system is repaired.

9. We always research the weather through NOAA to make certain that IFR conditions will exist for 

our flights and if they do not then we do not fly because our UAS cannot fly with any type of 

precipitation.

This list represents our protocols and controls.