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Flight Operations

Reference 2016

EXPLORERS LIKE US LLC PO Box 6335 Fishers, IN 46038 ExplorersLikeUs.com
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Introduction

Explorers Like Us Cinema & Sound conducts flight operations in a variety of environments 

and circumstances for the purposes of image and video acquisition for a variety of 

purposes. At the core of our operations is our concern for the safety of the general public, 

our crews and property. This manual outlines our flight operations standards and practices 

to ensure the safety of the public and our teams. All Explorers Like Us flight operations must 

follow the guidelines found in this reference. Not doing so is grounds for termination 

and/or civil and criminal penalties. 

Important Notice:

The standards and practices in this reference reflect minimum standards and practices 

only. If the operator(s) of and aircraft feel there is an additional concern that is not 

covered by this reference, they should implement it in the interest of protecting the safety, 

privacy and protection of the public or any facility. They should also note such actions in 

the flight log and suggest additions or corrections to this reference. Likewise, should any 

qualified operator of Explorers Like Us equipment have reason to believe any operation 

contained herein is outdated or requires modification, it is their responsibility to bring any 

operational deficiency to our attention immediately.

Safe, responsible and ethical flights are everyone’s responsibility.
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Abbreviations Used in This Reference

AGL Above Ground Level

ATC Air TrafficControl

COA Certificate of Authorization

ELU Explorers Like Us 

FAA Federal AviationAdministration

FAR Federal AviationRegulation

GCS Ground Control Station

GPS Global Positioning System

LOL Loss of Link

NAS National Airspace System

NOTAMS Notices to Airmen

PIC Pilot in Command

RTH Return to Home

SOG Speed Over Ground

sUAS Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems

VFR Visual FlightRules

VMC Visual Meteorological Conditions

VO Visual Observer

VMC Visual Meteorological Conditions

VLOS Visual Line of Sight

This reference manual is the property of Explorers Like Us, LLC. Contents ©2015 Explorers 

Like Us, LLC. All rights reserved worldwide. No part of this manual may be used or 

reproduced without the express written consent of Explorers Like Us. 
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Table of Contents

Introduction ................................................................................................................................................... 1

Abbreviations Used in This Reference ........................................................................................................ 2

Table of Contents .......................................................................................................................................... 3

Our sUAS’s Are Not Toys! .............................................................................................................................. 4

Our Mission Standards and Practices in a Nutshell................................................................................... 5

Permanent Operational Restrictions...........................................................................................................5

Pre-Flight Operational Considerations........................................................................................................6

Our No-Nonsense Privacy Policy................................................................................................................ 7

Understanding Privacy and Publicity..........................................................................................................7

What is Privacy?..............................................................................................................................................7

What is Publicity? ............................................................................................................................................8

Our Reputation................................................................................................................................................8

Important Notices ......................................................................................................................................... 9

Pilots in Command (PIC) ...............................................................................................................................9

Visual Observers (VO) ..................................................................................................................................10

Safe Flight Procedures ................................................................................................................................ 11

sUAS Training Requirements ...................................................................................................................... 12

..........................................................................................................................................................................12

Flight Operations Framework .................................................................................................................... 13

Emergencies and Accidents ..................................................................................................................... 14

Pre-Flight Check List ................................................................................................................................... 15

Danger Protocol .......................................................................................................................................... 17

Bird Strike Avoidance and Incident Protocol .......................................................................................... 17

Catastrophic Equipment Failure Protocol ................................................................................................ 18

In Flight Protocol.......................................................................................................................................... 18

Post-Flight Protocol ..................................................................................................................................... 19

In Conclusion.............................................................................................................................................. 20
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It’s Simple: Our sUAS’s Are Not Toys!

There are countless examples of severe injuries and even deaths from individuals who 

thought their fun new sUAS was a toy. They’re not! Explorers Like Us sUAS’s are aircraft used 

exclusively for professional services that we provide and only using the standards and 

practices outlined in this reference. These aircraft are owned by and registered to 

Explorers Like Us and are to be used exclusively for Explorers Like Us purposes. They may 

not be used for private or personal entertainment or functions under any circumstances. 

Failure to abide by these policies will result in immediate termination and will subject you 

personally to civil and criminal punishment. 

Explorers Like Us will assist law enforcement and regulatory agencies in the event any of 

our sUAS’s are involved in an incident unrelated to an Explorers Like Us mission.

Enrique Iglesias Handles a Live Drone at a Concert

Enrique Iglesias After The Drone Nearly Detaches His Finger.
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Our Standards and Practices in a Nutshell

Explorers Like Us engages in low-risk flight activities in controlled-access or limited-access 

areas using sUAS aircraft when possible. This reference covers sUAS aircraft and is not 

intended to supplant normal operations for fixed wing, rotary or other aircraft platforms.

Of paramount concern in all Explorers Like Us operations (missions, flights, etc.) is the 

safety of individuals (non-participatory and/or active scene participants), the location 

and environment. If ANY operation represents a non-mitigatable unreasonable threat, it 

shall not proceed and is not authorized by Explorers Like Us.

When it comes to preparing for a flight or a mission, Explorers Like Us has developed a 

staged approach we believe offers the best combination of safety and efficiency. 

1. Shot Assessment and Design

2. Equipment Assessment

3. Situational Assessment 

4. Mission Assessment

5. Mission Execution

6. Inter-Mission Assessment

7. Post Mission Analysis

Permanent Operational Restrictions

 All flights must be certified as to the safety, maintenance and performance of the 

sUAS aircraft by Explorers Like Us.

 An approved sUAS flight or mission requires a Certificate of Waiver or Authorization 

(COA) and a Section 333 exemption for that specific sUAS aircraft. 

All flights must be approved by Kevin Williams and/or Mark Templeton prior to 

execution.

 All flights require a minimum of two (2) individuals present: one or more Pilot in 

Command (PIC) AND a qualified visual observer (VO) or another licensed PIC.

 A qualified VO must demonstrate a general understanding the FAA flight 

restrictions and procedures as outlined in this reference and FAA manual titled 

Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge that can be found at 

http://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/handbooks_manuals/aviation/pilot_hand

book/.

 All flights are to be visual line of sight (VLOS) exclusively and during published 

daytime hours (official sunrise to official sunset) in the current time zone.

 All flights are to be conducted using visual flight rules (VFR) in satisfactory visual 

meteorological conditions (VMC)

 An approved sUAS aircraft must possess and actively use an onboard global 

positioning (GPS) system.
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 An approved sUAS aircraft must possess and actively use an onboard global 

positioning (GPS) system.

 An approved sUAS aircraft must possess and actively use an onboard Loss of Link 

(LOL) system.

 An approved sUAS aircraft must possess and actively use onboard return to home 

(RTH) functionality.

 An approved sUAS aircraft must fly at airspeeds under 50 mph.

 An approved sUAS aircraft must not carry any payload with the exception of 

manufacturer-approved cameras and only when the combined weight of camera 

on sUAS aircraft is under 50 lbs. 

 An approved sUAS aircraft may be flown only while in possession of an approved 

flight plan as provided by Explorers Like Us Cinema and Sound and signed off by 

Mark Templeton, Kevin Williams and/or Wendy Besase.

Pre-Flight Operational Considerations

There are many situations where this flight operations reference will not address the 

unique conditions that may exist. In cases like this, a definitive assessment must be made 

and approved by Explorers Like Us management.

The following are the primary considerations (in the presented order) that shall be used to 

evaluate the viability of a specific shot in the field. If any of these conditions evaluates to 

a “no,” then the mission is to be aborted without further consideration.

1. Is this shot authorized by Explorers Like Us management?

2. Are the proper individuals present (PIC and VO and/or PIC)? 

3. Are the required certificates, manuals and forms present at the shot location?

4. Does the shot abide by all conditions set forth in this flight operations reference?

5. Does this shot threaten the reasonable expectation of privacy of any individual?

6. Is this shot FAA legal? (including but not limited to required paperwork, this 

reference and logbook at the scene’s location) 

7. Is this shot legal from a federal, state or local perspective?

8. Is public safety at risk when performing this shot?

9. Are buildings and structures in the shot unreasonably in jeopardy of an incident or 

accident involving the sUAS or the flight crew? 

10. Is the crew’s safety risk beyond what can be reasonably mitigated using 

reasonable operating standards and practices?

11. Is the environment where the shot is located at risk for any damage during this 

flight under nominal or expected flight conditions?

12. Can the mission be performed safely and efficiently as to mitigate the safety 

exposure and inconvenience of the people, things and places at the shoot 

location?
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Our No-Nonsense Privacy Policy

Explorers Like Us Cinema & Sound is a professional company staffed by professional 

individuals. As such, we maintain a high level of standards for our work and our people. At 

the core of our beliefs is the right of every individual’s privacy. This belief is at the core of 

all Explorers Like Us flight operations and flight team members.

Understanding Privacy and Publicity

So, What is Privacy?

Privacy is the reasonable expectation of any individual to control anything about their 

person. In short, if an individual (or company, art work, etc.) can be identified in a scene, 

we require a signed release in order to use the shot in the segment. Individuals under 18 

years of age must have a parent or legal (court appointed) guardian’s permission and 

signed release.

At Explorers Like Us, operational privacy means that we will undertake no operation that 

infringes upon the reasonable expectation of privacy of any individual. This policy extends 

from the privacy of the individual to mode of shooting. Using a sUAS to eavesdrop, spy, 

document, investigate (regardless of requestor) or otherwise film an identifiable person 

without their written permission is not permitted – regardless of who the requestor is.

Explorers Like Us sUAS’s may not be used outside of our charter and approved FAA usage 

and waivers for any reason – ever! Violations of our privacy policy will result in termination.

In short, 

 if an individual or property can be visually identified in the footage, a release is 

required.

 If the activity is not authorized by us or our FAA waivers and COA, don’t do it for 

anyone.

What about fair use? Fair Use is a concept that applies to copying - not film production.

Because of its many unpredictable nuances in addition to publicity considerations (see 

below), Fair Use does not apply to our filming operations in any scenario.
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So, What About Publicity?

Publicity speaks to the commercialization of an individual’s likeness or a company’s 

trademarks that include recognizable building fronts, logos, or trademarks. Without 

proper releases, such shots cannot be used.

In short, privacy protects your persona and publicity protects your wallet. When filming 

any scene, these considerations must be accounted for either by the absence of people, 

places and things, or by acquisition of releases from people, and the owners of places or 

things.

It’s also important to remember what we shoot. Our aerial sUAS activities are limited to 

videography and photography in controlled access areas for the purposes of: 

 Motion picture aerial photography

 Film acquisition 

 Digital image acquisition

 Commercial development

 Civil planning

 Economic development

 Construction planning and/or documentation

 Corporate marketing and/or promotions

 Government and/or civic photography

 Videography 

 Video production

No other use of an Explorers Like Us sUAS is authorized by Explorers Like Us.

Our Reputation

Explorers Like Us holds our corporate and personal reputations at the highest levels. Under 

no circumstance shall any Explorers Like Us officer or employee make any decision, solve 

any problem or create any solution that, in any way, that comprises our exceptional 

reputation. Any flight operation that is illegal, unauthorized or ends up in litigation for any 

reason compromises our integrity. Such activities will not be tolerated.

If in doubt –don’t!
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Important Notices

This flight operations manual is only part of the information required for safe flight of 

Explorers Like Us sUAS missions. This reference is to be used in conjunction with all relevant 

FAA regulations, FAA Notices to Airmen (NOTAM’s), manufacturer operations, safety and 

maintenance manuals and periodic updates to each as appear from time to time. It is 

your responsibility to ensure your references are the latest available editions. 

If you find any part of this manual that should be updated to reflect a particular need or 

situation, please notify us as soon as possible to explore your suggestion. This manual will 

be reviewed at least annually and/or whenever a modification takes place to ensure the 

latest operational guidelines are considered.

A copy of this reference must be on every location where flight operations will be 

performed. Without this reference present, no one is permitted to serve as a PIC or VO. No 

exceptions or waivers to this rule shall be made. 

All documentation, including but not limited to log books, maintenance records and shot 

terminations must be completed at the termination of each mission by the PIC or VO, and 

signed off by both.

No PIC or VO shall function in those capacities while under the influence of any substance 

that could influence safe flight. No alcohol may be consumed with 24 hours of any flight.

Pilots in Command (PIC)

Explorers Like Us has authorized a pilot in command (PIC) for its sUAS flight operations 

pursuant to FAA regulations. Should we decide to add more, they shall meet or exceed 

all Explorers Like Us and FAA requirements before they may assume a role as a PIC for our 

sUAS operations. FAA licensure is not enough to become a PIC. All PIC’s and VO’s must 

be approved by Explorers Like Us. 

All PIC’s are responsible for staying up to date with their personal licensure, FAA flight

reviews, medical exams, NOTAMS, manufacturer instructions and Explorers Like Us 

standards and practices. PIC’s are ultimately responsible for the maintenance, testing, 

pre-flight checks, mission execution and safe and ethical flight of all Explorers Like Us 

sUAS aircraft. If any deficiencies are noted, the flight may not take place.

PIC’s must communicate proficiently with towers when required to do so, along with a 

complete understanding the nature and regulations of the airspace where sUAS

operations are scheduled to take place.

Explorers Like Us shall maintain a file that includes all PIC certifications, licenses and 

performance notices. Explorers Like Us has the ultimate right to determine who may or 

may not participate in any flight operation for any reason whatsoever.
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PIC’s may not operate sUAS cameras during flight.

When communications with a control tower in oral or written form, the PIC is responsible 

for all communications to ensure understanding and FAA compliance.

PICS are responsible for the submission of any FAA required flight docs prior to and with 

the required response time prior to any flight requiring such documents be filed. 

PICS are required to communicate with the tower prior to any flight requiring FAA filings to 

ensure safety and awareness, and certify that communication. 

All PIC’s are limited to no more than eight (8) hours of flight time in any 24-hour period.

Visual Observers (VO)

Visual Observers are used to assist the PIC in maintaining and verifying details of the flight 

and serving as an additional set of eyes regarding safe flight, potential obstacles, 

potential flight violations (safety, privacy, ethics, etc.). At least one VO is required for 

every mission.

VO’s must meet requirements set forth in this guide in addition to a general knowledge of 

FAA flight rules and the operation and maintenance of the sUAS aircraft.

A VO must know the shot and techniques approved to acquire the frame or footage. He 

or she must know how the shot will be captured and know shot parameters that can be 

called to the PIC clearly and understandably to allow them to focus on flight safety. It is 

the responsibility of the VO to communicate with the PIC in a clear and understandable 

way using known professional flight terminology as established by the PIC.

A VO is not authorized to be a PIC of the sUAS, however, they are required to operate the 

camera and gimbal 

and to help the pilot 

position for the shot 

safely. 

A VO can document in 

the flight logbook and 

shot log when required,

but the PIC must sign off 

the logbook or any FAA 

entries.

All VO’s are limited to 

no more than eight (8) 

hours of flight time in 

any 24-hour period.
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Safe Flight Procedures

 All sUAS operations shall be consistent with all FAA, Explorers Like Us and federal, state 

and local laws and regulations.

 The PIC must be current in licensing and familiar with all current FAA regulations and 

flight operations techniques associated with the airspace he or she will be operating 

within. 

 An authorized VO shall be present for every flight operation.

 All sUAS mission s shall be conducted using visual line of sight (VLOS) and a VO.

 All sUAS flights must operate at no more than 500’ AGL, no less than 500’ below or 

2,000’ horizontally from a cloud when visibility is under three (3) NM.

 The sUAS mission must be started and completed during published daylight hours.

 The PIC and VO must assess and determine if the atmospheric visibility is greater than 

three (3) NM to the unaided eye from the ground control station (GCS). If not, the 

flight is a “no-go.”

 Prior to any flight, the PIC and VO shall perform a pre-flight aircraft checklist as defined 

by the manufacturer and correct any deficiencies. If deficiencies cannot be 

corrected, the flight is a “no-go.”

 All sUAS aircraft must have altitude limited to 500’ in the control software.

 Prior to flight, all sUAS aircraft must have Home location recorded for Return to Home 

(RTH) functionality in the control software. If deficiencies cannot be corrected, the 

flight is a “no-go.”

 Should a LOL occur, the RTH functionality must be tested prior to the mission start.

 All flights are to be performed in a restricted area devoid of non-Explorers Like Us 

individuals. It is the responsibility of the PIC to ensure a safe operational footprint. 

 Prior to the flight, an assessment must be made of legal, safety and privacy 

considerations. Any non-mitigatable deficiencies mean the flight is a “no-go.”

 Prior to any flight, the PIC and VO shall ensure the flight area to determine safety as 

prescribed in this reference, ability to capture the required shot(s), methods and plan 

for capturing the shot(s), and log the shot strategies on paper log report.

 Prior to any flight, the PIC and VO are responsible for communicating the flight and its 

parameters to the crew and stage them in the safest possible locations.

 If there is any threat of public incursion into the aerial footprint, signs must be displayed 

and/or staff must be present to stop any incursion.

 Prior to any flight, the PIC and VO must certify the flight space as to all required 

conditions and the absence of non-participants are nominal.
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sUAS Training Requirements

 All PIC’s must have a minimum of 20 hours of flight learning time prior to the execution 

of any mission using a specific sUAS aircraft design. They shall demonstrate their ability 

to fly safely, competently and satisfactorily to Explorers Like Us using a closed-set 

obstacle course and their ability to control the location and understand the 

procedures outlined in this reference prior to being assigned any assignment.

 All PIC’s and VO’s must acquire any sUAS training the FAA may prescribe when 

required.

 Both the PIC and VO must demonstrate safety and maintenance procedures to 

Explorers Like Us prior to any assignment. 

 Both PICs and VO’s must understand the FAA’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge

found at 

http://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/handbooks_manuals/aviation/pilot_handbo

ok/ .

 Both PIC’s and VO’s shall have a working knowledge of the contents of this flight 

operations manual. 

 Both PIC’s and VO’s shall acquire additional training when required to do so.

 Both PIC’s and VO’s must know all DJI operations, maintenance, safety and Disclaimer 

manuals and incorporate them into the safe flight of any Explorers Like Us sUAS.
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Flight Operations Framework

Safety, effectiveness and efficiency are critical elements of safe acquisitions. This requires 

everyone to work together closely and be on the same page when it comes to acquiring 

the shot. At the core of safety is efficient operation. The less time we have in the air, the 

less the chances of an incident. For this reason, everyone needs to bring their A game in 

terms of knowledge, assessment and operational capabilities. While it may require more 

than a single take to get a shot, too many takes increase the likelihood of incident 

logarithmically. In short, plan the shot, imagine the shot, get the shot safely and efficiently.

The following is a general shot acquisition framework used by Explorers Like Us to ensure 

the best possible efficiency and safety.

 Make sure all safety considerations outlined in this manual are nominal or mitigated to 

a reasonable degree of safety.

 Before a shoot commences, start the daily shooting log including location address, 

weather conditions and/or GPS coordinates.

 Flights shall give way to manned aviation or non-aviation craft.

 First-person view available on GCS controllers is NOT a replacement for the visual line 

of sight (VLOS) FAA requirement.

 No flight shall exceed a maximum speed of 50 MPH speed over ground (SOG). 

 No flight shall take place when atmospheric visibility is less than three (3) NM of the 

GCS.

 A PIC can only act as PIC for one flight at a time.

 Flights can only be performed in daylight hours using VLOS protocols. 

 All sUAS flights must operate at no more than 500’ AGL, no less than 500’ below or 

2,000’ horizontally from a cloud when visibility is under three (3) NM.

 No sUAS flight may be performed over non-participating individuals or when nonparticipating individuals are present in the aerial footprint of the mission.

 The PIC and VO must remain close enough to be in communication with each other, 

but also for BOTH to maintain visual line of sight with the sUAS. When necessary (e.g. 

windy/noisy conditions), two-way radios may be used that do not interfere with the 

signal transmission of the GCS (operating frequencies: 2.400 GHz-2.483 GHz) to the 

sUAS.

 PICS shall never hand operate any two-way or other radio while flying, but he or she 

may listen to the VO or weather reports during flight when required. Both PIC and VO 

are to be in line of sight of each other (unaided eye or corrective lenses) with no more 

than 100 feet of separation during any flight or mission.

 sUAS are not devices intended to move objects and may not be used as such, or in 

any manner that would be considered as reckless.
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Emergencies and Accidents

All crashes must be reported to Explorers Like Us immediately including relevant details of 

the accident including damage (if any), relevant weather, obstacles, craft condition, 

nature of the accident and results of the 

accident. If injury occurs, get help or assist the 

injured party and photograph any injuries. If 

property damage occurs, photograph the 

location immediately (don’t move or touch 

anything) and get the contact information of and 

witnesses at the scene.

Any sUAS incidents,accidents or flight

operationsthattransgressthe lateral or

vertical boundaries of the operational area

as defined by the applicable COAmust be

reportedtotheFAA’sUAS Integration Office 

(AFS-80) within24hours.Accidentsshallbe

reportedtotheNational Transportation 

Safety Board (NTSB) by Explorers Like Us when required by law.

Emergency Directions!

In the event of an accident involving bodily harm OR any person on the set 

experiences a physical or medical emergency,call 911 immediately! 

Get a GPS position or advise the operator of your location address. IT WILL BE IDENTIFIED ON YOUR DAILY 

SHOOTING LOG PAGE!

 LOG THE INCIDENT. TAKE PHOTOS. IDENTIFY AND GET WITNESS CONTACT INFORMATION.

If you are unable to call 911...

Stabilize the victim and send someone to get help. If possible, do not leave the 

victim alone. Have a team member go for help. Have them try to call 911 on 

their way to the nearest town. 
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Pre-Flight Check List

 PIC and VO review the shot direction sheet and determine how the shot will be 

captured. 

 Is the flight within the area of influence of any 2.4G devices like wireless phones or 

networking devices? Generally, cell phones pose little threat to the 2.4 GHz space. 

To determine the presence of a WAN, see which networks are able to be detected 

by your smart cell phone. If such networks are detected, the flight is a “no-go.”

 Define the aerial footprint.

 Is there any chance of public incursion into the aerial footprint? If so, place 

placards or station staff at incursion points to stop non-participants and keep them 

safe.

 PIC and VO shall walk the shot footprint to ensure all Explorers Like Us 

considerations can be met or mitigated to a reasonable degree.

 Inspect the footprint and perimeter for animals, lines, poles, structures, roads, 

traffic, airports, civil flight areas, law enforcement facilities, military facilities, 

monuments, radio and other towers and obstructions to safety, vision, radio 

control, gatherings or areas where people can gather, and any other impediments 

to flight safety. If such concerns cannot be mitigated, the flight is a “no-go.”

 Once the shot has been planned and the aerial footprint has been defined and 

secured, the sUAS becomes the focus. 

 Assemble sUAS according to manufacturer’s instructions. 

 Ensure all propeller guards are in place. 

 Remove the camera gimbal protection sleeve.

 Remove the eyepiece.
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 Have the director (or VO) meter the scene’s light. Determine proper camera 

settings (especially shutter speed) and if a neutral density (ND) filter is required. If 

so, adjust the camera and fit the ND filter of appropriate strength. Take a sample 

shot from the ground to verify.

 Insert a fresh fully charged and undamaged battery into the sUAS. Do NOT turn on!

 Inspect props for cracks or other damage prior to flight.

 Turn weather radio on and check weather forecast and note wind speed, 

direction, cloud cover, precipitation and barometric pressure in the shot log. If all 

within manufacturer flight parameters, proceed. Do NOT fly when precipitation is 

present!

 Record the weather details in the shot log prior to flight.

 Ensure you are undertaking a flight within the FAA restrictions (5-mile radius from an 

airport, etc.) 

 Ensure the shot meets all specifications set forth by the FAA, this reference and all 

manufacturer’s recommendations.

 Determine and clear launch area. Position the sUAS no closer than 30 feet from the 

PIC, VO, staff and no closer than 100’ from non-participating individuals.

 Start sUAS. Ensure all systems are nominal.

 Verify and confirm flight instructions between the PIC and VO.

 Ensure RTH location is recorded.

 IF all systems are nominal at this point, perform the flight. 
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Danger Protocol

Safety is our number one priority. Should a perceived or actual threat present itself...

POSITION THE AIRCRAFT AWAY FROM THE THREAT IN A NEUTRAL AREA THEN LAND THE 

AIRCRAFT IN CONTROLLED FLIGHT AND NEUTRALIZE THE AIRCRAFT.

Remain alert.

Bird Strike Avoidance and Incident Protocol

The safety of all life at any location is essential. However, there may be a time when you 

will encounter birds in flight – with some determined to attack the unknown intruder – your 

sUAS! The first and best action for all involved is to avoid the bird(s) – but safely!

It is critical that you understand that at no time should any maneuver take place that 

results in a loss of control of the aircraft to avoid a bird! The FAA directives on bird strikes 

for sUAS’s are not established clearly. In the absence of FAA direction regarding this 

matter, we have established to following protocol.

NEVER touch or allow anyone to touch a bird! Birds carry more than 60 zoonotic diseases 

(diseases transferred from animals to humans).

 When possible, quickly maneuver the aircraft away from the bird in a safe and 

controlled manner and land the aircraft in a safe place to prevent a chase situation.

 If a strike is unavoidable and does occur, your first priority to maintain control of the 

aircraft and then land it in a safe or neutral place.

 Get to the aircraft and neutralize it. Remove the battery.

 Photograph the aircraft.

 When possible and safe, locate the bird. DO NOT TOUCH THE BIRD!

 Photograph the bird if possible.

 Look for wildlife tracking tags on the bird. If directions are present and readable, follow 

them if possible.

 NEVER MERCY KILL AN INJURED BIRD!

 If the bird is dead, leave it be.

 If the bird is injured, contact the closest wildlife agency, vet or rescue group and 

follow their advice. 

 If professional assistance is required, suspend all flight activities and offer reasonable 

assistance to animal professionals if asked to do so.

 Treat every bird strike like any other incident. File an incident report per the instructions 

in this reference with Explorers Like Us.
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Catastrophic Equipment Failure Protocol

In every flight, the potential for catastrophic equipment failure exists. With proper flight 

planning and safety, RTH functionality, etc., the damages will be likely limited to the 

aircraft itself. However, when a catastrophic event occurs, follow this protocol to 

neutralize the aircraft and mitigate any possible damage.

Following a catastrophic failure or crash...

 Locate the aircraft.

 Photograph the accident scene.

 Remove the battery from the aircraft safely. If the 

props are running, wait until the battery runs out if 

no fire risk is evident. If a fire risk is present, throw 

your shirt or a towel on the running propellers to 

foul and stop them safety.

 Inspect the battery for damage. If damaged, 

place in a triple Zip-Lock bag for proper disposal.

 Collect the aircraft.

 Complete an incident report.

 Prepare to be beaten about the face and neck 

by Explorers Like Us administration!

In Flight Protocol

 Don’t’ Crash!

 Never distract the PIC or the VO while the aircraft is in flight. 

 The PIC is not the person in control of the scene. He is the person responsible for the 

flight. That is shared among all Explorers Like Us staff members. 

 Be aware of changing ecosystems. Be aware of all people, animals, property, 

vehicles, civil aviation and other elements of the ecosystem that are variable. 

 Be aware of the battery levels and the time of day.

 Only perform the flight in approved conditions set forth in this reference.

 Remain aware.

 Remain safe.
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Post-Flight Protocol

The post-flight protocol must be performed after every flight. To ensure expedience and 

efficiency, the PIC and VO may record their information on a digital recorder that they 

may transcribe at the end of the day. The Post-Flight Protocol is a requirement.

The Post-Flight Protocol begins the moment the sUAS lands from the flight or mission.

 Secure the sUAS. Once the aircraft has landed, shut the motors off, PIC shows 

“hands-away” position from the controller and the PIC or VO removes the battery.

 Secure and clean the flight footprint. Remove signs, if posted, and leave no trace 

of you having been there.

 Record or write the post-flight summary report. If recorded, remember to write in 

longhand by the end of the day.

 Analyze and de-brief all flight executions.

 Remove and secure all batteries and chips for production.

 If end of the production day, clean, disassemble and pack to sUAS in its case(s).

 Return all equipment and chips to Explorers Like Us. 
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In Conclusion...

Safe flight is not an FAA thing. it’s a common sense commitment to safe and courteous 

flights that protects the public, our staff, advances safety and paves the way for the future 

of responsible sUAS flight. We accomplish this with knowledge and a passion for what we 

are doing. When you are wearing an Explorers Like Us badge, you are a representative of 

this company and an example of what responsible sUAS operations should look like.

People are naturally curious. Treat them perfectly, but insist they follow the rules put in 

place to protect them. Your interaction with people is the face of our company. Treat 

them courteously.

Finally, remember that efficient planned flight is inherently safer that flying by the seat of 

your pants. Plan, strategize, be safe, courteous and turn out some amazing work!

Let’s make some movies!

Fly safe!

Kevin Williams and Mark Templeton

Founders

Explorers Like Us Cinema & Sound
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Incident/Accident Report

In the event of an incident or accident that involves property damage, please complete 

a detailed report that contains the following information immediately and return to 

Explorers Like Us within 24 hours (immediately if personal injury or property damage).

Date and Time PIC and VO name(s) Location ID

Shot ID Scene ID Film ID

Report Author Wind Conditions Cloud Conditions

Precipitation Participating Persons Non-Participating Persons

Property Damage? Damage Assessment Damage Response

Injury(ies)? * Injury Assessment Injury Response

Detailed Incident Description Detailed Incident Response Detailed Incident Outcome

Author Signature PIC and VO Signatures In-Place Safety Overview

* Human/Wildlife

Individual Shot Report

Individual shot reports are available at Explorers Like Us and are to be completed after 

each shot.

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