AERIAL CINEMATOGRAPHY OF ATLANTA LLC.

Motion Picture and Television 

UAS Flight Operation Manual 

Aerial Cinematography of Atlanta LLC

172 Northridge Rd. 

Barnesville GA. 30205

770 314 2935

June.15.2015 Page 1 of 14 Revision: Original
Table of Contents 

1. Introduction

A. Purpose 

B. Pilot/Operator Organization 

C. Persons Authorized 4 D. Area of Operations 

E. Plan of Activities 

F. Permission to Operate 

G. Security 6 H. Briefing of Pilot/Production Personnel 6 

I. Certification/Airworthiness 7 

J. Pilot Personnel/Minimum Requirements 7 

K. Communications 8 

L. Accident Notification 8 

M. Recall/Stop Procedures 8 

N. Aerobatic Competency 8 

O. Aerobatic Competency 9 

 2. Company Organization

A. Chief Pilot 9 

B. Pilot in Command 10 

Appendix A

1 List of Approved Pilots 11 

2 List of Approved Aircraft 12 

3 Permission Acquisition Form (sample) 13 

4 Revision Letter (sample) 14 

Appendix B 

1 Form 7711-2 (certification of waiver) 15 

June.15.2015 Page 2 of 14 Revision: Original
Revision Control Page 

Revision# Date Initials 

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

 _____________________________________________________________________ 

_____________________________________________________________________ 

______________________________________________________________________ 

______________________________________________________________________ 

______________________________________________________________________ 

______________________________________________________________________ 

______________________________________________________________________ 

______________________________________________________________________ 

______________________________________________________________________ 

______________________________________________________________________ 

______________________________________________________________________ 

______________________________________________________________________ 

______________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

 _____________________________________________________________________ 

_____________________________________________________________________ 

______________________________________________________________________ 

______________________________________________________________________ 

______________________________________________________________________ 

______________________________________________________________________ 

______________________________________________________________________ 

______________________________________________________________________ 

______________________________________________________________________ 

______________________________________________________________________ 

______________________________________________________________________ 

______________________________________________________________________ 

______________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

June.15.2015 Page 3 of 14 Revision: Original
1. Introduction

A. Purpose 

This manual has been developed by "Aerial Cinematography of Atlanta LLC", hereafter 

referred to as "ACA", in conjunction with an application for a Certificate of Waiver of 

Authorization of the provisions of FAR 91.119 (b) and (c) for the purposes of filming. ACA 

pilots and other company personnel when applicable will comply with the policies, 

procedures and conditions of this manual, whenever motion picture or television flight 

operations are performed that require a Waiver of Authorization as mentioned above. 

B. Pilot/Operator Organization 

Mitchell Gunter- Pilot

Aerial Cinematography of Atlanta LLC

172 Northridge Rd.

Barnesville, GA. 30204

 Mitchell Gunter- Manager (770) 314 2935

C. Persons Authorized

FAR 91.119 (c) is waived only with respect to those persons, vehicles and structures 

directly involved in the performance of the actual filming. The certificate holder shall 

ensure that no persons are allowed within 500 feet of the area except those consenting to be 

involved and necessary for the filming production. This provision may be reduced to no less

than 200 feet if an equivalent level of safety can be achieved and the Administrator has 

approved it. For example, an equivalent level of safety may be determined by an ASI’s 

evaluation of the filming production area to note terrain features, obstructions, buildings, 

etc. Such barriers may protect nonparticipating persons (observers, the public, news media, 

etc.) from debris in the event of an accident. 

D. Area of Operations 

ACA's approved area of operations will be the continental United States, 

excluding Alaska and Hawaii.

June.15.2015 Page 4 of 14 Revision: Original
E. Plan of Activities 

At least three (3) days prior to any scheduled filming, ACA will submit a written

 plan of activities to the local FSDO having jurisdiction over that area. The plan of 

activities should include the following:

(1) Dates and times for all flights.

(2) Name and phone number of person responsible for the filming production 

event. 

(3) Name and phone number of person responsible for aircraft. 

(4) Make, model, and serial or N-number of aircraft to be used and type of 

airworthiness certificate, including category.

(5) Name and certificate number of pilots involved in the filming production 

event, including any notation of external load endorsements or aerobatic 

competency, if required.

(6) A statement that the waiver holder has obtained permission from property 

owners and/or local officials to conduct the filming production event. The 

list of those who gave permission must be made available to the inspector 

upon request from the waiver holder. 

(7) Signature of waiver holder or representative. 

(8) A description of the flight activity including maps or diagrams of any area, 

city, town, county, and/or State over which filming will be conducted and the

minimum altitudes essential to accomplish the operations. 

The three (3) day notification equipments may be waived, however, the operator 

should contact the FSDO as soon as possible with this request and be prepared to 

explain in detail why the three (3) day notification is not practical. 

F. Permission to Operate 

Before any flight operations is conducted at less than 500 feet under the provisions 

of the certificate of waiver and this manual, the operator will obtain permission to conduct 

these operations from property owners and local officials as necessary or appropriate. 

Persons from whom permission may be required are listed below: 

(1) Property owners 

(2) Law enforcement officials 

(3) Fire department officials 

(4) Local, State and Federal government 

(5) Air traffic control 

June.15.2015 Page 5 of 14 Revision: Original
The ACA personnel obtaining such permission will do so in writing whenever practical, 

however, verbal permission is acceptable otherwise. A standard permission form is provided

in Appendix A and may be used when obtaining written permission. ACA personnel will 

assure a sufficient number of those forms are available at the job site. Written permission 

forms will be maintained at the job site until flight operations are completed, and then 

turned into the chief pilot to be kept on file for a minimum of six (6) months. These forms 

will be made available for inspection by the FAA or other official personnel upon request. 

G. Security 

Prior to any flight operation the operator will coordinate with appropriate production 

personnel to devise a plan of securing the area(s) of operation from all unauthorized persons

and vehicles. Provisions will be made to immediately discontinue operations should the 

area(s) become unsecured or for any other reason in the interest of safety. 

H. Briefing of Pilot/Production Personnel 

Prior to the start of any operation under the provisions of this manual, the pilot in command

will conduct a briefing of all procedures to participating personnel of the risks involved, 

emergency procedures, and safeguards to be followed during the filming production event. 

Personnel will also be briefed on additional provisions that may be issued by the FSDO that

has geographic responsibility for the operational area, including the location of boundaries 

or time limits. The briefing shall cover: 

• Authorization for motion picture and television certificate of waiver and the attached 

 special provisions 

• Operations manual 

• Plan of activities 

• Aircraft parking and starting 

• Taxi procedures 

• Radio Communications 

• Takeoff procedures 

 • Aviation activities to be conducted during the filming production event 

• Approach and landing procedures 

• Recall procedures 

• Emergency procedures 

• Risks to participating personnel 

• How to control nonparticipating persons 

June.15.2015 Page 6 of 14 Revision: Original
I. Certification/Airworthiness 

All G1 aircraft used in operations requiring a waiver of FAR 91 .119 (b) and (c) for the purpose 

of filming will be properly certified and hold airworthiness certificates. However, restricted 

category aircraft cannot be used as the filming "vehicle" in motion picture and television filming. 

Also, aircraft in the experimental category must have an airworthiness certificate issued for the 

purpose of exhibition in order to be used in motion picture and television filming. The aircraft 

will be 100hr/annual inspection program. Other required tests and inspections (transponder, 

E.L.T., etc.) will be performed as per Part 91 when necessary. Each aircraft will have a flight log 

containing upcoming scheduled maintenance and inspections and the dates or times they must be 

performed. A section for discrepancies is also found in the flight log. The pilot in command will 

assure the aircraft to be flown is in airworthy condition and all required inspections and 

maintenance has been completed before each flight. 

J. Pilot Personnel/Minimum Requirements

The pilot/operator shall establish and specify the minimum pilot requirements. Minimum 

requirements shall meet or exceed the following

1. A current U.S. Commercial pilot certificate with ratings appropriate to the category, class 

and type (if applicable) of aircraft to be used under the terms of the waiver. 

2. At least 500 hours logged as PIC and at least 20 hours logged as the PIC in the aircraft 

type.

3. A minimum of 100 hours in the category and class of aircraft to be used. 

4. A minimum of 5 hours in the make and model aircraft to be used under the waiver. 

5. In the event that the 1,500-foot minimum standard contained in the 14 CFR 91.303(e) is t

to be waived, the pilot performing aerobatic maneuvers must hold FAA Form 8710-7, 

Statement of Acrobatic Competency, to perform the operations.

6. In the event the operation to be conducted contains elements of an external-load 

operation, whether fixed or rotary wing operations, pilots used in the operation shall be 

qualified. This qualification may be obtained through a knowledge test (which may be

oral and/written) and/or skill. The inspector or another company pilot approved by the 

geographically responsible FSDO who is qualified to carry loads externally will give the 

test(s) which are similar to part 133 requirements and cover the following subjects:

(a) Steps to be taken before starting operations, including a survey of the Flight 

area. 

(b) Proper method of loading, rigging, or attaching the external load. 

(c) Aircraft performance capabilities under motion picture operating procedures 

and the aircraft flight manual. 

(d) Proper instructions for flight and ground crew personnel. 

(e) Aircraft flight manual, pilot operations handbook, or a rotorcraft-load combination

flight manual and limitations, if appropriate. 

June.15.2015 Page 7 of 14 Revision: Original
K. Communications 

Prior to the start of any operation covered by this manual, the pilot in command will formulate a 

plan to provide communications capability to all participants during the actual operation and 

filming. Oral, visual or radio communications may be used as long as it is effective and is 

capable of keeping the participants continuously appraised of the current status of the operation. 

L. Accident Notification

Should an accident or incident requiring notification of the NTSB occur, the notification 

requirements of FAR Part 830 would comply.

M. Recall/Stop Procedures

Radio communication, oral, visual or a combination will be utilized to keep the participants 

continuously apprised of the current status of operation.

N. Aerobatic Competency 

If the filming operations require the issuance of FAA Form 8710-7, Statement of Aerobatic 

Competency, refer to Volume 5, Chapter 9, Issue/Renew/Rescind a Statement of Aerobatic 

Competency. 

O. Special Provisions 

The controls, procedures, and conditions set forth in the ACA motion picture and television 

operations manual is the primary assurance that persons on the surface will not be jeopardized. 

The aircraft and pilots used under this authorization and/or waiver will only be those specified in 

the G1 motion picture and television operations manual (“Appendix A” page 11) or associated 

plan of activities. Each pilot’s name and certificate number shall appear on each daily plan of 

activity. All civil aircraft and pilot(s) participating in the activity shall be available for FAA 

inspection before the scheduled event. 

Each pilot-in-command conducting operations authorized under this certificate understands the 

conditions of issuance, and that it constitutes a waiver of FAR 91.119 (b) and (c) . (see attached 

document under “Appendix B” page 15) 

Rotorcraft takeoff and landing areas will be protected in a manner that will prevent unauthorized 

persons from entering the takeoff and landing area.

June.15.2015 Page 8 of 14 Revision: Original
ACA will ensure that the participating persons involved in the operations are thoroughly briefed 

on special procedures, communication, emergency procedures, and on the provisions of the 

authorization and/or waiver before beginning the activities. No person may participate in any 

event unless that person has received a briefing on the provisions of the waiver. 

Company Organization

A. Chief Pilot 

Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Final word in the formulation of policy and procedures concerning this manual.

 • Act as liaison between G1 ACA and the FAA on matter concerning this manual. 

• Assure that each approved pilot is issued a copy of this manual and obtain a signed statement 

 from each that they have read and understand its contents. 

• Maintain a current copy of this manual at the main base of operations for ACA. 

• Responsible for assuring that all revisions to this manual are distributed and processed properly.

• Must approve or disapprove each proposed job or operation performed by ACA under the

 provisions of this manual. 

• Assume the responsibilities of pilot in command when acting as such. 

• The chief pilot may delegate functions to other personnel but retains responsibility. 

B. Pilot in Command

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assure that aircraft to be flown is in airworthy condition and all inspections and required 

maintenance have been performed as per appropriate FAR's. 

• Acquire permission from the chief pilot before any operation under the provisions of this

 manual. 

• Be very knowledgeable of the contents of this manual and abide by the procedures, policies 

 and conditions contained herein. 

June.15.2015 Page 9 of 14 Revision: Original
• Coordinate with movie and television personnel to formulate plans, routes, locations, etc. with

 safety of all persons involved in the primary concern. 

• Maintain their copy of this manual in current condition and have it on site at any job or

 operation requiring the waiver. 

• The pilot in command may delegate functions to other personnel, but retains responsibility.

Appendix A .1 

List of Approved Pilots 

Chief Pilot 

Name : Mitchell Gunter

Certificate Number : on file 

Grade : ATP

Medical Class/Date : Second 06-2011 

Contact Number : 770 314 2935 

Pilots Name : 

Certificate Number : 

Grade : 

Class/Date : 

Contact Number : 

June.15.2015 Page 10 of 14 Revision: Original
Appendix A .2

List of Approved Aircraft 

Make and Model Registration Number 1. 

1. AC500 N

2.

3.

4.

June.15.2015 Page 11 of 14 Revision: Original
Appendix A .3 

G1 Productions, Inc. 

Permission Acquisition Form 

In signing this form, I am giving the pilots of G1 Productions, Inc. Permission to operate their 

aircraft at less than 500 feet from property, or in some jurisdiction in which I am responsible for 

or affiliated with, for the purpose of film or television production. 

Name:

Title:

Basis of Authority to Grant Permission:

 Location:

 Date of Operation: 

Signature __________________________________________________ 

Date __________________________ 

G1 Representative Receiving Permission

 _______________________________________________________________ 

June.15.2015 Page 12 of 14 Revision: Original
Appendix A .4 

Revision Letter 

Rev# Section Page Action Remarks Initials 

______________________________________________________________________ 

______________________________________________________________________ 

______________________________________________________________________ 

______________________________________________________________________ 

______________________________________________________________________ 

______________________________________________________________________ 

______________________________________________________________________ 

______________________________________________________________________ 

______________________________________________________________________ 

______________________________________________________________________ 

_______________________________________________________________________ 

______________________________________________________________________ 

______________________________________________________________________ 

______________________________________________________________________ 

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

_____ ______________________________________________________________________ 

______________________________________________________________________ 

______________________________________________________________________ 

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________ 

______________________________________________________________________ 

______________________________________________________________________ 

R • Remove and Replace D • Delete and Destroy N • Insert New Page 

Manual Serial# ___________________ Issued To ___________________________ 

Revised By _________________________________ 

Date _______________________ 

This form must be returned to the Chief Pilot no later than _____________________________

June.15.2015 Page 13 of 14 Revision: Original
Appendix B .1

(see attached form 7711-2) 

June.15.2015 Page 14 of 14 Revision: Original