ATTACHMENT 4 
Center for Disaster Risk Policy 

Unmanned Aircraft Systems

CDRP UAS

UAS Standard Operating 

Guide 

Emergency Management and Homeland Security Program 

Center for Disaster Risk Policy 

Florida State University 

Version 1.0 

Last Updated: February 2015 

Administrative Point of Contact 

David Merrick 

dmerrick@fsu.edu 

850.644.9961 
CDRP UAS Standard Operating Guide 

Last Updated: 3/10/15, Version 1.0 2

Table of Contents 

Section 1 - Introduction .................................................................. 3

1.1 Overview ......................................................................................... 3

1.2 Purpose of this Document ..................................................................... 3

Section 2 - Administration ............................................................... 4

2.1 - Administrative Control ....................................................................... 4

2.2 - Maintenance of this Document ............................................................. 4

2.3 - Coordination with the Federal Aviation Administration ................................ 4

Section 3 - Unmanned Aircraft Systems Limitations and Requirements ....... 5

3.1 - Limitations and Requirements Overview .................................................. 5

3.2 - Weight .......................................................................................... 5

3.3 - Performance ................................................................................... 5

3.4 - Preflight Inspection ........................................................................... 5

3.5 - Minimum Crew................................................................................. 5

3.6 - Failsafe Mode .................................................................................. 5

3.7 - Emergency Procedures Defined ............................................................. 6

3.8 - Battery Reserve ............................................................................... 6

3.9 - Aircraft Markings .............................................................................. 6

Section 4 - Crewmembers ............................................................... 7

4.1 - Crewmembers Defined ....................................................................... 7

4.2 Pilot-in-Command .............................................................................. 7

4.3 Aircraft Operator ............................................................................... 8

4.4 Visual Observer ................................................................................. 9

4.5 Sensor Operator ............................................................................... 10

4.5 Training and Proficiency ..................................................................... 11

Section 5 - Flight Environment ....................................................... 12

5.1 - Airspace ...................................................................................... 12

5.2 - Line of Sight ................................................................................. 12

5.3 - Altitude ....................................................................................... 12

5.4 - Weather and Time of Day ................................................................. 12

5.5 - Operations Over People and Property ................................................... 12

5.6 - Yield to Manned Aviation .................................................................. 12

5.7 - Privacy ........................................................................................ 13

5.8 - Stationary Ground Control Station ....................................................... 13

Section 6 - Maintenance ............................................................... 14

6.1 Maintenance Log .............................................................................. 14

6.2 Bench and Acceptance Testing ............................................................. 14

Section 7 - Permissions and Certifications to Fly ................................. 15

7.1 Certificate of Authorization................................................................. 15

7.2 Notice to Airmen .............................................................................. 15

7.3 Plan of Activities .............................................................................. 15
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Section 1 - Introduction 

1.1 Overview 

The Center for Disaster Risk Policy (CDRP) at Florida State University 

established the Unmanned Aircraft System research project to assess and 

improve the usability of small unmanned aircraft systems in the context of 

state, local, and federal disaster management. This project examines UAS 

hardware, software, policies and procedures, data collection methodologies, 

and crew training and education to develop best practices for UAS applications 

in emergency management. 

CDRP is the applied and field research arm of the Emergency Management and 

Homeland Security Program at FSU, and CDRP faculty and staff have decades of 

operational emergency management, communication, and information 

technology experience. 

UAS are gaining national attention as a new and exciting technology. Hobbyists 

and private citizens are acquiring UAS and using them to capture imagery and 

other data from a vantage point that was previously reserved for those with 

access to manned aircraft. Governments at all levels are expressing interest in 

how UAS can be applied to emergency management processes, including 

mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery. 

1.2 Purpose of this Document 

This Standard Operating Guide includes all non-aircraft specific information 

and operational guidelines for CDRP personnel operating a UAS. 

 
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Section 2 - Administration 

2.1 - Administrative Control 

This unmanned aircraft system research project is under the administrative 

control of the Center for Disaster Risk Policy at Florida State University. All 

research and operations must comply with CDRP polices and procedures, 

University policies and procedures, as well as state, local and federal laws and 

regulations. 

The UAS research project director is the Director of the Center for Disaster Risk 

Policy. 

2.2 - Maintenance of this Document 

This Standard Operating Guide is maintained and updated by the Center for 

Disaster Risk Policy and approved by the Director of CDRP. 

2.3 - Coordination with the Federal Aviation Administration 

For purposes of correspondence with the FAA, to include (but not limited to) 

aircraft registration, Certificate of Authorization (COA) applications, incident 

reporting, operational reporting, etc., this research program should be 

identified as: 

Center for Disaster Risk Policy 

Florida State University 

113 Collegiate Loop 

Bellamy 638 

Tallahassee, FL 32306-2250 

850.644.9961 

uas@cdrp.net 

 
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Section 3 - Unmanned Aircraft Systems Limitations and 

Requirements 

3.1 - Limitations and Requirements Overview 

All UAS operated by the Center for Disaster Risk Policy will meet the following 

requirements and limitations, without exceptions. These limitations and 

requirements are in effect to ensure safe operation of the UAS and ensure the 

safety of the crew, onlookers and other personnel not directly involved in the 

operation. 

3.2 - Weight 

The UAS will weigh less than 55lbs. at takeoff. This is gross weight including 

fuel sources (battery) and mission payload. 

3.3 - Performance 

No UAS will exceed 50 knots of ground speed. 

3.4 - Preflight Inspection 

Prior to any UAS flight, the Pilot in Command will conduct a thorough 

inspection of all components of the UAS, including the air vehicle, ground 

control station, and communication devices. Systems not found to be in 

condition for safe flight or operation will not be utilized. 

Any discrepancies found during pre-flight inspections should be logged in the 

aircraft logbook. 

3.5 - Minimum Crew 

All UAS operations will be conducted by a Pilot in Command (PIC) and Visual 

Observer (VO). The PIC has the final authority and responsibility for the safe 

operation of the UAS and the safety and well-being of UAS crewmembers. 

3.6 - Failsafe Mode 

All UAS operated by CDRP must be equipped with a failsafe mode in case of 

primary control link failure. This mode must return the aircraft to the launch 

area. 
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3.7 - Emergency Procedures Defined 

All UAS must have documented emergency procedures covering (at a 

minimum): engine or power failure; fire; loss of control link; loss of GPS; loss of 

telemetry data link; loss of video downlink. 

3.8 - Battery Reserve 

Battery voltage is the 'fuel' for electric UAS. With this in mind, all UAS flights 

will end while the aircraft maintains a 25% battery reserve. 

3.9 - Aircraft Markings 

CDRP will register all UAS with the FAA and mark each UAS with the 

corresponding registration number (N-number). 

If required, all UAS will be marked as 'Experimental'. This marking will be 

visible and permanent. 

 
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Section 4 - Crewmembers 

4.1 - Crewmembers Defined 

CDRP UAS crewmembers constitute any personnel responsible for the safe 

operation of the unmanned aircraft, support systems, payload, or coordination 

systems. Crewmembers are classified into one of the following positions: 

Pilot-in-Command, Aircraft Operator, Sensor Operator, Visual Observer. 

The required positions for all UAS flights are Pilot-in-Command and Visual 

Observer. Other positions may be added to a flight if mission requirements and 

workload dictate. 

4.2 Pilot-in-Command 

The Pilot-in-Command (PIC) flies the aircraft and is the final authority on all 

aspects of the UAS operation. The PIC is responsible for all aspects of the UAS 

operation and supervises the Visual Observer, Aircraft Operator, and/or Sensor 

Operator. 

The Pilot-in-Command must possess a current FAA Private Pilot Certificate or 

better. 

4.2.1 Pilot-in-Command Knowledge Standards 

 Pass FAA Private Pilot Written Exam 

 Possess Class 2 FAA Medical Certificate 

 Pass CDRP UAS Operator Knowledge Exam. This exam verifies knowledge 

of: 

o FAA regulations and guidance on UAS operations in the National 

Airspace System 

o Weather as it applies to UAS operations, including operational 

minimums 

o Parts and function of UAS airframe and systems 

o UAS terminology 

o UAS crew resource management 

o CDRP UAS mission management workflow 

o Payload capabilities 

o Mission planning 

o Autopilot and GCS use 

o Launch and recovery field assessment 

o UAS power management 
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4.2.2 Pilot-in-Command Practical Standards 

 If required, possess a FAA Private Pilot Certificate (or better). 

 Pass manufacturer specified training program for the UAS 

 Demonstrate the following: 

o Preflight inspection of the UAS and systems 

o Assess launch and recovery areas and methods 

o Takeoff (manual control) 

o Manual and stabilized level flight, maintaining altitude. 

o Left and right turns 

o Landing approach and go around 

o Hover (if equipped) 

o Land (manual control) 

o Procedures for loss of control link, power failure, loss of 

telemetry, and fire 

o Create automated mapping mission 

o Operate the GCS and autopilot to include: 

 Execute pre-planned autonomous mission 

 Direct the aircraft to a specific location in flight 

 Redirect the aircraft to a second location in flight 

 Change flight modes 

 Restart automated mission 

 Describe aircraft telemetry including GPS status, battery 

and power status, altitude, heading, airspeed, ground 

speed, and vertical velocity. 

o Assemble and disassemble the aircraft 

4.2.3 Pilot-in-Command Currency Requirements 

Prior to UAS operations for research or applied applications, the PIC will have 

logged a minimum of 5 hours as a UAS pilot and 3 take offs and 3 landings in 

the preceding 90 days. 

4.3 Aircraft Operator 

The Aircraft Operator (AO) operates the UAS autopilot and autonomous 

systems. Using these systems, the AO may control the aircraft using waypoint 

navigation or guided mode. The AO assists with the launch and recovery of the 

aircraft and coordinates with the Sensor Operator if assigned. 

4.3.1 Aircraft Operator Knowledge Standards 

 Pass FAA Private Pilot Written Exam 
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 Possess Class 2 FAA Medical Certificate 

 Pass CDRP UAS Operator Knowledge Exam. This exam verifies knowledge 

of: 

o FAA regulations and guidance on UAS operations in the National 

Airspace System 

o Weather as it applies to UAS operations, including operational 

minimums 

o Parts and function of UAS airframe and systems 

o UAS terminology 

o UAS crew resource management 

o CDRP UAS mission management workflow 

o Payload capabilities 

o Mission planning 

o Autopilot and GCS use 

o Launch and recovery field assessment 

o UAS power management 

4.3.2 Aircraft Operator Practical Standards 

 If required, possess a FAA Private Pilot Certificate (or better). 

 Demonstrate the following: 

o Preflight inspection of the UAS and systems 

o Assess launch and recovery areas and methods 

o Procedures for loss of control link, power failure, loss of 

telemetry, and fire 

o Create automated mapping mission 

o Operate the GCS and autopilot to include: 

 Execute pre-planned autonomous mission 

 Direct the aircraft to a specific location in flight 

 Redirect the aircraft to a second location in flight 

 Change flight modes 

 Restart automated mission 

 Describe aircraft telemetry including GPS status, battery 

and power status, altitude, heading, airspeed, ground 

speed, and vertical velocity. 

o Assemble and disassemble the aircraft 

4.4 Visual Observer 

The Visual Observer (VO) acts as a second set of eyes for the Pilot-in-Command 

and ensures safe operation of the UAS. This includes ensuring separation of 

UAS operations from manned aviation activity, enforcing minimum safe 

distances of bystanders and observers, and safe interaction of the crew. The 

VO assists with launch and recovery of the aircraft. 
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4.4.1 Visual Observer Knowledge Standards 

 Pass CDRP UAS Operator Knowledge Exam. This exam verifies knowledge 

of: 

o FAA regulations and guidance on UAS operations in the National 

Airspace System 

o Weather as it applies to UAS operations, including operational 

minimums 

o Parts and function of UAS airframe and systems 

o UAS terminology 

o UAS crew resource management 

o CDRP UAS mission management workflow 

o Payload capabilities 

o Launch and recovery field assessment 

o UAS power management 

4.4.2 Visual Observer Practical Standards 

 Demonstrate the following: 

o Preflight inspection of the UAS and systems 

o Assess launch and recovery areas and methods 

o Procedures for loss of control link, power failure, loss of 

telemetry, and fire 

o Assemble and disassemble the aircraft 

4.5 Sensor Operator 

The Sensor Operator (SO) operates the UAS payload and/or sensors, including 

EO/IR cameras, digital still cameras, atmospheric sensors, or any other 

payload. The SO assists with the launch and recovery of the aircraft and 

coordinates with the Aircraft Operator if assigned. 

4.4.1 Sensor Operator Knowledge Standards 

 Pass CDRP UAS Operator Knowledge Exam. This exam verifies knowledge 

of: 

o FAA regulations and guidance on UAS operations in the National 

Airspace System 

o Weather as it applies to UAS operations, including operational 

minimums 

o Parts and function of UAS airframe and systems 

o UAS terminology 
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o UAS crew resource management 

o CDRP UAS mission management workflow 

o Payload capabilities 

o Launch and recovery field assessment 

o UAS power management 

4.4.2 Sensor Operator Practical Standards 

 Demonstrate the following: 

o Preflight inspection of the UAS and systems, with emphasis on 

payloads 

o Program and control payload systems, including cameras and 

other sensors 

o Assess launch and recovery areas and methods 

o Procedures for loss of control link, power failure, loss of 

telemetry, and fire 

o Assemble and disassemble the aircraft 

4.5 Training and Proficiency 

CDRP UAS crew will maintain proficiency through weekly training and 

proficiency flights. 

Pilot-in-Command, Aircraft Operator, and Visual Observer must demonstrate 

proficiency in knowledge and practical standards every 90 days. 

 
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Section 5 - Flight Environment 

5.1 - Airspace 

CDRP UAS Flights will primarily occur in Class G airspace. No operations will be 

conducted in Class A or Class B airspace. Operations in Class C and Class D 

airspace will only occur with prior written approval of the FAA. 

Operations within 5nm of a non-towered airport will require written approval 

from the airport authority prior to operations commencing. 

5.2 - Line of Sight 

All UAS will be flown within the visual line of sight of the Pilot in Command and 

Visual Observer. Visual line of sight must be unaided through optical or 

electronic means (outside of standard prescription contact lenses or glasses). 

5.3 - Altitude 

All UAS flights will be conducted at or below 400' AGL. 

5.4 - Weather and Time of Day 

All UAS flights will operate at least 500 feet below or 2,000 feet horizontally 

from a cloud. 

All UAS flights will be conducted when visibility is at least 3 statute miles from 

the Pilot in Command and Visual Observer. 

All UAS flights will occur during daylight hours. 

5.5 - Operations Over People and Property 

The UAS will not be operated directly over any person at an altitude that is 

hazardous to the persons below in the event of a failure of the UAS or 

associated systems. 

5.6 - Yield to Manned Aviation 

All UAS operations must remain clear of and immediately yield to manned 

aircraft operations. This includes ultra-light aircraft, parachutists, balloonists, 

parasailing activity, hang gliders, etc. 
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5.7 - Privacy 

CDRP UAS will not capture or retain imagery of private property or persons 

where doing so would violate a reasonable expectation of privacy. 

5.8 - Stationary Ground Control Station 

UAS operations will only be conducted from a stationary locations. The PIC or 

ground control station will not be located in a moving vehicle. 

 
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Section 6 - Maintenance 

6.1 Maintenance Log 

All maintenance performed on UAS will be logged in the UAS airframe logbook. 

Each entry will include, at a minimum: the person performing the maintenance 

action, date, description of the maintenance action, and list of parts replaced. 

6.2 Bench and Acceptance Testing 

Any activity that changes the operational and/or flight characteristics will 

require that the UAS undergo bench and flight acceptance testing prior to 

further use. 

Bench testing may be accomplished without propellers or rotors to ensure 

expected operation of autopilots, control surfaces, servos, etc. Bench testing 

should be performed before flight acceptance testing. 

Flight acceptance testing must be performed prior to operational or research 

use. Flight testing should be conducted in a remote and secure location, with 

a limited crew exposure to the untested aircraft. 

Changes to any of these systems requires bench and flight testing: 

 Structural components of the airframe 

 Motors 

 Electronic speed controllers 

 Power distribution systems 

 Radio control transmitter or receiver 

 Autopilot or flight controller 

 Propellers (reconfigure only) 

 
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Section 7 - Permissions and Certifications to Fly 

7.1 Certificate of Authorization 

CDRP will obtain a Air Traffic Organization (ATO) issued Certificate of 

Authorization (COA) prior to conducting UAS operations for research or under a 

Section 333 exemption. 

7.2 Notice to Airmen 

CDRP will request a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) 48 to 72 hours in advance of 

UAS operations. 

7.3 Plan of Activities 

CDRP will provide a written Plan of Activities to the local FSDO with 

jurisdiction over the area encompassing the UAS operations. This written plan 

will be submitted at least 72 hours prior to the commencement of UAS 

operations. CDRP will also public the Plan of Activities on the website 

http://cdrp.net. 

The Plan of Activities will include (at a minimum): 

 Dates and times of UAS operations 

 Contact name and phone number for the UAS pilot-in-command 

 Make, model and N-number of the UAS to be flown 

 Name and FAA certificate number of the UAS PIC 

 Statement that the CDRP has obtained permission from the property 

owners and/or local officials to conduct the flight. 

 Signature of exemption holder or representative 

 A description of the flight activity, including maps and diagrams of the 

activity.