Copyright	©	2016	by	Yarbrough	Associates

Copyright	©	2016	by	Yarbrough	Associates

All	rights	reserved.	No	part	of	this	publication	may	be	reproduced,	distributed,	or	transmitted	

in	any	form	or	by	any	means,	including	photocopying,	recording,	or	other	electronic	or	

mechanical	methods,	without	the	prior	written	permission	of	the	author.

1

UAS Flight Operations and Safety Manual

Prepared	by

Allyson	D.	Yarbrough,	PhD

Principal	Partner

Yarbrough	Associates

26821	Grayslake	Road

Rancho	Palos	Verdes,	CA		90275

310-594-9841

allyson@yarbroughassociates.com

Attachment	B

accompanying a

Petition	for	Exemption	submitted	pursuant	to	Section	333(a)	through	(c)	of	the	FAA	

Modernization	and	Reform	Act	of	2012	("Reform	Act")

9	January	2016
Copyright	©	2016	by	Yarbrough	Associates

Copyright	©	2016	by	Yarbrough	Associates

All	rights	reserved.	No	part	of	this	publication	may	be	reproduced,	distributed,	or	transmitted	

in	any	form	or	by	any	means,	including	photocopying,	recording,	or	other	electronic	or	

mechanical	methods,	without	the	prior	written	permission	of	the	author.

2

Introduction

Yarbrough	Associates is	a	small	business	engaged	in	educational	coaching	and	mentoring.		We	are	

a	social	entrepreneur	enterprise whose growth	and	revenue	will	be	derived	from	the	social	

benefit,	mission	focused	services	we	deliver.		These	are	integrated	STEAM	(science,	technology,	

engineering,	arts,	mathematics)	expertise,	guidance	and	support	to	students	and	education	

professionals,	especially	teachers,	principals	and	superintendents,	so	that	they	can	better	prepare	

students	to	compete	in	the	21st	century	global	marketplace.	Yarbrough	Associates	uses	Project	

Based	Instruction	and	customized	services	to	mentor	educators	on	effective	STEAM	curriculum,	

accelerating	adoption	of	the	Common	Core	and	Next	Generation	Science	Standards,	and	college	

and	career	readiness.	

As	minority	female	professionals	in	the	engineering	and	education	fields,	Yarbrough	Associates	

has	a	passion	and	exceptional	skill	for	helping	learners	of	all	ages,	especially	those	in	underserved	

communities	and	members	of	under-represented	groups,	discover their	capabilities	and	develop	

their	full	potential.		We	focus	on	preparing	students	to	be	competitive	in	the	local,	regional	and	

global	marketplace in aviation,	aerospace	engineering,	systems	engineering and	the	channel	

industries	that	leverage	them.		Among	these	are	real	estate,	general	aerial	surveying,	general	

aerial	photography,	art,	geographic	information	systems,	urban	planning,	agriculture,	

construction,	utility	inspection,	film	and	television,	environmental	uses,	emergency	management,	

and	search	and	rescue.		Entry	into	these	areas	represent	quality	careers	that	enable	members	of	

underserved	communities	to	reach	their	full	potential,	create	opportunities	for	success for	

themselves	and	their	families, and	help	drive	economic	development.	

Table of Contents

Introduction......................................................................................................................................................... 2

Table	of	Contents................................................................................................................................................ 2

Revision	History ................................................................................................................................................. 3

Purpose.................................................................................................................................................................. 4

Scope....................................................................................................................................................................... 4

Statement	of	Purpose........................................................................................................................................ 4

Pilot/Operator	in	Command	(PIC) ............................................................................................................... 5

Airworthiness ...................................................................................................................................................... 6

Safety	(Flight	Restrictions) ............................................................................................................................. 8

Records	to	be	Maintained..............................................................................................................................10

Maintenance	Schedule....................................................................................................................................10

Operating	Parameters ....................................................................................................................................10
Copyright	©	2016	by	Yarbrough	Associates

Copyright	©	2016	by	Yarbrough	Associates

All	rights	reserved.	No	part	of	this	publication	may	be	reproduced,	distributed,	or	transmitted	

in	any	form	or	by	any	means,	including	photocopying,	recording,	or	other	electronic	or	

mechanical	methods,	without	the	prior	written	permission	of	the	author.

3

Revision History

Change Page#/

Para#

Reason	

(E,	T)

Approved	By Date

Initial	version Allyson	D.	Yarbrough 9	Jan	2016

E:	Editorial

T:	Technical	
Copyright	©	2016	by	Yarbrough	Associates

Copyright	©	2016	by	Yarbrough	Associates

All	rights	reserved.	No	part	of	this	publication	may	be	reproduced,	distributed,	or	transmitted	

in	any	form	or	by	any	means,	including	photocopying,	recording,	or	other	electronic	or	

mechanical	methods,	without	the	prior	written	permission	of	the	author.

4

Purpose

The	purpose	of	the	UAS	(Unmanned	Aerial	Systems)	Flight	Operations	and	Safety	Manual	is	to	

document	the	development,	management,	operation,	safety discipline, and	sustainment	of	

Yarbrough	Associates’	“Soaring	to	Success”	unmanned	aerial	systems	educational	program.

Scope

This	manual	shall	apply to	all	Soaring	to	Success	UAS	operations	conducted	as	part	of	this	

Yarbrough	Associates	STEAM	(science,	technology,	engineering,	arts,	math)	program.

Statement of Purpose

The	purpose	of	Yarbrough	Associates’ UAS	program	and	operations	is	to	deliver	high-quality,	

relevant	STEAM	(science,	technical,	engineering,	arts,	math)	curriculum	and	mentoring	services	

for	the	benefit	of	K-12	and	adult	learners,	instructors	and	administrators.

As	a	mission	driven	business,	our	utmost goal	is	to	prepare	students	for	careers	in	the	technical	

fields,	the	aerospace	industry	at large,	and	especially	aviation,	aerospace	engineering and	systems	

engineering.	Yarbrough	Associates	has	identified	small	unmanned	aerial	systems	and	associated	

aerial	data	collection	as	ideally	suited	for	STEAM	instruction	and	project	based	learning	for	K-12	

and	adult	learners	and	educators.		We combine	STEAM	curriculum	with	the	concepts	of	systems	

engineering,	critical	thinking,	teamwork,	accountability,	and	business	awareness	in	a	compelling	

way	that	engages	the	educators	and	learners.		We	include	the	FAA’s	“Know	Before	You	Fly”	

guidance	and	other	training	materials	as key	features of	our	curriculum	to	ensure	students	and	

educators	fully	appreciate	the	criticality	and	breadth	of	the	responsibility	associated	with	safely	

operating	UASs	in	the	National	Air	Space	in	full	compliance	with	FAA	regulations.		Our	aerial	data	

collection	may	include	remote	sensing	and	measuring	by	an	instrument	aboard	the	UA	such	as	

imagery	(photography,	video	or	infrared),	electronic	measurement,	or	chemical	measurement.

In	collaboration	with	and	through	the	services	of	duly	certified	pilots,	we	will	use	UAS	operations	

to	demonstrate	and	teach	STEAM	related	subject	matter	to	students.		The	UASs	will	provide	

educators	and	students	with	new	geographic	representations	of	their	surroundings,	leading	to	

greater	insight	and	awareness	of	the	cohesion	that	binds	their	neighborhoods and	environment

into	a	community.		The	UASs	will	also	make	concepts	of	aviation	and	aerospace	engineering	come	

to	life	through	the	hands-on	educational	interaction	and	experiences	of	our	Project	Based	

Curriculum	Plan.		We	will	use	the	imagery	collected	during	the	flights	to	implement	the	“A”	(Art)	

part	of	the	STEAM	curriculum,	where	educators	and	students	produce	digital	renderings,	photo	

montages	and	videos from	their	UAS-collected	data,	for	example.	

Operating	within	the	bounds	and	benefits	of	the	Section	333 exemption	enables Yarbrough	

Associates	to	motivate	and	prepare	K-12	and	adult	students,	especially	those	in	underserved	

communities,	with	expanded	options	for	college	and	career	readiness	in	the	fields	of	aviation,	

aerospace	engineering	and	related	technologies.		This	opportunity	represents	a	viable	means	by	

which	to	keep	students	in	school,	equip	educators	with	tools	to	inspire	and	develop	student	talent,	

assist	administrators	in	enhancing	teachers’	professional	development	successes,	motivate	
Copyright	©	2016	by	Yarbrough	Associates

Copyright	©	2016	by	Yarbrough	Associates

All	rights	reserved.	No	part	of	this	publication	may	be	reproduced,	distributed,	or	transmitted	

in	any	form	or	by	any	means,	including	photocopying,	recording,	or	other	electronic	or	

mechanical	methods,	without	the	prior	written	permission	of	the	author.

5

students	to	pursue	paths	to	fulfilling,	well-paying	careers,	foster	community	economic	

development,	and	enhance	intellectual	and	personal	potential.		

Yarbrough Associates	will	regularly	monitor	the	evolution	of	FAA	UAS	regulations	and	

continuously	update	its	curriculum	to	reflect	new	guidance,	maintain	compliance	with	FAA	rules	

and	incorporate	best	practices	as	UAS	integration	into	the	NAS	proceeds.	

Pilot/Operator in Command (PIC)

Minimum	Qualifications	of	PIC

Minimum	qualifications	for the	pilot/operator	in	command	shall	meet	or	exceed	the	following	

requirements:

(1)	A	current	U.S.	sport	pilot	or	private	pilot	certificate	with	ratings	appropriate	to	the	category,	

class	and	type	(if	applicable)	of	aircraft	to	be	used	

(2)	At least	20	hours	logged	as	the	PIC	in	the	aircraft	type

(3)	A	minimum	of	5	hours	of	operation	in	the	make	and	model	of	aircraft	to	be	used

Minimum	Qualifications	of	Pilots/Operators

In	addition,	all	other	pilots/operators	used	in	the	experiment	or	operation	shall	be	qualified.		This	

qualification	may	be	obtained	through a	knowledge	test,	which	may	consist	of	oral,	written	and/or	

skill	examination.

Test	content	will	include	the	following	topics:

 Steps	to	be	taken	prior	to	starting	operations,	including	a	survey	of	the	flight	area

 General	aircraft	performance	capabilities,	including	any	limitations	

 Proper	instructions	for	flight	and	ground	crew	personnel

 Aircraft	flight	operations	and	safety	manual

Completion	of	a	training	program	consisting	of	a	minimum	of	5	hrs	operating	the	UAS	is	required	

for	all	pilots/operators. Training	operations	are	conducted	only	during	dedicated	training	

sessions,	held	at	least	quarterly.		UAS	pilots/operators	will	receive	initial	qualification	and	

ongoing	currency	training	under	the	direction	of	a	current	UAS	Pilot	in	Command.		Qualification	

training	will	include	exposure	to	all	UAS	vehicle	handling	qualities	that	might	be	encountered	

during	routine	or	emergency	operations	without	violating	flight	manual	restrictions	or	limitations.		

Training	will	vary	with	the	UAS	vehicle	involved	but	may	include:

 Ground	training	which	may	include	a	UAS	ground	control	station	checkout,	handbook	

study,	attendance	at	formal	UAS	vehicle training	programs,	emergency	procedure	training,	

and	appropriate	examinations.

Note:		All	initial	UAS	vehicle	flight	training	will	occur	indoors	until	operators	demonstrate	

sufficient	proficiency and	safety	discipline	to	train	in	a	controlled,	bounded,	sterile space	

outdoors.

 UAS	vehicle	checkout	flights,	which	will	include	a	prescribed	number	of	UAS	flights	and	

landings	while	under	the	supervision	of	a	UAS	PIC	or	in	accordance	with	a	formal	UAS	
Copyright	©	2016	by	Yarbrough	Associates

Copyright	©	2016	by	Yarbrough	Associates

All	rights	reserved.	No	part	of	this	publication	may	be	reproduced,	distributed,	or	transmitted	

in	any	form	or	by	any	means,	including	photocopying,	recording,	or	other	electronic	or	

mechanical	methods,	without	the	prior	written	permission	of	the	author.

6

training	syllabus.		Additional	flights	may	be	scheduled	in order	to	meet	training	and	

proficiency	for	specific	experiment	requirements.

 A	check	flight of the	UAS	or	surrogate	vehicle	prior	to	being	cleared	for	solo	flights.

 Solo	flights,	if	applicable,	in	which	a	prescribed	number	of	UAS	flights	in	a	given	time	are	

performed	to	complete	initial	checkout	or	gain	proficiency.

Medical	standards	and	certificates	required	of	the	PIC	will	meet	the	intent	of	the	FAA’s	UAV	Pilot

Medical	/	Fitness	Standards	at	

http://www.faa.gov/news/safety_briefing/2014/media/marapr2014.pdf

and	https://www.leftseat.com/pdffiles/Standards.pdf

In	the	Yarbrough	Associates’	program,	the	PIC	shall	maintain	currency	by	successfully	executing

three	take-off	and	three	landing	operations	of	the	UAV	within	the	previous	90	days.		The	PIC	shall	

maintain	VLOS	(visual	line	of	sight)	at	all	times and	shall	be	supplemented	with	a	visual	observer	

(VO)	with	a	medical	certificate	and	the	knowledge	and	currency	requirements described	above	in	

this	section.

The	PIC	shall	maintain	the	responsibility	to	limit	operations	of	the	UAV	to	distances	within	the	

visual	capabilities	of	both	the	PIC	and	VO.		Both	the	PIC	and	VO	must	be	able	to	communicate	

verbally	at	all	times.		No	text	messaging	will	be	allowed in	this	context, as	it does	not	fulfill	the	

requirement.		The	VO	shall	not	operate	a	camera	or	any	instruments.

Airworthiness 

Below	is	a	complete	description	of	each	UAV	that	will	be	used.

1.		Hubsan	X4	

As	part	of	its	STEAM	educational	curriculum	program,	Yarbrough	Associates	plans	to	use	the	

Hubsan	X4	unit	as	an	initial	trainer	vehicle	to	introduce	students	to	the	physics	of	flight,	safe	and	

responsible	use	of	UAVs	and	the	requirements	of	“Know	Before	You	Fly.”		This	micro	UAS	

measures	2.7	x	2.7	x	1	in,	with	four	motors	powered	by	a	3.7	V,	380	mAH	Li-Po	battery.		The	UAS	

attains	a	maximum	possible	speed	of	22	mph,	weighs	0.4	lb	and	can	fly	for	~8	minutes.		The	fourchannel	remote	control	/	transmitter	will	utilize	a	frequency	of	2.4	GHz.		The	UAS	will	not	be	flown	

at	an	altitude	that	exceeds	400	feet	AGL.	All	flights	will	be	flown	in	such	a	way	that	they	can	be	

safely	terminated	with	a	reserve	battery	power	of	25%	of	the	battery's	maximum	charge.		The	

Hubsan	X4	small	UAS	does	not	carry	any	flammable	propellant	or	fuel.		The	Hubsan	X4	will	only	be	

flown	indoors,	or	outdoors	in	a	tent	or	netted	enclosed	area.

2.		DJI	Phantom	2	Vision	

We	will	also	use	the	DJI	Phantom	2	Vision	UAS	with	integrated	camera	for	further	training	as	

students	progress	to	more	advanced	STEAM	curriculum	modules,	acquire	increased	flying	skill,	

and	demonstrate	continued	compliance	with	the	“Know	Before	You	Fly”	and	safety	requirements.		

The	DJI	Phantom	Vision	2	measures	18	x	12	x	20	inches,	with	four	motors	powered	by	an	11.1	V,	

5,200-mAh	Li-Po	battery.		The	UAS	attains	a	maximum	possible	speed	of	33.6	mph,	weighs	2.6	lb	

and	can	fly	for	20-25	minutes.		The	remote	control	/	transmitter	will	utilize	a	frequency	of	

5.728GHz-5.8GHz.		The	UAS	will	not	be	flown	at	an	altitude	that	exceeds	400	feet	AGL.	All	flights	
Copyright	©	2016	by	Yarbrough	Associates

Copyright	©	2016	by	Yarbrough	Associates

All	rights	reserved.	No	part	of	this	publication	may	be	reproduced,	distributed,	or	transmitted	

in	any	form	or	by	any	means,	including	photocopying,	recording,	or	other	electronic	or	

mechanical	methods,	without	the	prior	written	permission	of	the	author.

7

will	be	flown	in	such	a	way	that	they	can	be	safely	terminated	with	a	reserve	battery	power	of	

25%	of	the	battery's	maximum	charge.		The	DJI	Phantom	2	Vision	UAS	will not	carry	any person,	

living	being,	explosive	material, flammable	propellant	or	fuel, and	has	a	built-in	“return	home	to	

safely	land	at	pre-determined	location”	function,	should	the	connection	to	the	remote	control	be	

lost	or	other	unexpected	event	arises.

Each	vehicle	will	be	identified	with	a	serial	number	and	have	identification	(N-Number)	markings	

as	large	as	practicable.		

Minimum	maintenance	requirements

 The	UAS	will	be	operated	and	maintained	in	accordance	with	the	requirements	of	the	

Manufacturer's	Manuals	and	any	manufacturer	Safety	Bulletins.	

Full	inspection	prior	to	each	flight

 Prior	to	each	flight,	the	PIC	will	review	the	operational	readiness	of	all	hardware,	software,	

and	support	equipment,	assisted	by	the	VO	as	required.		A	Flight	Battery	check	will	be	

performed,	per	the	manufacturer’s	instructions.	No	flight	will	be	initiated	without	a	

minimum	of 50%	of	the	battery’s	maximum	charge.

 The	DJI	Phantom	2	Vision’s	Failsafe	function	will	be	checked separately	by	the	PIC	and	the	

VO.		The	Hubsan	X4	will	not	be	flown	outdoors	unless	within	a	tented	or	netted	enclosed	

area.		

 Prior	to	each	flight,	the	PIC	will	check	weather	reports	and	forecasts,	including	wind	and	

temperature

 The	pilot	will	ensure	that	the	UAS	flight	manual,	registration	certificate	and	other	required	

documents	are	accessible	at	the	ground	station	from	which	he	or	she	is	piloting	the	UAS	

prior	to	initiating	each	and	every	flight.	

 Prior	to	the	operation,	the	flights	will	be	fully	preplanned	and	briefed,	including	possible	

contingencies	and	emergency	procedures.	

 Where	required,	Yarbrough	Associates	will	file	a	Notice	to	Airman	("NOTAM")	with	an	

appropriate	air	traffic	control	("ATC")	facility	between	72	and	48	hours	before	the	flight.	

 All	required	permissions	and	permits	will	be	obtained	from	territorial,	state,	county	or	city	

jurisdictions,	including	local	law	enforcement,	fire	or	other	appropriate	governmental	

agencies.	

 If	the	DJI	Phantom	2	Vision	UAS	loses	communication	with	the	pilot,	it	will	have	the	

capability	to	return	to	the	sterile	area	home	launch	location	or	a	pre-determined	safe	abort	

location.	

 The	DJI	Phantom	2	Vision	UAS will	be	controlled	by	the	Phantom	2	2.4GHz	Remote	Control	

System	and	the	radio	frequency	spectrum	used	for	operation	and	control	of	the	UAS	shall	

comply	with	the	Federal	Communications	Commission	("FCC")	or	other	appropriate	

government	oversight	agency	requirements.		Similarly,	the	Hubsan	X4	UAS	will	be	

controlled	by	the	Hubsan	X4	four-channel	remote	control	/	transmitter	utilizing	a	

frequency	of	2.4	GHz and	the	radio	frequency	spectrum	used	for	operation	and	control	of	

the	UAS	shall	comply	with	the	FCC or other	appropriate	government	oversight	agency	

requirements.		
Copyright	©	2016	by	Yarbrough	Associates

Copyright	©	2016	by	Yarbrough	Associates

All	rights	reserved.	No	part	of	this	publication	may	be	reproduced,	distributed,	or	transmitted	

in	any	form	or	by	any	means,	including	photocopying,	recording,	or	other	electronic	or	

mechanical	methods,	without	the	prior	written	permission	of	the	author.

8

Safety (Flight Restrictions)

 Prior	to	each	flight,	the	PIC	will	check	weather	reports	and	forecasts,	including wind	and	

temperature

 All	UAS	operators	will	meet	medical	standards	and	possess	certificates	that	meet	the	intent	

of	the	FAA’s	UAV	Pilot	Medical	/	Fitness	Standards	at	

http://www.faa.gov/news/safety_briefing/2014/media/marapr2014.pdf and	

https://www.leftseat.com/pdffiles/Standards.pdf

 All	UAS	operations	will	occur	in	daylight,	Visual	Flight	Recognition	("VFR")	conditions.	IFR	

flights	are	prohibited	and	no	flights	will	occur	at	night,	or	in	adverse	weather	conditions.	

 No	flight	will	be	initiated	without	a	minimum	of	50%	of	the	battery’s	maximum	charge.

 The	PIC	will	document	a	Flight	Plan	and	be	familiar	with	all	information	necessary	to	

conduct	the	flight	safely	and	in	compliance	with	all	applicable	FAA	regulations and	

Yarbrough	Associates’	“Soaring	to	Success”	Program	standard	operating	procedures.

 The	PIC	shall	limit	operations	of	the	UAV	to	distances	within	the	visual	capabilities	of	both	

the	PIC	and	VO.		Both	the	PIC	and	VO	must	be	able	to	communicate	verbally	at	all	times.		No	

text	messaging	will	be	allowed	in	this	context,	as	it	does	not	fulfill	the	requirement.		The	VO	

shall	not	operate	a	camera	or	instruments.

 The	PIC	must	operate	at	an	altitude	that	allows	a	safe	emergency	landing	if	a	power	unit	

fails.		Planned	flights	will	only	occur	in	a	controlled,	sterile	area	and	if	the	planned	flight	

cannot	be	completed	safely,	the	vehicle	will	be	landed	immediately	within	the	controlled,	

sterile	area,	and	if	necessary,	sacrificed, in	lieu	of	operating	outside	planned	limits.

 All	flights	will	be	conducted	a)	indoors	or	b)	outdoors,	once	the	operator	has	demonstrated	

sufficient	proficiency	to	fly	under	supervision	outdoors	in	a	defined,	controlled,	sterile	area.		

Depending	on	the	training	or	operational	goal,	the	PIC	will	identify	a	specific	takeoff	and	

landing	distance,	cruising	altitude	and	maximum	speed	prior	to	initiating	any	flight.

 The	PIC	shall	maintain	VLOS	(visual	line	of	sight)	at	all	times	and	shall	be	supplemented	

with	a	visual	observer	(VO)	who	meets	the	medical	standards and	the	knowledge	and	

currency	requirements	described	in	the	Minimum	Qualifications	of	Pilots/Operators	section	

of	this	document.

 The	UAS	will	not	carry	documents,	pilot,	passengers,	or	any	living	being.

 During	a	UAV	flight,	several	unplanned	events	and	scenarios	can	occur.		These include:

o Guidance	of	the	UAS	in	case	of	loss	of	communication	with	the	UAS

o Need	to	abort	a	flight	in	the	event	of	unpredicted	obstacles	or	emergencies	or	

command	link	or	in-flight	failure

o Capacity	to	operate	safely	after	experiencing	certain	in-flight	failures (e.g.,	loss	of	

propeller(s),	loss	of	battery	power)

o Proper	handling	of	these	contingencies	will	be	an	integral	part	of	all	flight	

instruction	and	safety	training.

 The	Yarbrough	Associates’	“Soaring	to	Success”	program	has	placed	the	following	safety	

policies	and	procedures	in	place	to	mitigate	risk	of	injury	or	damage	

o The	Hubsan	X4	quadcopter	will	only	be	flown	indoors	and	not	be	flown	outdoors

unless	within	a	netted	or	tented	enclosure.		
Copyright	©	2016	by	Yarbrough	Associates

Copyright	©	2016	by	Yarbrough	Associates

All	rights	reserved.	No	part	of	this	publication	may	be	reproduced,	distributed,	or	transmitted	

in	any	form	or	by	any	means,	including	photocopying,	recording,	or	other	electronic	or	

mechanical	methods,	without	the	prior	written	permission	of	the	author.

9

o The	DJI	Phantom	2	Vision’s	Failsafe	Function	shall	be	used	to return	the	vehicle	to	

the	home	location	and	land.		The	operation	of	the	Failsafe	Function	shall	be	

separately	verified	by	both	the	PIC	and	VO prior	to	initiating	any	flight.

o The	PIC	may	initiate	the	automatic	return-to-home	procedure at	any	time	during	the	

flight	to	mitigate	risk	of	safety	or	damage	if,	in	his	or	her	judgment,	the	

circumstances	warrant	it.

 Yarbrough	Associates	will	maintain	operator	supervision,	training	and	control	in	such	a	

way	that,	given	the	restricted, sterile	environment	and	under the	conditions	and	limitations	

proposed,	the	UAS will	be	at	least	as	safe,	or	more	safe,	than	a	conventional	aircraft	

operating	with	an	airworthiness	certificate.		The	UAS	will	not	pose	a	risk	to	any	congested	

area	or	populated	area	because	it	will	either be	operated	indoors	or	in	a	restricted,	sterile	

outdoor	space.			

 As	part	of	the	“Soaring	to	Success”	operations	discipline,	the	PIC	will	record	aircraft	

performance	data	before	initiation	of	each	flight

 The	DJI	Phantom	UASs	used	in	the	“Soaring	to	Success”	program	will	use	GPS	as	their	

altitude	devices

 All	flights	will	be	flown	in	such	a	way	that	they	can	be	safely	terminated	with	a	reserve	

battery	power	of	25%	of	the	battery's	maximum	charge.		This	provides	an acceptable	

margin	of	safety for	a	controlled	landing.

 The	UAS will not	be	operated	less	than	500 feet	below	or	less	than	2,000 feet	horizontally	

from	a	cloud	or	when	visibility	is	less	than	3 statute	miles	from	the	PIC.

 The	UAS will remain	clear	of,	yield	to	and	give	way	to all	manned	aviation	operations.

 The	UAS	will not	be	operated	by	the	PIC	for	any	other	operator	from	any	moving	vehicle,	

machine	or	mechanism.

 All	UAS	operations	will	only	be	conducted	on sterile,	indoors	or	outdoor	uncluttered	

private	or	controlled-access	property	with	permission	from	the	property	owner	or	

authorized	representative.	

o Such	permission	from	the	property	owner	or	authorized	representative	will	be	

obtained	for	each	and	every	flight	to	be	conducted.

 The	Flight	Plan	will	account	for	all	relevant site-specific	conditions,	property	owner’s	

requirements	and	Yarbrough	Associates’	policies.

 The	DJI	Phantom	2	Vision	UAS	used	in	the	“Soaring	to	Success”	program	will	be	controlled	

by	the	Phantom	2	2.4GHz	Remote	Control	System	and	the	radio	frequency	spectrum	used	

for	operation	and	control	of	the	UAS	shall	comply	with	the	Federal	Communications	

Commission	("FCC")	or	other	appropriate	government	oversight	agency	requirements.		

Similarly,	the	Hubsan	X4	UAS	will	be	controlled	by	the	Hubsan	X4	four-channel	remote	

control	/	transmitter	utilizing	a	frequency	of	2.4	GHz	and	the	radio	frequency	spectrum	

used	for	operation	and	control	of	the	UAS	shall	comply	with	the	FCC	or	other	appropriate	

government	oversight	agency	requirements.		

 The	PIC	will	be	able	to	provide	the	FCC	approval	letter	or	show	compliance	with	FCC	

requirements	upon	request.

 Any	UAS	that	has	undergone	maintenance	or	alterations	that	affect	its operation	or	flight	

characteristics,	(e.g.	replacement	or	modification	of	a	flight	critical	component),	must	
Copyright	©	2016	by	Yarbrough	Associates

Copyright	©	2016	by	Yarbrough	Associates

All	rights	reserved.	No	part	of	this	publication	may	be	reproduced,	distributed,	or	transmitted	

in	any	form	or	by	any	means,	including	photocopying,	recording,	or	other	electronic	or	

mechanical	methods,	without	the	prior	written	permission	of	the	author.

10

undergo	a	functional	test	flight.		The	PIC	who	conducts	the	functional	test	flight	must	make	

an	entry	of	the	flight	in	the	UAS	aircraft	records.

Records to be Maintained 

 The	Yarbrough	Associates	“Soaring	to	Success”	program	will	require	records	of	

maintenance,	preventive	maintenance	and	any	alterations	to	the	aircraft.		They	will	contain	

detailed:

o Description	of	work	performed

o Date	of	completion	of	work	performed

o The	signature	of	the	person	approving	the	aircraft	for	return	to	service

o Records	of	inspections	(including	airframe,	motors,	rotors,	battery,	camera,	etc.)

o Total	time	in	service	of	the	airframe,	motors,	rotors,	battery,	camera,	etc

o Current	status	of	life-limited	parts	of	the	airframe,	motors,	rotors,	battery,	camera,	

etc

o Overhauls	performed	and time	since	last	overhaul

 Maintenance	records	must	be	retained	until	the	work	is	repeated	or	superseded	by	other	

work	or	for	1	year	after	the	work	is	performed.

 Maintenance	records	must	be	transferred	with	the	aircraft	at	the	time	the	aircraft	is	sold	(if	

transferred)

Maintenance Schedule 

 As	part	of	its	maintenance	discipline	and	ongoing	safety	discipline,	Yarbrough	Associates

may	update	or	revise	its	operating	documents.		As	the	operator,	Yarbrough	Associates	

takes	the	responsibility	to	track	such	revisions	and	present	updated	and	revised	

documents	to	the	FAA	Administrator	or	representative	upon	request.		

 Yarbrough	Associates	will present	updated	and	revised	documents	if	it	petitions	for	

extension	or	amendment	to	any grant	of	exemption.		If	Yarbrough	Associates determines	

that	any	update	or	revision	would	affect	the	basis	upon	which	the	FAA	granted	an

exemption,	then	Yarbrough	Associates must	petition	for	amendment	to	its	grant	of	

exemption.		

 All	maintenance	and	alterations	must	be	properly	documented	in	the	aircraft	records.

Operating Parameters 

 All	of	the	UAVs	that	are	part	of	the	“Soaring	to	Success”	program	will	be	operated	within	

VLOS	of	a	pilot	and/or	observer	(VO) at	all	times

 The	UAVs	will	be	limited	to	a	maximum	altitude	of	400	ft above	ground	level	(AGL) at	all	

times	and	will	not	be	operated	within	navigable	controlled	airspace	without	prior	written	

authorization	from	the	FAA.	

 Flights	will	be	limited	to	a	speed	of	35	mph	and	vertical	ascent	will	be	limited	to	15	mph.
Copyright	©	2016	by	Yarbrough	Associates

Copyright	©	2016	by	Yarbrough	Associates

All	rights	reserved.	No	part	of	this	publication	may	be	reproduced,	distributed,	or	transmitted	

in	any	form	or	by	any	means,	including	photocopying,	recording,	or	other	electronic	or	

mechanical	methods,	without	the	prior	written	permission	of	the	author.

11

 The	UAVs	will	be	operated	within	a	safe	operating	perimeter,	the	boundaries	of	which	will	

be	determined	by	the	UAS	PIC	and	local	operations	personnel	based	on	the	characteristics	

of	the	specific	site.

 All	Flight	operations	will be	conducted	at	least	500 feet	from	all	nonparticipating	persons,	

equipment,	vehicles,	and	structures	unless the	following	are	in	place:

o Equipment	barriers	or	structures	that	sufficiently	protect	nonparticipating	persons	

from	the	UAS and/or	debris	in	the	event	of	an	accident or	unplanned	incident.	

 The	operator	will ensure	that	nonparticipating	persons	remain	under	such	

protection

o If	a	situation	arises	where	nonparticipating	persons	leave	such	protection	and	are	

within	500 feet	of	the	UAS,	flight	operations	will cease	immediately	in	a	manner	

ensuring	the	safety of	nonparticipating	persons.	

 The	UAS	will	be	operated	and	maintained	in	accordance	with	the	requirements	of	the	

Manufacturer's	Manuals	and	any	manufacturer	Safety	Bulletins.	

 Prior	to	the	operation,	the	flights	will	be	fully	preplanned	and	briefed,	including	possible	

contingencies	and	emergency	procedures.	

 Where	required,	Yarbrough	Associates	will	file	a	Notice	to	Airman	("NOTAM")	with	an	

appropriate	air	traffic	control	("ATC")	facility	between	72	and	48	hours	before	the	flight.	

 All	required	permissions	and	permits	will	be	obtained	from	territorial,	state,	county	or	city	

jurisdictions,	including	local	law	enforcement,	fire	or	other	appropriate	governmental	

agencies.	

 If	the	DJI	Phantom	Vision	2	UAS	loses	communication	with	the	pilot,	it	will	have the	

capability	to	return	to	the	sterile	area	home	launch	location	or	a	pre-determined	safe	abort	

location.	

 The	UAS	will	have	the	capability	to	abort	flight	in	the	case	of	unpredicted	obstacles	or	

emergencies.	

 All	UAS	operations	will	occur	in	daylight, Visual	Flight	Recognition	("VFR")	conditions.	IFR	

flights	are	prohibited	and	no	flights	will	occur	at	night,	or	in	adverse	weather	conditions.	

 The	UASs	will	be	controlled	by	the	Phantom	and	Hubsan	2	2.4GHz	Remote	Control	Systems	

and	the	radio	frequency	spectrum	used	for	operation	and	control	of	the	UASs	shall	comply	

with	the	Federal	Communications	Commission	("FCC")	or	other	appropriate	government	

oversight	agency	requirements.	

Scope of Operations

 Any	and	all	Yarbrough	Associates	“Soaring	to	Success”	program	UAV	operations	will	

include inspection	of	any	property,	structures,	materials,	or	natural	landscape	features	

over	which	flights	will	occur in	advance	of	the	operation.

 At	no	time,	will	UAVs	be	operated from	moving	devices,	machines or	vehicles	.

All	of	the	UAVs	that	are	part	of	the	“Soaring	to	Success”	program	will	be	operated	within	

VLOS	of	a	pilot	and/or	observer	(VO)	at	all	times.

o All	initial	UAS	vehicle	flight	training	will	occur	indoors	until	operators	demonstrate	

sufficient	proficiency	and	safety	discipline	to	train	in	designated	controlled,	sterile	

space	outdoors,	which	may	include	netted	or	tented	enclosures.
Copyright	©	2016	by	Yarbrough	Associates

Copyright	©	2016	by	Yarbrough	Associates

All	rights	reserved.	No	part	of	this	publication	may	be	reproduced,	distributed,	or	transmitted	

in	any	form	or	by	any	means,	including	photocopying,	recording,	or	other	electronic	or	

mechanical	methods,	without	the	prior	written	permission	of	the	author.

12

o Should	it	be	required	for	a	designated	flying	area,	Yarbrough	Associates	will	obtain	

an	ATO	(Air	Traffic	Organization)-issued	COA	(Certificate	of	Waiver	or	

Authorization)	before	and	in	order	to	conduct	operations.

References

 FAA	Safety	Briefing

o http://www.faa.gov/news/safety_briefing/

 FAA	Medical	Standards

o https://www.leftseat.com/pdffiles/Standards.pdf

 FAA	Training	Resources	and	Guides

o https://www.faa.gov/training_testing/training/

Appendix A: UAS Inventory Summary

1. Hubsan X4 

As part of its STEAM educational curriculum program, Yarbrough Associates plans to use the 

Hubsan X4 as an initial inexpensive trainer vehicle to introduce students to the physics of 

flight, safe and responsible use of UAVs and the requirements of “Know Before You Fly.” This 

micro UAS measures 2.7 x 2.7 x 1 in, with four motors powered by a 3.7 V, 380 mAH Li-Po 

battery. The UAS attains a maximum possible speed of 22 mph, weighs 0.4 lb and can fly for 

~8 minutes. The four-channel remote control / transmitter will utilize a frequency of 2.4 GHz. 

The UAS will not be flown at an altitude that exceeds 400 feet AGL. All flights will be flown in 

such a way that they can be safely terminated with a reserve battery power of 25% of the 

battery's maximum charge. The Hubsan X4 small UAS does not carry any flammable 

propellant or fuel. This UAS trainer will be used indoors to educate students in hands-on safe, 

legal operations until they demonstrate the competence and responsibility to train outdoors in a 

sterile, controlled environment within a tented or netted enclosure. 

2. DJI Phantom 2 Vision

Yarbrough Associates will also use the DJI Phantom 2 Vision UAS with integrated camera for 

further training as students progress to more advanced STEAM curriculum modules, acquire 

increased flying skill, and demonstrate continued compliance with the “Know Before You Fly” 

and safety requirements. The DJI Phantom Vision 2 measures 18 x 12 x 20 inches, with four 

motors powered by an 11.1 V, 5,200-mAh Li-Po battery. The UAS attains a maximum possible 

speed of 33.6 mph, weighs 2.6 lb and can fly for 20-25 minutes. The remote control / 

transmitter will utilize a frequency of 5.728 GHz-5.8 GHz. The UAS will not be flown at an 

altitude that exceeds 400 feet AGL. All flights will be flown in such a way that they can be 

safely terminated with a reserve battery power of 25% of the battery's maximum charge. The 

DJI Phantom 2 Vision UAS does not carry any flammable propellant or fuel and has a built-in 

“return home to safely land at pre-determined location” function, should the connection to the 

remote control be lost or other unexpected event arises.

Appendix B: Reserved for Future Use