TREE TOP VIEW MEDIA

Pilot in Command (PIC)

Operating Manual

Pilot in Command (PIC) leadership rule is to assure that all Company equipment may only 

be operated by approved Company employees and can only be used properly for internal 

or external Company business. 

PIC must always follow the Company Code of Conduct for the deployment and operation of 

the Company’s UAS and its equipment. 

PIC must always follow all FAA Rules and Regulations for the safe flight and operations of 

the Company’s UAS as defined below but not limited to by these basic rules; 

• The Pilot in Command (PIC) has the final authority over the sUAS and shall be in 

command over all flight operations and/or related activities.

• The PIC shall have the final authority to abort any flight operation in the interest of 

safety. Abort signals shall be specified ahead of time.

• The client shall notify and the PIC will confirm notification of the proper FAA entity if 

the sUAS intends to fly near or within restricted and/or controlled airspace.

• The PIC shall check the location to determine if there are any potential radio frequencies 

or electrical transmission that could interfere with or affect the safe operation of the 

sUAS.

• The sUAS must not be flown over people, crowds or densely populated areas.

• The sUAS must not be flown higher than safety dictates but in all cases not higher than 

400 feet AGL or as limited by FAA Exemption.

• In the event of a power loss, signal loss, or mechanical failure, the pilot must make every 

attempt to keep the safety of people and property as the highest priority. The sUAS may 

be crashed, or destroyed in the attempt to keep the safety of people and operators. 

(Please review, Emergency Procedures later in this manual.)

• If the sUAS is to be used indoors, extreme caution shall be taken. Indoor conditions (e.g., 

increased heat resulting in reduced air density) could adversely affect flying 

characteristics. Additionally, interior sets, walls, ceiling beams, lighting equipment, 

HVAC equipment etc., could be a hazard.

• Prior to any aerial filming sequence involving low camera shots near cast or crew 

members an additional briefing and/or Safety Meeting shall be held between the PIC, PO, 

all cast & crew members and other concerned persons.

• The PIC shall be notified by the appropriate personnel, if any equipment is added and/or 

altered that may present a potential hazard for the sUAS.

• Unless directed by the PIC, no person shall approach the sUAS without permission, 

whether running or not.

• During operation, never walk near the rotating props. All non-essential equipment not 

specifically needed for the flight mission shall be placed at a safe distance away from the 

operating sUAS, whether running or not.
• The PIC shall operate the sUAS within parameters outlined in the sUAS operator’s 

manual.

• PIC must always maintain Visual Line of Sight (VLS) at all times during flight 

operations. 

• PIC must always have a Visual Safety Observer at the location of flight. 

• PIC must always file a flight plan with the local FSDO if the flight will be performed at 

an altitude greater than 200 ft. 

• Max flight times will be no greater than 30 minutes flight time or with 25% battery power 

remaining, whichever occurs first. However, sUAS with hybrid power systems may 

extend the flight time in the air based on 25% of remaining fuel onboard. 

• Ensure that no persons are allowed within 500 feet of the area except those consenting to 

be involved and necessary for filming or other approved application uses of sUAS. 

• PIC must always be sure that the sUAS is prepared for flight and that the batteries and or 

fuel on board is adequate to perform the intended flight and return safely under the sUAS 

lost signal programming. 

• PIC must always check the sUAS Flight Log and Pilot’s Log for discrepancies and 

maintenance issues. 

• PIC must always check local weather of flight operations before launching the sUAS. 

• PIC must always fly with visual minims under the Visual Flight Rule (VFR). 

• PIC will not fly at any time with First Person Viewing (FPV) or any form other than 

subscription corrective eye ware Electronic Enhanced Visualization (EEV). 

• PIC must ensure that Bench-Check list has been performed before aircraft arrives on-set. 

• PIC must perform all Pre-Flights and Post Flight Check List. 

• PIC deems weather unreasonable he/she may cancel/ postpone flight until conditions are 

deemed flight worthy. 

• PIC’s main and number one responsibility is to the Safety of the entire crew, location 

participants, the Company sUAS and equipment. 

• PIC will always log his or her flying time in their PIC Log Book.
Emergency Procedures

Additional Emergency Communication can be found in the Flight and Communications Manual 

A. Review Emergency Landing Zones 

1. PIC, VO and other Ground Managers Review location for Emergency 

Landing Zone (ELZ) Locations in the Flight Envelop. 

2. In an Emergency Situation if possible bring the UAS to the ELZ and land, if 

not, land as soon as possible. 

3. If Major Failures have occurred that may endanger life or property, try and 

maneuver the UAS to any clear area and land immediately. 

B. Loss UAS Control Signal with the PIC Base Transmitter 

1. PIC Announce: “I have lost Control of the UAS” 

a. Identify clear areas in case of emergency landing. 

(if possible use visuals from transmitter) 

Notify Crew and Participants through Radio and Bull Horn 

2. PIC Announce: “Be alert of Possible Danger” 

“Observer keep eyes on UAS” 

C. Emergency Transmitter Controller Protocol 

(each controller may have different locations for switches and flight attitude) 

1. Flip Antenna Switch to High Power. 

2. If in GPS Flip Switch to ATT Test Control 

3. PIC regains control, immediately land UAS 

(if there is no response) 

4. Flip toggle switch from GPS to Manual 

5. Flip Throttle Curve all the way to Closed Switch Position. 

6. Slow movements (Try to Regain Control) 

7. PIC regains control, immediately land UAS 

a. Notify and Alert Crew and Participants through Radio and Bull Horn

8. PIC Announce: “I have control of the UAS” 

“Be Alert, I’m landing UAS Now”

D. Wind or Weather Change 

Weather rapidly deteriorates; heavy rain, strong winds, poor visibility. 

1. PIC notifies and alerts crew and participants through radio and bull horn 

2. PIC Announce: “Weather conditions below Minimum, Landing” 
E. UAS Down Protocol 

1. PIC Announce: “UAS Down” Make sure everyone is safe! 

If there are any injuries call emergency services immediately 911. 

a. VO- get Crash safety kit on mobile cart includes fire extinguisher and a First 

Aid Kit etc. 

F. Severe Danger 

If the battery is damaged there may be a Chemical fire that needs to be extinguished 

with water or by other means identified and prepared for during the UAS Equipment 

Check List.
Pilot Operation & Safety Guidelines

Weather:

• Use and record weather data from the Hover application before each flight.

• The sUAS may not be flown in rain or precipitation.

• The sUAS may not be flown in winds that exceed 15MPH.

• The sUAS may not be flown at night.

• The pilot has the final decision of when weather is not suitable for flight.

Operation & Safety:

Required to read and seek the latest instructions for the relevant Flight Control and 

manufacturer’s latest release notes before proceeding. The Operations Manual must have all 

pertinent and latest information for all systems of the sUAS flight control system and get a 

thoroughly acquainted with proper procedure for all electronic and software operation.

Pre-flight safety check:

1. Check to see if all the components are safe and secure and not loose.

2. Check security of all wires and connectors.

3. Check for loose bolts on the assembly, or cracks on any part of sUAS.

4. Check that the batteries are secure

5. Check all sUAS batteries and spares for condition and proper charging level

6. Check the propellers for marks and nicks and ensure they are balanced

7. Check the propeller nuts or bolts, make sure they are tight

8. Check the engine mounts and the bolts and nuts for tightness

9. Check the transmitter/controller battery voltage; never fly the SUAS with a low voltage 

reading on your transmitter (check with the manufacturer of your equipment for 

minimum and maximum voltage readings).

10. Check that the transmitter antenna is not damaged.

11. Check that the sUAS receiver module is well connected and that the antennas are 

properly positioned.

12. Check flight perimeter to ensure personnel and obstructions are at a safe distance from 

takeoff/landing zone

13. Check for power lines and overhead obstacles.

14. Assess the weather conditions, wind direction and speed. An anemometer (hand held 

wind speed meter) is a good tool to have, otherwise observe other wind clues to gauge the 

wind direction and speed. Do not fly in gusty & turbulent conditions.

15. Set your transmitter timer to 75% of the known battery duration

16. Always have a plan for the flight and fly the plan to include lateral and vertical 

navigation.
Post-flight check:

1. Ensure battery is disconnected before doing anything else with the sUAS.

2. Check sUAS for any damage: pay particular attention to connections, rotors, and motors.

3. Prepare sUAS for transportation by securing it in its transportation container.