FALKOR AERIALS Standard Operating Guidelines (SOGs) aerial filming operations 

The Falkor Aerials team will consist of:

A Pilot in Command certified to Falkor Aerials internal training documents as well as Falkor Aerials 

333 exemption, and any additional local, state, or federal requirements. 

A Visual Observer (who may also be the Aerial Camera Operator) certified to Falkor Aerials 

internal training documents. Certain operations are allowed without a camera operator; however only 

on specific aircraft and under specific conditions (a visual observer is still required). 

Additionally whenever possible an additional Visual Observer will be utilized to be an extra set of 

eyes for the pilot, and help mitigate any unforseen hazards. This visual observer will be at least 

awareness level in all applicable areas of the Falkor Aerials training document.

Flight limitations:

Fly/No Fly: The PIC has the final say in all conditions of weather a flight is safe, permitted, and 

pertinent. No other authority is above the PIC to decide to not fly.

Velocity: 100mph or maximum recommended flight for individual aircraft (whichever is less).

Height: 400ft AGL or local regulations (whichever is less).

Distance to airport: greater than 5 miles or applicable local regulation, unless prior approval is granted

Weather: standard Visual Meterological Conditions (VMC), daylight only, no rain flights permitted, 

light snow may be permitted by specialist level PIC

Distance from pilot: aircraft must be maintained in visual line of sight condition, and under visual 

control with the unaided eye. This is usually under 600ft and flights exceeding this are very rare, and 

require additional focus.

Maximum Wind: the maximum steady wind on takeoff is less then 25mph, and must be defined safe 

by the PIC for the conditions. 

Pilot Condition: Pilot must be in sane state of mind, unimpared by drugs or alcohol, and able to be 

present and focused for the entire duration of the flight.

Duration of flight: 

The flight must end when battery level reaches 25% reserves to allow enough time to return home and 

land including margin for unforseen obstacles or conditions.

The flight must end if unforseen obstacles or conditions develop that hinder the safety of the aircraft, 

anyone involved in the flight, or the subjects being filmed. Return to home area and land immediately.

The flight must end if radio signal is lost, interrupted, or considered not reliable. Auto return to home 

and landing must be outfitted and available in each aircraft for each flight, and utilized if radio link is 

lost, or unforseen circumstances make pilot's communcation with aircraft unrelaible. 

FALKOR Aerials, 1074 Sunshine Canyon Drive, Boulder, Colorado. falkoraerials.com 303.249.8423
Other Aircraft: The flight must cease immediately if other aircraft are present, unless discussed before

the flight began and both pilots are in agreement to flight conditions and mission.

Preflight: The PIC must perform or oversee a preflight checklist conducted according to Falkor Aerials

Preflight Document.

Briefing: A briefing must either be given by, or overseen by the Pilot in Command as outlined in the 

FALKOR Pre Flight Checklist

Responsibility: The Pilot in Command is ultimately responsible for all consequences of the flight, and 

it must be conducted legally, safely, and considerately to the best of the PICs ability and knowledge.

Maintanance:

The PIC is responsible for maintaining and inspecting the UAS to ensure it is in safe-operatingcondition before take-off.

The UAS must be maintaned according to all manufacturers maintance, overhaul, replacement, 

inspection, and life-limit requirements for the aircraft and components.

Any UAS that has undergone mainance or alterations that affect the UAS operation or flight 

characteristics, e.g., replacement of flight critical components, must undergo a functional test flight 

prior to conducting further operations. The functional test flight must be conducted in such a manner 

so as to not pose an undue hazard to persons and property.

FALKOR Aerials, 1074 Sunshine Canyon Drive, Boulder, Colorado. falkoraerials.com 303.249.8423