# FLIGHT OPERATIONS AND PROCEDURES

P.O. Box 54954 Lexington, KY 40555 (859) 263

- 4142

### TABLE OF CONTENTS

1.0 Introduction

................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ 1

2.0 Pre

- flight Information

................................ ................................ ................................ ................ 2
3.0 Roles and Responsibilities

................................ ................................ ................................ ......... 4
4.0 Flight Operations

................................ ................................ ................................ ....................... 5
5.0 Emergency Responses

................................ ................................ ................................ ............... 7

List of Appendices

Appendix A

................................ ................................ ................................ ...... Pre

- flight Checklists
Appendix B

................................ ................................ ................................ ........... M a i n t e n a n c e L o g Appendix C

................................ ................................ ................................ ................. C o n s e n t F o r m

i

## 1.0 INTRODUCTION

This manual provides EvoImagery, LLC's protocol and procedures for the operations of small unmanned a ircraft s ystems ( sUAS )

. It includes pre

- flight information and steps, roles and responsibilities, flight operations procedures, security perimeters, flight phases, required maintenance, training, and emergency procedures. Pre

- fligh t checklists are provided in Appendi x A

, Appendix B contains a maintenance log, and a property access consent form can be found in Appendix C

.

Page 1 of 7

## 2.0 PRE

- FLIGHT INFORMATION

Flight Locations All flights will take place over private or controlled access areas. This will include receiving any necessary land owner or controller permissions (see consent form in Appendix C ).

Pre

- flight Filing Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) will be filed prior to every project

. Form 7711

- 1, or its equivalent, as modified in light of the exemption, will be filed with the appropriate Flight S tandards District Office (FSDO) prior to every project that occurs above 200' AGL.

Pre

- flight Briefing A briefing will be conducted for planned s UAS operations prior to each day’s flight. All personnel performing duties within the boundaries of the safety perimeter are required to attend.

Consent of Persons Involved The operator will have consent of all persons involved and ensure that only consenting persons will be allowed within 100 feet of the flight operation. This radius may be reduced to 30 feet based upon an equivalen t level of safety determination.

Other Permits 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.

Pre

- flight Checks The pre

- flight checklist and user manuals are included in Appendices A and B, respectively. These and the flight operations manual will be kept on

- site at all times, and will be followed prior to powering up the sUAS. T he pre

- flight check will include visual inspection of the entire airframe for wear and tear and any potential problems.

● 

### Check a ll electronics connections

● 

### Inspect airworthiness of airframe, engine(s), propeller(s) and avionics

● 

### Confirm maximum battery charge

● 

### Runway/launch site clear of unnecessary personnel and debris

Post

- Start Up Checks Follow the specific pre

- flight checklist for the s UAS to be used. This includes but is not limited to:

• Confirm that all servos, propellers

, and flight control surfaces are responsive

• Conduct engine run

- up to verify functionality and balance of motors and p ropellers

• Verify proper operation and functionality of autopilot hardware and software

• Verify radio communication link signal between sUAS and ground station

• Verify radio communication link signal between sUAS and handheld controls

• Verify GPS position lock and HDOP on primary and secondary GPS receivers

• Calibration and verification of compass functionality

Page 2 of 7

### • Calibration and verification of airspeed sensor functionality

• Calibration and verification of altimeter functionality

• Confirmation and testing of all fai lsafe functionality

o Geofence breach failsafe

o Communication loss failsafes

o Maximum altitude breach failsafe

o Low battery failsafe

o GPS failure failsafe

o Compass failure failsafe

Visual Observer and Pilot In Command Communication The VO and PIC must be able to communicate verbally at all times. Electronic messaging or texting is not permitted during flight operations. VO must not perform any other duties beyond assisting the PIC with seeing and avoiding other air traffic and other ground based obstacles/obstruct ions and is not permitted to operate the camera or other instruments

. The VO and PIC will have a pre

- flight briefing to discuss any potential hazards and address any questions about communication and duties.

Airports No flights would occur within 5 NM of an airport without preauthorization from the airport and the filing of any required NOTAM’s

.
Maintenance Logs The incl uded maintenance log (Appendix B ) will be used and any updates, repairs, or other work done to the sUAS would be recorded on the logs.

Required Maintenance Each sUAS will be maintained following the manufa cturers guidelines. In addition, pre and post flight inspections will be conducted after each flight. If, at any time, a defect or lack of functionality is detected, the sUAS will be p laced out of service until the replacement of defective parts can be made and test flights are conducted under controlled conditions. At no time will temporary modifications of the defective parts be considered acceptable remedies. Defective parts are to b e destroyed after removal from the sUAS. Flight logs will be reviewed and evaluated after each flight and any incidents will be logged and reported.

Page 3 of 7

## 3.0 ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

sUAS Pilot in Command (PIC) A s UAS PIC will be an FAA licensed airman with at least a private pilot’s certificate and third class medical, and will have completed all s UAS training and requirements stated in this manual. Responsibilities will include:

● 

### Filing of any flight plans required

● 

### Formulating flight pla ns utilized during autonomous flights, ensuring that altitude, speed, and obstacle clearance are set at the safest possible setting

● 

### Field assembly of the sUAS (if required)

● 

### Conduct pre

- flight inspections of sUAS

● 

### Complete and save all applicable checklists

● 

### Maintaining a flight log for each flight , and reviewing log post

- flight

● 

### Operation of the sUAS . This m ay include takeoff, landing, initiating autonomous flight, or emergency procedures

.
● 

### Monitors the state of the s UAS

- a ltitude, speed, roll, pitch, battery strength, radio signal strength, etc. during manual and autonomous flight

● 

### During emergency situations, ensures the sUAS diverts to the correct area

● 

### Issues all commands to the sUAS

● 

### Issues flight termination command

Visual Observer (VO)

• VO will not perform any other duties beyond assisting the PIC with seeing and avoiding other air traffic and other ground based obstacles/obstructions and is not permitted to operate the camera or any other instruments

.
Training The Pilot and observer must be trained in s UAS operations and have received current information on the particular s UAS to be operated. All manufacturer manuals will be reviewed and training will take place to ensure sufficient control and use of the sUAS. All training hours will be logged.

Page 4 of 7

## 4.0 FLIGHT OPERATIONS

Flight Times X8 - Maximum Flight Time 15 minutes Aero
– Maximum Flight Time 4 0 minutes
Y6
– Maximum Flight Time 15 Minutes

Weight The weight of the sUAS will be less than 12 lbs.

Visual Line of Site Flights will be operated within line of sight of a pilot and/or observer.

Flight Elevation Flights will be operated at an altitude of no more than 400 feet AGL.

Minimum Crew Minimum crew for each operation will consist of the sUAS Pilot and Visual Observer.

Sterile Area The sterile area will consist of the confined area that the sUAS will operate during the mission. This area will be contained within a “fence” that will provide the security perimeter the sUAS will be unable to travel beyond.

Populated or Heavily Traf ficked Areas The aircraft is never to be operated over urban, populated, or heavily trafficked areas. All flight perimeters would be verified to not contain populated or heavily trafficked sites such as highways or residential neighbourhoods.

Flight Conditions Operations would occur during visual flight rules meteorological conditions (VMC) as well as during daylight hours only. The PIC is prohibited from beginning a flight unless (considering wind and forecast weather conditions) there is enough powe r to fly at normal cruising speed to the intended landing point and land the UA with 20% battery power remaining.

Post

- startup Checks Verify that the specific pre -flight checklist for the sUAS has been conducted. This includes but is not limited to:

• Confirm that all servos, propellers, and flight control surfaces are responsive

• Conduct engine run-up to verify functionality and balance of motors and propellers

• Verify proper operation and functionality of autopilot hardware and software

• Verify radio com munication link signal between sUAS and ground station

• Verify radio communication link signal between sUAS and handheld controls

• Verify GPS position lock and HDOP on primary and secondary GPS receivers

• Calibration and verification of compass functionality

• Calibration and verification of airspeed sensor functionality

• Calibration and verification of altimeter functionality

Page 5 of 7

### • Confirmation and testing of all failsafe functionality

o Geofence breach failsafe

o Communication loss failsafes

o Maximum altitude breach fails afe

o Low battery failsafe

o GPS failure failsafe

o Compass failure failsafe

Flight Phases

Takeoff and Flight Phases

● 

### Takeoff will be conducted manually to ensure full control in the event of a system failure

● 

### At an elevation of 30 meters AGL, the PIC will re- check the functionality and responsiveness of the sUAS to all commands. This will be carried out in manu al (stabilize) and loiter modes

● 

### After functionality check, the PIC will increase the elevation of the sUAS to the desired flight altitude at a rate of 2 meters per second or less in vertical climb

● 

### Once the sUAS reaches the desired altitude, the PIC will verify that communication links are active with a strong signal, and that there are no warn ings present from the autopilot

● 

### PIC will send the command to the sUAS to begin the pre- loaded mission

● 

### The PIC and observer will maintain visual contact with the sUAS at all times. When the sUAS nears the edge of line of sight, a Return To Launch (RTL) command will be i nitiated by the PIC

● 

### While the sUAS is tracking to waypoints the pilot will ensure that:

○ 

### The sUAS maneuvers correctly

○ 

### No deviation greater than 5 meters in any direction from programmed flight path

○ 

### GPS maintains strong position signal and low HDOP

○ 

### Signal strength on all radio communication links remains above 40 percent Landing

● 

### Landing under normal conditions will be conducted manually and under full control of the PIC

● 

### Autonomous landings may be conducted during emergency situations only

Page 6 of 7

## 5.0 EMERGENCY RESPONSES

Unpredictable Obstacle or Emergency The sUAS will have the capability to abort a flight in case of unpredicted obstacles , system failures, or emergencies. This will be accomplished by built

- in and manual triggers that will initiate a landing sequence within the safety perimeter (termination)

.

Loss of Radio Communication

● 

### Occurs if both radio communication devices send no signal for more than 10 seconds

○ 

### If combined with a loss of GPS, the sUAS will terminate

○ 

### If the radio communication link fails during manual flight, the sUAS will return to the launc h location, loiter for one minute, and terminate

Loss of GPS

● 

### If the G PS reports a loss of lock on both receivers during autonomous flight for more than 3 seconds , termination will be initiated

● 

### Termination can be cancelled by the PIC by placing the sUAS in manual mode and landing in a safe location

Failure of Auto pilot

● 

### Flight termination will be immediately activated

Loss of engine power

• If a loss of engine(s) occurs during autonomous flight, the PIC may attempt to manually land the sUAS in a safe location within the safety perimeter.

• If the PIC is unable to regain control, termination will be activated immediately

Geofence breach

● 

### If the f ence surrounding the safety area is breached, immediate termination will occur at the point of the breach.

Point of Contact Should there be any questions or concerns that arise during these processes and procedures, contact Jesse Robinson at 859

- 263

- 4142.

Page 7 of 7

### Appendix A Pre

- flight Checklists

### X8 Pre

- flight Check list

# FLIGHT CHECKLISTS (3DR X8/X8+)

Date

Project #

Operator

Observer (s)In Office, Pre

‐ Flight Tasks

Task Initials

Prefetch Base Maps

Build Preliminary Flight Plan

Charge UAV Batteries

Charge Camera Batteries

Charge Laptop

Print Field Map

Load GCP's On LaptopEquipment Checklist

Item Qty. Initials

PPE (Site Specific Sets) 1/person

UAV 1

Backup UAV 1

Batteries 6+

Battery Tester 2

Charger 1

Lipo Bags 2+

Power Inverter 1

Radio Transmitter 2

Telemetry Link Set 2

Tripod 1

Ground Control Station 1

12 ft. USB Cable 1

GOPRO/Gimbal or 2
Canon/Mount 2

SD Cards 3

Micro SD Adapter 2

Spare Parts/Tools Kit 1

Soldering Kit 1

Table 1
Targets/Panels Varied

Launch Pad 1Site Safety Checklist

Task Initials

Site Specific PPE Used

Notify On

‐ Site Personnel

Identify Highest Obstruction

No Highways In Flight Path

No Populated Areas in Path

Enable Failsafes as Required

Secure Launch/Land Site (50m)

No Overthead Obstruction

Transmitter Batteries Above 10 v

Winds below 15 mph

UAV Inspection

Props Secure

Motors Secure

Motor Wires Secure

Pixhawk Connections Secure

Compass Connections Secure

DataLink Connections SecureFlight Checklist

Task Initials

Inspect UAV Again

Start Mission Planner

Transmitter Switches All Down/Off

Power On RC Transmitter

Attach Battery To UAV

Check Balance With Battery

Place UAV on LEVEL Surface

Power Up UAV

Do not touch UAV (15 seconds)

Ensure Battery Wire/Prop Clearance

Connect Telemetry

Verify "Home" Location

Check MP Voltage

Check MP Heading

Check MP Time

Set "Home" By Clicking Home Button

Verify Mode Switches

Calibrate Compass

Verify Calibration By Moving UAV

Load Mission

(GOPRO)Set Time On GoPro Via App

(GOPRO) Mount GoPro to Gimbal

(GOPRO) Press shoot button (1pic/2seconds)

(CANON) Lock SD Card

(CANON) Take Test Pictures

(CANON) Press Play To Load CHDK

(CANON) Press shoot button to start
(CANON) Mount To UAV

Ensure Launch Area Is ClearLaunch UAV

Test All Controls

Set To Loiter and Monitor MP/UAV Behavior

Verify No Warnings Or Error Messages

Climb to Altitude

Start Mission

Land And Disarm UAVPost Flight Checklist

Task Initials

Download Photos

Verify Photo Quality

Download Log From Pixhawk

Geo Refernce Photos

Verify Correct Flight Path

Verify Correct Elevation

Proceed To Processing

### Y6 Pre

- flight Checklist

# FLIGHT CHECKLISTS (3DR Y6 )

Date

Project #

Operator

Observer (s)In Office, Pre

‐ Flight Tasks

Task Initials

Prefetch Base Maps

Build Preliminary Flight Plan

Charge UAV Batteries

Charge Camera Batteries

Charge Laptop

Print Field Map

Load GCP's On LaptopEquipment Checklist

Item Qty. Initials

PPE (Site Specific Sets) 1/person

UAV 1

Backup UAV 1

Batteries 6+

Battery Tester 2

Charger 1

Lipo Bags 2+

Power Inverter 1

Radio Transmitter 2

Telemetry Link Set 2

Tripod 1

Ground Control Station 1

12 ft. USB Cable 1

GOPRO/Gimbal or 2
Canon/Mount 2

SD Cards 3

Micro SD Adapter 2

Spare Parts/Tools Kit 1

Soldering Kit 1

Table 1
Targets/Panels Varied

Launch Pad 1Site Safety Checklist

Task Initials

Site Specific PPE Used

Notify On

‐ Site Personnel

Identify Highest Obstruction

No Highways In Flight Path

No Populated Areas in Path

Enable Failsafes as Required

Secure Launch/Land Site (50m)

No Overthead Obstruction

Transmitter Batteries Above 10 v

Winds below 15 mph

UAV Inspection

Props Secure

Motors Secure

Motor Wires Secure

APM Connections Secure

Compass Connections Secure

DataLink Connections SecureFlight Checklist

Task Initials

Inspect UAV Again

Start Mission Planner

Transmitter Switches All Down/Off

Power On RC Transmitter

Attach Battery To UAV

Check Balance With Battery

Place UAV on LEVEL Surface

Power Up UAV

Do not touch UAV ( 30 seconds)

Ensure Battery Wire/Prop Clearance

Connect Telemetry

Verify "Home" Location

Check MP Voltage

Check MP Heading

Check MP Time

Set "Home" By Clicking Home Button

Verify Mode Switches

Calibrate Compass

Verify Calibration By Moving UAV in all directions

Load Mission

(GOPRO)Set Time On GoPro Via App

(GOPRO) Mount GoPro to Gimbal

(GOPRO) Press shoot button (1pic/2seconds)

(CANON) Lock SD Card

(CANON) Take Test Distant Landscape Pictures

(CANON) Press Play To Load CHDK

(CANON) Press shoot button to start (Distant Landscape)

(CANON) Mount To UAV

Ensure Launch Area Is Clear Download Mission from UAV to verify pathLaunch UAV

Test All Controls

Set To Loiter and Monitor MP/UAV Behavior

Verify No Warnings Or Error Messages

Climb to Altitude

Start Mission

Land And Disarm UAVPost Flight Checklist

Task Initials

Download Photos

Verify Photo Quality

Copy Log From Laptop

Geo Refernce Photos

Verify Correct Flight Path

Verify Correct Elevation

Proceed To Processing

### Aero Pre

- flight Che k clist

# FLIGHT CHECKLISTS (3DR AERO/AERO-M )

Date

Project #

Operator

Observer (s)In Office, Pre

‐ Flight Tasks

Task Initials

Prefetch Base Maps

Build Preliminary Flight Plan

Charge UAV Batteries

Charge Camera Batteries

Charge Laptop

Print Field Map

Load GCP's On LaptopEquipment Checklist

Item Qty. Initials

PPE (Site Specific Sets) 1/person

UAV 1

Backup UAV 1

Batteries 6+

Battery Tester 2

Charger 1

Lipo Bags 2+

Power Inverter 1

Radio Transmitter 2

Telemetry Link Set 2

Tripod 1

Ground Control Station 1

12 ft. USB Cable 1

GOPRO/Gimbal or 2
Canon/Mount 2

SD Cards 3

Micro SD Adapter 2

Spare Parts/Tools Kit 1

Soldering Kit 1

Table 1
Targets/Panels Varied

Launch Pad 1Site Safety Checklist

Task Initials

Site Specific PPE Used

Notify On

‐ Site Personnel

Identify Highest Obstruction

No Highways In Flight Path

No Populated Areas in Path

Enable Failsafes as Required

Secure Launch/Land Site (50m)

No Overthead Obstruction

Transmitter Batteries Above 10 v

Winds below 15 mph

UAV Inspection

Props Secure

Motors Secure

Motor Wires Secure

APM Connections Secure

Compass Connections Secure

DataLink Connections Secure 

### Servos SecureFlight Checklist

Task Initials

Inspect UAV Again

Start Mission Planner

Transmitter Switches All Down/Off

Power On RC Transmitter

Attach Battery To UAV

Check Balance With Battery

Place UAV on LEVEL Surface

Power Up UAV

Do not touch UAV ( 30 seconds)

Ensure Battery Wire/Prop Clearance

Connect Telemetry

Verify "Home" Location

Check MP Voltage

Check MP Heading

Check MP Time

Set "Home" By Clicking Home Button

Verify Mode Switches

Calibrate Compass

Verify Calibration By Moving UAV in all directions

Load Mission

(GOPRO)Set Time On GoPro Via App

(GOPRO) Mount GoPro to Gimbal

(GOPRO) Press shoot button (1pic/2seconds)

(CANON) Lock SD Card

(CANON) Take Test Distant Landscape Pictures

(CANON) Press Play To Load CHDK

(CANON) Press shoot button to start (Distant Landscape)

(CANON) Mount To UAV

Ensure Launch Area Is Clear Download Mission from UAV to verify pathLaunch UAV

Test All Controls

Set To Loiter and Monitor MP/UAV Behavior

Verify No Warnings Or Error Messages

Climb to Altitude

Start Mission

Land And Disarm UAVPost Flight Checklist

Task Initials

Download Photos

Verify Photo Quality

Copy Log From Laptop

Geo Refernce Photos

Verify Correct Flight Path

Verify Correct Elevation

Proceed To Processing

### Appendix B Maintenance LogUAV Maintenance

Person Performing Maintenance
Date & Time of Maintenace

UAV Unit # Most Recent Flight Project Description Inspect UAV for any visible damage/wear

Remove Dust Insure Landing Gear Secure Insure Props Secure

Insure Motors Secure

Insure Motor Wires Secure Insure Compasss Connections Secure
Insure DataLink Connections Secure Calibrate Compass Check for Software Updates

Repairs/Changes made to UAV during this Maintenance:

### Appendix C Consent Form

# Permission to Collect Aerial Imagery over Property

By signing this permission, the signer consents to aerial image collection by EvoImagery, LLC (EvoImagery) of the project site or facility, to the extent necessary, areas adjacent to the site or facility, This permission allows EvoImagery staff to enter up on and around such property in order to collect aerial imagery over the' project site or facility, without prior notice, during daylight hours, Monday through Sunday. If EvoImagery staff should wish to collect imagery at any other times, EvoImagery staff w ill so notify the applicant and will obtain a separate consent for such a collection.

Imagery collection may take place regardless of whether the signer or an agent is present. In the event that the project site or facility is posted with any form of "pos ted" Or "keep out" notices, or fenced in with an unlocked gate, this permission authorizes EvoImagery staff to disregard such notices or unlocked gates at the time of the collection. The signer further agrees that during imagery collection, EvoImagery staf f may capture physical characteristics of the site including, but not limited to, taking measurements of the project site or facility. The following rules apply during the execution of all imagery collection done by EvoImagery staff under this permission:

, . \ '

1. Flight Operations . A Pilot in Command (PIC) will be in control of all aerial imaging assets. All flights will occur within line of sight and include a trained Visual Observer (VO).

2. Right s to data/imagery being collected

. Data/imagery, and other information conceived, developed, or produced in the course of this permission shall remain the property of EvoImagery . The signer and agent maintain unlimited rights to modify and disseminate all data/imagery and information.

3. Compliance with Laws. In the course of performance hereunder, the Parties shall comply with all applicable local, state, and federal laws and regulations.

4. Costs/Liability Limitation. Except in the event of a Party's gross negligence or willful misconduct; the aggregate liability of a Party to the other Party for claims, damages, costs, actions, or liabilities arising from or related to this Agreement, regardless of the legal theory of recovery, shall in no event exceed
the actual out

- of

- pocket costs of the injured Party incurred in the performance of this Agreement.

Permission is granted for aerial imagery collection of property located at the following address(es):

_____________________________________________________________________ **By signing this form, I affirm under penalty of perjury that I am authorized to give consent to entry by EvoImagery**  as **described above. ***

_________________________________ ____ ___________________________ ___________ Print Name and Title Signature Date



### * The signer of this form must be an individual or authorized representative of a legal entity that:

• owns fee title and is in possession of the property identified above;

• maintains possessory interest in the property through a lease, rental agreement or other legally binding document; or



### • is provided permission to act on behalf of an individual or legal entity possessing fee title or other possessory interest in the property for the purpose of consenting to imagery collection of such property