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........................................................................................................... Maintenance Log

Appendix C.................................................................................................................Consent Form

i
1.0 INTRODUCTION

This manual provides EvoImagery, LLC's protocol and procedures for the operations of small 

unmanned aircraft systems (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-flight checklists are provided in 

Appendix 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 landowner 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 

Standards District Office (FSDO) prior to every project that occurs above 200' AGL.

Pre-flight Briefing

A briefing will be conducted for planned sUAS 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 equivalent 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. The pre-flight check will include visual inspection of the 

entire airframe for wear and tear and any potential problems. 

● Check all 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 sUAS 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 propellers

• 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 failsafe 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/obstructions 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 included 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 manufacturers 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 placed 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 be 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 sUAS PIC will be an FAA licensed airman with at least a private pilot’s certificate and 

third class medical, and will have completed all sUAS training and requirements stated in this 

manual. Responsibilities will include:

● Filing of any flight plans required

● Formulating flight plans 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 may include takeoff, landing, initiating autonomous 

flight, or emergency procedures.

● Monitors the state of the sUAS - altitude, 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 sUAS operations and have received current 

information on the particular sUAS 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 40 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 Trafficked 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 power 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 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 

• 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 failsafe

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 manual 

(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 warnings 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 

initiated 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 launch location, loiter for one minute, and terminate

Loss of GPS

● If the GPS 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 Autopilot

● 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 fence 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 Checklist
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 Laptop
Equipment 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 1
Site 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 Secure
Flight 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 Clear
Launch 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 UAV
Post 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 Laptop
Equipment 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 1
Site 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
Flight 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 path
Launch 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 UAV
Post 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 Chekclist
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 Laptop
Equipment 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 1
Site 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 Secure
Flight 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 path
Launch 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 UAV
Post 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 Log
UAV 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 upon 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 will 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 "posted" 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 staff 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. Rights 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