Explosives Risk Managers LLC Page 1 

### ERM LLC Unmanned Aerial Systems SOP V1.0 

## January 26 , 2015



# Standard Operat ing Procedures :

Unmanned A ircraft Systems U sed

for Blasting Safety and Security

byExplosives Risk Managers LLC Page 2 

### ERM LLC Unmanned Aerial Systems SOP V1.0 

## January 26 , 2015

**Contents**

Executive Summary

................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ....... 3

Definitions

................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ..................... 4

General Requirements

................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .. 6

Descript ion of Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS)

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

Unmanned Aircraft Pilot

- in

- Command (PIC)

................................ ................................ ................................ 8

Operation of the Unmanned Aircraft

................................ ................................ ................................ ........... 9

Risk Analyses

................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ............... 12

Appendix A

– Open Pilot Pre

- Flight Checklist

................................ ................................ ............................. 13

Appendix B

– UA Maintenance Log

................................ ................................ ................................ ............. 14

Appendix C

– UA Flight Log

................................ ................................ ................................ ......................... 15Explosives Risk Managers LLC Page 3 

### ERM LLC Unmanned Aerial Systems SOP V1.0 

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**Executive Summary**

Explosives Risk Managers LLC (ERM) operates unmanned a ircraft systems (UAS) to provide for

safety and security of blasting activities using explosives in mining and construction. These

operations are conducted in strict compliance with the requirements of the F ederal Aviation

Administration (FAA) and all other authorities having jurisdiction (AHJ).

Procedures are described in this SOP to s afely conduct operations in a manner to minimize risk

to the national air space ( NAS ) or to persons and property on the ground. The pre

- flight

procedures include but are not limited to pre

- flight inspe ctions, maintenance, and repair to

ensure that th e UAS is in a condition for safe flight. A risk assessment and following flight

operation procedures addressing these risks is required

.

The type of UAS used by ERM (DJI Phantom II Vision+), and qualifications for ERM operators of

UAS are described.Explosives Risk Managers LLC Page 4 

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**Definitions**

Aircraft : any contrivance invented, used, or designed to navigate, or fly in, the air (Title 49,

United States Code (49 USC) § 40102)

.

Blast Area : t he area in which concussion (shock wave), flying material, or gases from an

explosion can cause injury to persons.

Blast Site : t he area where explosive material is handled during loading of the borehole,

including 15.2 m eters (m) (50 f ee t) in all directions from the perimeter formed by loaded holes.

Blaster

- in

- Charge (BIC) : a person qualifi ed to be in charge of and responsible for the loading

and firing of a blast.

Explosive : a ny chemical compound, mixture, or device, the primary or common purpose of

which is to function by explosion.

National Airspace System (NAS) : the common network of U.S. airspace; air navigation facilities,

equipment and services, airports or landing areas; aeronautical charts, information and

services; rules, regulations and procedures, technical information, and manpower and material

.

Operational Control : with respe ct to a flight, means the exercise of authority over initiating,

conducting or terminating a flight (14 CFR § 1.1)

.

Pilot in Command (PIC) : the person who has final authority and responsibility for the operation

and safety of the flight; has been designate d as PIC before or during the flight; and holds the

appropriate category class and type

- rating, if appropriate, for the conduct of the flight (14 CFR

§ 1.1)

.

Unmanned aircraft (UA) : any aircraft that is operated without the possibility of direct human

inte rvention from within or on the aircraft (P.L. 112

- 95, Section 331)

.

Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) : an unmanned aircraft and associated elements, including

communication links and the components that control the unmanned aircraft, that are required

for the pilot in command to operate safely and efficiently in the national airspace system (P.L.

112

- 95, Section 331)

.

UAS Certificate of Waiver or Authorization (COA) : an authorization issued by the Air Traffic

Organization to an operator for a specific unmanned aircraft activity

.

Visual Line of Sight (VLOS) : unaided (corrective lenses and/or sunglasses excepted) visual

contact between a pilot in command and an unmanned aircraft sufficient to maintain safeExplosives Risk Managers LLC Page 5 

### ERM LLC Unmanned Aerial Systems SOP V1.0 

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operational control of the aircraft, know its location, a nd be able to scan the airspace in which it

is operating to see and avoid other air traffic or objects aloft or on the ground

.Explosives Risk Managers LLC Page 6 

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**General Requirements**

1. The safety of individuals on the ground and any other aircraft in the NAS is the primary

objective and first concern of any ERM UAS flight operation.

2. This document

, the UAS user’s manual and regulatory exemptions will be in the

possession of the Pilot

- in

- Command (PIC) during UAS operations

.
3. This document will be reviewed by the Principal of ERM annually and whenever the UAS

manufacturer or FAA issues applicable new information.

4. Based on the reviews above, this document will be revised by the Principal of ERM

accordingly.

5. Any changes to this document, the UAS user’s manual or ap plicable regulatory

requirements will be communicated immediately to ERM PIC.

6. ERM will hold a monthly safety meeting organized by the Principal. Attendance is

mandatory for all ERM PIC.

7. UAS f light operations will be conducted in accordance with all fede ral, state and local

regulations ; applicable industry standards and the UAS manufacturer’s

recommendations.Explosives Risk Managers LLC Page 7 

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**Description of Unmanned Aircraft System**  **(UAS)**

ERM will use the DJI Phantom II Vision plus UAS (Phantom)

. T he Phantom users’ manual

contains a description of all design and operational characteristics for the Phantom.

ERM will operate the Phantom according to recommendations in the most recent Phantom

manual. This includes procedures for pre

- flight inspections, maintenance, and repair , to ensure

that the UAS is in a condition for safe flight.

Figure 1

. DJI Phantom II Vision plus UAS

.

The Phantom users’ manual describe s the Radio Frequency (RF) spectrum used for control of

t he UAS and associated equipment that is part of the UAS (i.e., sensors, cameras, etc.) . The

Phantom will be operated in compli ance with Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and

other appropriate government oversight agency requirements.

ERM UA will be identified by serial number, registered in accordance wi th 14 CFR part 47, and

have identification (N

- Number) markings in accordance with 14 CFR part 45, Subpart C.

Markings will be as large as practicable.Explosives Risk Managers LLC Page 8 

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**Unmanned Aircraft Pilot** 

**- in** 

**- Command (**  **PIC )** 

The following qualification requirements must be met for a ny ERM PIC operating a UAS:

1. P ossession of a pilot certificate

.
2. Training and p ractical experience consisting of:

a. a DJI New Pilot training course or the equivalent and 20 hours of documented

safe flight time with the type of UAS operated by ERM

, b. 40 hours of documented safe flight time with the type of UAS operated by ERM

,

or

c. 80 hours of documented safe fl ight time with a UAS other than the type of UAS

operated by E RM and 20 hours documented safe flight time with the type of UAS

operated by ERM

. 1

3. Knowledge of applicable federal, state and local regulations; this document, industry

standards and the UAS manufacturer’s recommendations.

4. Possess ion of a valid third

- class airman medical certificate

.

Whenever the ERM PIC does not have a Visual Line of Sight (VLOS) to the UAS, a visual observer

(VO) will be used. The VO will have a direct means of verbal communication with the PIC and

will provide relative flight safety information to the PIC. Before flight, the PIC will instruct the

VO on where to be positioned safel y and what to look for.

The following qualification requirements must be met for any VO before assisting an ERM PIC to

maintain VLOS :

1. Knowledge of potential general hazards to individuals on the ground and the NAS from

the planned UAS operations.

2. Familiarity with the site

- specific hazards to individuals on the ground and the NAS from

the planned UAS operations.

3. At least 4 hours observing UAS operations. 2

4. Poss ession of a government issued driver’s license and use of corrective vision if

required by the license.

5. Must not be disqualified for possessing explosives by any of the prohibitions listed in the

Federal Explosives Law. 3

1 The PIC must demonstrate the ability to safely operate the UAS in a manner consistent with how the UAS will be

operated, including evasive and emergency maneuvers and maintaining appropriate distances from persons,

vessels, vehicles and structures. PIC qu alification flight hours must be logged in a manner consistent with 14 CFR §

61.51(b).

2 VO qualification hours must be logged in a manner consistent with 14 CFR § 61.51(b).

3 Title 18 U.S. Code, Chapter 40 § 842 (i)

.Explosives Risk Managers LLC Page 9 

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**Operation of the Unmanned Aircraft**

ERM will operate UAS to provide enhanced safety and security for blasting operations using

explosives in four major phases. Use of UAS in a manner other than described below is not

permitted.

The first phase is in blast design

, planning and analysis . ER M will obtain images of areas where

blasting will be or has been conducted using UAS. These images will be used with

photogrammetric methods and other technology to develop 3

- D models of the area to be

blasted and the planned or actual boreholes loaded wi th explosives . This can identify zones of

weakness or over confinement that can result in flyrock

, damaging air overpressure and other

harmful effects from the blast

. Knowing these potential hazards, t he operator can make

adjustments to the blast design and loading

. Imaging will also be used to inspect high walls and

other areas for potential instability and ensure the workplace is safe. After the blast, images

can provide feedback to mine engineers on how the blast performed

, how much broken rock

was c reated and how to plan the next blast for optimal results

. Current methods are time

consuming, involve costly surveying equipment and expose individuals to environmental

hazards during data collection

.

The second phase is in providing blast area security. Before the blast, regulations require that

the BIC ensure that the blast area is clear and all personnel are in a safe location. The BIC must

also be in a safe location to fire the blast and often has limited view of the blast area and all

pathways to i t. Many accidents have occurred because the BIC was unable to detect a person

in the blast area before the shot was fired. ERM will use UAS to help the BIC ensure the blast

area is clear before firing the shot by providing a better first person view than otherwise

possible

.

The third phase will be in providing information on the blast performance by filming shots with

a UAS. By filming a blast, the operator and BIC can analyze how the blast performed and make

adjustments to the next blast to increase saf ety or productivity. Filming the blast is standard

practice for many blasting operations. Currently, site conditions mandate the location of

ground based cameras which may provide less

- than

- optimal footage and expose cameramen to

environmental hazards . ERM will position a camera in the most optimal position for obtaining

the optimal location to film a blast without placing anyone at risk

.

The final phase is in post

- blast inspection. After a blast, regulations require that the BIC en sure

that the blas t site is safe for pe rsonnel and equipment to return to . Currently, the only way for

the BIC to det ermine if the blast site is safe to return to is to expose her self to the potential

hazard(s) by personal inspection. ERM will use the first person view of the UAS to allow the BIC

to inspect the blast site from a safe location after the blast

.Explosives Risk Managers LLC Page 10 

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ERM will operate UAS under the following conditions:

General

1. The UAS will be operated in a manner that places the safety of individuals on the ground

and other airc raft in the NAS above all other priorities and objectives

.
2. The operational borders of the UAS will be limited to the property under control of the

mining

, construction or other company for which blasting is being performed.

Operational borders may be exte nded to neighboring properties with written consent.

3. UAS will be operated on mining or construction sites in remote areas and away from

populated or congested areas.

4. The UAS will not be operated by the PIC from any moving device or vehicle.

5. UAS will be operated in compliance with the Institute of Makers of Explosives’ SLP 20:

Safety Guide for the Prevention of Radio Frequency Radiation Hazards in the Use of

Commercial Electric Detonators (Blasting Caps) and all federal, state and local

requir ements.

6. A Certificate of Waiver or Authorization (COA) from the FAA Air Traffic Organization

prior must be obtained before conducting operation(s) in the NAS.

7. Any incident, accident, or flight operation that transgresses the lateral or vertical

boundarie s of the operational area as defined by the applicable COA must be reported

to the FAA's UAS Integration Office (AFS

- 80) within 24 hours. Accidents must be

reported to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) per instructions contained

on the NTSB W eb site: www.ntsb.gov.

Protection of People and Property on the Ground

8. A safety meeting will be conducted by the PIC with on

- site personnel prior to flight.

Attendance is mandatory for any VO or BIC involved in flight operations.

9. All exposed personnel on site will wear hard hats and other appropriate personnel

protective equipment during UA flight operations.

10. A ll persons not essential to flight operations (nonparticipating persons) must remain at

appropriate safe distances or under protective cover . In ope n areas, this requires the UA

to remain 500 feet from all unprotected persons other than essential flight personnel

(i.e. PIC, VO, operator trainees or essential persons).

11. If nonparticipating persons leave such protection and are within 500 feet of the UA,

flight operations will cease immediately.

12. Operations may be conducted closer than 500 feet to vessels, vehicles and structures

when the owner/controller of any such vessels, vehicles or structures grants permission

for the operation and the PIC makes a safety assessment of the risk of operating closer

to those objects and determines that it does not present an undue hazard.Explosives Risk Managers LLC Page 11 

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13. A quantitative risk analyses (QRA) will be conducted if explosives will be within the

borders defined for the flight. UAS operation s will be conducted only if risks are below

tolerable levels.

14. The PIC will not begin a flight unless (considering wind and forecast weather conditions)

there is enough power to fly to the intended landing point at normal cruising speed and

land the UA with 30% battery power remaining.

15. The UA cannot carr y explosive materials or flammable liquid fuels

.

Protection of the NAS

16. If another airc raft appears below 1,000 feet to the PIC or VO, the ERM UA will yield the

right of wa y and return to the ground immediately.

17. UAS will be operated at speeds of less than 35 miles per hour (30 knots) and below 4 00

feet above ground level (AGL) in class E and G airspace between the hours of sunrise

and sunset.

18. UAS will not be operated in severe weather such as sustai ned winds over 5 0 miles per

hour, thunderstorms or precipitation

.
19. The UA 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.

20. UAS will not be used in within 5 miles of any airport without written consent of the

airport authority.

21. UAS will be operated only when the PIC or VO have a VLOS to the UAS. In the event of

loss of VLOS during flight, the UAS will be forced into “Failsafe mode” by powering off

the remote control.

22. The PIC and VO , if used to maintain VLOS with the UA

, must have the ability to

communicate verbally.

Pre

- Flight Checks, Maintenance and Recordkeeping

23. A preflight risk assessment shall be conducted by the PIC. This includes identification of

site

- specific hazards and completion of the Open Pilot preflight checklist shown in

Appendix A

.
24. Any maintenance performed on a UA will be recorded on the UA Maintenance Log as

shown in Appendix B.

25. Any UAS that has undergone maintenance or alterations that affect the UAS opera tion

or flight characteristics ( replacement of a flight critical component ) , must undergo a

functional test flight. The PIC who conducts the functional test flight must make an entry

in the aircraft flight log shown in Appendix C

.
26. UA flight time will be recorded on the form shown in Appendix C for every flight

.Explosives Risk Managers LLC Page 12 

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**R isk A**  **nalyses**

If explosive materials are present within the boundaries of a planned flight , ERM wil l con duct a

quantitative risk analyse s (QRA) of the potential impact of UAS operations to the explosives.

The QRA will consider three potential scenarios of UAS operations causing an explosives event.

1. A UA falls from the sky , reache s terminal velocity and strikes the explosives causing

initiation

.
2. Fire caused by a UA crash in the immediate vicinity of the explosives reaches the

explosives and causes detonation

.
3. A radio frequency hazard from the UAS causes initiation of an electro

- explosive device

.

The QRA will take into account the probability of an explosives event, the exposure of people to

the event, and the hazardous consequences of an event. The consequences considered will

include the hazards caused by primary debris, secondary debris, crater ejecta, displacement

from air overpressure, structural collapse from air overpressure and a fireball. The type of

explosive and structure housing the explosives and the people, if any, will be considered.

ERM will use standard techniques including the la test version of the QRA tool IMESAFR or an

equivalent to determine the highest individual annual probability of fatality [P(f)] and the

annual probability of fatality for all individu als combined [E(f)] from a UAS

- caused explosives

event . UAS operations will only be conducted if the highest P(f) is below 1e

- 6 and the E(f) is

below 1e

- 5.

If risk reductions are necessary to reach tolerable levels of risk, ERM will use methods such as

ke eping the UA at least 500 feet from the explosives, reducing the amount of flight time

conducted, reducing the exposure of people, placing people in protective structures, reducing

the quantity of explosives, relocating the explosives, changing the explosi ve type, placing the

explosives in protective structures or other means.Explosives Risk Managers LLC Page 13 

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**Appendix A** 

**– Open Pilot Pre** 

**- Fl**  **ight C hecklist** Explosives Risk Managers LLC Page 14 

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**Appendix B**

**– UA Maintenance Log** 

UA Serial Number _____________________

Date Person Type of Maintenance PerformedExplosives Risk Managers LLC Page 15 

### ERM LLC Unmanned Aerial Systems SOP V1.0 

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**Appendix C**

**– UA Flight Log** 

UA Serial Number _____________________

Date PIC Signature Start of

Flight

Time End of

Flight

Time Total

Flight

Time Cumulative

Flight Time Remarks