Single Malt Media, Flight Operations Check List, V2; 2014 1

Single Malt Media 

Aerial Photography

Flight Operations Checklist and Flight Guidelines
Single Malt Media, Flight Operations Check List, V2; 2014 2

NOTE: Pilots are required to read and posses full understanding of all 

sections of this document and have it in their possession during ALL flight 

operations. Failure to abide by this regulation will result in the 

immediate suspension of your flight privileges and may result in the 

cancellation of your contract.

General

1. Be aware of and abide by FAA regulations, NOTAM's, and TFR's

2. Manned aircraft have right-of-way at all times

3. Avoid flight over persons or property

4. Do not fly while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. This is a zero 

tolerance requirement. Violation of this clause will result in the 

immediate cancellation of your contract or termination of employment.

5. Aircraft shall remain in line of sight at all times

6. Optical systems use (video monitor) by pilot is allowed only as reference, 

line of sight must be maintained at all times. 

7. Aircraft stability devices and GPS failsafe returns are mandatory at all 

times

8. Autonomous fights are NOT allowed during any operations

9. Have a clear understanding of the FAA regulations applicable to the 

airspace used 

10. Flight operation will not be undertaken unless the aircraft is deemed 

fully airworthy after a full pre-flight inspection.
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Operational Aircraft and Aircraft Testing Guidelines

The main considerations to be aware of in all types are:

1. Aircraft is large enough to be seen in all flight operations

2. Aircraft is small enough to operate within a landing zone

3. Aircraft coloration and lights makes it's orientation visible at all times

4. Aircraft is built to carry the added weight of photography equipment 

intended for use 

5. Aircraft is capable of the increased load factors in-flight

6. Aircraft are test flown and deemed airworthy before being put in 

service

7. Aircraft final test flights to include all photo equipment installed
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Flight Operation Checklists

Flight operations checklists are separated into six phases of flight checks 

which are Pre-Flight, Control Systems Check, Before Take Off, In-Flight 

Operations, Landing, and Post-Flight Operations.

Pre-Flight:

1. Before the first flight of the day, verify all transmitter, on-board aircraft, 

and camera batteries are fully charged.

2. Check all control surfaces for signs of damage, loose hinges, loose screws 

and overall condition.

3. Check the control linkages are secured and the condition of the control 

horns and brackets.

4. Check the wing to make sure it is in good structural condition and 

properly secured and aligned to the airframe.

5. Check the motor/engine and mounting system to make sure it is firmly 

attached to the airframe.

6. Check the propeller or rotor blades for chips, cracks, looseness and any 

deformation.

7. Check the landing gear for damage, for secure attachment, and the skids

are in good shape and rotate freely.

8. Check that the servos are firmly attached to the airframe and all receiver 

connections are secure.

9. Check all electrical connections making sure they are plugged in and 

secured to the airframe.

10. Check that the photography equipment and mounting system are 

secure and operational.
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11. Perform an overall visual check of the aircraft prior to arming any power 

systems.

12. Repair or replace any part found to be un-airworthy in the pre-flight 

prior to take-off.

13. Perform assessment of operational area to identify hazards that may 

interfere with operation.

14. Determine if barriers or crowd control personnel are needed to protect 

public from harm. Make sure public is at least 500 feet from area of 

operation.

15. Install barriers and/or assign duties to crowd control personnel as 

needed.
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Control Systems Check:

1. Make every effort to assure that no one in the area is using your radio's 

frequency before turning on your transmitter.

2. Make sure that all of your body parts, clothing, other obstructions, and 

bystanders are well away from any propeller or rotor and its arc before 

turning power on to any systems. Make sure the aircraft is secure and will 

not move if the motor was suddenly powered up.

3. Announce out loud - "CLEAR PROP".

4. Turn on the transmitter. If it displays information such as aircraft 

memory and battery voltage, be sure these numbers are correct.

5. Make sure that the throttle stick on the transmitter is in the power off 

position.

6. Connect the battery and/or turn on the power switch to the aircraft.

7. Follow the recommended range test procedures as outlined in your radio 

transmitter/receiver owner's manual.

8. Check for proper operation of control surfaces.

9. Check that all servos are steady and not chattering or making any other 

abnormal noise when in operation or idle.

10.Check the motor/engine for proper operation. Firmly secure the aircraft 

and gradually increase the throttle to full power and back down to idle - 

checking for lack of thrust, vibration or other possible anomalies. Check 

that the motor stops completely when the throttle stick is at the off 

position.

11. Check that photo/video equipment power is on. Check to make sure the 

triggering device is working correctly.
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Before Take Off:

1. Confirm transmitter antenna is fully extended.

2. Confirm transmitter trims settings in proper position.

3. Confirm receiver antenna is fully extended.

4. Check that the take off area is clear of obstructions and people.

5. Double check weather conditions and review potential emergency 

landing areas. 

6. Set flight timer alarm.

7. Announce out loud - "TAKE OFF".

8. Launch aircraft.
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In-Flight:

1. Climb to a safe altitude away from potential hazards and check control 

systems. Reset trims and gain controls if necessary.

2. Keep aircraft at a safe operating distance from people and buildings.

3. If aircraft must be flown over buildings or people, maintain a safe 

altitude for recovery & make every effort to minimize that time.

4. Continually scan the flight and ground areas for potential hazards.

5. During flight -- camera operator/spotter will call out battery levels every 

20 seconds or as needed as battery level changes.

Landing:

1. Check the control systems and set the trims that if necessary, an 

emergency abort landing can be made.

2. Scan landing area for potential obstruction hazards and recheck weather 

conditions.

3. Announce out loud - "LANDING".

4. Always be prepared to go around.

5. Carefully land the aircraft away from obstructions and people.

6. Camera operator/Spotter is a second set of eyes and must make sure 

that the landing area is unobstructed. 
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Post-Flight:

1. Turn the power off to the aircraft and/or disconnect the batteries. 

2. Turn off the transmitter.

3. Turn the power off to the photo equipment.

4. Visually check aircraft for signs of damage and/or excessive wear. 

5. Unplug, remove and secure batteries.

6. Secure the aircraft.

Maintenance and Log Books

Any damage or worn out parts must be reported to Engineering and need 

to be replaced or repaired before the next flight occurs. Log books are not 

only used to log aircraft flight times with a running total, but to record all 

maintained, i.e. component installation, repairs, and replacement. Each 

aircraft has an identifying number and should be connected to the aircraft 

and corresponding aircraft log book entries.

The logbook should be kept with the aircraft. All repaired aircraft shall be 

tested, deemed airworthy, and so noted in the maintenance logbook 

before resumption of AP duties.
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Other 

The use of a Spotter is mandatory at all times while working on-location. 

When using a second person/Camera Operator the Camera Operator is also 

a designated spotter and should be scanning for possible hazards in the air 

and on the ground at all times.