Eye in the Sky Surveyors

UAS Operations Manual

 Purpose

o This Department Order addresses the safe handling and operations of the DJI Phantom III 

Professional Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) to perform flight operations during inspections 

of structures and other assets. This UAS Operations Manual contains instruction and 

explanation on correct and safe operating procedures within the National Airspace System as 

required by the Federal Aviation.

 Scope

o The scope of this order applies to flight of the UAS utilized for the expressed purpose of 

inspecting specific building deficiencies, aerial photography, roof inspections, crop surveys, 

wildlife management. Eye in the Sky Surveyors, LLC will utilize the UAS to perform structure 

evaluations and asset compliance inspections on remote assets by qualified and trained 

personnel that carry current required pilot license and applicable medical certificate.

 General Responsibility and Authority

o Managers

- Managers are responsible for purchase, maintenance, storage, security, and oversight 

related to the proper management and functional use of the UAS.

- Managers are responsible for UAS registration, ensuring training is completed by 

manufacturer or qualified trainers, and ensuring administrative records are maintaining 

for UAS operation in accordance with regulatory requirements.

o Pilot in Charge (PIC)

- The PIC is responsible for determining whether the UAS is in condition for safe flight. 

The PIC shall discontinue the flight when unairworthy mechanical, electrical, or 

structural conditions occur. The PIC is directly responsible for the operation of the UAS 

and the safety of the operation.

- The PIC is responsible for following the flight preparation checklists and ensuring the 

operation complies with applicable regulations and ensures application of Best 

Management Practices for other operations not covered by applicable regulations.

- The PIC conducts a detailed inspection of the UAV after every 10 hours of flight. The 

PIC can perform maintenance on the UAV limited to repairing small cracks and/or 

replacing rotors. All other maintenance will be performed by the manufacturer or 

designated qualified person.

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205 W. Sophia St. Maumee, OH 43537

P: 419-540-2520 – F: 419-891-1183

Email: EiSkys@Hotmail.com
 

o Observer

- The Observer is responsible for maintaining visual contact with the UAV and scanning 

the flight area for air traffic, pedestrians, vehicles, or other obstacles that may have 

impact on flight safety.

- The Observer is responsible for relaying to the PIC information related to air traffic, 

pedestrians, vehicles or other objects that may have an impact on flight safety, in a 

timely manner.

- The observer coordinates any required communication between the PIC and other 

individuals.

 Description of UAS

o The UAS is an autonomous Unmanned Aircraft System complete with automatic takeoff and a 

computer guided landing system. The system consists of the Phantom III Professional rotocraft, 

a laptop-based ground control unit, and supporting telemetry.

o No manual piloting is required during a mission cycle. The modes can be switched between 

semi and fully and autonomous flight control during flight, if necessary. Several modes are 

available, including teleop (joystick, fly-by-wire) and waypoint. The autonomous flight control 

system utilizes an advanced, stable-hover control system auto-takeoff and landing, unlimited 

number of programmable waypoints, “point and click” waypoints on map underlay, and joystick 

control. Pre-planned flight paths are created in autonomous mode by clicking on the map 

underlay on the UAS Ground Control Station (GCS) to create a preplanned flight path. To clear 

the flight plan, simply click the “x” button on the controller. Adjustments to speed and altitude 

can be made for each waypoint during the flight by highlighting the waypoint and inputting the 

change in speed or altitude in the coordinating boxes. Return-to-home waypoints, Minimum 

Safe Altitude, and velocity are entered during preflight ensuring the UAV operates only within 

specified parameters.

 Description of the GCS

o The UAS GCS allows the operator simultaneous control over aircraft and camera functions. The 

touch screen control allows for quick navigation and data entry while the display screen 

provides all essential flight data to the PIC. Telemetry data is transmitted to the command 

station at least once per second.

o The GCS displays the following information:

- Video camera view

- GPS Map underlay with asset delineation as necessary

- UAV Latitude and Longitude

- UAV position, altitude and heading

- Return-to-home location

- North seeking arrow

- Date/time

- Altitude AGL

- Relative horizontal position

- UAV HZ, RSSI, AFCS Voltage, Servo Voltage, GPS Satellite availability, GPS VDOP, 

Battery Voltage and RSSI reading and conditions

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 Description of the UAV

o The UAV can fly with a maximum takeoff wind of up to 15 mph and maximum sustained wind 

of up to 19.88 mph. The UAV automatically compensates for wind during all phases of flight 

and will remain steady in the air even when winds are reaching the maximum threshold.

o The UAV has a maximum operational range of up to 20km (10.77nm).

o All flight operations are controlled with GPS waypoints, making the system extremely easy to 

command and control. The UAV holds position and altitude if no commands are given by the 

PIC.

o Camera positioning is manually controlled with left-hand buttons of the controller, but will 

automatically “lock” onto a target during slow turns or altitude adjustments. The camera will 

remain fixed on the target, which allows for better inspection capabilities, until the camera is 

manually moved from the target, or the target is no longer in the camera’s field of vision.

o The UAV contains several safety features to ensure a safe flight. Onboard system error handling 

allows the UAV to detect system errors while in flight and return to the preset home waypoint 

automatically. System error handling includes loss of communication and low battery levels.

o The UAV can be operated entirely with the GCS map based interface. The PIC only needs to 

click a location on the map, and the system will create a waypoint and command the UAV to fly 

to that waypoint on the map. All flights are recorded with map information and flight plans for 

archiving or future review.

o Two high-duration, self-contained Lithium polymer batteries operate the UAV. The GCS laptop 

has its own battery and the telemetry required standard 110v electricity for operation. Charging 

the batteries is completed with a battery charger in 45 minutes and can be accomplished via 

standard outlet or vehicle.

o The UAV is equipped with an Inertial Navigation System consisting of a 3-axis gyroscope, a 3-

axis magnetometer, GPS receiver, and a static pressure sensor.

o The UAV is equipped with vertical lift autonomous takeoff and assisted recovery. A Return-toHome waypoint is designated by the operators and identified in the GCS software. During 

launch initiation, the rotocraft will takeoff and hover 3 meters directly above the takeoff area 

and await further instruction. 

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 UAS Specification Sheet 

DJI Phantom III Professional

Item Specification

Aircraft

Weight (including battery & propellers) 1280 g

Diagonal Size (including propellers) 590 mm

Max Ascent Speed 5 m/s

Max Descent Speed 3 m/s

Hover Accuracy Vertical: +/- 0.1 m (when Vision Positioning is 

active) or +/- 0.5 m

Horizontal: +/- 1.5 m

Max Speed 16 m/s (ARRI mode, no wind)

Max Service Ceiling Above Sea Level 6000 m (default altitude limit: 120 m above takeoff 

point)

Operating Temperature 0°C to 40°

GPS Mode GPS/GLONASS

Remote Controller

Operating Frequency 2.400 GHz-2.483 GHz

Max Distance Up to 5 km or 3.1 miles (unobstructed, free or 

interference) when FCC compliant

Up to 3.5 km or 2.1 miles (unobstructed, free of 

interference) when CE compliant

Video Output Port USB

Operating Temperature 0°C – 40°C

Battery 6000 mAh LiPo 2S

Mobile Device Holder For tablet or phone

Receiver Sensitivity (1%PER) -101 dBm +2 dBm

Transmitter Power (EIRP) FCC: 20dBm

CE: 16 dBm

Working Voltage 1.2 A @7.4 V

Intelligent Flight Battery

Capacity 4480 mAh

Voltage 15.2 V

Battery Type LiPo 4S

Energy 68 Wh

Net Weight 365 g

Max Flight Time Approximately 23 minutes

Operating Temperature 0°C – 40°C

Max Charging Power 100 W

Vision Positioning

Max Velocity Less than 8 m/s (when 2 m above ground)

Operating Altitude Range 50 cm – 300 cm

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 Flight Preparation Checklists – Flight Operations area

o Prior to starting operations, the PIC will ensure the UAS is operated in controlled environments, 

outside of populated areas, away from public and traffic; avoiding of areas which are depicted in 

“yellow” on VFR charts, as well as obtaining and assessing information regarding congested 

areas from the local Flight Standards District (FSDO) and avoiding areas of congestion.

o The PIC will file a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) providing location and a date/time for each 

operation and request a VFR Flight Following, if necessary.

o The PIC will check the current ATIS with the jurisdictional Air Traffic Control Center on the 

day of the flight prior to setting up the UAS.

o The PIC will adhere to the following:

- Ensure launch and recovery zone is free and clear of debris.

- Ensure launch and recovery zone is clearly marked for safety.

- Conduct a safety and flight tailboard with all involved personnel on hazards in the area, 

flight mission, and flight operations area.

- Ensure control of area, vehicular and pedestrian traffic is in place.

- Check ATIS report within 30 minutes of flight to ensure weather minimums are met for 

operation.

 VFR conditions; clear-of-clouds

 IFR conditions are not authorized at any time

 Flight Preparation Checklists – Preflight Airframe Check

o Remove cab and inspect main gears for wear or damage

o Visually inspect airframe

o Visually inspect landing gear

o Visually inspect rotor integrity

- Check tension on rotors and ensure rotors are straightened

- Check for debris on rotors

o Check charge of all batteries (aerial vehicle, command station) including backup batteries and 

ensure all telemetry is connected to energy supply source and the energy source is in working 

condition.

o Visibility >1 statute mile

o Cloud clearance >500 feet

o Wind is no greater than 10kts with gusts no greater than 15kts

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 Flight Preparation Checklists – Preflight Systems Check

Turn on Computer and open GCS

Attach Telemetry Ethernet to Computer

Double click on black bar in the GCS Window

Turn on and plug Joystick in and open tab and 

press Rescan twice

Confirm movements from Joystick in the GCS

Turn on Manual Transmitter and make sure the 

throttle stick is down, hold switch is on and all 

switches away from pilot

Battery Voltage > 4.7 on Transmitter

Plug both batteries in on UAV and let sit for at least 

30 seconds without moving

Confirm the V light on gyro is a solid red light If red V light is blinking unplug batteries 

and plug back in

Press on Network tab and select UAV

Start log file

Minimize Network Tab

Open Map Tab and load map

Select Fail Safe and set ALT, Timeout, Speed to 4 

m/s and highlight Rotate button

Minimize tab and click on map to set Fail Safe 

Point to desired location

Press the ROT and PSH button and make sure they 

highlighted in yellow

UAV HZ >5

RSSI >100

AFCS Voltage (Fully Charged) >11.5

Servo Voltage >5

GPS Satellites >7

GPS VDOP <100

Battery Voltage is >58

AHRS is stable and correct according to UAV

Move UAV to Takeoff position with transmitter

Once UAV is in position make sure all blades are 

straight

Recheck all UAV numbers

Make sure camera in forward position

Open Telemetry Tab and press the reset tangent 

button

Minimize Telemetry Tab

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 Takeoff

o Takeoff will take place at pre-determined location. The location will be clearly marked as such 

to ensure safety with ground personnel

o The system cannot be launched without approval from Observer. After the PIC has received 

clearance from the Observer, the PIC will have authority to proceed with takeoff

 Reliability

o The UAS is designed for maximum reliability and to maintain performance; however, due to 

normal motor operations, certain components will experience wear and tear and shall be 

checked before and after each flight to ensure proper working order. Check rotors, batteries, 

motors, and landing gear before and after flight.

o Motor conditions and battery are monitored by the system with deviations reported on screen.

o Contact with other objects during flight may cause other components, particularly rotors, servos 

and motor arms to become damaged. Land the rotocraft as soon as safely possible to do so, 

record any contact with objects, check airframe, rotors, batteries, motors, landing gear, motor 

arms and servos and report the contact to CEO before initiating additional preflight checklists or 

flights.

o The UAS continuously detects and displays system functions on screen which may make flying 

unsafe. These conditions are UAV HZ, RSSI, AFCS Voltage, Servo Voltage, GPS Satellite 

availability, GPS VDOP, Battery Voltage and RSSI. If any of these systems are not functioning 

properly, the UAS will report the anomaly with visual and aural alarms. Land rotocraft as soon 

as safely possible to do so, and check conditions. Do not fly until the system is functioning 

within the normal parameters as listed on flight checklist.

 Emergency Procedures and System Failures

o Sensor Failure – Failure of on-board flight instruments/sensors will degrade the UAS 

performance.

- If sensor failure occurs, utilize the Return-to-Home feature on the display. If this does 

not work, utilize the Phantom III Professional remote controller to return the UAV to the 

landing point or a safe area for landing.

o Motor Failure – The UAV flight performance will degrade significantly if one or more motor 

fails.

- If motor failure occurs, utilize the Return-to-Home feature on the display if able. If this 

does not work, utilize the Phantom III Professional remote controller to land the UAV in 

a safe area closest to the current position of the UAV

o Airframe Failure – If airframe becomes damaged to the point that it affects flight operation, the 

UAS will behave similarly to an on-board flight instrument failure.

- Utilize the Return-to-Home feature on display. If this does not work, utilize the Phantom 

III Professional remote controller to return the UAV to the landing point or a safe area 

for landing

o Navigation System Failure – In a navigation system failure, degraded GPS will result in 

unstable flight, depending on failures.

- Utilize the Phantom III Professional remote controller to return the UAV to the landing 

point or a safe area for landing.

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o Power Failure – A complete battery failure will result in total power loss to the UAV and the 

UAV will land with the assistance of gravity. Check landing site, assist in any safety issues, 

clean up the area and report the incident to the CEO.

o Low Battery Condition – Operator will be alerted of a low battery condition.

- Utilize the Return-to-Home feature on the display.

o Visual Line –of-Sight (VLOS) Loss

- PIC will conduct all flight operations with VLOS. If the pilot’s view becomes obstructed 

and VLOS is lost, the pilot may instruct the UAS to hover in place until VLOS is 

reestablished, or to return to the Return-to-Home waypoint. If VLOS is not reestablished 

in a timely fashion, have the observer establish VLOS and relay information to the PIC. 

Based upon the information, the PIC may opt to land the rotocraft at the current position 

or wait until VLOS is restored.

 Security

o The system and communication links are encrypted by manufacturer proprietary software.

 Crew Requirements

o Eye in the Sky Surveyors, LLC requires the PIC to hold the proper Pilot License as required by 

the FAA.

o The PIC will maintain flight currency as well hold a current II FAA Medical Certificate.

 Safety

o Safety is priority for every flight. The PIC is responsible for adhering to applicable FAR & 

ICAO Regulations.

o Eye in the Sky Surveyors, LLC will utilize Best Management Practices during field operations 

and for any instances not covered by regulation.

o Personnel will abide by all company safety practices at all times.

o Any personnel may stop work at any time if a safety concern is raised without retribution.

o To assure safe operation within close proximity of structures, the PIC will operate the UAV in 

autonomous mode at all times, unless manual operation is necessitated, such as in the event of 

an emergency.

o PIC and Observer will make all efforts possible to ensure that an emergency UAV landing will 

not result in injury to persons or property.

o Operation support must adhere to PIC instructions, unless that instruction would result in an 

unsafe situation.

o UAV flights will occur with VLOS.

o The PIC will adhere as close as possible to the prescribed flight plan and will not deviate or fly 

in unnecessary areas. No joy-flying.

o The UAS PIC will give way to any manned aircraft.

o Flight operations will occur under VFR Conditions only. No night flights.

o A fire extinguisher will be brought onsite for use in emergency situations.

 Landing and Retrieval

o Landing area will be pre-determined prior to flight. A secondary landing area will also be 

determined prior to the flight.

o Landing will occur at the pre-determined area, or in the event that area is not available, landing 

will occur at the secondary landing area

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o The system can be recovered after the PIC deems the flight complete and the UAV rotors have 

stopped moving.

o If VFR Flight Following was used during the flight, the PIC must contact the controller and 

cancel the flight following before recovery.

 Flight Debrief

o The PIC will create a report summarizing details of the flight.

- Detailed report will include preflight tailboard, preflight inspection sheets, personnel 

present, location of inspection, structure or asset being inspected, map of inspection area, 

departure time, weather information, mission summary, results of inspection, areas of 

concern during inspection and any unexpected or unusual conditions

 If you have any questions or concerns regarding this UAS Operations Manual, please contact Eye in the Sky 

 Surveyors, LLC’s Vice President of Operations, Brian Ostrowski via cell phone at 419-262-1731 or 

 email at: Briano@acongrp.com. 

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