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HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.

SMALL UNMANNED AERIAL SYSTEMS:

SMALL MULTIROTOR SYSTEMS

OPERATIONS MANUAL
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Table of Contents

Document Revisions........................................................................................................................ 3

Introduction..................................................................................................................................... 4

Definitions ....................................................................................................................................... 5

Test Locations.................................................................................................................................. 6

Required Markings .......................................................................................................................... 7

Preflight Procedures........................................................................................................................ 8

Preflight Check List.......................................................................................................................... 9

Battery Charging Procedures......................................................................................................... 10

Emergency Procedures.................................................................................................................. 11

Maintenance.................................................................................................................................. 12

Flight Logs...................................................................................................................................... 13

Honeywell UAS Maintenance Tag ................................................................................................. 14

Honeywell UAS Maintenance Log ................................................................................................. 15

Honeywell UAS Flight Test Log ...................................................................................................... 16
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Document Revisions

Revision Author Date

1.0 A.Stewart 10/26/2015
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Introduction

Honeywell is committed to ensuring the safety of the public and property in 

all of its UAS operations. In that vein this guide was created to ensure that proper 

measures are in place to prevent incidents. This guide has been included with 

the FAA Section 333 exemption as a confirmation to the FAA of Honeywell’s 

commitment to safety.

This guide is to be general to all small multi-rotor Unmanned Aerial 

Systems (UAS) operated by Honeywell so no specific details about the UAS will 

be noted. Honeywell UAS users should always follow the operations manual 

provided by the manufacturer in addition to this manual. A small multi-rotor UAS 

is herein defined to be any unmanned system flown by Honeywell with multiple 

rotors used for propulsion. Specific examples include quad-rotors and hex-rotor 

UAS such as the 3DRobotics IRIS+ and TurboAce Infinity 6.

This guide reviews how to select test locations, mark test locations, 

perform preflight procedures, handle emergency situations, conduct and log 

maintenance and log flight times all with the interest of safety to the public and its 

property in mind.
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Definitions

Pilot (Pilot in Control ‘PIC’)

The Pilot in Control is responsible for the operation of the aircraft. As outlined in 

Honeywell’s Section 333 exemption the PIC will “hold an airline transport, 

commercial, private, recreational, or sport pilot certificate. The PIC will hold a 

valid U.S. driver’s license.” The PIC will be trained to operate the aircraft. 

Training will include at least 3 hours of time with the aircraft documentation and 

laboratory testing with the aircraft as well as 3 hours of flight time. Pilots will 

remain current by performing at least one complete flight every month. A 

‘complete flight’ is defined to be one that uses a full battery charge on the 

respective aircraft and includes a takeoff and landing.

Visual Observer (VO)

The Visual Observer is tasked with assisting the pilot in flight operations. This 

includes, but is not limited to, preflight checks, watching for maintenance issues 

and ensuring the aircraft stays within the designated test area. The VO should be 

able to communicate verbally with the pilot at any time during the flight. This 

observer should be trained in maintenance operations of the aircraft and be able 

to identify maintenance issues that could inhibit flight. The visual observer will 

maintain a timer with current flight time. The current flight time will be monitored 

by the Visual Observer and the Visual Observer will notify the pilot when the flight 

is nearing the estimated limit of the battery life. Estimated limits should be based 

on prior performance of the aircraft.

Technician (TECH)

The Technician is the person in charge of repair and maintenance of the vehicle. 

This person should be well versed in the operation and construction of the 

aircraft. The TECH should be present to identify maintenance issues at any point 

during the flight test. The TECH can also be used as a VO. The TECH should be 

able to communicate verbally with the pilot at any time during the flight.
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Test Locations

When selecting a testing location, the following criteria must be met for 

safe operations:

1) Test locations will be selected that are as isolated from the public as 

possible

2) Test locations will be selected such that there is no threat to damage 

public property

3) Test locations will be clearly marked, such that the public will easily be 

able to avoid flight operations

4) Test locations will be free from unauthorized personnel

5) If tests are to be conducted on private property, Honeywell will obtain 

permission from the property owner

6) Test locations will be of sufficient size to allow for emergency 

procedures

7) Test locations will avoid public transit systems such as roads, train 

tracks, etc...

8) Test locations will be a minimum of 5 NM from any airport or heliport

9) Testing will not occur where any public or private manned aerial 

system is in use

10)The UAS will not exceed 400 ft AGL.
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Required Markings

All Honeywell UAS will be marked so that the FAA registration N–Number 

is as visible as possible from the ground as well as a label identifying the aircraft 

with Honeywell (Honeywell logo sticker). According to FAA 14 CFR standards 

and Section 333 requirements the label must be as large as possible on the 

aircraft such that it can easily be discerned from the ground. For small multirotors 

it is suggested that the aircraft be labeled on the underside of the aircraft. 
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Preflight Procedures

Prior to flight, the pilot and visual observer should perform the following 

inspection of the aircraft for safe operations: 

1) The aircraft will be inspected for any damage that would impair its safe 

operation. This inspection will include, but should not be limited to, 

motors, propellers, servos, frame, wiring and any payload that is 

carried.

2) Special care will be made to inspect Lithium Polymer (LiPo) batteries 

before use. If for any reason there appears to be damage to these 

batteries they are not to be used.

3) The pilot and visual observer will ensure that the weather is safe for 

UAS operations. Unsafe weather for operations will include 

a. During periods of significant precipitation 

b. If the wind is more powerful than the aircraft is capable of 

operating in safely

c. Any conditions of lightning or thunderstorm

d. Conditions where line of sight between the pilot and aircraft 

could be lost in the cloud layers

e. During any conditions that prohibit clear line of sight between 

the pilot and aircraft, such as night or fog

4) The pilot and visual observer will ensure that the test area is clear of 

persons and property

5) The pilot and visual observer will ensure that the test area is clear of 

any other manned or unmanned aircraft in the area of operations that 

could provide a safety problem

6) The pilot and visual observer will ensure that any sensors and batteries

onboard the aircraft are securely mounted

7) Batteries must be tested to ensure there is sufficient charge for the test 

flight, this includes aircraft, transmitter and any other batteries required 

for the test.

8) Each cell of the battery must be tested to ensure the voltage is the 

same across all cells

9) The pilot will test the transmitter according to the manufacturer’s

operations manual.

10) A fire extinguisher should be present for every flight in case of fire.
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Preflight Check List

Inspect aircraft maintenance log and tag to ensure aircraft is operational

Test area is clear of unauthorized persons and property

Test area is clear of any other manned or unmanned aircraft

Test area is labeled to prevent unauthorized access

Weather conditions do not inhibit operations (No wind, rain, snow, fog or night

ops)

Check batteries for any damage

Test each cell of the battery to ensure the voltage is the same across all cells

Batteries must be tested to ensure there is sufficient charge for the test flight

Inspect aircraft for any damage that would impair its safe operation

Ensure that any sensors onboard the aircraft are securely mounted

Set all trim switches to zero on transmitter

Test the transmitter to motor response of the aircraft prior to flight

Test the transmitter according to the UAS manufacturers operations manual

VO should confirm estimated battery flight time with pilot and start timer
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Battery Charging Procedures

Lithium Polymer (LiPo) batteries are used for most small multi-rotor 

aircraft for their superior weight to power characteristics. These batteries 

can be extremely volatile if used improperly and should be handled with 

care. Charging and storage of these batteries should be handled by a 

trained technician as part of routine maintenance. 

Charging procedures should be as follows:

1) Inspect the battery for any damage. Do not charge if you suspect 

damage to the battery.

2) Test the voltage of each cell. They should each be approximately the 

same voltage. If they are not, the battery may be damaged and should 

not be charged.

3) Place the battery inside a fireproof case, such as a LiPo fireproof bag. 

4) Connect the battery to the charging system ensuring that the battery 

balance cable is connected. Do not use chargers that do not have 

battery balancers or those that are not designed for LiPo batteries.

5) Charge the battery, do not leave the battery unattended during this 

time, and monitor any changes to the battery temperature.

6) After the battery has been charged it should be stored in the fireproof 

case until it is to be used on the UAS.

Notes:

1) Batteries should not be discharged below 3.4V or there is risk that the 

battery will not charge properly afterwards.
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Emergency Procedures

The following procedures are intended to be used in emergency 

situations.

Aircraft Crash

In the event of a crash, personnel should be cleared from the area and the 

technician should try to ascertain whether there is any possibility that the 

battery may have been damaged. In the event the battery is damaged the 

Battery Fire Procedure should be followed. If the battery is undamaged, 

the crash should be reported and the aircraft should not be returned to 

service until it is repaired by the technician and deemed fit to return to 

service. A fire extinguisher should be on hand in case of fire.

Maintenance Issue in Flight

If a maintenance issue appears in flight the aircraft will immediately land in 

the safest possible landing area. The aircraft should not be returned to 

service until the aircraft is repaired by the technician and deemed fit to 

return to service. 

Lithium Polymer (LiPo) Battery Fire Procedure

Lithium Polymer batteries can be extremely volatile. They should be 

handled with care, especially during charging or if they are damaged 

during a crash. If they are damaged or begin to smoke, all personnel 

should be cleared from the area and emergency services should be 

contacted for assistance. Do not approach the aircraft if smoke appears.
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Maintenance

Maintenance will occur at regular intervals by technicians familiar with the 

aircraft. Prior to any flight the TECH should inspect the aircraft in the laboratory 

and ensure that all parts of the aircraft are in working order. 

Maintenance should include, but not be limited to:

1) Ensure motors operate correctly, Electronic Speed Controller (ESC)

calibration will be tested to ensure motors are tuned properly

2) Propellers will be checked to ensure correct rotation (clockwise or 

counter clockwise). Propellers will be inspected for damage.

3) The aircraft structure will be inspected for damage.

4) Radio transmitters and receivers will be tested.

5) GPS link will be tested

6) Batteries will be inspected for damage and charged according to 

battery charging procedure specified by battery manufacturer.

7) One tethered flight will occur after any motor, ESC, or control system 

repairs.

8) One tethered flight will occur after any changes to payload or onboard 

sensor systems.

9) Maintenance logs will be kept up to date

10)Maintenance tags will be kept up to date

A sample maintenance log is provided on the following page that will be used for 

tracking maintenance on the UAS. The TECH is responsible for maintaining 

maintenance log. 

Along with the maintenance log, tags will be attached to each vehicle in storage. 

These tags will list the date, last TECH to work on the aircraft and whether 

maintenance was completed and successful. This will allow any pilots or visual 

observers to easily discern the condition of the aircraft prior to any flight tests. A 

sample tag is shown on page 10.RTF will imply that the aircraft has been 

checked by the TECH and is ready for operations. MAINT means the aircraft will 

require maintenance before flight and is not ready for operations.
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Flight Logs

All Honeywell UAS flight operations should be cataloged using the 

supplied Flight Log form. This will allow the TECH to track hours on aircraft in 

order to perform routine maintenance.
Honeywell UAS Maintenance Tag

Honeywell UAS Maintenance Tag

Date AIRCRAFT CONDITION TECH RTF/MAINT

TECH has checked the following components to ensure they are fully operational and undamaged:

o Propellers 

o Motor

o ESCs

o Servos

o Battery

o Aircraft Wiring

o Aircraft Frame

o Radio Transmitter/Receiver

o Batteries

Tethered flight necessary? Y / N

Tethered flight checkout date: _______________
Honeywell UAS Maintenance Log

Date Description of Work Performed Aircraft 

Make/Model N-Number Technician Maintenance Time(hours)

Total Time

(hours

Technician Signature_______________________________________
Honeywell UAS Flight Test Log

Date Remarks Aircraft

Make/Model

NNumber Pilot In Control / Visual Observer Flight Time

(hours)

Total Time

(hours)