IFLY SAFETY POLICIES

FLIGHT REGULATIONS AND AIRSPACE

A. Flight Logging Time

Pilots/”Operators” will maintain current logbooks of flights completed. This is acceptable in both digital 

and physical log book form.

B. Proficiency Requirements

Pilots/”Operators” will maintain current flight logs and log a minimum of (8) flights per month to 

maintain proficiency. This may not be accomplished by simulator.

C. Checklists

Operators must at all times have their flight safety checklists present for all official flying. The flight 

checklists include preflight, flight, and post flight information. This is acceptable in paper or digital form.

D. Insurance

General liability insurance will be in place to cover any incidents, property and personal. No less than a 

$1 Million dollar umbrella policy is acceptable. When you are flying for someone, you must list them as 

additionally insured.

E. Altitude

Flying above 500 feet AGL is prohibited at all times. UAV Aerial Photography has its primarily use as lowaltitude flight camera platform.

F. Airports

No flight may take place within 2 miles of an airport without special pre-arranged communication with 

that airport’s operator. In no instance may you fly over, around, or near the ends of any runway. When 

you must fly at an airport, it must be pre-arranged, and written permissions must be given with specific 

times and locations as well as altitudes. You must also be equipped with a transceiver to monitor the air 

traffic frequencies of that airport, or a direct dial telephone number to the Tower. It is preferred to 

have a liaison from the airport supervising. If flying in close proximity to airport guidelines, you must 

have in your possession a sectional chart outlining the information pertaining to that airports proximity 

to your shoot location.

G. Flight Methods

First Person View (FPV) is an approved method of flight with a spotter. The pilot may use the flight 

monitor (FPV) as reference but there must be a trained designated spotter watching the aircraft via line-
of-sight at all times. The pilot most suitable method of flight method is direct line of sight. This 

requires the pilot to fly the aircraft by looking at it directly, unassisted except for corrective eyewear.

H. Flying while Intoxicated

You may not in any instance act as pilot in command under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Blood 

alcohol maximum for flight is 0.00.

I. Flying over People

 Closed Production Set

People you fly over or near must be fully aware, in advance and must sign an individual 

release of liability. They must understand that their activities and involvement may result in 

injury or even death. *Extreme caution must be taken at all times.

 Public Event

Flying over or near people or crowds is to be avoided whenever possible and only permitted 

under the following circumstances.

1. Client understands and approves of all activities.

2. You have current liability insurance for personal and property damage listing the client as 

additionally insured.

3. All participants are aware of the activities and have signed a liability release form for that 

event.

4. You are operating at your own discretion and accept all responsibilities that pertain to 

your activities. *Extreme caution must be taken at all times.

J. Flying over Roadways

Flying over active roadways active is strongly discouraged. Whenever possible, use closed roadways. 

Flying over roadways is permitted at the pilot’s discretion but should never interfere with normal 

roadway activity (landing on a road, stopping traffic, chasing vehicles, distracting drivers, etc...). 

Hovering directly over a roadway is strictly prohibited at all times.

K. Use for Surveillance or Spying

It is damaging to the reputation of UAV Aerial Photography industry to use your equipment and abilities 

for surveillance or spying. iFly will not conduct flights for this purpose. The only exception to this is if 

you are assisting police, or public safety for official business.
L. Flying At Night

Flights after sunset are allowed only if you have a clear understanding of surrounding obstacles in 

advance as well as suitable exterior aircraft orientation lighting. It is required that all aircraft flying at 

night must be marked at a minimum with RED lighting on the rear and BLUE lighting on the front. You 

must also land with 2 minutes of reserve power.

M. FAA NOTAM’s and TFR’s

It is required that all Pilots/”Operators” must be aware of any FAA issues NOTAM’s and/or TFRs in effect 

where flying is taking place. It is also required that the Pilots/”Operators” abide by the FAA issued 

NOTAM/TFRs at all times.

N. Takeoff and Landing Zones

Safe takeoff and landing zones are defined by a space no smaller than (20) feet by (20) feet and clear of 

overhead and lateral obstructions. The Pilots/”Operators” shall check the location to determine if there 

are any potential radio frequencies or electrical transmissions that could interfere with or affect the safe 

operation of the aircraft. The aircraft must be checked for proper balance before each flight or after any 

alterations to the aircraft such as different camera or lens alteration. The area should be cleared of 

debris. If there are people in the area of takeoff they are to be made aware, and required to remain 

clear of the 20’ x 20’ area.

O. Pilot in Command/”Operator”

The Pilots/”Operators” is in command is at all times the final authority over the aircraft and shall be in 

command over all flight operations and/or related activities. The Pilots/”Operators” shall have the final 

authority to abort any flight operation in the interest of safety. Abort signals shall be specified ahead of 

time. In the event of a power loss, signal loss, or mechanical failure, the pilot must make every attempt 

to keep the safety of people and property as the highest priority. The aircraft may be crashed, or 

destroyed in the attempt to keep the safety of people and property. The Pilots/”Operators” has the 

final authority and is responsible for all aspects of flight safety.

III. EQUIPMENT

A. Aircraft Size

Your aircraft must be of a size that is visible during flight. Orientation must be decipherable at whatever 

distance/altitude you fly to. It is required that the flying aircraft must be marked with RED lighting on 

the rear and BLUE lighting on the front.

B. Use of GPS

All equipment must be equipped with GPS. GPS coordinates must be attained and verified before 

takeoff and used as the fail-safe return to home location in the event of signal loss or other issue. GPS 

systems are supplemental for flight accuracy and precise aircraft positioning. GPS is never to be used as 

a substitute for visibility, flight conditions, or pilot proficiency.
C. FAIL-SAFE Requirements

All aircraft systems must be programmed for fail-safe. Fail-safe is defined as the flight controller taking 

over in the event of a signal loss from the Pilots/”Operators” or preset function from transmitter. The 

fail-safe procedure is to hover in place for 3 seconds when the control link is broken, Rise to 60 feet if 

the altitude is less, return to the recorded home point, hover, then slowly descend and land. 

D. Navigation Lighting

All iFly aircraft must have exterior navigation lighting on their aircraft. This lighting must make the 

orientation decipherable for the Pilots/”Operators”, camera operator, and spotter. iFly navigation 

lighting is RED on the rear of the aircraft, and BLUE on the front.

E. Flight Time

All flights must be timed according to the capacity of the power system and anticipated usage. This 

ensures landing with safe level battery reserves of at least (1:00) minute. Before takeoff, batteries must 

be verified as fully charged.

F. Voltage Monitoring

You must be able to read the voltage of your aircraft either visually or audibly at all times. This can be 

through the use of audible/visual voltage monitors, on screen display, or both.

G. Autonomous Flight

Autonomous flight may not be used as the primary form of flight control. The Pilots/”Operators” must 

be able to override the programmed flight plan at all times. 

H. Professional Use

No aircraft may be used professionally unless previously tested and proven to be in an airworthy state 

and functioning properly.

I. Indoor Flight

If the aircraft is to be used indoors, extreme caution shall be taken. Indoor conditions (e.g., increased 

heat resulting in reduced air density) could adversely affect flying characteristics. Additionally, interior 

sets, walls, ceiling beams, lighting equipment, HVAC equipment etc., can be a hazard. GPS is not to be 

used indoors.

IV. WEATHER

A. Precipitation

Flight in any form of precipitation is not allowed. 
B. Wind

Good judgment should be used when determining when to fly with wind. Ifly guide lines suggested that 

you do not fly in wind greater than 15kts sustained wind or with gusts over 20kts.