## FLIGHT OPERATIONS PROCEDURE MANUAL

Last Revision: April 22, 2015FOPM Revision date: 4/22/15



### Purpose

This procedure manual has been created by “HighGround Images, LLC.”, hereafter referred to as “HighGround”, to be used in conjunction with all conditions and limitations as stipulated in FAA Exemption No (TBD), Regulatory Docket No. FAA-2015-TBD for the purposes of Small Unmanned Aerial System (sUAS) aerial image acquisition and inspection. HighGround pilots, camera operators, visual observers, and other company personnel when applicable, will comply with the policies, procedures and conditions of this manual, whenever UAS flight operations are performed that require the exemption as mentioned above.



### Owner/Operator & Organization

Whitney M. Johnson Managing Member HighGround Images, LLC

310 E Port Au Prince Ln Phoenix, Arizona 85022 (480) 335-9242



### Persons Authorized

FAR 91.119 (c) is waived only with respect to those persons, vehicles and structures directly involved in the performance of the actual operation. HighGround shall ensure that no persons are allowed within 500 feet of the area except those consenting to be involved and necessary for the operation.



### Area of Operations

HighGround's approved area of operations will be the United States, including its territories and possessions

.



### Plan of Activities

For flights above 200 feet AGL: At least three (3) days prior to any scheduled operation, HighGround will submit a written plan of activities to the local FSDO having jurisdiction over that area. The plan of activities will include the following:

1. Dates and times for all flights.

2. Name and phone number of person responsible for the event.

3. Name and phone number of person responsible for flight operations

.

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4. Make, model, and serial number (if available) UAS to be used.

5. Name and certificate number of pilot(s) involved in the event.

6. A statement that the waiver holder has obtained permission from property owners

and/or local officials to conduct the event. The list of those who gave permission must be made available to the inspector upon request from the waiver holder.

7. Signature of waiver holder or representative.

8. A description of the flight activity including maps or diagrams of any area, city, town, county, and/or State over which the operation will be conducted.

The three (3) day notification equipments may be waived, however, the operator should contact the FSDO as soon as possible with this request and be prepared to explain in detail why the three (3) day notification is not practical.



### Permission to Operate

Before any flight operations is conducted under the provisions of this manual, the operator will obtain permission to conduct these operations from property owners and local officials as necessary or appropriate. Persons from whom permission may be required are listed below:

1. Property owners

2. Law enforcement officials

3. Fire department officials

4. Local, State and Federal government

5. Air traffic control

HighGround personnel obtaining such permission will do so in writing whenever practical, however, verbal permission is acceptable. A permission form is provided in Appendix A and may be used when obtaining written permission. Written permission forms shall be maintained at the job site until flight operations are completed, and then turned into the Flight Director to be kept on file for a minimum of six (6) months. These forms will be made available for inspection by the FAA or other official personnel upon
request.



### Security

Prior to any flight operation the operator will coordinate with appropriate production personnel to devise a plan of securing the area(s) of operation from all unauthorized persons and vehicles to a minimum of a 500 foot perimeter . Provisions will be made to immediately discontinue operations should the area(s) become unsecured or for any other reason in the interest of safety.

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### Briefing of Pilot/Production Personnel

Prior to the start of any operation under the provisions of this manual, the pilot in command will conduct a briefing of all procedures to participating personnel of the risks involved, emergency procedures, and safeguards to be followed during the event. Personnel will also be briefed on additional provisions that may be issued by the FSDO that has geographic responsibility for the operational area, including the location of boundaries or time limits. The briefing shall cover:

1. Pertinent sections of this operations manual

2. Plan of activities

3. UAS takeoff and landing procedures

4. Role of PIC, visual observer, and camera/gimbal operator

5. Overview of flight activities to be conducted during the production event

6. Recall procedures

7. Emergency procedures

8. Risks to participating personnel

9. How to control nonparticipating persons



### Certification/Airworthiness

All HighGround UASs used in operations do not require an airworthiness certificate. HighGround will use trained technicians to perform maintenance, alterations, or preventive maintenance on the UASs using the methods, techniques, and practices prescribed in the UAS operating documents (i.e., the DJI Phantom 2 Vision, DJI Inspire 1, and DJI S800 Hexacopter manuals. These manuals have been included with this exemption request.). Furthermore, HighGround will document and maintain all

maintenance records.



### Pilot & Visual Observer Minimum Requirements

HighGround shall establish and specify the minimum pilot requirements. Minimum requirements shall meet or exceed the following (using Exemption NO. 11062 [Astraeus Aerial] as a basis):

Prior to conducting operations, the PIC must have logged, consistent with 14 CFR 61.51(b), 25 hours of total time as a UAS pilot. Prior to operations the PIC must also have logged a minimum of 5 hours as a UAS pilot operating the same make and model of UAS to be used for operations under the exemption. In addition to the hour requirements, the PIC must accomplish 3 take-offs and landings in the preceding 90 days (for currency purposes). Prior documented flight experience that was obtained in compliance with applicable regulations could satisfy this requirement.

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Training, proficiency, and experience-building flights can also be conducted to accomplish the required flight time. During training, proficiency, and experience-building flights the PIC is required to operate the UAS with appropriate distances in accordance

with 14 CFR 91.119.

HighGround may determine that additional hours are necessary to address all potential flight hazards and requisite airmanship skills. HighGround will not permit any PIC to operate unless that PIC is able to safely operate the UAS in a manner consistent with how the UAS will be operated under this exemption, including evasive and emergency maneuvers and maintaining appropriate distances from persons, vessels, vehicles and

structures.

Prior to operations the PIC must hold either an airline transport, commercial, private, recreational, or sport pilot certificate. The PIC must also hold a current FAA airman medical certificate or a valid U.S. driver’s license issued by a state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, a territory, a possession, or the Federal government, and have completed the minimum flight hour and currency requirements as stated in the

conditions and limitations above.

Visual Observers should have a minimum of 1 hour of flight time with the sUAS which they are observing affording them direct experience with the performance of the sUAS they will be observing.



### Communications

Prior to the start of any operation covered by this manual, the pilot in command will formulate a plan to provide communications capability to all participants during the actual operation. Oral, visual or radio communications may be used as long as it is effective and is capable of keeping the participants continuously appraised of the current status of the operation.



### Accident Notification

Should an accident or incident requiring notification of the NTSB occur, the notification requirements of FAR Part 830 would comply.



### Recall/Stop Procedures

Specific procedures will vary based on the UAS being used, the physical location, and other unique configurations in the field. Details will be part of the required pre-flight briefing.

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### Special Provisions

The controls, procedures, and conditions set forth in this manual are the primary assurance that persons on the surface will not be jeopardized.

The UASs and pilots used under this exemption and/or waiver will only be those specified in manual, Appendices A and B, or associated plan of activities. Each pilot’s name and certificate number shall appear on each daily plan of activity. All UASs and pilot(s) participating in the activity shall be available for FAA inspection before the

scheduled event.



### Company Organization

FLIGHT DIRECTOR

Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Has fi nal word in the formulation of policy and procedures concerning this manual.

2. Acts as liaison between HighGround and the FAA on matter concerning this manual.

3. Assure that each approved pilot is issued a copy of this manual and obtain a signed statement from each that they have read and understand its contents.

4. Maintain a current copy of this manual at the main base of operations for HighGround.

5. Responsible for assuring that all revisions to this manual are distributed and processed properly.

6. Must approve or disapprove each proposed operation performed by HighGround under the provisions of this manual.

7. Assume the responsibilities of pilot in command when acting as such.

8. The Flight Director may delegate functions to other personnel but retains responsibility.

PILOT IN COMMAND

Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Assure the UAS to be flown is in airworthy condition and required maintenance have been performed as appropriate

. 2. Acquire permission from the Flight Director before any operation under the provisions of this manual.

3. Be very knowledgeable of the contents of this manual and abide by the procedures, policies and conditions contained herein.

4. Coordinate with location personnel to formulate plans, routes, locations, etc. with safety of all persons involved in the primary concern.

5. Maintain and keep current their copy of this manual and have it on site at any job or operation requiring the waiver.

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6. The pilot in command may delegate functions to other personnel, but retains responsibility.

VISUAL OBSERVER

Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Maintain visual line of sight with the sUAS at all times.

2. Maintain direct communication with the PIC.

3. Maintain a broader “situational” awareness of the secure area and stay alert for unauthorized persons or vehicles that could compromise the area.

4. Assist the PIC in with collision avoidance. Including, but not limited to, avoidance of other traffic, clouds, obstructions, and terrain.

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## Appendix A - Location Permission Form

In signing this form, I am giving the pilots of HighGround Images, LLC permission to operate their aircraft at less than 500 feet from property, or within some jurisdiction in which I am responsible for or affiliated with, for the purpose of image acquisition or inspection.

Name: ______________________________________________

Title: _________________________________

Basis of Authority

to Grant Permission:

__________________________________

Location:

___________________________________

Date of Operation: ____________________________

Signature _________________________________ Date ______________

HighGround Representative Receiving Permission:

____________________________________________

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## Appendix B - List of Approved Pilots

Phillip Hanley

Certificate Number : 3510920
Grade : Private Pilot - Single Engine Land, Complex! ! High Performance

Medical Class/Date (if applicable): Second Class / 09-25-2014

Contact Number: (602) 908-1037



### Sherman Pollard

Certificate Number : Grade:

Medical Class/Date (if applicable):

Contact Number:

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## Appendix C - List of Approved UASs

Current operators manuals are part of this appendix.

1. DJI, Phantom 2 Vision

2. DJI, Inspire 1

3. DJI, S900 Hexacopter

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