Standard Operating Procedures

Version 1

April 6, 2015
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Revision Date Change Description

- April 2015 Initial Release
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TABLE OF CONTENTS

1 Introduction............................................................................................................ 5

1.1 Contents ................................................................................................................ 5

1.2 Purpose ................................................................................................................. 5

1.3 Federal Aviation Regulations Compliance.............................................................. 5

1.4 Relevant Documents.............................................................................................. 5

1.4.1 Air Vehicle Flight Manuals ..................................................................................... 5

1.4.2 N 8900.227 UAS Operational Approval.................................................................. 5

1.4.3 Federal Aviation Regulations ................................................................................. 5

1.5 Definitions.............................................................................................................. 5

1.6 Document Control and Amendment Process ......................................................... 7

1.7 Dimensional Units.................................................................................................. 7

2 Organization .......................................................................................................... 7

2.1 Supervisory and Support Personnel....................................................................... 7

2.1.1 Director of Operations............................................................................................ 7

2.1.2 UAS Training Manager .......................................................................................... 7

2.1.3 UAS Flight Crew .................................................................................................... 7

2.1.4 Spectrum Manager ................................................................................................ 7

2.2 Field Personnel...................................................................................................... 7

2.2.1 UAS Instructor ....................................................................................................... 7

2.2.2 UAS Operator (UAS PIC)....................................................................................... 7

2.2.3 Observer................................................................................................................ 7

2.3 Personnel And Student Qualifications Requirements............................................. 8

2.3.1 Certifications.......................................................................................................... 8

2.3.2 Training.................................................................................................................. 8

2.3.3 Drug and Alcohol Policy - (Employee Safety Rules S-28.5) ................................... 9

2.4 Duty Times And Crew Rest...................................................................................11

2.5 Logs and Records.................................................................................................11

2.5.1 Training Records ..................................................................................................11

2.5.2 Operator Flight Time Log ......................................................................................11

2.5.3 Vehicle Flight Time Log ........................................................................................12

2.5.4 Vehicle Maintenance Records ..............................................................................12

2.6 Technical Description of UAS ...............................................................................12

2.7 Operational Approval ............................................................................................12

2.7.1 Scheduled UAS Flights.........................................................................................12

2.7.2 On-Demand UAS Flights ......................................................................................12
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2.8 Missions................................................................................................................13

2.8.1 Flight Instruction ...................................................................................................13

2.9 Areas of Operation................................................................................................13

2.10 Operating Limitations and Conditions ...................................................................13

2.11 Privacy..................................................................................................................13

3 Operating Procedures...........................................................................................13

3.1 Flight Planning and Preparation............................................................................13

3.1.1 Operating Site Assessment...................................................................................13

3.1.2 Frequency Management.......................................................................................13

3.1.3 Pre-Notification .....................................................................................................13

3.1.4 Site Permission.....................................................................................................14

3.1.5 Weather Requirements.........................................................................................14

3.1.6 Preparation and Serviceability of Equipment.........................................................14

3.2 On-Site Procedures and Pre-flight checks ............................................................14

3.2.1 Site Survey ...........................................................................................................14

3.2.2 Safety / Risk Management....................................................................................14

3.2.3 Briefings................................................................................................................14

3.2.4 Communications...................................................................................................15

3.2.5 Weather Check.....................................................................................................15

3.2.6 Refueling / Recharging .........................................................................................15

3.2.7 Security.................................................................................................................15

3.2.8 Preparation and Correct Assembly of the UAS .....................................................15

3.2.9 Pre-Flight Checks .................................................................................................15

3.3 Flight Procedures..................................................................................................16

3.3.1 Normal Procedures...............................................................................................16

3.3.1.1 See and Avoid ..............................................................................................16

3.3.1.2 Mission Plan Execution.................................................................................16

3.3.2 Emergency Procedures ........................................................................................16

3.3.2.1 Adverse Weather..........................................................................................16

3.3.2.2 System Malfunctions.....................................................................................16

3.3.2.3 Rogue Aircraft (Fly Away).............................................................................16

3.3.2.4 Fire ...............................................................................................................17

3.4 Mishap Plan..........................................................................................................17
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1 Introduction

1.1 Contents

This document describes the management of AUV, LLC.’s (AUV) unmanned aircraft operations 

and related safety considerations. This document applies to all Unmanned Aircraft System 

(UAS) operations conducted by AUV, regardless of geographic location.

1.2 Purpose

To provide Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for flight of UAS in both Restricted Airspace 

and the National Airspace System (NAS), for the purpose of OEM Certification, Flight Training, 

Continuous Operations, and Flight Testing both CONUS and OCONUS.

1.3 Federal Aviation Regulations Compliance

AUV will make every effort to comply with all applicable portions of Title 14 CFR Part 91 Federal 

Aviation Regulations (FAR) except where exemptions or authorizations issued to AUV permit 

deviation from FARs, or where maintaining safety of flight takes precedence. 

Intentional deviation from a flight rule is authorized only when an in-flight emergency requires 

immediate action, safety of flight dictates (e.g., avoidance of an in-flight collision), or operational 

necessity is declared by a competent authority. Intentional deviation from a flight rule is not 

authorized when the deviation will jeopardize the safety of manned aircraft or civilians.

The FAA Exemption under Section 333 establishes provisions for operating in the U.S. National 

Airspace System (NAS) to ensure that UAS flight operations maintain a level of safety

equivalent to those of manned aviation operations. All AUV UAS operating in the National 

Airspace will comply with the FAA exemption.

1.4 Relevant Documents

1.4.1 Air Vehicle Flight Manuals 

Each air vehicle flight manual contains specific operating information, procedures, instructions, 

and limitations for a particular air vehicle model. Supplements to flight manuals are issued by 

AUV with direct guidance from AUV’s Safety Team to provide information on updated changes 

to air vehicle equipment and procedures.

1.4.2 N 8900.227 UAS Operational Approval

This document provides guidance used to determine if UAS might be allowed to conduct flight 

operations in the NAS.

1.4.3 Federal Aviation Regulations 

Operations in Restricted Airspace and OCONUS are subject to the Range Authority. FARs 

pertaining to UAS: 14 C.F.R §§ 61.113(a) & (b), 91.7(a), 91.121, 91.151(b), 91.405(a), 

91.407(a)(1), 91.409(a)(1) & (a)(2), 91.417(a) & (b), 71.15(c), and 73.19(a)(b) & (c). (to 

be updated specific to AUV’s 333 exemption if given by FAA)

1.5 Definitions

UAS Vehicle Maintenance – The scheduled or unscheduled work on an air vehicle that is 

required to attain and to sustain a state of airworthiness, and work that meets all required 

standards, practices, and guidelines for airworthiness.
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UAS Vehicle Modification – Any alteration, addition or removal of air vehicle structure, 

components, equipment, computer software or primary instrumentation. Routine maintenance is 

exempt from this definition.

UAS Vehicle Operations – A general term used to describe the operational phase of an air 

vehicle’s activity that normally commences with an air vehicle’s release for flight and terminates 

with its return to maintenance status. Aircrew training, functional check flights, and mission 

operations are considered subsets of air vehicle operations. “Air vehicle maintenance 

operations” is a general term used to describe non-flight maintenance activity.

Airworthiness – The capability of an air vehicle to be operated within a prescribed flight 

envelope in a safe manner.

Beyond Line of Sight (BLOS) – Typically refers to communication link protocols that enable 

unmanned air vehicle command and control outside of a direct link between a transmitter and a 

receiver.

Functional Check Flight (FCF) – Synonymous with a post-maintenance check flight and has the 

expressed purpose of flight checking altered UAS systems as required by the applicable 

maintenance manual.

Line of Sight (LOS) – Typically associated with RF communication direct link limitation between 

a transmitter and receiver. May also refer to visual line of sight (VLOS) between the controlling 

pilot and an air vehicle.

Observer – An individual who is a primary crewmember for UAS operations. The observer 

serves as the flight safety monitor to ensure there is no interference between the unmanned air 

vehicle and non-participating aircraft by means of see and avoid. The observer may perform 

these duties either on the ground, or in a chase aircraft while in direct communication with the 

controlling pilot.

Pilot in Command (PIC) – A person who holds the appropriate category, class, and, if 

appropriate, type rating for the aircraft and is qualified in its operation by appropriate center or 

mission management directives. The PIC has final authority and responsibility for the operation 

and safety of the flight.

Return-To-Land (RTL) – A mission segment whereby the UAS navigates back to its launch 

location. This can be planned or executed as part of a failsafe procedure.

Small Unmanned Aircraft System (sUAS) – Any UAS with gross weight under 55 lbs. 

sUAS Operator – An individual, qualified and responsible for the safe ground and flight 

operation of the unmanned aircraft and onboard systems

Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) – Any airborne vehicle system without a pilot onboard that is 

controlled autonomously by an onboard guidance and control system and is operated from a 

remote ground control station. The FAA defines a UAS as an aircraft. Unmanned aircraft 

systems can be operated via a remote located, manually operated flight control system or 

ground control system.
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1.6 Document Control and Amendment Process

This document will be maintained in accordance with AUV document control procedures and 

guidance from AUV safety management.

1.7 Dimensional Units

Both metric and U.S. English units will be used in this manual. Note that visibility distances are 

in statute miles (SM). All other distances are in nautical miles (NM) unless otherwise identified.

2 Organization

2.1 Supervisory and Support Personnel

2.1.1 Director of Operations

The AUV Director of Operations has final authority over airframes, sensors, operator 

assignments, flight status of individual UAS, readiness of mission plans and official training 

programs.

2.1.2 UAS Training Manager

The AUV UAS Training Manager is responsible for the training of UAS operators and UAS 

specialist. The training manager develops initial and recurrent training programs and maintains

training records.

2.1.3 UAS Flight Crew

AUV UAS Specialists develop authorized mission plans, including command and control sets for 

specific UAS. Specialists use area knowledge and a combination of software tools to design 

flight profiles with priority to safety considerations.

2.1.4 Spectrum Manager

The spectrum manager is responsible for ensuring all command and control frequencies and 

electromagnetic radiation emissions from unmanned aircraft are assigned and de-conflicted.

2.2 Field Personnel 

UAS personnel designations will be made based on overall experience, experience in similar 

types of UAS vehicles, experience in the actual UAS vehicle type, other training, and

demonstrated performance.

2.2.1 UAS Instructor

The Director of Operations will designate UAS pilots with appropriate qualifications and 

experience as UAS Instructors for each UAS vehicle type. Instructors will evaluate initial 

qualification and annual proficiency check flights for UAS vehicles for which they are instructor 

qualified. Instructors may perform Functional Check Flights (FCF) for UAS vehicles in which 

they are qualified. Instructors and students under instruction are the only PIC’s authorized to 

manually control a UAS.

2.2.2 UAS Operator (UAS PIC)

PIC Operator designation signifies full qualification in the appropriate vehicle. 

2.2.3 Observer

When necessary, the observer serves as the flight safety monitor to ensure non-interference 

between the UAS vehicle and non-participating aircraft by means of see and avoid. The 
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observer may perform these duties either on the ground on in a chase aircraft while in direct 

communication with the PIC. The observer (when ground-based), will also be responsible to 

monitor AUV’s assigned voice operations channel to insure ability to communicate with on-track 

equipment and locomotives.

2.3 Personnel And Student Qualifications Requirements

2.3.1 Certifications

UAS Instructors must have a FAA Private Pilot Certificate and a Class II Medical Certificate. 

Students must have a Class III Medical Certificate and have passed the FAA Private Pilot 

License (PPL) Written Exam. Observers must have passed the FAA Private Pilot License 

Written exam within 2 years.

2.3.2 Training

Training is conducted under direction of a current AUV UAS Instructor. The UAS Training 

Manager is responsible for the UAS checkout training program for each UAS. The training 

program will include exposure to all UAS handling qualities that might be encountered during 

routine or emergency operations without violating flight manual restrictions or limitations. 

Qualification training will vary with the UAS involved, but may include:

 Ground training which may include a UAS ground control station checkout, handbook 

study, attendance at formal UAS training programs, emergency procedure training, and

appropriate examinations.

 Simulator training, if available, to include normal and emergency procedure training.

 UAS checkout flights, which will include a prescribed number of UAS flights and landings 

while under the supervision of a UAS Instructor or in accordance with a formal UAS 

training syllabus. Additional flights may be scheduled in order to meet training and 

proficiency for specific science mission requirements.

 A check flight in the UAS or approved simulator or surrogate vehicle prior to being 

cleared for solo flights.

 Solo flights, if applicable, in which a prescribed number of UAS flights in a given time are 

performed to complete initial checkout or gain proficiency, followed by UAS flights of a 

limited nature or complexity. Solo Flights may only be conducted by individuals who 

have completed the UAS training course.

Prior to the first flight of a newly assigned UAS operator, the UAS operator must complete the

following items:

 Accomplish or provide documentation of a current Class III medical certificate;

 Ensure the training manager assembles a training record;

 Complete applicable UAS vehicle examinations;

 Complete a UAS emergency procedure review;

 Complete required reading, UAS Flight Manual and Checklist ;

 Receive safety briefing from UAS Instructor; and

 Complete required ground training in accordance with the approved UAS syllabus.

Field personnel will not perform flight duties in a position for which a documented training

program has not been completed unless approved by the Director of Operations, and under the

supervision of a UAS Instructor.
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2.3.3 Drug and Alcohol Policy - (Employee Safety Rules S-28.5)

Statement of Need

AUV Flight Services has a strong commitment to the health, safety and welfare of its 

employees, their families and its customers. Widely available statistics and information establish 

that the incidence of drug and alcohol abuse is increasing and that the effect is devastating to 

lives, business and the community at large. AUV Flight Services is concerned because of the 

potential for abuse among some of our employees. The safety of our employees and the 

general public could be endangered. Our commitment to maintaining a safe and secure 

workplace requires a clear policy and supportive programs relating to the detection, treatment 

and prevention of substance abuse by employees.

Goal

It is the goal of AUV Flight Services to provide a safe workplace by eliminating the hazards to 

health and job safety created by alcohol and other drug abuse. We believe this goal to be in the 

best interest of our employees.

Scope

This policy applies to all employees and contractors of AUV Flight Services while on the job and 

to situations where an employee's off-the-job or off-premises conduct impairs work performance 

or undermines public confidence in or harms the reputation of AUV Flight Services. It is also 

intended to apply to employees of firms doing business with the AUV Flight Services while on 

our premises.

Although AUV Flight Services has no intention of intruding into the private lives of its 

employees, we recognize that involvement with alcohol or other drugs off the job eventually 

takes its toll on job performance. Our concern is to ensure that employees report to work in a 

condition to perform their duties safely and efficiently in the interest of their fellow workers and 

customers as well as themselves.

Policy Statement

1. AUV Flight Services will not tolerate or condone substance abuse. It is our policy to 

maintain a workplace free from alcohol and other drug abuse and its effects.

2. It is the policy of AUV Flight Services that employees who engage in the sale, use, 

possession or transfer of illegal drugs or controlled substances, or who offer to buy or 

sell such substances; the use of alcohol during working hours; or the abuse of 

prescribed drugs will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination.

3. It is the policy of AUV Flight Services to commit the resources necessary to achieve and 

maintain a drug-free and alcohol-free environment.

4. AUV Flight Services expects the full support of this policy by all employees and all 

persons doing business with the AUV Flight Services.

Procedure

To provide a safe drug-free and alcohol-free working environment, AUV Flight Services will:

1. Establish definitive rules and regulations.

2. Provide increased awareness through training, education and communication on the 

subject of alcohol and other drug abuse.

3. Recognize that there may be employees who have an alcohol or other drug problem and 

stand willing to assist in the resolution of that problem by encouraging employees to 

seek help through employee assistance programs.
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In addition, AUV Flight Services may take any or all of the following actions:

1. Conduct alcohol and other drug screen tests both prospective to and during 

employment.

2. Inspect persons and their property in our employ or doing business with AUV Flight 

Services.

3. Cooperate with outside law enforcement agencies.

4. Take any other actions deemed necessary and appropriate by AUV Flight Services.

AUV Flight Services Responsibility

As a responsible employer and member of the community AUV Flight Services will:

1. Create awareness in employees and their families of the impact of substance abuse.

2. Administer programs that consider employee rights, are positive in their intent and are 

within legal boundaries.

3. Support the establishment of programs to assist employees with alcohol and other drug 

abuse or dependency problems.

4. Utilize all channels and resources available to it to educate and increase the awareness 

of employees and the general public.

5. Support local and national efforts to combat alcohol and other drug abuse and its effects.

Employee Responsibility

AUV Flight Services believes that each employee has the responsibility to:

1. Report to work at all times free of alcohol or other drugs and their effects.

2. Participate in and support AUV Flight Services-sponsored drug and alcohol education 

programs.

3. Seek and accept assistance for alcohol and other drug-abuse-related problems before 

job performance is affected.

4. Support AUV Flight Services efforts to eliminate alcohol and other drug abuse among 

employees where it exists.

5. For Flight Crew positions within AUV Flight Services, no person may act or attempt to 

act as a crewmember of an aircraft, either manned or unmanned: (modified from FAR 

91.17).

1. Within 12 hours after consumption of any alcoholic beverage;

2. While under the influence of alcohol;

3. While using any drug that affects the person’s faculties in any way contrary to 

safety or;

4. While having an alcohol concentration of 0.00 or greater in a blood or breath 

specimen. Alcohol concentration means grams of alcohol per deciliter of blood or 

grams of alcohol per 210 liters of breath.

Implementation

Each division, subsidiary or affiliate of AUV Flight Services will be responsible for establishing 

and implementing detailed policies and procedures, specific to its needs, in support of this 

policy. Each of these policies is subject to central review for consistency with AUV Flight 

Services’ policy.

Responsibility for interpretation of this policy falls to the AUV Flight Services’ human resource 

department.
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2.4 Duty Times And Crew Rest

CONUS

Flight limitations and rest requirements for Flight Crews of AUV Flight Services closely follow 14 

CFR 91.1059.

1. Flight time limitations and rest requirements:

a. No program manager may assign any flight crewmember, and no flight 

crewmember may accept an assignment, for flight time as a member of a one or 

two pilot crew if that crewmember’s total flight time in all flying will exceed:

i. 500 hours in any calendar quarter;

ii. 800 hours in any two consecutive calendar quarters

iii. 1400 hours in any calendar year.

b. Except as provided in paragraph c of this directive, during any 24 consecutive 

hours the total flight time of the assigned flight, when added to any flying by that 

flight crewmember, may not exceed:

i. 8 hours for a flight crew consisting of one pilot; or

ii. 10 hours for a flight crew consisting of two pilots qualified under this 

subpart for the operation being conducted.

c. No program manager may assign any flight crewmember, and no flight 

crewmember may accept an assignment, if that crewmember’s flight time or duty

period will exceed, or rest time will be less than:

Normal Duty Extension of Flight Time

Minimum rest before duty 10 Hours 10 Hours (hrs)

Duty period Up to 14 Hours Up to 14 hrs

Flight Time for 1 Pilot Up to 8 Hours Exceeding 8 hrs up to 9 hrs

Flight Time for 2 Pilots Up to 10 Hours Exceeding 10 hrs up to 12 hrs

Minimum after duty rest 10 Hours 12 Hours

 NOTE: Extension of Flight Time applies when a Normal Duty day must be 

exceeded due to circumstances outside of the operator’s control. 

2.5 Logs and Records

2.5.1 Training Records 

To ensure that all AUV UAS field personnel maintain the highest qualification and currency

standards, the Director of Operations creates, stores, and issues reports covering each 

individual UAS operator. All activities accomplished in support of initial, requalification and 

instructor checkout in a UAS vehicle will be documented and kept on file in the pilot’s training 

record. Additional pages used to document individual training events will be attached, as 

applicable.

2.5.2 Operator Flight Time Log

UAS pilot qualifications for all AUV assigned UAS vehicles are maintained by the Director of

Operations. Designated UAS operators shall log flight time as indicated in the paragraphs 

below:
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UAS operator time is logged when the pilot is supervising a mission plan with automatic flight 

modes. UAS pilot time is logged when the pilot is controlling movement of the vehicle’s primary 

flight control surfaces.

A UAS operator when performing UAS instructor duties during a UAS flight for which he is 

designated as an instructor may log UAS instructor time. In dual controlled UAS vehicles, a 

UAS operator may log instructor time when flying with a UAS operator under instruction who is 

logging pilot time.

2.5.3 Vehicle Flight Time Log

Each UAS vehicle will have a Kittyhawk UAS flight time logbook. Flight time begins when the 

vehicle is powered on and ends when the vehicle is powered off. Each vehicle’s log will be 

inspected by the UAS operator before each flight and will be updated after each flight. The flight 

log is a secured electronic document available to all authorized operators and maintenance 

providers. 

2.5.4 Vehicle Maintenance Records

All AUV owned UASs will be maintained according to manufacturer recommendations. 

Maintenance records will include the following information:

 Date, time and provider of the 100 hour, annual and on-demand maintenance and the 

specific maintenance performed;

 Status of life-limited parts (if any and other than batteries);

 Status of batteries (charge validation and depletion tests which are required monthly); 

and

 Time since last overhaul of items installed on the aircraft which are required on a specific

time basis.

Each UAS vehicle will have a Kittyhawk UAS Maintenance Record Log. The log will note the 

readiness of the aircraft, including status and fuel/battery service. An open grounding 

maintenance item may be downgraded to an open non-grounding item by approval of the Chief 

of UAS Operations before flight. All maintenance records will be kept for two years and 

available for FAA and/or NTSB inspection. 

2.6 Technical Description of UAS

A full technical description of each UAS operated by AUV will be included as a separate 

appendix on this manual.

2.7 Operational Approval

2.7.1 Scheduled UAS Flights

The Director of Operations will approve operator assignments and authorize flights via the AUV

routine flight schedule. To operate UAS vehicles, UAS operators must meet the qualification, 

training, checkout, and currency requirements of this document. Records are kept in the pilot’s 

training record maintained by the AUV UAS Training Manager.

2.7.2 On-Demand UAS Flights

On-demand flights must be formally requested and approved by the Director of Operations. 

UAS Specialists will conduct on-demand flights. When required, flights will be coordinated with 

all affected controlling agencies and organizations (FAA, airfield management, control tower, 

and emergency response teams).
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2.8 Missions

2.8.1 Flight Instruction

Use of UAS for the purpose of Flight Instruction and OEM Certification shall involve only 

approved flight maneuvers and operations provided in our 333 exemption.

2.9 Areas of Operation

All areas of operation will be identified based on the following criteria:

 Low population;

 Safe areas for launch and recovery;

 Minimal obstructions along the flight path;

 Distance from airports and manned aircraft operations;

 Operational and performance limitations of the UAS; and

 Environmental characteristics.

2.10 Operating Limitations and Conditions

Operations will occur in day Visual Flight Rules (VFR) conditions. Altitudes will be limited to 

400ft Above Ground Level (AGL). Range will be limited to VLOS. Specific operating and 

performance limitations of UAS will be adhered to in mission planning and all manual 

operations.

2.11 Privacy

AUV’s operation of sUAS are for the purposes of Large Scale Flight Training, Private Interest 

Flight Training, and OEM Certification Training. Privacy and safety of any persons in the vicinity 

of operations are of great importance to AUV and AUV will comply with all local, state and 

federal laws applicable to the safety and privacy of people in the vicinity of sUAS operations. 

Unless required to safely return the aircraft in an emergency situation, aircraft visual sensors will 

not focus on anything but AUV’s assets, and if any images or video of non-AUV assets is 

accidentally captured, the data will be immediately erased from the UAS camera, sensors, 

ground stations etc. at the local landing site.

3 Operating Procedures

3.1 Flight Planning and Preparation

3.1.1 Operating Site Assessment

UAS may operate from any suitable location as long as the aircraft remains below 400ft AGL

and away from populated or sensitive areas.

3.1.2 Frequency Management

UAS will operate on assigned frequencies only. All command and control frequencies and 

electromagnetic radiation emissions from unmanned aircraft must be assigned and de-conflicted 

with the AUV Director of Operations as necessary.

3.1.3 Pre-Notification

UAS operators will comply with any pre-notification requirements mandated by the FAA.

Missions will comply with regularly scheduled flight operations (as planned and requested by 

system maintenance and engineering teams) unless directed by the Director of Operations. 
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Before commencement and at the end of each flight, the UAS Operator will notify all AUV

employees in the area via the dispatcher radio channel.

3.1.4 Site Permission

Operations will be conducted on and directly over property for which AUV has possessory 

rights. For any flight profiles, or staging areas, or takeoff and landing zones not solely controlled

by AUV, appropriate permission will be obtained.

3.1.5 Weather Requirements

Visual Flight Rules apply. UAS will be operated within the defined wind limitations for that air 

vehicle and within the environmental condition limitations as prescribed by the UAS operating 

manual or similar documentation. Icing conditions shall be avoided at all times.

3.1.6 Preparation and Serviceability of Equipment

UAS vehicles and equipment will be containerized according to the needs of operators in 

specific operational areas. Tools and spare parts should be provided such that UAS operators 

may remedy field repairable damage or address minor maintenance discrepancies.

Detailed instructions on field repairable damage and routine maintenance items will be provided 

in a UAS specific field maintenance manual, which accompanies the UAS in the field.

3.2 On-Site Procedures and Pre-flight checks

3.2.1 Site Survey

Upon arrival at an operational area, UAS operators shall survey the area to determine if there 

are any unforeseen or undocumented changes to the area that would negatively impact safety

or the execution of the mission plan. If safety or quality is in question, the pilot should abort the 

mission and make a report of the change to the site to a UAS specialist.

3.2.2 Safety / Risk Management

All daily routines involve risk. The most logical choices for accomplishing a mission or task are 

those that expose personnel and resources to the lowest acceptable risk. If risk is identified and 

if risk cannot be clearly mitigated, abort the operation immediately and notify a UAS Specialist.

3.2.3 Briefings

Flight planning is an essential part of the process for conducting UAS flights in a safe and 

efficient manner. All flights conducted by AUV UAS vehicles will be planned and briefed 

appropriately to ensure thorough preparation.

The UAS operator for each mission segment should conduct this briefing. The intent is to cover 

all operational aspects of the mission and to promote full understanding among participants. 

The guidelines for conducting briefings are listed below.

Briefing formats for different project flights may vary, but should cover the following areas:

 Crew Assignments;

 Weather;

 Mission plan/flight profile;

 Mission rules/limitations/Go and No-Go Criteria;

 Aircraft status;

 Personnel coordination items;

 Emergency procedures (forced termination, alternate landing sites, etc.); and
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 Failsafe and RTL / landing fuel / power.

Post-flight debriefings will be conducted to discuss general flight conduct, mission

accomplishments and areas for improvement. An initial debrief will be conducted after landing 

to discuss and document UAS vehicle maintenance status and mission success. A formal 

debrief may be conducted when all UAS personnel are available to discuss the overall mission 

conduct and lessons learned.

3.2.4 Communications

Before commencement and after the UAS vehicle has landed and is disabled, the UAS PIC will 

notify all personnel in the area that UAS operations are about to commence (or complete). 

Specifics of the UAS PIC last name, location of operations, and expected duration of operations 

must be clearly stated. In addition to other reporting procedures as outlined in this manual, in 

the event of an emergency (UAS fly-away or unplanned landing at an alternate site), the UAS 

PIC must notify AUV personnel immediately. 

3.2.5 Weather Check

Weather limitations for each mission will be formulated and approved by a UAS specialist. The 

weather conditions at scheduled launch time and plus and minus one hour of scheduled

recovery time shall meet the prescribed limitations. 

3.2.6 Refueling / Recharging

UAS projects will establish minimum and emergency fuel / power remaining requirements for 

each UAS vehicle operated by AUV. UAS specialists will plan each mission to allow completion 

above the minimum fuel/power remaining requirements for the respective UAS. UAS operators

will adhere to all refueling/battery swap instructions in the mission plan. All mission plans will 

have a low fuel/low power failsafe action. 

Operators will declare emergency fuel/power when it becomes apparent that a landing will occur 

at or below the emergency fuel/power unless the mission is abbreviated or terminated. 

Operators may perform an auto-land or RTL landing if it is in the best interest of safety. 

3.2.7 Security

All personnel present during operations must display their AUV credentials at all times, and 

must comply with AUV Operating Rules, Employee Safety Rules, and System Special 

Instructions. All field personnel shall have access to a cell phone for the purpose of 

communicating with emergency services and AUV’s Director of Operations in the event of an 

emergency.

3.2.8 Preparation and Correct Assembly of the UAS

Critical assembly diagrams and checklists will be provided for the UAS, if applicable. UAS field 

personnel will accomplish critical assembly checks with strict discipline. If assembly or aircraft 

condition does not meet manufacturers’ guidelines or if the UAS Operator believes that the UAS 

is not correctly assembled, the mission must be cancelled. 

3.2.9 Pre-Flight Checks 

Checklists will be provided for each UAS. UAS operators will accomplish all checklists with 

strict discipline. A checklist is not complete until all items are accomplished. If checklist 

cannot be strictly followed, the mission must be cancelled. 
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3.3 Flight Procedures

3.3.1 Normal Procedures

3.3.1.1 See and Avoid

For UAS operations to comply with see and avoid requirements, they must have the 

capability to see (or sense) traffic and clouds in sufficient time to perform an avoidance 

maneuver in a timely manner. This can be done through the use of dedicated surface or 

airborne observers (chase vehicle) in direct communication with operators. If not capable of 

see and avoid, UAS may only be operated in approved segregated airspace (Restricted or 

Warning Areas, Restricted Operating Zones, etc.).

3.3.1.2 Mission Plan Execution

Remain within boundaries of planned airspace. If UAS vehicle deviates more than 50 vertical or 

horizontal feet from planned route, immediate RTL should be issued and validation of UAS 

guidance assessed. If RTL fails to execute, aircraft must be immediately landed and recovered 

when AUV operating rules indicate it is safe to do so.

3.3.2 Emergency Procedures

Emergencies are flight operations that deviate from the briefed mission for reasons of adverse 

weather, low fuel/battery state, system abnormalities, or other unforeseen events that are 

defined as abnormal and require specific actions. Critical emergency procedures, which have 

been committed to memory and acted upon without reference to a checklist, are required.

3.3.2.1 Adverse Weather

Maintain situational awareness of weather conditions and trends. Avoid conditions that exceed 

operating handbook limitations and be prepared to change altitudes or course to mitigate 

turbulence and escape headwinds that may prevent recovery. Avoid flight into precipitation that 

exceeds operating limitations. Be aware of icing levels and follow operating handbook 

procedures for escaping or mitigating icing. Be vigilant of inflight visibility, not only because of 

limitations to mission accomplishment and successful recovery but also because of the difficulty 

imposed on any required observers or manned aircraft in seeing and maintaining visual contact 

with the aircraft.

3.3.2.2 System Malfunctions

When encountering a system malfunction, take the time to analyze the situation and select the 

appropriate emergency procedure. Always execute the appropriate bold face procedure in the 

order specified.

3.3.2.3 Rogue Aircraft (Fly Away)

The pilot shall make every effort to re-establish control of the UAS and land at a safe location 

immediately.

In the event that the UAS exits the designated operational area under a flyaway condition, the 

pilot is responsible to deploy the flight termination system or execute the flight termination 

procedure. When in doubt, in an emergency situation, force the aircraft to the ground 

immediately on or as close to an unoccupied area, or company property, as possible. If the

aircraft is unrecoverable, the pilot is also responsible to notify the nearest ATC facility

immediately. Provide as much information on location, direction of travel, altitude, and expected 

vehicle behavior as possible.
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3.3.2.4 Fire

If a fire occurs as a result of an air vehicle crash landing, first responders will attempt to 

extinguish the fire and may decide to dial 911 to report the incident. If serious injuries occur as a 

result of an air vehicle crash landing, UAS operator shall dial 911 to report the incident as well 

as notify AUV Director of Operations after contacting local 911. Each flight team must have a 

fire extinguisher rated for electrical fire and if safe to do so, attempt to stop the fire. 

3.4 Mishap Plan

Personnel will comply with the approved mishap plan and will notify the AUV designated 

oversight representative immediately. The AUV designated oversight representative will notify

appropriate authorities.

If the air vehicle becomes a rogue aircraft (fly away) and/or crash lands outside of the 

designated operational area, field personnel will comply with the approved mishap plan. The 

nearest Air Traffic Control (ATC) agency will be contacted and provided with as much 

information on location, direction of travel, altitude, expected vehicle behavior and mishap 

location as possible.