Standard Operating Procedures

Global Positions, LLC

(Document modified from and Guidelines for North Texas Drone User Group)

May 2015

Introduction 

This document shall provide best practices and internal procedures for the safe operation of 

Unmanned Aircraft in all of the environments by Global Positions, LLC Operator(s). Not all of 

these instructions will apply to all situations, use best judgment and err to the side of safety. 

Personnel qualifications 

Pilot in Command (PIC) (aka Controller)

The PIC shall be the individual with responsibility for all other personnel involved with the 

operation. For clarification, this section will include both the Pilot in Command and the Pilot at 

the Controls although they may both be interchangeable in most circumstances. The PIC shall 

have the minimum qualifications; 

1. Knowledge of general AMA aviation practices 

2. 20/20 corrected vision 

3. Familiarity and operations of their own aircraft to include; 

a. The operator should have sufficient flights to be familiar of all flight 

characteristics

b. Familiar with the latest revision of ground control software 

c. Emergency recovery procedures in failed link situations 

4. Familiar with mission planning and preflight procedures 

5. Versed in emergency procedures and contingency operations 

6. Familiar with acceptable field repair and maintenance procedures 

Pilot at controls (PAC) 

1. Knowledge of general AMA aviation practices 

2. 20/20 corrected vision 

3. Familiarity and operations of their own aircraft to include; 

a. The operator should have sufficient flights to be familiar of all flight 

characteristics 

b. Familiar with the latest revision of ground control software 

c. Emergency recovery procedures in failed link situations 

4. Familiar with mission planning and preflight procedures 

5. Versed in emergency procedures and contingency operations 

6. Familiar with acceptable field repair and maintenance procedures 
Ground System Crew 

1. 20/20 corrected vision 

2. Familiarity and operations of their own aircraft to include; 

a. Familiar with the construction and configuration of each UA 

b. Familiar with GCS electronics and configuration 

c. Familiar with field repair procedures for each UA 

d. Familiar with the latest revision of ground control software 

Observers 

1. Shall understand the inherent risks of being in the vicinity of flight operations 

Airframes 

Materials incorporated into the UA should be tested as much as is reasonably possible and 

should be new and from a known manufacturer. As configured, the aircraft would be no more 

than 1⁄2 to 3/4 of a mile laterally from the pilot at the controls. Each aircraft of type is flight tested 

in an isolated area to ensure airframe structure and propulsion capability are sufficient for the 

intended payload, operating environment, and maneuvers required before it will fly any mission 

stated herein. 

Configuration 

1. For either fixed wing or rotor or multi rotor aircraft configurations total all up weight 

shall not exceed 10lbs. 

2. No aircraft shall exceed a speed of 50mph and use waypoints, RTL function only 

3. Must be able to instantaneously deactivate programmed flight of autopilot systems at any 

time during flight and resume manual control of the model aircraft 

Construction 

The UA can be constructed of foam, Kevlar, carbon fiber, wood, plastic or other materials as 

long as they have a proven track record of being airworthy within the aircrafts flight envelope. 

Propulsion 

Aircraft may utilize brushless, three phase, AC motors that may require a switching electronic

speed control to provide throttle management. Gas powered engines are allowed but must have a 

kill engine switch accessible on the transmitter and/or GCS. 

Fly-Ins 

Each Fly-In has its own unique circumstances that may affect the operation of the UA, safety 

factors, and personnel involved. The PIC will consider the following factors before authorizing 

any launch of his/her UA. 
1. Weather 

When possible, the PIC shall contact the closest flight service station for weather in the 

immediate area of operations. In lieu of that source, the local source of weather may be 

utilized through the internet, or may be observed on site. The PIC shall have final 

determination of risk due to weather and authority over any launch of his/her own aircraft 

2. Hazards to the public 

The PIC shall make every effort to ensure that flight operations will not pose any undue risk to 

the public not directly involved with the effort. The PIC shall have final determination of risk to 

the public and authority over any launch of his/her own aircraft 

3. Hazards to property 

The PIC shall make every effort to ensure that flight operations will not pose any undue 

risk to any property in the area involved with the effort. The PIC shall have final 

determination of risk to the property and authority over launch of his/her own aircraft.

4. Hazards to personnel 

The PIC shall make every effort to ensure that flight operations will not pose any undue 

risk to the personnel directly involved with the effort. The PIC shall have final 

determination of risk to the public and authority over any launch of his/her aircraft 

5. Proximity to controlled airspace 

The PIC shall ensure that all unreported operations take place at least three (3) miles from 

any controlled airspace. Operations inside any controlled airspace shall be performed 

with permission of, and in constant communication with, the controlling authority of the 

airspace. The PIC shall have final authority over launch after clearance has been granted 

by the controlling authority. The controlling authority maintains the right to abort any 

flight operation regardless of the stage that operation is in. 

Launch and Landing Zones 

Launch Site Selection 

Launch site selection shall be driven by safety first and foremost. Selection of launch sites will 

be considered based upon:

1. Ability to maintain adequate buffer zones between aircraft and personnel 

RPSS personnel shall maintain a buffer of at least 50 feet between aircraft operations and 

all non-essential personnel. Observers shall act as safety supervisors while not 

performing the duty of inflight observer. 

2. Environmental Assessment 
No launches shall occur until all environmental assessments have been considered. 

Personnel have final authority to abort any launch based upon hazard to the environment, 

themselves, or other personnel in the area. 

3. Departure over sparsely populated corridors 

The PIC shall make every effort to select a launch site that minimizes departures over populated 

areas. If flights over populated areas must take place the PIC shall plan each flight to minimize 

the time of areas of concern. 

Landing site & Alternate landing sites 

1. Primary Landing site 

Typically the primary landing shall be the same as the launch site. The PIC has final authority for 

any approaches to the primary site and may wave off any approach deemed unsafe. 

2. Alternate landing sites 

The PIC shall designate at least one alternate landing site. In the event that a wave off is 

not possible and the primary landing site is deemed unsafe, procedures to utilize the 

secondary site will be invoked. 

3. Mission Abort Sites 

The PIC may optionally designate an “abort site” whereby the aircraft may be “dumped” in an 

emergency situation. The abort site shall be so far removed as to provide absolute minimal risk 

should the aircraft be required to vacate airspace in an emergency. Should the PIC deem it 

necessary the UA may be flown to this site and inserted without regard to the safety of the 

aircraft or flight equipment. 

4. Approaches over populated areas. 

The PIC shall make every effort to select a landing site that minimizes 

approaches over populated areas. 

5. Landing Safety & Crowd control 

All landing sites shall be maintained and operated as the launch sites. Personnel shall maintain a 

buffer of at least 50 feet between aircraft operations and all non-essential personnel. 

Preflight, Takeoff, and Post flight Checklists 

Primary Responsibility 

Preflight activities are completed and verified by the PIC before takeoff, generally upon arrival 

at the location and the operation is to be performed. Activities in this segment refer to all 

knowledge gathering, area assessment, and actions performed on the aircraft before taxi or 

takeoff. These include inspection of aircraft, assessment of the operating location, and 

coordination with other crew members involved in the operation, and equipment checkouts.
Mission Plan 

The mission plan shall contain all actions and contingencies for the mission planned. Any 

limiting factors in the flight environment may alter the intended operation and modify the 

mission plan accordingly. Contingency planning should include safe routes in the event of a 

system failure, degraded performance, or lost communication link, if such a failsafe exists. 

Airframe 

The airframe shall be given a thorough inspection thru the use of a checklist. The content of the 

checklist will be as follows: 

1. Before the first flight of the day, verify all transmitter, on-board aircraft, and camera 

batteries are fully charged. 

2. Check all control surfaces for signs of damage, loose hinges, and overall condition. 

3. Check the control linkages are secured and the condition of the control horns and 

brackets. 

4. Check the wing to make sure it is in good structural condition and properly secured and 

aligned to the airframe. 

5. Check the motor/engine and mounting system to make sure it is firmly attached to the 

airframe. 

6. Check the propeller or rotor blades for chips, cracks, looseness and any deformation 

7. Check the landing gear (if applicable) for damage, for secure attachment, and the wheels 

are in good shape and rotate freely. 

8. Check that the servos are firmly attached to the airframe and all receiver connections are 

secure. 

9. Check all electrical connections making sure they are plugged in and secured to the 

airframe. 

10. Check that the photography equipment and mounting system are secure and operational. 

11. Perform an overall visual check of the aircraft prior to arming any power systems. 

12. Repair or replace any part found to be un-airworthy in the pre-flight prior to takeoff. 

Flight Control/Ground station 

1. Ensure there are no frequency conflicts by use of frequency scanner before turning on 

transmitter. 

2. Ensure that there are no identical NET ID's operating in your area. 

3. Make sure that all of your body parts, clothing, other obstructions, and bystanders are 

well away from any propeller or rotor and its arc before turning power on to any systems. 

Make sure the aircraft is secure and will not move if the motor was suddenly powered up. 

4. Announce out loud - "CLEAR PROP". 

5. Turn on the transmitter. If it displays information such as aircraft memory and battery 

voltage, be sure these numbers are correct. 

6. Make sure that the throttle stick on the transmitter is in the power off position. 

7. Connect the battery and/or turn on the power switch to the aircraft. 
8. Follow the recommended range test procedures as outlined in your radio 

transmitter/receiver owner's manual. 

9. Check for proper operation of control surfaces. 

10. Check that all servos are steady and not chattering or making any other abnormal noise 

when in operation or idle. 

11. Check the motor/engine for proper operation. Firmly secure the aircraft and gradually 

increase the throttle to full power and back down to idle - checking for lack of thrust, 

vibration or other possible anomalies. Check that the motor stops completely when the 

throttle stick is at the off position. 

12. Ensure the triggering device is working correctly. 

Before Take Off: 

1. Confirm transmitter antenna is fully extended. 

2. Confirm transmitter trims settings in proper position. 

3. Confirm receiver antenna is fully extended. 

4. Check that the takeoff area is clear of obstructions and people. 

5. Double check weather conditions and review potential emergency landing areas. 

6. Set flight timer alarm. 

7. Announce out loud - "PREPARING TO TAKE OFF." 8. Launch aircraft. 

In-Flight: 

1. Climb to a safe altitude away from potential hazards and check control systems.

2. Reset trims if necessary. 

3. Keep aircraft at a safe operating distance from people and buildings. 

4. If aircraft must be flown over buildings or people, maintain a safe altitude for recovery & 

make every effort to minimize exposure. 

5. Continually scan the flight and ground areas for potential hazards. 

Landing: 

1. Check the control systems and set the trims that if necessary, an emergency abort 

landing can be made. 

2. Scan landing area for potential obstruction hazards and recheck weather conditions. 

3. Announce out loud - "PREPARING TO LAND." 4. Always be prepared to go 

around. 

5. Carefully land the aircraft away from obstructions and people. 

Post-Flight: 

1. Turn the power off to the aircraft and/or disconnect the batteries. 

2. Turn off the transmitter. 

3. Turn the power off to the photo equipment. 

4. Visually check aircraft for signs of damage and/or excessive wear. 

5. Remove the unused fuel if applicable. 

6. Secure the aircraft. 
Field Repairs 

After recovery of the aircraft, if an inspection should reveal any damage, the PIC may authorize 

the field repair of the aircraft. Field repairs can consist of two types, critical and non-critical. 

1. Non-critical repairs are repairs made to the airframe or components that are 

not critical to the flight control or function of the aircraft in its assigned mission.

Repairs of this nature are patches to covering, replacing fairings or cowlings, or 

repairs that enhance the mission payload. 

2. Critical repairs or those repairs that must be made that directly affect the 

ability of the aircraft to perform its function and to continue the mission. Typical 

repairs of this nature would be such as replacing a motor, or replacing a fight control 

servo. 

Clearing the scene 

Environmental considerations 

Personnel shall leave as small an environmental footprint as possible. The immediate 

area around the flight operations shall be policed for equipment, personal items, or 

trash. Any material that was removed to make way for flight operations shall be 

returned and re-established as it was found. 
DJI INSPIRE 1 PRE-FLIGHT CHECKLIST

Aircraft (AC) and Remote Controller (RC) batteries fully charged

Tablet fully charged

Operator has Safety Glasses on

Portable Radio for communicating with manned AC fully charged

Ensure SD card has free space and is inserted into the camera

Ensure Firmware is updated on AC and RC(s)

Cache location maps into all DJI Pilot app devices

Check for frequency (FX) used by local manned AC (Skyvector.com)

Check if flight location is in No-Fly Zone (Check here: airmap.io)

Program local FX into portable radio

Check for NOTAMs at desired flight location (FAA.gov/notamSearch)

Check weather

Precipitation less than 5-10%

PWinds under 20kts

Cloud layer above 500' (152M)

1 statute mile visibility

KP index is 5 or less (Check here: UAVforecast.com)

Check Sunrise, Sunset, Moonrise, Moonset

Comprehensive maintenance after 200 flights or 50 flight hours. (Maintenance Manual)

LO CATION ON-SITE CHECK

Check flying area free of overhead obstructions

Wires, low flying AC, trees, tall buildings

Antennas that may interfere with compass and GPS reception

Weather meets conditions
Winds under 20 kts (23 MPH or 10 meters per second)

Clouds above 500’ (152M)

Visibility for 1 statute mile

KP index 5 or less

Confirm flight plan with camera operator and/or spotter

Note: Still perform step if by oneself, it adds clarity to decision making.

PHYSICAL AI RCRAFT CH ECK

Desired ND filter attached to camera

Camera locked in place

SD card in camera

Motors clear of Foreign Object Debris (FOD)

Note: FOD may cause motor burnout and complete AC inversion on take-off

Check propellers for any melting, misshapen, or cracks

Propellers hand tight

Prop locks firmly attached or

Quick Release plastic base has no cracks or fissures.

REMOTE CONT ROL L ER CH ECK

Q-Antennas oriented properly

Note: The broad side should face the AC and they should not touch each other.

Switch to P-GPS mode

Landing gear switch oriented down
Check battery level of RC for minimum 75%

DJI PILO T APP CHECK

Maximum Flight altitude set

Note: 121 Meters = 400’

Failsafe Mode, Set for 10M Clearance above lowest obstacle in flight plan

Note: 1 Meter = 3.3’

RC Signal Lost set to Return-to-Home

Set Adaptive Landing Gear

Note: Preferred setting is “on”

Check Sensors

Gyroscope between “-1.0 to +1.0”

Acceleration between “-1.0 to +1.0”

Compass MOD between “1400 - 1599”

Check IMU

Image Transmission Channel set

Note: Watch channels for 30 seconds to ensure selected channel is indeed stable

Battery Cells all 4.28V or greater

At least 98% battery

Ensure no greater than .2V between battery cells

Adjust Gimbal Role to make level

Ensure enough Satellites are locked (recommend 16)

Set Camera Orientation mode
Note: Recommend “Follow-mode” for solo and “free-mode” with camera

Turn all devices to airplane mode

Face AC into the wind

Note: This allows AC to float back to operator in case of emergency.

Check heading of Aircraft

Note: Ensure nose heading of red paper airplane is close to nose heading of actual 

aircraft.

Start Video recording

Start Propellers using a Combined Stick Command (CSC)

Ensure blue dot representing RC is accurately located on map

Ensure home point is accurately set on map