UAV	Multi	Rotor	Flight	Operations	Manual

April	25,	2015

Southern	Aero	Cam

UAV	Multi	Rotor

Flight	Operations

and	Procedures	Manual

Volume	1

April,	2015

THIS	MANUAL MUST	BE	AVAILABLE	TO	THE	PILOT

WHILE	FLIGHT	OPERATIONS	ARE	BEING	CONDUCTED

DAYTIME	VFR	ONLY

BELOW	400’	AGL

WITHIN	VISUAL	RANGE
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TABLE	OF	CONTENTS:

Chapter	1 Before	Accepting	an	Assignment

Define	the	Objective

UAV	Operational	Limitations

FAR	Procedural	Limitations

Company	Operating	Procedures

Letter	of	Agreement

Chapter	2	 Safety	Considerations

Safety	of	Non-Participants	and	Property

Non-Participant	Proximity

Safety	of	Talent and	Crew

Environmental	Factors

National	Airspace	Awareness

ForeFlight	Software

PIC	Personal	Limits

PIC	Personal	Weather	Minimums

IMSAFE Checklist

Chapter		3	 Operational	Limitations

Daytime	Only	Operations

VFR	Weather	Conditions	Only

Cloud	Clearance	Minimums

Visual	Line	of	Sight	(VLOS)

Maximum	Altitude

Maximum	Horizontal	Distance	from	the	PIC

Maximum	Speed

Chapter		4	 PIC	Requirements

FAA	License	Requirements

Medical	Certificate

Airman	Currency	

UAV	Multi-Rotor	Hour	Requirements

UAV	Multi-Rotor	Currency
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Chapter		5	 UAV	Multi-Rotor	Specifications

Design	Characteristics

Flight	Controller

GPS	Module

LED	Module

Ground	Controller

Controller	Frequency	Determination

Batteries

Gross	Weight

Design	Safety	Considerations

Chapter		6	 Flight	Procedures

Multi-Rotor Checklist

GPS	Home	Location	Acquisition

Minimum	Satellite	Reception	for	GPS	Flight

Flight	in	Attitude	Mode

Flight	in	Manual	Mode

Flight	Duration

Battery	Reserve Minimums

Low	Voltage	Visual	Alarm

Low	Voltage	Aural	Alarm

Low	Voltage	Thrust	Range	Alarm

Post-Flight	Battery	Check

Transmitter	Voltage	Display

Chapter		7	 Aircraft	Maintenance

Responsibility	for	Airworthy	Condition

Aircraft	Maintenance	Logbook	

Software	Updates

Manufacturer’s	Scheduled	Maintenance

Motor Replacement	Schedule

Propeller	Maintenance	&	Replacement

Test	Flight	Following	Alterations	or	Maintenance

Return	to	Service	Log	Entry

Battery	Monitoring	and	Replacement
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Chapter		8	 Aircraft	Numbering

N-Number	Location	and	Size

Owner	Contact	Information

Chapter		9	 Permission	for	Flight	Operations

Landowner	Permission

Appropriate	Governmental	Agencies

Ships	or	other	Vessels

Vehicles

Structure	Inhabitants

Safety	Abort

Chapter		10	 Operations	near	Airports	or	Potential	

Aircraft	Traffic	Conflicts

Absolute Situational Awareness

ForeFlight	Software

Airport	Manager	Permission	

NOTAM	Request

FSDO	Coordination

Vertical	Operation	Limits

Right	of	Way

Minimum	Time	Aloft

Chapter		11	 Deviations	and	Accidents

Deviation	Reporting

Accident	or	Personal	Injury	Reporting
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Chapter	1

Before	Accepting	an	Assignment

Define	the	Objective

When	discussing	a	possible	flight	with	a	client, the	objective for	the	

flight	must	be	made	clear.		Both	the	client	and	PIC	must	be	comfortable	

with	the	goals	and	limitations of the	operation.	

What	is	the	footage	to	be	used	for?		What	kinds	of	shots	are	required?		

From	what	distance,	at	what	focal	length	and	how	long	do	the	shots	

need	to	be.		Can	you	remain	aloft	long	enough	to	get	the	required	shots?		

If	the	client	requires	operations	that	our	UAV	and	crew	cannot	

reasonably	be	expected	to	undertake,	a	handoff	to	a	larger	UAV	or	

manned	aircraft	is	indicated.

UAV	Operational	Limitations

Company	UAVs	have	a	limited	flight	time,	maximum	payload	and	limited	

camera	and	gimbal	functionality.	Flight	operations	must	be	designed	

within	the	limitations	of	the	aircraft	and	accessories.

FAR	Procedural	Limitations

Statutory	regulations	for	UAV	operations	and	limitations	contained	in	

the	Certificate	of	Waiver	or	Authorization	(COA) place	multiple	

restrictions	on	flight	operations.		During	initial	client	consultations,	

these	limitations	must	be	clearly	communicated.		If	the	client’s	

requirements	exceed	any	of	these	limitations,	the	operation	must	either	

be	declined	or	modified	to	comply	with	the	operating	restrictions in	the	

COA.

Company	Operating	Procedures

Company	Operating	Procedures	as	outlined	in	this	manual	must	be	

followed	to	insure	a	safe	environment	for	flight	operations	and	comply	

with	the	terms	of	the	COA.
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Letter	of	Agreement

A	signed	Letter	of	Agreement	must	be	obtained	prior	to	any	flight	

operations.		The	letter	explains	the	company	policies	regarding	safety,	

weather	minimums,	PIC	and	UAV	limitations	as	well	as	FAA	operational	

restrictions.	
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Chapter	2

Safety	Considerations

Safety	of	Non-Participants	and	Property

The	safety	of	non-participants	and	property	is	the	highest	mission	

priority.		All	operations	must	be	conducted	in	such	a	manner	as	to	

reduce	the	risk	of	injury	or	property	damage.			

Non-Participant	Proximity

UAV	flight	closer than	500	feet	from	non-participants	is	prohibited.		

Non-participants	are	permitted	closer	than	500	feet	provided	they	are	

protected	by	structure	that	would	completely	shield	them	from	a	direct	

UAV	strike	in	the	event	of	an	in-flight	loss	of	control.		A car	or	house	

might	provide	such	protection.		

Safety	of	Talent	and	Crew

Talent	and	Crew	should	be	briefed	that	UAV	operations	will	occur	on	set	

before	they	accept	their	contract	so	that	they	have	the	opportunity	to	

evaluate	the	risks	before	arriving	on-set.		

Before	flight	operations,	the	crew	will	be	briefed	on	the	safety	

procedures	by	the	PIC.			Additionally,	before	each	flight,	the	PIC	will	

make	a	Safety	Announcement	and	explain	the	details	of	the	flight	as	well	

as	any	emergency	procedures.		The	lost-link	recovery	area	will	be	

clearly	marked	and	talent	and	crew	will	remain	clear	of	this	area	during	

flight	operations.		

Environmental	Factors

The	PIC	has	the	sole	authority	for	the	safety	of	flight.	 External	factors	

must	not	influence	the	PIC	to	undertake	a	flight	that	is	not	safe	or	legal.

Various	environmental	factors	will	determine	the	feasibility	of	flight	

operations.		Wind,	including	gusty	conditions,	visibility,	rain,	snow,	
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darkness,	obstacles,	unsecure	set	and	other	factors	must	be	evaluated	

before	each	flight.		

It	is	the	sole	duty	of	the	PIC	to	become	aware	of	all	environmental	

factors	that	will	affect the	safe	conduct	of	flight.		If	the	flight	cannot	be	

safely	conducted	for	any	reason whatsoever,	the	flight	must	be	delayed,	

aborted	or	cancelled.

National	Airspace	Awareness

The	PIC	will	at	all	times	be	completely	aware	of	his	location	within	the	

National	Airspace	(NAS).			This	includes	the	planned	or	potential	flight	

path	of	the	UAV	under	his	control,	including	the	flight	path	of	a	lost-link	

emergency	procedure.	

Operation	in	Class	A	airspace	is	prohibited.		Operation	in	all	other	

airspace	is	regulated	by	the	restrictions	specified	in	the	Certificate	of	

Waiver	or	Authorization	(COA)	issued	by	the	FAA.			

Additionally,	Flight	Operations	will	not	be	conducted	within	the	

following	distances	from	airports	or	heliports:

5	nautical	miles	(NM)	from	an	airport	having	an	operational	

control	tower;	or

3	NM	from	an	airport	with	a	published	instrument	flight	

procedure,	but	not	an	operational	tower;	or

2	NM	from	an	airport	without	a	published	instrument	flight	

procedure	or	an	operational	tower;	or

2 NM	from	a	heliport	with	a	published	instrument	flight	

procedure

PIC	will	yield	right	of	way	to	all	other	aircraft	operating	in	the	vicinity,	

manned	or	unmanned.		

ForeFlight	Software

The	PIC	will	determine	his	position	in	the	NAS	using	ForeFlight	

software.		A	current	subscription	must	be	maintained	on the	PIC’s	
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handheld	device,	which	must	contain	an	operating	GPS	or	other	means	

of	determining	precise	location.			

PIC	Personal	Limits

The	PIC	will	be	aware	of	his	own	personal	limits.		These	limits	may	

include	proximity	to	structure	or	talent,	low-level	operations,	

perception	of	the	UAV	in	three-dimensional	space,	proposed	speed	or	

difficulty	of	maneuvering	flight	or	other	factors.		The	PIC	must	only	

operate	the	UAV	within	the	boundaries	of	his	personal	limits	and	

abilities.		If	there	is	a	doubt,	the	PIC	should	request	a	practice	flight	so	

that	a	comfort	level	might	be	established	or	an	alternate	plan	might	be	

developed.

PIC	Personal	Weather	Minimums

The	PIC	should	not	attempt	a	flight	in	weather	conditions	that	exceed	

his	personal	minimums.			Wind	conditions	in	the	launch	and	recovery	

area	are	a	prime	consideration.			These	personal	minimums	should	be	

established	in	advance	using	a	handheld	anemometer	to	reduce	the	onset	“wishful	thinking”	that	often	causes	pilots	to	fly	in	conditions	outside	

of	their	personal	limitations,	often	with	unfortunate	results.		

IMSAFE	Checklist

The	PIC	should	refer	to	the	IMSAFE	checklist	below	before	any	flight	

operations.		

Illness	– Symptoms

Medication	– Prescription	or	OTC

Stress	– Job,	Financial,	Health,	Family

Alcohol	– 8/24	hours?

Fatigue	– Adequately	Rested

Eating	– Adequately	Nourished
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Chapter	3

Operational	Limitations

Daytime	Only	Operations

Flight	 operations	 will	 be	 conducted	 during	 daylight	 only	 as	 defined	in	

the	 Certificate	 of	 Waiver	 or	 Authorization	 (COA).	 	 Nighttime	 flight	 is	

prohibited.

VFR	Weather	Conditions	Only

Flight	 operations	 will	 be	 conducted	 with	 at	 least	 3	 statute	 miles	

visibility.

Cloud	Clearance	Minimums

Flight	 operations	 will	 be	 conducted	 with the	 following	 VFR	 cloud	

clearance	 minimums:	 500’	 below,	 2,000’	 horizontal	 and	 1,000	 feet	

above.

Visual	Line	of	Sight	(VLOS)

Flight	operations	must	be	conducted by	Visual	Line	of	Sight	(VLOS).	The	

PIC	or	Visual	Observer	(VO)	may	not	use	any	device	other	than	the	

corrective	lenses	specified	on	the	PICs	Medical	Certificate.

Maximum	Altitude

Flight	Operations	must	be	conducted	at	less	than	400’	AGL.		Altitude	is	

calculated	by	the	on-board	Flight	Controller	Software	using GPS altitude	

calculations.		These	calculations	reference	the	takeoff	(and	return	point)	

altitude	information.		This	information	is	stored	automatically	prior	to	

flight.		

To	insure	compliance	with	the	400’AGL	restriction,	and	to	provide	an	

additional	level	of	safety,	the	maximum	altitude	setting	in	the	Flight	

Controller	Software	shall	be	set	to	100	meters	(328	feet).		This	will	not	
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allow	the	PIC	to	command	a	climb	above	328’AGL.		This	altitude	

restriction	remains	in	effect	during a	lost	control	link	event	since	the	

Flight	Controller	Software	is	located	on	board	the	UAS.

Maximum	Horizontal	Distance	from	the	PIC

The	 Letter	 of	 Exemption	 specifies	 VLOS	 as	 the	 only	 horizontal	 flight	

restriction.		Company	Policy	is	to	set	the	maximum	horizontal	distance	

in	the	Flight	Controller	Software	to	200	Meters	(656	feet)	during	normal	

operations.		This	provides	an	additional	level	of	safety	and	mitigates	the	

possibility	 of	 radio	 frequency	 interference	 or	 loss	 of	 signal	 strength	

from	the	transmitter.

Maximum	Speed

The	maximum	speed	for	Flight	Operations is	100	MPH	(87 Knots).		The	

PIC	should	never	operate	the	UAV	at	a	speed	at	which	positive	control	of	

the	aircraft	is	in	question.		Additionally,	the	UAV	must	not	be	operated	

at	a	speed	in	excess	of	the	manufacturer’s	recommendations.	

\
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Chapter 4

PIC	Requirements

FAA	License	Requirements

The	PIC	shall	hold,	at	a	minimum,	a	Private	Pilot’s	License	issued	by	the	

Federal	Aviation	Administration	(FAA).	

Medical	Certificate

The	 PIC	 shall	 hold,	 at	 a	 minimum,	 a	 current	 Third	 Class	 Medical	

Certificate	issued	by	an	FAA	approved	Airman	Medical	Examiner.	

Airman	Currency

The	PIC	shall	maintain	a	current Biennial	Flight	Review	endorsement	in	

his	logbook.		Additionally,	the	PIC	shall maintain	the	required	day	and	

night	currency for	carrying	passengers	as	required	under 14	CFR	61.57.

UAV	Multi-Rotor	Hour	Requirements

The	PIC	must	have	logged	a	total	of	25	hours	of	Multi-Rotor	PIC	time,	

(including	5	hours	in	the	same	make	and	model)	before	Flight	

Operations	may	be	conducted.		These	flight	operations	must	be	logged	

in	the	pilot’s	Multi-Rotor	UAV	logbook	under	the	provisions	of	14	CFR	

61.51.

UAV	Multi-Rotor	Currency

The	PIC	must	have	performed	20	takeoffs	and	landings	in	the	same	

make	and	model	during	the	preceding	90	days	before	he	may	conduct	

flight	operations.		These	flight	operations	must	be	logged	in	the	pilot’s	

Multi-Rotor	UAV	logbook	under	the	provisions	of	14	CFR	61.51.
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Chapter	5

UAV	Multi-Rotor	Specifications

PIC	must	be	familiar	with	the	most	up-to-date	User	Manuals	for	

the	UAV	systems	being	used.		These	manuals	must	be	available	

to	the	PIC	while	flight	operations	are	being	conducted.

Design	Characteristics

The	Multi	Rotor	UAV	Systems	operated	by	Southern	Aero	Cam	are the	

DJI	F550	Hexacopter	and	the	DJI	S1000	Octocopter.		 Both	systems	use	

counter-rotating	propellers	driven	by	battery-powered	electric	motors,	

which	are	controlled	by	an	on-board	flight	controller.			

Flight	Controller

Both	the	DJI	F550	Hexicopter	and	the	DJI	S1000	Octocopter	are	

controlled	by	an	on-board	computer,	or	Flight	Controller,	which	

converts	control	inputs	from	the	PIC	into	the	appropriate	aircraft	

motion.		The	Flight	Controller	varies	the	speed	of	the	multi-rotor	

propellers	to	control	the	UAV.		The	Flight	Controller	interprets	

information	from	an	on-board	GPS,	compass,	gyroscope	and	other	

position-sensing	devices	to	orient	the	UAV.	

The	Flight	Controller	software	may	be	programmed	to	limit	the	

horizontal	and	vertical	distance	from the	takeoff	point.		This	reduces	the	

risk	of	the	UAV	flying	out	of	range	of	the	PIC	transmitter.		The	altitude	

limit	feature may	be	used	to	insure	the	UAV	does	not	exceed	the	

Company	400’	AGL	operating	restriction.

GPS	Module

The	GPS	Module	provides	position	data	to	the	Flight	Controller, which	

enables	the	UAV	to	hold in	a	fixed	position	in	space.		In	a	lost-link	event,	
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the	GPS	data	enables the	UAV	to	return	to	a	pre-determined	recovery	

point.		

LED	Module

The	LED	Module	provides	signals,	which	help	in the	setup	and	operation	

of	the	UAV.		These	signals	include	information	about	GPS	satellite	

acquisition,	flight	mode,	and	battery	level.

Ground	Controller

The	Ground	Controller	is	a	common	and-held	transmitter	used by

remote	control	aircraft hobbyists.		The	receiver	on	board	the	UAV	is	

linked	to	the	control	inputs	on	the	Flight	Controller.		

Controller	Frequency	

The	Ground	Controller	uses	the	2.7GHz	radio	frequency	spectrum	

approved	by	the	Federal	Communications	Commission	(FCC)	for	use	by	

remote-control	hobby	aircraft.

Batteries

The	batteries	for	the	UAV	and	transmitter	are	Lithium-polymer	(LiPo)	

type,	which provide	the	best	power	to	weight	ratio.		They	require	

special	handling	procedures	to	properly	charge	and	store.	

Gross	Weight

Both Multi-Rotor	UAV	systems	used	by	Southern	Aero	Cam	have	a	very	

small	useful	load.		Extreme	care	is	required	to	avoid	overloading	these	

UAV	systems	with	excessive	battery	and	camera	combinations.		

Design	Safety	Considerations

The	Multi-Rotor	UAV	Systems	operated	by	Southern	Aero	Cam	have	

safety	features	to	avoid	accidental	operation	beyond	the	range	of	the	
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ground-based	transmitter	and	above	the	400’	AGL	operational	

restrictions	imposed	by	the	Company.	

Additional	safety	features	include	a	lost-link	feature	that	is	programmed	

to return	the	UAV	to	the	launch	position	in	the	event	of	a	loss	of	signal	

from	the	PIC’s	remote	control	transmitter.
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Chapter		6

Flight	Procedures

Multi-Rotor Checklist

Use	the	Company	UAV	Multi	Rotor	Checklist	while	Flight	Operations are	

being	conducted.			The	PIC	should	resist	the	temptation	to	operate	from	

memory.		

GPS	Home	Location	Acquisition

Before	 flight,	 the	 PIC	 must	 be sure	 that	 the	 UAV	 on-board	 GPS	 has	

properly	completed	the	pre-flight	home	point	acquisition.		In	the	event	

of	a	lost-link	event,	the	GPS	will	fly	the	UAV back	to	this	point.		

Minimum	Satellite	Reception	for	GPS	Flight

The	 UAV	 GPS	 must	 acquire	 sufficient	 satellites	 to	 conduct	 GPS	 flight.			

This	is	to	insure	that	the	UAV	will	return	to	the	home	point	in	case of	a	

lost-link	event.

Flight	in	Attitude	Mode

Flight	in	Attitude	mode	may	be	used	in	cases	when	GPS	mode	causes	

undesirable	motion	in	the	UAV.				

Flight	in	Manual	Mode

Flight	in	Manual	Mode	is	not	approved	for	Company	Flight	Operations.

Flight	Duration

Flight	Operations	must	be	carefully	planned	in	order	that	limited	flight

time	is	used	as	efficiently	as	possible.		
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Battery	Reserve	Minimums

All	flights	must	terminate	with	at	least	25%	battery	remaining.		

Low	Voltage	Visual	Alarm

The	Low	Voltage	LED	must	be	set	to	alert	the	PIC	as	the	battery	voltage	

drops.			The	Visual	Alarm	LEDs	will	begin	flashing	red	well	in	advance	of	

the	battery	voltage	dropping	to	an	unsafe	level.		PIC	must	be	aware	of	

the	time	between	the	onset	of	red	LED	alarm	and	the	25%	reserve	

battery	threshold.

Low	Voltage	Aural	Alarm

A	Low	Voltage	Aural	Alarm	must	be	affixed	to	the	UAV	flight	battery	and	

programmed	to	alarm	at	a	voltage	sufficient	to	permit	safe	landing	with	

the	minimum	25%	battery	power	remaining.		PIC	must	be	aware	of	the	

time	between	the	onset	of	Low	Voltage	Aural	Alarm	and	the	25%	

reserve	battery	threshold.

Low	Voltage	Thrust	Range	Alarm

The	Low	Voltage	Thrust	Range	Alarm	should	be	set	to	alarm	at	25%	

battery	remaining.		Company	policy	does	not	permit	operations	below	

25%	battery	capacity.			

Post-Flight	Battery	Check

All	batteries	must	be	checked	after	flight	to	be	sure	that	they	have	not	

been	discharged	below	25%	voltage	remaining.		

Transmitter	Voltage	Display

Flight	with	less	that	50%	voltage	displayed	in	the	Transmitter	voltage	

level	bar	graph	is	not	authorized.		
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Chapter		7

Aircraft	Maintenance

Responsibility	for	Airworthy	Condition

The	 PIC	 is	 responsible	 for	 the	 safe	 operation	 of	 the	 UAV	 including	

maintaining	the	aircraft	in	a	condition	for	safe	flight.

Aircraft	Maintenance	Logbook

All	 maintenance	 must	 be	 recorded	 in	 the	 Aircraft	 Log	 Book,	 which	 is	

maintained	 for	each	UAV.		The	entry	must	contain	a	description	of	 the	

work	performed and	the	signature of	the	person	performing	the	work.		

Software	Updates

Following	 all	 software	 updates,	 a	 test	 flight	 must	 be	 conducted	 to	 be	

sure	the	UAV	is	in	a	condition	for	safe	flight.

Manufacturer’s	Scheduled	Maintenance

The	Company	will	follow	all	manufacturers’ suggested maintenance	

schedules	unless	company	policies	are	more	stringent,

Motor Replacement	Schedule

Motors will	be	replaced	when	they	reach	25	hours	of	service.			Engine	

times	will	be	determined	by	reference	to	the	PIC	UAV	Logbook.

Propeller	Maintenance	&	Replacement

Propellers	will	be	overhauled	if	they	come	in	contact	with	the	ground	or	

structure.		PIC	must	maintain	replacement	stock	of	propellers	for	use	in	

the	event	of	a	mishap	that	results	in	a prop	strike.
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Test	Flight	Following	Alterations	or	Maintenance

A	test	flight	must	be	conducted	following	all	maintenance	procedures	to	

be	sure	the	UAV	is	in	a	condition	for	safe	flight.

Return	to	Service	Log	Entry

Following	all	maintenance	or	repairs,	the	Aircraft	Maintenance	Log	

Book	must	contain	a	signature	certifying	that	the	UAV	is	in	a	condition	

for	safe	flight.

Battery	Monitoring	and	Replacement

Batteries	must	be	monitored	for	service	life	and	replaced	if	they	drop	

below	75%	of	capacity.
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Chapter		8

Aircraft	Numbering

N-Number	Location	and	Size

The	UAV	must	display	he	FAA	assigned N-number	in	the	largest	

practical	size	and	in	a	manner	that	does	not	affect	the	safe	conduct	of	

flight.		Weight	and	wind	resistance	must	be	carefully	considered.		

Owner	Contact	Information

The	UAV	must	contain	company	contact	information	in	the	case of	the	

UAV	is	lost	in	flight.
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Chapter		9

Permission	for	Flight	Operations

Landowner	Permission

The	PIC	must	have	permission	from	the	landowner	before	flight	

operations.		

Appropriate	Governmental	Agencies

Before	each	flight,	he	PIC	must	notify	those	agencies	specified in	the	

Certificate	of	Waiver	or	Authorization	(COA).		This	may	include	the	

Coast	Guard,	Captain	of	the	Port,	or	other	agencies	responsible	for	safety	

and	security	of	the	area	in	which	Flight	Operations	will	be	conducted.

Ships	or	other	Vessels

The	PIC	will	establish	radio	contact	and	receive	permission	from the	

Officer	of	the	Deck	by	VHF	marine	radio	before	the	UAV	comes	within	

sight	of	the	vessel.		Under	no	circumstances	will	the	UAV	approach	

within	a	500’	circle	without	receiving	permission from	the	vessel.

Vehicles

The	PIC	must	coordinate	flight	operations	with	motor	vehicle	operators	

so	as	not	to	become	a	distraction	or	hazard	to	vehicles.

Structure	Inhabitants

When	Flight	Operations	are	near	houses	or	inhabited	structures,	the	

occupants	should	be	advised	to	remain	indoors.	

Safety	Abort

In	the	event	that	persons	not	participating	in	the	production	come	

within	an	unsafe	distance	of	the	UAV	while	in	flight,	the	flight	must	be	

terminated	as	soon	as	practicable	in	a	manner	that	insures	the	safety	of	
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the	nonparticipants.		Flight	operations	may	not	resume	until	the	area	is	

secure.
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Chapter		10

Operations	near	Airports	or	Potential

Aircraft	Traffic	Conflicts

Absolute Situational Awareness

The	PIC	must	be	completely	aware	of	the	position	of	all	planned	or	

potential	Flight	Operations	within	the	National	Airspace	System	(NAS).			

ForeFlight	Software

The	PIC	will	use	ForeFlight	software	to	determine	the	proximity	of	

Flight	Operations	to	airports,	Restricted	Airspace,	Temporary	Flight	

Restrictions,	airspace	in	which	UAV	operations	are	prohibited.

Airport	Manager	Permission

The	PIC	will	obtain	permission	from	the	Airport	Manager	if	flight	

operations	are	to	be	conducted	within	the	radius	specified	in	the	

Certificate	of	Waiver	or	Authorization	(COA).

NOTAM	Request

The	PIC	must	request	a	Notice	to	Airmen	(NOTAM)	using	the	

procedures	set	forth	in	the	COA.

FSDO	Coordination

Flight	Operations	must	be	coordinated	with	the	appropriate	Flight	

Standards	District	Office	(FSDO)	in	accordance	with	the	terms	of	the	

COA.

Vertical	Operation	Limits

All	Flight	Operations	will	be	conducted at	or	below	400”	AGL	to	provide	

a	100’	separation	between	aircraft	that	may	be	legally	operating	as	low	

as	500’	AGL.		Reference	for	this	altitude	will	be	the	GPS	on	board	the	
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UAV	which	uses	the	GPS	altitude	at	the	takeoff	point	for	these

calculations.

The	UAV	Flight	Controller	maximum	altitude	shall	be	set	to	100	meters	

(328	feet)	to	provide	an	additional	level	of	separation	from	potential	

manned	aircraft	traffic.

Right	of	Way

All	UAV	Flight	Operations	must	yield	right	of	way	to	manned	aircraft	of	

any type.

Minimum	Time	Aloft

Flights	must	be	conducted	in	a	manner	that	reduces	the	amount	of	time	

loitering	at	altitudes	near	the	limit	of	vertical	operations	to	reduce	the	

risk	of	traffic	conflict	with	manned	aircraft.
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Chapter		11

Deviations	and	Accidents

Deviation	Reporting

Any	Flight	Operations	that	deviate	from	any	of	the	restrictions	specified	

in	the	Certificate	of	Waiver	or	Authorization	(COA) shall	be	reported	to	

the	FAA	in	accordance	with	the	procedures	set	forth	in	the	COA.

Accident	or	Personal	Injury	Reporting

Any	Flight	Operations	that	result	in	damage	to	personal	property	or	

personal	injury	shall	be	reported	to	the	FAA	in	accordance	with	the	

procedures	set	forth	in	the	COA.