Aerial Sciences Proprietary

- 2015 Version		ASC

- OpStds_ 072515 1 

# Aerial Sciences Corp.

sUAS Flight StandardsAerial Sciences Proprietary

- 2015 Version		ASC

- OpStds_ 072515 2 Aerial Sciences Corporation is dedicated to ensuring safe flight operation s are conducted in all aspects of its small unmanned aircraft system (sUAS) operations

. The following standards and procedures will be applied and adhered to:
1. Pilot in Command (PIC) Qualifications

• The PIC will be an FAA licensed airman with at least a private pilot’s certificate and third class medical.

• The PIC will have a minimum of 10 hours sUAS experience of which at least 5 hours are with the specific make/model of sUAS to be operated.

2. Pilot in Command (PIC) Training and Currency Requirements

• Training of pilots who do not meet the sUAS experience will be gained within dedicated ground training sessions through use of a fixed wing compu ter simulator, and sUAS flight t raining as logged in a consistent manner per 14 CFR § 61.5(b),

.
• A flight check will b e conducted by an Aerial Sciences FAA c ertified Flight Instructor (CFI) prior to allowing a PIC to conduct flight operations.

• PIC Flight currency will be maintained by having logged 30 minutes flight time within the proceeding 90 days within the specific make/model sUAS platform.

• Regaining currency will be achieved in dedicated training/currency sessions.

• In addition to flight proficiency, the PIC will be trained in use of the radio control transmitter, ground control station, pre

- flight inspection of the sUAS, FAA Conditions and Limitations, and Aerial Sciences Flight Operation Standards.
3. Flight Crew

• Minimum crew for each flight operation will consist of the sUAS PIC and Visual Observer (VO).

• Flights will be conducted within visual line of sig ht ( VLOS ) of the PIC at all times with VO duties assisting PIC in maintaining VLOS and situational awareness of obstructions, hazards and avoiding other aircraft.

• Communication between the PIC and VO will be maintained through direct voice communications and/or through use of two

- way radio or cell phone throughout the duration of flight.

• VO has no other duties than assisting the PIC during conduct of flight.Aerial Sciences Proprietary

- 2015 Version		ASC

- OpStds_ 072515 3 4. Pre - flight Inspection

• Prior to each flight , the PIC will conduct a thorough pre

- flight inspection to ensure the sUAS is in safe condition for flight.

• The pre

- flight will include physical inspection of components, battery voltage level checks, motor run

- up, payload system, ground control station a nd communications checks in preparation of flight.

• If the inspection reveals a condition that prohibits safe operation, the PIC will remove the aircraft from service until the necessary maintenance has been performed and the sUAS is found to be in a cond ition for safe flight by Aerial Sciences A&P licensed technicians.
5. Pre - flight Planning

• The PIC will conduct pre

- flight planning to include obtaining weather briefings, identifying hazards and obstructions, and establishing predetermined mission flig ht path and limited and controlled area for safe operation.

• Aerial Sciences will submit to the Air Traffic Organization (ATO) a Certificate of Waiver or Authorization (COA) prior to condu cting any flight operations.

• Aerial Sciences will request a Notice to Airman (NOTAM) not more than 72 hours in advance, but not less than 24 hours prior to the operation.

• All flight operations will be conducted within a limited area that is strictly controlled over private or controlled

- access property

.
• Aerial Sciences will obtain permission from the land owner or their authorized representative for each flight to be conducted.

• The PIC will conduct pre

- flight safety briefings with all personnel supporting flight activities in regard to the planned sUAS operations and m ission plan prior to each flight.
6. Flight Operations

• Flight operations will typically be conducted at least 500 feet from all nonparticipating flight operation people, vessels, vehicles, and structures unless there are barriers or structures that safe ly protects nonparticipating persons in event of accident.

• In the event nonparticipating persons leave such protection and are within 500 feet of the sUAS, the PIC will immediately cease flight operations.

• If owner of vessels, vehicles, or structures p rovides permission and the PIC determines safe operations can be conducted with undue risk to operating personnel then flight operations may be conducted closer than 500 feet.Aerial Sciences Proprietary

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- OpStds_ 072515 4 • Aerial Sciences will not conduct flight operations over conge sted or densely po pulated areas.

• Flight operations will not be conducted within 5 miles of an airport unless a letter of agreement is obtained from the airport management and per NOTAM.

• All flights will be conducted under visual meteorological conditi ons (VMC) during dayl ight hours.

• All flights will be conducted at less than 50 knots airspeed

. • All flights will be at an altitude no greater than 500 feet above ground level ( AGL ).

• Flights will not be operated less than 500 feet below or less than 2,000 feet horizontally from a cloud or when visibility is less than 3 statute miles from the PIC.

• Maximum flight time for each operational flight will be 120 minutes for the ASC

- RVJET , allowing for no less than 20% battery as indicated by real

time telemetry voltage/current data relayed by the aircraft sensors to the PIC control station.

• In event the PIC losses data link communications, the GPS equipped sUAS will be programmed to return to a pre - determined location and loiter

.
• The sUAS will be programmed to provide the PIC capability to abort flight and initiate loi ter and return

- to

- home

.
• If an in

- flight emergency occurs, the PIC will immediately abort flight and i nitiate landing procedures.

• In the event a sUAS crashes and outside assistance is needed, the PIC will conduct notification procedures to include county sheriff and fire departments, airfield operator/tower if applicable, and any other authority required to respond and mitigate the situation.

• Aerial Sciences will collect and maintain f light telemetry data to include sUAS voltage and current levels, GPS flight coordinates, altitude data, and other sources of information during flight operations to update a nd enhance safety protocols and operational efficiencies.
7. Maintenance

• A maintenance log book for each sUAS will be maintained by Aerial Sciences that documents maintenance history.

• Pre

- flight inspections will be conducted before each flight to ensure the aircraft is airworthy and ready for flight.

• Aerial Sciences FAA licensed A&P personnel will conduct annual aircraft inspection and maintenance checks. This includes, but not limited to, review of system and telemetry data files logged from prior flights, inspection for loose or worn components, balancing of props, cleaning of motors, battery voltage and cell balancing checks, etc., and performingAerial Sciences Proprietary

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- OpStds_ 072515 5 any needed system repair and upgrades to include software/firmware for the GPS, Flight Controller/Auto pilot, Radio Transmitter, and Ground Control Station.

• All scheduled or unscheduled maintenance and repair actions will be documented within the sUAS maintenance log book.

• Upon completion of any repair, modification or upgrade, the aircraft will be test flown by a qualified PIC and signed off within the maintena nce log book as airworthy by an A&P technician prior to return to service.