Unmanned Aerial System Flight Operations Standard Operating Procedure

Definitions 

UAV-an unmanned aerial vehicle (an aircraft piloted by remote control or onboard 

computers). 

sUAS-A typical Unmanned Aerial System consists of the following: 

·unmanned aircraft (UA); 

·control system, such as Ground Control Station (GCS); 

·control link, a specialized datalink; and 

·other related support equipment. 

Pilot in Command (PIC) The individual responsible for the overall flight operations of a 

specific mission. 

Team Leader -The individual responsible for administrative functions related to the sUAS 

program, including maintaining a current list of all equipment that could be placed on the 

 sUAS during operations. The Team Leader is also responsible for the condition and 

 maintenance of the sUAS. 

Observer -The individual trained to maintain the line-of-sight and 360 degree hazard 

awareness around the sUAS at all times and assist the PIC in carrying out all duties required 

for the safe operation of the sUAS. 

Pre-Flight Briefing

A discussion led by the PIC prior to aircraft launch which shall include but not be limited to: 

a. Review of mission goals and methods to achieve goals, including handoff procedures. 

b. Review of current and forecasted weather conditions and weather limitations on mission. 

c. Review of current Notice to Airmen (NoTAMs) and Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) that have 

been issued for the proposed flight area. 

d. Identification of mission limitations and safety issues such as battery charge, GPS strength, and 

potential for radio interference. 

e. Review of proposed flight area, including maximum ceiling and floor. 

f. Review of communication procedures between PIC, Observer, Camera Operator, and other ground 

support. 

g. Review of emergency/contingency procedures including aircraft system failure, flight termination, 

divert, and lost link procedures. 

h. Review of required video or digital images. 

i. Contents of the COA 

j. Frequencies to be used. 

k. Execution of a pre-flight check following the approved checklist. 
Unmanned Aerial System Flight Operations Standard Operating Procedure

Aircraft 

1. General Airworthiness. The PIC shall be responsible for ensuring that the sUAS is maintained and 

flight ready according to the manufacturer's recommendations and related industry standards. In 

addition, the PIC may rely upon the testing data and evaluation data provided by other government 

agencies, the aircraft manufacturer, and independent testing facilities. 

2. Mission Specific Airworthiness. The PIC shall be responsible for ensuring that the sUAS is airworthy 

prior to each mission. The PIC may rely upon the inspection and reports provided by agency 

personnel appointed with the responsibility for maintaining the sUAS. 

3. Radio Frequency. The sUAS shall use the assigned radio frequencies and antenna equipment 

approved in the most current COA issued by the FAA. 

4. Maintenance. The Team Leader is responsible for the maintenance of the sUAS, which shall be 

performed by Aviation Unit pilots specifically trained on the maintenance of the sUAS or by 

manufacturer certified representatives and personnel. 

5. The PIC and/or Observer shall perform a pre-flight and post-flight inspection of the sUAS. Any 

equipment issues shall be entered in the aircraft's log and immediately reported to the Team Leader. It 

shall be the responsibility of the Team Leader to determine whether the reported issues need to be 

corrected prior to the next flight, which will then be documented in the aircraft's log.

6. Software and hardware changes. All changes shall be documented in the unmanned aircraft and 

ground control station logbooks by persons authorized to conduct UAS maintenance. All previously 

proven systems, to include payloads, may be installed or removed as required for missions and 

documented in the appropriate aircraft log. Test flights must be conducted and documented after 

major changes in the hardware or software.

7. Storage Transport. The aircraft shall be stored in a secure manner to limit possible damage to the unit 

while in transit. Batteries must be transported in an appropriate container to prevent possible damage 

to the batteries. Batteries should not be dropped or punctured.

8. Battery Charge. Any components necessitating a charged battery shall be charged in accordance with 

manufacturer's recommendations. To the extent permissible by manufacturer's recommendations, the 

sUAS shall be fully charged when not in use. The Lithium-ion Polymer (LiPO) batteries should be 

charged and stored in a cool and dry location. Because of the fire hazard risk, batteries should not be 

left unattended when charging at full or rapid charge (vs. trickle charging) and should be charged at 

the recommended amperage and not exceeded. If the LiPO batteries begin smoking or expanding 

(puffing) they should immediately be isolated for risk of explosion or fire. Never completely

discharge LiPO batteries or they will become un-useable (Le. unable to hold a charge).

Pilots 

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

medical rating.

2. Initial Training. All pilots shall be properly trained The sUAS pilots will meet all conditions of the 

(COA) issued by the FAA, including a current third Class Medical Certificate or equivalent. The pilots 

will have a current working knowledge of the airspace intended for operations, specific sUAS 

aerodynamic factors, and the ability to obtain and interpret weather. All pilots must meet the following 

flight experience requirements and be current with their flight log entries. 

a. Basic Flight Operations Training. Once the pilot has passed the written private pilots exam and third 

Class Medical as required by FAA guidelines, all pilots must successfully complete and pass a Basic

Ground school /Flight Operations Training for sUAS as approved in consultation with the manufacturer. 
Unmanned Aerial System Flight Operations Standard Operating Procedure

b. The PIC will have a minimum of 10 hours sUAS multirotor experience of which at least 5 hours are 

with the specific make/model sUAS to be operated. 

c. Training of PICs who do not meet the sUAS multirotor experience will be gained within dedicated 

training sessions through use of a multirotor computer simulator (ground training) and the sUAS 

platform(s) (logged flight time).

3. Currency Training. All pilots must have a minimum of 30 minutes logged flight time with three 

qualifying sUAS flights to include take-offs and landings in the preceding 90 days to be eligible to fly 

sUAS missions. 

 Recurrent training is not limited to actual pilot/observer skills, but includes knowledge of all 

pertinent sUAS and aviation matters. 

 All members within the sUAS flight team shall read the current COA and maintain proficiency in 

their operator/observer abilities. Members who do not have documented training or flight time for 

the preceding 90 days shall demonstrate proficiency before performing pilot/observer duties 

during a mission.

 Failure to maintain/prove proficiency can result in removal from sUAS operations. 

Observer. 

An Observer is required for all practice and mission flights of the sUAS. 

1. Initial Training: sUAS Observers shall meet all conditions of the most recent COA issued by the 

FAA. Observers will have a current working knowledge of the airspace intended for operations, 

specific sUAS aerodynamic factors, and the ability to obtain and interpret weather. The Observer will 

receive specific training on relevant Part 91 regulations (14 CFR Part 91-Code of Federal Regulation), 

such as the obligation to see and avoid other aircraft and the ability to identify position for purposes 

of relaying position reports to the PIC. 

2. Pre-flight Briefing: Observers must participate in the pre-flight briefing.

Flight Conditions

1. Daylight: All sUAS operations shall be conducted during daylight. Night flight is prohibited unless 

specifically authorized by the FAA in an Emergency COA.

2. Line-of-sight: All sUAS operations shall be conducted within line-of-sight ofthe PIC or Observer such 

that the Pilot or Observer may detect and avoid hazards such as aircraft and property. 

3. Altitude: All flights shall be conducted at less than 400 feet Above Ground Level (AGL), unless 

otherwise noted in the COA or approved by FAA in an Emergency COA. All flights will be conducted 

under VFR (Visual Flight Rules) for Class E weather conditions.

4. Weather: The PIC is responsible for obtaining current weather reports from an appropriate source 

as denoted in the Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM). This includes calling the closest airport 

with Automated Weather Observation Systems (A WOS) or Automated Terminal Information System 

(A TIS) or calling the Flight Service Station (FSS) for a weather report for the area ofoperations. A 

standard Meteorological Terminal Aviation Routine report (METAR) and Terminal Aerodrome 
Unmanned Aerial System Flight Operations Standard Operating Procedure

Forecast (TAF) report shall be obtained regardless of visibility. Flight operations are not authorized 

in known icing conditions as defined in 14 CFR 91. 

Operating Guidelines 

1. Heat: The operational guidelines for heat are less than 110 degrees Fahrenheit (37.77 degrees Celsius) 

at ground level. Operation in temperatures over this mark should be noted with the air density as 

obtained from the pre-flight weather report. The battery and length of flight should be adjusted 

accordingly based upon high humidity and temperature with air density. These local conditions may 

warrant the PIC opting to not fly based upon these flight conditions. 

2. Cold: The operational guidelines for cold are greater than 0 degrees Fahrenheit (-17.77 degrees 

Celsius) at ground level. Operation in temperatures under this mark should be noted with the air 

density as obtained from the pre-flight weather report. The battery and length of flight should be 

adjusted accordingly. Also, if the moisture level is high, conditions should be noted for icing on flight 

surfaces. These conditions may warrant the PIC opting to not fly based upon these flight conditions. 

3. Wind: The sUAS will not be operated in sustained winds greater than 30 knots (35 mph). Wind 

velocity can be obtained from a hand-held anemometer used at the training location or mission site. 

General weather information can be obtained from the ATIS and FSS. The PIC may decide that wind 

conditions at the area of operation are too hazardous and opt to not fly. 

4. Rain, Snow and Fog: The operational guidelines for these conditions are based upon visibility and 

operator safety at the local site. The PIC and Observer must adhere to the line-of-sight and VFR 

weather minimum requirements. 

Flight Requirements

1. At least three days before scheduled flights, the operator of the UAS affected by this exemption 

must submit a written Plan of Activities to the local FSDO with jurisdiction over the area of 

proposed flights. The 3-day notification may be waived with the concurrence of the FSDO. The 

plan of activities must include at least the following:

a. Dates and times for all flights

b. Name and phone number of the operator for the UAS.

c. Make, model, and serial or N-number of UAS to be used

d. Name and certificate number of UAS PICs involved in the filming production event

e. A statement that the operator has obtained permission from property owners and/or local

officials to conduct the flights.

f. Signature of exemption-holder or representative

g. A description of the flight activity, including maps or diagrams of any area, city, town, 

county, and/or state over which flights will be conducted and the altitudes essential to 

accomplish the operation

2. The documents required under 14 CFR § 91.9 and § 91.203 must be available to the PIC at the 

ground control station of the UAS any time the aircraft is operating. These documents must be 

made available to the Administrator or any law enforcement official upon request.

3. The UA must remain clear and yield the right of way to all other manned operations and activities 

at all times (including, but not limited to, ultralight vehicles, parachute activities, parasailing 

activities, hang gliders, etc.).
Unmanned Aerial System Flight Operations Standard Operating Procedure

1. Pre-flight Preparation. Before any mission the PIC must conduct a Pre-Flight Briefing.

2. The pre-flight inspection will include physical inspection of components, battery voltage level 

checks, motor run-up, payload system, ground control station and communications checks in 

preparation of flight.

3. Scene Review. The PIC and Observer are responsible for identifying any unsafe conditions at the 

scene. This includes, but is not limited to: 

a. Take-off and landing site: This area should be free of obstructions, items on the ground and debris that 

may interfere with the rotors. This includes creation of a flight line, from which must remain clear. 

b. Flight perimeter: The site must utilize law enforcement officers and standard protocols to minimize 

civilian traffic or interference during the operation. 

c. Safety View: The flight team should identify trees, bushes, power lines, and other potential obstructions 

and coordinate the pre-flight briefing accordingly. 

d. Interference: The flight team should identify Cell Towers, TV and Microwave sources, which might 

create interference with the flight equipment. The equipment should be tested on the ground to insure 

proper communications and operation before the flight. 

e. Sectional chart: The flight team will maintain a current copy of a VFR Sectional Chart for the area in 

which flight operations will occur. 

4. Documentation. A copy of the current COA, flight log, maintenance log, and Pilot Certifications 

must be kept with the sUAS at all times. PIC's and Observers must be in possession of their 

Second Class Medical Certificates at all times.

5. The UA must remain clear and yield the right of way to all other manned operations and 

activities at all times (including, but not limited to, ultralight vehicles, parachute activities, 

parasailing activities, hang gliders, etc.).

6. The UA may not operate in Class B, C, or D airspace without written approval from the FAA. 

The UA may not operate within 5 nautical miles of the geographic center of a non-towered airport 

as denoted on a current FAA-published aeronautical chart unless a letter of agreement with that 

airport’s management is obtained, and the operation is conducted in accordance with a NOTAM 

as required by the operator’s COA. The letter of agreement with the airport management must be 

made available to the Administrator upon request.

7. Flights will be conducted within visual line of sight (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.

8. 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.

9. All flights will be conducted at or under an altitude no greater than 500 feet AGL, and 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.

10. The UA may not be operated directly over any person, below an altitude that is hazardous to 

persons or property on the surface in the event of a UAS failure or emergency

11. Regarding distance from non-participating persons, the operator must ensure that no persons are 

allowed within 500 feet of the area except those consenting to be involved and necessary for the 

operations at hand. This provision may be reduced to no less than 200 feet if it would not 

adversely affect safety and the Administrator has approved it. For example, an equivalent level of 
Unmanned Aerial System Flight Operations Standard Operating Procedure

safety may be determined by an aviation safety inspector’s evaluation of the area to note terrain 

features, obstructions, buildings, safety barriers, etc.

12. If the UAS loses communications or loses its GPS signal, the UA must return to a pre-determined 

location within the security perimeter and land or be recovered in accordance with the operator’s 

manual.

13. The UAS must abort the flight in the event of unpredicted obstacles or emergencies in accordance 

with the operator’s manual

14. Each UAS operation must be completed within 40 minutes flight time or with 20% battery power 

remaining, whichever occurs first.

15. If an in-flight emergency occurs, the PIC will immediately abort flight and initiate landing 

procedures.

16. Upon landing a post flight inspection shall be made of the UAS by the PIC 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 documented and the sUAS is found to be 

in a condition for safe flight.

Annual Inspection

1. All sUAS systems shall be inspected annually by an FAA licensed A&P mechanic

2. Documentation of annual inspection will be kept within the sUAS maintenance log.