Date: 12.22.2015 Revision: Original

Page 1 of 14

Motion Picture and Television 

Flight Operation Manual 

Soaring Lens, Inc.

11104 Sparkleberry Dr

Ft Myers, FL 33913

Soaring Lens, Inc. is a Woman Owned Small Business 
Date: 12.22.2015 Revision: Original

Page 2 of 14

Revision Control Page ...................................................................................................... 3

1. Introduction ................................................................................................................... 4

A. Purpose ................................................................................................................. 4

B. Pilot/Operator Organization ................................................................................... 4

C. Persons Authorized ............................................................................................... 4

D. Area of Operations ................................................................................................ 4

E. Plan of Activities .................................................................................................... 4

F. Permission to Operate ........................................................................................... 5

G. Security ................................................................................................................. 6

H. Briefing of Pilot/Production Personnel ................................................................... 6

I. Certification/Airworthiness....................................................................................... 6

J. Pilot Personnel/Minimum Requirements ................................................................ 7

K. Communications.................................................................................................... 7

L. Accident Notification............................................................................................... 7

M. Recall/Stop Procedures ........................................................................................ 8

N. Aerobatic Competency .......................................................................................... 8

O. Special Provisions................................................................................................. 8

2. Company Organization.............................................................................................. 8

A. Chief Pilot .............................................................................................................. 8

B. Pilot in Command .................................................................................................. 9

Appendix A .1.................................................................................................................. 10

List of Approved Pilots................................................................................................. 10

Appendix A .2.................................................................................................................. 11

List of Approved Aircraft .............................................................................................. 11

Appendix A .3.................................................................................................................. 12

Permission Acquisition Form ....................................................................................... 12

Revision Letter............................................................................................................. 13
Date: 12.22.2015 Revision: Original

Page 3 of 14

Revision Control Page 

Revision# Date Initials 

 

 

 

 
Date: 12.22.2015 Revision: Original

Page 4 of 14

1. Introduction

A. Purpose

This manual has been developed by "Soaring Lens, Inc.", hereafter referred to as 

"Soaring Lens", in conjunction with an application for a Certificate of Waiver of 

Authorization of the provisions of FAR 91.119 (b) and (c) for the purposes of 

filming. Soaring Lens pilots and other company personnel when applicable will 

comply with the policies, procedures and conditions of this manual, whenever 

motion picture or television flight operations are performed that require a Waiver 

of Authorization as mentioned above. 

B. Pilot/Operator Organization

Michael McVay – Lead Pilot

Soaring Lens, Inc.

11104 Sparkleberry Dr

Ft Myers, FL 33913

Cell • (239) 398-

8250

C. Persons Authorized

FAR 91.119 (c) is waived only with respect to those persons, vehicles and 

structures directly involved in the performance of the actual filming. The certificate 

holder shall ensure that no persons are allowed within 500 feet of the area except 

those consenting to be involved and necessary for the filming production. This 

provision may be reduced to no less than 200 feet if an equivalent level of safety 

can be achieved and the Administrator has approved it. For example, an 

equivalent level of safety may be determined by an ASI’s evaluation of the filming 

production area to note terrain features, obstructions, buildings, etc. Such barriers 

may protect nonparticipating persons (observers, the public, news media, etc.) 

from debris in the event of an accident. 

D. Area of Operations

Soaring Lens's approved area of operations will be the continental United States, 

Alaska, and Hawaii. 

E. Plan of Activities

At least three (3) days prior to any scheduled filming, Soaring Lens will submit a 

written plan of activities to the local FSDO having jurisdiction over that area. The 

plan of activities should include the following: 

1. Dates and times for all flights. 

2. Name and phone number of person responsible for the filming production 

event. 

3. Name and phone number of person responsible for aircraft. 
Date: 12.22.2015 Revision: Original

Page 5 of 14

4. Make, model, and serial or N-number of aircraft to be used and type of 

airworthiness certificate, including category. 

5. Name and certificate number of pilots involved in the filming production 

event, including any notation of external load endorsements or aerobatic 

competency, if required. 

6. A statement that the waiver holder has obtained permission from property 

owners and/or local officials to conduct the filming production event. The 

list of those who gave permission must be made available to the inspector 

upon request from the waiver holder. 

7. Signature of waiver holder or representative. 

8. A description of the flight activity including maps or diagrams of any area, 

city, town, county, and/or State over which filming will be conducted and 

the minimum altitudes essential to accomplish the operations. 

The three (3) day notification equipment may be waived, however, the operator 

should contact the FSDO as soon as possible with this request and be prepared 

to explain in detail why the three (3) day notification is not practical. 

F. Permission to Operate

Before any flight operations is conducted at less than 500 feet under the 

provisions of the certificate of waiver and this manual, the operator will obtain 

permission to conduct these operations from property owners and local officials 

as necessary or appropriate. Persons from whom permission may be required are 

listed below: 

1. Property owners

2. Law enforcement officials 

3. Fire department officials 

4. Local, State and Federal government 

5. Air traffic control 

The Soaring Lens personnel obtaining such permission will do so in writing 

whenever practical, however, verbal permission is acceptable otherwise. A 

standard permission form is provided in Appendix A and may be used when 

obtaining written permission. Soaring Lens personnel will assure a sufficient 

number of those forms are available at the job site. Written permission forms will 

be maintained at the job site until flight operations are completed, and then turned 

into the chief pilot to be kept on file for a minimum of six (6) months. These forms 

will be made available for inspection by the FAA or other official personnel upon 

request. 
Date: 12.22.2015 Revision: Original

Page 6 of 14

G. Security

Prior to any flight operation the operator will coordinate with appropriate 

production personnel to devise a plan of securing the area(s) of operation from all 

unauthorized persons and vehicles. Provisions will be made to immediately 

discontinue operations should the area(s) become unsecured or for any other 

reason in the interest of safety. 

H. Briefing of Pilot/Production Personnel

Prior to the start of any operation under the provisions of this manual, the pilot in 

command will conduct a briefing of all procedures to participating personnel of the 

risks involved, emergency procedures, and safeguards to be followed during the 

filming production event. Personnel will also be briefed on additional provisions 

that may be issued by the FSDO that has geographic responsibility for the 

operational area, including the location of boundaries or time limits. The briefing 

shall cover: 

 Authorization for motion picture and television certificate of waiver and the 

attached special provisions 

 Operations manual 

 Plan of activities 

 Aircraft parking and starting 

 Taxi procedures 

 Radio Communications 

 Takeoff procedures 

 Aviation activities to be conducted during the filming production event 

 Approach and landing procedures 

 Recall procedures 

 Emergency procedures 

 Risks to participating personnel 

 How to control nonparticipating persons 

I. Certification/Airworthiness

All Soaring Lens aircraft used in operations requiring a waiver of FAR 91 .119 (b) 

and (c) for the purpose of filming will be properly certified and hold airworthiness 

certificates. However, restricted category aircraft cannot be used as the filming 

"vehicle" in motion picture and television filming. Also, aircraft in the experimental 

category must have an airworthiness certificate issued for the purpose of 

exhibition in order to be used in motion picture and television filming. Each aircraft 

will have a flight log containing upcoming scheduled maintenance and inspections 

and the dates or times they must be performed. A section for discrepancies is 

also found in the flight log. The pilot in command will assure the aircraft to be 

flown is in airworthy condition and all required inspections and maintenance has 

been completed before each flight. 
Date: 12.22.2015 Revision: Original

Page 7 of 14

J. Pilot Personnel/Minimum Requirements

The pilot/operator shall establish and specify the minimum pilot requirements. 

Minimum requirements shall meet or exceed the following: 

1. A current U.S. sport pilot certificate with ratings appropriate to the 

category, class and type (if applicable) of aircraft to be used under the 

terms of the waiver. 

2. At least 20 hours logged as PIC and at least 10 hours logged as the PIC 

in the aircraft type.

3. A minimum of 20 hours in the category and class of aircraft to be used. 

4. A minimum of 5 hours in the make and model aircraft to be used under 

the waiver. 

5. In the event that the 1,500-foot minimum standard contained in the 14 

CFR 91.303(e) is to be waived, the pilot performing aerobatic maneuvers 

must hold FAA Form 8710-7, Statement of Acrobatic Competency, to 

perform the operations. 

6. In the event the operation to be conducted contains elements of an 

external-load operation, whether fixed or rotary wing operations, pilots 

used in the operation shall be qualified. This qualification may be 

obtained through a knowledge test (which may be oral and/written) 

and/or skill. The inspector or another company pilot approved by the 

geographically responsible FSDO who is qualified to carry loads 

externally will give the test(s) which are similar to part 133 requirements 

and cover the following subjects: 

a. Steps to be taken before starting operations, including a survey of the 

Flight area. 

b. Proper method of loading, rigging, or attaching the external load. 

c. Aircraft performance capabilities under motion picture operating 

procedures and the aircraft flight manual. 

d. Proper instructions for flight and ground crew personnel. 

e. Aircraft flight manual, pilot operations handbook, or a rotorcraft-load 

combination flight manual and limitations, if appropriate. 

K. Communications

Prior to the start of any operation covered by this manual, the pilot in command 

will formulate a plan to provide communications capability to all participants 

during the actual operation and filming. Oral, visual or radio communications 

may be used as long as it is effective and is capable of keeping the participants 

continuously appraised of the current status of the operation. 

L. Accident Notification

Should an accident or incident requiring notification of the NTSB occur, the 

notification requirements of FAR Part 830 would comply. 
Date: 12.22.2015 Revision: Original

Page 8 of 14

M. Recall/Stop Procedures

Radio communication, oral, visual or a combination will be utilized to keep the 

participants continuously apprised of the current status of operation. 

N. Aerobatic Competency

If the filming operations require the issuance of FAA Form 8710-7, Statement of 

Aerobatic Competency, refer to Volume 5, Chapter 9, Issue/Renew/Rescind a 

Statement of Aerobatic Competency. 

O. Special Provisions

The controls, procedures, and conditions set forth in the Soaring Lens motion 

picture and television operations manual is the primary assurance that persons 

on the surface will not be jeopardized. 

The aircraft and pilots used under this authorization and/or waiver will only be 

those specified in the Soaring Lens motion picture and television operations 

manual (“Appendix A” page 11) or associated plan of activities. Each pilot’s 

name and certificate number shall appear on each daily plan of activity. All civil 

aircraft and pilot(s) participating in the activity shall be available for FAA 

inspection before the scheduled event. 

Each pilot-in-command conducting operations authorized under this certificate 

understands the conditions of issuance, and that it constitutes a waiver of FAR 

91.119 (b) and (c) 

Rotorcraft takeoff and landing areas will be protected in a manner that will 

prevent unauthorized persons from entering the takeoff and landing area. 

Soaring Lens will ensure that the participating persons involved in the operations 

are thoroughly briefed on special procedures, communication, emergency 

procedures, and on the provisions of the authorization and/or waiver before 

beginning the activities. No person may participate in any event unless that 

person has received a briefing on the provisions of the waiver. 

2. Company Organization

A. Chief Pilot

Duties and Responsibilities: 

 Final word in the formulation of policy and procedures concerning this 

manual. 

 Act as liaison between Soaring Lens and the FAA on matter concerning this 

manual. 
Date: 12.22.2015 Revision: Original

Page 9 of 14

 Assure that each approved pilot is issued a copy of this manual and obtain a 

signed statement from each that they have read and understand its contents. 

 Maintain a current copy of this manual at the main base of operations for 

Soaring Lens. 

 Responsible for assuring that all revisions to this manual are distributed and 

processed properly. 

 Must approve or disapprove each proposed job or operation performed by 

Soaring Lens under the provisions of this manual. 

 Assume the responsibilities of pilot in command when acting as such. 

 The chief pilot may delegate functions to other personnel but retains 

responsibility. 

B. Pilot in Command

Duties and Responsibilities: 

 Assure that aircraft to be flown is in airworthy condition and all inspections and 

required maintenance have been performed as per appropriate FAR's. 

 Acquire permission from the chief pilot before any operation under the 

provisions of this manual. 

 Be very knowledgeable of the contents of this manual and abide by the 

procedures, policies and conditions contained herein. 

 Coordinate with movie and television personnel to formulate plans, routes, 

locations, etc. with safety of all persons involved in the primary concern. 

 Maintain their copy of this manual in current condition and have it on site at 

any job or operation requiring the waiver. 

 The pilot in command may delegate functions to other personnel, but retains 

responsibility. 

11.21.2011
Date: 12.22.2015 Revision: Original

Page 10 of 14

Appendix A .1 

List of Approved Pilots 

Chief Pilot

Name : Mike McVay

Certificate Number : 3824791

Grade : Private Pilot

Medical Class/Date : Third 

Expires 7/14/2017

Contact Number 

Pilots

: (239) 398-8250

Name : Will maintain on file 

Certificate Number : at the Soaring Lens

office 

Grade : located at: 

Medical Class/Date : 11104 Sparkleberry 

Dr

Contact Number : Ft Myers, FL 33913

Name : 

Certificate Number : 

Grade : 

Medical Class/Date : 

Contact Number : 
Date: 12.22.2015 Revision: Original

Page 11 of 14

Appendix A .2 

List of Approved Aircraft 

Make and Model Registration Number

1. Freefly ALTA N109SL

2. Cinestar 6 N126SL

3. Cinestar 8 N128SL 

4. DJI Inspire 1 N138SL

5. DJI Phantom N143SL

6. Mid Atlantic Multirotor X-8 TBD

7. Sensefly eBee TBD

8. Precision Hawk Lancaster TBD

No aircraft will be operated without being registered.
Date: 12.22.2015 Revision: Original

Page 12 of 14

Appendix A .3 

Permission Acquisition Form 

In signing this form, I am giving the pilots of Soaring Lens, Inc. Permission to operate 

their aircraft at less than 500 feet from property, or in some jurisdiction in which I am 

responsible for or affiliated with, for the purpose of film or television production. 

Name: 

Title: 

Basis of Authority to Grant Permission: 

Location: 

Date of Operation: 

Signature 

Date 

Soaring Lens Representative Receiving Permission 
Date: 12.22.2015 Revision: Original

Page 13 of 14

Appendix A .4 

Revision Letter 

Rev# Section Page Action Remarks Initials 

Revision Letter 

Rev# Section Page Action Remarks Initials 

 

 
Date: 12.22.2015 Revision: Original

Page 14 of 14

 

R - Remove and Replace D - Delete and Destroy N - Insert New Page 

Manual Serial# Issued To 

Revised By 

Date 

This form must be returned to the Chief Pilot no later than ____________________________