Before any flight may commence, the Pilot in Command (PIC) will assume responsibility for all 

Pre-flight inspections and performance of the necessary checklist.

The PIC is responsible to ensure any remote crew including the controllers are competent.

GENERAL INSPECTION FOR POSSIBLE HAZARDS FOR PERSONELL & ENVIRONDZP-004 UAV Operations Manual (For UAV’s under 55 lbs.)

• Dangers due to electricity • Dangers due to falling objects

• Dangers due to weather • Dangers from other personnel

• Dangers from poor judgment • Dangers from lack of training

• Dangers from falls • Dangers from lack of communication

DARK ZONE PICTURES, LLC. FLIGHT OPERTIONS MANUAL FOR:

• Aerial data collection and closed-set motion picture and filming

• General UAV Operations in Remote or Controlled Access Areas

DARK ZONE PICTURES, LLC. Phone: (720) 583-5316 Email: Phillip@DarkZonePics.com Page 1

REMOTE PILOT RECORDS

Individual Controllers/Remote Pilots are responsible for their own Remotely Piloted Aircraft 

(RPA) log book.

An example is provided in Appendix B.

The information provided is the minimum requirements that must be recorded if you chose to 

develop your own log book.

Individual remote pilots are required to carry their own Controller/Remote Pilot certificate with 

them on operations.

Doc #: Dark Zone Pictures Operations 

Manual DZP-004 Rev 4

Date: July 2015

Author: Dark Zone Pictures, LLC

UAV Inspection Team
TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page 

INTRODUCTION/PURPOSE ...................................................................................3

PILOT/OPERATOR ORGANIZATION ...................................................................3

PERSONS AUTHORIZED .........................................................................................3

AREA OF OPERATIONS ...........................................................................................4

PLAN OF ACTIVITIES ..............................................................................................4

PERMISSION TO OPERATE ....................................................................................4

SECURITY ...................................................................................................................5

BRIEFING OF PILOT/PRODUCTION PERSONNEL .........................................5

CERTIFICATION/AIRWORTHINESS ...................................................................6

PILOT PERSONNEL/MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS .........................................6

COMMUNICATIONS ...............................................................................................6

ACCIDENT NOTIFICATION ..................................................................................6

RECALL/STOP PROCEDURES ...............................................................................6

SPECIAL PROVISIONS .............................................................................................6

APPROVED AIRCRAFT ...........................................................................................7

APPENDIX A: SITE PERMISSION FORM IWI-009 REV. 4 ...............................8

Doc #: Dark Zone Pictures Operations 

Manual DZP-004 Rev 4

Date: July 2015

Author: Dark Zone Pictures, LLC

UAV Inspection Team

DARK ZONE PICTURES, LLC. Phone: (720) 583-5316 Email: Phillip@DarkZonePics.com Page 2
INTRODUCTION

Purpose: This manual has been developed by Dark Zone Pictures, LLC for the 

operation of Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL) unmanned aircraft vehicles, (UAV) for 

the purpose of inspections, aerial data collection and closed-set motion picture and filming 

in remote or controlled access locations of the United States. 

Dark Zone Pictures, LLC pilots and other company personnel when applicable will 

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

operations are performed that require a Waiver of Authorization as mentioned above.

Operator Organization:

Dark Zone Pictures, LLC

Phillip Darlington (President)

2443 South University Blvd, Suite 276

Denver, CO 80210

Phone: (720) 583-5316

Email: Phillip@DarkZonePics.com

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 evaluation by Dark Zone 

Pictures, LLC of the aerial inspection or filming 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.

Doc #: Dark Zone Pictures Operations 

Manual DZP-004 Rev 4

Date: July 2015

Author: Dark Zone Pictures, LLC

UAV Inspection Team

DARK ZONE PICTURES, LLC. Phone: (720) 583-5316 Email: Phillip@DarkZonePics.com Page 3
Area of Operations:

Dark Zone Pictures, LLC’s approved area of operations for aerial inspections will be the 

continental United States on private land and/or controlled access locations only with the 

approval of the land owner, operator or other persons authorized to grant Dark Zone Pictures, 

LLC’ access.

Plan of Activities:

At least three (3) days prior to any scheduled aerial operations, Dark Zone Pictures, LLC will 

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

of activities shall include the following:

(1) Dates and times for all flights.

(2) Name and phone number of person responsible for the operation of the UAV‘s.

(3) Name and phone number of person responsible for aircraft.

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

(5) Name and certificate number of pilots involved in the aerial inspection.

(6) A statement that the waiver holder has obtained permission from property owners 

 and/or local officials to conduct the aerial inspection. The list of those who gave per

 mission 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 aerial inspections will be conducted and the 

 minimum altitudes essential to accomplish the operations.

The three (3) day notification 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.

Permission to Operate:

Before any flight operations is conducted at less than 400 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

Doc #: Dark Zone Pictures Operations 

Manual DZP-004 Rev 4

Date: July 2015

Author: Dark Zone Pictures, LLC

UAV Inspection Team

DARK ZONE PICTURES, LLC. Phone: (720) 583-5316 Email: Phillip@DarkZonePics.com Page 4
• Authorization by the FAA for Dark Zone Pictures, LLC to perform aerial inspections

• Review of the 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 aerial inspection/filming

• Approach and landing procedures

• Recall procedures

• Emergency procedures

• Risks to participating personnel

• How to control nonparticipating persons

Doc #: Dark Zone Pictures Operations 

Manual DZP-004 Rev 4

Date: July 2015

Author: Dark Zone Pictures, LLC

UAV Inspection Team

DARK ZONE PICTURES, LLC. Phone: (720) 583-5316 Email: Phillip@DarkZonePics.com Page 5

Dark Zone Pictures, LLC 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. Dark Zone Pictures, 

LLC 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.

Security:

Prior to any flight operation the operator will coordinate with appropriate Dark Zone 

Pictures, LLC 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 aerial flight operations 

should the area(s) become unsecured or for any other reason in the interest of safety.

Briefing of Pilot/Dark Zone Pictures, LLC Personnel:

Prior to the start of any aerial inspections, aerial data collection, closed-set motion 

picture/filming 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:
Certification/Airworthiness:

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.

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, Recreational or Private pilot certificate, or airman 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 40 hours logged as PIC and at least 20 hours logged as the PIC

 of the UAV type being operated.

Communications:

Prior to the start of any aerial inspection covered by this manual, the pilot in command will 

formulate a plan to provide communications capability to all participants during the actual operation. 

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.

Accident Notification:

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

requirements of FAR Part 830 would comply.

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.

Special Provisions:

The controls, procedures, and conditions set forth in the Dark Zone Pictures, LLC 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 Dark Zone Pictures, LLC operations manual or associated plan of activities. Each pilot’s name 

and certificate number shall appear on each daily plan of activity. All UAV aircraft and pilot(s) participating in the activity shall be available for FAA inspection before the scheduled aerial operation.

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).

Doc #: Dark Zone Pictures Operations 

Manual DZP-004 Rev 4

Date: July 2015

Author: Dark Zone Pictures, LLC

UAV Inspection Team

DARK ZONE PICTURES, LLC. Phone: (720) 583-5316 Email: Phillip@DarkZonePics.com Page 6
UAV takeoff and landing areas will be protected in a manner that will prevent 

unauthorized persons from entering the takeoff and landing area.

Dark Zone Pictures, LLC 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.

APPROVED AIRCRAFT:

Inspire 1

Aircraft Model T600

Motor Model DJI 3510

Propeller Model DJI 1345

Camera X3/FC350 Sony EXMOR

Doc #: Dark Zone Pictures Operations 

Manual DZP-004 Rev 4

Date: July 2015

Author: Dark Zone Pictures, LLC

UAV Inspection Team

DARK ZONE PICTURES, LLC. Phone: (720) 583-5316 Email: Phillip@DarkZonePics.com Page 7
APPENDIX A

DARK ZONE PICTURES, LLC SITE PERMISSION FORM IWI-009

This Site Permission Form (“Agreement”) is granted and is in effect the ____ day of __________, 

2015 (“Effective Date”), by and between Dark Zone Pictures, LLC, a Colorado company, 

having an office at 2443 South University Blvd, Suite 276 Denver, CA 80210 (“Dark Zone Pictures, LLC”) 

and ____________________________, a ___________________________ corporation, having an office 

at _____________________________ (the “Company”).

This Agreement allows Dark Zone Pictures, LLC all necessary access to the described property 

below for the operation of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, (UAV’s) for the purpose of performing inspections 

and/or filming operations. All UAV operations will be performed under the operating guidelines found in 

Dark Zone Pictures, LLC’s Operations Manual DZP-004 Rev 4 and per the FAA Section 333 Guidelines 

defined in the Certificate of Operation (TBD).

1. CUSTOMER CONTACT INFORMATION:

Customer Name: ____________________________ Emergency Tel:_______________________

Site Name: ____________________________

Site Manager: ____________________________

Telephone: ____________________________

Email: ____________________________

2. SITE ADDRESS:

Site Address: ____________________________ State: ____ Zip: _____________

3. LANDOWNER INFORMATION:

Name: ____________________________

Telephone: ____________________________

Email: ____________________________

DARK ZONE PICTURES, LLC. COMPANY: ___________________________

By: ____________________________ By: ____________________________

Name:____________________________ Name:____________________________

 [print name] [print name]

Title: ____________________________ Title: ____________________________

Date: ____________________________ Date: ____________________________

Doc #: Dark Zone Pictures Operations 

Manual DZP-004 Rev 4

Date: July 2015

Author: Dark Zone Pictures, LLC

UAV Inspection Team

DARK ZONE PICTURES, LLC. Phone: (720) 583-5316 Email: Phillip@DarkZonePics.com Page 8
APPENDIX B

Doc #: Dark Zone Pictures Operations 

Manual DZP-004 Rev 4

Date: July 2015

Author: Dark Zone Pictures, LLC

UAV Inspection Team

DARK ZONE PICTURES, LLC. Phone: (720) 583-5316 Email: Phillip@DarkZonePics.com Page 9
APPENDIX B

Doc #: Dark Zone Pictures Operations 

Manual DZP-004 Rev 4

Date: July 2015

Author: Dark Zone Pictures, LLC

UAV Inspection Team

DARK ZONE PICTURES, LLC. Phone: (720) 583-5316 Email: Phillip@DarkZonePics.com Page 10