# Flight Safety and Operational P **rocedures**

**S afety is**  **at the forefront of our operations .**  For this reason we have developed this safety and operational procedures guide. 

## General **Information**

 We fly a battery- operated, Radio Controlled Multi - Rotor Aircraft fitted with a gyro stabilized camera gimbal. The gimbal carries a compact body DSLR camera with wide - angle “pancake” lens. 

###  Our flight times average 10 - 1 5 minutes but will vary de pending on several factors such as outside temperature, payload and battery capacity. We carry spare batteries and a rapid charger that allows us to recharge on site (110V AC electric outlet required). Access to a continued power source may be required for recharge . 

###  A two - person crew always operates our system. One crewmember is in charge of operating the craft, while the other is in charge of the camera operation. If necessary, a third crewmember will be onsite to act as a client liaison, and safety coordi nator. 

## Our Rules and Procedures

 Prior to every takeoff a proposed flight plan/path will be determined. This flight plan can be agreed upon with the client onsite or prior to each takeoff. Our Crew will evaluate any special shots or requests made by the client and will determine if these are safe and within our guidelines . Any request that does not abide by our safety regulations and is considered by our team to put any property and/or people at risk will not be executed. 

###  We will s urvey the area of operation ; look for obstacles that might not have been considered previously, such as power lines, overhead wires, etc. The flying area must be clear of a ll utility poles and power lines. The cra ft will not be flown closer than 100 feet to any above - ground electric power lines .

###  Before takeoff and after landing we will perform a preflight and post flight operational and safety check. 

###  We require a stable; flat surface for takeoff and landing that is free from dust, debris and is at least 50ft away from people and structures. 

###  We always fly our craft at a safe distance from people and/or property. O perating site s cannot be in heavily populated areas. 

###  While the craft is in flight, the camera operator will communicate directly with the craft operator. Therefore, any direction and/or change in the flight plan need to be communicated solely to the camera operator. 

###  While the craft is in flight it will be kept line- of- sight while maintaining an altitude below 400 feet and a distance of less than 300 yards. 

###  We a lways keep craft at least 25 feet of any individual, except for the craft and camera operator. 

###  We never fly in rain and/or in strong winds above 13 mph. 

###  We n ever fly our craft near airports or in controlled airspace. 

###  If at any point during flight a situation is deemed to be unsafe, the flight plan will be aborted immediately. 

# Pre **- flight safety check**  **Thoroughly check the craft before every flight...**  

###  **All components** : RC Receiver, Flight Control Board, GPS module ESCs, FPV and telemetry, are mounted properly and secure. Arms and frame tight no wiggles or misalignment 

###  **Power distribution system.** Check all wires and or solder connections for broken connections, cracked solder joints, and frayed wires with no exposed bare wires. 

###  **Batteries :**  

###  Install and secure battery 

###  Check voltage before each flight. N ever fly the craft with a low voltage reading on your transmitter (check with the manufacturer of your equipment for minimum and maximum voltage readings). 

###  Connect the battery to your craft’s FC inputs and wait for the engine controller beeps to stop.

###  **Transmitter & Receiver:** 

###  Always turn your transmitter on before connecting the battery to the craft...and always disconnect the battery from the craft before turning your transmitter off Check that the transmitter antenna is not damaged. 

###  Check that the craft receiver module is well connected and that the antennas are properly positioned. 

###  Set your transmitter timer to 80% of the known battery duration 

###  **Motors & Esc**  **:** 

###  Check for any dirt or grit in the motors 

###  Motor mounting screws tight and mounts aligned 

###  Motor wires and connectors are secure and tight with no frayed wires. 

###  Escs are secured in mounting and wires are secured to both motors and power distribution connectors. 

###  **Propellers:** 

###  Check the propellers nuts or bolts are tight to motors. Check for marks and nicks 

###  Check that they are balanced 

###  Check the motor mounts and the bolts and nuts for tightness 

###  **Check overall craft:** 

###  Hold the craft in a controlled hover directly in front of you about 1 m off the ground away from “ground effect” prop wash to ensure everything is operating properly. 

###  Take a good look over the craft from all sides to make sure that nothing appears unusual or out of place. 

###  Check your flight perimeter 

###  **GPS:** Reset GPS if it is first time on location. Check GPS signal and flight mode (ATTI or GPS) 

###  **Camera:** 

###  Check the camera equipment is on and functioning properly 

###  Check for any dust particles in lens

###  Check if there memory card is empty and recording correctly 

###  **Survey surrounding area:** Survey the area; look for obstacles that you might not have seen previously, like power lines and overhead wires. 

###  **Assess weather condition:** Assess the weather conditions, wind direction and speed. An anemometer (hand held wind speed meter) is a good tool to have otherwise use some dry grass or a tissue, throwing in the air to gauge the wind direction. Do not fly in gusty and turbulent conditions. **Overall Check at beginning of flight day:** 

###  Radio Control - radio range check do before start of every flight day. 

###  Landing gear is securely mounted and not bent out of alignment. 

###  Check aerial photo/video (none F PV) is mounted securely and working properly. Check system cabling.