FLYSAFETRAINING.ORG GUIDELINES/FLIGHT CHECKLIST

I. FLIGHT REGULATIONS AND AIRSPACE

A. Logging Time

FLYSAFE recommends all pilots/operators maintain current logbooks of flights completed. This is acceptable 

in both digital and physical log book form. Logging time is recommended but not required.

B. Checklists

Operators must at all times have their flight safety checklists present for all official flying. The FLYSAFE 

flight checklists include preflight, flight, and post flight information. This is acceptable in paper or digital 

form.

C. Insurance

To maintain FLYSAFE current, you must always have a general liability insurance that covers any incidents 

including property and personal. No less than a $1 Million dollar umbrella policy is acceptable. If you are 

flying for someone, you must list them as additionally insured.

D. Altitude

Flying above 400 feet AGL is prohibited at all times. UAV Aerial Photography has its uses primarily as lowrange flight. If you must fly above 400 feet AGL, use full sized aircraft to accomplish the altitude. It is 

recommended for many reasons that you stay below 300 feet AGL, however is required you always stay 

below 400 feet AGL.

E. Airports

You may not fly over 100′ AGL within (3) miles of an airport without special pre-arranged communication 

with that airport’s operator. In no instance may you fly over, around, or off the ends of any runway. If you 

must fly at an airport, it must be pre-arranged, and written permissions must be given with specific times and 

locations as well as altitudes. You must also be equipped with a transceiver to monitor the air traffic 

frequencies of that airport. It is preferred to have a liaison from the airport supervising. If flying in close 

proximity to airport guidelines, you must have in your possession a sectional chart outlining the information 

pertaining to that airports proximity to your shoot location.

F. Flight Methods

First Person View (FPV) is a FLYSAFE approved method of flight with a spotter. The pilot may use the 

flight monitor (FPV) as reference but there must be a trained designated spotter watching the aircraft via lineof-sight at all times with no exceptions. The most suitable and most encouraged method of flight is direct line 

of sight. This requires the pilot to fly the aircraft by looking at it directly, unassisted except for corrective 

eyewear.
G. Flying while Intoxicated

You may not in any instance act as pilot in command under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Blood alcohol 

maximum for flight is 0.00.

H. Flying Over People

(Closed Production Set)

People you fly over or near, must be fully aware of it in advance and must sign an individual release of 

liability with the understanding that their activities and involvement may result in injury or even death. 

*Extreme caution must be taken at all times.

(Public Event)

Flying over or near people or crowds is to be avoided whenever possible and only permitted in the following 

circumstances:

1. Client understands and approves of all activities.

2. You have current liability insurance for personal and property damage listing the client as additionally 

insured.

3. All participants are aware of the activities and have signed a liability release form.

4. You are operating at your own discretion and accept all responsibilities that pertain to your activities

*Extreme caution must be taken at all times.

I. Flying Over Roadways

It is strongly discouraged to fly over active roadways. When possible, use closed roadways. Flying over 

roadways is permitted at the pilot’s discretion but should never interfere with normal roadway activity (landing 

on a road, stopping traffic, chasing vehicles, distracting drivers,, etc...). Hovering directly over a roadway is 

strictly prohibited at all times.

J. Use for Surveillance or Spying

It is damaging to the reputation of UAV Aerial Photography to use your abilities for surveillance or spying. 

That is why FLYSAFE prohibits your flight for this purpose. The only exception to this is if you are assisting 

police, or public safety for official business and remain FLYSAFE compliant on all other flight conditions.

K. Flying At Night

You may fly at night only if you have a clear understanding of surrounding obstacles in advance as well as 

suitable exterior aircraft orientation lighting. It is required that all aircraft flying at night must be marked at a 

minimum with RED lighting on the rear and BLUE lighting on the front. You must also land with (2:00) 

minutes of reserve power.
L. FAA NOTAM’s and TFR’s

It is required that all FLYSAFE pilots must be aware of any FAA issues NOTAM’s and/or TFRs in effect 

where flying is taking place. It is also required that the pilot abide by the FAA issued NOTAM/TFRs at all 

times.

M. Takeoff and Landing Zones

To remain compliant you must choose areas where safe takeoff and landings may be conducted. This is 

defined by a space no smaller than (10) feet by (10) feet and clear of overhead and lateral obstructions. The 

Pilot/Remote Control Operator in Command shall check the location to determine if there are any potential 

radio frequencies or electrical transmissions that could interfere with or affect the safe operation of the aircraft. 

The aircraft must be checked for proper balance before each flight or after any alterations to the aircraft such as 

new camera or lens alteration. The area should be cleared of debris. Never, under any circumstance, throw 

anything such as grip tape, clothing, paper, etc. around the aircraft, whether running or not. Loose clothing, 

trash, or anything that may hinder the operation of the aircraft, shall be cleared. If there are people in the area 

of takeoff they are to be made aware, and asked to remain clear of the 10’ x 10’ area.

N. Pilot In Command

The Pilot/Remote Control Operator in Command is at all times the final authority over the aircraft and shall be 

in command over all flight operations and/or related activities. The Pilot/Remote Control Operator in 

Command shall have the final authority to abort any flight operation in the interest of safety. Abort signals 

shall be specified ahead of time. In the event of a power loss, signal loss, or mechanical failure, the pilot must 

make every attempt to keep the safety of people and property as the highest priority. The aircraft may be 

crashed, or destroyed in the attempt to keep the safety of people and property. The pilot has the final authority 

and is responsible for the flight of the aircraft.

II. EQUIPMENT

A. Aircraft Size

Your aircraft must be of a size that is visible during flight. Orientation must be decipherable at whatever 

distance/altitude you fly to.

B. Use of GPS

All equipment must be equipped with GPS. GPS coordinates must be attained and verified before takeoff and 

used as the fail-safe return to home location in the event of signal loss or other issue. GPS systems are 

supplemental for flight accuracy and precise aircraft positioning. GPS is never to be used as a substitute for 

visibility, flight conditions, or pilot proficiency.
C. FAIL–SAFE Requirements

All aircraft systems must be programmed for fail-safe. Fail-safe is defined as the flight computer taking over in 

the event of a signal loss from the pilot or preset function from transmitter. Hover in place, hover-then-land, as 

well as return to home and land are acceptable methods of fail-safe.

D. Navigation Lighting

All FLYSAFE certified pilots must have exterior navigation lighting on their aircraft for flying at night. This 

lighting must make the orientation decipherable for the pilot, camera operator, and spotter. The universal 

FLYSAFE navigation lighting at night is RED on the rear of the aircraft, and BLUE on the front.

E. Flight Time

All flights must be timed according to the capacity of the power system and anticipated usage. This ensures 

landing with safe level battery reserves of at least (1:00) minute. Before takeoff, batteries must be verified as 

fully charged.

F. Voltage Monitoring

You must be able to read the voltage of your aircraft either visually or audibly at all times. This can be through 

the use of audible/visual voltage monitors, on screen display, or both.

G. Autonomous Flight

Autonomous flight may not be used as the primary form of flight control without a certified pilot override on 

standby at all times. In the event autonomous flight is used, the pilot in command is required to have manual 

override capability at all times.

H. Professional Use

No aircraft may be used professionally unless previously tested and proven to be in an airworthy state and 

functioning properly.

I. Indoor Flight

If the aircraft is to be used indoors, extreme caution shall be taken. Indoor conditions (e.g., increased heat 

resulting in reduced air density) could adversely affect flying characteristics. Additionally, interior sets, walls, 

ceiling beams, lighting equipment, HVAC equipment etc., can be a hazard. GPS is not to be used indoors.

J. Damage and Incident Reporting

In the event of damage caused to the aircraft, camera or other equipment for any reason, it is required that an 

incident report be filled out, explaining the details of the occurrence and recommended corrections to be made.

III. WEATHER
A. Precipitation

Fly at your own risk in precipitation. Under no circumstance may you fly in any precipitation if you are flying 

over people or property such as buildings, homes, cars, or other things that may become damaged in the result 

of an equipment failure. If you have a flight platform that has been tested to perform in precipitation you may 

fly at your discretion.

B. Wind

Good judgment should be used when determining when to fly with wind. It is suggested that you do not fly in 

wind greater than 15 kts with or gusts over 20 kts.