# s UAS Operations Manual

Red Wing Aerial Photography

30 September 2015

This manual contains standard operating procedures and guidelines for UAS operations.2 

## Red Wing Aerial Photography

s UAS Operations Manual / Inspire 1

**Table of Contents**

Purpose, Scope, and Mission Statement

................................ ............................. 5

Definitions

................................ ................................ ................................ .......... 6

Personnel Responsibilities

................................ ................................ .................. 8

Visual Observer

................................ ................................ ................................ .... 8

PIC

................................ ................................ ................................ ....................... 8

Flight Team Composition

................................ ................................ ..................... 8

Qualification Requirements

................................ ................................ ................. 8

Operating Limitations and Conditions

................................ ................................ . 9

Maintenance Procedures

................................ ................................ .................. 1 0

Routine Maintenance

................................ ................................ ........................ 10

Full Flight Test

................................ ................................ ................................ .... 1 1

Software Firmware Update Policy

................................ ................................ ...... 1 1

Logs and Records

................................ ................................ .............................. 1 2

Pilot and Aircraft Hours

................................ ................................ ...................... 1 2

Battery Logbook

................................ ................................ ................................ . 1 2

Flight Planning

................................ ................................ ................................ .. 13

Weather

................................ ................................ ................................ ............. 13

Site Permissions

................................ ................................ ................................ . 13

Pre

- Flight Inspections and Checks

................................ ................................ ...... 1 3

Documentation

................................ ................................ ................................ .. 14

Pre

- Flight Area and Personnel Checks

................................ ................................ 14

Closed Set Operations

................................ ................................ ........................ 153 On

- Site Procedures

................................ ................................ ............................ 16

Site Survey

................................ ................................ ................................ .. 16

Selection of Operating Areas and Alternatives

................................ ............ 16

Boundaries

................................ ................................ ................................ .. 17

Anemometer Weather Check

................................ ................................ ..... 18

Crew Briefing

................................ ................................ .............................. 18

Communications

................................ ................................ ......................... 19

Frequency Scans

................................ ................................ ......................... 19

Recharging and Battery Use (Fuel Management)

................................ ........ 19

Load

- outs and Equipment

................................ ................................ ........... 19

Flight Procedures

................................ ................................ .............................. 21

Motor Start

................................ ................................ ................................ ........ 21

Take

- O ff

................................ ................................ ................................ ............. 21

In

- Flight

................................ ................................ ................................ .............. 22

Let Do wn/ Landing

................................ ................................ .............................. 23

Shutdown

................................ ................................ ................................ .......... 23

Emergency Procedures

................................ ................................ ...................... 24

Motor Thrust Loss

................................ ................................ .............................. 24

Battery Failure

................................ ................................ ................................ ... 24

Battery Failure Failsafe

................................ ................................ ............... 25

Transmitter/Controller Battery Failure

................................ ....................... 26

Controller Battery Failsafe

................................ ................................ .......... 26

Loss of Control Frequency

................................ ................................ .................. 26

Loss of Frequent Failsafe

................................ ................................ .................... 26

Malicious or Accidental Interference with Control Frequency

........................... 27

Pilot Incapacitation

................................ ................................ ..................... 274 Aircraft Incursion

................................ ................................ ........................ 27

Fly Away Procedure

................................ ................................ .......................... 28

Crash & Incident Response

................................ ................................ ................ 28

Appendix A

- Checklists

................................ ................................ ..................... 29

Pre

- Flight Start

- Up Checklist

................................ ................................ .............. 30

Pre

- Flight Inspection Checklist

................................ ................................ ........... 3 2

In

- Flight

................................ ................................ ................................ .............. 3 3

Landing Checklist

................................ ................................ ............................... 3 4

Appendix B

................................ ................................ ................................ ....... 3 5

Maintenance Logbook

................................ ................................ ....................... 3 6

Appendix C

................................ ................................ ................................ ....... 3 7

Incident/Accident Logbook

................................ ................................ ................ 3 8

Appendix D

................................ ................................ ................................ ....... 3 9

Flight Record Logbook

................................ ................................ ....................... 40

Appendix E

................................ ................................ ................................ ........ 41

Inspire 1 User Manual

................................ ................................ ........................ 4 15 

## PURPOSE, SCOPE, AND MISSION STATEMENT

Red Wing Aerial Photography ( Red Wing Aerial Photography ), a member of the Professional Aerial Photographers Association, International (PAPA) intends as the Operator to promote safe operation of sUAS in the National Airspace System (NAS) in a manner that is consistent with a long history of safe and professional flight operations in close cooperation with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The Operators are e xperienced licensed pilots. The sUAS Pilots In Command (PIC) that will operate systems according to the approach outlined in
this Manual of Procedures (Manua l) are trained in accordance with this Manual and FAA regulations and have decades of successful e xperience on Aerial Photographic flight missions.

The intent of the Manual is to provide the outline of a system to conduct safe and successful sUAS operations in accordance with the applicable FAA regulations and
consistent with th e S ection 333 waiver th at this M anual is based upon. It is expected that the Operator will continue to apply the skills and experience they have employed in manned aircraft operations under FAA regulations. This combination of prior successful flight experience and sound sUAS flight operational procedures is intended to promote the highest levels of professionalism in safe aerial photographic flight missions.6 

## DEFINITIONS

The following definitions of words and terms apply to the information contained
in this Manual and are specific to procedures and operations that are outlined herein. In the case of a conflict with an official FAA definition, the FAA definition
will be the rule.

Anemometer

- An instrument to measure the velocity of the wind in the Area of Operations.

Area of Operations

- Defined as the area where sUAS operations will be carried out for a specific flight or series of flights on a given mission.

Checklists

- Procedural checklists used by the PIC to verify proper and safe procedures during a ll phases of sUAS operations.

Designated Safety Zone

- Defined and marked area of ground operations used for safe take offs and landings of the sUAS at a given Area of Operations.

FPV

- First Person View

– Defined as real time viewing of photo

- video imagery transmitted to a screen by a person/s.

Flight Control Systems

- The combination of telemetry, PIC operated controls, and onboard control mechanisms that are employed to control the flight of the

sUAS.

Frequency Analyzer

- A device used to scan the Area of Operations for possible
interference from radio waves.

GPS

- Global Positioning System.

Handheld Radio

- A radio transceiver capable of communication with other Pilots or FAA personnel in the Area of Operations.

Loiter Mode

- A default recovery mode the sUAS goes into when communications
are lost from the PIC.7 Maintenance Recommendations

- Periodic maintenance recommendations for each of the sUAS components that have a usable life.

Manual

- This flight manual that combines the Operator specific procedures with
the sUAS manufacturers’ manual.

Manufacturers Recommendations

- Written recommendations provided by the manufacturers of the various components of the sUAS.

NAS

- National Airspace System.

Non Participants

- Persons who have not agreed to participate in sUAS operations.

Operator

- The entity submitting as the applicant on this waiver request to the FAA who will be responsible for all sUAS operations and procedures.

PAPA

- Profess ional Aerial Photographers Association, International.

Participants

- Persons who have agreed to participate in sUAS operations.

Pilot In Command

- Person who will fly the UA during sUAS operations and who is responsible for all safety related or operati onal decisions under the direction of the Operator in accordance with this Manual and FAA requirements

.

SOP

- Standard O perating P rocedures.

sUAS

- Small Unmanned Aerial Systems as contemplated under the FAA guidelines, not to exceed 55 pounds in weight or 100 miles per hour in speed.

Telemetry

- Electronically transmitted data that provides control and information
transmissions to and from the PIC and the sUAS.

UA

– Unmanned Aircraft.

Visual Observer

- An individual who is designated to observe flight operations and to maintain visual contact with the UA during flight operations while maintaining
communications and coordination with the PIC.8 

## PERSONNEL RESPONSIBILITIES

VISUAL OBSERVER All operations will utilize a Visual Observer. The main responsibilities of the Visual Observer will be to ensure that the UA is operated within the visual line of sight of
both the PIC and Visual Observer at all times. The Visual Observer will maintain
verbal communica tion with the PIC at all times. Prior to flight, the PIC will ensure
that the Visual Observer understands and can perform all the duties required of
the Visual Observer.

PIC Pilot in Command is responsible for the safe operation of the sUAS at all times in
accordance with this Manual and the applicable FAA regulations.

Pilot in Command will be responsible for:

• All support personnel.

• Performing all pre

- flight, flight phase, and post flight inspections, air worthiness, diagnostics

, and testing.

• Manufacturer recommended maintenance operations.

• Weather condition assessments and forecast reviews.

FLIGHT TEAM COMPOSITION The onsite flight team is composed of a Pilot in Command (P IC) and a Visual Observer ( V O). The PIC is responsible for all flight operations and decisions to proceed. The V O is responsible to maintain visual contact with the UA and to provide constant communication with the PIC regarding aircraft status and

surro unding conditions within the Area of Operations.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
The PIC must be a n FAA

- licensed p ilot and must have completed the PAPA sponsored ground school with at least 25 h ours of sUAS flight time. The V O must have completed sUAS ground school training and must demonstrate experience with FAA procedures and the standard procedures of this Manual.9 

## OPERATING LIMITATIONS AND CONDITIONS

Operational Ceiling

- Maximum 1,200 ft AGL, typical 400 ft AGL.

Operational Endurance

- 15 minutes.

Maximum Speed

- 100 MPH

Maximum Operating Temperature

- 110 degrees F

Minimum Operating Temperature

- 0 degrees F

Maximum Operational Wind Speed

- 15 MPH (gusts to 20 MPH)10 

## MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES

Only Red Wing Aerial Photography personnel or an appointed service technician may carry out maintenance on the sUAS aircraft systems described in this operations manual. In all cases a Maintenance Logbook (see Appendix B ) is completed to reflect a ny work undertaken and a flight test, tes ting all functions (including the return

- to

- home failsafe facility), is subsequently car ried out by the

PIC

.

ROUTINE MAINTENANCE
The Pre

- Flight and Post

- Flight checklists shown in Appendix A are completed by
the PIC every time a Red Wing Aerial Photography sUAS aircraft is operated. Every six months (or fifty hours of flight time

– whichever comes first) the following inspection is carried out by the PIC. The inspection is recorded in the Maintenance Logbook along with any findings. Any issues identified are remedied and the aircraft undergoes a full flight

- test before the aircraft is returned to Operational Status:

• Inspection of the airframe for any damage, unusual marks and tightness of fixings;

• Inspection of the motor mountings for correct t ension;

• Inspection of the propellers for condition, unusual marks, chips, cracks and tightness of fasteners;

• Inspection of electrical wiring for condition, unusual marks or discoloration;

• Inspection of electrical terminal fittings and plugs for secure at tachment and general condition;

• Inspection of the attachment of all fittings such as flight controller, GPS antennas etc. for secure attachment;

• Inspection of payload attachment points for condition and security of payload;

• Inspection of the condition and function of all ancillary equipment such as

transmitter etc.

• Testing of all system battery packs for charge status and general condition.

If any issues or problems are identified then the aircraft is not allowed to fly until the issue has been remedied. If minor problems (such as damaged propellers, faulty battery packs etc.) are identified and remedied, and the PIC believes the
aircraft is suitable to return to Operational Status then the work completed is11 noted in the Maintenance Logbook. If major issues are identified (such as an unserviceable motor, damaged airframe etc.)

, then the a ircraft undergoes a full flight test regime (as descri bed below), once the identified fault has been
remedied.

FULL FLIGHT TEST The system has all functions tested with a minimum of five minutes flight time by a qualified PIC recording any abnormalities in the Flight Record Logbook (Appendix D). If the PIC deems the aircraft to be safe then he must sign the Flight Record Logbook as fit for Operational use. Systems with identified issues relating to firmware or software (see below) are grounded by Red Wing Aerial Photography until any problems are rectified.

SOFTWARE AND FIRMWARE UPDATE POLICY All new software and firmware are thoroughly assessed before installation. Particular attention is focused on relevance to operations, reason for release and any known issues. Multi

- rotor and s UAS forums are consulted regularly for any reported issues with the release and only when the validity of the upgrade has been confirmed is the upgrade considered.

In all circumstances the upgrade is performed by qualified Red Wing Aerial Photography personnel o r appointed servi ce providers. All upgrade information
such as version numbers and new functions are recorded in the Maintenance Logbook. All Red Wing Aerial Photography PIC are made aware that the firmware or software has been upgraded before any flight operations are u ndertaken.

Any upgraded system has all functions thoroughly tested with a minimum of five minutes flight time by a qualified Red Wing Aerial Photography PIC who records any abnormalities in the Flight Record Logbook. If the PIC deems the aircraft to
be s afe then the PIC signs the Flight Record Logbook as fit for Operational use. If any doubts exist as to the new upgrade the aircraft is downgraded to the previous firmware and the flight test procedure is repeated. Systems with identified issues relating to firmware or software are grounded until the problem can be rectified.12 

## LOGS AND RECORDS

PILOT AND AIRCRAFT HOURS Red Wing Aerial Photography PIC s are required to keep a log of pilot and aircraft
hours. To meet this requirement, Red Wing Aerial Photography holds and updates a spreadsheet

- based Personal Flying Log Book for Aircraft Operating Crew. This log book is a separate document which can be viewed on request (see sample page at Appendix D).

BATTERY LOGBOOK Red Wing Aerial Photography Perso nal Flying Log Book (Appendix D) additionally records information about battery condition (charge) before and after each flight. The Battery Logbook is accompanied by

– and supported with

– Red Wing Aerial Photography Incident Logbook (Appendix C ) and Mai ntenance Logbook (Appendix

B ).13 

## FLIGHT PLANNING

WEATHER Opera tor will require PIC to obtain all necessary weather information in order to plan and conduct safe flight operations according to and as referenced by any applicable UA Operator Manuals

. If operating near an operating Automat ed Terminal Information Service (ATIS) or All Weather Observation Service (AWOS)

, the broadcast system will be consult ed . If ATIS / is not available, PIC will consult

alternative sources for a current weather forecast.

The operating envelope for the Inspire 1 has been referred to earlier. It is emphasized that the PIC is to ensure the operating envelope environment meets or exceeds all safe and legal visibility, precipitation, humidity, and wind limitations for safe operation.

SITE PERMISSIONS

• Secure permissions from property owner if required.

• Secure permissions from participants.

• Coordinate with local law enforcement if required.

• Prior to operations, Operator receives permission for ta ke

- off and landin g from the relevant land

- owner. In most cases permission attainment is unproblematic as the landowner and the client are t he same individual (or entity). In the case of local authority owned land, the relevant authority is
contacted in a dvance to secure permission for take

- off and landing, and to find out about any operating restrictions or specific insurance requirements that might apply.

PRE

- FLIGHT INSPECTIONS AND CHECKS Prior to each flight, the PIC will conduct a pre

- flight inspectio n and determine if
the s UAS is in a condition for safe flight, and to account for all possible discrepancies or inoperable equipment. If the inspection reveals any condition that will affect the safe operation of the s UAS, the aircraft will be prohibited from operating until the necessary maintenance can be performed and the s UAS can be returned to safe flight. The preflight inspections will include the following14 components according to the recommended checklists in th e DJI operator manual, and in the Red Wing Aerial Photography checklist:

 Airframe  Battery  Transmitters  Camera and Gimbal  Propulsion system including propellers

In addition, with the battery attached and turned on in the s UAS, the PIC will
oversee and mon itor the series of diagnostic tests to determine and verify proper voltage levels, control function, communication, and GPS satellite connectivity acquisition. PIC will utilize the DJI Inspire 1 LED indicators as well as telemetry
data to determine if the proper preflight diagnostics have been completed. The PIC will also perform and log a pre

- flight compass calibration each time the s UAS
is flown from a new location.

DOCUMENTATION PIC will ensure that all documents used by Red Wing Aerial Photography to ensure safe flight operations and any document required under 14 CFR 91.9 and 91.203 must be available at the Ground Control Station on site at any time the

sUAS is operating, and ready to be made available to any law enforcement official upon request. I f possible, these documents will be on the PIC’s person at all times during flight operations, and accessible to law enforcement without interrupting the PIC while conducting flight operations (possibly in a pouch on the back of the

vest ).

PRE

- FLIGHT AREA AND PERSONNEL CHECKS

• Survey flight operations area for safety concerns and to verify conditions.

• Examine all components of the s UAS to verify proper function in
accordance with the applicable manuals and manufacturer’s instructions.

• Verify notification to all personnel on site.

• Establish Designated Safety Zone and verify safe clearances.

• PIC should wear the specified safety vest

.

• The ultimate responsibility for aircraft airworthiness and operational safety
rests with the sUAS pilot

- in

- command. For this , the PIC

– as an aid

– uses a
Pre

- Flight Checkli st (see Appendix A ). In summary, the Pre

- Flight Checklist15 prompts examination of the following:  The airframe (for condition and lack of damage);  The battery (for level

- of

- charge and security of attachment);  The transmitter (for level

- of

- charge and to check that switches
are in the ‘home’ position);  The camera (secured, on and operating).  Propulsion system

• In addition, when the flight battery is connected to the s UA S , the flight
controller undertakes a series of diagnostic tests (while simultaneously locating the position of GPS satellites).

CLOSED SET OPERATIONS If this exemption permits operations for the purpose of closed

- set motion picture and television filming and production, the following additional conditions and limitations apply :

• The operator must have a Motion Picture and Television Operations

M anual (MPTOM) as documented in this grant of exemption.

• At least 3 days before aerial filming, the operator of the s UAS affected by this exemption must sub mit a written Plan of Activities to the local Flight Standards District Office (FSDO) with jurisdiction over the area of proposed filming. The 3

- day notification may be waived with the concurrence of the FSDO. The plan of activities must include at least t he following:

o Dates and times for all flights;

o Name and phone number of the operator for the s UAS aerial filming conducted under this grant of exemption;

o Name and phone number of the person responsible for the on

scene operation of the s UAS;

o Make, model, and serial or N

- Number of s UAS to be used;

o Name a nd certificate number of s UAS PI Cs involved in the aerial filming;

o A statement that the operator has obtained permission from property owners and/or local officials to conduct the filming produc tion event; the list of those who gave permission must be made available to the inspector upon request;

o Signature of exemption holder or representative; and

o A description of the flight activity, including maps or diagrams16 of any area, city, town, county, a nd/or state over which filming will be conducted and the altitudes essential to accomplish the operation.

• Flight operations may be conducted closer than 500 feet from participating persons consenting to be involved and necessary for the filming production, as specified in the exemption holder's MPTOM.

ON

- SITE PROCEDURES
The on

- site procedures undertaken by Red Wing Aerial Photography are conducted in accordance with and controlled through an extensive use of checklists. For this reason, the following sections repeatedly refer to various checklists found in Appendix A of this Manual.

• Site Survey

- In advance of operations, a survey is undertaken to review the site, its terrain, structures and surroundings

– to check any assumptions made about the location prior to arrival and to adjust the operations plan accordingly. For this, an On

- Site Survey Checklist is used (see Appendix A

, page 2 5). The primary purpose of the site survey is to make a visual check of the operating area with the objective of identifying any potential
hazards.

• Selection of Operating Areas and Alternatives

- In advance of the pre

- flight

On

- Site Survey, Google maps wi ll be consulted and

– if possible

– the local site will be visited beforehand. The site will be specifically checked in terms
of:

o Proximity to Airport Reference Points (ARP) as denoted in the Airport Facility Directory (AFD). Must operate outside 5 miles of ARP, unless otherwise agreed upon by virtue of written letter of agreement with the airport’s management, or otherwise permitted by the COA issued to Red Wing Aerial Photography

o Ability of PIC and VO to operate the s UAS clear of, and give
way to

, all m anned aviation operations and activities at all

times.

o 500 ft. clearance of all non

- participating persons, vessels,

v ehicles, and structures unless; A. sufficiently protected in the event of an accident, and the nonparticipating persons remain17 protected at all times during operations of the s UAS, and B. The owners and controllers of any vessels, vehicles, or structures has granted permission for the operating closer to those objects and the PIC has made a safety assessment of the risk of operating closer to those objects and determined that it does not present an undue hazard.

o Ability of Red Wing Aerial Photography to conduct operati ons over private or controlled access property with permission from the owner/controller or representative of such, and said permissions are granted.

o Proximity to radio interferences

o Prevailing weather conditions have been adequately assessed, including; high winds, convection, visibility, minimum cloud clearance (500 ft below, and 2,000 ft horizontal clearance), or
when visibility is less than 3 miles from the PIC.

The primary site for take

- off and landing will be assessed (size, shape, surface, slope and surroundings) and an alternative site will be identified should the primary site become unavailable or unsuitable.

• B oundaries

- Red Wing Aerial Photography requires that proper identifiers and signage will be in place in the operating area to alert people to the fact that aerial work is being conducted. The PIC will be responsible for cordoning to ensure safe distances from operations are observed. Cordoning procedures to be practiced include :

o Take

- off and Landing safety Area: PIC will determine the safe distances of all people from the take

- off and landing operation
of the s UAS. The PIC will also establish a cordon ed area with clearly marked delineation the take

- off and landing operations.

o Signage and Identifying Clothing: The PIC will place signage at each entry point within the operations area a lerting people to the following:

A. Low altitude aerial work is being con ducted

B. Use of any actual sensing equipment being used

C. A request asking people to not enter the area without first notifying the PIC or Red Wing Aerial Photography designated on

- site flight operations personnel18 D. PIC and VO will put on outerwear that will id entify them in their respective roles. Signage will be attached on their person that will instruct law

- enforcement, observers, or any other people present that they are not to be interrupted un

- necessarily while conducting flight operations.

• Anemometer W eather Check

- Beyond pre

- site planning weather forecast checks, Red Wing Aerial Photography requires that the PIC conduct specific

on

- site weather checks. The PIC will utilize a hand

- held or portable Anemometer to determine wind speed, direction, tempera ture, and humidity. Aerial operations will only be conducted within the specific recommended wind and humidity limitations of the s UAS manufacturer’s operating manuals, or if not identified therein, only in conditions where wind speed is less than 15mph, gusting up to 20mph.

• Crew Briefing

- Red Wing Aerial Photography flight operations personnel will typically include the PIC, VO, and other possible ground crew. The operations personnel, in addition to any other parties that may be present,
will be brief ed prior to the start of operat ions

. The briefing will include:

o Introduction to the equipment being used including the s UAS and the ground station functions, with particular emphasis on moving parts including weight of the s UAS, and the harm or damage tha t could possibly be inflicted by coming into contact with those components (particularly the propellers, and hot surfaces)

o Familiarization with the failsafe return

- to

- home systems and instruction on how to activate those systems if the PIC is
unable to act ivate those systems

o Expected flight plan, holding positions, flight duration, and overall flight boundaries.

o Expected responsibilities and authority of each flight operations personnel

o Identification and familiarization with the take

- off and landing design ated areas, and the requirements for remaining clear of
those areas at all times.

o The need for all present to alert the PIC of any encroachments19 of people or objects into the airspace and ground boundaries

o Importance of mitigating any possible distractions or un

necessary communication with the PIC during operations

o Careful review of Lost Link and emergency procedures

• Communications

- Red Wing Aerial Photography uses channel

- hopping technology on 2.4GHz to maintain communications with the SUAS for the

purpo ses of platform control. There is no communication (‘downlink’) from
the sUAS to the ground station. In the event of loss of or interference with the control frequency, the sUAS is programmed to return to its take

- off position and land autonomously (‘retu rn

- to

- home’). This failsafe procedure is described further under Emergency Procedures.

• Frequency Scans

- Red Wing Aerial Photography will perform frequency scans to help identify possible conflict with radio communications. This will be performed via a hand

- held or portable radio spectrum scanner by the PIC. These scans will include a full spectrum scan of the applicable frequency ra nge of the s UAS. Possible sources of radio interference or conflict will be identified and evaluated to determine if flight operations can be safely continued.

• Recharging and Battery Use ( F uel M anagement)

- The DJI Inspire 1 utilizes

a 4480 m A h 15.2 V LiP o 4S I ntelligent Flight B attery. Batteries are charged at base prior to flight operations. The number of batteries that will be transported to the flight operations area will be based on the specific needs of the flight operations or mission. The batter y capacity will be tested utilizing the internal proprietary tester on the battery, and will also be checked utilizing the proprietary DJI software, as well as any internally sensed telemetry software and hardware attached to the s UAS. A battery charge lo g will be kept via the proprietary DJI Inspire 1 software and will be completed prior to every flight. Any battery found to be less than fully

charged, damaged, displays insufficient voltage, or otherwise defective will
not be used.

• Load

- outs and Equipme nt

- The Inspire 1 is a simple quad

- copter UAS with limited capability for loads and equipment. Removable equipment includes the battery, gimbal, camera, telemetry hardware, antenna, and imaging transmitter. The battery is held in place via proprietary f ittings. The gimbal20 is attached via screws into the airframe. The camera is attached to the gimbal using screws and a proprietary harness. All other equipment is attached using nylon fittings, Velcro, or adhesives. Total takeoff weight with these compo nents will not exceed the maximum recommended take

off weight identified in the Inspire 1 Users/operators Manual of 1 280 grams. Payload security is tested prior to any operations both visually and by vigorous tactile testing. All attachment points will b e inspected and tested weekly.21 

## FLIGHT PROCEDURES

Red Wing Aerial Photography will utilize checklists to direct the flight operations personnel in flight procedures. The following section will continually refer to the several checklists presented in the Appendix.

• Motor Start

- All of the various preflight checks will have been pe rformed prior to motor start and will include:

o PIC and VO will put on identifying outerwear

.

o Pre

- flight compass calibration, GPS verification, and voltage diagnostics completed

.

o Take

- off position and location is checked to ensure it is clear of obstacles, debris, potential hazards, and people.

o Transmitter switches are placed in the proper configuration, including the home switch and GPS mode switch.

o Transmitter is on and properly charged with voltage confirmed

.

o Battery is secured, on, and properly seated

.

o Camera and gimbal is armed, responding to commands, and
stabilized

.

o s UAS is placed in the proper takeoff position

.

o LED flight mode indicator, and telemetry read

- out shows adequate GPS connectivity according to the DJI Inspire 1 User/operators
Manual

.

o LED flight mode indicators and telemetry read

- outs show the proper flight mode is selected DJI Inspire 1 User/operators Manual.

o Camera is switched on

.

o All flight operations personnel are in their proper position and at the ready

.

o Start motors, and establish functional pre

- take

- off power setting

.

• Take

- O ff

- Once motors have been started, the PIC will verify that the pre

take

- off checklist has been completed. Once this has been verified, the PIC will follow the following take

- off procedure:

1. Apply power for a controlled ascent to a safe low

- level test altitude
over the take

- off area, and then hold

.22 2. After in hold, PIC performs check of all control stick response including rudder, aileron, elevator, and throttle to ensure proper response to commands

. 3. PIC confirm s with VO that the flight operations area is free of
obstructions or other manned or unmanned air traffic

. 4. PIC confirms with all flight operations personnel that they are ready to proceed with flight operations as planned

.

• In

- F light

- Red Wing Aerial Phot ography requires that the PIC is free to concentrate on positioning, scanning, and monitoring systems and the flight operations area without un

- necessary distraction, and to ensure the flight is compliant with remaining 500 ft clear of all non

- participatin g persons, vessels, vehicles, or structures unless proper permissions have been obtained as described in the previous section addressing the selection of sites. Throughout the flight, PIC will take particular care to remain within the established operatin g permissions and envelope by executing the following practices:

o Verify through verbal communication with the VO that they are alerted to any manned or unmanned aircraft within the flight area

.

o Verify through verbal communication with the VO that obstacles are being identified and avoided

.

o Interval monitoring of voltage and communication with s UA S to ensure adequate voltage according to the DJI Inspire

1 User/operating Manual for safe return and landing

.

o Monitor time since motors were started to ensure a min imum of 3 minutes of battery fuel is available for return and landing of s UA S

.

o A safety margin of a minimum of 3 minutes of battery life is
maintained at all times

.

o Maintain visual contact with flight systems/mode and battery LED light indicators at all times

.

o Maintain situational awareness of changes in weather, visibility, or
cloud avoidance at all times

.

o Maintain operation speeds less than 100mph

.

o Maintain visual contact with s UA S at all times

.

o Ensure VO has visual contact with the s UA S in flight at all times. Establish a position hold until VO re

- establishes visual contact with
the s UA S if contact is lost.23 • Let

- D own/Landing

- To execute a safe recovery and landing of the s UA S

, t he PIC will ensure that the following practices are follo wed :

o Establis h and guide the s UA S through a safe route to directly above
the cordoned take

- off and landing area.

o Maintain a safe descent rate and follows all procedures and techniques to avoid vortex state or settling with power

.

o Verify that a minimum of 3 minutes of battery life is available

, as mentioned above

, to ensure a holding position if the landing area is
not cleared.

o Verify that the landing area is clear of debris, obstacles, people, or hazards that would preclude a safe landing.

• Shutdown

- Upon landing, the throttle is returned to the home position

causi ng the rotors to stop spinning. Operations then proceed as follows:

1. The s UA S battery is switched off or disconnected.

2. The camera is stopped and is then switched off.

3. The s UA S is removed from the landing area and is checked for any abnormalities or damage.

4. The transmitter is switched off.

5. The s UA S battery is removed

, tested, and then the battery is safely secured and stored.24 

## EMERGENCY PROCEDURES

The emergency procedures described below address the following, safety

- critical question: In the event of a malfunction, failure or other in

- flight emergency, how
is the s UAS going to safely land without creating a hazard to other airspace users

or persons or property on the ground?

MOTOR THRUST LOSS As a quad copter, The Inspire 1 has no ‘rotor redundancy’. Loss of power to a motor on a quad copter will result in a crash. For this reason, Red Wing Aerial Photography takes specific preventative steps to ensure that loss of power to a
motor will not occur:

• Wiring integrity is checked visually prior to any flight operations.

• A pre

- flight battery check is undertaken to test the charge of the cells.

• Upon take

- off, the s UAS is lifted into a temporary, low

- alti tude holding position and the throttle/ rudder and aileron/elevator control sticks are
moved to check that s UA S is responding as expected.

If there is a loss of thrust to a motor, any residual control left available to the PIC will be used to guide the s U A S away from people and objects to avoid injury or damage to property and people. Every effort will be made to restrict the crash site to the safest possible position.

s UA S B ATTERY FAILURE As has been addressed in above previous sections, Red Wing Aerial Photography has procedures and practices in place designed to prevent s UA S batter failure o r malfunction, and they include:

• The batteries are physically inspected and tested through all phases of pre

flight and post flight for damage or swelling

• The Batte ry performance and condition is tested prior to each flight to ensure they are fully charged, and the proprietary DJI software charge track/log is checked to ensure the battery meets the minimum safe requirements as specified by DJI in operating manual an d firmware specs.

• Throughout all phases of flight, the battery voltage, percentage of charge remaining, and time in operation is constantly monitored via the telemetry25 transmission to the ground station to ensure there is the proper minimum voltage and time to return and land is achieved and maintained.

• The PIC will immediately land the sUAS in the nearest possible landing area if telemetry indicates the minimum voltage, time in operation, or percentage of charge are not met.

BATTERY FAILURE FAILSAFE (L ow Battery RTH)

The low battery level failsafe is triggered when the DJI Intelligent Flight Battery is depleted to a point that may affect the safe return of the aircraft. Users are advised to return home or land the aircraft immediately when prompted. Th e DJI pilot app will display a notice when a low battery warning is triggered. The aircraft will automatically return to the Home Point if no action is taken after a 10 second countdown. The user can cancel the RTH procedure by pressing the RTH button

on t he remote controller. The thresholds for these warnings are automatically
determined based on the aircraft's current altitude and distance from the Home

Point.

The aircraft will land automatically if the current battery level can only support
the aircraft long enough to descend from its current altitude. The user can still use the remote controller to alter the aircraft's orientation during the landing process. A more detailed description of indications, warnings, and thresholds is presented in Appendix E

- Phantom 3 User Manual, page 13 and 14, of this document.

TRANSMITTER/CONTROLLER BATTERY FAILURE As has been mentioned previously, through the extensive use of checklist procedures, Red Wing Aerial Photography requires that the PIC ensure the DJI Inspire 1 controller (ground station) will be fully charged prior to any aerial operation. Any monitors being used to display telemetry will also be fully charged.

CONTROLLER BATTERY FAILSAFE Red Wing Aerial Photography will use The DJI Inspire 1 flight control system that incorporates an automated failsafe system which commands the s UA S to return to home and land if there is a loss of remote control for 3 seconds due to battery26 failure or any other cause

. When the controller battery level is criti cally low The
Remote Status Indicator will blink red and sound an alert.

LOSS OF CONTROL FREQUENCY (and/or Ground Station Failure) To help prevent a loss of control frequency, Red Wing Aerial Photography requires that the PIC ensure flight operations only occur within un

- aided visual line of site VLOS at all times. Doing so will keep the s UA S well within the required minimum range of the DJI Inspire 1 controller/transmitter.

LOSS OF CONTROL FREQUENCY FAILSAFE If the control frequency signal is lost for more than 3 seconds ( s UAS out of range, ground station failure etc.) the DJI Inspire 1 Flight Controller has been programmed to switch the UAS into failsafe mode and it will ‘return to home’ (RTH) and al so land:

• If the failsafe occurs while in GPS mode according to the parameters of
the DJI Inspire 1 User/Operator Manual, the s UA S will return to the take

off and landing area and auto

- land.

• If the fail location occurs while in ATTI mode according to the pa rameters of the DJI Inspire 1 User/Operator Manual, the s UA S will auto

- land.

• The RTH failsafe mechanism works by the s UAS Flight Controller saving the home (take

- off) point automatically when the throttle stick is moved for the first time (after 6 or more GPS satellites have been acquired

– denoted by a single red pulse from the LED or a series of continuous green pulses).

The RTH failsafe function on the s UAS is tested on a weekly basis by Red Wing Aerial Photography by switching the transmitter off durin g a test flight session.

MALICIOUS OR ACCIDENTAL INTERFERENCE WITH CONTROL FREQUENCY As was mentioned in previous sections, through the extensive use of checklists, Red Wing Aerial Photography requires that the PIC utilize a Spectrum Scanner to
ensure there is no accidental or malicious radio interference. In the unlikely event that this should occur, the PIC will initiate the failsafe procedure mentioned in the previous section

• Pilot Incapac itation

- If the pilot

- in

- command becomes incapacitated to
the extent that control of the s UA S becomes unviable, the s UA S will hover27 in a stationery position until the battery’s second level low

- voltage protection is triggered. At this point, the s UA S will descend and land in a steady, controlled manner. If an observer is present, they will have been
briefed on the s UAS’s failsafe (return

- to

- home) mode and its activation (see Section on “Crew Briefing”).

• Aircraft Incursion

- If another aircraft should ent er or appears to be entering the Visual Line of Sight Operating Envelope VLOS, PIC will operate the s UA S to immediately maintain safe visual separation, and give way to any manned flight operation.

FLY AWAY PROCEDURE A “fly away” is defined as the loss of control transmission link where the PIC no longer has control or the ability to command the s UA S to remain within the bounds of the intended operation area. In the unlikely event that this should occur, the PIC will observe and record the direction of flight heading, speed, and
altitude of the s UA S , and then follow the Incident Respo nse Procedure as outlined
below:

• Crash & Incident Response While Red Wing Aerial Photography takes extreme caution in its flight procedures to prevent a loss of control or crash, any incident, accident, or operation that transgresses the lateral or vertical boundaries as defined by the applicable COA issued must be reported to the FAA UAS Integra tion Office (AFS 80 ) within 24 hours. The following procedures will also be ensured by the PIC:

o PIC will have on their person a copy of the local emergency response contact information, including fire, law enforcement, medical response, and the UAS Integr ation
Office contact information28 

# Appendix A

Checklists29 

### SITE SELECTION CHECKLIST:

 Review applicable charts and n ote airspace including Special Use Airspace (SUA), Prohibited Areas, and nearby designated airport traffic patterns. Assess property boundaries within the working area and consider coordination efforts and documentation needed for safe operation.

 Check for Notices to Airmen (NOTAMS)

 Determine a weather observation source for the area.

 Note prevailing weather conditions.

 Assess Risk Factors.

 Visually check the operating area and identify potential hazards :

 Persons, vessels, trees, fencing, structures, high

- tension lines, livestock, sensitive habitats areas , noise abatement.

 Analyze and determine the best take off and landing zone

.
 Account for hard or soft su rface conditions including sloping and terrain
differences

.
 Establish an alternate if the primary take off and landing zone should become

unavailable or unsuitable.30 

### PRE

- FLIGHT START

- UP CHECKLIST:

 Verify all transmitter, on

- board aircraft and camera batteries are fully charged (confirm voltages)

.  Ensure no frequency conflicts with video and transmitter / receiver

.  Check all control surfaces for signs of damage, loose hinges, and overall condition. Inspect the wings / rotors to ensure they are in good structural condition and properly secured.

 Check motor / engine and mo unting attach ments to the airframe.

 Inspect propellers / mounting hardware (tight) / rotor b lades for chips and
deformation.

 Check the landing gear for damage and function

.  Test electrical connections ( plugged in and secure )

.  Ensure photo / video equipment mounting system is secure and operational.

 Check location of GPS equipment controlling the autopilot.

 Check the IMU movements in the ground control software.

 s UAS in stabilization mode, ensure control response move toward the correct positions

.  s UAS / Drone is in a level location safe for takeoff

.  FPV / Power up ground station

.  FPV / Power up Video receiver

.  If using Video recorder

, turn on camera system

.  Camera settings are correct (still images, video, frame rate )

.  SD camera memory clear and inserted into the camera

.  Act ion / Start filming

.  All transmitter controls move freely in all directions

.  All transmitter trims in neutral position

.  All transmitte r switches in correct position ( typically away)

.  Transmitter throttle to zero

.  Radio transmitter on

.  Connect / power on battery to airframe

.  Ensure led indicators and audible tones are correct

.  Timer on (if applicable)

.  FPV, confirm video is in monitor / goggles

.  Scan for nearby cars / people / animals

.  Say “CLEAR!”.

 Arm flight controller

.31  Increase throttle slightly listeni ng for any abnormalities

.  Short 20

- 30 second hover at 3

- 5 feet (listen for vibrations / loose items)

.  Confirm Voltage levels are correct

.32 

### PRE

- FLIGHT INSPECTION CHECKLIST:
 Perform initial walk

- around

.  Inspect s UAS for cracks in joints and structural members.  Inspect s UAS for loose or damaged screws, ties, fasteners, straps.  Inspect s UAS for loose or damaged wiring.  Inspect s UAS for loose or damaged connections (solder, plugs, etc.).  Inspect prop mounts and screws a nd apply slight counter pressure on arms to check for loosened components.  Ensure antennas and masts are secure.  Inspect / clean FPV Camera and Lens and insure it is secured and connections are firmly attached.  Ensure camera settings are correct (still images, video, frame rate).  Ensure FPV Transmitters are secure and operational.  Ensure batteries are fully charged, properly seated and secured.  Ensure the following fail

- safe equipment is functioning:  RTH (return to home).  Recovery Command Response (toggl e test).  Firmware Airport Proximity Detection.  Ensure props are smooth and free of damage / defect (check blade, surface and hub).  Ensure prop adapters are tight / secure.
 Ensure voltage alarm is connected.  Ensure arming / idle timeout is properly configured.  Ensure correct model is selected in transmitter (if applicable).  Check RC transmitter for the correct range and centering for all sticks.  Perform range test.33 

### IN

- FLIGHT CHECKLIST:
 Basics: If flying manually, always keep your fingers on the controller/transmitter.
 Never let the s UAS out of your sight even for a second.  Climb to a safe altitude away from potential hazards and to reduce noise pollution.  Keep aircraft at a safe operating distance from people, electric utility lines
and bu ildings.  If the s UAS must be flown over buildings or people, use a lightweight s UAS and maintain a safe altitude for recovery and make every effort to minimize

exposure.  Spotter: Use a spotter whenever possible and appropriate, especially when flying by Fi rst Person View (FPV).  Do not fly s UAS s within distance defined by local laws of any private/commercial airport/helipad.
 Do not fly around a pre

- existing s UAS flying site without a frequency

management agreement.  Do not interfere with operations and traffi c patterns at any airport.34 

### LANDING CHECKLIST :  Regardless of whether of a manual or automated s UAS landing, scan landing area for potential obstruction hazards.  Announce out loud “Preparing to Land”.  Use a safe descent rate and follow correct procedures to avoid a vortex state or settling.  Carefully land the aircraft away from obstructions and people.  Turn the power off to the aircraft and/or disconnect the batteries.
 Turn off the transmitter.  Turn the power off to the photo equipment.  Visually check aircraft for signs of damage and/or excessive wear.
 Remove the unused fuel if applicable. Secure the aircraft.  Check pictures: Verify that the s UAS camera actually took the pictures.  LOG FLIGHT

.35 

# Appendix B

Maintenance Logbook36 

### MAINTENANCE LOGBOOK

Date Component Maintenance Activity Maintenance
Time Comments37 

# Appendix C

Incident/Accident Logbook38 

### INCIDENT/ACCIDENT LOGBOOK

Date of Incident/

Accident Time of Incident/

Accident Name of Injured Incident/Accident

Details Action Taken Notes39 

# Appendix D

Flight Record Logbook40 

### FLIGHT RECORD LOGBOOK (Sample Page)

Date Location Activity Flying Time Battery
Before Battery
After Comments