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Revised!Nov*15

Meteorlogik Aerial Resources, LLC

Unmanned Aerial System(s)

Flight Operation & Procedures Manual

November 2015
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Revised!Nov*15

1. Preface

The following procedures are intended to promote safe, efficient and lawful operation of 

Meteorlogik’s unmanned aerial system(s) (UAS). Safety, above all else is the primary concern 

in each and every operation.

2. Protection of Privacy

All operations will be conducted over private or controlled-access property with permission from 

the property owner/controller or an authorized representative. Permission from the property 

owner/controller or authorized representative will be obtained for each flight to be conducted.

All flights will be conducted in accordance with any federal, state or local laws regarding 

privacy. 

3. Administration

3.1 Operations Manual

This manual is not intended to be all-inclusive, but a supplement to Federal Aviation 

Administration regulations and aircraft manufacturers’ user manual(s), etc.

A current copy of the manual (electronic and/or paper) will be issued and reviewed by all 

personnel having UAS responsibilities.

3.2 Organization

Meteorlogik is comprised of the owner/operator and employees or subcontractors with proper 

training and skills to carry out aerial surveys, inspections and approved missions.

Minimum personnel:

Pilot in Command

Visual Observer

3.3 Personnel

PIC Responsibilities: 

The PIC’s primary responsibility is the safe and effective operation of Meteorlogik’s UASs in 

accordance with the aircraft manufacturers’ user manual, FAA regulations, and Meteorlogik’s 

policy and procedures.

Other PIC responsibilities include:

1) Maintain all training, flight and maintenance records for each UAS in operation.

2) Maintain copies of FAA certification, training records, valid drivers license, FAA 

medical certificates etc. 

3) Maintain contact with the FAA in order to adhere to regulations of the 333 exemption 

and COA’s.

4) Evaluate aircraft based on mission needs and airworthiness. 

Pilot in Command Qualifications
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The PIC will have at a minimum a current sport pilot’s certificate, a current FAA airman medical 

certificate, and meet the flight review requirements specified in 14 CFR §61.56 in an aircraft in 

which the PIC is rated on his or her pilot certificate. The PIC will also have sufficient 

knowledge and training to safely operate the UAS in accordance with the standards set forth in 

this Operations Manual and the aircraft manufacturers’ user manual(s). 14 CFR 91.17, Alcohol 

or Drugs, applies.

Meteorlogik’s PIC shall have sufficient expertise to interact with ATC (when needed). The PIC 

must have an understanding of, and comply with FAA Regulations applicable to the airspace 

where the UAS will operate.

Visual Observer Responsibilities

The VO’s primary duty is to detect, sense, and avoid. The observer is required to maintain visual 

contact with the UA at all times while scanning the immediate environment for potential 

conflicting hazards. At no time will the visual observer permit the UA to operate outside their 

line-of-sight. This ensures that any required maneuvering information can be reliably provided 

to the PIC.

The VO must be provided sufficient training to communicate clearly to the PIC any instructions 

required to avoid hazards and aid in navigation of the area of interest (AOI). 

The VO will receive training on rules and responsibilities described in 14 CFR 91.111, 

Operating Near Other Aircraft, 14 CFR 91.113, Right-of-Way Rules, cloud clearance in flight 

visibility and the pilot controller glossary including standard Air Traffic Control (ATC) 

phraseology and communication. 14 CFR 91.17, Alcohol or Drugs, applies.

4. Safety

4.1 Safety Policy

Meteorlogik is committed to having a safe and healthy workplace, including:

1) The ongoing pursuit of an accident free workplace, including no harm to people, no 

damage to equipment, the environment and property.

2) A culture of open reporting of all safety hazards.

3) Support for safety training and awareness programs.

It is the duty of every member of Meteorlogik’s UAS team to contribute to the goal of continued 

safe operations. This contribution may come in many forms and includes always operating in the 

safest manner practicable and never taking unnecessary risks. Any safety hazard, whether 

procedural, operational or maintenance related should be identified as soon as possible after, if 

not before, an incident occurs.

4.2 Safety Officer – Pilot in Command/Visual Observer

In regards to safety, all members of the UAS team are responsible for the following:

1) Ensuring all flight missions personnel understand applicable regulatory requirements, 

standards and Meteorlogik’s safety policies and procedures.
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2) Observe and control safety systems by monitoring all operations.

3) Communicate all reported safety related problems and the corrective action taken. If 

there were any in-flight problems (or learned experiences), the proper procedures for 

handling that problem should be discussed.

4) It is emphasized again that safety is the responsibility of ALL members of the UAS 

team.

4.3 Safety Training

All Meteorlogik UAS team members shall receive training in the following subjects prior to 

operating the UAS:

1) Commitment to safety

2) Policy

3) UAS member’s role in safety

4) Emergency safety procedures

4.4 Medical Factors

The PIC and VO shall only operate the UAS when rested and emotionally prepared for the tasks 

at hand.

Physical illness, exhaustion, emotional problems, etc., can seriously impair judgment, memory 

and alertness. The safest rule is to not act as a PIC or VO when suffering from any of the above.

All members of the operation shall make a self-assessment of physical and emotional condition

during pre-flight activities.

Performance can be seriously hampered by prescription and over the counter drugs. The 

owner/operator of Meteorlogik and/or PIC will be advised anytime such drugs are being taken. 

If it is determined that the medication being taken could hamper the UAS team member, that 

member shall be prohibited from the mission or training exercise.

No UAS team member shall act as a PIC or VO within eight hours after consumption of any 

alcoholic beverage, while under the influence of alcohol, or while having an alcohol 

concentration of 0.004 (FAR 9.17).

5. Training

5.1 Objective

The key to continued safe operations is by maintaining a professional level of competency. The 

first step in this process is establishing minimum qualifications for selecting UAS team members 

and the second step involves training those personnel.

5.2 Initial Training

All members of the UAS team will become familiar with the Operations Manual, the aircraft 

manufacturers’ user manual(s), all FAA requirements, checklists, the aircraft and its equipment.

Pilot in Command 
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Before a team member can assume the role of PIC, they must complete at least five (5) hours of 

flight training on the UAS being utilized, show proficiency of the flight training exercises and 

the airframe. Flight training exercises include evasive and emergency maneuvers and 

maintaining appropriate distances from persons, vessels, vehicles and structures. This must be 

accomplished to show their ability and knowledge of the UAS. PIC qualification flight hours 

and currency must be logged in a manner consistent with 14 CFR 61.51(b).

Training operations may only be conducted during dedicated training sessions. During training, 

proficiency, and experience–building flights, the PIC must operate the UA with appropriate 

distance from non-participants.

Visual Observer

Before a team member can assume the role of VO, they must have completed sufficient training 

to communicate to the pilot any instructions required to remain clear of conflicting traffic or any 

other potential hazards. This training, at a minimum shall include knowledge of the rules and 

responsibilities described in 14 CFR 91.111, Operating Near Other Aircraft, 14 CFR 91.113, 

Right-of-Way Rules: Except Water Operations; and 14 CFR 91.155, Basic VFR Weather 

Minimum; knowledge of air traffic and radio communications, including the use of approved 

ATC/pilot phraseology; and knowledge of the appropriate sections of the Aeronautical 

Information Manual.

5.3 Currency and Recurrent Training

All members within Meteorlogik’s UAS team shall maintain proficiency in their PIC/VO 

abilities. 

Recurrent training is not limited to actual PIC/VO skills but includes knowledge of all pertinent 

UAS/aviation matters.

PICs will maintain current flight logs. This is acceptable in both digital and physical logbook

form. To remain current, a PIC must log a minimum of four (4) flights of no less than five (5) 

minutes per flight per month.

6. General Operating Procedures

6.1 Personnel Responsibilities

OPEN COMMUNICATION ACHIEVES SAFE OPERATIONS.

Pilot in Command

The PIC is directly responsible for, and is the final authority over the actual operation of the 

UAS and shall be in command over all flight operations and/or related activities.

The PIC has absolute authority to reject/abort a flight based on safety (unpredicted obstacles, 

weather, or emergencies) or violation of FAA regulations.

The PIC is responsible for compliance with this manual, Meteorlogik policy and procedures, and 

FAA regulations.
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The PIC’s main duty during the operation of the UAS is to operate the UAS safely while 

accomplishing the goals of the mission.

The PIC shall see-and-avoid any obstacle that will lessen safety during the flight.

The PIC shall be responsive to the requests of the VO in order to accomplish the mission.

Visual Observer

The VO shall see and avoid any obstacle that will lessen safety during the flight.

The VO shall monitor the radio updates.

The VO shall assist the PIC in the main objective of safe operations of the UAS.

6.2 Personnel Equipment

PICs and VOs shall wear eye protection at all times while the UAS is in flight.

PICs and VOs will take into consideration the current weather conditions and field conditions, 

and wear appropriate clothing and footwear.

7. Aircraft and Required Equipment

7.1 Aircraft Size

The UAS will weigh less than 55lbs.

7.2 Aircraft Speed

The aircraft will be flown at speeds under 50 knots. In no case will the UA be operated at 

airspeeds greater than the maximum UA operating airspeed recommended by the aircraft 

manufacturer.

7.3 Aircraft Markings

All aircraft in operation will be marked with their N-Number in a prominent spot on the fuselage 

with markings that are as large as practicable.

7.4 Use of GPS

All equipment must be equipped with GPS. GPS coordinates must be obtained 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 a s substitute for visibility, flight conditions, or pilot proficiency.

7.5 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 the transmitter. If 

the UAS loses communications or loses its GPS signal, the UA will return to a pre-determined 

location within the private or controlled-access property.
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7.6 Flight Time

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

Before takeoff, batteries must be verified as fully charged. Maximum total flight time for each 

flight will be limited to the amount of time the UAS can be flown and still land with at least 20% 

battery power remaining.

7.7 Voltage Monitoring

The PIC must be able to read the voltage of the aircraft either visually or audibly at all times. 

This can be through the use of a audible/visual voltage monitors, on screen display or both.

7.8 Autonomous Flight

Autonomous flight may not be used as the primary form of flight control without a PIC override 

on standby at all times and the aircraft must remain within visual line of sight. In the event of 

autonomous flight is used, the PIC is required to have manual override capability at all times.

7.9 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 conditions. 

Additionally, walls, ceilings beams, lighting equipment, HVAC equipment, etc, can be a hazard. 

GPS is not to be used indoors.

7.10 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 before the next operation.

7.11 Maintenance

The manufacturer’s maintenance, overhaul, replacement, inspection, and life limit requirement

schedules will be followed and properly documented for the aircraft and aircraft components.

Any issues that arise during maintenance that cannot be resolved by routine methods shall be 

forwarded to the manufacturer for further technical support.

Any UAS that has undergone maintenance or alterations that affect the UAS operation or flight 

characteristics, e.g., replacement of a flight critical component, must undergo a functional test 

flight prior to conducting further operations. Functional test flights will be conducted with a PIC 

and VO, remain at least 500 feet from other people, and conducted in such a manner so as to not 

pose an undue hazard to persons or property.

All aircraft manufacture safety bulletins will be complied with.

7.12 Documents

All documents used by the owner/operator of Meteorlogik to ensure the safe operation and flight 

of the UAS and documents under 14 CFR 91.9 and 91.203 will be available to the PIC at the 

GCS of the UAS any time the aircraft is operating.
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8. Flight Operations

8.1 Inspections

The PIC is responsible for a thorough preflight inspection of the UAS.

Before and after each mission, including training, the PIC shall conduct a thorough inspection of 

the UAS in accordance with the instructions contained in the aircraft manufacturers’ user 

manual.

Any issues found that will put in jeopardy the safe operation of the UAS shall be documented 

and resolved immediately prior to flight.

It has be recognized that the use of a checklist is a significant method to combat UAS accidents. 

A pre-flight and post-flight checklist is contained in the Ground Control Station and will be 

utilized prior to each flight.

Any physical equipment issue that cannot be resolved on-site, and which has an impact on 

safety, will override the mission. These issues will be resolved before flight.

8.2 Checklists

The PIC shall utilize the checklists to ensure the highest level of safety. The checklist shall be 

specific for each UAS set-up in operation and include preflight, flight, and post flight actions.

8.3 Mission Planning and Briefings

Prior to any operation, a Mission Plan will be created setting forth the limitations for the flight as 

well as any hazard information. The PIC/VO shall familiarize themselves with all available 

information concerning the area of interest including, but not limited to, the weather conditions, 

hazards, description of mission, goals, etc.

The PIC will ensure that the location for take-off and emergency landing is adequate for a safe 

flight.

At least one emergency landing area should be identified per mission. 

A briefing will be conducted in regard to the planned UAS operations prior to each flight 

activity. It will be mandatory that all personnel involved with the operational duties of the flight 

be present for this briefing.

8.4 Altitude

The UA must be operated at an altitude of no more than 400 feet AGL. Altitude will be reported 

in feet AGL.

8.5 Airports

The UA may not operate within five (5) nautical miles of an ARP as denoted in the current AFD

or for airports not denoted with an ARP, the center of the airport symbol as denoted on the 
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current FAA-published aeronautical chart, unless a letter of agreement with that airport’s 

management is obtained or otherwise permitted by the COA issued exemption. 

8.6 Flight Conditions

The UA must be operated within VLOS of the PIC and VO at all times. All operations must 

utilize a VO. The VO may be used to satisfy the VLOS requirement as long as the PIC always 

maintains VLOS capability. The PIC and VO must be able to communicate verbally at all times.

All operations must be conducted under VMC.

The UA may not be operated less than 500 feet below or less than 2, 000 feet horizontally from a 

cloud or when visibility is less than 3 statute miles from the PIC.

The PIC must abort the flight in the event of unpredicted obstacles or emergencies.

The UA must remain clear and give way to all manned aviation operations at all times.

The UAS may not be operated by the PIC from any moving device or vehicle.

All flight operations must be conducted at least 500 feet from all nonparticipating persons, 

vessels, vehicles, and structures unless:

a. Barriers or structures are present that sufficiently protect nonparticipating persons 

from the UA and/or debris in the event of an accident. The owner/operator and/or 

PIC/VO team must ensure that nonparticipating persons remain under such 

protection. If a situation arises where nonparticipating persons leave such protection 

and are within 500 feet of the UA, flight operations must cease immediately in a 

manner ensuring the safety of nonparticipating persons, and

b. The owner/controller of any vessels, vehicles or structures has granted permission for 

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.

8.7 FAA Notice to Airmen and Temporary Flight Restrictions

The PIC will be aware of any FAA issues of NATAM’s and/or TFRs in effect in an area of 

interest where operations are occurring. The PIC will abide by the FAA issued NOTAM/TFRs 

at all tines.

8.8. Air Traffic Organization Certificate of Authorization

All operations will be conducted in accordance with an ATO-issued COA. If the operations 

cannot be conducted under the terms of the current COA, application for a new or amended COA 

will be made.

8.9 Takeoff and Landing Zones

The PIC will choose areas where safe takeoff and landings can be conducted. The area is to be 

clear of overhead and lateral obstructions. The PIC will check the location to determine if there 
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are any potential radio frequencies or electrical transmissions that could interfere with or affect 

the safe operation of the aircraft.

8.10 Weather

Before each mission the PIC/VO will ensure that he/she gathers enough information to make 

themselves familiar with the weather situation existing throughout the are of interest. The PIC 

shall utilize FAA approved weather resources to obtain the latest and most current weather 

conditions.

An anemometer should be utilized in order to better estimate the wind speed and determine if it 

is within the capabilities of the airframe being flown.

The weather conditions reported for the operation shall be recorded in the flight log.

The PIC shall ensure that the flight will occur within FAA VFR weather requirements.

8.11 Documentation

Inspection and weather will be documented prior to flight within the mission planning 

documentation.

After each flight the PIC will complete post-flight documentation and procedures.

8.12 Incident Management

Any incident, accident, or flight operation that transgresses the lateral or vertical boundaries of 

the operational area as defined by the applicable COA must be reported to the FAA’s UAS 

Integration Office within 24 hours. Accidents must be reported to the NTSB per instructions 

contained on the NTSB web site: www.ntsb.gov.
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Glossary of Abbreviations and definitions

AFD FAA Airport/Facility Directory 

AGL Above Ground Level 

AOI Area of Interest 

ARP Airport Reference Point

ATC Air Traffic Control

ATO Air Traffic Organization 

AV Aerial Vehicle

CFR Code of Federal Regulations 

COA Certificate of Authorization (Certificate of Authorization) – Given by the FAA, 

which grants permission to fly within specific boundaries and perimeters. 

FAA Federal Aviation Administration 

FAR Federal Aviation Regulation 

FMRA Federal Aviation Administration Modernization and Reform Act of 2012

GCS Ground Control Station

GPS Global Positioning System 

LOL Loss of Link

NAS National Airspace System 

NOTAM Notice to Airman 

NTSB National Transportation Safety Board

PIC Pilot In Command

SOP Standard Operating Procedures 

TFR Temporary Flight Restriction

UA Unmanned Aircraft

UAS Unmanned Aircraft System 

VFR Visual Flight Rules

VLOS Visual Line of Site

VMC Visual Meteorological Conditions 

VO Visual Observer

VTOL Vertical Takeoff and Landing