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# Meteorlogik Aerial Resources, LLC

Unmanned Aerial System (s) Flight Operation & Procedures Manual

November 2015- 2

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### 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 oper ations 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 fl ight 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 R esponsibilities: The PIC’s primary responsibility is the safe and effective operation of Meteorlogik’s UAS s in

accordance with the aircraft manufacturers ’ user manual, FAA regulation s , and Meteorlogik’s policy and procedures.

Other PIC responsibilities include: 1) Maintain all training, fligh t 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- 3

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Revised! Nov

* 15 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 s ufficient 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, se nse, 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

- si ght. 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 responsibiliti es described in 14 CFR 91.111, Operating Near Other A i rcraft , 14 CFR 91.113

, Right

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- Way R ules , cloud clearance in flight visibility and the pilot controller glossary includ ing standard Air Traffic Control (ATC) phraseology and communication . 14 CFR 91.17 , Alcohol or Drugs , applies.



### 4. Safety

4.1 Safety Policy

Meteo r logik is committed to having a safe and healthy workplace, including: 1) The ongoing pursuit of an accident f ree workplace, including no harm to people, no damage to equipment, the environment and property. 2) A culture of open reporting of al l 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. A ny 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.- 4

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Revised! Nov

* 15 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 pro cedures

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 ru le 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 te am 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 requireme nts, checklists, the aircraft and its equipment.

Pilot in Command- 5

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* 15 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 air frame

. 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 a ppropriate

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

oth er potential hazards. This t r aining, 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

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- 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 m embers within Meteorlogik’s UAS team shall maintain proficiency in their PIC/VO

abilities.

Recurrent training is not lim ited 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.- 6

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* 15 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 operation s 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 k no ts . 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 equip ment 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 aircra ft 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.- 7

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* 15 7. 6 Flight Tim e 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 f lown 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 fli ght 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 ad versely 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 b e 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 und ergo 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 p roperty.

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.- 8

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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 equipm ent 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 checkli st 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 no t 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 th e 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- 9

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* 15 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 mi les 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 prote c tion 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, vehicl es 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 un due

hazard.

8.7 FAA Notice to Airmen and T emporary Flight Restriction s 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 Zone s 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- 10

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* 15 are any potential radio frequencies or electrical transmissi ons 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 document ed 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 in structions

contained on the NTSB web site: www.ntsb.gov

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* 15 Glos sary 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 Regulat ions

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 F ederal Aviat ion 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

SO P 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