Eagle View Cinematography

 Flight Operations Manual

Eagle View Cinematography

W8702 440th Avenue • Ellsworth, Wisconsin 54011

651-206-2115

Effective: January 1, 2016
Eagle View Cinematography

Flight Operations Manual

Table of Contents 

1. Introduction 

A. Purpose 1

B. Pilot/Operator Organization 1

C. Persons Authorized 1

D. Area of Operations 1

E. Plan of Activities 2

F. Permission to Operate 2

G. Security 3

H. Briefing of Personnel 3

I. Certification/Airworthiness 4

J. Pilot Personnel/Minimum Requirements 4

K. Communications 4

L. Special Provisions 4

2. Company Organization 

A. Chief Pilot 5

B. Pilot in Command 5

C. Visual Observer 6

 Appendix A 

1 Permission Acquisition Form 

2 Operation Plan of Activities Template 
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 A. Purpose 

This manual has been developed by "Eagle View Cinematography", hereafter 

referred to as "EVC", in conjunction with a Petition for Exemption of certain

provisions of the Federal Aviation Regulations for the purposes of aerial 

photography, cinematography, land surveying and public safety operations. EVC

pilots and other company personnel when applicable will comply with the policies, 

procedures and conditions of this manual whenever flight operations are 

performed.

B. Pilot/Operator Organization 

Kyle Strege – Chief Pilot

Eagle View Cinematography 

W8702 440th Avenue

Ellsworth, Wisconsin

(651) 206-2115

C. Persons Authorized 

 No persons may operate EVC aircraft without proper FAA Certification and EVC

prescribed training targeted to the specific aircraft intended for use as well as the 

contents of this manual. The pilot shall ensure that no persons are allowed within 

500 feet of the area except those consenting to be involved and necessary for the 

specific operation. This provision may be reduced to no less than 200 feet if an 

equivalent level of safety can be achieved as determined by the pilot. For 

example, an equivalent level of safety may be determined by EVC’s evaluation of 

the operational area to note terrain features, obstructions, buildings, etc. Such 

barriers may protect nonparticipating persons from injury in the event of an 

accident. 

D. Area of Operations 

EVC 's approved area of operations will be the continental United States.
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E. Plan of Activities 

At least two (2) days prior to any scheduled filming, EVC will create a written plan 

of activities detailing the intended operations. The plan of activities should include 

the following: 

(1) Dates and times for all flights. 

(2) Name and phone number(s) of EVC personnel responsible for the 

operation. 

(3) Name, phone number and certificate number of person(s) responsible for 

control of the aircraft. 

(4) Make, model, and serial number of aircraft to be used.

(5) A statement that the EVC has obtained permission from property 

owners and/or local officials to conduct the operation. 

(6) A description of the flight activity including maps or diagrams of any area, 

city, town, county, and/or State over which the operation will be conducted. 

(7) Weather forecast including projected wind speed and direction.

The two (2) day time frame may be waived in the case of immediate public safety 

need (as in police activity or disaster mitigation), however, the operator should 

complete the required written plan as soon as possible post-incident and explain 

in detail why the two (2) day time frame was not practical. 

F. Permission to Operate 

Before conducting any flight operations under the provisions of this manual, the 

operator will obtain permission to conduct these operations from property owners 

and local officials as necessary or appropriate. Persons from whom permission 

may be required are listed below: 

(1) Property owners 

(2) Law enforcement officials 
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(3) Fire department officials 

(4) Local, State and Federal government 

(5) Air traffic control 

The EVC personnel obtaining such permission will do so in writing whenever 

practical, however, verbal permission is acceptable otherwise. A standard 

permission form is provided in Appendix A and may be used when obtaining 

written permission. Written permission forms will be maintained at the job site until 

flight operations are completed, and then turned into the chief pilot to be kept on 

file for a minimum of twelve (12) months. These forms will be made available for 

inspection by authorized personnel upon request. 

G. Security 

Prior to any flight operation the operator will coordinate with appropriate personnel 

to devise a plan of securing the area(s) of operation from all unauthorized persons 

and vehicles. Provisions will be made to immediately discontinue operations 

should the area(s) become unsecured or for any other reason in the interest of 

safety. 

H. Briefing of Personnel 

Prior to the start of any operation under the provisions of this manual, the pilot in 

command will conduct a briefing of all procedures to participating personnel of the 

risks involved, emergency procedures, and safeguards to be followed during the 

operation. The briefing shall include but is not limited to: 

• Operations manual 

• Plan of activities 

• Aircraft starting location, route of travel and landing location.

• Aircraft recall procedures in case of an incident.

• Emergency procedures and contact numbers.

• Risks to participating personnel 

• How to control nonparticipating persons 
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I. Certification/Airworthiness 

All EVC aircraft used in operations shall hold an exemption of applicable Federal 

Aviation Regulations. The pilot in command will assure the aircraft to be flown is in 

airworthy condition and all required inspections and maintenance has been 

completed before each flight. 

J. Pilot Personnel/Minimum Requirements 

The EVC Chief Pilot shall establish and specify the minimum pilot requirements. 

Minimum requirements shall meet or exceed the following: 

(1) A current U.S. pilot certificate as described under the terms of the FAA 

exemption(s). 

(2) Appropriate training and a minimum of 5 hours in the make and model 

aircraft to be used under the exemption(s). 

K. Communications 

Prior to the start of any operation covered by this manual, the pilot in command 

will formulate a plan to provide communications capability to all participants 

during the actual operation and filming. Oral, visual or radio communications may 

be used as long as it is effective and is capable of keeping the participants 

continuously appraised of the current status of the operation. 

L. Special Provisions 

The controls, procedures, and conditions set forth in the EVC operations manual 

are the primary assurance that persons on the surface will not be jeopardized. 

The aircraft and pilots used under this authorization and/or exemption will only be 

those specified in the EVC operations plan of activities. Each pilot’s name and 

certificate number shall appear on each plan of activities. All aircraft and pilot(s) 

participating in the operation shall be available for FAA inspection before, during 

and after the scheduled operation. 
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2. Company Organization 

A. Chief Pilot 

 Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Final word in the formulation of policy and procedures concerning this 

manual and the organization. 

• Act as liaison between EVC and the FAA on all matters concerning this 

manual. 

 Assure that each approved pilot and visual observer is issued a copy of this 

manual and obtain a signed statement from each that they have read and 

understand its contents. 

• Maintain a current copy of this manual at the main base of operations for EVC. 

• Responsible for assuring that all revisions to this manual are distributed and 

processed properly. 

• Must approve or disapprove each proposed job or operation performed by EVC 

under the provisions of this manual. 

• The chief pilot may delegate functions to other personnel but retains 

responsibility for such functions. 

 B. Pilot in Command 

Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Assure that aircraft to be flown is in airworthy condition and all inspections 

and required maintenance have been performed as per manufacturer’s 

recommendations.
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• Acquire permission from the chief pilot before any operation under the 

provisions of this manual. 

• Be very knowledgeable of the contents of this manual and abide by the 

procedures, policies and conditions contained herein. 

• Coordinate with contracted clients to formulate plans, routes, locations, 

etc. with safety of all persons involved as the primary concern. 

• Maintain their copy of this manual in a current condition and have it on site 

at any operation. 

• The pilot in command may delegate functions to other personnel, but 

retains responsibility for such functions. 

• No person may act as pilot in command if he or she knows or has reason 

to know that he or she has a physical or mental condition that would interfere 

with the safe operation of the UAV. The use of alcohol prior to or during any 

operation is prohibited.

Visual Observer

Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Be knowledgeable of the operations area and intended flight routes.

• Maintain awareness of the UAV at all times through direct visual 

observation.

• Continually scan the airspace where the UAV is operating for potential 

collision hazards aloft or on the ground and relay those hazards to the pilot in 

command.

• Visual observation shall be provided for only one UAV at any time.

• Be very knowledgeable of the contents of this manual and abide by the 

procedures, policies and conditions contained herein. 
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• Maintain their copy of this manual in a current condition.

• No person may act as visual observer if he or she knows or has reason to 

know that he or she has a physical or mental condition that would interfere with 

the safe operation of the UAV. The use of alcohol prior to or during any operation 

is prohibited.
Eagle View Cinematography

Flight Operations Manual

Appendix A
Eagle View Cinematography

Permission Acquisition Form

In signing this form, I am giving the pilots of Eagle View Cinematography. Permission to 

operate their aircraft at less than 500 feet from property, or in some jurisdiction in which 

I am responsible for or affiliated with, for the purpose described below. 

Name: 

Title: 

Basis of Authority to Grant Permission: 

Location: 

Date of Operation: 

Purpose of Operation:

Signature: _____________________________________ Date: _____________

Eagle View Cinematography Representative Receiving Permission 

Signature: _____________________________________ Date: _____________
Eagle View Cinematography

Operation Plan of Activities

Date of Operation: Start Time:

Location:

Pilot: Certificate #:

Visual Observer 1: Visual Observer 2:

Aircraft: Serial Number:

Objective:

Authorizing Agent: Phone

Agency:

Weather:

Takeoff Location:

Landing Location:

Projected Maximum Altitude:

Route of Flight Control: □ Pilot □ GPS

Potential Hazards:

P.I.C. Signature:______________________ Date:____________ Time:_________

Post-flight Comments:

EVC Case Number:

EVC Video File Name(s):
Eagle View Cinematography

Operation Plan of Activities

Create a map of the operational area. Map should include but is not limited to,

□ Objective □ Takeoff Location □ Landing Location

□ Pilot Location □ Route of Flight □ Visual Observer(s)

□ Hazards □ Security Perimeter