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Motion Picture and Television Flight Operations Manual

Satellite Marketing, Inc. dba First Coast Drones

521 Golden Lake Loop

St Augustine, FL 32084
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Table of Contents

A. Purpose................................................................................................4

B. Pilot/Operator Organization.......................................................................4

C. Pilots to be used during filming..................................................................4

D. List of Aircraft by Make, Model and Serial or Registration Number.....................4

E. Distribution and Revision...........................................................................5

F. Persons Authorized..................................................................................5

G. Area of Operations..................................................................................5

H. Plan of Activities.....................................................................................6

I. Permission to Operate..............................................................................6

J. Security................................................................................................7

K. Briefing of Pilots and Production Personnel..................................................7

L. Certification/Airworthiness.........................................................................7

M. Pilot Personnel Minimum Requirements......................................................8

N. Limitations.............................................................................................8

O. Communications.....................................................................................8

P. Accident Notification................................................................................8

Q. Recall/Stop Procedures............................................................................8

R. Aerobatic Competency.............................................................................9

S. Company Organization............................................................................9

Appendix A

Appendix B
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Revision Control Page

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Motion Picture and Television Flight Manual

A Purpose

This Manual has been developed by Satellite Marketing Inc dba First Coast Drones, 

hereafter referred to as First Coast Drones, in conjunction with Exemption Number #14988 

pursuant to Section 333 of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 and 14 C.F.R. 

Part 11, for use of sUAS to gather footage from closed-set locations in the NAS. First Coast 

Drones, and other personnel when applicable will comply with the policies, procedures and 

conditions of this manual, whenever motion picture or television flight operations are 

performed.

B Operator Organization

Jon-Paul Amesbury

Satellite Marketing Inc dba First Coast Drones

521 Golden Lake Loop

Saint Augustine. FL 32084

#954-651-0537

UAS@FirstCoastDrones.net

C Pilots to be used during Filming

Pilots to be used during filming will be included in the Plan of Activities to be filed at least 

three (3) days prior to each scheduled filming, pursuant to Section H, with the local FSDO 

having jurisdiction over the area of proposed filming. The list of pilots will include each pilot’s 

pilot certificate number as well as special pilot authorizations or endorsements, if applicable.

D List of aircraft by Make, Model and Serial or Registration Number

A list of aircraft to be used appears in Appendix B. Furthermore, any aircraft to be used in the 

proposed filming shall be listed by make, model and serial or registration number in the Plan 

of Activities to be filed at least three days prior to each scheduled filming, pursuant to Section 

H, with the local FSDO having jurisdiction over the area of proposed filming.
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E Distribution and Revision

First Coast Drones will issue a copy of this manual, including all revisions, to all personnel 

involved in sUAS operation. All recipients are required to keep their manuals up-to-date with 

any furnished revisions.

Amendments in FARs and normal usage will frequently indicate a need for additions, 

deletions, or corrections of selected subject matter in this manual. Revisions to the manual 

will be issued periodically to reflect these changed. In addition, manual users who observe or 

experience a need for change are encouraged to submit their suggestions to the Director of 

Operations for review and consideration.

Revisions to the manual will be forwarded to the Flight Standards District Office (FSDO) at 

least 15 days before the proposed effective date. Revisions will be noted on the Revision 

Control Page at the front of this manual and will be noted in bold in this manual. Each 

subsequent revision of the manual will be distributed to all company personnel involved in 

sUAS operation.

F Persons Authorized

Section 91.119(c) is waived only with respect to those participating persons, vehicles, and 

structures directly involved in the performance of the actual filming. The pilot-in-command 

and certificate holder shall ensure that no persons are allowed within 500 feet of the area 

except those consenting to be involved and necessary for the filming production. This 

provision may be reduced to no less than 200 feet in the event that a suitable, equivalent 

level of safety can be achieved. An equivalent level of safety may be determined by 

evaluation of the filming production area and the degree of terrain features, buildings, etc. 

that will provide a safety barrier to observers.

Prior to nay filming, the pilot-in-command and certificate holder shall be responsible for 

obtaining signed consent forms from any person who is allowed within 500 feet (or 200 feet 

as outlined above) of the filming. Such consent forms shall be maintained by the operator for 

a period of at least 6 months following the filming.

G Area of Operations

First Coast Drones’ area of operations shall be within the continental United States. The 

operator shall coordinate with the FSDO having geographic responsibility over the area of the 

filming operations.
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H Plan of Activities

At least three days prior to any scheduled filming, First Coast Drones shall submit a written 

plan of activities to the local FSDO having jurisdiction over the area of proposed filming. The 

plan of activities shall include the following;

1) Dates and times for all flights.

2) Name and phone number of the operator responsible for the filming production event.

3) Name and phone number for the person responsible for the on-scene operation of the 

sUAS.

4) Make, model, and serial number or registration number of the aircraft to be used and 

type of airworthiness certificate, including Category (CAT).

5) Names and certificate numbers of pilots involved in the filming production event.

6) A statement that permission has been obtained from the property owners and/or local 

officials to conduct the filming production event: the list of those who gave permission 

will be made available to the inspector upon request.

7) Signature of exemption holder or a designated representative.

8) A general outline, description or summary of the flight activity schedule, including maps 

or diagrams of any area, city, town, country, and/or state over which filming will be 

conducted and the altitude essential to accomplish the operation.

At the discretion of the FSDO, the 3 day notification may be waived. Justification of the 

exception to the 3 day requirement is needed.

First Coast Drones acknowledges that prior to the beginning of any filming operations, the 

plan of activities must be accepted by the FAA.

I Permission to Operate

Before any flight is conducted at less than 500 feet under the provisions of the certificate of 

waiver and 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

3) Fire department officials

4) Local, state, and federal government

First Coast Drones personnel obtaining such permission will do so in writing whenever 

practical: however, verbal permission is acceptable otherwise. A standard permission form is 
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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 kept on file for a minimum of six months. These forms will be made available for 

inspection by the FAA or other official personnel upon request.

J Security

Prior to any flight operation, the operator will coordinate with appropriate production 

personnel to devise a plan of securing the areas of operation from all unauthorized persons, 

vehicles and aircraft. Provisions will be made to immediately discontinue operations should 

the area become unsecured or for any other reason in the interest of safety.

K Briefing of Pilots and Production 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 filming production event. 

Personnel will also be briefed on any additional provisions that may be issued by the local 

FSDO, including the location of boundaries or any other time limits.

L Certification/Airworthiness

Prior to any flight operation, the pilot-in-command will conduct a pre-flight inspection in 

accordance with Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) parts 43 and 91 and 

applicable operating limitations. The pre-flight inspection will account for all potential 

discrepancies, e.g. inoperable components, items or equipment. If the inspection reveals a 

condition that affects the safe operation of the sUAS, the aircraft will be prohibited from 

operation until the necessary maintenance has been performed and the sUAS is found to be 

in a condition for safe flight.

First Coast Drones will follow the sUAS manufacturers maintenance, overhaul, replacement, 

inspection and life limits requirements for the aircraft and aircraft components. Each sUAS 

operated under this exemption will comply with all manufacturer safety bulletins.

The aircraft to be used may be certificated in any CAT, including experimental, provided the 

requirements of 14 CFR part 91, 91.7, 91.9, and 91.203 are met.
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M Pilot Personnel – Minimum Requirements

The pilot-in-command will hold either an airline transport, commercial, private, recreational, 

or sport pilot certificate. The PIC will also hold a current FAA airman medical certificate or a 

valid U.S. driver’s license issued by the state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, a 

territory, a possession, or the Federal Government. The PIC also will 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.

N Limitations

Aircraft operations shall conform with the limitations set forth in First Coast Drones approved 

exemption, number #14988, Regulatory Docket No. FAA-2015-4426.

The aircraft will be operated at an altitude of no more than 400 feet above gound level (AGL).

The aircraft will not be operated during night, as defined in CFR 1.1.

O 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 apprised of the current status of the 

operation.

P Accident Notification

Should an accident or incident requiring notification of the NTSB occur, the operator would 

immediately notify the NTSB pursuant to 49 CFR 830 and take steps to preserve and protect 

the accident scene.

Q Recall/Stop Procedures

Radio communication, oral, visual or a combination will be utilized to keep the participants 

continuously apprised of the current status of operation.
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R Aerobatic Competency

If the filming operations require the issuance of FAA form 8710-7, see Volume 5 Chapter 9, 

Section 1, Issue/Renew/Rescind a Statement of Acrobatic Competency.

S Company Organization

Director of Flight Operations

1) Has final word in the formulation of policy and procedures concerning this manual.

2) Acts as liaison between Frist Coast Drones and the FAA on matters concerning this 

manual.

3) Assure that each approved pilot is issued a copy of this manual and obtain a signed 

statement from each that they have read and understand its content.

4) Maintain a current copy of this manual at the main base of operations.

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

processed properly.

6) Must approve or disapprove each proposed operation performed by First Coast 

Drones under the provisions of this manual.

7) Assume the responsibilities of pilot-in-command when acting as such.

8) The Director of Operations may delegate functions to other personnel but retains 

responsibility.

Pilot in Command.

1) Perform pre-flight inspections to assure the aircraft to be flown is in an airworthy 

condition and required maintenance has been performed as appropriate.

2) Maintain appropriate aircraft logbooks for flight times, maintenance items, and preflight 

inspection signoffs.

3) Acquire permission from the Director of Operations before any operation under the 

provisions of this manual.

4) Keep all appropriate airman certificates and medical licenses up-to-date, and maintain 

aircraft currency.

5) Be knowledgeable of the contents of this manual and abide by the procedures, 

policies, and conditions contained herein.

6) Coordinate with location personnel top formulate plans, routes, location, etc, with 

safety of all persons involved as a primary concern.

7) Maintain and keep current their copy of this manual. 

8) The pilot-in-command may delegate functions to other personnel, but retains 

responsibility.
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Visual Observer.

1) Maintain visual line of sight with sUAS at all times.

2) Maintain direct communication with the PIC.

3) Maintain a broader situational awareness of the secured area and stay alert for 

unauthorized persons or vehicles that could compromise the area.

4) Assist the PIC with collision avoidance. Including but not limited to, avoidance of 

traffic, clouds, obstructions, and terrain.
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APPENDIX A

First Coast Drones’ Permission to Conduct Operations Form

In signing this form, I am giving First Coast Drones permission to operate its aircraft at less 

than 500 feet from property, or, in some jurisdiction in which I am responsible for or affiliated 

with, for the purpose of film or television production.

Name: _____________________________________________________________

Title: _____________________________________________________________

Location: _____________________________________________________________

Date of 

Operation: _____________________________________________________________

Basis of authority to grant permission:

_______________________________________________________________________

Signature: ____________________________________________________________

Date: ____________________________________________________________ 
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APPENDIX B

List of Approved Aircraft.

1. DJI Phantom 3 Advanced,

2. All UASs previously approved by the Secretary of Transportation under Section 333. 

Docket No #FAA-2007-3330-0007.(approval pending)