# UAS Flight Operations Manual

Updated 10/6/2015

# 1. Location & Environment Preparation Steps

! Site Selection: consult aviation charts for airports and check for hazards ! Check NOTAMs relating to the location ! Examine location for people / bystanders ! Check for power lines, wires / cables ! Examine location for property or animals in the vicinity ! Check buffer zones between aircraft and personnel; ! Plan route to avoid departures and landings over populated areas ! Identify two alternative landing sites in case take-off site is obstructed. ! Take into account local topography, ensuring a visible line of sight towards the UAV at all times. Ensure the telemetry connection is not obstructed. *** ! If flying in controlled airspace, notify and obtain any requires clearance from airspace authority ! Discuss flight plan with your co-pilot or observer ! Check actual and forecast weather conditions including visibility, precipitation, wind speed *** ! Notify any bystanders or nearby property owners of your intentions (permission) ! Clear site of nonessential participants ! Verify ability to contact authorities (cell phone signal) ! Check First Aid Kit stocked, readily accessible and visible to anyone in the area. ! Verify psychological and physiological factors (well rested, not rushed, feeling well, avoid “get there-itis” or other client pressures)

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# 2. Pre-flight / Run-up Procedures

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### Verifying all transmitter, on-board aircraft and camera batteries are fully charged; (confirm voltages) ! 

### Check all control surfaces for any signs of wear, damage, loose hinges, and the overall condition; ! 

### Check wings/rotors to ensure they are in good structural condition and properly secured; ! 

### Check motor/engine and mounting attached to the airframe; ! 

### Study propellers / mounting hardware / rotor blades for any chips or deformation; ! 

### Check the landing gear for damage and function ! 

### Camera memory clear and inserted into the camera ! 

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

### Check location and secure GPS equipment. ! 

### All transmitter switches in correct pre-flight position ! 

### Check transmitter gains *** ! 

### Transmitter throttle to zero ! 

### Radio transmitters on ! 

### Video monitors on ! 

### Connect / power on battery to airframe ! 

### Ensure led indicators and audible tones are correct ! 

### Check camera settings are correct (still images, video, framerate, focus) ! 

### Focus main camera ! 

### Final scan for people or animals *** ! 

### Say “ CLEAR !” ! 

### Arm flight controller ! 

### Increase throttle slightly listening for any abnormalities ! 

### Short 20-30 second hover at 3-5 feet (listen for vibrations / loose items) ! 

### Confirm Voltage levels are correct

## 3. In-Flight and Landing Procedures

! Maintain direct visual contact with the aircraft at all times. ! Climb to a safe altitude away from potential hazards and to reduce noise. ! Keep aircraft at a safe operating distance from people, electric utility lines and buildings. ! No flight may be over anyone who is not directly involved in the photo/video shoot. ! Conversation with the pilot or spotter must be limited to flight operations whenever the motors are engaged. This applies both on the ground, and while in flight. ! The observer must remain within normal speaking distance from the pilot. ! In the event that any manned aircraft approaches, the pilot must immediately descend at the maximum safe descent speed for the UAV and yield right of way. ! If weather conditions such as wind change unfavorably during the flight, the pilot will land at one of the designated landing sites. ! Pilot will land immediately if anyone not involved in the shoot enters the flight area, if the weather conditions change unfavorably, if battery voltage drops to 30% capacity, or if the pilot or spotter sees anything that may endanger the safety of the aircraft, or people on the ground. *** ! Landing: Scan landing area for potential obstruction hazards. ! Announce out loud “ LANDING! " ! Carefully land the aircraft away from obstructions and people.

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## 4. Post-Flight

! Shutting Down: Turn the power off to the aircraft and disconnect the batteries. ! Turn the power off to the photo equipment. ! Turn off the transmitters and monitors. ! Visually check aircraft for signs of damage, loose fittings, or excessive wear. ! Remove the battery & secure the aircraft. ! Check pictures: Verify that the UAV camera actually took the pictures

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