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

! 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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