MOTION PICTURE & TELEVISION OPERATIONS MANUAL 

Last Revision: August 3, 2015 
Purpose 

This operations manual has been created by “Burger Media Inc”, hereafter referred to as “Burger 

Media”, to be used in conjunction with all conditions and limitations as stipulated. Burger Media pilots, 

camera operators, visual observers, and other company personnel when applicable, will comply with the 

policies, procedures and conditions of this manual, whenever UAS flight operations are performed that 

require the exemption as mentioned above. 

Owner/Operator & Organization 

Burger Media, Inc.

Kevin M. Burger, President

412 Poplar Hill Court

Richmond, VA 23229

Tel.: 804.240.7272

Email: kevin@burgermedia.com

Persons Authorized 

FAR 91.119 (c) is waived only with respect to those persons, vehicles and structures directly involved in 

the performance of the actual operation. Burger Media shall ensure that no persons are allowed within 

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

Area of Operations 

Burger Media’s approved area of operations will be the United States, including its territories and 

possessions.

Plan of Activities 

For flights above 200 feet AGL: At least three (3) days prior to any scheduled operation, Burger Media 

will submit a written plan of activities to the local FSDO having jurisdiction over that area. The plan of 

activities will include the following: 

1. Dates and times for all flights. 

2. Name and phone number of person responsible for the event. 

3. Name and phone number of person responsible for flight operations. 
4. Make, model, and serial number (if available) UAS to be used. 

5. Name and certificate number of pilot(s) involved in the event. 

6. A statement that the waiver holder has obtained permission from property owners and/or 

local officials to conduct the event. The list of those who gave permission must be made 

available to the inspector upon request from the waiver holder. 

7. Signature of waiver holder or representative. 

8. 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. The three (3) day notification 

requirement may be waived, however, the operator should contact the FSDO as soon as 

possible with this request and be prepared to explain in detail why the three (3) day notification 

is not practical. 

Permission to Operate 

Before any flight operations is conducted 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 

3. Fire department officials 

4. Local, State and Federal government 

5. Air traffic control 

Burger Media personnel obtaining such permission will do so in writing whenever practical; however, 

verbal permission is acceptable. A permission form is provided in Appendix A and may be used when 

obtaining written permission. Written permission forms shall be maintained at the job site until flight 

operations are completed, and then turned into the Flight Director to be kept on file for a minimum of 

six (6) months. These forms will be made available for inspection by the FAA or other official personnel 

upon request. 

Security 

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

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

minimum of a 500 foot perimeter. Provisions will be made to immediately discontinue operations 

should the area(s) become unsecured or for any other reason in the interest of safety. 
Briefing of Pilot/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 event. Personnel will also be briefed on additional 

provisions that may be issued by the FSDO that has geographic responsibility for the operational area, 

including the location of boundaries or time limits. The briefing shall cover: 

1. Pertinent sections of this operations manual 

2. Plan of activities 

3. UAS takeoff and landing procedures 

4. Role of PIC, visual observer, and camera/gimbal operator 

5. Overview of flight activities to be conducted during the production event 

6. Recall procedures 

7. Emergency procedures 

8. Risks to participating personnel 

9. How to control nonparticipating persons 

Certification/Airworthiness 

All Burger Media’s UASs used in operations do not require an airworthiness certificate. Burger Media

will use trained technicians to perform maintenance, alterations, or preventive maintenance on the 

UASs using the methods, techniques, and practices prescribed in the UAS operating. Furthermore, 

Burger Media will document and maintain all maintenance records. 

Pilot & Visual Observer Minimum Requirements 

Burger Media shall establish and specify the minimum pilot requirements. Minimum requirements shall 

meet or exceed the following (using Exemption NO. 11062 [Astraeus Aerial] as a basis): 

Prior to conducting operations, the PIC must have logged, consistent with 14 CFR 61.51(b), 25 hours of 

total time as a UAS pilot. Prior to operations the PIC must also have logged a minimum of 5 hours as a 

UAS pilot operating the same make and model of UAS to be used for operations under the exemption. In 

addition to the hour requirements, the PIC must accomplish 3 take-offs and landings in the preceding 90 

days (for currency purposes). Prior documented flight experience that was obtained in compliance with 

applicable regulations could satisfy this requirement. 
Training, proficiency, and experience-building flights can also be conducted to accomplish the required 

flight time. During training, proficiency, and experience-building flights the PIC is required to operate the 

UAS with appropriate distances in accordance with 14 CFR 91.119. 

Burger Media may determine that additional hours are necessary to address all potential flight hazards 

and requisite airmanship skills. Burger Media will not permit any PIC to operate unless that PIC is able to 

safely operate the UAS in a manner consistent with how the UAS will be operated under this exemption, 

including evasive and emergency maneuvers and maintaining appropriate distances from persons, 

vessels, vehicles and structures. 

Prior to operations the PIC must hold either an airline transport, commercial, private, recreational, or 

sport pilot certificate. The PIC must also hold a current FAA airman medical certificate or a valid U.S. 

driver’s license issued by a state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, a territory, a possession, or the 

Federal government, and have completed the minimum flight hour and currency requirements as stated 

in the conditions and limitations above. 

Visual Observers should have a minimum of 1 hour of flight time with the sUAS which they are observing 

affording them direct experience with the performance of the sUAS they will be observing. 

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. 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. 

Accident Notification 

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

FAR Part 830 would comply. 

Recall/Stop Procedures 

Specific procedures will vary based on the UAS being used, the physical location, and other unique 

configurations in the field. Details will be part of the required pre-flight briefing. 

Special Provisions 

The controls, procedures, and conditions set forth in this manual are the primary assurance that persons 

on the surface will not be jeopardized. 
The UASs and pilots used under this exemption and/or waiver will only be those specified in manual, 

Appendices A and B, or associated plan of activities. Each pilot’s name and certificate number shall 

appear on each daily plan of activity. All UASs and pilot(s) participating in the activity shall be available 

for FAA inspection before the scheduled event. 

Company Organization 

FLIGHT DIRECTOR 

Duties and Responsibilities: 

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

2. Acts as liaison between Burger Media and the FAA on matter 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 contents. 

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

Media.

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 Burger Media 

under the provisions of this manual. 

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

8. The Flight Director may delegate functions to other personnel but retains 

responsibility. 

PILOT IN COMMAND 

Duties and Responsibilities: 

1. Assure the UAS to be flown is in airworthy condition and required maintenance have been 

performed as appropriate. 

2. Acquire permission from the Flight Director before any operation under the provisions of this 

manual. 

3. Be very knowledgeable of the contents of this manual and abide by the procedures, policies 

and conditions contained herein. 

4. Coordinate with location personnel to formulate plans, routes, locations, etc. with safety of 

all persons involved in the primary concern. 
5. Maintain and keep current their copy of this manual and have it on site at any job or 

operation requiring the waiver. 

6. The pilot in command may delegate functions to other personnel, but retains responsibility. 

VISUAL OBSERVER 

Duties and Responsibilities: 

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

2. Maintain direct communication with the PIC. 

3. Maintain a broader “situational” awareness of the secure area and stay alert for 

unauthorized persons or vehicles that could compromise the area. 

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

traffic, clouds, obstructions, and terrain. 

Appendix A –

Location Permission Form 

In signing this form, I am giving the pilots of Burger Media Inc. permission to operate their 

aircraft at less than 500 feet from property, or within some jurisdiction in which I am responsible 

for or affiliated with, for the purpose of image acquisition or inspection. 

Name: 

Title: 

Basis of Authority to Grant Permission: 

Location: 

Date of Operation: 

Signature: 

Date: 

Burger Media Inc. Representative Receiving Permission: