# Exhibit A

Company SOP and Training ProtocolsINVICTUS TECHNICAL SOLUTIONS, llc

Unmanned Vehicle Division



## Corporate UAS Compliance Operations Manual

Preface

Invictus Technical Solutions, llc Corporate UAS Compliance Office has authorized the following guidance

documents for all UAS operations teams. Under no circumstance is any staff member authorized to

modify or amend such documents. Modification of this booklet only authorized pursuant to FAA approved Exemption 333 / COA in addition to approval from Invictus

- UAS Division Director of

Unmanned Systems.NAS UAS OPERATION GUIDELINES

1. Operations authorized by approved grant s of exemption by the FAA are limited to the Yuneec Q500

Quad Multi

- copter and H920 Hexacopter, Infotron IT180 Coaxial and the ATOD Q4 DJI Wookong

Controller based Inspection Multi

- copter when weighing less than 55 pounds including payload.

Operations of any other aircraft will require a new petition to the FAA or a petition to amend our 333

exemption.

2. Operations for the purpose of closed

- set motion picture and television filming, Real Estate or

Unmanned System use in areas inside of the greater city limits of any area of bus iness coverage shall not

be allowed unless specifically outlined and approved by the FAA and Corporate.

3. The UA may not be operated at a speed exceeding 87 knots (100 miles per hour). The exemption

holder may use either groundspeed or calibrated airspeed to determine compliance with the 87 knot

speed restriction. In no case will the UA be operated at airspeeds greater than the maximum UA
operating airspeed recommended by the aircraft manufacturer.

4. The UA must be operated at an altitude of no more than 400 feet above ground level (AGL). Altitude

must be reported in feet AGL.

5. The UA must be operated within visual line of sight (VLOS) of the PIC at all times. This requires the PIC

to be able to use human vision unaided by any device other than correct ive lenses, as specified on the

PIC’s FAA

- issued airman medical certificate or U.S. driver’s license.

6. All operations must utilize a visual observer (VO). The UA must be operated within the visual line of

sight (VLOS) of the PIC and VO at all times. The VO may be used to satisfy the VLOS requirement as long

as the PIC always maintains VLOS capability. The VO and PIC must be able to communicate verbally at all
times via voice or radio; electronic messaging or texting is not permitted during flight operati ons. The

PIC must be designated before the flight and cannot transfer his or her designation for the duration of

the flight mission. The PIC must ensure that the VO can perform the duties required of the VO.

7. Exemptions and all documents needed to opera te the UAS and conduct its operations in accordance

with the conditions and limitations stated in this grant of exemption, are hereinafter referred to as the

operating documents. The operating documents must be accessible during UAS operations and made

ava ilable to the Administrator upon request. If a discrepancy exists between the conditions and

limitations in any FAA 333 exemption and the procedures outlined in the operating documents, the

conditions and limitations herein take precedence and must be foll owed. Otherwise, the operator must

follow the procedures as outlined in its operating documents. The operator may update or revise its
operating documents. It is the operator’s responsibility to track such revisions and present updated and

revised document s to the Administrator or any law enforcement official upon request. The operator

must also present updated and revised documents if it petitions for extension or amendment to any

grant of exemption. If the operator determines that any update or revision w ould affect the basis upon

which the FAA granted this exemption, then the operator must petition for an amendment to its grant
of exemption. The FAA’s UAS Integration Office (AFS

- 80) may be contacted if questions arise regarding

updates or revisions to the operating documents.8. Any UAS that has undergone maintenance or alterations that affect the UAS operation or flight

characteristics, e.g. replacement of a flight critical component, must undergo a functional test flight

prior to conducting further oper ations under this exemption. Functional test flights may only be

conducted by a PIC with a VO and must remain at least 200 feet from other people. The functional test

flight must be conducted in such a manner so as to not pose an undue hazard to persons an d property

and the results must be documented within the company database of Maintenance.

9. The operator is responsible for maintaining and inspecting the UAS to ensure that it is in a condition

for safe operation.

10. Prior to each flight, the PIC must conduct a pre

- flight inspection and determine the UAS is in a

condition for safe flight. The pre

- flight inspection must account for all potential discrepancies, e.g.

inoperable components, items, or equipment. If the inspection reveals a condition that af fects the safe

operation of the UAS, the aircraft is prohibited from operating until the necessary maintenance has

been performed and the UAS is found to be in a condition for safe flight. The maintenance shall only be

conducted by a company certified tech nician holding valid company credentials or approvals.

11. The operator must follow the UAS manufacturer’s maintenance, overhaul, replacement, inspection,

and life limit requirements for the aircraft and aircraft components and shall maintain an accurate

database of hours on systems as well as time in air.

12. Each UAS operated under this exemption must comply with all manufacturer safety bulletins.

13. Under exemption, a PIC must hold either an airline transport, commercial, private, recreational, or

s port 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 Colombia, Puerto Rico, a territory, a possession, or the

Federal government. The PIC must also 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.

14. Invictus will not permit any PIC to operate unless the PIC demonstrates the ability to safely operate

the UAS in a man ner 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. PIC qualification flight hours and currency must be logge d in a manner
consistent with 14 CFR § 61.51(b). Flights for the purposes of training the operator’s PICs and VOs

(training, proficiency, and experience

- building) and determining the PIC’s ability to safely operate the

UAS in a manner consistent with how t he UAS will be operated under this exemption are permitted

under the terms of this exemption. However, training operations may only be conducted during

dedicated training sessions. During training, proficiency, and experience

- building flights, all persons not
essential for flight operations are considered nonparticipants, and the PIC must operate the UA with

appropriate distance from nonparticipants in accordance with 14 CFR § 91.119.

15. UAS operations may not be conducted during night, as defined in 14 C FR § 1.1. All operations must
be conducted under visual meteorological conditions (VMC). Flights under special visual flight rules

(SVFR) are not authorized.

16. The UA may not operate within 5 nautical miles of an airport reference point (ARP) as denoted in the
current FAA Airport/Facility Directory (AFD) or for airports not denoted with an ARP, the center of the

airport symbol as denoted on the current FAA published aeronautical chart, unless a letter of agreementwith that airport’s management is obtain ed or otherwise permitted by a COA issued to the exemption

holder. The letter of agreement with the airport management must be made available to the

Administrator or any law enforcement official upon request.

17. The UA may not be operated less than 500 f eet below or less than 2,000 feet horizontally from a

cloud or when visibility is less than 3 statute miles from the PIC.

18. If the UAS loses communications or loses its GPS signal, the UA must return to a predetermined

location within the private or con trolled

- access property. Regardless of whether the UA can fly with GPS

signal loss, the PIC shall abort the mission as failsafe safety redundancies commonly depend on the GPS

signal.

19. The PIC must abort the flight in the event of unpredicted obstacles or emergencies.

20. The PIC is prohibited from beginning a flight unless (considering wind and forecast weather

conditions) there is enough available power for the UA to conduct the intended operation and to

operate after that for at least five minutes or with the reserve power recommended by the
manufacturer if greater.

21. Air Traffic Organization (ATO) Certificate of Waiver or Authorization (COA). All operations shall be

conducted in accordance with an ATO

- issued COA. The exemption holder may apply for a new or amended COA if it intends to conduct operations that cannot be conducted under the terms of the

attached COA.

22. All aircraft operated in accordance with this exemption must be identified by a serial number,

registered in accordance with 14 CFR part 47, and have identification (N Number) markings if required at

the time of operations in accordance with 14 CFR part 45, Subpart C. Markings must be as large as

practicable.

23. Documents used by Invictus to ensure the safe operation and flight of t he UAS and any documents

required under 14 CFR §§ 91.9 and 91.203 must be available to the PIC at the Ground Control Station of

the UAS any time the aircraft is operating. These documents must be made available to the

Administrator or any law enforcement o fficial upon request.

24. The UA must remain clear and give way to all manned aviation operations and activities at all times.

25. The UAS may not be operated by the PIC from any moving device or vehicle.

26. All Flight operations must be conducted at least 500 feet from all nonparticipating persons, vessels,

vehicles, and structures unless:

a. Barriers or structures are present that sufficiently protect nonparticipating persons from the
UA and/or debris i n the event of an accident. The operator must ensure that nonparticipating persons

remain under such protection. If a situation arises where nonparticipating persons leave such protection

and are within 500 feet of the UA, flight operations must cease imme diately in a manner ensuring the

safety of nonparticipating persons; and

b. The owner/controller of any vessels, vehicles or structures has granted permission for

operating closer to those objects and the PIC has made a safety assessment of the risk of op erating
closer to those objects and determined that it does not present an undue hazard. The PIC, VO, operatortrainees or essential persons such as perimeter flaggers or security are not considered nonparticipating

persons under Invictus policy.

27. All operations shall be conducted over private or controlled

- access property with permission from
the property owner/controller or authorized representative. Permission from property owner/controller

or authorized representative will be obtained for each fligh t to be conducted.

28. Any incident, accident, or flight operation that transgresses the lateral or vertical boundaries of the

operational area as defined by the applicable COA must be reported to the FAA's UAS Integration Office

(AFS

- 80) within 24 hours. Accidents must be reported to the National Transportation Safety Board
(NTSB) per instructions contained on the NTSB Web site: www.ntsb.gov. If this exemption permits

closed

- set motion picture and television filming and production, the following additiona l conditions and

limitations apply.

29. The operator must have a motion picture and television operations manual (MPTOM) as

documented in this grant of exemption.

30. At least 3 days before aerial filming, the operator of the UAS affected by this exempti on must submit
a written Plan of Activities to the local Flight Standards District Office (FSDO) with jurisdiction over the

area of proposed filming. The 3

- day notification may be waived with the concurrence of the FSDO. The

plan of activities must include at least the following:

a. Dates and times for all flights;

b. Name and phone number of the operator for the UAS aerial filming conducted under this

grant of exemption;

c. Name and phone number of the person responsible for the on

- scene operation of th e UAS;

d. Make, model, and serial or N

- Number of UAS to be used;

e. Name and certificate number of UAS PICs involved in the aerial filming;

f. A statement that the operator has obtained permission from property owners and/or local

officials to conduct t he filming production event; the list of those who gave permission must be

made available to the inspector upon request;

g. Signature of exemption holder or representative; and h. A description of the flight activity,

including maps or diagrams of any are a, city, town, county, and/or state over which filming will

be conducted and the altitudes essential to accomplish the operation.

31. Flight operations may be conducted closer than 500 feet from participating persons consenting to be

involved and necessar y for the filming production, as specified in the exemption holder’s MPTOM. 12

Unless otherwise specified in this grant of exemption, the UAS, the UAS PIC, and the UAS operations

must comply with all applicable parts of 14 CFR including, but not limited to , parts 45, 47, 61, and 91.

# This Page Intentionally Left Blank

# SMALL UNMANNED AIRCRAFT

SYSTEM

AIRCREW TRAINING MANUAL

____________________________

December 2015

DISTRIBUTION RESTRICTION: Approved for Company wide release

______________________________________________________________________ INVICTUS TECHNICAL SOLUTIONS

UNMANNED SYSTEM DIVISION

This publication available online via company share drive under Unit SOP Tab

# SMALL UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEM

AIRCREW TRAINING MANUAL

Contents

PREFACE iii Chapter 1

Introduction........................................................................................................ 1

- 1

1

- 1. Applicability.................................................................

................................ 1

- 1

1

- 2. Responsibilities........................................................................................... 1

- 1

Chapter 2 Training.................................................................................

............................... 2

- 1

2

- 1. Aircrew Training Program........................................................................... 2

- 1

2

- 2. Mission Status Levels.................................................................................. 2

- 1

2

- 3. Aircrew Training Program Training Year.................................................... 2

- 2

2

- 4. Unit Director’s Evaluation............................................................................ 2

- 2

2

- 5. Failure to Meet ATP Requirements

............................................................. 2

- 3

2

- 6. Removal From MQ Status............................................................................ 2

- 3

2

- 7. SUAS Currency..............................................................

............................... 2

- 3

Chapter 3

Evaluations........................................................................................................... 3

- 1

3

- 1. Evaluation Principles..........................................................

.......................... 3

- 1

3

- 2. Waivers to Requirements............................................................................. 3

- 1

3

- 3. Semi

- Annual Proficiency and Readiness Test........................................... 3

- 1 3

- 4. No Notice....

................................................................................................... 3

- 2

3

- 5. Proficiency Flight Evaluation....................................................................... 3

- 2

3

- 6. Grading Considerations.............

.................................................................. 3

- 2

3

- 7. Directors Certification.......................................................................... 3

- 2

3

- 8. Local Area Orientation.................................................

................................. 3

- 4 Chapter 4 Unit Training......................................................................................................... 4

- 1

4

- 1. Training Program Requirements................................................................. 4

- 1

4

- 2. Training Prerequisites.................................................................................. 4

- 1

4

- 3. Training Requirements................................

................................................. 4

- 1

4

- 4. Task Contents............................................................................................... 4

- 1
Contents

______________________________________________________________________

4

- 5. Task Considerations.................................................................................... 4

- 2

Chapter 5 Individual Operator Training Record................................................................. 5

- 15

- 1. Individual Operator Training Record.......................................................... 5

- 1 5

-

2. Form Training Documentation.................................................................... 5

- 1

5

- 3. Form UAS Task Assignment.........................................

.............................. 5

- 3

Chapter 6 Risk Management.............................................................................................. 6

- 1

6

- 1. Concept.................................................................................

....................... 6

- 1

6

- 2. Responsibilities.......................................................................................... 6

- 1

6

- 3. Risk Management Process.......................................................................... 6

- 2

A ppendix A DJI core Small Unmanned Aircraft System Tasks............................................ A

- 1 Appendix B 3DR Core Small Unmanned Aircraft System Tasks.......................................... B

- 1 Appendix C Other Small Unmanned Aircraft Syste m Tasks................................................. C

- 1

# Preface

This manual applies to all UAS operators and crews within the scope of employment with Invictus Technical Solutions, llc Unmanned Vehicle Division as well as any

collaborative efforts unless otherwise stated.

Send comments and recommendations on DA Form 2028 (Recommended Changes to Publications and Blank Forms) through the Unmanned Divisional Director, Aviation unit,

Invictus Technical Solutions, llc Unmanned Systems Division

1951 NW Mulholland Dr. STE 5 Roseburg, Oregon 97470 Recommended changes may also be e

- mailed to: dave.skala@invictusus.com

### Chapter 1 

## Introduction

The aircrew training program (ATP) focuses on individual, crew, and collective training. The design and management of an effective training program requires the commander to analyze each of these elements. The M ission E ssential T ask L ist (METL) identifies collective training and defines the unit as a member of the

combined team s . To ensure the mission proficiency and absolute efficiency of
S mall U nmanned A ircraft S ystem (SUAS) operators in the combined divisions effort, individual proficiency in tasks required to operate a SUAS is essential.

TC 1

- 611 links individual and unit collective tasks.

1

- 1. APPLICABILITY. This manual is applicable to crewmembers of all unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) that are not covered by ano ther aircrew training manual (ATM).

1

- 2. RESPONSIBILITIES

a. Director. According to FM 7

- 1, the Director is the primary training manager and trainer for the unit and is responsible for the ATP. The commander bases training on the unit’s mission, maintai ns standards, and evaluates proficiency. The Director also provides the required resources and develops and executes training plans that result in proficient individuals, leaders, and units. The Director has subordinate leaders (Contractors and Assignees), that help him or her plan and prepare SUAS training.

b. Master trainer . The SUAS master trainer is the Directors technical advisor. The master trainer (MT) helps the Director develop, implement, and manage the ATP. The MT will conduct qualification, ref resher, mission, and continuation training only for personnel that have completed an institutional SUAS course. In that a Invictus approved master trainer course does’t currently exist, Divisions with organic SUAS assets have the authority to appoint maste r trainers.

c. Operators . These individuals perform duties that are essential to the operation

of the SUAS.

### Chapter 2 

## Terms and Policies

The ATM has added many terms to the SUAS vocabulary. Familiarity with these terms is necessary to understand and use this publication. Therefore, this chapter, rather than the glossary, contains the definition of terms, and policy information, where approp riate, to explain the terms.

2

- 1. AIRCREW TRAINING PROGRAM (ATP) a. Applicability. The ATP applies to SUAS master trainers (MT) and operators in designated operational positions. b. Integration of operators into the aircrew training program. Upon signing into the unit, operators designated for duty as SUAS operators are members of the unit's ATP. Operators must present their training folder, if applicable, to the commander or the commander's designated representative upon signing into the unit. Det ermination of mission status is by a record check or by the commander's evaluation. c. Implementation of the aircrew training program. T his publication is the commander's guide for implementing the ATP.

2

- 2. MISSION STATUS LEVELS a. Individual progre ssion. (1) Mission status levels are the training status classifications of the individual operator. They identify the training phase in which the operator is participating and measure readiness to perform assigned missions. The mission status levels pro vide a logical progression of SUAS training based on task proficiency. (2) Operators will progress in mission status by completing tasks in all areas of the SUAS system. Once the operator begins training, he or she will have 90 consecutive days to advance to mission qualified status. Once mission qualified (MQ) the operator will have to perform the minimum requirements to maintain this status. Mission status progression will exclude days lost because of

(a) Temporary duty. (b) Medical or nonmedical suspe nsion from operations. (c) Leave approved by the unit commander. (d) Grounding of SUAS. (e) Unavailable or in

- transit SUASs because of unit deployment/redeployment. (3) If the exclusion period exceeds 45 consecutive days, the operator must

restart t he current progression. The operator will have 90 consecutive days to progress to the mission qualified status level. (4) An operator may progress to the mission qualified status in less time than prescribed in paragraph 2

- 5a (2) by demonstrating prof iciency to a master

trainer.(5) When an operator has not progressed within the required period, the

unit commander will investigate, and based on his or her findings take action according to appropriate directives.

b. Mission preparation (MP). An operator who has been initially designated MP, based on the Director's evaluation, will begin training on mission tasks as designated by the unit Director. Mission preparation programs help operators to verify and develop their ability to perform specific tasks (selected by the Director) that support the unit's mission. Because the goal is proficiency in mission

- related tasks, commanders should tailor their task list to meet specific unit needs. An operator progresses from MP to MQ by demonstrating proficie ncy in all selected mission tasks to a master trainer. An operator has 90 consecutive days to progress to MQ. Semi

- Annual Proficiency and Readiness Test (S

- APART) requirements do not need to be completed while an operator is designated MP. The only require ments are those designated by the commander with

assistance from the master trainer.

c. Mission qualified (MQ) . An operator who has completed MP training is considered mission ready and designated as MQ. The operator must perform those tasks designated by the unit Director for the operator's table of organization and equipment (TOE) or table of distribution and allowance (TDA) position. Once designated MQ, the operator must complete the S

- APART requirements.

2

- 3. AIRCREW TRAINING PROGRAM TRAINING YEAR

T he ATP training year is divided into semi

- annual training periods. The first training period begins the first day following the end of the UAS crew member’s date of hire or placement into the UAS Division and continues for six months. The second training p eriod begins the first day of the seventh month after the UAS crew member’s hire or placement date and continues through the end of the UAS crew member’s birth month. (For example, the first training period for an operator hired or placed 15 April begins 1 May and ends 31 October. The second training period begins 1 November and ends 30 April.)

2

- 4. COMMANDER’S EVALUATION The purpose of the commander's evaluation is to determine the initial mission status of newly assigned operators. This evaluation con sists of a records review and possibly a proficiency flight evaluation. The commander or a designated representative will complete the evaluation within 45 calendar days after the operator is designated for duty as a SUAS operator.

a. Records review. Unit commanders or their designated representative will review the operator's training folder. They will compare the individual's qualifications with the tasks required by the assigned duty position. If the appropriate mission status can be

determined from the review, the commander will document the mission status on the individual's Crew Member Training Record. b. Proficiency flight evaluation (PFE) . If the initial mission status cannot be determined by the records review or if the commander desires, the ope rator will undergo a proficiency flight evaluation. The PFE should include tasks from each flight mode in which the operator can expect to perform duties. The results of the PFE will determinethe operator's mission status. The commander will document the mission status on the

individual's Crew Member Training Record

c. Considerations. (1) Managers may not assign an initial mission qualified status to graduates of SUAS qualification courses who are on their first utilization tour solely on the

basis of a records review. (2) If, at the time of initial mission status designation, one year has passed since the operator has completed any element of an S

- APART (standardization evaluation, or SUAS operator's manual examination), the operator must complete

tha t element before designation as, or progression to MQ. Graduates of an SUAS course who are on their first utilization tour are exempt from this requirement. d. Required training. After determining the initial mission status, the Director will direct qual ification, refresher, mission, or continuation training for the operator as applicable. Time allotted for completion of the required training will start accruing on the date of the mission status designation. If recommended by the evaluator, operators may credit the flight tasks satisfactorily completed on the PFE toward completion of their mission status training requirements.

2

- 5. FAILURE TO MEET ATP REQUIREMENTS When ATP requirements are not met the commander will investigate. After investigation, the commander will

— a. Take one of the following actions: (1) Authorize the operator up to a 30

- day extension to complete the requirements. Note: The 30

- day extension will start after the Director completes the investigation. (2) Request a waiver of requirements per paragraph 3

- 2. b. Enter restrictions imposed and extensions granted in the individual’s training

folder. c. Enter extensions and waivers granted the operator into training folder. d. Restrict operators from performing duties with th e SUAS until ATP requirements are met.

2

- 6. REMOVAL FROM MQ STATUS a. Training deficiency. An operator removed from MQ for a training deficiency must still meet all MQ ATP requirements. ATP requirements met while MP will be applied to MQ requirements. b. Other than a training deficiency. An operator has until the end of the training period to complete ATP requirements. If an operator is removed from MQ for other than a training deficiency before the end of the training period (for example, a permanen t change of station departure), his or her ATP requirements no longer apply.

c. Re

- designated MP. An SUAS operator who is MQ and fails a hands

- on performance test will be re

- designated MP and authorized additional training.

2

- 7. SUAS CURRENCY

a. To be considered current an SUAS operator must:(1) Perfor m every 30 consecutive days in launch and flight operations of the

SUAS, or a compatible simulator(s). (2) Perform every 150 consecutive days in launch and recovery and 15

- minute flight operations of the SUAS.

b. Tracking actual flight time is impractical and is not required. Individual flight records folders are not required; however, documentation of flight operations (sorties) for the purpose of tracking currency is required.

Commanders will establish procedures for maintenance of personal flight logs. A qualified sortie is a launch and recovery and 15

- minute flight operations of the SUAS.

### Chapter 3 

## Evaluations

The conduct of flight evaluations is a principal means of assessing flight standardization and operator proficiency and is a key part of the Army standardization process.

3

- 1. EVALUATION PRINCIPLES. The value of any evaluation depends on strict adherence to fundamental principles; anything less than stric t adherence makes the evaluation meaningless. These principles are described below.
a. Selection of evaluators. The selection of master trainers must not be based only on technical qualifications. Criteria for selecting evaluators should include demonstrated performance, objectivity, powers of observation, and ability to provide

constructive comments.

b. Method o f evaluation. The method of evaluation must be based on uniform and standard objectives. In addition, the evaluation method must be consistent with the unit's mission and adhere to the appropriate standing operating procedures (SOP) and regulations.

c. P articipant understanding. Complete understanding of the purpose of the evaluation, by all concerned, is essential. Moreover, the evaluation must be conducted in a manner that is purpose oriented. d. Participant cooperation. Cooperation by all participant s is necessary to fulfill the evaluation objectives. The emphasis is on all of the participants, not just the

examinee. e. Identification of training needs. The evaluation must produce specific findings to identify training needs. General comments do not always provide the direction and guidance essential for improvement. The evaluation must pinpoint both strengths and weaknesses.

Note : All evaluations of a master trainer will be conducted by a master trainer.

3

- 2. WAIVERS TO REQUIREMENTS

a. Unit waivers. Unit waivers to primary SUAS ATP requirements may be granted only by commanders of Divisions or higher.

b. Waiver authorization. The Director may grant unit waivers and/or extensions, to ATP requirements for units under their command affected by operational deployments. The Director may grant unit extensions for up to 180 days from their self

established “start training date” after redeployment.

c. Individual waivers. Individual waivers to primary SUAS ATP requirements may be granted by the Director, Company Owner(s), or by the Master Trainer in the

individual’s chain of command..

3

- 3. SEMI

- ANNUAL PROFICIENCY AND READINESS TEST (S

- APART)

. The S

- APART measures an o perator’s proficiency and readiness. It consists of a written

examination and a hands

- on performance test evaluated by a master trainer. MQoperators must pass each component of the test during their S

- APART periods. The S

APART periods are the two

- month p eriods ending on the last day of the operator's first

semi

- annual training period and the two

- month period ending on the last day of the operator's assignment or hire month. While off site to designated Military combat or imminent danger areas, the Directo r, or Owner(s), and managers in the individual’s chain of command should consider reducing this evaluation requirement to once annually. At the end of the training year, the Director must certify that each operator has completed

all S

- APART requirements. T his action serves to recertify the operator in his designated duty position(s). An operator designated MQ at any Evaluations time within this two

month period must complete all S

- APART requirements. Operators receive credit for the operator’s written exami nation and hands

- on performance test during mission preparation if they complete the tests within the two

- month S

- APART period. Those operators participating in MP programs are not subject to the S

- APART unless they were removed from MQ because of training deficiency. Operators removed from MQ status because of a training deficiency are subject to the S

- APART.

a. SUAS operator’s written examination. This open

- book exam is prepared at the local level and consists of 25 objective questions that cover the S UAS operator's manual, local airspace, regulations, SOPs, and other pertinent topics as determined by the commander and master trainer. The minimum passing score is 70 percent corrected to 100 percent.

b. Hands

- on performance tests. This component consis ts of oral and job position evaluations. Paragraph 3

- 7 contains a list of oral subjects. Evaluation tasks are listed in the appropriate appendix of this manual. The operator must successfully complete all requirements during the S

- APART period. Note: S

- AP ART failures. Operators who fail to

meet the S

- APART standards will be processed in accordance with paragraph 2

- 5 of this

manual.

3

- 4. NO

- NOTICE. Each commander will establish a no

- notice evaluation program to measure operator effectiveness. Evaluations may consist of flight, a compatible simulator, oral, or written examination.

3

- 5. PROFICIENCY FLIGHT EVALUATION a. The commander directs the proficiency evaluation and administers it using the guidelines established in paragraph 2

- 4. This evaluation i s conducted to determine

— (1) The individual's readiness level, either MP or MQ, upon assignment to the unit if the readiness level cannot be determined through records review. (2) The individual's proficiency when SUAS currency has lapsed in accordance with paragraph 6

- 1. (3) The individual's proficiency when questioned by the commander. b. After the evaluation, the examiner will debrief the individual and complete a Crew Members Training Record3

- 6. GRADING CONSIDERATIONS

a. Oral evaluation. The examinee must demonstrate a working knowledge and understanding of the subject areas presented. The evaluator will assess the examinee's knowledge during the oral evaluation.

b. Hands

- on test. Performance standards are based on an ideal situation.

Gr ading is based on meeting the minimum standards. The evaluator must consider deviations from the ideal during the evaluation and make appropriate adjustments if other

than ideal conditions exist.

3

- 7. DIRECTOR’S CERTIFICATION. This evaluation is conduc ted to determine the operator's ability to perform appropriate duties. The evaluation sequence consists of the four phases given below. The evaluator will determine the amount of time devoted to each phase. When the examinee is an evaluator/trainer or a un it trainer, the recommended procedure is for the evaluator to reverse roles with the examinee. When the evaluator uses this technique, the examinee must understand how the role

- reversal will be

conducted and when it will be in effect.

a. Phase 1

— Introduct ion. In this phase, the evaluator

— (1) Reviews the examinee's records to verify that the examinee meets all prerequisites for the rating. (2) Confirms the purpose of the flight evaluation, explains the evaluation procedure, and discusses the evaluation standards and criteria to be used. Note: If the examinee is a master trainer, he or she will be evaluated on the ability to apply the learning and teaching process outlined in the instructor's handbook. The examinee must demonstrate a working knowledge of the conditions, standards, and descriptions of the tasks he or she will be instructing/evaluating. The examinee must also demonstrate an ability to determine when tasks are not performed to

standards and how to train to standards.

b. Phase 2

— Oral examin ation. The examinee must have a working knowledge and understanding of all applicable topics in the respective subject areas below. As a minimum, the evaluator will select two topics from each appropriate subject

area. An evaluator/trainer will also demons trate an ability to instruct and evaluate any topic. (1) Regulations and publications (ATM, AR 95

- 23, local SOPs, and regulations). Topics in this subject area are

—

(a) ATP requirements. (b) SOP requirements. (c) Weather restrictions and procedures. (d) Local airspace usage. (e) Publications required for using the SUAS. (f) Forms and records. (2) Operating limitations and restrictions. Topics in this subject area are

— (a) Battery limits. (b) Airspeed limits. (c) Environmental restrictions

. (d) Other limitations.(3) SUAS emergency procedures and malfunction analysis. Topics in this

subject area are

—

(a) Emergency terms and their definitions. (b) Electrical system malfunctions. (c) Loss of link. (d) Mission equipment. (4) Tact ical and mission tasks (TC 1

- 611 and unit SOP). Topics in this subject area are

—

(a) Mission statement and employment methods. (b) Mission planning and safety. (c) Tactical reports and fire support. (d) Downed/Lost air vehicle procedures. (5) Nigh t mission operation use of lights.

c. Phase 3

— Flight evaluation. If this phase is required, the following procedures apply:

(1) Briefing. The evaluator will explain the flight evaluation procedure and brief the examinee on which tasks will be evaluated. When evaluating an evaluator/trainer, the evaluator must advise the examinee that during role reversal, the evaluator may deliberately perf orm some tasks outside standards to check the examinee’s diagnostic and corrective action skills. The evaluator will conduct or have the examinee conduct a crew briefing.

(2) Preflight Procedures. The evaluator will evaluate the examinee’s use of the app ropriate TMs/checklists (CLs)/technical bulletins (TBs), and/or the integrated electronic technical manual (ETM) as appropriate.

(a) Flight Tasks. The evaluator will evaluate those tasks listed in the applicable appendix of this ATM. A Master Trainer must demonstrate an ability to instruct and/or evaluate the appropriate tasks. When used as part of the proficiency flight evaluation, the evaluation may include an orientation of the local area, checkpoints, and other pertinent information. (b) After

- landin g Tasks. The evaluator will evaluate the examinee’s use of the appropriate TMs/CLs/TBs, and/or the integrated ETM as appropriate.

d. Phase 4

— Debriefing . Upon completing the evaluation, the evaluator will

— (1) Discuss the examinee’s strengths and weakness es. (2) Offer recommendations for improvement. (3) Tell if the examinee passed or failed the evaluation and discuss any tasks not performed to standards. (4) Complete the applicable forms and ensure that the examinee reviews and initials the appropriate forms. Note. Inform the examinee of any restrictions, limitations, or revocations that the evaluator will recommend to the commander following an unsatisfactory evaluation.

3

- 8. LOCAL AREA ORIENTATION. a. Training area orientation. The Director will ensure that operators are given a tour of and a briefing on training area and facilities. The tour should include the missionplanning procedures (location of maps and other flight planning aids), and airspace

operations office. The briefing should include the items listed below.

(1) Obtaining maps and charts. (2) Obtaining weather information. (3) Obtaining range and restricted

- area information. (4) Information on frequencies and access phone numbers. (5) A review of airspace in the local area. b. Range layout and facilities. The Director will ensure that operators are familiar with range facilities. c. Local area orientation flight. Before progressing to MQ, operators should receive a local area orientation flight. Units may conduct this flig ht along with other training. The Director will determine which orientation items are required for the flight. Items peculiar to the local area or those that cannot be adequately covered during the ground portion will be pointed out, demonstrated, or discu ssed during the flight. The orientation flight should include familiarization with local

— (1) Boundaries. (2) Reporting points. (3) Prominent terrain features. (4) Restricted areas and no

- fly areas. (5) Tactical training and range areas. (6) Air fields, helipads, and frequently used LZs. (7) Obstacles or hazards to flight.

Note: MACOMs, particularly those operating near sensitive borders, should establish additional requirements or restrictions for local area orientations.

### Chapter 4 

## Unit Training

Unit Managers are authorized to conduct refresher training at unit level. Operators receiving the training must have attended the initial operator qualification course for SUAS being flown.

4

- 1. TRAINING PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS a. Refresher Training. An operator entering refresher training will participate in training consisting of basic and mission type tasks. The operator must complete all training before he or she is designated MQ. The oper ator is designated MP during all of this training. (1) The operator will complete the appropriate academic and tasks listed in

this manual. (2) All flight training in MP will be conducted by a master trainer. (3) The operator will be evaluated by a ma ster trainer. (4) The operator will complete a qualified sortie at night (if applicable). b. Mission training. The SUAS mission and operation of the mission equipment is an integral part of being an operator qualified in a SUAS. This training must be c ompleted before an operator is qualified to perform missions within his unit with a SUAS.

4

- 2. TRAINING PREREQUISITES An operator returning to an operator position after having been prohibited/excused from flying duties for more than 180 consecutive day s will receive refresher training. When an operator enters the unit’s ATP with fewer than 180 consecutive days of non

- operator duties, the commander may require him to undergo refresher training based on a records check or a proficiency flight evaluation.

4

- 3. TRAINING REQUIREMENTS Refresher training should include academic courses and practice of all tasks. During refresher training, an operator does not have semi annual proficiency and readiness test (S

- APART) requirements in the SUAS in which the traini ng is being conducted. The only requirements he has are those designated by the

commander.

4

- 4. TASK CONTENTS

a. Title . A title identifies each task. The commander may create additional tasks if they are essential to METL accomplishment and are not i ncluded in the ATM.
b. Conditions. Perform the task in the situation the conditions specify. The specified conditions describe the important aspects of the performance environment.

c. Standards. The standards describe the minimum degree of proficiency o r performance for accomplishment of the task under ideal conditions. d. Night Considerations. Where applicable and authorized by future COA / 333 etc.., night considerations are included.

e. References. Listed references for each task are sources of in formation about that particular task4

- 5. TASK CONSIDERATIONS

a. If a master trainer is part of a condition, a master trainer will be in a position near enough the operator being trained/evaluated that he or she may assist or assume control

as the situation requires. b. Unless otherwise specified in the conditions, all in

- flight training and evaluations will be conducted under visual meteorological conditions (VMC). c. The operator should know certain emergency procedures well enough to perform the required action from memory. Upon completion of the procedure, the checklist will be used to verify that no item(s) were overlooked. d. Operators will maintain operation within SUAS limitations at all times. Operation outside these limits, in other t han an emergency, is unsatisfactory.

### Chapter 5



## Individual Operator Training Record

The Director must ensure that a training record is prepared and maintained for each SUAS operator in an operational duty position assigned or attached to the unit.

5

- 1. INDIVIDUAL OPERATOR TRAINING RECORD REQUIREMENTS. The training record will be maintained as shown in figure 5

- 1. a. Crew Training Record will be used. It will be maintained in the operator’s unit training folder. b. Operators assigned or attached for flight duty will present their Training Record to the Director or the Director’s representative on arrival into the unit. c. The Crew member Grade Slip should be used to document training and evaluation flights.

5

- 2. Flight Crew Training Record a. Used to permanently record all individual operator evaluations and summaries. It also is used to record any change in operator status or other significant events. b. It may need to be corrected for several reasons. C arefully entering events as they occur will eliminate most major errors. If an event is not entered at the proper time and several other events have been recorded, enter the date of the out

- of

- sequence event in red ink. If enough mistakes accrue to make th e form unusable, transcribe the data to a new form. Place a diagonal across the front of the unusable form, label it “transcribed,” and retain this copy of the form under the current form. DO NOT destroy or discard any Grade Slip that contains an entry.

General Instructions • Type all entries or clearly print them by hand in black or dark blue ink (preferably

with a fine

- point pen). • For blocks that do not require an entry, enter any commonly understood letters or symbols; for example, NA for "not appl icable" or a dash (

— ). • To make minor corrections, use correction fluid or line through the incorrect information and

add the correct information. • Keep entries to the form as clear and concise as possible. Use standard abbreviations and acronyms.

• E very possible event or occurrence cannot be anticipated. If situations arise that are not covered by these instructions, use sound judgment and enter the event in the most logical manner

. Administrative and Demographic Data
Sheet number. Number each sh eet in numerical order.

Name. Enter the crew member's full name (last, first, and middle initial).

SSN. Enter the crew member's social security number.

Title. Enter the crew member's current position or Title.Date of Birth. Enter the crew member's Date of Birth.

Assignment Date : Enter the date the Crew Member was hired or assigned to the UAS

Division

Training Event Data Date. Enter the day, month, and year of the event. After the first entry, the year may be omitted

until entry of the first event of a new year.

Aircraft. Enter the alphanumeric designation of the appropriate aircraft (for example, ATOD Q4, DJI S800 or Equivalent).

Event. Enter a short description of the event. The following are defined as events and

must b e recorded accurately and timely: • Unit assignments and reassignments.

• Start of time

- limited training programs. (These programs include, but are not limited to, mission status progressions.) • Start and completion of Department of the Army qualifica tion courses, both flying

and non

- flying. • Completion of significant training or retraining programs. (Summarize the event on one line.)

• All evaluations. • Master Trainer designation • Completion of the written examination. • All proficiency fli ght (oral or written) evaluations. (Specify the type of evaluation; for example a no

- notice evaluation, the flight portion of a commander's evaluation, or currency evaluation.) • All requests for waivers or extensions and their disposition.

• Involvement in any class A, B, C, or D accident or incid ent and the results of any post

- accident evaluation (if given).

Note. Do not record as events on the form those flights conducted solely to accomplish task, iteration, currency, or MOPP requirements. Do not re cord attendance at recurring briefings such as safety meetings and weather briefings. Also do not record participation in ARTEP exercises, emergency deployment readiness exercises, or other unit Duty. Not applicable. D, N, and Sim. For the event being re corded, enter the number of qualified sorties conducted under the appropriate flight modes/conditions. The sortie number entered will be the sorties flown on any single flight event (such as an evaluation) or the total sorties flown in multiflight training programs. Seat. Not applicable. Recorded By. Evaluators/trainers and others (when required) will enter their first initial, last name, rank, and duty position.

GR. If the event was graded, enter an S for satisfactory or a U for unsatisfactory.

CM Init. Crewmembers will initial this block to show that they are aware of the entry on the form and any remarks. Their initials signify that they have been advised of and understand any change in status. Crewmembers must immediately initial any entry

result ing in a change of status, such as an unsatisfactory evaluation. They will initial routine entries, such as assignment to a unit or completion of the written examination, as soon as practical.

Rmk. Enter Yes or No in this column to show whether comments a re entered in the Remarks section regarding the entry. Do not enter NA in this column or leave it blank.Remarks

• Record pertinent information not shown on the front of the form in this section.

Do not restate information entered on the front of the form; for example, "This was a satisfactory evaluation." Keep all remarks clear, concise, and specific. Use standard abbreviations and acronyms or logical shortened word forms.

• Enter the date in the same format used on the front of the form. After the date, enter pertinent remarks. If the remarks require more than one line, do not repeat the date on the second or subsequent lines. Remarks that could be entered include the issuance of an MT qualification by an evaluator and an explanation of extension fo r completion of ATP requirements. • Certain events on the Grade Slip require the Director's approval and signature. These events are flight (or other proficiency) suspensions, the crew member's return to

non

- related assignments after this event, and exten sions or waivers. If the Director has certified another document for the event and the entry on the Grade Slip is a summary of the event, the Director does not need to sign the Grade Slip.

5

- 3. Crew Member Grade Slip This form is for use with training programs that require flight. These training programs include, but are not limited to, mission status progressions and SUAS qualifications. The Evaluation Summary form is not for use as a permanent record of single flight such as a no

- notice evaluation. Such flights should be recorded directly on Evaluation Summary Form. The DA Form is a temporary document. Units should maintain this grade slip until the training program is completed or terminated. The data on the grade slip will then be summarized and en tered on the Flight Crew Training Log and the grade slip will be discarded. If use of the Form is not practical, units may develop locally produced temporary forms to track training of tasks.

### Chapter 6



## Risk Management

Tough, realistic training conducted to standards is the cornerstone of the Invictus UAS program. The potential for accidents increases as training realism increases. Thus realistic training can pose a serious drain on Invictus assets. Managers

and must fi nd ways to protect operators and equipment from accidents during realistic training. An accident loss on a client mission is no different in its effect than during training; the asset is gone. Managers and staffs can use this section as a guide for develop ing SOPs and managing risk as it applies to their division

and mission.

6

- 1. CONCEPT. Risk management is a tool leaders can use to make smart risk decisions in tactical operations. It allows leaders to execute more realistic training not otherwise

prac tical because of the high probability of accidents. Risk management is a method of getting the job done by identifying the areas that present the highest risk and taking action to eliminate, reduce, or control the risk. Risk management thereby becomes a fu lly integrated part of mission planning and execution.

6

- 2. RESPONSIBILITIES. Risk management is not complex, technical, or difficult. It is a comparatively simple decision making process, a way of thinking through a mission to

balance mission demands against risks. Once understood, risk management is a way to put more realism into training without paying a price in deaths, injuries, damaged equipment, or all three. Risk management is performed during actual combat as well as in peacetime. Leaders must learn to assess risks during training events and apply the same techniques during combat actions. During combat, risks may be taken, but only after they are evaluated and weighed as they are during training. a. Managers. As in all other areas, managers a re responsible for effectively managing risk. Managers

—

(1) Seek optimum, not just adequate performance. (2) Select from risk reduction options provided by the staff. (3) Accept or reject residual risk based on the benefit derived. (4) Train and mot ivate leaders at all levels to effectively use risk management concepts.
b. Team Leaders

— 1) Develop a total commitment to mission accomplishment and welfare of

subordinates. (2) Consistently apply effective risk management concepts and methods to

ope rations they lead. (3) Report risk issues beyond their control or authority to their superiors for

resolution.

c. Individuals

— (1) Understand, accept, and implement risk reduction guidance.(2) Maintain a constant awareness of the changing risks ass ociated with the

operation. (3) Make leaders immediately aware of any unrealistic risk reduction procedure.

6

- 3. RISK MANAGEMENT PROCESS a. Step 1: Identify risks. Identify major events of the operational sequence and list them chronologically. This process will help detect specific risks associated with all specified and implied tasks. Safety can be built into an operation by first seeing the operation in its entirety. Operations invariably can be broken down into a series of phases, each with speci al characteristics and considerations. When the commander states the mission and concept, it is usually possible to define key events. Operations also have a time factor, a beginning to ending series of events in which the timing of events is often as sign ificant as the events themselves. The operations analysis is a useful tool in quickly defining the flow and time sequence of events in an operation. b. Step 2: Assess risks. Determine the magnitude of risks by estimating loss probability and cost. Assess each event, determine whether it is routine, and make an initial risk assessment. Ensure that standards for routine events are adequate to provide an acceptable level of risk.

(1) Consider the value of a risk matrix or decision guide for all or part of the operation. Risk matrices provide a quick and ready method of breaking down an operation into its major operational aspects and eliminating or controlling the risks associated with it. Like other risk assessment tools, risk matrices can be used

alone or with other risk analysis techniques to provide a quick overview of the risk situation. Risk matrices are simple enough for routine use by tactical leaders in operational planning. These matrices are nearly always more effective than

intuitive methods in i dentifying the extent of risk. (2) Consider using the METT

- TC format as another means to assess risks. Leaders can subjectively determine the likelihood and extent of accidental loss based on this type of analysis. c. Step 3: Make decisions and develop controls. Make risk acceptance decisions by balancing risk benefits against risk assessments. Eliminate unnecessary risks. Reduce the magnitude of mission essential risks by applying controls. Controls range from hazard awareness to detailed operational

pr ocedures. Focus on high hazard events not covered by a good set of standards. Complete a preliminary hazard analysis of these events. d. Step 4: Implement Controls. Integrate specific controls into plans, OPORDs, SOPs, training performance standards, and rehearsals. Knowledge of risk controls down to the individual operator is essential for successfully implementing these

controls. e. Step 5: Supervise. Determine the effectiveness of standards in controlling risk. The commander must enforce controls and standards. This is the key to loss control. The commander may have approved a number of risk reduction procedures, but approval does not mean that the pr ocedures are carried out. Leaders must monitor the situation to ensure that action is actually being taken. The prudent leader then follows up to see that the doers understand and acceptthe guidance. Leaders should also monitor the effect of risk reductio n procedures

to verify that they really are good ideas. This is especially true for new and untested procedures.

Please note:

O n file on company share drive related Training and system task documents

## Glossary

AR Army regulation
ATC air traffic control

ATM aircrew training manual

ATP aircrew training program

DM demonstration

FM field manual/frequency modulation

LZ landing zone
MACOM major command

MP mission preparation
MQ mission qualified

MT master trainer

METL mission essential task list

METT

- TC mission, enemy, terrain and weather, troops and support available,

time available, civilian considerations

NA not applicable

PFE proficiency flight evaluation

S satisfactory

S

- APART Semi

- Annual Proficiency and Readiness Test

SOP standing operating procedures
SUAS small unmanned aircraft system

TC training circular

TDA table of distribution and allowance

TOE table of organization and equipment

TM training manual
TSP training support package

U unsatisfactory

U.S. United States

UAS unmanned aircraft system

VMC visual meteorological conditions

## Index

Director’s Certification, 3

- 2 Form (Crewmember Grade Slip), 5

- 3 Form (Crewmember Training Record), 5

- 1 Evaluation principles, 3

- 1 Master trainer, 1

- 1 Refresher training, 4

- 5 Risk Management Process, 6

- 2 Risk Management Responsibilities, 6

- 1
Semi

- Annual Proficiency and Readiness Test, 3

- 1 SUAS currency, 2

- 3 Task contents, 4

- 5 Waivers to requirements, 3

- 1