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Bryan Pearson

Flight Operations Manual

Table of Contents

I. Introduction

a. Purpose 3

b. Pilot/Operator Organization 3

c. Persons Authorized 3

d. Area of Operations 3

e. Plan of Activities 3

f. Permission to Operate 4

g. Security 4

h. Briefing of Pilot/Production Personnel 5

i. Certification/Airworthiness 5

j. Pilot Personnel/Minimum Requirements 5

k. Communications 6

l. Accident Notification 6

m. Recall/Stop Procedures 6

n. Special Provisions 6

II. Company Organization

a. Chief Pilot 7

b. Pilot in Command 7

c. VSOL 7

Appendix A

1. List of Approved Pilots 9

2. List of Approved Aircraft 10

3. Permission Acquisition Form (sample) 11

4. Revision Request (sample) 12

Appendix B

1. Form 7711-2 (certification of waiver) 13
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Bryan Pearson

Flight Operations Manual Revision Control Page

Complete a new page for each revision. All revisions must be approved by the Chief Pilot.

Revision No. 

Date 

Name of Reviser 

Chief Pilot Approval: 

Initials 

Date 

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I. Introduction

a. Purpose

This manual has been developed by Bryan Pearson, in conjunction with an 

application for a Certificate of Waiver and Authorization (“COA”) of the 

provisions of Federal Aviation Regulations (“FAR”) parts 91.119 (b) and (c) for 

the purposes of video production centered around residential and commercial real 

estate, as well as artistic still photography. Mr. Pearson will, when applicable, 

comply with the policies, procedures and conditions of this manual whenever 

flight operations are performed that require a COA as mentioned above.

b. Pilot/Operator Organization

Bryan Pearson – Chief Pilot

Mr. Pearson’s experience includes over 20 years of video photography. 

He has over 100 hours of shooting from various models of helicopters for news 

related organizations. Some of this experience stems from his time as a journalist 

covering military conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. Mr. Pearson is keenly aware 

of safety issues while shooting video from aircraft. 

c. 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 video capture. The 

certificate holder shall ensure that no persons are allowed within 200 feet of the 

area except those consenting to be involved and necessary for the videos

production. This provision may be reduced to no less than 200 feet if an 

equivalent level of safety can be achieved and the Administrator has approved it. 

For example, an equivalent level of safety may be determined by an Aviation 

Safety Inspector’s evaluation of the video production area to note terrain features, 

obstructions, buildings, etc. Such barriers may protect nonparticipating persons 

(e.g. observers, the public, news media, etc.) from debris in the event of an 

accident.

d. Area of Operations

Mr. Pearson’s approved area of operations will be the continental United States.

e. Plan of Activities

At least three (3) days prior to any scheduled production, Mr. Pearson will 

document a written plan of activities keep the document on file for inspection. 

The plan of activities should include the following:

1. Dates and times for all flights.

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

video for the event.

3. Name and phone number of person responsible for aircraft.
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4. Make, model, and serial or N-number of aircraft to be used and 

type of airworthiness certificate, including category.

5. Name and certificate number of pilots involved in the video

production event

6. A statement that the waiver holder has obtained permission from 

property owners and/or local officials to conduct the video

production event. The list of those who gave permission must be 

made available upon request to the FAA Administrator by Mr. 

Pearson.

7. Signature of Mr. Pearson.

8. A description of the flight activity including maps or diagrams of

any area, city, town, county, and/or State over which video capture

will be conducted and the minimum altitudes essential to 

accomplish the operations.

f. Permission to Operate

Before any flight operations 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

5. Air traffic control

Although verbal permission is acceptable, Mr. Pearson should attempt to obtain 

permission in writing whenever practical. If permission is obtained verbally, Mr. 

Pearson shall record the details of the verbal grant of permission. A standard

permission form is provided in Appendix A and may be used when obtaining

written permission or recording grants of verbal permission. Mr. Pearson will 

assure a sufficient number of those forms are available at the job site. Written 

permission forms will be maintained at the job site until flight operations are 

completed, and then turned into the Chief Pilot 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.

g. 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. Provisions will be made to immediately

discontinue operations should the area(s) become unsecured or for any other

reason in the interest of safety.
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h. Briefing of Pilot/Production Personnel

Prior to the start of any operation under the provisions of this manual, the pilot in

command (“PIC”) will conduct a briefing of all procedures to participating 

persons of the risks involved, emergency procedures, and safeguards to be 

followed during the production 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. Authorization for video production

2. Operations manual

3. Plan of activities

4. Aircraft parking and starting

5. Taxi procedures

6. Radio Communications

7. Takeoff procedures

8. Aviation activities to be conducted during the video production 

event

9. Approach and landing procedures

10. Recall procedures

11. Emergency procedures

12. Risks to participating personnel

13. How to control nonparticipating persons

i. Certification/Airworthiness

Mr. Pearson’s aircraft used in operations requiring a waiver of FAR 91 .119 (b) 

and (c) for the purpose of video production will be properly certified and hold 

airworthiness certificates.

Each aircraft will have a flight log containing upcoming scheduled maintenance 

and inspections and the dates or times they must be performed. A section for

discrepancies is also found in the flight log. The PIC will assure the aircraft to be 

flown is in airworthy condition and all required inspections and maintenance has 

been completed before each flight.

j. Pilot Personnel/Minimum Requirements

Minimum requirements shall meet or exceed the following:

1. At least 100 hours logged as PIC and at least 20 hours logged as 

the PIC in the aircraft type.

2. A minimum of 100 hours in the category and class of aircraft to be 

used.

3. A minimum of 5 hours in the make and model aircraft to be used

under the waiver.
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k. Communications

Prior to the start of any operation covered by this manual, the PIC will formulate a 

plan to provide communications capability to all participants during the actual 

operation and video capture. 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.

l. Accident Notification

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

notification requirements of FAR Part 830 would comply.

m. 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.

n. Special Provisions

The controls, procedures, and conditions set forth in Mr. Pearson’s operations 

manual is the primary assurance that persons on the surface will not be 

jeopardized.

The aircraft and pilots used under this authorization and/or waiver will only be

those specified in Mr. Pearson’s operations manual or associated plan of 

activities. Each pilot’s name and certificate number shall appear on each daily 

plan of activity. All civil aircraft and pilot(s) participating in the activity shall be 

available for FAA inspection.

Each PIC conducting operations authorized under this certificate understands the 

conditions of issuance, and that it constitutes a waiver of FAR 91.119 (b) and (c). 

(see attached document under “Appendix B”) Takeoff and landing areas will be 

protected in a manner that will prevent unauthorized persons from entering the 

takeoff and landing area. Mr. Pearson will ensure that the participating persons 

involved in the operations are thoroughly briefed on special procedures, 

communication, emergency procedures, and on the provisions of the authorization 

and/or waiver before beginning the activities. No person may participate in any 

event unless that person has received a briefing on the provisions of the waiver.
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II. Company Organization

a. Chief Pilot

Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Final word in the formulation of policy and procedures concerning this

manual.

2. Act as liaison between Mr. Pearson 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 

Mr. Pearson.

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

processed properly.

6. Must approve or disapprove each proposed job or operation performed by 

Mr. Pearson under the provisions of this manual.

7. Assume the responsibilities of PIC when acting as such.

8. The chief pilot may delegate functions to other personnel but retains

responsibility.

b. Pilot in Command

Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Assure that aircraft to be flown is in airworthy condition and all inspections 

and required maintenance have been performed as per appropriate FAR's.

2. Acquire permission from the chief pilot 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 customers, agents, movie/film personnel to formulate plans, 

routes, locations, etc. with safety of all persons involved in the primary 

concern.

5. Maintain their copy of this manual in current condition and have it on site at 

any job or operation requiring the waiver.

6. The PIC may delegate functions to other personnel, but retains

responsibility.

c. Visual Observer

Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Keep VLOS of aircraft at all times

2. Alert PIC to any obstructions or dangerous elements in aircrafts flight path

3. During landings and take offs, ensure area is cleared of any persons, debris, 

or anything that could interfere with the flight path
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Appendix A-1

List of Approved Pilots and associated personnel

TITLE NAME FAA REGISTRATION NO. DATE 

ADDED

Chief Pilot Pearson, Bryan TBD

Visual Observer/Advisor Greene, Andy TBD
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Appendix A-2

List of Approved Aircraft

Make Model Description Date Added Registration #

1. DJI Inspire quadcopter small UAS (<50 lbs.) 05/11/2015

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.
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Appendix A-3

Permission Acquisition Form

By signing this form, I agree that I have given Mr. Pearson permission to operate his aircraft at 

less than 300 feet from property, or in some jurisdiction in which I am responsible for or 

affiliated with, for the purpose of video production for the date(s) referenced below.

Name: 

Entity (if applicable): 

Title: 

Basis of Authority to Grant Permission:

Location: 

Date(s) of Operation: 

Signature __________________________________________________

Date __________________________

Mr. Bryan Pearson

Signature: 

Date: 
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Appendix A-4

Revision Request 

Revision # Section Page Action Summary

If requested revision involves modified or additional language, add language below. Attach 

additional sheets if necessary. Reference the revision number, date, and requestor on each 

additional sheet.

Proposed text:

Or:

 Remove Section # 

Manual Serial Version # 

Revision Requestor 

Signature of Requestor 

Date 

Chief Pilot receipt acknowledgement:

Chief Pilot

Date