Page 1 of 16

Motion Picture and Television 

Flight Operation Manual

SkyWorks Innovation, LLC

7151 Dalewood Lane, Dallas, TX 75214

(972)740-2950
Page 2 of 16

Table of Contents

1. Introduction

A. Purpose 4

B. Pilot/Operator Organization 4

C. Persons Authorized 4

D. Area of Operations 5

E. Plan of Activities 6

F. Permission to Operate 6

G. Security 7

H. Briefing of Pilot/Production Personnel 7

I. Certification/Airworthiness 8

J. Pilot Personnel/Minimum Requirements 8

K. Communications 9

L. Accident Notification 9

M. Recall/Stop Procedures 9

N. Aerobatic Competency 9

O. Special Provisions 10

2. Company Organization

A. Chief Pilot 10

B. Pilot in Command 11

Appendix A

1 List of Approved Pilots 12

2 List of Approved Aircraft 13

3 Permission Acquisition Form (sample) 14

4 Revision Letter (sample) 15

Appendix B

1 Form 7711-2 (certification of waiver) 16
Page 3 of 16

Revision Control Page

 Revision# Date Initials
Page 4 of 16

1. Introduction

A. Purpose

This manual has been developed by "SkyWorks Innovation, LLC.", hereafter 

referred to as "SWI", in conjunction with an application for a Certificate of Waiver of 

Authorization of the provisions of FAR 91.119 (b) and (c) for the purposes of filming

as they apply to small unmanned aerial vehicles (hereafter referred to as sUAV). 

SWI pilots and other company personnel when applicable will comply with the 

policies, procedures and conditions of this manual, whenever motion picture or 

television flight operations are performed that require a Waiver of Authorization as 

mentioned above. Where applicable, an exemption from the listed Federal Aviation 

Regulations (FARs) to conduct commercial operation of designated sUAS aircraft, 

provided such operations are conducted within and under the conditions outlined 

herein, may be established by the FAA as required by Section 333. 

B. Pilot/Operator Organization

Benjamin Sewell – Chief Pilot, SkyWorks Innovation LLC. (FAA 3302606ATP)

7151 Dalewood Lane

Dallas, TX 75214

Benjamin Sewell - Manager (972)740-2950

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 filming. The certificate 

holder shall ensure that no persons are allowed within 500 feet of the area except 

those consenting to be involved and necessary for the filming 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. Further, SWI sUAV will 

not operate at an altitude that exceeds 400ft AGL in compliance with existing 

sUAV restrictions and to avoid aircraft that operate in the National Airspace 

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

ASI’s evaluation of the filming production area to note terrain features, 
Page 5 of 16

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

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

D. Area of Operations

SWI's approved area of operations will be the continental United States, 

including Alaska and Hawaii.
Page 6 of 16

E. Plan of Activities

At least three (3) days prior to any scheduled filming, SWI will submit a written 

plan of activities to the local FSDO having jurisdiction over that area. 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 filming production 

event.

(3) Name and phone number of person responsible for the sUAV.

(4) Make, model, and serial or registration number of sUAV to be used 

and any additional certificates or limitations.

(5) Name and certificate number of pilots involved in the filming production 

event.

(6) A statement that the waiver holder has obtained permission from property 

owners and/or local officials to conduct the filming production 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 filming will be conducted and the 

minimum altitudes essential to accomplish the operations.

(9) Name of the Visual Observer (VO) working with the pilot during sUAV 

operations. 

The three (3) day notification requirements 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.

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:
Page 7 of 16

(1) Property owners

(2) Law enforcement officials

(3) Fire department officials

(4) Local, state and federal government

(5) Air traffic control

The SWI personnel obtaining such permission will do so in writing whenever 

practical, however, verbal permission is acceptable otherwise. A standard 

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

written permission. SWI personnel 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.

H. Briefing of Pilot/Production Personnel

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

pilot will conduct a briefing of all procedures to participating personnel of the risks 

involved, emergency procedures, and safeguards to be followed during the 

filming 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:

• Authorization for motion picture and television certificate of waiver and the 

attached special provisions

• Operations manual

• Plan of activities

• Designated home point location for sUAV takeoff/landing operations and returnto-home failsafe operation. 

• Radio Communications (if applicable)
Page 8 of 16

• sUAV activities to be conducted during the filming production event

• Home point takeoff/landing and failsafe operations

• Recall procedures

• Emergency procedures

• Risks to participating personnel

• How to control nonparticipating persons

I. Certification/Airworthiness

All SWI sUAV used in operations requiring a waiver of FAR 91 .119 (b) and (c) for 

the purpose of filming will be specified. As there will be no airworthiness certificate 

issued for the aircraft, should this exemption be granted, no FAA regulatory 

standard will exist for determining airworthiness. Given the size of the aircraft

(sUAV) and the requirements contained in the Manufacturers Operating Manual for 

maintenance and use of safety check lists prior to each flight, an equivalent level of 

safety will be provided. The pilot will assure the sUAV to be flown is in airworthy 

condition and all required inspections and maintenance has been completed before 

each flight.

J. Pilot/Visual Observer Minimum Requirements

The pilot/operator shall establish and specify the minimum pilot requirements. 

Minimum requirements shall meet or exceed the following:

(1) A current U.S. Commercial pilot certificate.

(2) A current FAA First Class medical.

(3) Demonstrate proficiency in any approved SWI sUAV for all operations 

permitted in this manual.

(4) No aerobatic maneuvers will be approved for any operation. 

(5) A visual observer (VO) must demonstrate awareness and 

communications proficiency for all phases of sUAV operations contained 

in this manual.
Page 9 of 16

K. 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 and filming. 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. A VO will assist the 

pilot during all operations and remain in unassisted communicating distance with 

the pilot at all times while keeping the aircraft within line-of-sight. 

L. Accident Notification

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

notification requirements of FAR Part 830 would apply.

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. A VO is 

required for all operations in this regard. 

N. Aerobatic Maneuvers

No aerobatic maneuvers will be conducted with a sUAV at any time. 
Page 10 of 16

O. Special Provisions

The controls, procedures, and conditions set forth in the SWI motion picture 

and television operations manual is the primary assurance that persons on the 

surface will not be jeopardized.

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

those specified in the SWI motion picture and television operations manual 

(“Appendix A” page 11) or associated plan of activities. Each pilot’s name and 

certificate number shall appear on each daily plan of activity. All sUAVs and 

pilot(s) participating in the activity shall be available for FAA inspection before the 

scheduled event.

Each pilot-in-command 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” page 15.

A home point takeoff and landing area will be protected in a manner that will 

prevent unauthorized persons from entering the takeoff and landing area.

SWI 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.

2. Company Organization

A. Chief Pilot

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Final word in the formulation of policy and procedures concerning this 

manual.

• Act as liaison between SWI and the FAA on matters concerning this manual.

• 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.
Page 11 of 16

• Maintain a current copy of this manual at the main base of operations for SWI.

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

processed properly.

• Must approve or disapprove each proposed job or operation performed by 

SWI under the provisions of this manual.

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

• The chief pilot may delegate functions to other personnel but retains 

responsibility.

B. Pilot in Command

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assure that the sUAV to be flown is in an airworthy condition and all 

inspections and required maintenance have been performed as per 

appropriate FAR's.

• Acquire permission from the chief pilot before any operation under the 

provisions of this manual.

• Be very knowledgeable of the contents of this manual and abide by the 

procedures, policies and conditions contained herein.

• Coordinate with movie and television personnel to formulate plans, routes, 

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

concern.

• Maintain their copy of this manual in current condition and have it on site at any 

job or operation requiring the waiver.

• The pilot in command may delegate functions to other personnel, but retains 

responsibility.
12

Appendix A .1

List of Approved Pilots

Chief Pilot

Name : Benjamin Sewell

Certificate Number : 3302606

Grade : ATP

Medical Class/Date : First 09-2015

Contact Number : (972) 740-2950

Pilots

Name : Benjamin Sewell

Certificate Number : 3302606

Grade : ATP

Medical Class/Date : First 09-2015

Contact Number : (972) 740-2950
Appendix A .2

13

List of Approved sUAVs:

 Make and Model Registration/Serial Number

 1. DJI Phantom 3 Professional P78DCE06021152

 2. DJI Phantom 3 Professional P78DCD29022876

 

 
14

SkyWorks Innovation, LLC

Permission Acquisition Form

In signing this form, I am giving the pilot of SkyWorks Innovation, LLC permission to 

operate their sUAV at less than 500 feet from my property, or in some jurisdiction in 

which I am responsible for or affiliated with, for the purpose of film or television 

production.

Name: 

Title:

Basis of Authority to Grant Permission: 

Location:

Date of Operation:

Signature 

Date

SWI Representative Receiving Permission
Appendix A .4

15

Revision Letter

Rev# Section Page Action Remarks Initials

R  Remove and Replace D  Delete and Destroy N  Insert New Page

Manual Serial# Issued To 

Revised By 

Date

This form must be returned to the Chief Pilot no later than _____________________________
16

Appendix B .1

(see attached form 7711-2)