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SKYFIRE SERVICES, LLC. FLIGHT OPERATIONS MANUAL

Section 1: Training

1.1 Pilot Training

A. Prior to UAS training, Pilots will review and become familiar with: 

1. This Flight Operations Manual (FOPM); 

2. Operations Manual; and 

3. Restrictions/Conditions in FAA’s Grant of Exemption 

B. A Pilot will have 10 hours logged practice flight time in a fixed-wing UAS, of which 5 hours 

will be a Ritewing Z3 fixed-wing UAS prior to commercial operations.

C. A Pilot will have 10 hours logged practice flight time in a fixed-wing UAS, of which 5 hours 

will be a Ritewing Drak fixed-wing UAS prior to commercial operations.

D. A Pilot will have 10 hours logged practice flight time in a multirotor UAS, of which 5 hours 

will be a H4-680 Quadcopter UAS prior to commercial operations.

E. These 10 hours will be conducted during dedicated training sessions with an Observer, if 

required as determined for risk mitigation. 

F. During these practice:

1. The Pilot will practice evasive and emergency maneuvers to ensure pilot can maintain 

proper distance from people and structures. 

2. The Pilot will practice flying in a manner consistent with how the RITEWING Z3 47”, 

RITEWING DRAK 60”, H4-680 QUADCOPTER will be operated in commercial operations. 

3. All training will be done in compliance with the FOPM, Operations Manual, applicable 

FAR’s and FAA Grant of Exemption.

1.2 Observer Training

A. Prior to UAS training, an Observer will review and become familiar with: 

1. This FOPM; 

2. Restrictions/Conditions in FAA’s Grant of Exemption; and 

3. Applicable FAR’s including: 

i. 91.111, Operating Near Other Aircraft; 

ii. 91.113, Right-of-Way Rules: Except Water Operations; and 

iii. P1.115, Right-of-Way Rules: Water Operations 
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B. An Observer will train as long as necessary to serve proficiently as an Observer and log his or 

her hours. These hours will be conducted during dedicated training sessions. There is no 

minimum amount of training hours required. 

1. The Observer will practice communicating with the pilot to ensure that the aircraft remains 

clear of conflicting traffic, terrain and obstructions. 

2. The Observer will practice evasive and emergency maneuvers to ensure the PIC can maintain 

proper distance from people and structures. 

3. All training will be done in compliance with the FOPM, Operations Manual, applicable FAR’s 

and FAA Grant of Exemption.

Section 2: Qualifications and Responsibilities

2.1 Pilot-in-Command Qualifications

A. FAA Certification: The PIC must possess at least an FAA-issued Sport Pilot certificate, and at 

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

B. The PIC must have completed training in accordance with Section 1.

C. The PIC must be proficient in flying a UAS and have flown a UAS at least 2 hours in the 

previous 90 days.

2.2 Pilot-in-Command Responsibilities The PIC is responsible to ensure that each flight is 

conducted in accordance with the FOPM, Operations Manual, Grant of Exemption and 

applicable FAR’s.

2.3 Observer Qualifications

To act as an Observer during a flight, the Observer must meet the training requirements 

established in Section 1.

2.4 Observer Responsibilities

A. The Observer is responsible for notifying the PIC of any known condition that might impact 

the safety of a flight and/or be in violation of the FOPM, Operations Manual, Grant of 

Exemption or applicable FAR’s. 

B. The Observer will communicate with the pilot during flight operations to ensure that the 

aircraft remains in line of sight at all times and clear of persons, structures or any identifiable 

hazard.
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Section 3: Operating Procedures

3.1 Pre-Flight

A. The PIC will ensure that an adequate preflight inspection of the aircraft has been completed 

in accordance with the Operations manual and ensure the aircraft is in a safe condition for 

flight. This pre-flight includes the ground control station. 

B. The PIC will verify that any previously reported mechanical discrepancies have been fixed.

C. The PIC will conduct a briefing with the Observer and any other essential crew to review the 

plan for the flight including: flight area, weather, potential obstacles and hazards, flight time, 

battery time, and any other information affecting the safety of flight. 

D. Prior to flight the PIC will confirm the aircraft altimeter will be set to zero.

3.2 Flight Operations

A. Each flight will have a designated PIC and Observer. The PIC must be designated before the 

flight and cannot transfer his or her designation for the duration of the flight. 

B. The PIC may deem other crew essential to the safe operation of the aircraft to include 

camera operator, instructor, trainee or persons necessary for the safe operation of the flight. 

C. Flights will be conducted within visual line of sight of the PIC and/ or the Observer, unaided 

by any device other than corrective lenses. 

D. The PIC and Observer will be able to communicate verbally at all times throughout the flight. 

Electronic messaging or texting is not permitted during the flight. 

E. All flights will be conducted during daylight hours. 

F. Visibility will be adequate to ensure that the PIC and/or Observer can maintain visual contact 

with the aircraft at all times and ensure that the aircraft will remain clear of obstructions and 

people. 

G. The aircraft will remain clear of clouds at all times. 

H. Flights will be terminated at or before 20% battery power reserve. 

I. Flights will operate at an altitude of no more than 400 feet AGL. 

J. Flights will remain in Class G airspace. 
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K. Flights will not operate within 5 nautical miles of an airport unless authorization by that 

airport’s management is obtained. 

L. Flights that fly over private or controlled-access property will be conducted with land 

owner’s/controller’s permission. 

M. All non-essential crew will remain clear of the flight area during operations. 

N. Flights will not be operated over densely populated areas.

O. Flights will not be conducted into visible moisture. 

P. Flights will not go beyond 3/4 statute mile from point of intended landing. 

Q. Flights of the Ritewing Z3 47 or Ritewing Drak 60 Fixed-wing will not be operated at speeds 

greater than 65 knots.

R. Flights of the H4-680 Quadrotor will not be operated at speeds greater than 35 knots.

3.3 Post-Flight The PIC will note any mechanical irregularity with the aircraft in the aircraft 

record.

Section 4: Maintenance Procedures

4.1 Aircraft Records

A. Each aircraft shall have its own record that documents all maintenance, overhauls, 

alterations and mechanical discrepancies. All notations will include total time in service, 

description of work accomplished, and signature of person authorizing the aircraft return to 

service. 

B. Each aircraft will be maintained in accordance with the RITEWING Z3 47, RITEWING DRAK 60,

H4-680 QUADCOPTER manufacturer’s recommendations and maintenance bulletins. 

C. The PIC will perform maintenance and inspection of the aircraft. 

D. The PIC will perform a detailed inspection of each aircraft in service after every 10 flight 

hours and make an appropriate entry reflecting the inspection in the aircraft records. 

E. Maintenance performed by the PIC is limited to repairing small cracks, replacing a propeller, 

and updating software and firmware. 

F. All other maintenance will be performed by the manufacturer.