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Flight	Operationsand	

ProceduresManual

Updated:		February	1, 2016
Table	of Contents

GlossaryofAbbreviations... ............................................................................ 3

About ...................................................................................................................4

Preface.................................................................................................................. 5

Mission Statement........................................................................................ 5

Protection of Privacy..........................................................................................5

Administration.................................................................................................6

Organization..........................................................................................................6

Personnel... ........................................................................................................... 6

Scheduling....................................................................................................... 8

Safety .................................................................................................................. 8

Training................................................................................................................ 9

FlightOperation..............................................................................................9

Emergency/Accident ......................................................................................9

Protocols and Controls. ............................................................................... 10

Flight	Log	- Flight Safety.......................................................................................... 12
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Glossary	ofAbbreviations

AGL Above	Ground Level

ATC Air	Traffic Control

COA Certificate	of Authorization

FAA Federal	Aviation Administration

FAR Federal	AviationRegulation

GCS Ground Control Station

GPS Global		Positioning System

LOL Loss	of Link

NAS National	Airspace System

PIC Pilot	in Command

RTH Return	to Home

sUAS Small	Unmanned	Aircraft Systems

VFR Visual Flight Rules

VMC Visual Meteorological Conditions

VO Visual Observer

VMC Visual Meteorological Conditions

VLOS Visual	Line	of Sight
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AboutRoboSkies

RoboSkies	is	a	drone	services company located	in	Central	Pensylvania.	RoboSkies

utilizes	DJI	and	3DR	sUAS	platforms	for	the	purpose	aerial	photography,	

videography,	data	collection	and	document	imagery	in	controlled	access	areas.	

RoboSkies is	committed	to	offering	safe	and	responsible	sUAS	flight operations.

Current	applications	of	sUAS	are	flown	in	low	risk,	controlled	access	areas	

including:	commercial	development,	land	use	planning,	economic	

development,	construction	progress	(legal)	documentation,	corporate	

marketing	&	promotions,	3D	building/landscape	modeling,	golf	course	

promotion, government/civic	photography	and	videography,	and	regional	

tourism	promotion,	data	collection	and	document	imagery	for	multiple	uses	

including	filmmaking,	training	and	flight	analysis.	Protocols	and	controls	are	in	

place	to	ensure	safety	of	property	and	nonparticipating	people.	Protocols	and	

controls	are	executed	before, during, and after every flight to ensure safety,

and are outlined within	these documents.

Flight	operations	will	be	conducted	by	visual	line	of	site	(VLOS),	utilizing	a	visual	

observer	(VO)	for	safety,	during	daylight	hours	in	visual	meteorological	conditions	

(VMC)	under	visual	flight	rules	(VFR).	For	safety,	all	sUAS	utilize	an	onboard	global	

positioning	system	(GPS)	that	records	takeoff	location	so	that	should	loss	of	link	

(LOL)	occur,	the	sUAS	will	automatically	return	to	home	(RTH).	The	public	can	

benefit	greatly	with	the	addition	of	sUAS	photography	and	videography in	the	

local	market	by	providing	safer	photography	and	videography	than	that	provided	

by	traditional	manned	aircraft.	Current	use	of	manned	airplanes	are	noisy	and	

operate	with	greater	potential	risk.	RoboSkies can	perform	tasks	at	a	lower	risk	

level	while	at	the	same	time	not	disrupting	the	surrounding	community.	Benefits	

of	sUAS	photography	and	videography	include:	less	noise	(electric	motors	vs	gas	

powered	engines),	significantly	reduced	aircraft	size	and	weight	(sUAS	are	less	

than	55	lbs),	slower	flight	speeds	(1	MPH	to	50	MPH),	carrying	no	pilots	or	crew,	

no	gallons	of	flammable	fuel	onboard,	and	greater	versatility	to	safely	capture	

closer,	lower	altitude	shots.

RoboSkies’	first	priority	is	safety.	All	operations	performed	will	meet	FAA	safety	

standards,	along	with	operational	guidelines	outlined	within	these documents.
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Preface

The	following procedures	are	intended	to	promote	safe,	efficient	and	lawful	

operation	of	RoboSkies’	small	Unmanned	Aircraft	Systems	(sUAS).	Safety,	above	

all	else,	is	the	primary	concern	in	each	and	every	operation.

Philosophy	&	Mission Statement

RoboSkies’mission isto provide the safe and professional use	of	sUAS.	We	

provide	professional	sUAS	services	to	local	businesses,	government,	and	civic	

groups.	We	are	committed	to	promoting	the	safe	and	responsible

implementation ofsUAS into the community andNAS.

Itshall be the intent of every RoboSkiessUAS operatortomake	a responsible

effort to not invade a person'sreasonable expectation of privacy	when	

operating	the	sUAS.	When	operating	the	sUAS,	RoboSkies’	operators	will	abide	

by	all	FAA	Regulations	for	flight	and	receive	the	proper	authorization	forflight.

Protection of Rights and Privacy

sUASPilotinCommand,CameraOperator,VisualObserveroranyother	person

involved in flightmission isto observe privacy rights or expectations of	the	

public.	Any	person	involved	in	any	unlawful	flights	that	may	jeopardize	

someone's	privacy	rights	or	expectations	will	be	held	accountable	for	their	

actions.

To	accomplish this:

• When the sUAS is being flown operators must do their best to

minimize	inadvertent video orstill images of uninvolved persons.

• Any video obtained inadvertently thatis violating someone's privacy

shall	bedestroyedimmediately.

• When able, have clients advise any surrounding neighbors of our presence.

• All	flights	will	be	conducted	within	the	rules	and	regulations	of	the FAA.

• Any PIC of a sUAS must meet current rules and regulations of the FAA. PIC	is	

responsible	for	abiding	by	these	rules	and	staying	up-to-date	on any

ongoing training that may be required to stay compliant.

Administration

Operations Manual

a) The policies and procedures contained in this manual are issued

by	RoboSkies.
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b) Assuch, itis an official document of RoboSkies. Thismanual is	not	

intended	to	be	all-inclusive,	but	as	a	supplement	to	other	company	

guidelines,	FAA	regulations,	aircraft	manufacturers	approved	flight	

manuals, etc.

c) This	manual	has	been	written	to	address	sUAS	operations	as	they	

existed	when	it	was	drafted.	Equipment,	personnel,	environment	

(internal	and	external,	etc.),	change	over	time.	The	management	of	

change	involves	a	systematic	approach	to	monitoring	organizational	

change and continually updated as necessary, The entire manual will

be	reviewed,	at	a	minimum,	annually	to	assure	it	is	up-to-date.	Any	

changesto the manual will be communicated to all RoboSkies

PIC/personnel, etc.

d) A	copy	of	the	manual	(electronic	and	or	paper)	will	be	issued	to	every	

person	having	sUAS responsibilities.

Organization

a) AnypeopleinvolvedinsUASflightsshallbe comprisedofpersonnel	

approved	by	RoboSkies and	includes	operators,	visual	observers	

and	others	deemed necessary.

b) Any documentation such aslogbooks, maintenance records etc. are

the	responsibility of the PIC to complete every time an entry is

needed.

c) PIC must have all documents pertaining to flight and sUAS on persons at	

all	times	during	flight.	This	includes	but	not	limited	to	logbook,	pilot	

license,COAetc.

d) Any and all logbooks must be in accordance the

manufacturer	guidelines.

Personnel

Personnel Manual

a) RoboSkies has authorized one (2) PIC for company sUAS	

operation,	pursuant	to	current	FAA	laws	and	COA guidelines.

b) In	the	event	of	another	PIC	joins	the	company	they	will	also	assume	the	

responsibility	of	PIC	once	they	have	met	all	relevant requirements.
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PIC Responsibilities:

1. Maintaining all training, flight and maintenance recordsfor

each	operator as well asindividual airframes.

2. Maintain contact with the FAA and regulations asthey change.

3. Evaluate airframes based on mission needs.

4. The	sUAS	PIC	must	maintain	a	current	standards	recommended	by FAA.

5. Perform	all	pre	flight	checklist	objectives	before	every flight.

Operators

a) All	PIC	must	meet	current	FAA	minimum	requirements	regarding	

regulations	for operatorstatus.

b) Operators	interacting	with	Air	Traffic	Control	(ATC)	shall	havesufficient	

expertise	to	perform	that	task	readily.	Operators	must	have	an	

understanding	of,	and	comply	with	FAA	Regulations	applicable	to	the	

airspace	where	the	sUAS	will operate.

c) The operatorisresponsible for maintaining and inspecting the sUAS

to	ensure that it is for safe for operation.

d) Prior	to	each	flight,	the	PIC	must	conduct	a	pre-flight	inspection	and	

determine	the	sUAS	is	in	good	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	affects	the	safe	operation	of	the	sUAS,	the	aircraft	is	prohibited	

from	operating	until	the	necessary	maintenance	has	been	performed	

and	the	sUASisfoundtobe safe flight.

e) Operators	may	be	temporarily	removed	from	flight	status	at	any	time	

by	RoboSkies for	reasons	including	performance,	proficiency,	physical

condition, etc. Should this become necessary,the operator will be	

notified	verbally	and	in	writing	of	the	reason,	further	action	to	be	

taken,	along with expected duration ofsuch removal.

f) RoboSkies shall	maintain	a	file	for	each	operator	which	shall	include

copiesofFAAcertifications,trainingrecords,etc.Thisfilewillbe	

reviewed in accordance with current company policy and procedures.

Observers

a) The	main	responsibility	of	a	Visual	Observer	(VO)	is	to	help	ensure	safe	

flight	by	communicating	with	the	PIC	of	the	sUAS,	any	impending	object,	

traffic,	or	other	condition/situation	that	may	hinder	safe			 flight.

b) Designated	VO	will	only	perform	the	task	of	observer,	and	has	no	direct	

control	of	any	sUAS	functions	while	assigned	the	role	ofVO.
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c) A	VO	may	also	control	equipment	connected	to	the	sUAV	i.e.	cameras,	

gimbals	etc.	when	an	additional	designated	VO	is	utilized.

d) VO	is	to comply	with	FAA	recommendedguidelines.

e) VO	will	be	trained	to	communicate	with PIC.

Scheduling

a) When required/necessary, PIC isresponsible to schedule any flights

with	nearest air traffic control tower.

b) PIC are responsible forsubmitting any flight documentsthe FAArequires	

before flights within their given time frame.

c) As a redundancy, PIC are to also contact airtraffic control even if prior	

permission was granted to ensure NAS safety and awareness.

Safety

Our	National	Airspace	System	(NAS)	is	the	safest	in	the	world.	RoboSkies’	goal	is	

to	continually	improve	safety	standards	within	the	company	to	maintain	the	

safety	of	the NAS.

Safety Manual

a) PICmustmeet current FAAstandardsfor a sUASoperator

b) VO	will	always	be	used.

c) Before flight PIC and VO must walk the grounds in which sUAS operations	

will	proceed,	and	establish	an	area	for	the GCS.

d) PICmust alwaysuse checklistlisted in Protocols and Controls.

e) Any personsinvolved in sUASoperationswillwill do so in a safe and	

responsible mannerthat complies with FAA standards.

f) sUAS are equippedwith ceiling functionsso sUASdon't go higher/farther	

then programed, these are only to be changed by an administrator.

g) All	sUAS	are	equipped	with	GPS	and	RTH	functionality	should	LOL		 occur.

h) sUAS operations will be conducted by VLOS, utilizing a VOforsafety, during	

daylight	hours	in	VMC	under	VFR.	The	sUAS	will	not	be	operated	less	than	

500	feet	below,	or	less	than	2000	feet	horizontally	from	a	cloud	or	when

visibility	is	less	than	3	statute	miles	from	the PIC.
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Training

The key to continued safe operationsis bymaintaining a professional level of	

competency.	The	first	step	in	this	process	is	establishing	minimum	

qualifications	for	selecting	members,	and	the second	step	involves	training	

those personnel.

a) AnyPICinvolvedinsUASoperationsmust completethemanufacturer’s	

recommended	training	standards	for	that	particular unit.

b) Any PIC or VO forsUAS operations must have completed any FAA training	

required	to hold	the	position.

c) In addition PIC and VOmust be trained in operational procedures

outlined	in	this document.

d) PIC	must	have	10	logged	flight	hours	for	each	airframe used.

Flight Operations

Guidelinessetin place in which any sUAS operator working with RoboSkiesmust

abide by to ensure safe,responsible flight. All flights are	subjected to follow

these guidelines.

• Visual	line-of-sight	(VLOS)	only;	the	unmanned	aircraft	must	remain	

within	VLOS	of	the	operator	or	visualobserver.

• At all times the sUAS must remain close enough to the operator for

the	operator to be capable of seeing the aircraft with vision unaided

by any	device other than corrective lenses.

• sUASmay not operate over any nonparticipating persons.

• Daylight-only	operations	(official	sunrise	to official	sunset,	local time).

• The	sUAS	must	be	operated	at	an	altitude	of	no	more	than	400	feet	

above	groundlevel(AGL).

• The sUASmustremain clear and give way to all manned aviation	

operations	and	activities	at	alltimes.

• First-person view camera cannotsatisfy “see-and-avoid” requirement

but	can be used as long as requirement is satisfied in other ways.

• Maximum	airspeed	of	50	mph	(44 knots).

• Minimum	weather	visibility	of	3	miles	from	ground	control	station (GCS).

• No person may act as an operator or VO for more than one

unmanned	aircraft	operation	at	onetime.

• The	sUAS	may	not	be	operated	by	the	PIC	from	any	moving	deviceor	

vehicle.

• No careless orreckless operations.
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Emergency/ Accident

a) In	the	event	of	an	accident	PIC	and	there	is	injury	call 911.

b) All crashesmust be reported immediately.

c) Any	sUAS	incidents,	accidents	or	flight	operations	that	transgresses	the	

lateral	or	vertical	boundaries	of	the	operational	area	as	defined	by	the	

applicable	COA	shall	be	reported	to	the	FAA’s	UAS	Integration	Office	

(AFS-80)	within	24	hours.	Accidents	shall	be	reported	to	the National

Transportation	Safety	Board	(NTSB)	per	instructions	contained	on	theNTSB	

Web	site: www.ntsb.gov.

Protocols	andControls

Safety for public on the ground as well as manned aircraft above is an essential	

and	utmost	consideration	for	aerial	videos	and	photography.	As	such,	safety	

protocols	and	controls	must	be	implemented	through	pre-flight	preparation	

and	duringflight.

Pre-Flight Protocol:

• Check batteriesto insure fully charged and ready for use.

• Inspect batteriesfor damage or leakage that may affect proper operation.

• Inspect propellersfor cracks, chips or damage that may cause sudden

loss	of propulsion or unmanageable/uncontrolled flight.

• Check weather forecastsfor wind advisory or other conditionsthat

my	impactflight.

• Consult	five	(5)	mile	radius	map	for	airport vicinity.

- If necessary, contact respective airport to advise of estimated flight

time,	estimated flight duration, estimated elevation of flight, and any

other pertinent information.

• Inspectflight area for

- vicinity of public safety helipads/heliports

- vicinity ofmedical helipads/heliports

- vicinity	of	light poles

- vicinityorutilitywires

- vicinity	of trees

- flocks of birdsthat may cause interference and potential flight impact
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- vicinity of any elevated obstructionsthat may pose potential

flight	hazard

- vicinity ofroadways with moderate to heavy traffic which could

be	distracted

- public	gatherings	that	may	attractviewers

- optimal pointforGCS for best VLOS ofsUASwhile in flight

• Takeoff	andlanding

- inspect area for best and safest point for takeoff and landing

- if	in	an	area	that	is	within	150	feet	of	nonparticipating	people,	post	

warning	sign(s)/stand(s)	“Attention!	Remotely	Piloted	AircraftOperating.

Aircraft	May	Be	OVERHEAD.	For	Your	Safety	Please	Locate	&Remain	Back	150Feet”

Flight Protocol:

• Takeoff	and	land	from	same location.

• Remain alertto birds,sounds of aircraft, curious public, and

approaching	vehicles.

• Do not allow anyone to engage in conversation or distractthe PIC.

• Restrictflightto minimal elevation sufficientto acquire desired results.

• Remain prepared for emergency landing at all times.

• Payattentiontoflighttimeandbatterylevels.

• LandsUASandshutdownpropulsionimmediately following landing.

Postflight:

• Disconnect battery to prevent accidental activation of propulsion system.

• SecuresUASinasafelocation.

• Remove	all	warning	signs	from	public	access areas.

Emergency or SuspectedHazard:

• Immediately land sUAS atsafest and closet ground location in the event

- manned aircraft is heard orseen in vicinity of flight

- there is a public gathering within established safety boundary

wanting	toobserve flight

- pilot is being distracted from focusing on flight and safety

- sudden	change	in	weather	(windbursts)

- birds enterinto proximity of flight

- any sudden unsafe event that can cause collision, distraction

or	interruption	of control
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Flight	Log	- Flight Safety

Safety for public on the ground as well as manned aircraft above is an essential and an utmost consideration for

aerial	videography,	photography,	and	data	collection.

Maintaining a record ofsafe flightfor FAArequest and for determining future sUAS safety protocolsisimperative.

Date: Location: Initials:

Pre-flight Inspection: Yes No Comment:

Elements (circle) (circle) Comment

Weather Good Fair

Visibility Good Fair

Wind Speed Low Medium

NearestMajorIntersection:

Approx.TakeoffTime

Approx.	LandingTime

Estimated Elevation

Safety	Concerns:

Additional	Comments:

Unedited	flight	video/photos	available for	FAA upon	written	request within	180	days of flight: Yes No

Proximity to airport:

Airport Notified: Yes No Date: Time:

Phone Number: Contact Name: