Motion Picture and Television

Flight Operations Manual

1855 Industrial Street

Los Angeles, CA 90021

Phone: 805-453-0485

Email: will@skylessproductions.net

Skyless Productions, LLC
MPTOM – Motion Picture and Television Operations Manual

INTRODUCTION

This manual has beenprepared in accordance of FAR,Part 91.The intent ofthis Manual is to set forth

the definitive operationalguidelines to be complied withby pilots, assigned coordinators,and other

personnel while engaged in filming operations.

DOCUMENT REVISIONS

REVISION# PAGE# DATE ENTERED REVISION NAME

1.10 All Pages 23 Sept 2015 Document Launch
Table of Contents

CONTACT - GENERAL 1

MANUAL APPLICABILITY 1

DISTRIBUTION AND REVISIONS 1

AVAILABILITY OF THIS MANUAL 2

AREA OF OPERATION GEOGRAPHICAL 2

SPECIFIC AREAS - LOCATION SITES 2

FLIGHTS OTHER THAN LOCATION SITES 2

PERMISSION FOR OPERATIONS 2

PERSONS AUTHORIZED 3

GUIDE 4

SECURITY 5

COMMUNICATIONS 5

HALTING ACTMTIES 6

ROADS AND HIGHWAYS 6

PILOT I PRODUCTION CREW BRIEFING 6

AIR OPERATIONS ·CREW NOTIFICATION 7

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS -PILOTS 7

APPROVED PILOTS 8

UAS CERTIFICATION EXEMPTION and AIRWORTHINESS 9

ORGAINIZATION AND RESPONSIBILITIES

AIRCRAFT INSPECTIONS 

INVENTORY OF APPROVED UAS

10

ACCIDENT NOTIFICATION 11

SPECIAL PROVISIONS 12

APPENDIX 1 - Statement of Verification 13

APPENDIX 2- Production Definitions 14

APPENDIX 3 - Accident Reporting Procedures 15

APPENDIX 4 - Consent To Be Involved 16

APPENDIX 5 - Standard Crew Briefing 17

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CONTACT - GENERAL

The administration,filing and record-keeping for operations covered bythismanualare maintained and on

file at thismailing address and further, allnotices and correspondence at:

William King

SkylessProductions, LLC

1855 Industrial Street

Los Angeles, CA 90021

Phone: 805-453-0485

Email: will@skylessproductions.net

MANUAL APPLICABILITY

This Manualprescribes rules, policies and procedures for the guidance of pilots and studio or production

personnel.The Manualwill be incorporated as part of a special provisions and become the standard by

which,conducts alloperations,pursuant to the FAA Certificate of Waiver or Authorization.

The controls,procedures and conditionsset forthin this operations manual are the primary assurance that

nonparticipating persons,propertyand aircraft willnot be jeopardized. This is the basisforissuance ofthe

waiver.Therefore compliance withthe provisions of this manual is mandatory whenoperating under the

FAA Certificate of Waiver or Authorization, just as is compliance with all non-waived FAA regulations

and other applicable government regulations.

DISTRIBUTION AND REVISIONS

Skyless will be responsible for distributing a copyofthis manual to allpilots and coordinators before any

flight activitycovered by this manualshalltake place.Pilots and coordinators willbe required to signa statement affirming that they have read this manual as well as the Certificate of Waiver or Authorizationattached to it and will comply with all provisions contained therein. Statements are the responsibility of

Skyless and willbe kept onfile in digital and/or paper format at the Skylessoffice.These statements must

be available forinspection whenrequired by the Administrator. Appendix 1 provides an example of the

Statement of Verification.

The FAA shallreceive allrevisionsto this manual 15 days before the effective date ofthose revisions.

Revision numbers and dates willappearin the upper right hand comer of each page ofthe manual.

AVAILABILITY OF THIS MANUAL

The FAA approved original manualwill be kept on file in the office of Skyless. True copies will be made

available at eachfilmlocationsite for the use of pilots,coordinators and any other persons requiring them.
AREA OF OPERATIONS - GEOGRAPHICAL

Allpilots and coordinators withinthe ContinentalUnited States including Alaska,Hawaii and allUS territories and its possessions must use this Manual.

SPECIFIC AREAS – LOCATION SITES

This Manual is required to be used at all specific location sites. Prior to any flight activity required by

proposed filming Skylesswillsubmit at least three days before scheduled filming,a writtenplanof activities to the FSDO having jurisdictionover the area of proposed filming.The three-daynotificationmaybe

waived if Skylesswas contacted for a last minute event. Skylessshould contact the FSDO assoonas possible to request waiver of the three-dayrequirement writtenjustification of the exception to the three-day

requirement isrequired.No flightactivitieswillcommence until notificationand a "received and accepted"

or "examined and accepted" acknowledgment from the applicable FSDOhas beenaccomplished.

FLIGHTS OTHER THAN LOCATION SITES

Personnel are to be aware that onlythose approved operations conducted at the location sites are waived

relative to compliance withFAR 91.119(b) and (c).All otherflights to, from,and in the vicinity of the approved locationsite(s)must be conducted in compliance with existing regulations.

PERMISSION FOR OPERATIONS

It is the responsibility of Skylessto coordinate with the film studio involved to assure that the following

entities have giventheir permission prior to the commencement of filming operations:

A) Propertyowners

B) Politicalsubdivisions, asrequired

C) Law enforcement agencies,as required

D) Fire protectionagencies,as required

E) State and Federalgovernment or both

F) FAA Flight Service Station,or Air Traffic Control,as required

G)Local FAA Flight Standards District Office

PERSONS – AUTHORIZED

Pursuantto FAA Order8900.1, Flight StandardsInformationManagement System (FSIMS) CHG0,Volume 3,Chapter 8 dated 9/13/2007 and FAR 91.119 "Persons Authorized",the following will outline in detailthe procedures that Skylesswillfollow prior to any flight operationsthat require flightbelow 400 feet

AGL (above ground level) and withina 500 foot distance of occupied structures,vehicles,etc.

These procedures ensure thatno persons,except those persons consenting to be involved and necessaryfor

the filming production,are allowed within 500 feet of the filming productionarea. This provisionmay be

reduced to no less than200 feet in the event that‘ssituable, equivalent level ofsafetycan be achieved.An

equivalent level of safetymaybe determined by evaluation of the filming productionarea and the degree
of terrain features, buildings etc.that will provide a safety barrier to observers. Prior to any flight operations, Skylessalong with authorized productionpersonnel will ensure that no person or persons within

occupied structures and vehicles will be allowed within 500 feet of the shooting area that involves the

aircraft exercising Skyless 's Certificate of Waiver or Authorization.

Those individuals withinthe 500 foot area of operations whodo not consent to be involved willbe required

to relocate outside the designated "safety zone". For buildings that have non-participating individuals,

productionwillmake arrangements to have those persons removed from the building or buildings during

flight operations. An Skylessrepresentative will confirm with production that the above has been accomplished prior to anyflight activity.

Those individuals otherthanproductionstaffwho "consent to be involved" willbe required to sign a writtenstatement acknowledging and agreeing to the proposed filming activity. Before the beginning of flight

operations, an Skylessrepresentative willreview allsigned statements. Upon request these signed documents will be made available for review to local FAA FSDO representatives overseeing the filming activities.

NOTE:(A detailed "Consent to be Involved” Form can be found in Appendix4)

GUIDE

The following guide shall be used by Skylessto inform the applicable FSDO at least three days prior

to the proposed filming. This form shall also include maps and diagrams of specific sites of operations as necessary.

Plan of Activities

1. Dates and times for all flights.

2. Name and phone number of the operator for the UAS aerial filming conducted under the Exemption.

3. Name and phone number of the person responsible for the on-scene operation of the UAS.

4. Make, model, and serial or N−Number of UAS to be used. Name and certificate number of UAS

PICs involved in the aerial filming.

5. A statement that the operator 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;

6. Signature of exemption holder or representative.

7. 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.

8. General outline of daily production schedule as follows:
a. Description of flight activity including maps, diagrams of flight area identifying cities, towns,

counties and the state over where filming will be conducted.

b. Include the minimum and maximum altitudes the flight will be conducted.

c. Identify security for the production area; police, guards or other specifically place personnel.

d. Control methods of non-participating personnel; police, guards or other specifically place personnel. NON-PARTICIPATING PROPERTY AND MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC SHALL

NOT BE CLOSER THAN 500 FEET FOR ANY REASON

e. All city, town, county, state and local filming permits have been have obtained.

f. All necessary written approvals have been obtained from the property owner(s).

g. If necessary, a list of all permissions and waivers must be made available to the FSDO officer,

local authorities or safety representative. 

SECURITY- ON SET

A planforsecuring the productions area(s) against unauthorized persons, vehicles and outside air traffic

shallbe created and coordinated betweenSkylessand one or more of the following studio representatives:

1. Unit Production Manager

2. Director*

3. First or Second Assistant Director*

4. Unit Security Chief

5. Local Law Enforcement and Fire Protection Agency Personnel Who May Be Assigned to the Production

*NOTE: A detailed descriptionofthe Director, First AssistantDirector,UPMand Producer can be found

in Appendix 2

At a minimum,UAS landing site(s) will be cordoned off and a ground safetyperson will be posted to ensure the landing area is clear and secure during take-off and landing evolutions alongwiththe appropriate

fire suppressionequipment (ABC dry chemical fire extinguishers, water truck and other equipment to

suppress and stop a Lithium-ion polymer battery fire).

This comprehensive plan will include a communicationand response system between pilot(s) assigned

personnel thatwould facilitate an immediate halt to air activitiesshould unauthorized persons,vehicles or

other aircraftinadvertentlyenter the area.

COMMUNICATIONS

Skylesspersonnel and respective productioncoordinators will design and implement a plan for communicationbetweenprinciple participants in the air and on the ground.

The plan willincorporate the following:
1. All UAS operations crew will be equipped with a least one 10 watt VHF aircraft radio, with hands

free head gear.

2. Ground personnel will be provided with "Hand-Communication Talkies" to be programmed to frequencies utilized in the UAS crew.

3. A "sterile emergency backup channel" will be selected before air operations begin.

4. Skylessdesignated ground coordinator will be assigned to the First Assistant Director in order to

communicate directly pilot(s) action cues, requests, etc. This coordinated effort will allow direct

communication from production to the UAS pilot(s).

5. Pilot or lead pilot will talk directly to the ground coordinator who will communicate instructions to

members of the film crew on a separate channel so as to avoid the possibility of air/ground confusion or miscommunication.

STOPPING FLIGHT ACTIVITIES

Skylesswill coordinate withappropriate studio personnelthe implementation of a method to ensure a halt

to activitiesshouldunauthorized persons or vehicles enter the area orif anemergencyexists. This method

will incorporate a chain of communication and signals between involved personnel.Pilots will be thoroughly briefed on proper frequencies, responsible ground coordinators and/or the exact locations and

operations ofsignaling devices.

ROADS, LANES AND HIGHWAYS

Should operations require flights over or onroads or highways, Skylesswill coordinate studio personnel

to assure that proper actionhas been takento sterilize the roads or highways fromvehicular or pedestrian

traffic.Security personnelsuch as sheriff, police or fire department representatives should establish this

assurance and be knowledgeable to the time framesinvolved.

PILOT, FLIGHT AND PRODUCTION CREW PRE-OPERATIONS

BRIEFING

Prior to any activities covered by this manual, Skylesswill meet and plan the aerial sequences with the

responsible studio personnelassigned to the specific event. At this meeting the following information

will be discussed with studio representative(s):

1. Authorization for motion picture and television Certificate of Waiver or Authorization and any

attached provisions

2. Operations manual

3. Plan of Activities

4. Aircraft parking and starting

5. Taxi procedures (as applicable)

6. Radio communications
7. Takeoff procedures

8. Aviation activities to be conducted during the filming production event

9. Approach and landing procedures

10. Recall procedures

11. Emergency procedures

12. Risks to participating personnel

13. Procedures to control non-participating personnel

14. Additional provisions issued by the FSDO including the location of the physical boundaries and

usage time limits if applicable.

AIR OPERATIONS – CREW NOTIFICATION

Skylesswill coordinate withthe studio to request that the front ofthe studio callsheet, whichoutlines the

daily shooting schedule,crew and required personneland equipment and will have the following statement information on it:

• Number of UAS will be used in today's filming activities.

• The UAS will be in the close proximity to crew and equipment.

• Anyone need further explanationnotify the Production Manager orthe first AssistantDirector priorto

filming.

• Anyone objectingnotify the Production Manager orthe first AssistantDirector prior to filming.

PILOT AND FLIGHT PERSONEL MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Skylesswillbe responsible for checking the documents and certificates of pilots who are engaged in flying activities covered bythis manual. Pilots must meet the following minimum requirements:

1. Hold a currentUS pilot recreational or sport certificate withratings appropriate tothe category,class

and type (if applicable)ofthe aircraftto be used under the terms ofthe waiver.

2. Have logged a minimumof 200 cycles PIC andlogged atleast 50 hours asthe PIC in the aircrafttype.

3. Have logged a minimumof 50 hoursin the categoryand class ofthe aircraft to be flown.

4. Have logged a minimum of 10 hours in the make and modelof the aircraft to be flown under the

waiver.

5. In the event the operationto be conducted contains elements of anexternal-load operation, whether

fixed orrotary wing operations, pilots used in the operation shall be qualified. This qualification

may be obtained througha knowledge test(whichmaybe oraland/or written) and/or skill. The inspector or another companypilot approvedbythe geographically responsible FSDOwho is qualified

to carryloads externallywillgive the test(s) whichare similarto part 133 requirements and coverthe

following subjects:

a) Steps to be takenbefore starting operations, including a surveyofthe flight.

b) Propermethod ofloading,rigging, or attaching the external-load.

c) Aircraftperformance capabilities undermotionpicture operating procedures and the Aircraft

FlightManual(AFM).
d) Properinstructionsfor flight and ground crewpersonnel.

e) AFM,pilot's operations handbook (POH),or a rotorcraft-load combinationflight manual and

limitations, if appropriate.

APPROVED PILOT ROSTER

 

 

Example

John Smith

Single and Multi Eng

Fixed Wing and

Multirotor

CURRENT

Class III

Sport Pilot

UAS Pilot

 Aircraft

DJI S1000+

 

 Name Equipment Medical Rating Aircraft
UAS CERTIFICATION EXEMPTION AND AIRWORTHINESS

Skyless will be responsible for UAS pre-flight inspection and checking ofeachaircraft before the

initialflight activity takes place to ascertainthe validityof the required documents.

Documents must consist ofthe following:

1. The UAS aircraft exempt from certificated in any categoryincluding experimentaland restricted

provided the requirements of 14 CFR 91.313, 91.319 and 91.203 are met. Procedures shallbe

included to ensure that aircraftinspections willbe in accordance with the applicable parts of Part 43,

Part 91 or assigned operating limitations.

2. Operations Limitations

3. Registration of UAS ExemptionLetter

4. Radio StationLicense, if applicable

5. Flight and Pilot’s Log Book

ORGANIZATION RESPONSIBILITIES

A. Chief Pilot Duties and Responsibilities:

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

2. Act as liaison between Skylessand the FAA on matters 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 Skyless .

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 Skylessunder the provisions of this manual.

7. Assume the responsibilities of pilot in command 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 the Exemption.

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 movie and television 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 pilot in command may delegate functions to other personnel, but retains responsibility.

INVENTORY OF UAS

UAS MAKE UAS MODEL(S) SERIAL NUMBER “N” NUMBER

Example

DJI

S1000 Plus Octocopter Sk-101S1001 To Be Noted

UAS AIRCRAFT INSPECTIONS

All UAS aircraft used for operations covered by this manualmust complete current inspections in accordance with all applicable FAARegulations. Each pilotshall check UASaircraft's Flight Logs to

determine that the UAS to be flown meets,flight requirements and flight status conditions applicable

before the UAS pre-flight is conducted. Further, it shall be determined that no flight operations will

be conducted if these inspections reveal UAS airframe, propulsion or communication link problems. If a

filming event requires any modifications or alterations the appropriate FAA approvals and

documentation must be obtained and reviewed by Skyless.
ACCIDENT NOTIFICATION

Skylesswill be required to notify the NationalTransportation Safety Board if an accident or incident

occurs that is serious enough to come under the provisions of 49 CFR part 830. In the event that the pilot

becomes incapacitated the designated Ground Safety Coordinator on set shall be tasked with notifying the

appropriate agencies, please refer to Accident Reporting Procedures, 49 CFR Part 830 contained in Appendix 3.

EMERGENCY 911

FSS (800) 992-7433

FAA Regional Office (310) 725-6600

NTSB (310) 380-5660

NOTE: A copy of 49 CFR Part 830 will be made available to:

1. Producer

2. Assistant Director

3. Unit Production Manager

4. This may include all of the above or one listed above
SPECIAL PROVISIONS

Allpilots and coordinators withinthe ContinentalUnited States including;The controls, procedures, and

conditions set forth in the Skylessmotion picture and television operations manual is the primary assurance that persons on the surface will not be jeopardized.

The aircraft and PIC / operators used under this authorization, Exemption and / or waiver will only be

those specified in the Skylessmotion picture and television operations manual (“Appendix A”) or associated plan of activities.

Each pilot’s name and certificate number shall appear on each daily plan of activity. All aircraft 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”)

UAS takeoff and landing areas will be protected in a manner that will prevent unauthorized persons

from entering the takeoff and landing area. Skylesswill 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.
STATEMENT OF VERIFICATION

APPENDIX 1

I, as an approved ___________________ Motion Picture Pilot and I or Coordinator affirm I have received

training on theMotion Picture and Television Flight Operations Manual as well astheCertificate of Waiver

or Authorization attached to it as applicable and will comply with all provisions contained therein.

Signed: _______________________________ Date:______________
PRODUCTION DEFINITIONS

 

APPENDIX 2

DIRECTOR:Person on setresponsible for the creative aspects ofthe film.Works with the actors and crew on

the day-to-day shooting of the production.

FIRST ASSISTANT DIRECTOR: Person onset who coordinates with the director and production regarding

the daily shooting schedule and he or she runsthe set. Works with the aerial coordinator on conducting the

"safety meeting" asit pertains to flight operations.

UNIT PRODUCTION MANAGERI PRODUCER: Person or persons responsible on set in making production decisions that directly affect the day to day operations ofthe film.Coordinates with departments and hires

and fires crew members.
AFAA ACCIDENT REPORTING PROCEDURES 49-CFR PART 830

APPENDIX 3

In theevent of an aircraft accident orincident andthepreservation of aircraft wreckage the Aerial Coordinator,

and or the Ground Safety Coordinator,First Assistant Director or Producer shallwhen able and at the earliest

possible time notify the FAA and the NTSB regarding the accident or incident. A copy of the National

Transportation Safety Board Guidelinesfollows this appendix. Contact phone numbers are listed below and

will help guide those tasked with notifying the appropriate agencies.

FSS (800) 992-7433

FAAREGIONAL OFFICE (310) 725-6600

NTSB (310) 380-5660
CONSENT TO PARTICIPATE AND BE INVOLVED

APPENDIX 4

Iacknowledge that a Skylessrepresentative has fully explained to me the flight parameters that will be performed

for the actual filming. Iunderstand the potential risks involved with being within the 500 foot "safety zone"* and that

the aircraft may fly in close proximity to me and/or my property. By signing this statement Ihave become a

participant and I am willing to assume any and all risks associated with being within the "safety zone".

Participant Name (printed) Date

Participant Signature

Production Title

*NOTE: A safety zone is defined as a 200 to 500 foot radius that surrounds the shooting area in which UAS

multirotor, helicopters and/or fixed-wing aircraft may be flown in close proximity to crew and equipment and is

free from "non-participating members of the public".
STANDARD CREW BRIEFING

APPENDIX 5

 Name of Production

1. Authorizationformotionpicture and televisionCertificate ofWaiver or Authorization and anyattached provisions

2. Operations manual

3. Planof activities

4. Aircraftparking and starting

5. Radio communications

6. Takeoff procedures

7. Aviationactivitiesto be conducted during the filming productionevent

8. Approachand landing procedures

9. Recallprocedures

10. Emergency procedures

11. Risks to participating personnel

12. Procedures to control non-participating personnel

13. Additional provisions issued by the FSDO including the locationofthe physical boundaries and

usage time limits as applicable.

Briefing conducted by:_____________ Signature:_________________________ Date: ________