R&M Aerial Imagery



### OPERATIONS MANUAL

Version 1.0 15 March 2015 Page 1 GENERAL **[135.21 and 23]**

**This manual sets forth R&M Aerial Imagery procedures and policies that are acceptable to the**  **Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration. This manual will be kept current with revisions as necessary. One copy of this manual will be maintained in current form at the**  **principal operations base. A copy of this manual will be issued (including all changes and additions) to all flight operators, observers, maintenance personnel, and ground operations**  **personnel. All R&M Aerial Imagery flight, ground, and maintenance personnel must use this**  **manual in conducting all sUAS maintenance and flight operations. As required by FAR 135.293(a)(1), all personnel will be tested annually on their knowledge of this manual.** 

R&M Aerial Imagery **has furnished the Federal Aviation Administration with a current and complete copy of this manual. The Director of Operations will furnish the FAA with all changes**  **and additions to this manual in a timely manner.**

R&M Aerial Imagery **keeps a current and complete copy of this manual with each sUAS. This manual is not contrary to any applicable Federal regulations, applicable foreign**  **regulations,** R&M Aerial Imagery **operating certificate, or** R&M Aerial Imagery **operations specifications. If you find a conflict between the Federal Aviation Regulations, certificate, or**  **operations manual specification, the Federal Aviation Regulations will take precedence. You are required to bring any such conflict to the attention of the Director of Operations for** 

**correction.**R&M Aerial Imagery



### OPERATIONS MANUAL

Version 1.0 15 March 2015 Page 2 MANAGEMENT PERSONNEL

**[135.23(a)]**

**R&M AERIAL IMAGERY has appointed the following persons to the management positions** 

**listed:**

**Director of Operations ....................................................... Ronald P. Stites**

**Chief Pilot ..................................................................... Michael B. Kitchen**

**Director of Maintenance ................................................ Michael B. Kitchen**



### OPERATIONAL CONTROL

**1. Operational Control is defined in FAR 1 as "the exercise of authority over initiating, conducting, and terminating a flight". Operational Control is exercised through both**  **active and passive means.** Passive control **consists of developing and publishing policies and procedures for operational control personnel and flight operators to follow in**  **the performance of their duties and assuring adequate information and facilities are available to conduct the planned mission.**  Active control **consists of making those decisions and performing those actions necessary to operate a specific flight such as**  **crew scheduling, accepting commercial engagement from the public or governmental entities, reviewing weather, NOTAMs, and flight planning.** 

**R&M Aerial Imagery is responsible for ensuring that flight operations personnel and operational control employees comply with published policies and procedures.** 

**2. Operational Control systems vary with the type of operation authorized. In accordance with company policy, the major responsibility for operational control is with the Director**  **of Operations. The Director of Operations may delegate the active control of flight to the pilot-in-command, but always retains full responsibility.** 



### DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

**Each of these people has the authority to act for R&M AERIAL IMAGERY and, in his respective**  **sphere, exercises operational control under FAR Part 135.77. Their specific duties and responsibilities are:** 

Director of Operations

**1. Reports to the President.**

**2. Supervises the Chief Pilot and other employees as directed by the President.**R&M Aerial Imagery



### OPERATIONS MANUAL

Version 1.0 15 March 2015 Page 3 **3. Ensures that all flight operations are conducted safely and in compliance with all Federal Aviation Regulations, Operations Specifications, and Company policies.** 

**4. Holds the FAA certificate authorization and signs all FAA correspondence and R&M Aerial Imagery operations specifications.** 

**5. Communicates with the FAA Flight Standards District Office (FSDO) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). Files all required reports and documents.** 

**6. Coordinates all revisions to this manual. Submits the proposed revisions to the FSDO, receives confirmation from the FSDO that the revisions are acceptable, and then**  **distributes those revisions to all R&M Aerial Imagery manual holders.**

**7. Schedules aircraft flight availability and maintenance actions (required inspections) in**

**concert with the Director of Maintenance.**

**8. Coordinates with the Director of Maintenance the timely correction of mechanical irregularities and discrepancies.** 

**9. Hires and fires personnel.**

Chief Pilot

**1. Reports to the Director of Operations.**

**2. Supervises flight operations personnel.**

**3. Conducts or supervises all training activities of flight operations personnel.**

**4. Advises the Director of Operations regarding the training of flight operations personnel.**

**5. Assists the Director of Operations in formulating operations policies, coordinates those policies, and coordinates operations and training.** 

**6. Ensures that all aircraft are properly equipped for applicable operations.**

**7. Disseminates information to all flight operations personnel pertaining to airports, NOTAMS, company policies, and regulations.** 

**8. Maintains proficiency as Pilot-in-Command.**

**9. Schedules flight operations personnel, including assigning Pilot-in-Command duties.**R&M Aerial Imagery



### OPERATIONS MANUAL

Version 1.0 15 March 2015 Page 4 **10. Prepares and maintains proficiency records, pilot files, flight schedules, duty time records, reports, and correspondence pertaining to flight operations activities.** 

**11. Submits all reports regarding flight personnel to the Director of Operations.**

**12. Keeps the aircraft copies of this Operations Manual current.**

**13. Ensures that all flight crew personnel are certified and supervised according to the requirements specified in the Federal Aviation Regulations.** 



### Director of Maintenance

**1. Reports to the President.**

**2. Responsible for all maintenance and inspection personnel.**

**3. Ensures that company aircraft are maintained in an airworthy condition.**

**4. Ensures that all inspections, repairs, and component changes are accomplished in accordance with manufacturer’s specifications.** 

**5. Ensures compliance with maintenance procedures, service bulletins, service letters, and applicable Federal Aviation Regulations.** 

**6. Coordinates with maintenance contracting agencies when maintenance activities are being performed on company aircraft.** 

**7. Provides the Director of Operations with the current airworthiness status of the aircraft and the forecast down times to facilitate maintenance scheduling and insure timely**  **deferral or correction of aircraft discrepancies.**

**8. Maintains a close liaison with manufacturer's representatives, parts supply houses, and repair facilities.** 

**9. Makes available to maintenance personnel the necessary overhaul manuals, service bulletins, service letters, airworthiness directives, applicable sections of this manual, and**  **any other required technical data.**

**10. Maintains all necessary work records and logbooks, including aircraft permanent maintenance records, including records of aircraft repair and return to service.** 

**11. Maintains the total weight records for all aircraft, batteries and accessories.**R&M Aerial Imagery



### OPERATIONS MANUAL

Version 1.0 15 March 2015 Page 5 PIC AND OBSERVER

**1. Keep his or her assigned navigation charts current and up to date.**

**2. Keep his or her assigned copy of this Operations Manual up to date.**

**3. Report for duty 60 minutes prior to dispatch time. This is for the accomplishment of preflight planning, airframe inspection and documentation.** 

**4. Notify the Director of Operations whenever the pilot may violate any rule due to being dispatched on a mission.** 

**5. Notify the Director of Operations whenever a medical deficiency exists that would affect the safety of flight.** 

**6. Notify the Director of Maintenance whenever an aircraft material deficiency exists that would affect the safety of flight.** 

**7. The Observer will assist the PIC with all flight planning. During flight operations; maintain a constant lookout for other aircraft or hazards, communicate with the PIC as**  **needed, and respond to PIC safety of flight commands.**



### WEIGHT AND BALANCE CONTROL

**[135.23(b)]**

Weight and Balance Procedures.

**Not applicable (NA) to sUAS operations. sUAS will always be conducted with no passengers and there are no changes to airframe total weight, from fuel consumption. Flights will never**  **exceed manufactures stated maximum take-off weight.**R&M Aerial Imagery



### OPERATIONS MANUAL

Version 1.0 15 March 2015 Page 6

ACCIDENT NOTIFICATIONS REQUIREMENTS

**[135.23(d)]**

**1. The occurrence of any of the following requires** R&M Aerial Imagery **to notify the National Transportation Safety Board:** 

**A. An aircraft accident, as defined in NTSB Part 830** 

**.**

**B. A flight control system malfunction or failure.**

**C. The inability of any required flight PIC to perform his normal flight duties as a**

**result of injury or illness.**

**D. Aircraft collide in flight.**

**E. Damage to property (other than an aircraft) if the cost of repair is estimated to**

**exceed $25,000. If the property is considered a total loss, then notification is required if the lesser of the estimated repair cost or its fair market value exceeds**  **$25,000.**

**2.** R&M Aerial Imagery **personnel will notify the NTSB**  **in the most expeditious means**

**available as follows:**

**A. The Pilot-in-Command (PIC) shall notify the Director of Operations, who will**

**immediately notify the NTSB. This notification may be through the FAA (ATC or**

**FSDO ), if possible; or may be direct to the NTSB, if necessary.** 

**B. If the PIC cannot immediately contact the Director of Operations, the PIC will**

**immediately notify the NTSB. This notification may be through the FAA ( ATC**  **or FSDO), if possible; or may be direct to the NTSB, if necessary.** 

**C. If the Director of Operations has good reason to believe the PIC cannot contact**

**him, and that one of the occurrences requiring notification has happened, he will immediately notify the NTSB. This notification may be through the FAA (ATC or**  **FSDO), if possible; or may be direct to the NTSB, if necessary.**R&M Aerial Imagery



### OPERATIONS MANUAL

Version 1.0 15 March 2015 Page 7 EMERGENCY NOTIFICATION

**Any** R&M Aerial Imagery **employee who, under emergency authority, deviates from any Federal Aviation Regulation while on duty will immediately write a complete report of the deviation from**  **Federal Aviation Regulation.. The employee will include a description of the deviation taken and the reasons for it. This information will be sent to the following address no later than ten**  **business days after the day of the deviation.**

**VA Flight Standards District Office**

**5707 Huntsman Road Richmond, VA 23250**  **(804) 222-7494**

**The employee will also provide a copy of this deviation report to the Director of Operations.**



### REPORTING AND RECORDING OF MECHANICAL IRREGULARITIES **[135.23(f), and 135.65(d)]**

**Whenever a PIC finds a material discrepancy with aircraft or support equipment, they will:**

**1. Abort the mission. 2. Coordinate with the Director of Maintenance to have the defective equipment repaired.** 



### PREVIOUSLY DEFERRED AND CORRECTED MECHANICAL IRREGULARITIES **[135.23(g)]**

**Not Applicable for sUAS. All material discrepancies will be repaired before flight.**R&M Aerial Imagery



### OPERATIONS MANUAL

Version 1.0 15 March 2015 Page 8 EMERGENCY PROCEDURES

**[135.23(m)]**

**The Pilot-in-Command (PIC) is the sole company employee assigned all flight emergency**

**duties.**

**Whenever a Observer is assigned to the flight, the emergency duties are assigned as follows:**

Pilot-in-Command

• Aviate **. If the aircraft can still maintain flight, keep flying and maneuver to a safe landing position on the ground.** 

• Navigate **. Maneuver to a safe position on the ground.**

• Communicate **. Tell Observer the problem(s) you are having.**

• **Notify proper authorities and request aid. Call after flight termination if necessary.**

Observer

**1. Assist the PIC with obvious or requested tasks until the aircraft is on the ground. 2. If the PIC is incapacitated, the Observer will assume all emergency duties.** R&M Aerial Imagery



### OPERATIONS MANUAL

Version 1.0 15 March 2015 Page 9

MISSION QUALIFICATION PROCEDURES

**[135.23(n)]**

**Pilot-in-command: Line checks: Routes and airports**

**[135.299(c)]**

**The PIC and Observer will, before beginning a flight:**

**1. Study the area on low altitude VFR charts as appropriate, noting restricted areas, MEA's, MOCA's, helicopter landing pads, airport routing, and any other pertinent** 

**information.**

**2. Study the area on Google Earth**  **or Bing maps**  **, noting MEA's, routing, buildings, overhead cables, trees, and any other obstacles** 

**3. Study area airports using Airport Facility Directory**  **, noting runway orientations, tower hours of operation, control frequencies and any other pertinent information.** 

**4. In rural areas, study the mission area for bearing and range from any large agriculturual fields or crops. Call the local FSS for available aircraft flight information.** 

**5. Check current weather conditions and mission time forecast weather at https://www.aviationweather.gov/.** R&M Aerial Imagery



### OPERATIONS MANUAL

Version 1.0 15 March 2015 Page 10

APPROVED AIRCRAFT INSPECTION PROGRAM

**[135.23(o)]**

**Not Applicable. R&M Aerial Imagery does not maintain any aircraft under the provisions of an**  **Approved Aircraft Inspection Program.**



### FUNCTIONAL CHECK FLIGHTS (FCF)

**1. Place aircraft on open flat ground with indicator lights facing towards you.**

**2. Power on the controller and then the aircraft and bind the controller to the aircraft**

**3. Set the Home Point 4. Push the throttle up slowly to take off.**  **5. Check roll, pitch and yaw control response 6. Check throttle response**  **7. Fly outbound from PIC for 100 feet and hover 8. Climb to altitude of 50' and set position and altitude hold**  **9. Test Failsafe mode with controller switch to (OFF). When aircraft begins return, interrupt with controller switch to (ON)**  **10. Test return to home (RTH) by pressing button on controller. 11. Allow RTH to land aircraft. Throttle down aircraft until motors stop.** 

**12. Turn off aircraft and controller. 13. Document FCF checks or failures and provide to the maintenance department .** 



### OTHER PROCEDURES AND POLICY INSTRUCTIONS **[135.23(r)]**

GENERAL

**All company flight operations shall be conducted in a professional and disciplined manner. Safety is paramount.** 

**All applicable rules, regulations, procedures and policies will be followed. When confronted with a matter of choice or interpretation in determining a course of action where the decisions are a**  **matter of judgment, the safer alternative will always be chosen.**

**The policies and procedures contained herein provide basic operational philosophies and include general procedures and regulations applicable to all Company PIC/Observers. For**  **more specific information on aircraft operating procedures, refer to the appropriate Aircraft**

**Owners Manual.**



### FLIGHT TRAINING AND TESTINGR&M Aerial Imagery



### OPERATIONS MANUAL

Version 1.0 15 March 2015 Page 11 **14 CFR § 91.9**

**R&M Aerial Imagery’s adaptable flight training system will maintain and improve the safety and utility of sUAS flight operations. R&M Aerial Imagery’s foundational training program will**  **consistently test a set of flight proficiencies.**

**All PICs for R&M Aerial Imagery will hold a FAA licensed airman certificate. This ensures the basic knowledge of FAA rules, terminology, airspace, aerodynamics and flight.** 

Pilot logbooks **R&M Aerial Imagery PICs will maintain a sUAV logbook. Entries will include:**

• **Date.**

• **Total flight time or training time.**

• **Flight location.**

• **Type and identification of aircraft.**

• **Flight Simulator used ( Heli-X**  **or DJI Inspire)**

Basic Training Course

R&M Aerial Imagery flight qualification requirement conducted with company trainer aircraft:

**Initial, upon probationary hire:**

**(a) 2 hours of observed simulator flight. (1) Controlled Hover at various altitudes.**  **(2) Controlled flight at constant altitude away from PIC. (3) Controlled flight at constant altitude back and forth in front of PIC.**  **(4) Simulated emergency landing from altitude**

**(b) 5 hours of observed flight time in ‘manual’ mode, with designated training sUAS. . (Manual mode means flying the sUAS without the use of any autopilot software**  **functions such as; altitude hold, position hold, or GPS flight modes.)**R&M Aerial Imagery



### OPERATIONS MANUAL

Version 1.0 15 March 2015 Page 12 Proficiency Tests

**1) Preflight and Battery knowledge a. Demonstrate a proper preflight and make ready for flight.**  **b. Estimate total testing flight time and ensure enough charged batteries are on hand to carry out the test.**  **c. Discuss: proper battery handling, temperature issues affecting charge and discharge, discharge rates at various throttle settings.**  **2) Hover a. Bring the aircraft to a 3 foot hover, nose of the aircraft pointing away 180**  **degrees (tail on) 6 feet in front of the PIC and evaluator. Visualize a cube 6 foot**

**on each side. Maintain a hover inside this cube for 5 minutes. b. Bring the aircraft to a 3 f foot hover, nose of the aircraft pointing toward the PIC**  **(head on) 6 feet in front of the PIC and evaluator. Visualize a cube 6 foot on**

**each side. Maintain a hover inside this cube for 5 minutes. c. Fly the aircraft out 100 foot from the PIC and evaluator, tail on. Bring the aircraft** 

**to a 3 foot hover. Visualize a cube 6 foot on each side. Maintain a hover inside**

**this cube for 3 minutes. 3) Vertical Obstacle Survey 30 foot**  **a. Fly to a standoff distance of approximately 6 foot from the evaluator chosen vertical obstacle, tail on. Keeping the 6 foot standoff distance, climb, in 6 foot**  **sections to the top of the obstacle, stopping for 10 seconds at each 6 foot increase of height. At the top of the obstacle, reverse the sUAS to head on (to**  **the PIC) and descend the sUAS in 10 foot sections, stopping for 30 seconds**

**each 10 feet. 4) Horizontal Obstacle Survey 50 foot**  **a. Fly to a standoff distance of approximately 6 foot from the evaluator chosen horizontal obstacle, tail on. Keeping the 6 foot standoff distance, and**  **maintaining constant altitude, fly the sUAS parallel down the length of the obstacle in no greater than 30 seconds. At the end of the obstacle, reverse the**  **sUAS to head on (to the PIC) and fly the sUAS parallel down the length of the**

**obstacle in no less than 90 seconds. 5) Emergency Landing from altitude**  **a. Climb the sUAS to approximately 100 foot and hold position. The evaluator will put down a visible marking about 10 feet in front of the PIC. When instructed,**  **land the sUAS, as soon as possible (undamaged), within 2 feet of the landing**

**marker.**R&M Aerial Imagery



### OPERATIONS MANUAL

Version 1.0 15 March 2015 Page 13 Transition to company commercial use sUAS vehicles. Requirements **(a) Completion of company Basic Training Course (b) 1 hour observed simulator flight time, in type (e.g. DJI simulator)**  **(c) 2 hours of observed flight time using all flight modes of sUAS.**

Aircraft Transition Testing

**1) Controller. a. Discuss all functions, modes, and software of the flight controller.**  **b. Discuss all functions, modes, and software sUAS accessories.**

**i. Camera. 1. Preflight**  **2. Description**

**3. Functions 4. Operation** 

**5. Software modes and use**

**ii. Gimbal 1. Preflight**  **2. Description**

**3. Functions 4. Operation** 

**5. Software modes and use 2) sUAS**  **a. Demonstrate and discuss all preflight and post flight checklist b. Describe and discuss any material faults that would ground the sUAS.**  **c. Complete preflight checklist and make ready for flight.**

Proficiency Tests

**3) Hover a. In manual flight mode, bring the aircraft to a 3 foot hover, nose of the aircraft**  **pointing away 180 degrees (tail on) 6 feet in front of the PIC and evaluator.**

**Visualize a cube 6 foot on each side. Maintain a hover inside this cube for 3**

**minutes. b. In manual flight mode, bring the aircraft to a 3 foot hover, nose of the aircraft**  **pointing toward the PIC (head on) 6 feet in front of the PIC and evaluator.**

**Visualize a cube 6 foot on each side. Maintain a hover inside this cube for 3**

**minutes**

**4) Automated Flight Modes a. Climb the sUAS to 40 foot and set, altitude and position hold.**  **b. Execute a 3 geo-point GPS flight route. c. Climb the sUAS to approximately 100 foot and hold position. The evaluator will**  **put down a visible marking about 10 feet in front of the PIC. When instructed,**R&M Aerial Imagery



### OPERATIONS MANUAL

Version 1.0 15 March 2015 Page 14

**land the sUAS, as soon as possible, (undamaged) within 2 feet of the landing**

**marker. d. Climb the sUAS to 40 foot and set, altitude and position hold. Execute the**  **Return to Home (RTH) software function and allow to land.**

**e. Secure the aircraft and controller. f. Demonstrate the post flight checklist.** 



### STERILE OPERATING REQUIREMENTS (FAR 135.100)

**PICs are prohibited from engaging in any activity during flight, except those required for safe operation of the aircraft. Examples of duties and activities prohibited are:** 

**1. Mobile phone calls.**

**2. Eating, drinking.**

**3. Nonessential conversation (remarks not pertinent to safe aircraft operation).**



### STANDARDIZATION OF FLIGHT PROCEDURES

**PICs and Observers will at all times adhere to published standardized procedures in the conduct of flights. This ensures company aircraft are operated according to procedures that**  **the company deems to be safest.**

**Violation of R&M Aerial Imagery Flight operations manual procedures, is considered a breach of the code of conduct. Infractions may result in termination of employment.** 



### FLIGHT OPERATIONS

6.1 MISSION PLANNING **Mission planning is the responsibility of the PIC and will cover all matters pertinent to the mission to be flown. Proper planning prevents piss poor performance.** 

**6.1.1 Weather A complete weather briefing is a prerequisite.** 

6.2 BRIEFING **The success of a flight is a direct measure of the preflight preparations, planning, and briefing.**R&M Aerial Imagery



### OPERATIONS MANUAL

Version 1.0 15 March 2015 Page 15 **6.2.1 Flight Checklist**

**1. Pick a Take Off Point; that is flat, dry and located inside the planned flight area. 2. Estimate flight time and battery use for mission photography/survey points.**  **3. Set recovery point; flat dry location 4. Check wind speed and direction.**  **5. Check complete horizon for low flying aircraft. 6. Stay clear of structures that could block the Radio Frequency (RF) control or Global**  **Positioning System (GPS) signal; tall buildings, many tall trees 7. Keep the aircraft away from obstacles, people, animals, overhead lines, and trees.**  **8. .Turn off Wi-Fi on any mobile devices. sUAS operational control frequencies operate on**

**2.4Ghz and 5.8Ghz bands. FCC WiFi bands are 2.4Ghz. 9. Do not fly near areas with high electromagnetic fields (EMF); high voltage lines, large scale**  **power transmission stations, mobile base stations and broadcasting towers.**

== 

## WARNING ==
FLYING NEAR HIGH EMF TRANSMISSION MAY COMPROMISE THE TRANSMISSION

QUALITY AND ERRORS MAY AFFECT FLIGHT ORIENTATION AND LOCATION

ACCURACY. AIRCRAFT MAY BEHAVE ABNORMALLY OR FALL OUT OF CONTROL IN

AREAS WITH TOO MUCH INTERFERENCE

**.**

**10. Do not fly the aircraft within no-fly zones specified by local laws and regulations.**

6.2.4 Emergencies

**1. Aborts 2. Radio failure; unresponsive to inputs (flyoff) or environmental jamming** 

**3. Loss of visual contact with sUAS 4. Crash; ground, structures, persons** 

6.2.4.1 Failsafe and Return to Home (RTH) **1. Return to Home will not work if the GPS signal is insufficient or GPS is not active. 2. Press the RTH Button on the remote controller to bring the aircraft back to the Home Point**  **instead of turning off the remote controller. 3. Tall buildings may adversely affect the Failsafe function. Please adjust the aircraft location,**  **altitude and speed while returning home to avoid obstacles. 4. Make sure to always fly the aircraft within the transmission range of the remote controller.**  **5. When updating the Home Point, do not block the GPS signal of the remote controller 6. Do not update the Home Point near tall buildings, as the GPS may be blocked and lead to**  **an incorrect location being stored. 7. Only use the Failsafe and Return to Home functions in case of emergency, as they may be**  **affected by the weather, the environment, or any nearby magnetic fields. 8. Set/check Failsafe altitude before each flight.** 

6.2.4.2 Low Battery RTHR&M Aerial Imagery



### OPERATIONS MANUAL

Version 1.0 15 March 2015 Page 16 **The low battery level failsafe is triggered when the battery is depleted to a point that may affect the safe return of the aircraft. PIC will return home or land the aircraft immediately when these**  **warnings are shown. Aircraft will automatically return to the Hopme Point if no action is taken**

**after 10 seconds countdown.**

6.2.4.3 Failsafe RTH **Failsafe RTH is activated automatically if remote controller signal is lost for more than 3 seconds provided that Home Point has been successfully recorded and compass is working**  **normally. Return home process may be interrupted and the operator can regain control of the UAS if a remote controller signal is resumed.** 

= WARNING=
AIRCRAFT CANNOT AVOID OBSTRUCTIONS DURING THE FAILSAFE RTH, THEREFORE

IT IS IMPORTANT TO SET A REASONABLE FAILSAFE ALTITUDE BEFORE EACH FLIGHT.

6.3 MISSION **1. Primary 2. Operating area**  **3. Sequence of events**

**4. Communications: voice or electroic comms with observer 5. Landing** 

6.4 DEBRIEFING **Each flight shall be followed with a thorough debriefing by the PIC as soon as practical. All areas of flight should be covered, paying particular attention to those areas where any difficulty** 

**was encountered.**

7.2 PREFLIGHT INSPECTION **1. Check that all parts are in good condition. Do not fly with aging or damaged parts. 2. Remote controller, battery and ground station device are all fully charged.**  **3. Propellers are mounted correctly and securely. 4. Camera lens clear. Survey equipment readied**  **5. Memory cards inserted, if necessary. 6. Gimbal is functioning as normal.**  **7. Gimbal is correctly attached to the aircraft. 8. Motors can start and are functioning as normal.**  **9. All firmware has been updated to the latest version.**R&M Aerial Imagery



### OPERATIONS MANUAL

Version 1.0 15 March 2015 Page 17 **7.2.1 Compass 1. Ensure the compass is calibrated before every flight.**  **2. DO NOT calibrate your compass where there is a chance of strong magnetic interference from large metal objects, parking structures, steel reinforcements underground, or under**  **bridges. 3. DO NOT carry ferromagnetic materials with you during calibration, such as keys or mobile**  **phones. 4. The compass should always be recalibrated when moving from indoor spaces to outdoor** 

**spaces.**



### MAINTENANCE **1. Check every part of the aircraft if it is violently impacted. 2. Old, chipped, or broken propellers or motors should never be used.**  **3. Regularly check the battery level and overall battery life. When the battery life reaches 0%, it can no longer be used.**  **4. After every 10 hours of flight time perform a thorough inspection of parts and components to ensure the safe operations** 



### USE OF CHECKLISTS

**The use of checklists to assist in the proper operation of the aircraft is mandatory for all flights. Only those checklists promulgated by R&M Aerial Imagery will be acceptable, including the**  **methodology and procedures developed for checklist use by Company PICs/Observers.**

**The PIC completing the checklist (whether silently or by challenge) is responsible for visually checking each item on the checklist, and ascertaining that the correct action has been taken.** 

**Certain portions of the emergency checklist are required to be accomplished immediately, from memory, during an emergency. It is the responsibility of every PIC to commit these portions to**  **memory and review the adequacy of their recall on a frequent basis.**

**The checklist is not intended as a "worklist" or a crutch to lead crewmembers through their routines of controlling aircraft systems. It is rather envisioned that PIC will maintain sufficient**  **familiarity and proficiency with these routines or "flows" that the checklist can be used as a check to ensure the flows are properly accomplished.** 

**No PIC is expected to attempt to accomplish, without omission, every detail of a flow from memory. Such an expectation would negate the rationale and practicality of using a written**  **checklist. The proper method is to accomplish the flow to the extent possible from memory and then to utilize the checklist to ensure that any overlooked items are then accomplished.** 

**Upon completion of each individual checklist, the PIC will announce, "(Checklist Name)**

**CHECKLIST COMPLETE."**R&M Aerial Imagery



### OPERATIONS MANUAL

Version 1.0 15 March 2015 Page 18 **A checklist that cannot be completed when initiated because of an interruption or because an item on the checklist cannot yet be completed will be held until the interruption is over or the**  **item can be completed.** It is not acceptable to skip a checklist item and then depend on memory to accomplish the item later



### COLLISION AVOIDANCE

**Each PIC and Observer is responsible for seeing and avoiding other traffic, terrain and**

**obstacles.**R&M Aerial Imagery



### OPERATIONS MANUAL

Version 1.0 15 March 2015 Page 19 DOCUMENT CUSTODY FORM

**OP-1**

**I agree to comply with the following:**

**1. I am responsible for keeping this Manual number ________ in usable and current condition, inserting revisions when received and recording revision dates and insertion**  **instructions on the Revision Control Page.**

**2. I will immediately return this manual to R&M Aerial Imagery if I resign my position, am**  **terminated, or take an extended leave of absence.**

**______________________ ________________________________________ (Date) (Signature)** 

**Position: _________________ ________________________________________ Typed or Printed Name:** R&M Aerial Imagery



### OPERATIONS MANUAL

Version 1.0 15 March 2015 Page 20 REVISION NOTICE

**OP-2**

**Revision Number _____, dated ____/____/____, becomes effective ____/____/____, issued to _______________________________ for book number ____ or Aircraft Number __________.** 

**The person indicated above will complete the revision by removing the outdated pages and inserting the new or revised pages according to the instructions below. He will then sign and** 

**date the revision record sheet.**

**Place the upper portion of this form in the manual behind the revision record sheet and return the lower portion to the Director of Operations.** 

**Remove: Insert:**

**Return to Director of Operations**

**I hereby certify that I have received, read, and fully understand the contents of the General Operations Manual Revision Number __. I further certify that I have revised the operations**  **manual copy in my possession as per the revision instructions.**

**Signature: _____________________________ Date: _____________________________**

**Printed Name: _______________________________________________________________**