Town of Davie Page 1 

## Standard Operating Procedures:
Unmanned Aircraft Systems

Town of Davie
6591 Orange Drive

Davie, FL 33314Town of Davie Page 2 

## TABLE OF CONTENTS

• Executive Summary 3

• Definitions 4

• General Requirements 5

• Description of Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) 6

- 7

• Unmanned Aircraft Pilot

- in

- Command (PIC) 8

• Operation of the Unmanned Aircraft 9

- 11

• Risk Analyses 12

• Appendix A

– Pilot Pre

- Flight Checkli st 13

• Appendix B

– UA Maintenance Log 14

• Appendix C

– UA Flight Log 15

• Exemption 14 C.F.R . § 91.203(a) and (b) 16

• Exemption 14 C.F.R. § 61.113(a) and (b) 16

• Exemption 14 C.F.R. § 91.9(b)(2) 16

• Exemption 14 C.F.R. § 91.103 16

• Exemption 14 C.F.R. § 91.109 1 7

• Exemption 14 C.F.R. § 91.119 17

• Exemption 14 C.F.R. § 91.121 17

• Contact Information 18Town of Davie Page 3 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The Town of Davie plans to operate an unmanned aircraft (UA) to assist in mapping and

maintenance of the numerous equestrian trails here in Davie, Florida. The Town of Davie has a

vibrant horse community. We offer our residents miles of scenic equestrian and pedestrian trails.

These trails must be maintained. Operating the UA will assist in identifying portions of the trails

that need maintenance. Due to the unpredictable weather here in South Florida, the trails must be

constantly checked for fallen branches, debris, and erosion. Operating a UA will assist the Town

of Davie in keeping our trails safe for riders, horses, and pedestrians.

In addition, the Town of Davie holds various special events

, programs , and facilities for our

residents throughout the year. The Town would like to take aerial videos and phot ographs of the

events. The content will be used for marketing and promotion by the Town of Davie. While in

use, the UA will never be flown directly over any person. The content collected will be used for

marketing and promotion of our special events, programs, and facilities by the Town o f Davie.

P rocedures are described herein, to safely conduct operations in a manner to minimize risk to the

national air space (NAS) or to persons and property on the ground. The pre

- flight pro cedures

include but are not limited to pre

- flight inspections, maintenance, a nd repair to ensure that the

UA is in a condition for safe flight. A risk assessment and following flight operation procedures

ad dressing these risks is provided

.

The Town of Da vie plans on o perating a DJI Phantom II vision+ Quadcopter. This UA weighs

2.74 lbs, with a maximum speed of 33.5 MPH , and height of 393 feet

. The Town of Davie does

not plan on maxing out the UA’s speed or height.Town of Davie Page 4 DEFINITIONS

Aircraft: any contrivance invented, used, or designed to navigate, or fly in, the air (Title 49,

United States Code (49 USC) § 40102).

National Airspace System (NAS): the common network of U.S. airspace; air navigation

facilities, equipment and services, airports or landing areas; aeronautical charts, information and

services; rules, regulations and procedures, technical information, and manpower and material.

Operational Control: with respect to a flight, means the exercise of authority over initiating,

conductin g or terminating a flight (14 CFR § 1.1).

Pilot in Command (PIC): the person who has final authority and responsibility for the operation

and safety of the flight; has been designated as PIC before or during the flight; and holds the

appropriate category class and type

- rating, if appropriate, for the conduct of the flight (14 CFR §

1.1).

Unmanned aircraft (UA): any aircraft that is operated without the possibility of direct human

intervention from within or on the aircraft (P.L. 112

- 95, Section 331).

Unma nned Aircraft System (UAS): an unmanned aircraft and associated elements, including

communication links and the components that control the unmanned aircraft, that are required for

the pilot in command to operate safely and efficiently in the national airs pace system (P.L. 112

-

95, Section 331).

UAS Certificate of Waiver or Authorization (COA): an authorization issued by the Air

Traffic Organization to an operator for a specific unmanned aircraft activity.

Visual Line of Sight (VLOS): unaided (corrective le nses and/or sunglasses excepted) visual

contact between a pilot in command and an unmanned aircraft sufficient to maintain safe

operational control of the aircraft, know its location, and be able to scan the airspace in which it

is operating to see and avo id other air traffic or objects aloft or on the ground.

VISUAL OBSERVER (VO): Assist the PIC, when needed, in visual observation of the UA.

The VO will have the ability to verbally communicate with the PIC at all times.Town of Davie Page 5 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

1. The safe ty of individuals on the ground and any other aircraft in the NAS is the primary

objective and first concern of any Town of Davie UAS flight operation.

2. This document, the UAS user’s manual and regulatory exemptions will be in the

possession of the Pilot

- in

- Command (PIC) during UAS operations.

3. This document will be reviewed by the Town of Davie annually and whenever the UAS

manufacturer or FAA issues applicable new information.

4. Based on the reviews above, this document will be revised by the Town of Davie

accordingly.

5. Any changes to this document, the UAS user’s manual or applicable regulatory

requirements will be communicated immediately to the Town of Davie PIC.

6. Prior to any operation, the pilot will review applicable safety standards and pro cedures.

7. Prior to any operation the pilot will research the expected weather for the area in

operation.

7. UAS flight operations will be conducted in accordance with all federal, state and local

regulations; applicable industry standards and the UAS man ufacturer’s recommendations.Town of Davie Page 6 DESCRIPTION OF UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEM (UAS)

The Town of Davie will use the DJI Phantom II Vision plus UAS (Phantom). The Phantom

users’ manual contains a description of all design and operational characteristics for the

Phantom.

The Town of Davie will operate the Phantom according to recommendations in the most re cent

Phantom manual. This includes procedures for pre

- flight inspe ctions, maintenance, and repair;

to ensure that the UAS is in a condition for safe flight.

Figure 1. DJI Phantom II Vision plus UAS.

The Phantom users’ manual describes the Radio Frequ ency (RF) spectrum used for control of the

UAS and associated equipment that is part of the UAS (i.e., sensors, cameras, etc.). The

Phantom will be operated in compliance with Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and

other appropriate government oversi ght agency requirements.Town of Davie Page 7 The Town of Davie UA will be identified by serial number, registered in accordance with 14

CFR part 47, and have identification (N

- Number) markings in accordance with 14 CFR part 45,

Subpart C. Markings will be as large and visibl e as practicable.Town of Davie Page 8 UNMANNED AIRCRAFT PILOT

- IN

- COMMAND (PIC)

The following qualification requirements will be met by the PIC for Town of Davie.

1. Valid government issued driver’s license and use of corrective vision if required by the

license.

2. Knowledge of applicable federal, state

, and local regulations; this document and the

UAS manufacturer’s recommendations.

3. Knowledge of the area where the flight will occur.

4. Knowledge of any potential ground and air hazards that may occ ur in the area

.
5. Knowledge of personnel , residents, and livestock that are in the flight area.

6. Knowledge of the UA manual.

7. Knowledge of the UA specifications.

8. Knowledge on how to fly and operate the UAS.

Whenever the PIC for the Town of Davie does not have a Visual Line of Sight (VLOS) to the

UAS, a visual observer (VO) will be used. The VO will have a direct means of verbal

communication with the PIC and will provide relative flight safety information to the PIC.

Before flight, the PIC will instruct the VO on where to be positioned safely and what to look for.

The following qualification requirements must be me t for any VO before assisting the PIC to

maintain VLOS:

1. Valid government issued driver’s license and use of corrective visi on if required by the

license.

2. Knowledge of applicable federal, state

, and local regulations; this document and the

UAS manufacturer’s recommendations.

3. Knowledge of the area where the flight will occur.

4. Knowledge of any potential ground and air ha zards that may occur in the area

5. Knowledge of personal, residents, and livestock that are in the flight area.

6. Familiarity with the UAS and its operating specifications.Town of Davie Page 9 OPERATION OF THE UNMANNED AIRCRAFT

The Town of Davie will use the DJI Phantom Vision 2 Plus for two primary purposes: 1) catalog
our parks, open space, trail systems, and sports fields; 2) photogra ph and record special events,

facilities, and programs for documentation and marketing. While in use, the UA will never be

flown directl y overhead of any person . The UAS will always have a PIC and VO, when needed.

Primary Uses:

1. Catalog our parks, open space, trail systems, and sports fields:

a. We will use the UAS to capture video and images of Town of Davie property

which will be used for internal records, marketing

, and promotion of facilities and

assets.

b. We will use the UA S to assess the usage and conditions of our athletic facilities.
Aerial images enhance our ability to identify areas that require additional

maintenance and attention.

c. We will use the UA S to assist with trail mapping and maintenance.

2. Photograph and record special events and programs for documentation and marketing:

d. We will use the UAS to take still images and video or special events, sports
leagues, and recreational programs.

e. The c ontent will be used for marketing and promotion by the Town of Davie.

The Town of Davie will operate the UA S under the following conditions:

General

1. The UAS will be operated in a manner that places the safety of individuals on the ground

and other aircraft in the NAS above all other priorities and objectives.

2. The operational borders of the UAS will be limited to area within the Town of Davie.

3

. The UAS will not be operated by the PIC from any moving device or vehicle.

4

. UAS will be operated in compliance with all federal, state

, and local requirements.

5

. A Certificate of Waiver or Authorization (COA) from the FAA Air Traffic Organization

prior mus t be obtained before conducting operation(s) in the NAS.

6

. Any incident, accident, or flight operation that transgresses the lateral or vertical

boundaries of the operational area as defined by the applicable COA must be reported to the

FAA's UAS Integrat ion Office (AFS

- 80) within 24 hours. Accidents must be reported to theTown of Davie Page 10 National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) per instructions contained on the NTSB Web site:

www.ntsb.gov

.
Protection of People, Livestock, and Property on the Ground

1. A safety meeting will be conducted by the PIC with all Town of Davie employees who

are taking part in the flight operation.

2. The PIC will be knowledgeable of the terrain, trees, and if there are any people in the

area.

3. The PIC will review the weather forecast prior to the planned operation. If the weather

forecast predicts inclement weather, then the operation will be cancelled.

4. The PIC will inspect the controls and UA S before flight operations.

5. The PIC will have a s cheduled flight time and distance ensuring that the UA will land

with no less than 15% battery power remaining.

6. The PIC will not operate the UAS directly overhead of a person.

Protection of the NAS

1. The UA will be operated at speeds of less than 33 MPH and below 375 feet above ground

level in class G airspace between the hours of sunrise and sunset.

2. The UA will not be operated in severe weather conditions.

3. The UAS will not be operated within 5 miles of any airport.

4. The UAS will be operated o nly when the PIC or VO have a VLOS to the UAS. In the

event of loss of VLOS during flight, the UAS will be forced into “Failsafe mode .”

5. The PIC and VO, if used to maintain VLOS with the UA, must have the ability to

communicate verbally.

Pre

- Flight Checks, Maintenance, and Recordkeeping

1. A preflight risk assessment shall be conducted by the PIC. This includes identification of

site

- specific hazards and completion of the Open Pilot preflight checklist shown in Appendix A.

2. Any maintenance perform ed on a UA will be recorded on the UA Maintenance Log as

shown in Appendix B.Town of Davie Page 11 3

. Any UAS that has undergone maintenance or alterations that affect the UAS operation or

flight characteristics (replacement of a flight critical component), must undergo a func tional test

flight. The PIC who conducts the functional test flight must make an entry in the aircraft flight

log shown in Appendix C.

4

. UA flight time will be recorded on the form shown in Appendix C for every flight.Town of Davie Page 12 RISK ANALYSES

The Town of Davie will only operate the UAS in good weather conditions. The PIC will take

into account the current weather forecast. In addition the PIC and VO, if needed, will take into

account any tree limbs that may obstruct the UA flight path or visibility. When the UA is used to

fly over equestrian trails the PIC will keep the UA away from the horse and rider , if any are

present

.

When the UA S is used to video or photograph special events, programs, or facilities the

PIC will never fly the UA directly above a person. The PIC will keep the UA at a safe altitude.

The PIC will constantly be informed of his/her surroundings by a VO.

In the event the UA malfunctions the PIC will immediately guide the UA to a safe landing area.

The Town of Davie does not foresee a great risk in operating a 2.74 lb. UA. The UAS will help

decrease risk, here in the Town of Davie by assisting in identifying trails, parks, or facilities that

need repair. The risk in operating the 2.74 lb. phantom dro ne, as intended, is minimal.

Granting this request is in the best interest of the public and would benefit the Town of Davie.

The UAS will be used to benefit the residents of the Town of Davie by helping in the

maintenance and preservation of our trails and facilities.Town of Davie Page 13 APPENDIX A

– PILOT PRE

- FLIGHT CHECKLIST

ENVIRONMENTAL

o Check the weather forecast

o Check for potential tree limbs in the flight path

o Review flight path and duration

o First Aid/Safety kit on hand

HARDWARE/EQUIPMENT

VISABLY INSPECT THE AIRCRAFT

o Cracks

o Loose or damaged screws/fasteners/bands/straps/ties

o Loose or damaged wiring

o Loose or damaged connections

o Inspect prop mounts and wings

o Inspect camera

PRE

- FLIGHT

o Check batteries

o Position UA in a level and safe location for takeoff

o Turn o n camera

o Check controls and transmitters

o Scan for nearby people or animals

o Audibly announce take off

FLIGHT

o Hover at eye level to ensure no abnormalitiesTown of Davie Page 14 APPENDIX B

- UA MAINTENANCE LOG

UA SERIAL NUMBER _____________________

DATE PERSON TYPE OF MAINTENANCE PERFORMEDTown of Davie Page 15 APPENDIX C

– UA FLIGHT LOG

UA SERIAL NUMBER _____________________

Date PIC Signature Start of

Flight Time End of

Flight Time Total

Flight

Time RemarksTown of Davie Page 16 EXEMPTIONS :

The Town of Davie requests the following exemptions to Section 333 of the FAA Reform Act

and Part 11 of the Federal Aviation Regulations.

14 C.F.R. §91.203(a) and (b): Airworthiness Certificates

This section establishes the requirements of an airworthiness certificate and displaying said
certificate. As prev iously mentioned the Town of Davie will implement numerous maintenance
and flight safety procedures. The UA will always be checked prior to flight of its airworthiness.
The checklist and mandate stated above will generate the same airworthiness certificate required
for normal, much larger, aircraft. Due to the size and specifications of the Town of Davie’s UAS
obtaining a traditional airworthiness certificate is not feasible. The UAS operated in question
weighs 2.75 lbs, cannot fly above 393 feet, and has a maximum speed of 33.5 mph. The Town of
Davie does not plan on maxing out the UAS. No passengers or cargo will be carried by the UA.

14 C.F.R. § 61.113(a) and (b): Private Pilot Privileges and Li mitations: Pilot in Command

Pursuant to 14 CFR 61.113 (a) “ no person who holds a private pilot certificate

may act as a pilot in command of an aircra ft that is carrying passengers or property for
compensation or hire; nor may that person, for compensation or hire, act as pilot in command of

an aircraft.” The Town of Davie UAS will not carry any passengers or property. The UA is only
2.74 lbs. We ask for this exemption to allow the employee designated by the Town, who will be
the PIC, to operate the UAS without a pilot’s license.

14 C.F.R. § 91.9 (b)(2): Civil Aircraft Flight Manual in the Aircraft.

Section 91.9 (b) (2) provides: No person may operate a U.S .regist ered civil aircraft f or which an
Airplane or Rotorcraft Flight Manual is not required by §21.5 of this chapter, unless there is

available in the aircr aft a current approved airplane or Rotorcraft Flight Manual, approved
manual material, markings, and placards, or any combination thereof. The UAS, given its size
and configuration has no ability or place to carry such a flight manual on the UA, n ot only
because there is no pilot on board, but because there is no room or capacity to carry such an item
on the UA. The equivalent level of safety will be maintained by keeping t he flight manu al at the
ground control point where the pilot flying the UAS will have im mediate access to it.

14 C.F.R. § 91.103: Preflight Action

This regulation requires each pilot in command to take certain actions before flight to insure the
safety of the flight. As FAA approved rotorcraft flight manuals will not be provided for the UA,
an exemption will be needed. The PIC will take all preflight safety action stated above.Town of Davie Page 17 14 C.F.R. § 91.109: Flight Instruction

This section states that no person may operate a civil aircraft that is being used for flight
instruction unless that aircraft has fully functioning dual controls. By their design UAS do not
have fully functional dual controls. Flight control is accomplis hed through the use of a handheld
controller that communicates with the UA via radio communications. The FAA has approved
exemptions for flight training without fully functional dual controls for a number of aircraft and
for flight instruction in experimen tal aircraft. Based on the size and specifications of the UAS
this is not needed. The PIC will operate the UA safely.

14 C.F.R. § 91.119: Minimum Safe Altitudes

This section lays out the minimum safe altitudes for aircraft. The Town of Davie’s UA should be
exempt from this as the UAS has a maximum flight height of 393 feet. The Town of Davie does
not plan on ever maxing out the height of our UA. The type of UAS, by design, that the Town of
Davie will use is not meant to be operated above 400 feet.

14 C.F.R . § 91.121: Altimeter Settings

This section lays out the regulation for aircraft maintaining cruising altitude by an altimeter. The
UAS that will be operated is not designed to operate more than 400 feet and is not equipped with

an altimeter. The PIC and/o r VO will always have the UA in their VLOS. This will act as a
altimeter to ensure a safe flying height.Town of Davie Page 18 CONTACT INFORMATION

This application is submitted by Allan Weinthal on behalf of the Town of Davie. Please use the

following contact information:

Allan T. Weinthal, Esq.

Town of Davie
Office of the Town Attorney
6591 Orange Drive

Davie, FL 33314

PH: (954) 797

- 1844

Allan_Weinthal@Davie

- FL.gov