Town of Davie Page 1

Standard Operating Procedures: 

Unmanned Aircraft Systems 

Town of Davie

6591 Orange Drive

Davie, FL 33314
Town 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 Checklist 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 17

• Exemption 14 C.F.R. § 91.119 17

• Exemption 14 C.F.R. § 91.121 17

• Contact Information 18
Town 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 photographs 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 of Davie.

Procedures 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 procedures 

include but are not limited to pre-flight inspections, maintenance, and repair to ensure that the 

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

addressing these risks is provided.

The Town of Davie plans on operating 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, 

conducting 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). 

Unmanned 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 airspace 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 lenses 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 avoid 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 safety 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 procedures.

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 manufacturer’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 recent 

Phantom manual. This includes procedures for pre-flight inspections, 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 Frequency (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 oversight 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 visible 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 occur 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 met for any VO before assisting the PIC to 

maintain VLOS:

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 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) photograph and record special events, 

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

flown directly 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 UAS 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 UAS 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 content will be used for marketing and promotion by the Town of Davie.

The Town of Davie will operate the UAS 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 must 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 Integration Office (AFS-80) within 24 hours. Accidents must be reported to the 
Town 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 UAS before flight operations.

5. The PIC will have a scheduled 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 only 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 performed 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 functional 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 UAS 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 drone, 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 on 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 abnormalities
Town of Davie Page 14

APPENDIX B - UA MAINTENANCE LOG

UA SERIAL NUMBER _____________________

DATE PERSON TYPE OF MAINTENANCE PERFORMED
Town 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

Remarks
Town 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 previously 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 Limitations: 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 aircraft 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 .registered civil aircraft for which an 

Airplane or Rotorcraft Flight Manual is not required by §21.5 of this chapter, unless there is 

available in the aircraft 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, not 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 the flight manual at the 

ground control point where the pilot flying the UAS will have immediate 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 accomplished 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 experimental 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/or 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