Date: 11.21.2011 Revision: Original

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Motion Picture and Television 

Flight Operation Manual 

Alchemist Aerials

2409 Townlake Circle #221

Austin, Texas 78741

941.735.4039

contact@alchemistaerials.com
Date: 11.21.2011 Revision: Original

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Table of Contents

1. Introduction

A. Purpose 4 

B. Pilot/Operator Organization 4 

C. Persons Authorized 4 

D. Area of Operations 4 

E. Plan of Activities 5 

F. Permission to Operate 5 

G. Security 6 

H. Briefing of Pilot/Production Personnel 6 

I. Certification/Airworthiness 7 

J. Pilot Personnel/Minimum Requirements 7 

K. Communications 8 

L. Accident Notification 8 

M. Recall/Stop Procedures 8 

N. Aerobatic Competency 8 

O. Aerobatic Competency 9 

2. Company Organization

A. Chief Pilot 9 

B. Pilot in Command 10

 Appendix A 

 1 List of Approved Pilots 11

 2 List of Approved Aircraft 12

 3 Permission Acquisition Form (sample) 13

 4 Revision Letter (sample) 14 

 Appendix B

 1 Form 7711-2 (certification of waiver) 15
Date: 11.21.2011 Revision: Original

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Revision Control Page

Revision# Date Initials

______________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________
Date: 11.21.2011 Revision: Original

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1. Introduction

A. Purpose

This manual has been developed by "Alchemist Aerials.", hereafter referred to as

"AA", in conjunction with an application for a Certificate of Waiver of Authorization

of the provisions of FAR 91.119 (b) and (c) for the purposes of filming. AA pilots

and other company personnel when applicable will comply with the policies,

procedures and conditions of this manual, whenever motion picture or television

flight operations are performed that require a Waiver of Authorization as mentioned

above.

B. Pilot/Operator Organization

Andrzej Mrotek - Pilot

Alchemist Aerials

2409 Townlake Circle #221

Austin, Texas 78741

941.735.4039

C. Persons Authorized

FAR 91.119 (c) is waived only with respect to those persons, vehicles and

structures directly involved in the performance of the actual filming. The certificate

holder shall ensure that no persons are allowed within 500 feet of the area except

those consenting to be involved and necessary for the filming production. This

provision may be reduced to no less than 200 feet if an equivalent level of safety

can be achieved and the Administrator has approved it. For example, an equivalent

level of safety may be determined by an ASI’s evaluation of the filming production

area to note terrain features, obstructions, buildings, etc. Such barriers may

protect nonparticipating persons (observers, the public, news media, etc.) from

debris in the event of an accident.

D. Area of Operations

AA's approved area of operations will be the continental United States, excluding

Alaska and Hawaii.
Date: 11.21.2011 Revision: Original

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E. Plan of Activities

At least three (3) days prior to any scheduled filming, AA will submit a written plan

of activities to the local FSDO having jurisdiction over that area. The plan of

activities should include the following:

(1) Dates and times for all flights.

(2) Name and phone number of person responsible for the filming production

event.

(3) Name and phone number of person responsible for aircraft.

(4) Make, model, and serial or N-number of aircraft to be used and type of

airworthiness certificate, including category.

(5) Name and certificate number of pilots involved in the filming production

event, including any notation of external load endorsements or aerobatic

competency, if required.

(6) A statement that the waiver holder 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 from the waiver holder.

(7) Signature of waiver holder or representative.

(8) 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.

The three (3) day notification equipments may be waived, however, the operator 

should contact the FSDO as soon as possible with this request and be prepared to 

explain in detail why the three (3) day notification is not practical. 

F. Permission to Operate

Before any flight operations is conducted at less than 500 feet under the

provisions of the certificate of waiver and this manual, the operator will obtain

permission to conduct these operations from property owners and local officials as

necessary or appropriate. Persons from whom permission may be required are

listed below:
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(1) Property owners

(2) Law enforcement officials

(3) Fire department officials

(4) Local, State and Federal government

(5) Air traffic control

The AA personnel obtaining such permission will do so in writing whenever 

practical, however, verbal permission is acceptable otherwise. A standard 

permission form is provided in Appendix A and may be used when obtaining 

written permission. AA personnel will assure a sufficient number of those forms 

are available at the job site. Written permission forms will be maintained at the job 

site until flight operations are completed, and then turned into the chief pilot to be 

kept on file for a minimum of six (6) months. These forms will be made available 

for inspection by the FAA or other official personnel upon request. 

G. Security

Prior to any flight operation the operator will coordinate with appropriate

production personnel to devise a plan of securing the area(s) of operation from all

unauthorized persons and vehicles. Provisions will be made to immediately

discontinue operations should the area(s) become unsecured or for any other

reason in the interest of safety.

H. Briefing of Pilot/Production Personnel

Prior to the start of any operation under the provisions of this manual, the pilot in

command will conduct a briefing of all procedures to participating personnel of the

risks involved, emergency procedures, and safeguards to be followed during the

filming production event. Personnel will also be briefed on additional provisions

that may be issued by the FSDO that has geographic responsibility for the

operational area, including the location of boundaries or time limits. The briefing

shall cover:

• Authorization for motion picture and television certificate of waiver and the

attached special provisions

• Operations manual

• Plan of activities

• Aircraft parking and starting

• Taxi procedures

• Radio Communications

• Takeoff procedures
Date: 11.21.2011 Revision: Original

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• Aviation activities to be conducted during the filming production event

• Approach and landing procedures

• Recall procedures

• Emergency procedures

• Risks to participating personnel

• How to control nonparticipating persons

I. Certification/Airworthiness

All AA aircraft used in operations requiring a waiver of FAR 91 .119 (b) and (c) for

the purpose of filming will be properly certified and hold airworthiness certificates.

However, restricted category aircraft cannot be used as the filming "vehicle" in

motion picture and television filming. Also, aircraft in the experimental category

must have an airworthiness certificate issued for the purpose of exhibition in order

to be used in motion picture and television filming. The aircraft will be

100hr/annual inspection program. Other required tests and inspections

(transponder, E.L.T., etc.) will be performed as per Part 91 when necessary. Each

aircraft will have a flight log containing upcoming scheduled maintenance and

inspections and the dates or times they must be performed. A section for

discrepancies is also found in the flight log. The pilot in command will assure the

aircraft to be flown is in airworthy condition and all required inspections and

maintenance has been completed before each flight.

J. Pilot Personnel/Minimum Requirements

The pilot/operator shall establish and specify the minimum pilot requirements.

Minimum requirements shall meet or exceed the following:

(1) A current U.S. Commercial pilot certificate with ratings appropriate to the

category, class and type (if applicable) of aircraft to be used under the

terms of the waiver.

(2) At least 500 hours logged as PIC and at least 20 hours logged as the PIC

in the aircraft type.

(3) A minimum of 100 hours in the category and class of aircraft to be used.

(4) A minimum of 5 hours in the make and model aircraft to be used under

the waiver.

(5) In the event that the 1,500-foot minimum standard contained in the 14

CFR 91.303(e) is to be waived, the pilot performing aerobatic maneuvers

must hold FAA Form 8710-7, Statement of Acrobatic Competency, to

perform the operations.
Date: 11.21.2011 Revision: Original

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(6) In the event the operation to be conducted contains elements of an

external-load operation, whether fixed or rotary wing operations, pilots

used in the operation shall be qualified. This qualification may be

obtained through a knowledge test (which may be oral and/written) and/or

skill. The inspector or another company pilot approved by the

geographically responsible FSDO who is qualified to carry loads

externally will give the test(s) which are similar to part 133 requirements

and cover the following subjects:

(a) Steps to be taken before starting operations, including a survey of the

Flight area.

(b) Proper method of loading, rigging, or attaching the external load.

(c) Aircraft performance capabilities under motion picture operating

procedures and the aircraft flight manual.

(d) Proper instructions for flight and ground crew personnel.

(e) Aircraft flight manual, pilot operations handbook, or a rotorcraft-load

combination flight manual and limitations, if appropriate.

K. Communications

Prior to the start of any operation covered by this manual, the pilot in command

will formulate a plan to provide communications capability to all participants

during the actual operation and filming. Oral, visual or radio communications may

be used as long as it is effective and is capable of keeping the participants

continuously appraised of the current status of the operation.

L. Accident Notification

Should an accident or incident requiring notification of the NTSB occur, the

notification requirements of FAR Part 830 would comply.

M. Recall/Stop Procedures

Radio communication, oral, visual or a combination will be utilized to keep the

participants continuously apprised of the current status of operation.

N. Aerobatic Competency

If the filming operations require the issuance of FAA Form 8710-7, Statement of

Aerobatic Competency, refer to Volume 5, Chapter 9, Issue/Renew/Rescind a

Statement of Aerobatic Competency.
Date: 11.21.2011 Revision: Original

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O. Special Provisions

The controls, procedures, and conditions set forth in the AA motion picture and

television operations manual is the primary assurance that persons on the

surface will not be jeopardized.

The aircraft and pilots used under this authorization and/or waiver will only be

those specified in the AA motion picture and television operations manual

(“Appendix A” page 11) or associated plan of activities. Each pilot’s name and

certificate number shall appear on each daily plan of activity. All civil aircraft and

pilot(s) participating in the activity shall be available for FAA inspection before the

scheduled event.

Each pilot-in-commandconducting 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” page 15)

Rotorcraft takeoff and landing areas will be protected in a manner that will

prevent unauthorized persons from entering the takeoff and landing area.

AA will 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.

2. Company Organization

A. Chief Pilot

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Final word in the formulation of policy and procedures concerning this

manual.

• Act as liaison between AA and the FAA on matter concerning this manual.

• 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.
Date: 11.21.2011 Revision: Original

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• Maintain a current copy of this manual at the main base of operations for H5.

• Responsible for assuring that all revisions to this manual are distributed and

processed properly.

• Must approve or disapprove each proposed job or operation performed by H5

under the provisions of this manual.

• Assume the responsibilities of pilot in command when acting as such.

• The chief pilot may delegate functions to other personnel but retains

responsibility.

B. Pilot in Command

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assure that aircraft to be flown is in airworthy condition and all inspections and

required maintenance have been performed as per appropriate FAR's.

• Acquire permission from the chief pilot before any operation under the

provisions of this manual.

• Be very knowledgeable of the contents of this manual and abide by the

procedures, policies and conditions contained herein.

• Coordinate with movie and television personnel to formulate plans, routes,

locations, etc. with safety of all persons involved in the primary concern.

• Maintain their copy of this manual in current condition and have it on site at any

job or operation requiring the waiver.

• The pilot in command may delegate functions to other personnel, but retains

responsibility.
Date: 11.21.2011 Revision: Original

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Appendix A .1

List of Approved Pilots

Chief Pilot 

Name : 

Certificate Number :

Grade : 

Medical Class/Date :

Contact Number : 

Pilots 

Name : 

Certificate Number :

Grade : 

Medical Class/Date :

Contact Number : 

Name : 

Certificate Number :

 Grade : 

Medical Class/Date :

Contact Number : 
Date: 11.21.2011 Revision: Original

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Appendix A .2

List of Approved Aircraft

Make and Model Registration Number

1. Eurocopter AS350 • B2 N511SC 

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.
Date: 11.21.2011 Revision: Original

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Appendix A .3 

Alchemist Aerials

Permission Acquisition Form 

In signing this form, I am giving the pilots of Alchemist Aerials. Permission to operate 

their aircraft at less than 500 feet from property, or in some jurisdiction in which I am 

responsible for or affiliated with, for the purpose of film or television production. 

Name:

Title:

Basis of Authority to Grant Permission: 

Location: 

Date of Operation: 

Signature __________________________________________________ 

Date __________________________

AA Representative Receiving Permission 

_______________________________________________________________
Date: 11.21.2011 Revision: Original

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Appendix A .4

Revision Letter

Rev# Section Page Action Remarks Initials 

______________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________

R • Remove and Replace D • Delete and Destroy N • Insert New Page

Manual Serial# ___________________ Issued To ___________________________

Revised By _________________________________ 

Date _______________________

This form must be returned to the Chief Pilot no later than _____________________________
Date: 11.21.2011 Revision: Original

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Appendix B .1

(see attached form 7711-2)
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1 

VOLUME 3 GENERAL TECHNICAL ADMINISTRATION 

CHAPTER 8 ISSUE A CERTIFICATE OF WAIVER FOR MOTION PICTURE AND 

TELEVISION FILMING 

Section 1 Issue a Certificate of Waiver for Motion Picture and Television Filming 

3-211 PROGRAM TRACKING AND REPORTING SUBSYSTEM (PTRS) ACTIVITY 

CODE. 1230. 

3-212 OBJECTIVE. The objective of this task is to review and issue or deny a request for a 

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Form 7711-1, Certificate of Waiver or Authorization, 

for motion picture and television operations and determine if an aircraft pilot/operator has 

developed an acceptable operations manual for use in motion picture and television filming 

production. Additionally, the aircraft pilot/operator will develop safe operating procedures, 

guidelines, and criteria to operate below the altitudes required in Title 14 of the Code of Federal 

Regulations (14 CFR) part 91, General Operating and Flight Rules, §§ 91.119(b) and (c), 

91.303(e), and 91.515(a). Successful completion of this task results in the acceptance or 

non-acceptance of an operations manual, the issuance of FAA Form 7711-1 for motion picture 

and television operations, or the disapproval of FAA Form 7711-2, Application for Certificate of 

Waiver or Authorization. 

3-213 GENERAL. 

A. Purpose of the Motion Picture and Television Certificate of Waiver. 

1) The motion picture and television industry utilize aircraft in support of their 

filming operations as both subject aircraft and behind the scenes aircraft. These aircraft are often 

required to be flown at altitudes and/or horizontal radius less then the minimums specified in 

§§ 91.119(b)(c) and/or 91.515(a). Additionally, these aircraft are required to perform aerobatics 

maneuvers below the minimum 1,500 feet above the surface as specified in §§ 91.303(e). 

2) A waiver of the requirements of § 91.119(b) and (c) is necessary when aircraft 

must be flown closer than 500 feet from participating persons or property. If filming sequences 

require an aircraft to be flown in aerobatic flight below 1,500 feet above ground level (AGL), a 

waiver of § 91.303(e) is required. If a waiver for § 91.515(a) is needed, it will be added to the 

initial request and maintained as part of the original waiver. Items 1 through 8, 11, 12, and 15 on 

FAA Form 7711-2 must be addressed in all cases. 

B. Definitions. 

1) Participating Person/Authorized Person. All persons associated with the filming 

production must be briefed on the potential risk of the proposed flight operation(s) and they must 

acknowledge and accept those risks. Nonparticipating persons are the public, spectators, media, 

etc., not associated with the filming production. 

2) Subject Aircraft. Any aircraft that is being filmed as part of a motion picture or 

television filming event. 

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3) Behind the Scene Aircraft. Any aircraft used in the filming event that is not the 

subject aircraft (camera aircraft, aircraft carrying lights for the scene, aircraft causing 

background noise or wind, aircraft placing additional personnel into or around the scene but not 

in the scene, etc.). 

C. Considerations. Essential personnel may be filmed while on the exterior of, or 

entering or exiting an aircraft in flight. The following are possible scenarios: 

1) Airplanes that include traditional external activities such as wing walking, 

parachuting, air-to-air transfers, air-to-ground transfers, ground-to-air transfers, towing (banners 

or equipment), and other motion picture and television activities. 

2) Balloons that include rappelling, long-line operations, in-flight transfers, rope 

ladders, and other motion picture and television activities. 

3) Helicopter activities that include rappelling, long-line operations, external camera 

operators, and other motion picture and television activities may constitute an external load. 

However, the FAA does not provide Class B, C, or D certification for non-jettisonable activities. 

They would not be approved as external-load operations under 14 CFR part 133. Pilots and/or 

operators using these techniques will be required to demonstrate their ability to operate with 

these loads prior to being authorized for flight in the motion picture and television activities for 

motion picture production activities. The pilot may show competency if he/she has in his/her 

personal possession either a letter of competency or an appropriate logbook entry in accordance 

with 14 CFR § 133.37(a)(1)(2). 

D. Aircraft. 

1) Restricted and Experimental Category Aircraft. 

a) Serving as a camera platform for motion picture and television filming is one 

of the purposes for which FAA issues a restricted category airworthiness certificate under 14 CFR 

§ 21.25(b)(3) (aerial surveying—photography). 

b) In order to be used in motion picture and television filming operations as the 

subject aircraft, the aircraft must have an airworthiness certificate issued in the appropriate category 

(i.e., experimental/exhibition, restricted (if demonstrating its purpose, in the film such as agricultural 

operations)). 

2) Helicopters. Helicopter operations are generally conducted under 14 CFR 

§ 91.119(d). However, movie-making helicopter operations below 500 feet AGL may create a 

hazard to persons or property on the surface by drawing nonparticpants into the area. Therefore, 

FAA Form 7711-1, Certificate of Waiver or Authorization must be obtained for helicopter 

motion picture and television filming operations. If helicopters are to be used for aerobatic 

purposes under the provisions of this waiver, refer to subparagraph 3-155D. 

E. Forms Used. FAA Form 7711-2, Application for Certificate of Waiver or 

Authorization (Figure 3-52), is a multipurpose form used to apply for FAA Form 7711-1, 

2 

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Certificate of Waiver or Authorization (Figure 3-53). Instructions for Completion of FAA 

Form 7711-2 are in Figure 3-54. All items on the form may not be applicable to the application 

request. 

F. Submission. FAA Form 7711-2, including a proposed motion picture and television 

operations manual, should be submitted at least 45 days before actual filming begins. The 

completion and submission of FAA Form 7711-2 and a proposed operations manual is the sole 

responsibility of the applicant. 

G. Approval or Disapproval. Applications for FAA Form 7711-1, Certificate of Waiver 

or Authorization, are processed at the geographically responsible Flight Standards District Office 

(FSDO). Within 30 days of receipt of the FAA Form 7711-2, an approved FAA Form 7711-1 or 

disapproval of the application must be issued by the district office. Upon approval, FAA 

Form 7711-2 and the acceptable operations manual becomes part of FAA Form 7711-1. The 

jurisdictional Flight Standards District Office Manager or their designated representative, which 

may be either the assistant manager or another supervisor from within that jurisdictional FSDO, 

shall sign the waiver for approval. 

H. Expiration Date. An FAA Form 7711-1 expires 24 calendar-months from the date of 

issuance. FAA Form 7711-1 for motion picture and television filming may be reissued by 

submission of a properly prepared FAA Form 7711-2 and the applicant’s previously accepted 

operations manual, if appropriate. 

I. Motion Picture and Television Operations Manual. Operating and safety 

procedures must be incorporated in a motion picture and television operations manual. The 

operations manual, once accepted, becomes part of the waiver. The operations manual is the 

standard by which a certificate holder must conduct all operations pursuant to FAA Form 7711-1 

authorization. The controls, procedures, and conditions set forth in the operations manual are the 

primary assurance that nonparticipating persons will not be jeopardized. This will be the basis 

for the authorization of the motion picture and television area of operation and/or the issuance of 

the waiver. Therefore, failure to comply with the provisions of the operations manual shall be 

considered a violation of the terms of the waiver and may constitute justification for cancellation 

of the waiver. 

J. Operations Manual Revisions. Inspectors should encourage pilot/operators to 

discuss manual revisions with the geographically responsible FSDO before they are submitted 

for acceptance. Proposed revisions to the manuals shall be submitted to the FSDO for review at 

least 15 days before the proposed effective date. Revisions will not be distributed by the 

pilot/operator until acceptance by the FSDO and returned to the pilot/operator with an indication 

of acceptance. If the revisions are not accepted, inspectors must notify the pilot/operator in 

writing within 10 working days of receipt of the proposed revisions. 

K. Special Provisions. 

1) The following statement must appear as a special provision: 

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• “The certificate holder must adhere to the accepted motion picture and 

television operations manual.” 

• The pilot in command (PIC) may remove and install specialty equipment 

authorized in accordance with an exemption issued for that purpose or under 

the terms of an STC or field approval. 

• Traditional seating for the PIC of various aircraft does not always lend itself 

to be the safest position from which to conduct a flight. The primary seat may 

not be the optimal location, depending on the subject aircraft. The decision on 

where to sit may be determined by the PIC. 

• Additional provisions deemed appropriate to the Administrator to ensure 

safety of the operation should be prescribed by the FSDO (Figure 3-55). 

3-214 CONTENTS OF THE MOTION PICTURE AND TELEVISION OPERATIONS 

MANUAL. The applicant must submit an original and one copy of the motion picture and 

television operations manual. (Figure 3-56 is a sample manual development guide for use by the 

applicant.) The manual must include at least the following: 

A. Pilot/Operator Organization.

• Pilot/Operator name, 

• Address, and 

• Telephone number of applicant or responsible person. 

B. Distribution and Revision. This section contains procedures for revising the 

operations manual to ensure that all manuals are kept current. Revisions for the accepted 

operations manual shall be forwarded to the FSDO at least 15 days before the proposed effective 

date. 

C. Persons Authorized. Title 14 CFR § 91.119(c) is waived only with respect to those 

participating persons, vehicles, and structures directly involved in the performance of the actual 

filming. The operations manual will include procedures to ensure that no persons are allowed 

within 500 feet of the area except those consenting to be involved and necessary for the filming 

production. This provision may be reduced to no less than 200 feet if an equivalent level of 

safety can be achieved and the Administrator has approved it. For example, an equivalent level 

of safety may be determined by an ASI’s evaluation of the filming production area to note terrain 

features, obstructions, buildings, etc. Such barriers may protect nonparticipating persons 

(observers, the public, news media, etc.) from debris in the event of an accident. 

D. Area of Operations. There will be a variety of operational needs, depending upon 

the activities of the applicant. Certain companies may confine their activities to a local area, 

while other pilot/operators may conduct activities throughout the entire U.S. and its territories 

and possessions. The manual shall define the area authorized by the Certificate of Waiver. While 

the waiver is issued by the pilot/operator’s local FSDO, the pilot/operator must coordinate with 

the FSDO having geographic responsibility over the area of the filming operations. 

4 

E. Plan of Activities. The manual must include procedures for the pilot/operator to 

submit 3 days before scheduled filming and a written plan of activities to the local FSDO having 

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jurisdiction over the area of proposed filming. The 3-day notification may be waived with the 

concurrence of the FSDO. Justification of the exception to the 3-day requirement is required. The 

plan of activities must include at least the following: 

1) Dates and times for all flights. 

2) Name and phone number of person responsible for the filming production event. 

3) Name and phone number of person responsible for the aircraft. 

4) Make, model, and serial or N-number of aircraft to be used and type of 

airworthiness certificate, including category. 

5) Name and certificate number of pilots involved in the filming production event, 

including any notation of external load endorsements or aerobatic competency, if required. 

6) A statement that the waiver holder 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 from the waiver holder. 

7) Signature of waiver holder or representative. 

8) 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 operation. 

F. Permission to Operate. The motion picture and television operations manual will 

specify requirements and procedures for the pilot/operator to obtain permission from property 

owners and/or local officials (e.g., police, sheriff, fire departments) as appropriate for the 

conduct of all operations when operating under the provision of the waiver. 

G. Security. The applicant will specify the method of security that will be provided to 

exclude all persons not directly involved with the operation from the location. In the interest of 

safety, provisions will be made to stop activities when unauthorized persons, vehicles, or aircraft 

enter the operations area, or for any other reason. If security is not needed “Not Applicable” 

should be entered. 

H. Briefing of Pilot/Production Personnel. Procedures will be included to brief 

participating personnel of the risks involved, emergency procedures, and safeguards to be 

followed during the filming production event. Personnel will also be briefed on additional 

provisions that may be issued by the FSDO that has geographic responsibility for the operational 

area, including the location of boundaries or time limits. The briefing shall cover: 

• Authorization for motion picture and television certificate of waiver and the 

attached special provisions, 

• Operations manual, 

• Plan of Activities, 

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• Aircraft parking and starting, 

• Taxi procedures, 

• Radio communications, 

• Takeoff procedures, 

• Aviation activities to be conducted during the filming production event, 

• Approach and landing procedures, 

• Recall procedures, 

• Emergency procedures, 

• Risks to participating personnel, and 

• How to control nonparticipating persons. 

I. Certification/Airworthiness. The aircraft may be certificated in any category, 

including experimental, provided the requirements of 14 CFR §§ 91.313, 91.319, and 91.203 are 

met. Procedures shall be included to ensure that aircraft inspections will be in accordance with 

the applicable parts of part 43, 91, or the assigned operating limitations. 

J. Pilot Personnel—Minimum Requirements. The pilot/operator shall establish and 

specify the minimum pilot requirements. Minimum requirements shall meet or exceed the 

following: 

1) A current U.S. Commercial pilot certificate with ratings appropriate to the 

category, class, and type (if applicable) of aircraft to be used under the terms of the waiver. 

2) At least 500 hours logged as the PIC and at least 20 hours logged as the PIC in the 

aircraft type. 

3) A minimum of 100 hours in the category and class of aircraft to be used. 

4) A minimum of 5 hours in the make and model aircraft to be used under the 

waiver. 

5) In the event that the 1,500-foot minimum standard contained in 

14 CFR § 91.303(e) is to be waived, the pilot performing aerobatic maneuvers must hold FAA 

Form 8710-7, Statement of Acrobatic Competency, to perform the operations. 

6) In the event the operation to be conducted contains elements of an external-load 

operation, whether fixed or rotary wing operations, pilots used in the operation shall be qualified. 

This qualification may be obtained through a knowledge test (which may be oral and/or written) 

and/or skill. The inspector or another company pilot approved by the geographically responsible 

FSDO who is qualified to carry loads externally will give the test(s) which are similar to part 133 

requirements and cover the following subjects: 

a) Steps to be taken before starting operations, including a survey of the flight 

area. 

b) Proper method of loading, rigging, or attaching the external-load. 

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c) Aircraft performance capabilities under motion picture operating procedures 

and the aircraft flight manual. 

d) Proper instructions for flight and ground crew personnel. 

e) Aircraft flight manual, pilot operations handbook, or a rotorcraft-load 

combination flight manual and limitations, if appropriate. 

K. Communications. The operations manual must contain procedures to provide 

communications capability to all participants during the actual operation and filming. The 

communications must be able to keep all the participants apprised of the current status of the 

operation. 

L. Accident Notification. The operations manual must contain procedures for 

notification and reporting of accidents, notifying National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) 

14 CFR part 830, and protection of the accident scene. 

M. Recall/Stop Procedures. The applicant can use radio communications, oral, visual, 

or any combination acceptable to the Administrator as long as it keeps the participants 

continuously apprised of the current status of the operation. 

N. Aerobatic Competency. If the filming operations require the issuance of FAA 

Form 8710-7, Statement of Acrobatic Competency, refer to Volume 5, Chapter 9, 

Issue/Renew/Rescind a Statement of Acrobatic Competency. 

3-215 REVIEW FAA FORM 7711-2. Pertinent items are discussed below for clarity and 

uniformity. The application should be reviewed upon receipt for obvious discrepancies. The 

reviewing office must not alter the information submitted by the applicant on FAA Form 7711-2. 

A. Items 1 and 2. If the applicant is a representative of an organization, the 

organization’s name shall appear in Item 1. The name of the individual and his/her position or 

authority to represent the organization (e.g., the responsible person) shall appear in Item 2. If the 

applicant is not representing others, the indication, N/A, shall be entered in Item 1 and the 

applicant’s name entered in Item 2. 

B. Item 4—14 CFR Sections Requested Waived. In many instances, the applicant does 

not know, or is not sure, which sections of 14 CFR are involved. A meeting with the applicant 

before acceptance of the application may be necessary. 

C. Item 5—Description of Operation. Using the term motion picture and television 

filming to describe the type of operation is sufficient for the applicant. 

D. Item 6—Area of Operation. Describe the geographical area of operations desired. A 

detailed description of any city, town, county, and/or state over which the filming production 

event operation must be submitted. 

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E. Item 7—Beginning and Ending Dates. The applicant must list the beginning date 

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not exceed 24-calendar-months. In cases involving one-time operations where an alternate date 

has not been indicated, the inspector should advise the applicant to request an alternate date in 

order to save time and unnecessary paperwork. 

F. Item 8—Aircraft and Pilot Information. When FAA Form 7711-2 for authorization 

of motion picture and television operation is submitted, the applicant may not know the names of 

the pilots or the aircraft to be used in a particular operation. The application may be accepted 

with a notation in item 8 that a list will be provided along with the Plan of Activities. 

G. Item 9—Sponsorship. Not required. 

H. Item 10—Permanent Mailing Address of Sponsor. Not required. 

I. Item 11—Policing. Although it may be desirable, there is no specific requirement for 

the use of uniformed police or security guards. The need for special policing depends upon 

several factors. 

1) If fencing is used for crowd control, there may be little need for special 

crowd-control personnel. On the other hand, if the sponsor intends merely to cordon off the 

designated areas with rope, it might be necessary to have special crowd-control personnel. 

2) It must be remembered that it is not the FAA’s responsibility to control the crowd 

or to decide who can serve to police the filming production event. 

3) In every case, the applicant should be advised that it is his/her responsibility to 

ensure that all reasonable efforts are made to confine spectators to designated areas. If reasonable 

efforts have been taken and unauthorized persons or vehicles enter the operational area where 

maneuvers are being performed during the filming production event, the pilot/operators must halt 

the operation, and efforts must be made to remove them. All parties involved in the production 

and the inspector shall use good judgment when determining whether it is necessary to halt a 

filming production event to protect persons on the ground. 

J. Item 12—Emergency Facilities. Emergency facilities have also caused problems for 

production companies. As discussed previously, the application form serves as an all-purpose 

form, and, therefore, contains items that may or may not be appropriate to emergency facilities. 

Some applications have been denied because the boxes for physician, ambulance, and fire truck 

were not filled in. Every filming production event sponsor should be encouraged to provide 

emergency medical service even though this service is not normally necessary. A physician or a 

rescue squad, paramedics, or emergency medical technicians may be sufficient. Normally, the 

following rules of thumb are adequate. 

1) Physician. Except for events that are a great distance (in a ground vehicle) from a 

hospital or medical clinic, an emergency rescue squad, paramedics, emergency medical 

technicians, or a first-aid station can be substituted for a physician. 

2) Ambulance. If an emergency rescue squad is provided, an ambulance should also 

be provided. If there is a physician in attendance, any vehicle acceptable to the physician for 

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emergency transportation is sufficient. In fact, many communities rely on a sheriff’s or local law 

enforcement officer’s vehicle as their only means of ambulance service. 

3) Fire Truck. For the most part, the presence of a fire truck at a filming production 

event is for the benefit of the performers, not the spectators. If the performers are willing to 

accept a pickup truck with hand-held fire extinguishers, the FAA should not demand that the 

sponsor provide a bona fide fire truck with trained firefighters. 

4) Crash Wagon. Many locations where events are conducted do not have crash 

wagons available. If they are not available, the FAA should not require a sponsor to obtain one 

from a facility that might be hundreds of miles away. Again, crash wagons serve the performers, 

not the public. 

5) Other. A sponsor seldom needs to fill in this block. The following is an example 

of how the “Other” block might prove useful. In one filming production event, the sponsor had a 

helicopter and pilot continually ready for emergency transportation of spectators or performers 

who might be injured or who become ill during the filming production event. Additionally, a 

military-trained firefighter and medic was standing by the helicopter with extinguishers in case 

one of the aircraft had an accident anywhere in the operating area. In this particular case, by 

describing this other emergency facility, the applicant could have been relieved of having to 

show anything in the preceding blocks. 

K. Item 13—Air Traffic Control (ATC). Not required. 

L. Item 14—Plan of Activities. The FAA must see a Plan of Activities in order to 

evaluate the application. For the purpose of reviewing the application, the schedule does not need 

to be detailed. It should contain at least a general description of the types of events for the 

filming production event and their sequence during the filming production event. 

1) The applicant must specify a date before the filming production event when 

he/she will provide a schedule of events. The schedule of events must list the identification of the 

aircraft and the performers in the sequence of their appearance. This list becomes a part of the 

official authorization of motion picture and television area of operation and waiver package. At 

the filming production event the scheduled order of events on the waiver may change because of 

weather, mechanical problems, etc. Such changes must be coordinated with the FSDO that issued 

the authorization and/or waiver. 

2) Any maneuvers added to the schedule of events will require FAA approval and 

should be submitted to the jurisdictional FSDO at the earliest opportunity. Cancellation of events 

does not require advance notice. 

M. Item 15—Signature Block. The responsible party must sign this block. 

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3-216 PREREQUISITES AND COORDINATION REQUIREMENTS. 

A. Prerequisites. This task requires knowledge of the regulatory requirements of 

14 CFR part 91 and FAA policies and qualification as an aviation safety inspector 

(ASI-operations). 

B. Coordination. This task may require coordination with the airworthiness unit within 

the district office, other district offices, regional offices, headquarters, the Aircraft Maintenance 

Division (AFS-300), or appropriate air traffic facilities, and the General Aviation and 

Commercial Division (AFS-800). 

3-217 REFERENCES, FORMS, AND JOB AIDS. 

A. References. (current edition): 

• Title 14 CFR parts 1, 21, 43, 61, 91, and 133. 

• PTRS Procedures Manual (PPM). 

B. Forms. 

• FAA Form 7711-1, Certificate of Waiver or Authorization (Figure 3-53). 

• FAA Form 7711-2, Application for Certificate of Waiver or Authorization 

(Figure 3-52). 

• FAA Form 8000-36, Program Tracking and Reporting Subsystem Data Sheet. 

• FAA Form, 8710-7, Statement of Aerobatic Competency. 

C. Job Aids. Sample letters and figures. 

3-218 PROCEDURES. 

A. Determine if FAA Form 7711-2 is required. Refer to paragraph 3-37. 

1) If an FAA Form 7711-1 is not required, terminate the task. 

2) If an FAA Form 7711-1 is required: 

a) Provide the applicant with a copy of FAA Form 7711-2 (Figure 3-52), 

Instructions for Completion of FAA Form 7711-2 (Figure 3-54), and 14 CFR part 91 motion 

picture and television operations manual development guide (Figure 3-56). 

b) Advise the applicant to complete items 1 through 15, as applicable, on FAA 

Form 7711-2. 

NOTE: Item numbers 9, 10, 13, and 14 are not required for motion picture and 

television application of Certificate of Waiver or Authorization. 

c) Advise the applicant that the application must be submitted to the FSDO at 

least 45 days prior to the filming production event. 

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3) If the applicant is also applying for a waiver of 14 CFR § 91.303(b) through (d) 

for a one-time event: 

a) Advise the applicant that items 1 through 15 (except items 9, 10, 13, and 14) 

on FAA Form 7711-2 must be completed. 

b) Advise the applicant that the application must be submitted to the FSDO at 

least 45 days prior to the filming production event. 

c) Advise the applicant that a motion picture and television filming operations 

manual must be prepared and submitted to the FSDO for review at least 45 days before the 

planned filming production event. 

B. Open PTRS. 

C. Receipt of FAA Form 7711-2 and Motion Picture and Television Operations 

Manual, if Appropriate. Using the information provided by the applicant and the background in 

section 1, review FAA Form 7711-2 and the operations manual for all pertinent information for 

the proposed filming production event. Accept strikeovers that are minor in nature and initialed 

by the applicant. Items 9, 10, 13, and 14 do not need to be completed for motion picture and 

television applications. The following is a guide for reviewing the completed Form 7711-2. 

1) Items 1 and 2—Name of Organization/Name of Responsible Person. Ensure that 

the applicant has indicated the name of the organization or individual applying and the name of a 

person responsible for matters concerning the application. 

2) Item 3—Permanent Mailing Address. Ensure that the applicant has indicated the 

Permanent-mailing address of the organization or individual named in Item 1. 

3) Item 4—14 CFR Sections to be Waive. Ensure that the applicant has listed all 

sections of the regulations that need to be waived with regard to the filming production event. 

4) Item 5—Description of Operations. Ensure that the applicant has indicated the 

type of motion picture and/or television filming production event to be conducted. 

5) Item 6—Area of Operations. 

a) Ensure that the applicant has listed the specific locations and altitudes of the 

proposed filming production event. 

b) Ensure that the area of operation is within the jurisdiction of the district office. 

6) Item 7—Time Period. 

a) Ensure that a beginning date and hour and an ending date and hour for the 

filming production event has been indicated. 

b) Ensure that the time period indicated does not exceed 24 calendar-months. 

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7) Item 8—Aircraft and Pilots. Check for aircraft make and model, pilot names, and 

certificate numbers. Item 8 may be accepted with a statement, “A list containing aircraft and 

pilot information will be furnished on (applicant enters the specific date).” 

8) Items 9 and 10—Sponsorship. Not required. 

9) Item 11—Security. Ensure that the applicant has described provisions for policing 

the filming production event, if policing is necessary. 

10) Item 12—Emergency Facilities. Ensure that the applicant marked all items that 

will be available at the time and place of the event. 

11) Item 12—Air Traffic Control. Not required. 

12) Item 14—Schedule of Events. Not required. 

13) Item 15—Certification. Ensure that the applicant has signed and dated FAA 

Form 7711-2 and each attachments to the application. 

14) If FAA Form 7711-2 has not been completed: 

a) List the reasons for disapproval in the “Remarks” section of FAA 

Form 7711-2. 

b) Prepare a letter of disapproval of application (Figure 3-57) with a suspense 

date for submission of a corrected FAA Form 7711-2. 

c) Retain a copy of the application for future comparison. 

d) Return the application, operations manual, if appropriate, and the letter of 

disapproval to the applicant. 

e) Make appropriate PTRS entries. 

15) If FAA Form 7711-2 has been completed: 

a) Prepare FAA Form 7711-1 if an operations manual is not required. 

b) If an operations manual is required and has been submitted, review the 

operations manual. 

D. Review Operations Manual. Ensure that the operations manual contains the items 

discussed in paragraph 3-214. 

1) If the manual is unsatisfactory: 

a) Contact the applicant and explain areas of the operations manual that need to 

be corrected. 

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b) Prepare a letter of non-acceptance of the manual (Figure 3-58) with a suspense 

date for submission of the corrected operations manual. 

c) Mark the “Disapproved” block of FAA Form 7711-2, list reasons for the 

disapproval in the “Remarks” section of FAA Form 7711-2, and sign and date in the “Action” 

block of FAA Form 7711-2. 

d) Retain a copy of the operations manual for future comparison. 

e) Return the application, one copy of the operations manual, and the letter of 

non-acceptance to the applicant. 

2) If the manual is satisfactory: 

a) Mark the Approved block on FAA Form 7711-2, and sign and date in the 

action block of FAA Form 7711-2. 

b) Prepare a letter of acceptance of an operations manual (Figure 3-59). 

c) Continue with the task. 

E. Aerobatic Competency. Determine if FAA Form 8710-7 is required. 

1) If the pilot/operator has requested a waiver of 14 CFR § 91.303(b) through (d), 

FAA Form 8710-7 for motion picture and television filming must be issued. 

2) Refer to Volume 5, Chapter 9, Issue/Renew/Rescind a Statement of Acrobatic 

Competency. 

F. Prepare FAA Form 7711-1. 

1) Fill in the inspector portion of FAA Form 7711-1. 

2) Develop any special provisions that are not covered in the applicant’s operations 

manual. 

3) If 14 CFR § 91.303 or 91.515 is to be waived, refer to paragraphs 3-154 

and 3-155 for additional provisions that may be required. 

4) Submit FAA Form 7711-1 to the FSDO manager, or designated representative, 

for his/her signature. The designated representative may be no lower then the operations unit 

supervisor. 

5) Prepare a reminder notice/letter (Figure 3-60) to the waiver holder reminding 

him/her that a plan of activities must be submitted and accepted before each filming production 

event, including any special provisions. 

G. District Office File. 

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1) Prepare a district office file on the applicant that includes, but is not limited to, a 

copy of the following documents: 

• FAA Form 7711-1 and the special provisions, 

• FAA Form 7711-2, 

• Operations manual, 

• Notice/letter of disapproval of application (FAA Form 7711-2), 

• Notice/letter of nonacceptance of the operations manual or 

• Notice/letter of acceptance of the operations manual, 

• Notice/letter of reminder and, 

• Any other documents of correspondence. 

2) Send the original of the following documents to the applicant: 

• FAA Form 7711-1, 

• FAA Form 7711-2, 

• accepted motion picture and television operations manual, 

• Notice/letter of acceptance of the operations manual, and 

• Notice/letter of reminder. 

H. Close PTRS. Make appropriate PTRS entries. 

I. Vital Information Subsystem (VIS). Establish a part 91 pilot/operator VIS record, if 

appropriate. 

3-219 TASK OUTCOMES. Completion of this task results in one or more of the following: 

• Issuance of a certificate of waiver, 

• An accepted operations manual, 

• Letter of acceptance of the operations manual, 

• Letter of reminder to submit a plan of activities, 

• Part 91 VIS record, 

• Issuance of Statement of Acrobatic Competency Card, if required, 

• Disapproval of an application, and 

• A letter of nonacceptance of the operations manual. 

3-220 FUTURE ACTIVITIES. 

• Reissue a Certificate of Waiver, 

• Cancellation of a Certificate of Waiver, 

• Review proposed revisions to the operations manual, 

• Review the pilot/operator’s plan of activities, 

• Surveillance of any operations approved by the certificate of waiver (volume 3, 

chapter 2), 

• Possible enforcement investigation, 

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• Take part in an investigation as a result of an accident, incident, or violation of the 

regulations, and 

• Rescind FAA Form 8710-7 or require re-evaluation. 

RESERVED. Paragraphs 3-221 through 3-235. 

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Figure 3-52, FAA Form 7711-2, Application for Certification of Waiver or Authorization 

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Figure 3-53, FAA Form 7711-1, Certificate of Waiver or Authorization 

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Figure 3-54, Instructions for Completion of FAA Form 7711-2 

1. PREPARING FAA FORM 7711-2. Items from FAA Form 7711-2 are discussed below for 

purposes of clarity and uniformity of its use. However, not all items on the form may be 

applicable to the application request. Items 9 through 14 apply to airshow and air race waiver 

requests only. 

a. Items 1 and 2—Name of Organization/Name of Responsible Person. If you are a 

representative of an organization, then the organization’s name should appear in Item 1. 

Your name and title or position, as the organization’s representative, for application 

purposes should appear in Item 2. If you are not representing an organization, the term 

“N/A” should be entered in Item 1 and your name in Item 2. 

b. Item 3—Permanent Mailing Address. Self-explanatory. 

c. Item 4—14 CFR Section and Number To Be Waived. All applicable 14 CFR sections 

and numbers that are to be waived for the operation to be conducted must be listed in this 

item. If you are unsure which 14 CFR sections will need to be waived, contact the FSDO 

for guidance. 

d. Item 5—Detailed Description of Proposed Operations. It is sufficient to use the term 

“pipeline patrol,” “powerline patrol,” etc., for a description. However, additional detailed 

information may be included. 

e. Item 6—Area of Operation. A detailed description of any city, town, county, and/or 

state over which the operations will be conducted and the minimum altitude essential to 

accomplish the operation should be included in this item. The routes for powerline/

pipeline operations must be depicted in cartographic or photographic form. This depiction 

should include every community, settlement, stadium, or other common gathering place 

located either side of the route. The depiction should also include the areas where 

powerlines and phone lines or any other obstructions cross the route. 

f. Item 7—Time Period. List the beginning dates and hours and the ending dates and hours 

the operation will be conducted. Maximum time period for operations is 24 

calendar-months (e.g., June 12, 1996 to June 30, 1998), except for NAFTA operations, in 

which the maximum time period for operations is 12 calendar-months. The application 

should be submitted to the FSDO at least 45 days before the beginning date of the 

operation. For a onetime operation, consideration should be given to alternate dates. A 

request for alternate dates may prevent a delay and/or unnecessary paperwork. These 

alternate dates should be included in this item. 

g. Item 8—Aircraft Make and Model. List the names of all pilots, their certificate 

numbers and ratings, full home address, and all aircraft by make and model that will be 

used in the operation. If the type of aircraft and/or the names of the pilots are not known 

at the time the application is submitted, the FAA will accept the application with the 

statement, “A list containing aircraft and/or pilot information will be furnished on [insert 

date.]” 

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h. Item 9—Sponsorship. Not required. 

i. Item 10—Permanent Mailing Address of Sponsor. Not required. 

j. Item 11—Policing. Not required. 

k. Item 12—Emergency Facilities. Not required. 

l. Item 13—Air Traffic Control. Not required. 

m. Item 14—Schedule of Events. Not required. 

n. Item 15—Certification. As the applicant or an organization’s representative, you must 

sign in this block and on each page of the application. 

Figure 3-55, Sample Motion Picture and Television Operations Manual Special Provisions 

The following special provisions are provided for reference only and may be selected and/or 

modified as determined by the issuing FSDO. 

The certificate holder must adhere to the motion picture and television operations manual. 

The controls, procedures, and conditions set forth in the (insert name of company) motion picture 

and television operations manual is the primary assurance that persons on the surface will not be 

jeopardized. This is the basis for issuance of the authorization and/or waiver. Therefore, failure 

to comply with the provisions of the manual will be considered a violation of the terms of the 

authorization and/or waiver and may constitute justification for cancellation of the authorization 

and/or waiver. 

The aircraft and pilots used under this authorization and/or waiver will only be those specified in 

the (insert name of pilots and/or operators) motion picture and television operations manual or 

associated plan of activities. Each pilot’s name, and certificate number shall appear on each daily 

plan of activity. 

All civil aircraft and pilot(s) participating in the activity shall be available for FAA inspection 

before the scheduled event. 

The FAA has the authority to cancel or delay some or all participants or events if, in its opinion, 

the safety of persons or property on the ground or in the air is in jeopardy, or there is a 

contravention of the terms of the authorization and/or waiver. 

Authority to deviate from the regulations is limited to the specific regulations shown on the 

Authorization of motion picture and television FAA Form 7711-1, Certificate of Waiver or 

Authorization. 

All flight operations conducted under the authorization of this waiver will be performed in 

accordance with 14 CFR § 91.155, basic VFR weather minimums, except as provided in the 

waiver holder’s motion picture and television operations manual, Special Provisions, Aerobatics. 

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Aircraft may not be flown along a path that would require excessive maneuvering to avoid 

nonparticipating persons on the surface in the event of an emergency. 

The holder of this manual shall ensure that each pilot-in-command conducting operations 

authorized under this certificate understands the conditions of issuance, and that it constitutes a 

waiver of (insert applicable regulations (e.g., 14 CFR §§ 91.119(b) and (c), 91.303(e), 

and 91.515)). 

Section 91.119(b) is waived only with respect to participating persons, vehicles, and structures 

directly involved in the performance of the actual filming. Flight operations closer than 500 feet 

(200 feet, if authorized) or over flight of a group of nonparticipating persons at less than 

1,000 feet AGL are prohibited. 

Rotorcraft takeoff and landing areas must be protected in a manner that will prevent 

unauthorized persons from entering the helipad area. The helipads must be located so the aircraft 

will not pass over nonparticipating personnel during takeoff and landing. 

In the event of an accident considered to be the result of an event deficiency or procedure, flight 

operations will be canceled until the deficiency has been corrected and the correction accepted 

by the FSDO responsible for the geographic area in which the activity occurred. 

The holder of the authorization and/or waiver shall ensure that the participating persons involved 

in the operations are thoroughly briefed on special procedures, communications, emergency 

procedures, and on the provisions of the authorization and/or waiver before beginning the 

activities. This requirement applies to all persons within 500 feet of the aircraft during waived 

activity. No person may participate in any event unless that person has received a briefing on the 

provisions of the waiver. 

The holder of the (insert name of company) motion picture and television operations manual 

shall maintain primary responsibility for safeguarding persons and property on the surface. 

The certificate holder must submit 3 days prior to scheduled filming, a written Plan of Activities 

to the FSDO having jurisdiction over the area of proposed filming. The 3-day notification may 

be waived with the concurrence of the FSDO. Justification of the exception to the 3-day 

requirement is required. 

Aircraft operated under this authorization and/or waiver will have on board an airworthiness 

certificate appropriate for the operations being conducted. 

Revision # (if appropriate) 

_ _ _ FSDO Movie Manual Special Provisions 

(enter date of issue) 

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Figure 3-56, Title 14 CFR Part 91 Motion Picture and Television Operations Manual 

Development Guide 

Each motion picture and television operations manual must contain at least the following items, 

although it is not restricted to these items. 

1. Pilot and/or Operator Organization. 

2. Pilot and/or operator name, address, and telephone number of applicant. 

3. List of pilots to be used during the filming, including their pilot certificate numbers. This 

information may be placed in the Plan of Activities. The list must include special pilot 

authorizations or endorsements (aerobatic, external load, etc.), if applicable. 

4. List of aircraft by make, model, serial or registration number. This information shall be placed 

in the Plan of Activities. 

5. Distribution and Revision. 

(a) Procedures for revising the motion picture and television operations manual to ensure that 

all manuals are kept current. A list of effective pages may be appropriate. 

(b) Revisions for the accepted motion picture and television operations manual should be 

forwarded to the FSDO at least 15 days before the proposed effective date. 

6. Persons Authorized. The motion picture and television operations manual must include 

procedures to ensure that no persons, except those persons consenting to be involved and 

necessary for the filming production, are allowed within 500 feet of the filming production area. 

This provision may be reduced to no less than 200 feet in the event that a suitable, equivalent 

level of safety can be achieved. An equivalent level of safety may be determined by evaluation 

of the filming production area and the degree of terrain features, buildings etc. that will provide a 

safety barrier to observers. 

7. Area of Operations. The motion picture and television operations manual must define the area 

(city, state or states, etc.) that will be used during the term of the authorization and/or waiver. 

8. Plan of Activities. The motion picture and television operations manual must include 

procedures for the submission, 3 days prior to scheduled filming, which includes a written Plan 

of Activities, to the local FSDO having jurisdiction over an area of proposed filming. At the 

discretion of the FSDO, the 3-day notification may be waived. Justification of the exception to 

the 3-day requirement is needed. The manual shall indicate acknowledgment of the requirement 

for FAA acceptance of the Plan of Activities prior to beginning filming operations. The Plan of 

Activities must include at least the following: 

(a) Dates and times for all flights. 

(b) Name and phone number of person responsible for the filming production event. 

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(c) Make, model, and serial number or registration number of aircraft to be used and type 

of airworthiness certificate, including category. 

(d) Names and certificate numbers of pilots involved in the filming production event. 

(e) A statement that permission has been obtained from property owners and/or local 

officials to conduct the filming production event. 

(f) Signature of waiver holder or a designated representative. 

(g) A general outline or summary of the flight activity schedule, including maps or 

diagrams of the specific filming location, if necessary. 

9. Permission to Operate. The motion picture and television operations manual shall specify 

requirements and procedures that the waiver holder will use to obtain permission from property 

owners and/or local officials (e.g., police, sheriff, fire departments) as appropriate for the 

conduct of all filming operations when using the waiver. 

10. Security. The manual must specify the method of security that will be used to exclude all 

persons not directly involved with the operation from the location. This should also include 

procedures that will be used to stop activities when unauthorized persons, vehicles, or aircraft 

enter the operations area, or for any other reason, in the interest of safety. 

11. Briefing of Pilot/Production Personnel. Procedures must be included to brief personnel of the 

risks involved, emergency procedures, and safeguards to be followed during the filming 

production event. Personnel will also be briefed on any additional provisions that may be issued 

by the local FSDO, including the location of boundaries or any other time limits. 

12. Certification/Airworthiness. Procedures must be included to ensure that inspections will be in 

accordance with 14 CFR parts 43 and 91 and applicable operating limitations. The aircraft to be 

used may be certificated in any category, including experimental, provided the requirements of 

part 91, §§ 91.7, 91.9, and 91.203 are met. 

13. Pilot Personnel—Minimum Requirements. The pilot/operator must establish and specify the 

minimum pilot requirements. Minimum requirements should meet or exceed the following: 

(a) A current U.S. Commercial Pilot certificate with ratings appropriate to the category and 

class aircraft to be used under the terms of the waiver. 

(b) At least 500 hours logged as PIC and 20 hours of PIC in the aircraft type. 

(c) A minimum of 100 hours in the category and class of aircraft to be used. 

(d) A minimum of 5 hours in the make and model aircraft to be used under the waiver. 

(e) In the event that the 1,500-foot minimum standard contained in § 91.303(d) is to be 

waived, the pilot performing aerobatic maneuvers must hold an FAA Form 8710-7, Statement of 

Acrobatic Competency, for the operations to be performed. 

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(f) In the event the operation to be conducted contains elements of an external-load 

operation, whether fixed-wing or rotary operations, pilots used in the operation shall be qualified. 

This qualification may be obtained through a test of knowledge (which may be oral or written) 

and/or skill. A FAA inspector will give the test(s) or another company pilot approved by the 

FSDO and who is qualified to carry loads externally. These tests will be similar to 14 CFR 

part 133 requirements and cover the following subjects: 

• Steps to be taken before starting operations, including a survey of the flight area. 

• Proper method of loading, rigging, or attaching the external-load. 

• Aircraft performance capabilities under motion picture operating procedures and the 

Aircraft Flight Manual. 

• Proper instructions for flight and ground crew personnel. 

• Aircraft flight manual, pilot operations handbook, or a rotorcraft-load combination 

flight manual, and limitations, if appropriate. 

14. Communications. The motion picture and television flight operations manual must contain 

procedures to provide communications capability with all participants during the actual operation 

and filming. The applicant can use oral, visual, or radio communications as along as it keeps the 

participants continuously apprised of the current status of the operation. 

15. Accident Notification. The motion picture and television flight operations manual must 

contain procedures for notification and reporting of accidents. 

Figure 3-57, Sample Letter of Disapproval of an Application 

FAA Letterhead 

[date] 

[applicant’s name and address] 

Dear [applicant’s name]: 

This letter informs you that the application you submitted on [indicate date] has been 

disapproved for the reasons listed in the “Remarks” section of FAA Form 7711-2. 

Please make the corrections noted and return to this office within 15 days of receipt of this letter. 

If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact this office at the following 

telephone number [indicate number]. 

Sincerely, 

[principal operations inspector’s signature] 

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Figure 3-58, Sample Letter of Non-acceptance of a Flight Operations Manual 

FAA Letterhead 

[date] 

[pilot/operator’s name and address] 

Dear [pilot/operator name]: 

This letter informs you that the motion picture and television flight operations manual submitted 

on [indicate date] has been determined unacceptable for the following reasons: 

[list all reasons for non-acceptance] 

Please make the corrections noted, and resubmit to this office within 15 days of receipt of this 

letter. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact this office during regular business hours at 

the following telephone number [indicate number]. 

Sincerely, 

[principal operations inspector’s signature] 

Figure 3-59, Sample Letter of Acceptance of a Flight Operations Manual 

FAA Letterhead 

[date] 

[pilot/operator’s name and address] 

Dear [pilot/operator’s name] 

This letter informs you that the motion picture and television flight operations manual submitted 

on [indicate date] has been accepted. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact this office during regular business hours at 

the following telephone number [indicate number]. 

Sincerely, 

[principal operations inspector’s signature] 

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Figure 3-60, Sample Letter of Reminder 

FAA Letterhead 

[date] 

[pilot/operator’s name and address] 

Dear [pilot/operator’s name]: 

This letter is a reminder that a plan of activities must be submitted, as outlined in your accepted 

motion picture and television flight operations manual, to the local Flight Standards District 

Office (FSDO) having jurisdiction over the area of proposed filming. 

The plan of activities must be submitted at least 3 days before actual filming begins. 

If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact this office at the following 

telephone number [indicate number]. 

Sincerely, 

[principal operations inspector’s signature]