Southern	Aero Cam

Motion	Picture

And	Television

Operations	Manual

(MPTOM)

Volume 1

April,	2015	

THIS	MANUAL	MUST	BE	AVAILABLE	TO	THE PILOT

WHILE	FLIGHT	OPERATIONS	ARE	BEINGCONDUCTED

DAYTIME	VFR ONLY

BELOW	400’ AGL

WITHIN	VISUAL RANGE
TABLE	OF CONTENTS:

Chapter 1 Before	Accepting	an Assignment

Define	the Objective

UAV	Operational Limitations

FAR	Procedural Limitations

Company	Operating Procedures

Letter	of Agreement

Chapter 2 Safety Considerations

Safety of Non---Participants and Property	

Non---Participant Proximity

Safety	of	Talent	and Crew

Environmental Factors

National	Airspace Awareness

ForeFlight Software

PIC	Personal Limits

PIC	Personal	Weather Minimums

IMSAFE Checklist

Chapter 3 Operational	Limitations

Daytime	Only Operations		

VFR	Weather	Conditions Only

Cloud	Clearance Minimums

Visual	Line	of	Sight (VLOS)

Maximum Altitude

Maximum	Horizontal	Distance	from	the PIC

Maximum Speed

Chapter 4 PIC Requirements

FAA	License Requirements

Medical	 Certificate		

Airman Currency

UAV Multi---Rotor Hour Requirements	

UAV Multi---Rotor Currency
Chapter		5 UAV Multi---Rotor Specifications

Design Characteristics

Flight			 Controller				

GPS Module

LED	Module

Ground Controller

Controller	FrequencyDetermination

Batteries

Gross Weight

Design	Safety Considerations

Chapter 6 Flight Procedures

Multi---Rotor Checklist

GPS		Home		Location	 Acquisition					

Minimum	Satellite	Reception	for	GPS Flight

Flight	in	Attitude Mode

Flight	in	Manual Mode

Flight Duration

Battery	Reserve Minimums

Low	Voltage	Visual Alarm

Low	Voltage	Aural Alarm

Low Voltage Thrust Range Alarm	

Post---Flight Battery Check	

Transmitter Voltage Display

Chapter 7 Aircraft Maintenance

Responsibility	for	Airworthy Condition

Aircraft	Maintenance Logbook

Software Updates

Manufacturer’s	Scheduled Maintenance

Motor		Replacement Schedule		

Propeller	Maintenance	&Replacement

Test	Flight	Following	Alterations	orMaintenance

Return	to	Service	Log Entry

Battery	Monitoring	and Replacement
Chapter 8 Aircraft Numbering

N---Number Location and Size

Owner Contact Information

Chapter 9 Permission	for	Flight Operations

Landowner	 Permission			

Appropriate	Governmental Agencies

Ships	or	other Vessels

Vehicles

Structure Inhabitants

Safety Abort

Chapter 10 Operations	near	Airports	or Potential	

Aircraft	Traffic Conflicts

Absolute	Situational Awareness

ForeFlight Software

Airport	Manager Permission

NOTAM Request

FSDO	Coordination

Vertical	Operation Limits

Right	of Way

Minimum	Time Aloft

Chapter 11 Deviations	and Accidents

Deviation Reporting

Accident	or	Personal	InjuryReporting
Chapter 1

Before	Accepting	an Assignment

Define	the Objective

When	discussing	a	possible	flight	with	a	client,	the	objective	for the

flight	must	be	made	clear.	Both	the	client	and	PIC	must	becomfortable

with	the	goals	and	limitations	of	the operation.

What	is	the	footage	to	be	used	for?	What	kinds	of	shots	are required?

From	what	distance,	at	what	focal	length	and	how	long	do	the shots

need	to	be.	Can	you	remain	aloft	long	enough	to	get	the	requiredshots?

If	the	client	requires	operations	that	our	UAV	and	crew cannot

reasonably	be	expected	to	undertake,	a	handoff	to	a	larger	UAV or

manned	aircraft	is indicated.

UAV	Operational Limitations

Company	UAVs	have	a	limited	flight	time,	maximum	payload	andlimited

camera	and	gimbal	functionality.	Flight	operations	must	be designed

within	the	limitations	of	the	aircraft	andaccessories.

FAR	Procedural Limitations

Statutory	regulations	for	UAV	operations	and	limitations	contained in

the	Grant	of	Exemption placemultiple restrictions	on	flight	operations.	

During	initial	client consultations, these	limitations	must	be	clearly	

communicated.	If	the client’s requirements	exceed	any	of	these	

limitations,	the	operation	musteither be	declined	or	modified	to	

comply	with	the	operating	restrictions	inthe Grant	of	Exemption.

Company	Operating Procedures

Company	Operating	Procedures	as	outlined	in	this	manual	must be

followed	to	insure	a	safe	environment	for	flight	operations	andcomply

with	the	terms	of	the Grant	of	Exemption.
Letter	of Agreement

A	signed	Letter	of	Agreement	must	be	obtained	prior	to	any flight

operations.	The	letter	explains	the	company	policies	regarding safety,

weather	minimums,	PIC	and	UAV	limitations	as	well	as	FAAoperational

restrictions.
Chapter 2

Safety Considerations

Safety of Non---Participants and Property

The safety of non---participants and property is the highest mission	

priority.		All operations must be conducted in such a manner as to	

reduce the risk of injury or property damage.

Non---Participant Proximity

UAV flight closer than 500 feet from non---participants is prohibited.	Non---

participants are permitted closer than 500 feet provided they are	

protected by structure that would completely shield them from a direct	

UAV strike in the event of an in---flight loss of control.		A car or house	

might provide such protection.

Safety	of	Talent	and Crew

Talent and Crew should be briefed that UAV operations will occur on set	

before they accept their contract so that they have the opportunity to	

evaluate the risks before arriving on			set.

Before flight operations, the crew will be briefed on the safety	

procedures by the PIC.			Additionally, before each flight, the PIC will	

make a Safety Announcement and explain the details of the flight as well	

as any emergency procedures.		The lost---link recovery area will be	clearly

marked and talent and crew will remain clear of this area during	flight

operations.

Environmental Factors

The	PIC	has	the	sole	authority	for	the	safety	of	flight.	Externalfactors

must	not	influence	the	PIC	to	undertake	a	flight	that	is	not	safe	orlegal.

Various	environmental	factors	will	determine	the	feasibility	offlight

operations.		Wind,	including	gusty	conditions,	visibility,	rain,snow,
darkness,	obstacles,	unsecure	set	and	other	factors	must	beevaluated

before	each flight.

It	is	the	sole	duty	of	the	PIC	to	become	aware	of	all environmental

factors	that	will	affect	the	safe	conduct	of	flight.	If	the	flight	cannotbe

safely	conducted	for	any	reason	whatsoever,	the	flight	must	bedelayed,

aborted	or cancelled.

National	Airspace Awareness

The PIC will at all times be completely aware of his location within the	

National Airspace (NAS).			This includes the planned or potential flight	

path of the UAV under his control, including the flight path of a lost---link	

emergency procedure.

Operation	in	Class	A	airspace	is	prohibited.	Operation	in	all other

airspace	is	regulated	by	the	restrictions	specified	in	the	Grant	of	

Exemption issued	by	theFAA.

Additionally,	Flight	Operations	will	not	be	conducted	withinthe

following	distances	from	airports	orheliports:

5	nautical	miles	(NM)	from	an	airport	having	anoperational

control	tower; or

3	NM	from	an	airport	with	a	published	instrumentflight

procedure,	but	not	an	operational	tower; or

2	NM	from	an	airport	without a	published	instrumentflight

procedure	or	an	operational	tower; or

2	NM	from	a	heliport	with	a	published	instrumentflight

procedure

PIC	will	yield	right	of	way	to	all	other	aircraft	operating	in	thevicinity,

manned	or unmanned.

ForeFlight Software

The	PIC	will	determine	his	position	in	the	NAS	using ForeFlight

software.		A	current	subscription	must	be	maintained	on	thePIC’s
handheld	device,	which	must	contain	an	operating	GPS	or	othermeans

of	determining	precise location.

PIC	Personal Limits

The PIC will be aware of his own personal limits.		These limits may	

include proximity to structure or talent, low---level operations,	

perception of the UAV in three---dimensional space, proposed speed or	

difficulty of maneuvering flight or other factors.		The PIC must only	

operate the UAV within the boundaries of his personal limits and	

abilities.		If there is a doubt, the PIC should request a practice flight so	

that a comfort level might be established or an alternate plan might be	

developed.

PIC	Personal	Weather Minimums

The PIC should not attempt a flight in weather conditions that exceed	his

personal minimums.			Wind conditions in the launch and recovery	area

are a prime consideration.			These personal minimums should be	

established in advance using a handheld anemometer to reduce the on---	

set “wishful thinking” that often causes pilots to fly in conditions outside	

of their personal limitations, often with unfortunate results.

IMSAFE Checklist

The	PIC	should	refer	to	the	IMSAFE	checklist	below	before	anyflight

operations.

Illness	– Symptoms

Medication	– Prescription	or OTC

Stress	– Job,	Financial,	Health, Family

Alcohol	– 8/24 hours?

Fatigue	– Adequately Rested

Eating	– AdequatelyNourished
Chapter	3 Operational	

Limitations

Daytime	Only Operations

Flight operations will be conducted during daylight only as defined in

the	Grant	of	Exemption.	Nighttime	flight is prohibited.

VFR	Weather	ConditionsOnly

Flight operations will be conducted with at least 3 statute miles

visibility.

Cloud	Clearance Minimums

Flight	 operations	 will	 be	 conducted	 with	 the	 following	 VFR cloud

clearance	 minimums:	 500’	 below,	 2,000’	 horizontal	 and	 1,000	 	 feet

above.

Visual	Line	of	Sight(VLOS)

Flight	operations	must	be	conducted	by	Visual	Line	of	Sight	(VLOS).The

PIC	or	Visual	Observer	(VO)	may	not	use	any	device	other	than the

corrective	lenses	specified	on	the	PICs	MedicalCertificate.

Maximum Altitude

Flight Operations must be conducted at less than 400’ AGL.		Altitude is	

calculated by the on---board Flight Controller Software using GPS altitude	

calculations.		These calculations reference the takeoff (and return point)	

altitude information.		This information is stored automatically prior to	

flight.

To	insure	compliance	with	the	400’AGL	restriction,	and	to	providean

additional	level	of	safety,	the	maximum	altitude	setting	in	the Flight

Controller	Software	shall	be	set	to	100	meters	(328	feet).		This	willnot
allow	the	PIC	to	command	a	climb	above	328’AGL.	This altitude

restriction	remains	in effect	during	a	lost	control	link	event	sincethe

Flight	Controller	Software	is	located	on	board	theUAS.

Maximum	Horizontal	Distance	from	thePIC

The	 Grant	 of	 Exemption specifies	 VLOS	 as	 the	 only	 horizontal flight

restriction.	Company	Policy	is	to	set	the	maximum	horizontal	 distance

in	the	Flight	Controller	Software	to	200	Meters	(656	feet)	during normal

operations.	This	provides	an	additional	level	of	safety	and	mitigates the

possibility	 of	 radio	 frequency	 interference	 or	 loss	 of	 signal	 strength

from the transmitter.

Maximum Speed

The	maximum	speed	for	Flight	Operations	is	100	MPH	(87	Knots). The

PIC	should	never	operate	the	UAV	at	a	speed	at	which	positive	controlof

the	aircraft	is	in	question.		Additionally,	the	UAV	must	not	be operated		

at	a	speed	in	excess	of	the	manufacturer’srecommendations.

\
Chapter	 4		

PIC Requirements

FAA	License Requirements

The	PIC	shall	hold,	at	a	minimum,	a	Private	Pilot’s	License	issued	by the

Federal	Aviation	Administration (FAA).

Medical Certificate

The	PIC	shall	hold,	at	a	minimum,	a	current	Third	Class Medical

Certificate	issued	by	an	FAA	approved	Airman	MedicalExaminer.

Airman Currency

The	PIC	shall	maintain	a	current	Biennial	Flight	Review	endorsementin

his	logbook.	Additionally,	the	PIC	shall	maintain	the	required	day and

night currency for carrying passengers as required under 14 CFR 61.57.

UAV Multi---Rotor Hour Requirements

The PIC must have logged a total of 25 hours of Multi---Rotor PIC time,	

(including 5 hours in the same make and model) before Flight	

Operations may be conducted.		These flight operations must be logged	

in the pilot’s Multi---Rotor UAV logbook under the provisions of 14 CFR	

61.51.

UAV Multi---Rotor Currency

The PIC must have performed 20 takeoffs and landings in the same	

make and model during the preceding 90 days before he may conduct	

flight operations. These flight operations must be logged in the pilot’s	

Multi---Rotor UAV logbook under the provisions of 14 CFR 61.51.
Chapter 5

UAV Multi---Rotor Specifications

PIC must be familiar with the most up---to---date User Manuals for

the UAV systems being used.	 These manuals must be available

to	the PIC	while flight operations are	being conducted.

Design Characteristics

The Multi Rotor UAV Systems operated by Southern Aero Cam are the	

DJI F550 Hexacopter and the DJI S1000 Octocopter.		 Both systems use	

counter---rotating propellers driven by battery---powered electric motors,	

which are controlled by an on---board flight controller.

Flight Controller

Both the DJI F550 Hexicopter and the DJI S1000 Octocopter are	

controlled by an on---board computer, or Flight Controller, which	

converts control inputs from the PIC into the appropriate aircraft	

motion.		The Flight Controller varies the speed of the multi---rotor	

propellers to control the UAV.		The Flight Controller interprets	

information from an on---board GPS, compass, gyroscope and other	

position---sensing devices to orient the UAV.

The	Flight	Controller	software	shall be	programmed	to	limit the

horizontal	and	vertical	distance	from	the	takeoff	point.	This	reducesthe

risk	of	the	UAV	flying	out	of	range	of	the	PIC	transmitter.	The altitude

limit	feature	shall be	used	to	insure	the	UAV	does	not	exceed the

Company	400’	AGL	operating restriction.

GPS Module

The GPS Module provides position data to the Flight Controller, which	

enables the UAV to hold in a fixed position in space.		In a lost---link event,
the GPS data enables the UAV to return to a pre---determined recovery	

point.

LED Module

The	LED	Module	provides	signals,	which	help	in	the	setup	andoperation

of	the	UAV.	These	signals	include	information	about	GPS satellite

acquisition, flight	mode,	and	battery level.

Ground Controller

The Ground Controller is a common and---held transmitter used by	

remote control aircraft hobbyists.		The receiver on board the UAV is	

linked to the control inputs on the Flight Controller.

Controller Frequency

The Ground Controller uses the 2.7GHz radio frequency spectrum	

approved by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for use by	

remote---control hobby aircraft.

Batteries

The batteries for the UAV and transmitter are Lithium---polymer (LiPo)	

type, which provide the best power to weight ratio.		They require	

special handling procedures to properly charge and store.

Gross Weight

Both Multi---Rotor UAV systems used by Southern Aero Cam have a very	

small useful load.		Extreme care is required to avoid overloading these	

UAV systems with excessive battery and camera combinations.

Design	Safety Considerations

The Multi---Rotor UAV Systems operated by Southern Aero Cam have	

safety features to avoid accidental operation beyond the range of the
ground---based transmitter and above the 400’ AGL operational	

restrictions imposed by the Company.

Additional safety features include a lost---link feature that is programmed	

to return the UAV to the launch position in the event of a loss of signal	

from the PIC’s remote control transmitter.
Chapter 6				

Flight Procedures

Multi---Rotor Checklist

Use	the	Company	UAV	Multi	Rotor	Checklist	while	Flight	Operationsare

being	conducted.	The	PIC	should	resist	the	temptation	to	operate from

memory.

GPS	Home	Location Acquisition

Before flight, the PIC must be sure that the UAV on---board GPS has	

properly completed the pre---flight home point acquisition.		 In the event	

of a lost---link event, the GPS will fly the UAV back to this point.

Minimum	Satellite	Reception	for	GPS Flight

The UAV GPS must acquire sufficient satellites to conduct GPS flight.	

This is to insure that the UAV will return to the home point in case of a	

lost---link event.

Flight	in	Attitude Mode

Flight	in	Attitude	mode	may	be	used	in	cases	when	GPS	modecauses

undesirable	motion	in	theUAV.

Flight	in	Manual Mode

Flight	in	Manual	Mode	is	not	approved	for	Company	FlightOperations.

Flight Duration

Flight	Operations	must	be	carefully	planned	in	order	that	limited flight

time is	used	as	efficiently	as possible.
Battery	Reserve Minimums

All	flights	must	terminate	with	at	least	25%	batteryremaining.

Low	Voltage	Visual Alarm

The	Low	Voltage	LED	must	be	set	to	alert	the	PIC	as	the	batteryvoltage

drops.	The	Visual	Alarm	LEDs will	begin	flashing	red	well	in	advanceof

the	battery	voltage	dropping	to	an	unsafe	level.		PIC	must	be	aware of

the	time	between	the	onset	of	red	LED	alarm	and	the	25% reserve

battery threshold.

Low	Voltage	Aural Alarm

A	Low	Voltage	Aural	Alarm	must	be	affixed	to	the	UAV	flight	batteryand

programmed	to	alarm	at	a	voltage	sufficient	to	permit	safe	landingwith

the	minimum	25%	battery	power	remaining.	PIC	must	be	aware	ofthe

time	between	the	onset	of	Low	Voltage	Aural	Alarm	and	the 25%

reserve	battery threshold.

Low	Voltage	Thrust	Range Alarm

The	Low	Voltage	Thrust	Range	Alarm	should	be	set	to	alarm	at 25%

battery	remaining.	Company	policy	does	not	permit	operationsbelow

25%	battery capacity.

Post---Flight Battery Check

All	batteries	must	be	checked	after	flight	to	be	sure	that	they	havenot

been	discharged	below	25%	voltage remaining.

Transmitter	Voltage Display

Flight	with	less	that	50%	voltage	displayed	in	the	Transmittervoltage

level	bar	graph	is	not authorized.
Chapter 7

Aircraft	Maintenance

Responsibility	for	Airworthy Condition

The	 PIC	 is	 responsible	 for	 the	 safe	 operation	 of	 the	 UAV including

maintaining	the	aircraft	in	a	condition	for	safeflight.

Aircraft	Maintenance Logbook

All maintenance must be recorded in the Aircraft Log Book, which is

maintained for each UAV. The entry must contain a description of the

work	performed	and	the	signature	of	the	person	performing	thework.

Software Updates

Following all software updates, a test flight must be conducted to be

sure	the	UAV	is	in	a	condition	for	safe flight.

Manufacturer’s	Scheduled Maintenance

The	Company	will	follow	all	manufacturers’	suggestedmaintenance

schedules	unless	company	policies	are	morestringent,

Motor	Replacement Schedule

Motors	will	be	replaced	when	they	reach	25	hours	of	service. Engine

times	will	be	determined	by	reference	to	the	PIC	UAVLogbook.

Propeller	Maintenance	&Replacement

Propellers	will	be	overhauled	if	they	come	in	contact	with	the	groundor

structure.	PIC	must	maintain	replacement	stock	of	propellers	for	use in

the	event	of	a	mishap	that	results	in	a	propstrike.
Test	Flight	Following	Alterations	orMaintenance

A	test	flight	must	be	conducted	following	all	maintenance	procedures to

be	sure	the	UAV	is	in	a	condition	for	safe flight.

Return	to	Service	Log Entry

Following	all	maintenance	or	repairs,	the	Aircraft	Maintenance Log

Book	must	contain	a	signature	certifying	that	the	UAV	is	in	acondition

for	safe flight.

Battery	Monitoring	and Replacement

Batteries	must	be	monitored	for	service	life and	replaced	if	theydrop

below	75%	of capacity.
pt 		

Aircraft Numbering

N---Number Location and Size

The UAV must display he FAA assigned N---number in the largest	

practical size and in a manner that does not affect the safe conduct of	

flight.		Weight and wind resistance must be carefully considered.

Owner	Contact Information

The	UAV	must	contain	company	contact	information	in	the	case	ofthe

UAV	is	lost	in flight.
pt 		

Permission	for	Flight Operations

Landowner Permission

The	PIC	must	have	permission	from	the	landowner	beforeflight

operations.

Appropriate	GovernmentalAgencies

Before	each	flight,	he	PIC	must	notify	those	agencies	specified	in the

Grant	of	Exemption.	This	may	include	theCoast	Guard,	Captain	of	the	

Port,	or	other	agencies	responsible	for	safety and security	of	the	area	in	

which	Flight	Operations	will	beconducted.

Ships	or	other Vessels

The	PIC	will	establish	radio	contact	and	receive	permission	fromthe

Officer	of	the	Deck	by	VHF	marine	radio	before	the	UAV	comeswithin

sight	of	the	vessel.	Under	no	circumstances	will	the	UAV approach

within	a	500’	circle	without	receiving	permission	from	the vessel.

Vehicles

The	PIC	must	coordinate	flight	operations	with	motor	vehicleoperators

so	as	not	to	become	a	distraction	or	hazard	tovehicles.

Structure Inhabitants

When	Flight	Operations	are	near	houses	or	inhabited	structures,the

occupants	should	be	advised	to	remainindoors.

Safety Abort

In	the	event	that	persons	not	participating	in	the	production come

within	an	unsafe	distance	of	the	UAV	while	in	flight,	the	flight	must be

terminated	as	soon	as	practicable	in	a	manner	that	insures	the	safetyof
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the	nonparticipants.	Flight	operations	may	not	resume	until	the	areais

secure.
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Chapter 10				

Operations	near	Airports	or Potential

Aircraft	Traffic Conflicts

Absolute	Situational Awareness

The	PIC	must	be	completely	aware	of	the	position	of	all	planned or

potential	Flight	Operations	within	the	National	Airspace	System(NAS).

ForeFlight Software

The	PIC	will	use	ForeFlight	software	to	determine	the	proximityof

Flight	Operations	to	Airports,	Restricted	Airspace,	TemporaryFlight

Restrictions and airspace	in	which	UAV	operations	areprohibited.

Airport	Manager Permission

The	PIC	will	obtain	permission	from	the	Airport	Manager	ifflight

operations	are	to	be	conducted	within	the	radius specified	in the

Grant	of	Exemption.

NOTAM Request

The	PIC	must	request	a	Notice	to	Airmen	(NOTAM)	usingthe

procedures	set	forth	in	the Grant	of	Exemption.

FSDO Coordination

Flight	Operations	must	be	coordinated	with	the	appropriate Flight

Standards	District	Office	(FSDO)	in	accordance	with	the	terms	ofthe

Grant	of	Exemption.

Vertical	Operation Limits

All	Flight	Operations	will	be	conducted	at	or	below	400”	AGL	toprovide

a	100’	separation	between	aircraft	that	may	be	legally	operating	as low

as	500’	AGL.		Reference	for	this	altitude	will	be	the	GPS	on	boardthe
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UAV	which	uses	the	GPS	altitude	at	the	takeoff	point	for these

calculations.

The	UAV	Flight	Controller	maximum	altitude	shall	be	set	to	100meters

(328	feet)	to	provide	an	additional	level	of separation	frompotential

manned	aircraft traffic.

Right	of Way

All	UAV	Flight	Operations	must	yield	right	of	way	to	manned	aircraftof

any type.

Minimum	Time Aloft

Flights	must	be	conducted	in	a	manner	that	reduces	the	amount	oftime

loitering	at	altitudes	near	the	limit	of	vertical	operations	to	reducethe

risk	of	traffic	conflict	with	manned aircraft.
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Chapter 11

Deviations	and Accidents

Deviation Reporting

Any	Flight	Operations	that	deviate	from	any	of	the	restrictionsspecified

in	the	Grant	of	Exemption shall	be	reportedto the	FAA	in	accordance	

with	the	procedures	set	forth	in	theGrant	of	Exemption.

Accident	or	Personal	InjuryReporting

Any	Flight	Operations	that	result	in	damage	to	personal	propertyor

personal	injury	shall	be	reported	to	the	FAA	in	accordance	with the

procedures	set	forth	in	the Grant	of	Exemption.