UASHOT AERIAL FILMWORKS, INC.

1

UASHOT AERIAL FILMWORKS

MOTION PICTURE AND TELEVISION

FLIGHT OPERATION MANUAL

UASHOT Aerial Filmworks, Inc.

1545 Euclid Ave apt 6C

Miami Beach, FL 33139

(305)766-2604
UASHOT AERIAL FILMWORKS, INC.

2

Revision Control Page

Revision# Date Initials

_______________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________
UASHOT AERIAL FILMWORKS, INC.

3

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

PURPOSE 4

PILOT AND OPERATOR 4

PERSONS AUTHORIZED 5

PLAN TO PROVIDE A HIGH LEVEL OF SAFETY: 7

Recall/Stop Abort Procedures 8

Briefing 10

Operational factors to be considered in order to avoid non participant people 

and/or congested areas: 12

“SEE AND AVOID” guidance 13

Procedures for high risk situations 15

Job safety assessment 20

AREA OF OPERATION 23

PLAN OF ACTIVITIES 23

PERMISSION TO OPERATE 24

CERTIFICATION/AIRWORTHINESS 24

PILOT MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS / COMPANY ORGANIZATION 25

ACCIDENT NOTIFICATION 27

APPENDICES

A ad B RISK ASSESMENT

C PERIMETER DIAGRAM

D 3 DAY NOTIFICATION FORM

E CONSENT

CHECKLISTS
UASHOT AERIAL FILMWORKS, INC.

4

 PURPOSE

This manual has been developed by UASHOT Aerial Filmworks, Inc. , hereafter referred to as 

"UASHOT", 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.

UASHOT 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.

The FAA has made special provisions for waiving the minimum altitude requirements of sections 

91.79(b) and (c) for motion picture and television filming production. This waiver is required for 

all aircraft moviemaking operations occurring below the minimum altitudes found in sections 

91.79(b) and (c). This includes helicopters, since the Office of Flight Operations has determined 

through operational history that low altitude moviemaking operations may create a hazard. The 

FAA requires the development, and acceptance by the FAA, of a "Motion Picture and Television 

Flight Operations Manual" with criteria and guidelines for proper operation in order to provide 

maximum safety and protection.

 The FAA says it will issue a waiver for flight closer than 500 feet only for "consenting 

participants directly connected with the approved filming sequences".

 PILOT AND OPERATOR :

Operator

UASHOT Aerial Filmworks, Inc.

1545 Euclid Avenue Suite 6C

Miami Beach, FL 33139

(305) 766-2604 

PILOT

Carlos Alejandro Espiga Calderon

Certificate Number : 3796964

Grade : Privet

Medical Class/Date : Second 02-24-2012
UASHOT AERIAL FILMWORKS, INC.

5

 List of Approved Aircraft

1. DJI Inspire 1

2. DJI Matrice 100

3. DJI 1000

 PERSONS AUTHORIZED

Closed-set motion picture and television 333 Exemption Requirements:

. The operator must have a motion picture and television operations manual (MPTOM) as 

documented in this grant of exemption.

. At least 3 days before aerial filming, the operator of the UAS affected by this exemption must 

submit a written Plan of Activities to the local Flight Standards District Office (FSDO) with 

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

concurrence of the FSDO. The plan of activities must include at least the following:

a. Dates and times for all flights;

b. Name and phone number of the operator for the UAS aerial filming conducted under this grant 

of exemption;

c. Name and phone number of the person responsible for the on-scene operation of the UAS;

d. Make, model, and serial or N−Number of UAS to be used;

e. Name and certificate number of UAS PICs involved in the aerial filming;

f. A statement that the operator 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; 

g. Signature of exemption holder or representative; and 

h. 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 altitudes essential to accomplish the 

operation.
UASHOT AERIAL FILMWORKS, INC.

6

Crew: 

All operations must utilize a visual observer (VO). The UA must be operated within the visual line 

of sight (VLOS) of the PIC and VO at all times. The VO may be used to satisfy the VLOS requirement 

as long as the PIC always maintains VLOS capability. The VO and PIC must be able to communicate 

verbally at all times; electronic messaging or texting is not permitted during flight operations. The 

PIC must be designated before the flight and cannot transfer his or her designation for the 

duration of the flight. The PIC must ensure that the VO can perform the duties required of the VO.

Altitude:

The UA must be operated at an altitude of no more than 400 feet above ground level (AGL). 

Altitude must be reported in feet AGL.

Distances:

Flight operations may be conducted closer than 500 feet from participating persons consenting to 

be involved and necessary for the filming production, as specified in the exemption holder’s 

MPTOM.

UASHOT ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Crew:

The flight crew, consisting of one Pilot in Command (PIC), two Visual Observers (VOs) 

and one Camera operator, will act as fence posts on the outside of the intended flight 

area, watching for intrusions into the area from individuals or other aircraft.

Altitude:

Under the new policy, the FAA will grant a Certificate of Waiver or Authorization (COA) 

for flights at or below 200 feet to any UAS operator with a Section 333 exemption. 

UASHOT believes that the 200 feet AGL is more than enough to capture images and 

video without losing their quality.

Drones digital telemetry shows altitude indication in the PIC remote control
UASHOT AERIAL FILMWORKS, INC.

7

Distance Participating People:

Only consenting persons and necessary for the filming production will be allowed 

within 100 feet of the flight operation, and this radius may be reduced to 30 feet based 

upon an equivalent level of safety determination

 PLAN TO PROVIDE A HIGH LEVEL OF SAFETY :

. UASHOT will also have a buffer zone to prevent unauthorized individuals from entering into the 

flight area. UASHOT VOs will serve as fence posts on the outer edges of the flight operational area 

in order to actively monitor the space for unauthorized and nonparticipating individual ( Appendix 

A Perimeter diagram) . Should one appear, PIC will safely land the UAS in a manner meant to 

avoid the unauthorized/nonparticipating individual. This will provide an equivalent level of safety 

to 14 C.F.R. 91.119(b) and (c) because the PIC and flight crew will make a safety assessment of the 

risk of operating, and determine that it does not present an undue hazard.

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.

Prior to the day of filming, the flight crew will visit the site where filming will be held and observe 

the area to determine if it is safe for shooting. The flight crew will determine that a location is not 

safe if it is too close to objects, such as trees, or if wind conditions would make the planned flight 

unsafe. The flight crew will conduct a “dry run” without the UAS, to prepare for the real flight.

UAS takeoff /landing areas will be protected in a manner that will prevent unauthorized persons 

from entering the takeoff and landing area

On the day of filming, the flight crew will set out a landing area marked off with flags and a safe 

alternative landing area should be set too just in case the home base became unsafe for landing.
UASHOT AERIAL FILMWORKS, INC.

8

The flight crew will be set up in a triangle, with the camera operator and the PIC in one corner, 

and the VOs in the each of the other corners, each member of the flight crew, as well as any 

producers who will be present, will be able to communicate orally for the duration of the flight. 

Flight Crew will be equipped with headsets, radios and whistles (in case of radio failure).

In case the location is surround by dry grass the UAS PIC will bring a fire extinguisher with him in 

case the UAS crash and the batteries after the impact could create a fire.

VO ́s will bring sunglasses in order to maintain the visual line of sight in sunny conditions and the 

PIC too, in case there is not sun the PIC will also bring with him protective eyewear in order to 

keep the eyes free of dust and any foreign object every time the UAS is operating.

The flight crew will have each individual involved in the filming sign a waiver and obtain their 

consent prior to shooting ( Appendix D). Additionally, during operations, the two visual observers 

(“VOs”) will be on the lookout for any trespassers, so that the operation can be quickly aborted if 

someone unauthorized walks into the closed set. However, when flying closer than 500 feet to 

nonparticipating individuals or structures, there will be barriers or structures present between the 

flight area and the nonparticipants that sufficiently protect them from the UAS and/or debris in 

the event of an accident.

UASHOT Aerial Filmworks, Inc. 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 

Recall/Stop Abort Procedures

Prior to the start of any operation, 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.

The visual observer (VO) and PIC must be able to communicate verbally at all times; electronic 

messaging or texting is not permitted during flight operations. The PIC must be designated before 
UASHOT AERIAL FILMWORKS, INC.

9

the flight and cannot transfer his or her designation for the duration of the flight. The PIC must 

ensure that the VO ́s can perform the duties required of the VO.

Communicate positively. 

Good teamwork requires positive communication between crew members. Communication is 

positive when the sender directs, announces, requests, or offers; the receiver acknowledges; and 

the sender confirms. Crew members must use positive communication procedures for essential 

crew coordination actions identified in the description of each task. Positive communication is 

quickly and clearly understood. It permits timely actions. Due to multiple crew locations and other 

environmental factors, crew members should use a limited vocabulary of explicit terms and 

phrases to improve understanding.

Acknowledge actions. Communications must include supportive feedback to ensure that all

crew members correctly understand announcements and directives. Acknowledgments need to be 

short and positively indicate that the crew member received and understood message. "Roger" or 

"Okay" may not be sufficient. The preferred method is to repeat critical parts of the message in 

the acknowledgment.

START: 

PIC: “CLEAR PROP ́S, STARTING MOTORS”

 BODY SIGNAL: Circular motion of right hand at head level with left arm pointing at the

 UAS. 

 

VO ́S: “(Name of VO), Area is clear” 

[First to talk is the one at the Left Side of the PIC] 

 

ABORT: 

VO: “ABORT, STOP” 

 BODY SIGNAL: Arms crossed above the head, palms facing forward 
UASHOT AERIAL FILMWORKS, INC.

10

 [Wait 2 seconds for PIC acknowledge, after that without PIC feedback use

 the whistleas many times as needed]

PIC: “ROGER, ABORTING ALL OPERATIONS”

LANDING: 

PIC: “RETURN TO HOME, LANDING AREA CLEAR , BEFORE LANDING CHECKLIST”

 

VO: “FLIGHTPATH AND LANDING AREA ARE CLEAR

Briefing of Pilot/Production Personnel

Risk Management : Participants will conduct a thorough evaluation of the operations to be 

conducted and the potential risk to all personnel, if any.

The Pilot in Command will coordinate with the designated production representative and 

implement a plan for communications between the participants on the ground.

The plan will incorporate the following:

Abort signals, audible and visual to halt filming in the event of unforeseen circumstances or safety 

hazards.

Exclusion zones - Pedestrian exclusion zones are to be set through the use of spotters during UAS 

operations. Anyone not directly involved in the production is not to enter these exclusion zones 

unless the PIC has signaled that it is safe to enter and the UAS has ceased all movement. PIC will 

immediately cease UAS flight operations if any pedestrian or vehicle enters the exclusion zone 

without permission.
UASHOT AERIAL FILMWORKS, INC.

11

During a site risk assessment you should (if possible) locate two 'ditch sites' that you can use in an 

emergency. Ideally these would be open areas (fields, large open spaces etc).

In the event of your aircraft developing some kind of fault where it is heading towards say a busy 

road, or school or built up area and you have limited control and have identified a major problem 

with your control link etc or mechanical problem. It would be more prudent to initiate a kill motor 

command over your ditch site than allow the craft to enter into dangerous airspace above a 

freeway or heavily populated area.

Landing site & Alternate landing sites

1. Primary Landing site

Typically the primary landing shall be the same as the launch site. The PIC has final authority for 

any approaches to the primary site and may wave off any approach deemed unsafe.

2. Alternate landing sites

The PIC shall designate at least one alternate landing site. In the event that primary landing site is 

deemed unsafe

3. Mission Abort Sites “DITCH SITES”

The PIC may optionally designate an “abort site” whereby the aircraft may be “dumped” in an 

emergency situation. The abort site shall be so far removed as to provide absolute minimal risk 

Should the PIC deem it necessary the UA may be flown to this site and inserted without regard to 

the safety of the aircraft or flight equipment.

4. Approaches over populated areas.

The PIC shall make every effort to select a landing site that minimizes approaches over populated 

areas.

5. Landing Safety & Crowd control

All landing sites shall be maintained and operated as the launch sites. Personnel shall maintain a 

buffer of at least 50 feet between aircraft operations. Observers shall act as safety supervisors 

while not performing the duty of in flight observer. 

At the start of each day’s filming the Pilot in Command and the designated production 

representative will conduct a BRIEFING/SAFETY MEETING for the production staff and those 

persons necessary for filming, including emergency, safety and security personnel on the risks 

involved, emergency procedures, and safeguards to be followed during the filming production 
UASHOT AERIAL FILMWORKS, INC.

12

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. 

Note: A subsequent BRIEFING/SAFETY MEETING should be required as necessary for intended 

action sequences and/or scenes

The briefing shall cover:

. Review with Crew and production personal their roles, responsibility, and communication 

procedures

. Choose the safest way to accomplish the operation (scene) 

. Confirm flight plan 

. Take off, Approach and Landing procedures

. Risks to participant people

. Safety minimum distance from UAS , permission of PIC started or not before 

. Recall procedures, Emergency procedures, Emergency contacts

. How to control non-participant people

. Review MPTOM high risk scenes section and plan of activities

Operational factors to be considered in order to avoid non participant people 

and/or congested areas:

 Segregation. Segregating the activities from public interference by placing physical 

barriers and cordons, or using other built/natural features that effectively separate 

the UAS operation from the general public. 

 Wind and turbulence. Taking account of changes of wind strength and direction at 

varying heights above the surface. Windshear, ‘rotor’ and ‘curlover’ effects may be 
UASHOT AERIAL FILMWORKS, INC.

13

present at any point on the planned flight path caused by interactions between 

buildings and strong winds or when transitioning from flight over land to over 

water.

Radio Frequency (RF) interference. Pilots must take account of the possible reduction in operating 

range in an urban environment due to the heavy use of communications equipment (mobile 

telephone, Wi-Fi etc.) and other sources of electromagnetic spectrum/RF interference. Mitigation 

for the consequences of weak or lost GPS signal due to masking by buildings must be considered 

along with the general RF saturation level.

 Emergency procedures. UAS emergency procedures planned to 

be implemented during controller/transmitter/loss of 

GPS guidance failure modes must be able to 

be put into effect without breaching the minimum separation distances or flying dir

ectly overhead persons/vehicles. An automatic ‘ReturntoBase’ feature must not cause 

a hazard to anyone off the nominal flight path; this may limit the UAS 

to mainly vertical flight paths directly above the launch point. 

 Test flights. It is desirable to conduct limited test flights (hover controllability check) 

and other systems tests at the launch point before committing to the full flight profi

le. The integration and correct set-up of the camera and gimballedmount will also be checked at this time to avoid unnecessary calibration flights. 

“SEE AND AVOID” GUIDANCE 

1. The primary means to avoid collisions between all aircraft flying within our National Airspace 

System (NAS) is “See and Avoid.” 

2. Vigilance must be maintained by each person operating an aircraft (whether UAS or manned) so 

as to “see and avoid” other aircraft. 
UASHOT AERIAL FILMWORKS, INC.

14

3. UAS must avoid manned aircraft. Our privilege to fly UAS in the NAS depends on our 

commitment to remain “well clear” of manned aircraft. 

4. Simply avoiding an actual collision is not enough. A “near miss” is not acceptable.

5. UAS must fly sufficiently far away from manned aircraft so as not to create a collision hazard. 6. 

Model aircraft flying must not only be safe, it must be perceived to be safe by the greater manned 

aviation community. UAS operators must continually demonstrate their respect for the safety of 

manned aircraft by remaining vigilant and well clear. 

7. Whenever a potential conflict arises between UAS and manned aircraft, the pilot of the UAS 

must always give way to the manned aircraft.

8. The pilot of the UAS must never assume the pilot of a manned aircraft can see the UAS or will 

perform any maneuver to avoid the UAS flight path. 

9. Visual Line of Sight is required by the Safety Code. It means that visual contact with the aircraft 

must be maintained without enhancement other than by corrective lenses prescribed for the UAS 

pilot. All UAS flying must remain clear of clouds, smoke or any other obstruction to the line of 

sight.

10. “Blue Sky” is a term used to explain the method used to increase separation between an UAS 

and a manned aircraft in the same vicinity. The UAS PIC should maneuver the aircraft in such a 

way as to increase the amount of blue sky perceived between UAS and the manned aircraft. By 

increasing the blue sky separation, the question about depth perception is taken out of the 

equation and the modeler need not worry whether the UAS is closer to him than the manned 

aircraft or further away. Increasing the blue sky between the UAS and the manned aircraft 

automatically increases separation between them.

11. A PIC should never place any consideration for the well-being of the model aircraft above the 

safety of manned aircraft. Maneuvering to avoid the conflict may require that UAS be sacrificed.
UASHOT AERIAL FILMWORKS, INC.

15

PROCEDURES FOR HIGH RISK SITUATIONS

High risk activities such as stunts, special effects explosions, hazardous camera locations, and 

similar situations require special procedures to prevent injuries. The two crucial steps in planning 

a hazardous scene are preplanning and establishing safe procedures for filming.

PREPLANNING

There are two stages involved in the preplanning: 

1) reviewing the script for potentially hazardous scenes; and 

2) choosing the safest way to accomplish the scene.

Identification of Potentially Hazardous Scenes 

 The script should be reviewed by a qualified consultant or safety director who is experienced in 

evaluating the many types of hazards found in motion picture production. This expert should 

identify potentially hazardous scenes. Types of potential problems include hazardous locations, 

fires and explosions, fogs, smoke and other hazardous special effects, car and helicopter scenes, 

water stunts, falls, animals and reptiles, hazardous camera locations, etc. 

 Ideally, the expert should be involved in the earliest production meetings, discussing ways of 

carrying out potentially hazardous scenes. Minimal input would involve the expert before

selection of the location or other final decisions are made as to how a potentially hazardous scene 

will be filmed.

Choosing the Safest Way

 The basic question should be asked, "Is there a safer alternative that does not unnecessarily 

limit creativity?" In recent years, for example, realism (as opposed to simulation) has been the 

cause of many unnecessary fatalities and injuries. 

The advent of modern computer simulations can also eliminate the risks of many dangerous 

scenes.

PLANNING SAFE PROCEDURES

Planning how to do a scene safely involves answering several questions. What are the actual 

risks? Who is in charge? Who performs the scene? Is the camera crew at risk? What safety 

procedures are needed for the scene? What outside agencies should be involved? 
UASHOT AERIAL FILMWORKS, INC.

16

Once the safety procedures have been developed for a scene, they should be reviewed. 

Risk Evaluation

 Once a particular scene is identified as potentially hazardous, then it is necessary to evaluate 

the risk. The degree of risk is going to depend on the characteristics of the specific hazard, who 

could be injured, and the nature of the potential injuries. 

 The camera crew can also be at risk. In several accidents, camera crew members have been 

injured or killed when a stunt car crashed into them.

Who Is In Charge

 One of the most critical aspects of planning and carrying out a hazardous scene is determining 

who is responsible for planning safety procedures for the scene and making sure they are carried 

out. 

There should be a safety director for the film. He or she would have ultimate responsibility for 

safety of all personnel on the set. However, there are many types of scenes that need special 

expertise. This can include stunt coordinators, special effects coordinators, fight directors, animal 

handlers, stunt pilots, certified underwater SCUBA divers, etc. These experts should have all 

applicable certifications in their area of expertise, and should be directly involved in developing 

the safety procedures for the scene. Once safety procedures have been established, they should 

be approved by an independent consultant or committee.

 On the set, the expert should have primary control over all safety procedures and be able to 

determine whether the scene proceeds or not. The safety director, producer, director, health and 

safety committee, or union delegates should also have the authority to stop a hazardous scene if 

they think it is too dangerous. And of course, any actor, camera operator, or other involved 

personnel must be able to refuse to participate if they think the scene is too dangerous to them, 

or if they are not sure of the proper safety procedures. They need not give a reason for refusing 

to participate. The scene should not be allowed to proceed until all safety questions have been 

resolved.

Who Is Involved

For example car chase sequence:

Obviously, experienced stunt performers should be driving all cars involved in the chase sequence, 

not just the stunt cars, since an error or panic on the part of a traffic car could be disastrous. 

Everyone else in the stunt cars should also be stunt performers because of the high risk of an 
UASHOT AERIAL FILMWORKS, INC.

17

accident. Passengers in other cars would not necessarily have to be stunt performers unless the 

stunt coordinator thinks the situation requires it.

 Experienced stunt performers should be performing all stunts where there is a high risk of 

injury. Extras and actors should never be asked to perform or participate in dangerous action 

sequences.

 In many less hazardous action sequences, actors can perform them with proper training. Stage 

fights, for example, require that actors be trained in stage combat by professional stage combat 

directors who actually choreograph the fight. Actors should be trained how to fall for simple 

action sequences such as running after someone and falling down. Actors using stage firearms 

must be trained in their safe use.

It is crucial that the actors inform the director and others involved of their actual knowledge of 

safe procedures for the scene.

 The question of involvement includes the camera crew and other personnel at risk. If the 

camera operator is in a hazardous situation, for example, filming from the side of a cliff, then he or 

she should be trained in the use of appropriate safety equipment.

Child Performers

 Using infants and children as performers in motion picture films is often unavoidable, but it is 

essential to ensure that the children are not exploited or exposed to unsafe conditions. Most 

states have child labor laws which are intended to protect child performers and models

 The following are some concerns and requirements for child performers:

1. Infants and children are much more easily fatigued than adults. Late hours, frequent retakes, 

and excessive exertion are some examples of situations to be avoided or minimized.

2. There is growing concern about the effects of bright camera lighting on the eyes of children, 

particularly infants. At present, no standards exist but good practice would involve minimizing the 

amount of time children spend under bright lights.

3. Children are not permitted to perform hazardous stunts or be in the area where they are being 

performed. 

4. Young children also should not participate in scenes which, in the opinion of a psychiatrist, 

would be psychologically traumatic. An example might be a young child witnessing graphic 

violence.

5. State laws also require that the production company hire teachers for children who are missing 

school. The SAG and AFTRA contracts specify requirements for number of school hours and 

working hours, and other relevant conditions.
UASHOT AERIAL FILMWORKS, INC.

18

Coordinating with Emergency Services

 When filming a dangerous scene, preparation has to be made for unforseen accidents which 

can risk life or property. In making these emergency preparations, various agencies can be 

involved, including police, fire department, hospitals, etc. In fact, their involvement might be 

mandatory through requirements for permits. Even if permits are not required, however, these 

agencies should be contacted during the planning stage for whatever assistance might be 

required.

Fire Department

 The local Fire Department is responsible for enforcing fire safety on the set. If special hazards 

such as fire, explosions, smoke and fogs, etc. are planned, then special fire permits might be 

needed for those activities. There might be a requirement for a fire standby crew and apparatus 

during the filming

 In case the location is surround by dry grass the UAS operator will bring a fire extinguisher 

with him in case the UAS crash and the batteries after the impact could create a fire.

Police Department

 Police permits are usually required to film in city streets. This is usually so that the police can 

section off the area and conduct crowd and traffic control. However, if the scene is potentially 

dangerous, then the police should be informed at the planning stage so they can make provisions 

for helping in an emergency.

Medical Services

 Emergency medical care in case of accidents is crucial and can involve coordinating with local 

hospitals and emergency transportation services. 

STANDARD PROCEDURES

 Obviously each type of hazardous scene will have its own detailed precautions, but there are 

some general guidelines that should apply to all such situations.

1. Before actors or extras are hired, they should be made aware that a hazardous scene will be 

performed with trained professionals and told what their role in the scene will be. This 

information should also be listed on the call sheet. 
UASHOT AERIAL FILMWORKS, INC.

19

2. Children under the age of 16 should not be placed in hazardous situations. 

3. The detailed safety procedures should be in writing and discussed well in advance of the filming 

of the scene with all participating personnel (including camera crew). This written report should 

include:

 * a detailed description of the stunt or other activity with safety procedures

 * date and approximate time of the scene

 * location of on-site medical facilities and backup emergency services

 * emergency procedures in case of accident

 * names of the Safety Director, and Health and Safety Committee members, and/or any 

involved experts

4. There should be adequate pre-production time for any hazardous scene. This could include 

adequate training and rehearsal for any actor carrying out a dangerous scene (e.g. a fight scene), 

or sufficient time to satisfactorily rig and test a flying scene.

5. Immediately before filming the scene, there should be a last-minute verbal briefing including 

the information found in #3 above. This should include a dry run rehearsal without actual 

execution of the stunt of special effect. Everyone involved should be clear as to their roles in the 

scene, and the scene should not proceed until all questions have been resolved.

6. If there is any substantial change in the procedures at any time, then another meeting must be 

held to confirm everyone's understanding and agreement to the change.

7. All nonessential personnel should be kept clear of the area where they would be at risk, or in 

the way, in case of an accident. This rule should be strictly enforced. 

The more people around, the greater the risk of someone wandering where they shouldn't, as well 

as the more people at risk in case of an accident.

8. Special procedures should be taken to protect the camera crew and others on the set. This can 

include shields, safety belts, respirators, etc.

9. During filming of the scene, it is essential that there be adequate communication between the 

Safety Director and any experts. This can include communications between the stunt coordinator 

and special effects coordinator.

Headphone type systems are preferred to hand-held communications systems for on-site 

communications. 

10. An emergency communications system should be established to connect personnel on site 

with emergency services. A radio communications system is usually the best communications 
UASHOT AERIAL FILMWORKS, INC.

20

method. Portable telephones are a second choice. Reliance on telephone booths is not 

recommended for emergencies due to unreliability and busy signals. 

11. There should be an absolute minimum number of repetitions of the scene to avoid tiring of 

stunt performers or other personnel. Fatigue and disorientation can lead to accidents. 

12. All accidents must be reported and the cause investigated. Accidents related to stunts, special 

effects or other high risk scenes should be investigated by an independent industry/labor 

committee.

 In conclusion, if we want to decrease the high fatality and injury rate in motion picture 

production, then planning and carrying out dangerous activities will have to be formalized into 

standard procedures involving preplanning and the development of clear safety procedures.

The general procedures include:

1. Notification of all personnel of intention to perform a stunt

2. A detailed briefing including stunt details, hazards, who is involved, location of emergency 

medical facilities, emergency procedures, and names of responsible safety personnel

3. Adequate rehearsal time

4. Last minute briefing with dry run

5. Another meeting if there are substantial changes in the stunt details

6. Clearing all unnecessary personnel off set

7. Adequate communications between personnel and for emergencies

Perform a Job Safety Assessment

A Job Safety Assessment must be performed prior to conducting any task.

Note – A single task may consist of a number of flights

The Job Safety Assessment would normally be performed during the feasibility planning phase to 

determine if the flight is viable and validated on the day prior to the first flight. This is when 
UASHOT AERIAL FILMWORKS, INC.

21

assumptions made during the initial Job Safety Assessment (such as forecast weather/wind, 

location of persons etc.) are validated.

As a minimum the Job Safety Assessment must consider the following:

• Gathering the necessary maps and charts (either hard copy or electronic) for the area

• Determining the weather is suitable for the machine and the operation

• Reviewing the NOTAMs related to the operations area

• Possibility of person moving into the area of operation or landing area during flight

• Footpath or other ways of way

• Suitable take-off and landing areas (including alternate landing area)

• Ability to maintain 30m separation from the public

• Obstructions (Buildings Trees etc.)

• Possible radio interference (power lines, antennas etc.)

• Ability to maintain visual line of sight

• Controllers ability matches location/task

• Permission from land owner

• Privacy

• Local restrictions, by laws,

• Need for signage

RISK ASSESSMENT 

Overview 

The evaluation of risk is the process known as “Risk Assessment”. 

The UAS PIC should perform this assessment. 

The Risk Assessment should be performed during the feasibility planning phase to determine if the 

flight is viable. It should then be validated on the day prior to the flight. Any assumptions made 

during the initial Risk Assessment (such as forecast weather/wind, location of persons etc.) should 

be confirmed. 
UASHOT AERIAL FILMWORKS, INC.

22

The Risk Assessment involves calculating a risk factor based on both the severity of any undesired 

outcome and the likelihood of that outcome. Where the risk factor is unacceptably high a 

mitigating factor or control measure is needed to reduce the likelihood or consequence to manage 

the risk back to an acceptable level/factor. Even if the risk is acceptable you should consider any 

factor that could be applied to reduce the risk further. 

Determining the Risk 

A detailed diagram of the site (Google maps may also be used) ,sectional chart and the Risk 

Assessment Tool Prompt Sheet are used to identify possible risks. These risks are recorded on the 

Risk Calculation Sheet. 

Next the score for both the likelihood and consequence is determined using the Risk Score Table 

below and the scores are entered on the Risk Calculation Sheet. The Risk factor is then calculated 

by multiplying these two scores. 

Note - other elements such as local by Laws etc. which may prevent the flight should also be 

considered. 

Risk Management 

The calculated Risk Factor for each identified risk is then reviewed 

Where the risk factor is unacceptably high a mitigating factor or control measure is needed to 

reduce the likelihood or consequence to manage the risk to an acceptable level/factor. Multiple 

control measures may be needed to reduce the risk to an acceptable level. Even if the risk is 

acceptable you should consider any factor that could be applied to reduce the risk further. 

The control measure is recorded on the Risk Calculation Sheet and a new Risk Factor calculated. 

Note – The risk assessment should also include any risk to the PIC, Observer and anyone else 

involved in the operation of the UAS.

Validation of Risk Assessment 

Once “on site” the Risk Assessment must be validated prior to the flight proceeding. Any 

assumptions made during the initial Risk Assessment (such as forecast weather/wind, location of 

persons etc.) should be confirmed. Where there are differences a new Risk factor must be 
UASHOT AERIAL FILMWORKS, INC.

23

calculated and control measures adjusted to manage the risk to an acceptable level prior to the 

flight.

Appendices and B TABLES

 Area of Operations

UASHOT Aerial Filmworks, Inc.approved area of operations will be the continental United States

 Plan of Activities 

At least 3 days before aerial filming, the operator of the UAS affected by this exemption must 

submit a written Plan of Activities to the local Flight Standards District Office (FSDO) with 

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

concurrence of the FSDO. The plan of activities must include at least the following:

a. Dates and times for all flights;

b. Name and phone number of the operator for the UAS aerial filming conducted under this grant 

of exemption;

c. Name and phone number of the person responsible for the on-scene operation of the UAS;

d. Make, model, and serial or N−Number of UAS to be used;

e. Name and certificate number of UAS PICs involved in the aerial filming;

f. A statement that the operator 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; 

g. Signature of exemption holder or representative; and 
UASHOT AERIAL FILMWORKS, INC.

24

h. 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 altitudes essential to accomplish the 

operation.

Appendix E 

 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:

(1) Property owners

(2) Law enforcement officials

(3) Fire department officials

(4) Local, State and Federal government

(5) Air traffic control

The (Company name) 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. (Company name)

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.

 Certification/Airworthiness

UAS aircraft meets the conditions of Section 333. Therefore, the FAA finds that the requested 

relief from 14 CFR part 21, Certification procedures for products and parts, Subpart H 
UASHOT AERIAL FILMWORKS, INC.

25

Airworthiness Certificates, and any associated noise certification and testing requirements of part 

36, is not necessary.

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

characteristics, e.g., replacement of a flight critical component, must undergo a functional test 

flight prior to conducting further operations under this exemption. Functional test flights may only 

be conducted by a PIC with a VO and must remain at least 500 feet from other people. The 

functional test flight must be conducted in such a manner so as to not pose an undue hazard to 

persons and property.

The operator is responsible for maintaining and inspecting the UAS to ensure that it is in a 

condition for safe operation.

Prior to each flight, the PIC must conduct a pre-flight inspection and determine the UAS is in a 

condition for safe flight. The pre-flight inspection must account for all potential discrepancies, e.g., 

inoperable components, items, or equipment. If the inspection reveals a condition that affects the 

safe operation of the UAS, the aircraft is prohibited from operating until the necessary 

maintenance has been performed and the UAS is found to be in a condition for safe flight.

. The operator must follow the UAS manufacturer ́s maintenance, overhaul, replacement, 

inspection, and life limit requirements for the aircraft and aircraft components.

Maintenance and inspections will be performed in accordance with the UAS Manufacturer's User 

Manual. As provided in the FOM, the operator will ensure that the UAS is in working order prior to 

initiating flight and perform required maintenance needed. 

Likewise, the exemption sought will not adversely affect safety because UASHOT Aerial Filmworks 

,Inc. will use trained technicians to perform maintenance, alterations or preventive maintenance 

on the UAS using the methods, techniques, and practices prescribed by the operating documents.

To ensure that the UAS continues to offer optimal performance and to ensure flight safety, it is 

recommended that comprehensive maintenance be performed as specified in the Maintenance 

Manual after every 100 flights or 25 flight hours. 

. Each UAS operated under this exemption must comply with all manufacturer safety bulletins.
UASHOT AERIAL FILMWORKS, INC.

26

 Pilot Personnel—Minimum Requirements.

Pilot in Command

The Pilot in Command is at all times the final authority over the UAS and should be in command of 

the flight operations and/or related activities.

The Pilot in Command should have the authority to abort any flight operation in the interest of 

safety. Abort signals should be specified ahead of time.

PIC must hold either an airline transport, commercial, private, recreational, or sport pilot 

certificate. The PIC must also hold a current FAA airman medical certificate or a valid U.S. driver’s 

license issued by a state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, a territory, a possession, or the 

Federal government. The PIC must also meet the flight review requirements specified in 14 CFR § 

61.56 in an aircraft in which the PIC is rated on his or her pilot certificate.

The operator may not permit any PIC to operate unless the PIC demonstrates the ability to safely 

operate the UAS in a manner consistent with how the UAS will be operated under this exemption, 

including evasive and emergency maneuvers and maintaining appropriate distances from persons, 

vessels, vehicles and structures. 

Specifically, the PIC must have accumulated and logged, in a manner consistent with 14 CFR 

61.51(b), 25 hours of total time as UAS pilot (with a minimum of 5 hours of those hours as a UAS 

pilot operating the same make and model of UAS to be used for operations under the exemption).

In addition to the hour requirements, the PIC must accomplish 3 takeoffs and landings in the 

preceding 90 days(for currency purposes).

PIC qualification flight hours and currency must be logged in a manner consistent with 14 CFR § 

61.51(b).

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assure that aircraft to be flown is in safe condition and all inspections and required maintenance 

have been performed 

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

conditions contained herein.
UASHOT AERIAL FILMWORKS, INC.

27

• 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.

Flights for the purposes of training the operator’s PICs and VOs (training, proficiency, and 

experience-building) and determining the PIC’s ability to safely operate the UAS in a manner 

consistent with how the UAS will be operated under this exemption are permitted under the 

terms of this exemption. However, training operations may only be conducted during dedicated 

training sessions. During training, proficiency, and experience building flights, all persons not 

essential for flight operations are considered nonparticipants, and the PIC must operate the UA 

with appropriate distance from nonparticipants in accordance with 14 CFR § 91.119.

 Accident Notification

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

the operational area as defined by the applicable COA must be reported to the FAA's UAS 

Integration Office (AFS−80) within 24 hours. Accidents must be reported to the Naonal 

Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) per instructions contained on the NTSB Web site: 

www.ntsb.gov.

The controls, procedures, and conditions set forth in the UASHOT 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 UASHOT 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.
UASHOT AERIAL FILMWORKS, INC.

28

Each pilot-in-command conducting operations authorized under this certificate understands the 

conditions of issuance, and that it constitutes a waiver of FAR 91.119 (b) and (c) .(form 7712)

The production company must notify all cast and crew members and the front of the studio call 

sheet should contain a statement to the effect that: "An aircraft is being used and will be flown in 

close proximity to crew and equipment. Anyone objecting will notify the production manager or 

1st AD prior to any filming."

2015 CARLOS ALEJANDRO ESPIGA CALDERON
UASHOT AERIAL FILMWORKS, INC.

29

APPENDIX A
UASHOT AERIAL FILMWORKS, INC.

30

RISK CALCULATION SHEET

Undesired Outcome Severity Likelihood Risk

Factor

#1

Eg. Members of the public encroaching area of

Operation 0 4 4

Control Measure or comment on risk

Customer to be observer and briefed in accordance with

check sheet 0 1 1

#

Control Measure or comment on risk Final Final Final

#

Control Measure or comment on risk Final Final Final
UASHOT AERIAL FILMWORKS, INC.

31

APPENDIX B

Risk Assessment Tool Prompt Sheet

Consideration Possible Impact on Risk

Time of Day Possible Low Sun, fading light, orientation,

ability to maintain visual LOS

Weather Check Forecast, Temperature, wind

direction, wind strength, impact on battery

life (cold battery, flying into wind), aircraft

wind limit, ,

Public Person moving into landing area during

flight, footpath, right of way, Suitable takeoff and landing areas, ability to maintain

separation,

Property Permission from land owner, privacy,

buildings, antennas, trees, obstructions,

ability to maintain visual line of sight,

controllers ability matches location, local

restrictions, by laws,

Other aircraft Likelihood of other aircraft in area

Equipment failure Likely failure modes, alternate landing site,

emergency procedures, Battery fire

following crash (dry grass),

Environment Noise, ability to communicate with

participants, distractions, possible

distraction of public (drivers)

Add items relevant to the operation
UASHOT AERIAL FILMWORKS, INC.

32
UASHOT AERIAL FILMWORKS, INC.

33

APPENDIX D
UASHOT AERIAL FILMWORKS, INC.

34

Appendix E

Permission Acquisition Form

In signing this form, I am giving the pilots of UASHOT Aerial Filmworks, Inc. Permission to operate 

their aircraft at less than 500 feet from me and/or 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 __________________________

(Company Name) Representative Receiving Permission

_______________________________________________________________
UASHOT AERIAL FILMWORKS, INC.

35

BEFORE DEPARTING FOR SITE CHECKLIST

1. DOCUMENTS Exemption 333 – COA – Registration – Pilot ID and 

 Logbook – UAS logbook and maintenance – FOPM –

 MPTOM – Plan of Activities – Waiver Owners, 

 Participant People, Local Authorities 

 

2. NOTAM 24 – 72 hours in advance

 Flight Service Station 877-4-US-NTMS

3. LOCATION No Fly Zones – TFR ́s – Notam

4. WEATHER 

5. RISK ASSESMENT 

6. FREQUENCY MANNED AC Use by local manned aircrafts in the vicinity,

 Program it into portable radio

 

7. MAPS Physical and electronic for the area of operation

 Cache location maps into DJI Pilot App devices

8. FIRMWARE Ensure firmware is updated on UAS and Remotes C.

9. MAINTENANCE 100 flights or 25 flight hours inspection

10. SD CARD Free space and inserted into the camera

11. BATTERIES Fully charged: UAS – Remote controller ́s – Tablet –

 Radios – Headsets

12. SAFETY EQUIPMENT Take off / Landing and emergency pads – Flags –

 Whistles – Headsets – Radios – Sunglasses (and for

 the PIC protective eyewear) 

Fire extinguisher if flight over dry grass

13. EMERGENCY SERVICES CONTACTS
UASHOT AERIAL FILMWORKS, INC.

36

LOCATION IN SITE CHECKLIST

EQUIPMENT Transport cases free of visible defects

PREPLANING Review the plan (script) for potentially

 hazardous operations (scenes)

Choose the safest way to accomplish the operation (scene)

LOCATION Check flying area free of overhead obstructions, antennas, 

 trees, wires, low flying aircrafts, birds

 Weather conditions, Ability to maintain VLOS

 Notam , TFR ́s, No fly zones

NON- PARTICIPANT PEOPLE Location – Distance – Protection - Plan

SET THE PERIMETER Identify Launch/Recovery and emergency landing zones

 Localize taller obstruction in the flight path, failsafe go home

 Set the crew location * : headsets, radios, whistles, abort 

 parameters test

Visual dry run

BRIEFING . Review with Crew and production personal their roles, responsabilities, and

 communication procedures

 . Choose the safest way to accomplish the operation (scene)

 . Confirm flight plan 

 . Take off, Approach and Landing procedures

 . Risks to participant people

 . Safety minimum distance from UAS , permission of PIC started or not before 

 . Recall procedures, Emergency procedures, Emergency contacts

 . How to control non-participant people

 . Review MPTOM high risk scenes section and plan of activities

 

 

NOTES * Check appendix : Perimeter Diagram

 . A subsequent Briefing / Safety meeting should be 

 required as necessary for intended scenes
UASHOT AERIAL FILMWORKS, INC.

37

START CHECKLIST

FACE THE UAS INTO THE WIND This allows the aircraft to float back to PIC in case

 of an emergency 

TAKE OFF AND EMERGENCY BRIEFING 

CHECK UAS HEADING 

SAFE TO FLY GPS Check the status bar in the DJI GO App 

  ̈Safe to Fly ̈ in green

COMMUNICATE Oral and visual intentions to the flight crew 

 and participant people

CLEAR PROPS Check surrounding area and observer ́s 

 verification 

START PROPELLERS Using a combined stick command

BLUE DOT Ensure that the blue dot representing the remote 

 controller is accurately located on map

HOME POINT Ensure Home Point is accurately represented 

 on map

ELEVATION Ensure Elevation reads 0 (zero)

TIME
UASHOT AERIAL FILMWORKS, INC.

38

AFTER START CHECKLIST

CHECK MOTORS STABILIZED WITH A FREE MOTION

SURROUNDING AREA AND AIRSPACE CLEAR Observer ́s in position and ready

INITIATE LAUNCH SEQUENCE

UAS AND GIMBAL TEST Hover 20 second at 15-20 feet (re-

 obtain GPS lock)

Check that there is no drifting

Controls check (up-down / rotate leftRotate right; left-right /forward-back)

LANDING GEAR UP Once in the air toggle transformation 

 switch up to raise the landing gear

ALL GREEN READY TO GO

 2015 CARLOS ALEJANDRO ESPIGA CALDERON

BEFORE LANDING CHECKLIST

POSITION UAS geographically positioned for landing

CLEAR AREA Ensure the landing and emergency areas are clear

COMMUNICATE Intentions to crew and participant people

GEAR DOWN Transformation switch down to extend landing gear

LAND THE UAS
UASHOT AERIAL FILMWORKS, INC.

39