## July 2015



# Unmanned Aerial Sy**stem Operations Manual**  **V1.0**Gulf Coast Helicopters, Inc. UAS OPERATIONS MANUAL Page **2** of **17**



## Table of Contents 1 

## . Preface 2. Mission / Project 3. Communication 4. Security 5. Administration 5.1. Operations Manual 5.2 . Personnel 5.3 . Facilities 5.4 . Scheduling 5.5 . Miscellaneous 6. Safety 6.1. Safety Policy 6.2. Operational Hazard and Occurrence Report 6.3. Safety Officer

– Operator/Observer/Supervisor 6.4. Safety Training 6.5. Medical Factors 7. Training 7.1. Objective 7.2. Instructors 7.3 . Initial Training 7.4 . Recurrent Training 7.5 . Miscellaneous 8. General Operating Procedures 8.1 . Call

- out Procedure 8.2 . Deploy

ment Priorities 8.3 . Flight Boundaries 8.4 . M inimum Personnel Requirements 8.5

. Personnel Res ponsibilities for Deploy ments 8.6 . Personal Equipment 9. Pre

- Flight/Post

- Flight Actions 9.1. Inspections 9.2. Weather 9. 3. Inspection and Documentation 9.4. Planning 9.5. Checklists 9.6. Maintenance 9.7. Other 10. ChangesGulf Coast Helicopters, Inc. UAS OPERATIONS MANUAL Page **3** of **17**



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________________________________________________Gulf Coast Helicopters, Inc. UAS OPERATIONS MANUAL Page **4** of **17**



## 1. Preface The following procedures are intended to promote safe, efficient and lawful operation of the Gulf Coast Helicopter’s unmanned aerial system (UAS), Safety, above all else, is the primary concern in each and every operation, regardless of the nature of the mission. 

## 2. **Mission / Project** A mission / project will be defined as any operation with the intention of flight and the use of a payload (sensors) to film / inspect at a designated location

. With the exception of training only flights. 

## 3. **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. 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. 

## 4. **Security** Prior to any flight operation the operator will coordinate with appropriate 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. 

## 5. Administration 5.1 Operations Manual a) The policies and procedures contained in this operations manual under which UAS operations will be conducted. b) This manual is not intended to be all

- inclusive, but as a supplement to other department guidelines, Federal Aviation Administration regulations, aircraft manufacturers' approved flight manual, etc. c) Manual has been written to address UAS operations. Equipment, personnel, environment (internal and external), etc., change over time. The management of change involves a systematic approach to monitoring organizational change and is a critical part of the risk management process. Given this, it is essential that this manual be continually updated as necessary. The entire manual will b e reviewed, at a minimum, annually to assure it is up to date. Any changes to the manual will be communicated as currently dictated by GCH policy. d) A copy of the manual (electronic and/or paper) will be issued to every person having UAS responsibilities and accompany UAS Operations.Gulf Coast Helicopters, Inc. UAS OPERATIONS MANUAL Page **5** of **17**

5.2 Organization Structure & Personnel
a) UAS Coordinator i. Responsibilities: 1) main taining all training, flight, and maintenance records for each operator and observer as well as individual airframes. 2) M aintain contact with the FAA and regulations as they change. 3) Evaluate airframes based on mission needs. 4) The UAS Coordinator must maintain proficiency on all UAS operated by the team

. ii. UAS Coordinator are required to hold at least a private pilot’s license. iii. The department UAS Coordinator shall maintain a file for each operator which shall include copies of FAA certifications, training records, etc. This file will be reviewed in accordance with current GCH policy and procedures. b ) Pilot/Oper ator i. Operators are required to hold at least a private pilot’s license

. ii. Operators interacting with Air Traffic Control (ATC) must have an un derstanding of, and comply with FAA and DOT Regulations applicable to the airsp ace where the UAS will oper ate. Operators must have in their possession a current third c lass (or higher) airman medical certificate that has been issued under 14 CFR 67, Medical Standards and Certification, 14 CFR 91.17. iii. An operator's primary duty is the safe and effective operation of GCH UAS in accordance with the manufacturers' approved flight manual, FAA and DOT regulations. Operators must remain knowle dgeable of all FAA regulations, UAS manufacturer's flight manual and bulletins , and GCH policy and procedures. iv. Operators may be temporarily removed from flight status at any time by the UAS Coordinator , for reasons including performance, proficiency, physical condition, etc. Should this become necessary, the operat or will be notified verbally or in writing of the reason, further action to be taken and expected duration of such removal.
c ) Observers i. To be considered for selection as an observer, they are not required to possess a FAA certification (private pil ots) or a Class III FAA physical examination. ii. Observers will receive training on rules and responsibilities described in 14 CFR 91.111, Operating Near Other Aircraft, 14 CFR 91.13, Right

- of

- Way Rules, cloud clearance, in

- flight visibility, and the pilot controller glossary including standard ATC phras eology and communication. Observers must have completed applicable training to communicate clearly to the operator during any turning instructions required to stay clear of conflicting traffic or obstacles

. iii. An observer's primary duty is to be an obs erver for anything that may affect the operator 's primary duty (see and avoid) and any task assigned by the OIC.Gulf Coast Helicopters, Inc. UAS OPERATIONS MANUAL Page **6** of **17**

5.3 Facilities a) UAS operations will be housed and maintained at GCH Hangar or designated area by the UAS Coordinator. b) Personnel will not leave the designated facil ity without making sure the UAS equipment is secured. 5.4 Scheduling & Training a) To facilitate the broad use of the UAS, it shall be made available to all customers and prioritized by the UAS Coordinator

. b) To maintain a level of proficiency with the UAS, operators will be required, as part of their currency, attend a training event every 180 days or participate in 3 missions/projects within 180 days to stay current

. 5.5 Miscellaneous 

## 6. Safety 6.1 Safety Policy a) Gulf Coast Helicopters is committed to having a safe and healthy workplace, including: i. The ongoing pursuit of an accident free workplace, including no harm to people, no damage to equipment, the environment and property. ii. A culture of open reporting of all safety hazards in whi ch management will not initiate disciplinary action against any personnel who, in good faith, disclose a hazard or safety occurrence due to unintentional conduct. iii. Support for safety training and awareness program s. iv. Conducting regular audits of safety policies, procedures and practices. v. Monitoring the UAS community to ensure best safety practices are incorporated into the organization. b) The UAS Team will meet and exceed all guidelines set forth in secti on 333 by the FAA and the guidelines set forth in the petition granted to Gulf Coast Helicopters to promote safe industry UAS operations.
c ) It is the duty of every member within the UAS team to contribute to the goal of continued safe operations. This contribution

- may come in many forms and includes always operating in the safest manner practicable and never taking unnecessary risks. Any safety hazard, whether procedural, operational or maintenance related should be identified as soon as possible after, if not before, an incident occurs, Any suggestions in the interest of safety should be made to the UAS Coordinator or the OIC

.Gulf Coast Helicopters, Inc. UAS OPERATIONS MANUAL Page **7** of **17**

d) If any mem

ber observes, or has knowledge of an unsafe or dangerous act committed by another member, the UAS Coordinator or OIC is to be notified immediately so that corrective action may be taken. 6.2 Operational Hazard and Occurrence Report a) Occurrences are unplanned safety related events, including accidents and incidents that could impact safety. A hazard is something that has the potential to cause harm. The systematic identification and control of all major hazards is foundational to safety. b) This concept provides a mechanism to report hazards and occurrences, real and perceived, to those responsible for UAS operat ions. c) There is no specific format as the information provided is what is important; the information should be used without hesitation to report any anticipated, current, or experienced safety hazard, or occurrence. d) Every hazard and/or occurrence will be investigated, with the results and corrective action taken and communicated to all members. The investigation will be conducted by a supervisor, under the direction of the UAS Coordinator , or any other membe r of the department who has the technical skill s necessary to do it. The services of an independent subject matter expert may be necessary in some cases to assure a thorough and complete investigation.
e ) Hazards requiring immediate attention will be brought to the attention of the UAS Coordinator or the OIC verbally, without delay. f ) ALL MEMBERS ARE AUTHORIZED TO TAKE ACTION TO CORRECT A HAZARD if in that member's opinion delay will result in accident or injury. The UAS team will be notified immediately in such situations and debriefed. 6.3 Safety Officer

- Operator/Observer/Supervisor /Pilot a) In regards to saf

ety, all members of the UAS team are responsible for the following: i. Ensuring all flight operations personnel understand applicable regulatory requirements, standards and organizational safety policies and procedures. ii. Observe and control safety systems by monitoring all operations. iii. Review standards and the practices of department personnel as they impact operational safety. iv. Communicate all reported safety related problems and the corrective action taken. If there were any in

- flight problems (or learned experien ces), the proper procedures for handling that problem should be discussed. v. Copy and circulate pertinent safety information, vi. Copy and circulate emerg ency safety bulletins.Gulf Coast Helicopters, Inc. UAS OPERATIONS MANUAL Page **8** of **17** vii. Place any electronic copies of safety information or bulletins on the GCH ShareFile site for members to access. viii. It is emphasized again that safety is the responsibility of ALL members of the UAS Team. 6.4 Safety Trainin g a) All members shall receive training in the following subjects prior to operating the UAS: i. GCH’s commitment to safety ii. GCH policy iii. UAS member's role in safety iv. Emergency safety procedures b) All members shall review the department safety policy and procedures on an annual basis and that review shall be noted in their training history. 6.5 Medical Factors a) Operator and Observers shall only deploy the UAS when rested and emotionally prepared for the task at hand. b) Physical illness, exhaustion, emotional problems, etc., can seriously impair judgment, me mory and alertness. The safest rule is not to act as an operator or ob server when suffering from any of the above. Members are expected to "stand down" when these problems coul d reasonably be expected to affect their ability to perform flight duties. c) A self

- assessment of physical condition shall be made by all members during pre

- flight activities. d) Performance can be seriously hampered by prescription and over the counter drugs, The UAS Coordinator will be advised anytime such drugs are being taken. If it is determined that the medication being taken could hamper an operator or observer, that member shall be prohibited from the mission/project

. e) All members of the UAS team are subject to all FAA and DOT Regulations as well as GCH Drug and Alcohol policies, to include random testing. f ) No member shall act as an operator or observer within eight hours after consumption of any alcoholic beverage, while under the influenc e of alcohol, or while having an alcohol concentration of 0.04 (FAR 91.17)Gulf Coast Helicopters, Inc. UAS OPERATIONS MANUAL Page **9** of **17**



## 7. Training 7.1 Objective a) The key to continued safe operations is by maintaining a professional level of competency. The first step in this process is establishing minimum qualifications for selecting UAS Team me mbers, and the second step involves training those personnel. 7.2 Instructors a) If any members are FAA certified flight instructors, they will be given instructor duties. Such duties can include developing training courses; provide training, evaluation , and documentation. b) Duties of instructing new members shall fall upon thos e who have the most experience, flight time and knowledge of UAS operations. Instructors will be desi gnated by those within th e team and approved by the UAS C oordinator

. 7.3 Initial Training
a) Operator & Observers must have completed sufficient training to communicate to the pilot/observer any instructions required to remain clear of conflicting traffic or obstacles . This training, at a minimum, shall include knowledge of the rules and responsibilities described in 14 CFR 91.111, Operating Near Other Aircraft, 14 CFR 91.113;Right

- ol

- Way Rules: Except Water Operations; and 14 CFR 91.155, Basic VFR Weather Minimu ms; knowledge of air traffic and radio communications, including the, use of approved ATC/pilot phraseology; and knowledge of appropriate sections of the Aeronautical Information Manual. b ) In conjunction with fulfilling all FAA requirements for op erator/observer duties, the new me mber will also become familiar with UAS operations, the UAS and its equipment.
c ) Any new member who fails to successfully complete the initial training may be denied as a me mber of the UAS team**.** d) Before a member can fly as an operator, they must complete at least 10 hours of flight training with the UAS instructors to show proficiency of the flight training exercises and the airframe. This must be accomplished to show their ability and knowledge of the UAS. 7.4 Recurrent Training a) All members within the team shall maintain proficiency in their operator/observer abilities. Members who do not have any documented training or flight time within a span of 90 days will have to show proficiency before being an operator/observer during a mission/project

. b) Recurrent training is not limited to actual operating/observer skills but includes knowledge of all pertinent UAS/aviation matters. c) Failure to prove proficien cy can result in removal from UAS responsibilities.Gulf Coast Helicopters, Inc. UAS OPERATIONS MANUAL Page **10** of **17**

7.5 Miscellaneous a) Depending on the nature of the training mission/project , all efforts will be made to accommodate the hours of training so there is little impact to actual mission and projects (which can could towards training as long as instructor is next to the operator trainee. b ) Training shall only be conducted at approved locations and f ollow the provisions within the approved FAA COA. 

## 8. 

## General Operating Procedures 8.1 Mission / Proj ect
a) The UAS Coordinator will contact the UAS team designated representative who will screen the request using the following factors: i. Is the propose use of UAS within the capabi lities of the UAS equipment and personnel to perform? ii Does the proposed use of the UAS fall within the FAA and DOT regulations for UAS usage? iii. Can the UAS be deployed safely given current weather conditions? iv. If the UAS deployment requires a COA has one been requested and approved? v. Are sufficient ly trained and qualified personnel available to safely operate the UAS? b ) The UAS Coordinator will either accept or decline the request for UAS support. If the request is denied the UAS Coordinator will provide a reason for declining the support at the request to the Pilot who will provide the customer this information along with the reason for declining. If the UAS Coordinator accepts the support request they will contact a UAS operator who will be provided all available mission/ project information

. c ) The UAS operator will either contact a certified observer from the list of available trained observers or conduct training as need to a qualified person to be an observer and has signed the observer briefing . The UAS operator is responsible for transporting the UAS and all required equipment to the scene. Upon arriving at the requested mission/project location the UAS operator will contact the customer lead contact and will chec k in and receive a final briefing on the mission/project requested. T he UAS operator will make an on scene determination of the ability of the UAS to perform the requested mission /project safely and within DOT and FAA regulations, policies and procedures. d) If the UAS operator determines that the use of the UAS would viol ate department policy or directives then the UAS operator will inform the customer lead contact of the potential conflict along with recommendations for modifying the requested mission/project to conform to the department policies and procedures. As this i s a change from the original approved mission/project the UAS operator will contact the UAS Coordinator for direction on how to proceed. As soon as possible after the completion of the mission /project , the UAS operator will make a full report of the circum stances and their concern through the UAS Coordinator

.Gulf Coast Helicopters, Inc. UAS OPERATIONS MANUAL Page **11** of **17**

e ) UAS Pilot/Operators will have sole discretion for declaring safety or violation of DOT and FAA rules. If the UAS operator determines that a requested mission /project would violate DOT or FAA rules or endanger civilians, then the UAS operator will respectfully inform the customer lead contact of the reasons for refusing to operate the UAS and contact the UAS Coordinator immediately. The UAS will not be flown in this circumstance and the authority of the UAS Pilot/ Operator is absolute. f ) If the UAS Operator determines that the requested mission will potentially damage the UAS or its associated equipment the UAS Pilot/Operator will inform the customer lead contact of their concerns. If the customer lead contact orders the UAS Pilot/Operator will contact the UAS Coordinator as this is a deviation of the originally approved mission/project. The UAS operator will fully document and send a report to the UAS Coordinator

. 8.2 Deployment Priorities a) The UAS shall not be used for the purpose of random surveillance or invasion of privacy

. c) In general terms, requests for UAS support are prioritized as: • Search & Rescue

• Safety concern or issue • DOT Inspection / Documentation • Marketing / Survey • Company Requested Inspection / Training 8.3 Flight Boundaries
a) Information regarding flight boundaries will be followed as set for in FAA Section 333 and the use of the proper VFR Chart ( Electronic version/ or in paper)

. b ) Maximum altitude shall not be set more than 400' per FAA Section 333 unless a waiver for a particular mission/project is approved. 8.4 Minimum Personnel Requirements a) Due to the nature of the mission, the minimum personnel required on ALL missions will be an operator and observ er. Under no circumstances will an operator attempt to complete a mission/ project alone. b) Although training is not considered a mission, an observer shall be used. 8.5 Personnel Responsibilities for Mission/Project a) Operator i. The operator is dir ectly responsible for, and is the final authority over the actual operation of the UAS. ii. Operators have absolute authority to reject a flight based on personnel safety or violation of DOT or FAA regulations.Gulf Coast Helicopters, Inc. UAS OPERATIONS MANUAL Page **12** of **17** iii. Operators are responsible for compliance with this manual, department policy and procedure and DOT and FAA regulations. iv. The Operator's main duty during the deployment of the UAS is to operate the UAS safely while accomplishing the goals of the mission/project

. v. Operators shall see - and

- avoid any obstacle that will lessen safety during the mission. vi. Operators shall be responsive to the requests of the observer in order to accomplish the deployment. vii. Operators shall be responsible for documentation for mission training and updating of flight books. b) Observer i. Observers shall see

- and

- av oid any obstacle that will lessen safety during the mission. ii. Observers are responsible for the environment aspect of the mission/project

. iii. Observers shall operate any attachments to th e UAS, allowing the operator to maintain complete focus on the operation of the UAS. iv. Observers shall remain alert for persons or activities on the ground that pose a threat to UAS operations and coordinate with the customer lead contact onsite

. v. Observers shall monitor the radio for updates. vi. Observers shall assist the operator in the main obje ctive of safe operations of the UAS. vii. Observers shall be responsible for documentation for mission training and updating of flight books. 8.6 Personal Equipment a) Operators/Observers shall wear eye protection at all times while the UAS is in flight. b) Although there is no specific uniform for the UAS team or required for proper operation of the UAS, the operator/observer should take necessary measures to deploy in a professional matter and take into consideration that all deployments are subject to PDR's and may be media present. c) Operators/Observers will take into consideration the current weather conditions when planning to deplo y, and wear appropriate clothing to deploy comfortably. d) There are no documented issues with the use of the radio or cellular phones during the deployment of the UAS, but the operator/observer should at all

- time take into consideration safe operation of the UAS when using the radio or another device. (Use of the radio or other device is strictly prohibited by the operator during flight per the COA.)Gulf Coast Helicopters, Inc. UAS OPERATIONS MANUAL Page **13** of **17**

e) Operators/Observers shall wear clothing that easily identifies them as Gulf Coast Helicopters UAS Team

.

• 

## 9. Pre **- Flight/Post**  **- Flight. Actions**  9.1 Inspections a) Operators/Observers are both responsible for a thorough preflight inspection of the UAS and the operating area(s)

. b) Before and after each mission/project (whether a mission or training), the operator and observer shall conduct a thorough inspection of the UAS in accordance with the instructions contained in the manufactures user's manual. c) Any issues found that will put in jeopardy the safe operation of the UAS shall be do cumented and resolved immediately prior to flight. d) It has been recognized that the use of a checklist is a significant method to combat aviation related accidents. A pre

- flight and post

- flight checklist is contained in Appendix B and will be utilized prior to each flight. e) Any physical or software equipment that cannot be resolved on

- site, and which would have an impact on safety or the mission /project, will override the flight . These issues will be resolved before flight. 9.2 Weather a) Before each deployment the operator/observer will ensure that he/she gathers enough information to make themselves familiar with the weather situation existing throughout the area of mission/project . The operator shall utilize FAA approved weather resources to obtai n the latest information and most current weather conditions. b) The operator shall ensure that the flight will occur within FAA VFR weather requirements. c) Operators/Ob servers should use the Beaufort Scale (Appendix A) when making deployment decisions in regards to wind conditions based on the nearest reporting location

. d) The weather conditions reported for the operation shall be recorded in the flight log.
9.3 Inspections and Documentation a) Inspection and weather will be documented prior to flight within the log book. b) After each flight, the operator will complete a statement documenting the UAS operations.Gulf Coast Helicopters, Inc. UAS OPERATIONS MANUAL Page **14** of **17**

9.4 Planning a) The operator/observer shall familiarize themselves with all available information concerning the mission/project including, but not limited to, the weather conditions, hazards, description of the mission , deployment area, deployment goals, end product, etc. b) Operators will ensure that the location for take

- off and emergency landing is adequate for a safe deployme nt. i. The take

- off/landing location should be clearly marked and identifiable with short cones. ii. At le ast o ne emergency landing area sho uld be identified per operation and lost link recovery position shall be programmed in prior to each sortie and kept clear for the duration of the sortie. c) Operators will ensure that they are aware of their surroundings in the event that an emergency landing is necessary. This includes the ability to recover the UAS. 9,5 Checklists a) Operators shall utilize the checklists to ensure the highest level of safety for deployment. b) Prior to flight, the flight log shall be initiated. 9.6 Maintenance a) Although there are few parts on the UAS that need servicing, it is necessary that the manufacturer's maintenance schedule is followed and properly documented. b) Any issues that arise during maintenance that cannot be resolved by routine methods shall be forwarded to the manufacturer or technical expert for further technical support. 9.7 Other a) Operators/Observers will ensure that no items are attached to the UAS prior to flight that are not required for safe operation and to complete the mission /project goal. 

## 10 **. Changes** a) This Manual is dynamic in nature, as the UAS industry changes and the technology advances this manual will be updated to include but not limited to operating procedures, safety, maintenance, etc. b) Changes will be marked on the Revision control page and when the new version is produced it will incorporate those changes.Gulf Coast Helicopters, Inc. UAS OPERATIONS MANUAL Page **15** of **17** 

## Appendix AGulf Coast Helicopters, Inc. UAS OPERATIONS MANUAL Page **16** of **17** 

## Appendix B
**AI R PHOTO/VIDEO CHECK LIST:**  **A/ C:________________**  **DA TE**  **:______________ LOCA TION:_________________________________ Satellites: _______**  **WIND: ______________ TEMPERA TURE: ________ Deg. F. CONDX:______ Batt# _____**  **CHECK LIST:** 

###  Documentation  Personnel briefing and plan  Check W ind and Temperature  Check area for Obstructions  Preflight UAS, Physical Condition & applicable parts  Preflight Payload  Install/Check Battery Level ___ %  Turn on Range Extender  Turn on Remote Control  Turn on Controller  Turn on Controller IPAD(s)  Set Wi
- Fi /Turn on DJI Vision App  Verify GPS (Green flashes

— Screen)  Start Video  Take Off Set time /Land w/in 30 mins or 25% Battery Power  Stop Video  Power Down Phantom  Turn Off Controller/Range Ext. **AI R PHOTO/VIDEO POST FLIGHT CHECK LIST:**  **CHECK LIST:** 

###  Check Motors for W ear or Heat  Check Main Batteries for Signs of Heat or Damage  Check Props for Damage or W ear (Replace as needed)  Check for Any Missing or Broken Parts

— Note Any Damage  Turn Off Camera  Turn Off Controller Power  Turn Off Anemometer  Turn Off IPAD  Turn Off Radios  Download Images and Video 

______________________ Flight Start Time:________ Stop Time:__________ Max Altitude:_________ N otes:___________________________________________________________ _____________________Pilot: ________________ Observer:______________Gulf Coast Helicopters, Inc. UAS OPERATIONS MANUAL Page **17** of **17** 

## Appendix 3 **Gulf Coast Helicopters** Permission Acquisition Form In signing this form, I am giving the pilots /operators of Gulf Coast Helicopters, I nc
. 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 inspection, photo, video production. Name: Title: Bas is of Authority to Grant Permission: Location: Date of Operation: Signature __________________________________________________ Date __________________________ GCH Representative Receiving Permission

____________________________________________________ ___________