Date: 9.3.2015 Revision: Original 

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Motion Picture and Television 

Flight Operations Manual 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Remote Control Video Productions, LLC 

PO Box 93592 

Southlake, TX 76092 

214-945-3776 

817-681-3996 

 

 

 

Remote Control Video Productions, llc 

Elevating Videography to Art 
Date: 9.3.2015 Revision: Original 

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Table of Contents 

1. Introduction Page 

A. Purpose 3 

B. Pilot/Operator Organization 3 

C. Distribution and Revision 3 

D. Persons Authorized 3 

E. Area of Operations 3 

F. Plan of Activities 4 

G. Permission to Operate 4 

H. Security 4 

I. Briefing of Pilot/Production Personnel 5 

J. Safety of Flight 5 

K. Certification/Airworthiness 6 

L. Pilot Personnel - Minimum Requirements 6 

M. Communications 7 

N. Accident Notification 7 

O. Recall/Stop Procedures 7 

P. Special Provisions 7 

2. Company Organization 

A. Director of Videography 8 

B. Pilot in Command (PIC) 8 

C. Visual Observer 8 

Appendix 

A. List of Approved Aircraft 9 

B. Location Permission Form (sample) 10 

C. Verbal Permission Record Form (sample) 11 

D. Copy of Exemption No. 12623 12 

E. Copy of FAA FORM 7711-1 UAS COA 20 
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1. Introduction 

A. Purpose 

This operations manual has been created by “Remote Control Video Productions, LLC”, hereafter 

referred to as “RCVP”, to be used in conjunction with Exemption No. 12623 Regulatory Docket No. 

FAA−2015−2410 FAA Section 333 exemption and FAA FORM 7711-1 UAS COA Blanket COA for any 

Operator issued a valid Section 333 Grant of Exemption and/or waiver application for a Certificate of 

Waiver of Authorization of the provisions of FAR 91.119 (b) and (c) for the purposes of aerial Unmanned 

Aircraft Systems (UAS) filming. RCVP pilots, camera operators, visual observers, and other company 

personnel when applicable, will comply with the policies, procedures, and conditions of this manual, 

whenever motion picture or television UAS flight operations are performed that require an Exemption 

and/or Waiver of Authorization as mentioned above. 

B. Pilot/Operator Organization 

Dave Bradlaw 

Director of Videography 

Remote Control Video Productions, LLC 

PO Box 93592 

Southlake, TX 76092 

214-945-3776 

817-681-3996 

C. Distribution and Revision 

A copy of this manual will be available to all Persons Authorized and remain on site of flight operations 

during all flights. 

Revising the operations manual will be the responsibility of the Owner/Operator to ensure that all 

manuals are kept current. Revisions for the operations manual shall be forwarded to the Flight 

Standards District Offices (FSDO) at least 15 days before the proposed effective date. 

D. Persons Authorized 

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

directly involved in the performance of the actual filming. The certificate holder will include procedures 

to insure that no persons are allowed within 500 feet of the area except those consenting to be involved 

and necessary for the filming production. This provision may be reduced to no less than 200 feet if an 

equivalent level of safety can be achieved. For example, an equivalent level of safety may be determined 

by an aviation safety inspector’s (ASI) evaluation of the filming production area to note terrain features, 

obstructions, buildings, etc. Such barriers may protect nonparticipating persons (e.g., observers, the 

public, or news media) from debris in the event of an accident. 

E. Area of Operations 

RCVP’s approved area of operations will be the United States, including its territories and possessions. 
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F. Plan of Activities 

At least three (3) days prior to any scheduled operation, RCVP will submit a written plan of activities to 

the local FSDO having jurisdiction over that area. The plan of activities will include the following: 

1. Dates and times for all flights. 

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

3. Name and phone number of person responsible for flight operations. 

4. Make, model, and serial number of UAS to be used. 

5. Name and certificate number of pilot(s) involved in the filming production event. 

6. A statement that the exemption/waiver holder has obtained permission from property 

owners and/or local officials to conduct the filming production event. The list of those who 

gave permission will be made available to the inspector upon request from the 

exemption/waiver holder. 

7. Signature of exemption/waiver holder or representative. 

8. A description of the flight activity including maps or diagrams of any area, city, town, 

county, and/or State over which the operation will be conducted. 

The three (3) day notification may be waived, however, the operator should contact the FSDO as soon as 

possible with this request and be prepared to explain in detail why the three (3) day notification is not 

practical. 

G. Permission to Operate 

Before any flight operation is conducted under the provisions of the exemption and/or 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 

RCVP personnel obtaining such permission will do so in writing whenever practical, however, verbal 

permission is acceptable. RCVP personnel will notate verbal permission on the verbal permission record 

form (sample provided in Appendix item C). A permission form (sample provided in Appendix item B) 

may be used when obtaining written permission. Written permission forms shall be maintained at the 

job site until flight operations are completed, and then turned into the Director of Videography 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. 

H. Security 

Prior to any flight operation the operator will coordinate with appropriate production personnel to 

devise a plan of securing the area(s) of operation from all unauthorized persons and vehicles to a 
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minimum perimeter described in Section D (Persons Authorized) above. Provisions will be made to 

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

interest of safety. 

I. Briefing of Pilot/Production Personnel 

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

conduct a briefing of all procedures to participating personnel of the risks involved, emergency 

procedures, and safeguards to be followed during the filming production event. Personnel will also be 

briefed on additional provisions that may be issued by the FSDO that has geographic responsibility for 

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

The briefing shall cover: 

1. Authorization for motion picture and television exemption and/or certificate of waiver and 

the attached special provisions 

2. Provisions outlined in the FAA Exemption No. 12623 (included in this manual) 

3. Provisions outlined in the appropriate Certificate of Waiver or Authorization (included in this 

manual) 

4. Pertinent sections of this operations manual 

5. Plan of activities 

6. UAS takeoff and landing procedures 

7. Role of Pilot In Command (PIC), visual observer, and camera/gimbal operator 

8. Radio Communications 

9. Overview of flight activities to be conducted during the filming production event 

10. Recall procedures 

11. Emergency procedures 

12. Risks to participating personnel 

13. How to control nonparticipating persons 

J. Safety of Flight 

The operator or pilot in command (PIC) is responsible for halting or canceling activity in the COA area if, 

at any time, the safety of persons or property on the ground or in the air is in jeopardy, or if there is a 

failure to comply with the terms or conditions of the Certificate of Waiver of Authorization. 

See-and-Avoid 

Unmanned aircraft have no on-board pilot to perform see-and-avoid responsibilities; therefore, when 

operating outside of active restricted and warning areas approved for aviation activities, provisions must 

be made to ensure an equivalent level of safety exists for unmanned operations consistent with 14 CFR 

Part 91 §91.111, §91.113 and §91.115. 

The pilot in command (PIC) is responsible: 

 To remain clear and give way to all manned aviation operations and activities at all times. 

 For the safety of persons or property on the surface with respect to the UAS. 
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UAS pilots will ensure there is a safe operating distance between aviation activities and unmanned 

aircraft (UA) at all times. 

Visual observers must be used at all times and maintain instantaneous communication with the PIC. 

The PIC is responsible to ensure visual observer(s) are: 

 Able to see the UA and the surrounding airspace throughout the entire flight, and 

 Able to provide the PIC with the UA’s flight path, and proximity to all aviation activities and 

other hazards (e.g., terrain, weather, structures) sufficiently for the PIC to exercise effective 

control of the UA to prevent the UA from creating a collision hazard. 

Visual observer(s) must be able to communicate clearly to the pilot any instructions required to remain 

clear of conflicting traffic. 

Pilots are reminded to follow all federal regulations e.g. remain clear of all Temporary Flight Restrictions, 

as well as following the exemption granted for their operation. 

The operator or delegated representative must not operate in Prohibited Areas, Special Flight Rule 

Areas or, the Washington National Capital Region Flight Restricted Zone. 

K. Certification/Airworthiness 

All aircraft operated by RCVP will be identified by serial number, registered in accordance with 14 CFR 

part 47, and have identification (N-Number) markings in accordance with 14 CFR part 45, Subpart C. 

Markings will be as large as practicable. All RCVP UASs used in operations do not require an 

airworthiness certificate. Each UAS will have a flight log containing scheduled maintenance. RCVP will 

use trained technicians to perform repair, alterations, or preventive maintenance on the UASs using the 

methods, techniques, and practices prescribed in the UAS manufacturer operating documents and 

manuals. RCVP will document and maintain all maintenance records. 

L. Pilot Personnel - Minimum Requirements 

RCVP shall establish and specify the minimum pilot requirements. Minimum requirements shall meet or 

exceed the following: 

Prior to conducting operations, the PIC must have logged, consistent with 14 CFR 61.51(b), 25 hours of 

total time as a UAS pilot. Prior to operations the PIC must also have logged a minimum of 5 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 take-offs and landings in the preceding 90 

days (for currency purposes). Prior documented flight experience that was obtained in compliance with 

applicable regulations could satisfy this requirement. 

Training, proficiency, and experience-building flights can also be conducted to accomplish the required 

flight time. During training, proficiency, and experience-building flights the PIC is required to operate the 

UAS with appropriate distances in accordance with 14 CFR 91.119. RCVP may determine that additional 

hours are necessary to address all potential flight hazards and requisite airmanship skills. RCVP will not 

permit any PIC to operate unless the PIC is able to safely operate the UAS in a manner consistent with 
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how the UAS will be operated under this exemption, including evasive and emergency maneuvers, and 

maintaining appropriate distances from persons, vessels, vehicles and structures. 

Prior to operations the 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, and have completed the minimum flight hour and currency requirements as stated 

in the conditions and limitations above. 

Visual Observers will have a minimum of 1 hour of flight time with the UAS which they are observing 

affording them direct experience with the performance of the UAS they will be observing. 

M. 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. 

N. Accident Notification 

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

this COA must be reported to the FAA via email at 9-AJV-115-UASOrganization@faa.gov within 24 hours. 

Accidents must be reported to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) per instructions 

contained on the NTSB Web site: www.ntsb.gov. Should an accident or incident requiring notification of 

the NTSB occur, the notification requirements of FAR Part 830 would apply. 

O. Recall/Stop Procedures 

Specific procedures will vary based on the UAS being used, the physical location, and other unique 

configurations in the field. Details will be part of the required pre-flight briefing. Oral, visual, or radio 

communications will be utilized to keep the participants continuously appraised of the current status of 

the operation. 

P. Special Provisions 

The controls, procedures, and conditions set forth in this manual are the primary assurance that persons 

on the surface will not be jeopardized. The UASs and pilots used under this exemption and/or waiver 

will only be those specified in this manual, Appendix, or associated plan of activities. Each pilot’s name 

and certificate number shall appear on each daily plan of activity. All UASs pilot(s) participating in the 

activity shall be available for FAA inspection before the scheduled event. No person may participate in 

any event unless that person has received a briefing on the provisions of the exemption and/or waiver. 
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2. Company Organization 

A. Director of Videography 

Duties and Responsibilities: 

 Has final word in the formulation of policy and procedures concerning this manual. 

 Acts as liaison between RCVP and the FAA on matters concerning this manual. 

 Assure that each approved pilot is issued a copy of this manual and obtain a signed statement 

from each that they have read and understand its contents. 

 Maintain a current copy of this manual at the main base of operations for RCVP. 

 Responsible for assuring that all revisions to this manual are distributed and processed properly. 

 Must approve or disapprove each proposed operation performed by RCVP under the provisions 

of this manual. 

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

 The Director of Videography may delegate functions to other personnel but retains 

responsibility. 

B. Pilot in Command 

Duties and Responsibilities: 

 Assure the UAS to be flown is in airworthy condition and required maintenance has been 

performed as appropriate. 

 Acquire permission from the Director of Videography before any operation under the provisions 

of this manual. 

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

conditions contained herein. 

 Coordinate with location personnel to formulate plans, routes, locations, etc. with safety of all 

persons involved the primary concern. 

 Maintain and keep current their copy of this manual and have it on site at any job or operation 

requiring the exemption and/or waiver. 

 The pilot in command may delegate functions to other personnel, but retains responsibility. 

C. Visual Observer 

Duties and Responsibilities: 

 Maintain visual line of sight with the UAS at all times. 

 Maintain direct communication with the PIC. 

 Maintain a broader situational awareness of the secure area and remain alert for unauthorized 

persons or vehicles that could compromise the area. 

 Assist the PIC in with collision avoidance. Including, but not limited to, avoidance of other 

structures, obstructions, and terrain. 
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Appendix 

A. List of Approved Aircraft 

Make Model Serial Number Registration Number 

DJI Inspire 1 

DJI 1000+ 
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B. Location Permission Form 

Remote Control Video Productions, LLC 

In signing this form, I am giving the pilots of Remote Control Video Productions, LLC permission to 

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

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

Name: 

Title: 

Company or Organization: 

Basis of Authority to Grant Permission: 

 

Location: 

Date of Operation: 

Signature: 

Signature Date: 

RCVP Representative Receiving Permission 

 
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C. Verbal Permission Record Form 

Remote Control Video Productions, LLC staff and designees that receive verbal permission must make a 

record on this form: 

The following person(s) listed is (are) giving the pilots of Remote Control Video Productions, LLC 

permission to operate their aircraft at less than 500 feet from property, or within some jurisdiction in 

which they have responsible for or are affiliated with, for the purpose of film, video, or television 

production. 

Name: Title: 

Company or Organization: 

Date permission granted: 

Basis of Authority to Grant Permission: 

 

Name: Title: 

Company or Organization: 

Date permission granted: 

Basis of Authority to Grant Permission: 

 

Name: Title: 

Company or Organization: 

Date permission granted: 

Basis of Authority to Grant Permission: 

 

Location: 

Date of Operation: 

RCVP Representative Receiving Permission