Date: 9.3.2015 Revision: Original Page 1 of 11 

# 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 ArtDate: 9.3.2015 Revision: Original Page 2 of 11 

# 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 20Date: 9.3.2015 Revision: Original Page 3 of 11 

## 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.Date: 9.3.2015 Revision: Original Page 4 of 11 

## 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 aDate: 9.3.2015 Revision: Original Page 5 of 11 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.Date: 9.3.2015 Revision: Original Page 6 of 11 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 withDate: 9.3.2015 Revision: Original Page 7 of 11 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.Date: 9.3.2015 Revision: Original Page 8 of 11 

## 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.Date: 9.3.2015 Revision: Original Page 9 of 11 

# Appendix
A. List of Approved Aircraft Make Model Serial Number Registration Number DJI Inspire 1
DJI 1000+Date: 9.3.2015 Revision: Original Page 10 of 11 

## 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 PermissionDate: 9.3.2015 Revision: Original Page 11 of 11 

## 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