UAS OPERATIONAL MANUAL FOR COX MEDIA GROUP 

This guide shall serve as the operational manual for the operation of the Unmanned Aerial 

System for Newsgathering (“UASNG”) by Cox Media Group (“CMG”) for newsgathering 

events.

FLIGHT OPERATIONS OVERVIEW

When deploying upon a potential coverage scene, the Pilot and Visual Observer will perform the 

procedures described herein. The Pilot on the scene is the event pilot-in-command and is 

responsible for the safe employment and operation of the UASNG that is assigned to the 

operation. The Pilot is also responsible for all operations utilizing the UASNG to include 

establishing a safe operating zone, coordination with any law enforcement/first responders on the 

scene, resolving conflicts with other airborne assets (both manned and unmanned), and any 

other contingencies that might present themselves. In addition to the Pilot, the UASNG crew 

will include a Visual Observer, or spotter. Each CMG TV station will name a Designated UAS 

Operations Manager (“UAS Manager”) who will oversee the planning and deployment of the 

CMG UASNG program, ensure training and currency for crewmembers, and act as a liaison with 

the Federal Aviation Administration (“FAA”), law enforcement, and other third parties. 

PILOT

The Pilot is responsible to the FAA for all operations and ensuring those operations are

conducted using the procedures outlined here and all other documents included and submitted for

this 333 exemption. All flights and procedures for ground operations of installed engines and/or

propeller(s), engaging of rotors, and movement of UAS aircraft conducted by the contractor are

subject to final approval by the Pilot.

AVIATION RISK MANAGEMENT

As per FAA Orders 8900 and 8130, all UAS operations will adhere to the Safety Management

System (“SMS”) process as required in manned aircraft operations. Personnel will use Safety

Risk Management (“SRM”) principles outlined in the current editions of FAA Advisory Circular

120-92-Safety Management Systems for Aviation Service Providers and FAA Order 8040.4ASafety Risk Management Policy. These FAA policies maintain or improve the safety of the

National Airspace System (“NAS”) by identifying safety risks, hazards, and mitigations

associated with proposed UAS operations. The Pilot will implement and manage the SRM

program in concert with FAA risk management policy. Aviation Risk Management will also

make initial and subsequent safety risk and maturity determinations to ensure compliance by all

team members at all associated newsgathering events.

AIRSPACE

CMG will use all means available to notify NAS partners (FAA, law enforcement, first

responders, other airspace users, etc.) that there is a potential newsgathering event and that

subsequent employment of an UASNG will be imminent. All technology available (radios,

telephonic, email, social media) will be considered to ensure any potential airspace users in close

proximity to the ongoing event are aware that there will be an unmanned CMG airborne asset in
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the area. Upon arrival on the launch sight, the Pilot and Visual Observer will quickly ascertain

the operating environment and follow up prior coordination with any other aforementioned

stakeholders prior to initial launch of the UASNG. Other risk factors such as weather, onlookers,

immediate obstructions to flight (trees, power-lines, construction equipment, etc.) will be

identified and mitigated. The Pilot will determine what geographical and/or electronic metrics

can be employed to help determine the maximum line-of-sight distance restriction. This can be

ascertained by using assets such as laser range finders, known physical distances, and heights

such as the length of the city block or height of utility poles. Once there is a determination that a

safe launch can be made and the UASNG is airborne, the Pilot will closely monitor the time of

flight, flight track, changing local conditions (weather, airspace saturation, crowd size and

disposition, etc.) and continually assess any possible need to modify or discontinue operations in

the interest of safety. Early and accurate planning of the on-site requirements to accommodate

the air and ground footprint is critical to both planning and execution. All team members will be

an integral part of the Airspace Management processes and must be well versed in flight, ground,

and UASNG operations. Crewmembers will conduct a flight readiness and operational risk

management review via checklists prior to every flight.

PILOTS AND VISUAL OBSERVERS

Pilots and visual observers and attached reporters are to provide a superior level of cooperation

with all stakeholders on the scene, always conscious of safety as the top priority. If at any time,

a determination is made that the safest action is to discontinue flight operations due to a safety

issue, the Pilot will not hesitate to recall the UASNG and re-evaluate the on-scene conditions.

The CMG Team will work directly with other on-scene stakeholders and the FAA local offices

to ensure all FAA, procedures, regulations, and paperwork are in full compliance. All team

members will be well versed in UAS operations to support newsgathering with UAS. The Pilot

will, at a minimum, possess a recreational or sport pilot certificate.

RISK ASSESSMENT

During the initial standup of UASNG activity pre-planning, CMG UAS flight crews will identify

and assess possible hazards consistent with FAA Safety Risk Management process. Based on

this preplanning the team will create a concise, yet thorough Risk Management

worksheet/checklist that is adaptable and scalable for all potential electronic news gathering

events. The team will complete Risk Management worksheets/checklists either on route to the

scene or after arrival on the scene before each event. These tools will be made available to any

FAA representative having a “need” for review. All Risk Assessments will be reviewed by event

personnel leadership and approved for operation by the Pilot.

CHANGES

All proposed changes shall be submitted to the Pilot in writing. Approved changes shall be

incorporated into all copies of the Procedures. Changes are not in effect until the Pilot approves

them.
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CREWMEMBER APPROVAL

The Pilot shall ensure that the appropriate numbers of crewmembers are authorized and that

programs include sufficient flying time for currency in accordance with the Mission Assurance

Risk Assessment. The Pilot shall not approve any crewmember until the procedures have been

approved and that crewmember has demonstrated a complete and thorough understanding.

GROUND OPERATIONS

Ground Operations are aircraft operations without intent for flight. Specific operations include,

but are not limited to:

• Aircraft maintenance

• Overhaul Modification Repair Ground Test

• Subsystem warm-up/checkout

• Spectrum De-confliction Ground Test

• Engine run or other operation of installed engines and propeller(s) or rotor(s), as

appropriate

• Preflight/post flight

• Operation of associated aerospace ground support equipment

• Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) operations and Training

• Operation of any Ground Test Vehicle.

The Pilot shall not approve any ground operations by the crew until the Pilot has reviewed and

approved the procedures.

FLIGHT APPROVAL

The UAS Manager shall not approve any flight by the crew until the UAS Manager has reviewed

and approved the procedures. UAS Manager approval is required for all flights in advance.

Flight approvals are requested using real time email/telephone/text message requests to the UAS

Manager. This will most likely be completed while on route to the newsgathering event. Any

verbal or email approval will suffice for this requirement. This allows the UAS Manager to

evaluate the effects of all the factors (such as aircraft condition, weather, aircrew life stressors,

etc.) which influence flight effectiveness and safety. The UAS Manager shall not authorize

operations that are outside the scope of the exemption requirements. Approval of operations not

allowed by this exemption could create serious liability issues.

MULTIPLE FLIGHT APPROVALS

Highly repetitive flights and events (such as flight instruction or a repeated flight training

involving the same aircrew, mission, and flight profile or exact same event) may be authorized.

Pilots should know the general profile and objectives for each event as well as the currency and

qualifications of the flight/ground crews involved for the duration of the approval period.
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ASSUMPTIONS & PROPOSED OPERATIONS FOR ALL NEWSGATHERING EVENTS

CMG intends to utilize DJI UAS, when specifically granted by the FAA, within the confines of

the “blanket” 200-foot COA, previously granted conditions and limitations, and the following

safety criteria:

• Automatic termination of flight and immediate landing when the battery reaches a

predetermined low state;

• Integrated global positioning system (“GPS”);

• Failsafe modes of operation for either loss of radio control or GPS signal;

• A flight controller that will warn the pilot before reaching a low battery state;

• Firmware that includes a no fly zone feature to prevent accidental operation of the device

in restricted airspace; and

• A top speed of less than 60 MPH. 

Altitude will be based upon safety first, winds, camera requirements, sun and light but limited to

200 ft. AGL Requirements:

• The Lost Link altitude will always be set above all obstacles and always be able to handle

the winds at that altitude.

• All procedures have been developed to avoid intentional operations over the general

public.

PROCEDURES FOR ALL NEWSGATHERING EMERGENCY EVENTS

During emergency operations, all team members will focus exclusively on the safe recovery of

the UASNG. Upon emergency flight termination due to a system malfunction, no additional

UASNG’ will be launched until a complete understanding of what caused the malfunction is

determined. All event law enforcement and First Responders will be briefed on the basic

operations of the UASNG and what they can do to support CMG’s local Pilot in the event of an

emergency. When possible all emergencies will be terminated at the launch and recovery

location.

PREFLIGHT PROCEDURES FOR ALL UASNG OPERATIONS

1. Once the Pilot has completed all ground operations, the Pilot will provide an “all clear for

launch”.

2. Ground checks will include a thorough site survey equivalent to the newsgathering safety

survey all crewmembers perform when determining a safe location for the operation of a live

microwave truck. This includes keeping a safe buffer from power lines as well as an

assessment of weather conditions.

3. The Pilot will then verify good communications with the Visual Observer. “All clear for

launch” means ground checks are complete and camera operation and zoom functionality are

verified. After giving the “All clear for launch,” the Pilot will launch the UASNG from the

Launch and Recovery location vertically and announce the initial operating altitude and
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launch time to the crew. Upon reaching altitude, the Pilot will announce the initial hover

point.

4. The Visual Observer will verify the time and that the initial operating area is clear. If at any

point the Visual Observer realizes the area is not clear, he/she will announce that the area is

not clear and recommend to the Pilot a known clear area.

5. The team will continue to capture the news in this manner throughout the event.

6. All crewmembers will acknowledge and verify critical information during the event. The

Pilot and Visual Observer will stay in continuous contact and discuss coverage strategies in

advance and throughout the event until successful recovery.

FLIGHT ENVIRONMENT REQUIREMENTS

Operations will adhere to the following environment requirements (“Environment Assessment”):

• Do not use the aircraft in severe weather conditions. These include excess wind, snow,

rain, and smog.

• Fly in open fields as high buildings or steel structures may affect the accuracy of the

onboard compass.

• Keep the UAS away from obstacles, crowds, high voltage power lines, or trees when in

flight.

• Reduce the chance of electromagnetic interference by avoiding areas with high levels of

electromagnetism.

• Be acutely aware of no fly zones as specified by laws and regulations.

• An updated listed of “No Fly” zones can be checked at: http://flysafe.dji.com/no-fly.

• A video detailing the enhanced safety features of the DJI crafts can be checked

at: https://youtu.be/vimM1nnzljo.

PREFLIGHT CHECKLIST

Operations will employ the following preflight checklist:

• Check to ensure remote controller, smart battery, Range Extender, and smartphone are

fully charged.

• Inspect the battery, check the charge level, look for excessive expansion or damage to the

frame.

• Check to ensure propellers are properly mounted.

• Check to ensure gimbal mount has been removed.

• Check damping absorbers to ensure they are in good condition, not broken or worn.

• Check to ensure anti-drop kits have been mounted correctly.

• Check that camera lens cap has been removed.

• SD Microchip card has been inserted as necessary.

• Gimbal is functioning as normal.

• Motors can start and are functioning as normal.

• DJI vision app can connect to the camera.

• DO NOT ATTEMPT TO OPERATE THE CRAFT IF IT FAILS ANY OF THE ABOVE

ITEMS ON CHECKLIST.
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COMPASS CALIBRATION

Make sure to calibrate the compass in every new flight location. The compass is very sensitive 

to electromagnetic interference, which can cause abnormal compass data leading to poor flight 

performance or even flight failure. Regular calibration is required for optimum performance.

Check the DJI user manual for details on calibration procedures.

FLIGHT TEST

After the Environmental Assessment, Preflight Checklist, and Compass Calibration have been 

completed, the next step is to perform a flight test. The following test protocol should be 

followed:

• Test the starting and stopping motors via the Combination Stick Command (CSC).

• Place the UAS on open flat ground with battery indicators facing the pilot.

• Launch the DJI VISION app and start bind it with your smartphone and then enter the

camera preview page.

• Wait until the Rear LED Flight indicator blinks green. This means it has initialized and

is ready to fly. Confirm the switch configuration on the controller is set for GPS flight

mode with all fail-safes enabled.

• Push the throttle up slowly to take off. Refer to the DJI Remote Controller Operation for

more details.

• To land, hover over a level surface and gently pull down on the throttle to descend.

• After landing, execute the CSC command or hold the throttle.

FAILSAFE FUNCTION

PROCEDURES FOR SETTING THE “HOME POINT” OR “DYNAMIC HOME POINT”

The Phantom will enter Failsafe mode when its connection to the Remote Controller is lost. The

Flight control system will automatically control the aircraft to return home and land to prevent

injury or damage.

HOME POINT

When the Phantom enters “Ready to Fly” from the “Ready to Fly status, (non-GPS),” the GPS

coordinates will be recorded and set as the home point.

• When Remote Controller signal is lost, the aircraft will return to the recorded home point

coordinates and land.

• Home Point coordinates are used to calculate the horizontal distance of the aircraft (show

as “Distance” on the GUI of the DJI Vision App.)

• After successful record of the home point, rear LED flight indicators blink fast green.

• Dynamic home point: The home point will be reset to the position of the mobile device at

specific time intervals.

• Dynamic home point is only available to the GPS-enabled mobile device. Turn on GPS

and data service to obtain higher accuracy of the mobile device position.
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• Dynamic home point is useful in situations when you are in motion and require a home

point that is different from the takeoff spot.

LOW BATTERY RETURN TO HOME

The low battery level Failsafe is triggered when the DJI intelligent battery is depleted to a point

that may affect the safe return of the aircraft. Aircraft will automatically return to the home point

when “low battery” warning is triggered. Aircraft will automatically return to home point if no

action is taken after 10 seconds countdown. Aircraft will land automatically if the current

battery level can only support the aircraft to land to the ground from the current altitude. User

can use the remote control to control the aircraft’s orientation during the landing process.

LOW BATTERY WARNING FUNCTION

If the DJI smart battery is depleted to a point that may affect the safe return of the aircraft, the

low battery level warning notifies users to take action. Users are advised to land the aircraft

immediately when they observe these warnings. The thresholds for these warnings are

automatically determined based on the current aircraft altitude and its distance from the Home

Point. Details of the battery level warnings are as follows:

• Sufficient battery level – GREEN

• Low batter warning level – YELLOW

• Critical low battery warning level – RED

LOW BATTERY LEVEL WARNING ON THE DJI VISION APP

Battery level warnings will show on the camera page of the DJI VISION APP when the battery

is low.

• A red light will flash along the edges of the screen.

• Audible alarm. Make sure sound is turned on and volume is turned up on your

mobile device.

• The aircraft battery icon will turn red.

FLIGHT LIMIT PROGRAMMING

Another important safety feature of the DJI platforms is the flight limit programming, which can

set maximum height and radius limits for flying height and distance. Configuration can be done

in the DJI Flight App or Assistant. Once complete, your Phantom 2, 3, or Inspire will fly in a

restricted cylinder that is determined by these settings. The DJI pilot app will give you a

warning when you reach the limits of height and distance. It is mandatory that these limits are

programmed and checked before each flight to ensure compliance with 200-foot altitude

restriction and a safe radius given environmental restraints.

POST FLIGHT INSPECTION

Upon completion of the flight, perform the following post flight steps

• Turn the craft off and confirm all lights turn off.
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• Remove and inspect the battery, look for excessive expansion or heat, secure in a dry

secure location.

• Inspect craft for any loose parts, connections, cracks, or abrasions in the airframe.

• Inspect and clean any insect strikes.

• Store craft and controller in secure location or storage container to make sure craft is not

damaged in storage or transport.

• Verify that motors can start and are functioning as normal.

• Confirm that the DJI vision app can connect to the camera.

• DO NOT ATTEMPT TO OPERATE THE CRAFT IF IT FAILS ANY OF THE ABOVE

ITEMS ON CHECKLIST