General Operations Manual

1. Preface

The following procedures are intended to promote safe, efficient and lawful operation of Above The Rest 

Photography LLC, 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. Philosophy

It shall be the mission of those personnel of Above The Rest Photography LLC, that are trained in the 

use of unmanned aerial systems (UAS), to use this resource the filming, of motion picture and television 

programming. Use of an aerial system can be utilized in circumstances which can provide special and 

unique images, as well as being able to capture such film images with less risk of an accident. The 

adoption of UAS in film and television production is the safest method to produce images that otherwise 

could not be seen. The use of UAS's is quickly growing, but had it been available in the past on many sets 

and production environment, it would have had a large impact on all aspects of safety where loss of life 

occurred.

UAS's can support any forms of filming that would benefit from an aerial perspective. Additionally, the 

UAS would have suitable uses in low altitude filming and placement of cameras that traditionally would 

be very dangerous perform such operations as well as any task that can best be accomplished from the 

air in an efficient and effective manner. It shall be the intent of every UAS operator to make reasonable 

effort to not invade a person's reasonable expectation of privacy when operating the UAS. When operating 

the UAS, the COMPANY’s operator (PIC) will abide by all FAA Regulations for flight and receive the 

proper authorization for flight. Additionally, the need, availability and use of the UAS will not supersede 

the issuance of a permit when needed.

3. Protection of Rights and Privacy, 

UAS Company owners, operators, director, PIC’s and observers will have the protection of citizens civil 

rights and reasonable expectations of privacy as a key component of any decision made to deploy the 

UAS. UAS operators and observers will ensure and will be held accountable for ensuring that 

operations of the UAS intrude to a minimal extent upon the citizens of in relation to any flight. 

To accomplish this primary goal we will:

a) When the UAS is being flown the onboard cameras will be turned so as to be facing away from 

occupied structures, etc to minimize inadvertent video or still images of uninvolved persons.

b) All video and still images will be maintained in strict compliance with the COMPANY’s policies 

and procedures.

c) The COMPANY UAS “N” numbers will be posted on UAVSA.org and/or the COMPANY’s

website to allow the public input will be maintained and regularly monitored to address citizen 

concerns and recommendations.

d) The COMPANY will never conduct random surveillance activities unrelated to the approved 

use of any UAS. 

e) The use of the UAS will be tightly controlled and regulated by the COMPANY.

f) The authorized COMPANY UAS uses are:

1. Ariel Video Cinematography

2. Ariel Filming

3. Ariel Jib Filming
Any other requested uses will be applied for through an amendment of the COMPANY’s 333 Exemption 

Grant approved by the FAA through a special review process, prior to performing any other unapproved 

flight(s) or mission(s).

g) A COMPANY committee will be formed and meet semi-annually for the purpose of reviewing the 

existing UAS procedures as well as new technologies, laws and regulations on UAS usage. The 

committee will consist of the COMPANY’s UAS operations personnel and other invited, interested 

parties and professional representatives, such as clients, insurance affiliates, local officials, etc. The 

committee will present current technologies, safety procedures, National and local policy changes 

for the operations of UAS. The COMPANY may solicit feedback from attendees and the local 

community at large. A record will be kept of all such meeting and communications.

h) The COMPANY UAS program will operate, strictly within the state, city and county laws and 

FAA and Home Land Security regulations. If in doubt, prior to operating the UAS the PICoperator will ensure that all questionable flights are reviewed with the Company owner or president 

of the COMPANY and that any permits are applied for and obtained before a flight. The 

COMPANY and the UAS Personnel will balance all operations with the need to accomplish the 

flight and the mission while maintaining public privacy and freedom from intrusion.

4. Definitions of Flight 

COA (Certificate of Authorization) — Given by the FAA which grants permission to fly within specific 

boundaries and perimeters. Training flights cannot take place without a valid T&E (training & 

evaluation) COA and missions cannot take place without a valid operational COA.

5. Administration 

5.1 Operations Manual

The policies and procedures contained in this manual are issued by authority of the COMPANY. As such it 

is an official document of the COMPANY’s UAS Operations and Maintenance Personnel.

a) This manual is not intended to be all-inclusive, but as a supplement to the COMPANY guidelines, 

Federal Aviation Administration regulations, UAS manufacturers' flight manual, etc.

b) Manual has been written to address UAS operations as they existed when it was drafted. FAA, state, 

and local regulations, 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. 

c) The entire manual will be reviewed, at a minimum, quarterly to assure it is up to date. Any changes 

to the manual will be communicated as currently dictated by the COMPANY’s policy.

d) A copy of the manual (electronic and/or paper) will be issued to every person having UAS 

responsibilities or a need to know.

5.2 Organization

a) The UAS Personnel shall be comprised of those personnel approved by the COMPANY and 

includes PIC Pilots in Command, system operators, observers and others deemed necessary 

such as IT personnel, and assignment to the UAS team or team.

b) The UAS Personnel will be comprised of approved personnel who are on-duty during business 

hours at a minimum.
5.3 Personnel

The COMPANY’s UAS team is responsible for the overall safety, direction and flight performance and 

will exercise command and control over all operations and deliverables of mission. The COMPANY

owner is responsible for the day to day supervision.

Company Owner’s

Responsibilities: 

a) maintaining all training, flight and maintenance records for individual airframes as well as each 

PIC, systems operator and observer, 

b) maintain current with FAA, state, city and local regulations as they change, 

c) evaluate technology, flight systems and airframes based on mission needs. 

d) The Company owner must maintain a current class H flight physical and proficiency on all UAS 

operated by the team. 

e) Post flight or mission summaries to all teams and team members after first obtaining authorization 

from the COMPANY president or officer in charge.

Operators, PICs, Pilots in Command Responsibilities:

i. To be considered for selection as an operator, team member applicants are not required to 

already possess a Class II FAA certification (private pilots) or a Class II FAA physical 

examination. Applicants must meet the requirements for and successfully pass a class II flight 

physical in order to be accepted into the UAS team.

ii. Operators interacting with Air Traffic Control (ATC) shall have sufficient expertise to perform 

that task readily and were required have a PIC should communicate with ATC. 

iii. Operators must have an understanding of, and comply with FAA and Military Regulations 

applicable to the airspace where the UAS will operate. 

iv. Operators must have in their possession a current airman medical as required by the FAA at is a 

second class for higher, airman medical certificate that has been issued under 14 CFR 67, 

Medical Standards and Certification, or a military equivalent. 14 CFR 91.17, Alcohol or 

Drugs, applies to UAS operator testing.

v. An operator's primary duty is the safe and effective operation of the UAS in accordance with the 

manufacturers' approved flight manual, FAA regulations and agency policy and procedures. 

Operators must remain knowledgeable of all FAA regulations; UAS manufacturer's flight 

manual and bulletins and Company owner of policy and procedures.

vi. Operators may be temporarily removed from flight status at any time by the COMPANY, for 

reasons including FAA flight violations, performance, proficiency, physical condition, etc. 

Should this become necessary, the operator will be notified verbally and in writing of the 

reason, further action to be taken and expected duration of such removal.

The COMPANY owner 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 policy and 

procedures.

Observers Responsibilities:

i. Observers are not required to possess a Class II FAA certification (private pilots) or a Class 

II FAA physical examination.

ii. Observers must have been provided with sufficient training to communicate clearly to the 

operator any turning instructions required to stay clear of conflicting, people, property or 

other flight traffic.
iii. 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, inflight visibility, and the pilot controller glossary including standard ATC phraseology and 

communication. 

iv. Observers must have in their possession a current second class (or higher) airman 

medical certificate that has been issued under 14 CFR 67, Medical Standards and 

Certification, or a military equivalent. 14 CFR 91.17, Alcohol or Drugs, applies to UAS 

observers.

v. An observer's primary duty is anything that may affect the operator's primary duty (see and 

avoid).

vi. Secondly an observer's duty is to operate the UAS's equipment including cameras, FLIR, 

radio communications with other people that may come into the flight area.

The team’s Company owner shall maintain a file for each observer which shall include copies of FAA 

certifications, training records, etc. This file can be reviewed in accordance with current policy and 

procedures.

5.4 Facilities

a) UAS operations will be at the COMPANY or a facility designated by the COMPANY.

b) Personnel will not leave the designated facility without making sure the UAS equipment is secured.

c) All personnel are equally responsible for maintaining the facility in a neat, clean and orderly fashion.

5.5 Scheduling

a) To facilitate the broad use of the UAS, it shall be made available to all sales, support and operation 

staff to aid in client development and to provide additional UAS safety and performance education for

staff, clients, and city and community officials to be scheduled.

b) To maintain a level of proficiency with the UAS, operators will be required, as part of their 

acceptance into the UAS Personnel, to attend training as directed by the director. Training will be 

coordinated through the Company owner and announced in advance for scheduling purposes.

5.6 Miscellaneous

a) Inquiries from the news media will be forwarded to the Public Information Personnel. 

Operators/Observers shall follow currently established team policy regarding interactions and 

inquiries from the media.

b) Requests for support from other government agencies within, or outside the City or community 

will be responded to by the COMPANY owner or president for consideration. Should the request 

involve an immediate threat to life, or property, the operator is authorized to accept or decline the 

request. Proper policy and procedure, as well as FAA regulations shall be followed when 

accepting mutual aid support for the UAS.

c) Complaints or inquiries regarding UAS operations shall be referred to the COMPANY owner, 

president or the Office of Accountability.

6. Safety

6.1 Safety Policy

a) The COMPANY is committed to having a safe and healthy workplace, including:
i. Safe Zone, reporting of any and all safety hazards will never initiate disciplinary action against 

any personnel who, in good faith, disclose a hazard or safety occurrence due to unintentional 

conduct.

ii. The COMPANY actively supports any and all safety training and awareness programs.

iii. The COMPANY will actively conduct regular audits of safety policies, procedures and 

practices.

iv. The COMPANY will actively monitor the FAA and the UAS community to, ensure that the 

best safety practices are incorporated into the organization and UAS operations.

b) It is the duty of every member within The COMPANY 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. Safety hazards, 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 COMPANY.

c) If any member observes, or has knowledge, of an UAS unsafe or dangerous act committed by 

another member, the COMPANY owner is to be notified immediately so that corrective action may 

be taken. Hazards requiring immediate attention will be brought to the attention of the 

COMPANY owner without delay.

6.2 Operational Hazard and Occurrence Report (OHOR) and Investigations

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) The OHOR concept provides a mechanism to report hazards and occurrences, real and perceived, 

to those responsible for UAS operations.

c) There is no specific format for the OHOR as the information provided is what is important, not 

the format and should be used without hesitation to report any anticipated, current, or experienced 

safety hazard, or occurrence. Further, the OHOR can be submitted anonymously, and to 

whatever level in the chain of command, to get the matter proper attention, without fear of 

reprisal.

d) Written memorandums fully explaining the problem will be given to the COMPANY owner for 

further review and investigation.

e) Every hazard and/or occurrence will be investigated, with the results and corrective action taken 

communicated to all members. 

f) The investigation will be conducted by the UAS Director(s), who have the necessary technical 

skill. The services of an independent subject matter expert may be necessary in some cases to 

assure a thorough and complete investigation.

g) 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 Company owner and the 

COMPANY chain of command will be notified immediately in such situations.

6.3 Safety Officer - Operator/Observer/Supervisor

In regards to safety, all members of the UAS Personnel 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 team 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 experiences), the proper procedures for handling 

that problem should be reviewed, distributed to the appropriate parties and discussed. 

v. Copy and circulate pertinent safety information.

vi. Copy and circulate emergency safety bulletins.

vii. Place any electronic copies of safety information or bulletins on the COMPANY website 

for personnel and other officials to access.

It is emphasized again that safety is the responsibility of ALL members of the UAS Personnel.

6.4 Safety Training

a) All members shall receive training in the following subjects prior to operating the UAS: 

i. Agency commitment to safety 

ii. Agency policy

iii. UAS member's role in safety 

iv. Emergency safety procedures

b) All members shall review the team safety policy and procedures on an annual basis and that 

review shall be noted in their training history.

6.5 Medical Factors

Operator and Observers shall only deploy the UAS when rested and emotionally prepared for the tasks at 

hand.

a) Physical illness, exhaustion, emotional problems, etc., can seriously impair judgment, memory and 

alertness. The safest rule is not to act as an operator or observer when suffering from any of the 

above. Personnel are expected to "stand down" when these problems could reasonably be expected 

to affect their ability to perform flight duties.

b) A self-assessment of physical condition shall be made by all members during pre-flight activities.

c) Performance can be seriously hampered by prescription and over the counter drugs. The Company 

owner 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 

deployment or exercise.

d) No member shall act as an operator or observer within eight hours after consumption of any 

alcoholic beverage, while under the influence of alcohol, or while having an alcohol concentration of 

0.04 (FAR 91.17)

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 members, 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 and student evaluation and 

documentation.

b) Duties of instructing new members shall fall upon those who have the most flight time and 

knowledge of UAS operations. Instructors will be designated by those within the Personnel and 

approved by the Company Owner.
7.3 Training Plans

a) All members will have a training plan on file that outlines training objectives for the upcoming year. 

This training plan will be held in conjunction with the member's normal training file per team

policy.

b) The approved training plan will be developed jointly by the Company owner, members and the 

team's training Personnel.

c) All deployments or exercises will be documented and count toward a member's training.

d) It is the member's responsibility to verify their training file contains all pertinent information.

7.4 Initial Training (per UAS Interim Operational Approval Guidance 08-01)

a) Upon acceptance to the UAS Personnel, the new member shall acquire an FAA Class 2 (or higher) 

airmen medical certificate.

b) Observers must have completed sufficient training to communicate to the pilot any instructions 

required to remain clear of conflicting traffic. 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-qt.-Way Rules: Except Water Operations; and 14 CFR 91.155, Bask 

VFR Weather Minimums; 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.

c) Operators will enroll in appropriate training (multirotor and fixed wing) in order to obtain their private 

pilot license/certificate if not already in possession of one (either fixed wing or rotorcraft).

d) In conjunction with fulfilling all FAA requirements for operator/observer duties, the new member 

will also become familiar with UAS operations, the aircraft and its equipment.

e) Any new member who fails to successfully complete the initial training may be denied as a member 

of the UAS Personnel.

f) Before a member can fly as an operator, they must complete at least 8 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.

7.5 Recurrent Training

a) All members within the Personnel shall maintain proficiency in their operator/observer abilities. 

Personnel 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 deployment or exercise.

b) Recurrent training is not limited to actual operating/observer skills but includes knowledge of all 

pertinent UAS/aviation matters.

c) Failure to prove proficiency can result in removal from UAS responsibilities.

7.6 Miscellaneous

a) Depending on the nature of the training request, all efforts will be made to accommodate the hours 

of training so as little impact is made to staffing levels.

b) Personnel are encouraged to attend, and forward information on FAA sponsored safety seminars and 

may do so while on-duty with the approval of their chain of command.

c) Unless approval is obtaining in writing in advance, overtime will not be authorized for training.

d) Training shall only be conducted at approved locations and follow the provisions within the 

approved FAA COA.
8. General Operating Procedures 

 8.1 Request for UAS Support

a) Requests for UAS support shall be made through Company owner who will have the most 

current list of UAS operators to contact.

b) Requests for UAS support can made at any time during the day or night.

c) If a request is made for UAS support during non-core business hours, Company owner will 

contact a UAS Company owner with the phone numbers provided.

 8.2 Call-out Procedure

a) The Company owner will screen all initial requests to use a UAS from patrol or investigation 

personnel.

b) The approving Company owner will then contact the Company owner to request the deployment of 

the UAS.

c) The will contact the Company owner or designated representative who will screen the request 

using the following factors:

i. Is the proposed use of UAS within the capabilities of the UAS equipment and personnel 

to perform?

ii. Does the proposed use of the UAS fall within the FAA and team policies and regulations for 

UAS usage?

iii. Can the UAS be deployed safely given current weather conditions?

iv. If the UAS deployment requires a warrant has one been requested and approved?

v. Are sufficient trained and qualified personnel available to safely operate the UAS?

d) The Company owner will either accept or decline the request for UAS support. If the request is 

denied the Company owner will provide a reason for declining the support request to the Company 

owner who will provide the requester this information along with the reason for declining. If the 

Company owner accepts the support request they will contact a UAS operator who will be 

provided all available mission information.

e) The UAS operator will either contact a certified observer from the list of available trained observers 

or request through the dispatcher that a broadcast be made requesting a UAS observer meet the 

UAS operator at the scene. The UAS operator is responsible for transporting the UAS and all 

required equipment to the scene. Upon arriving at the requested location the UAS operator will 

contact the on scene Incident Director and will check in and receive a briefing on the mission 

requested. The UAS operator will make an on scene determination of the ability of the UAS to 

perform the requested mission safely and within team and FAA policies and procedures.

f) If the UAS operator determines that the use of the UAS would violate team policy or directives 

then the UAS operator will inform the Incident Director of the potential conflict along with 

recommendations for modifying the requested mission to conform to the team policies and 

procedures. As this is a change from the original approved mission the UAS operator will 

contact the UAS Personnel chain of command for direction on how to proceed. As soon as 

possible after the completion of the mission, the UAS operator will make a full report of the 

circumstances and their concern through the chain of command.

g) UAS operators will have sole discretion for declaring safety or violation of FAA rules. If the 

UAS operator determines that a requested mission would violate FAA rules or endanger 

civilians, then the UAS operator will respectfully inform the Incident Director of the reasons for 

refusing to operate the UAS and contact the UAS chain of command immediately. The UAS will 

not be flown in this circumstance and the authority of the UAS operator is absolute.
h) If the UAS operator determines that the requested mission will potentially damage the UAS or its 

associated equipment the UAS operator will inform the Incident Director of their concerns. If the 

Incident Director, orders the UAS operator will contact the UAS Personnel chain of command as 

this is a deviation of the originally approved mission, The UAS operators will fully document 

and send a report to the Chain of Command

8.3 Deployment Priorities

a) The UAS shall not be used for the purpose of random surveillance.

b) If several separate requests for UAS support are received simultaneously, they shall be prioritized.

c) In general terms, requests for UAS support are prioritized as:

 Life Safety

 Evidence / Documentation

8.4 Flight Boundaries

a) Although there may be requests for the COMPANY’s UAS support outside the COA at or above 400'

AGL, the certificate of authorization for the COMPANY UAS restricts UAS deployment outside the

COMPANY and further restricts the proximity of flight to other No Fly Zone locations such as 

airports of any size, government building, military bases, and others.

b) At no time shall UAS support be granted outside the COMPANY without first obtaining an FAA 

COA and approval by the COMPANY.

c) Information regarding flight boundaries can be found in the FAA COA and the use of a WIZ 

Terminal Area Chart.

d) Maximum altitude shall not be set more than 400' AGL per the FAA COA.

8.5 Minimum Personnel Requirements

a) Due to the nature of the law enforcement mission, the minimum personnel required on ALL 

missions will be an operator and observer. Under no circumstances will an operator attempt to 

complete a deployment alone.

b) Although training is not considered a mission, an observer shall be used.

8.6 Personnel Responsibilities for Deployments

 “OPEN COMMUNICATION ACHIEVES SAFE OPERATIONS”

 a) Operator

i. The operator is directly 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 

FAA regulations. No member of the police team, regardless of rank, shall order an operator 

to make a flight when, in the opinion of the operator, it poses a risk to personnel or is in 

violation of FAA regulations.

iii. Operators are responsible for compliance with this manual, team policy and procedure 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 deployment.

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-avoid any obstacle that will lessen safety during the mission.

ii. Observers are responsible for the law enforcement aspect of the deployment.

iii. Observers shall operate any attachments to the UAS, allowing the operator to maintain

complete focus on the operation of the UAS.

iv. Observers shall remain alert for suspicious persons or activities on the ground and coordinate 

response by ground Personnel.

v. Observers shall monitor the radio updates.

vi. Observers shall assist the operator in the main objective of safe operations of the UAS.

vii. Observers shall be responsible for documentation for mission training and updating of flight 

books.

8.7 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 Personnel or required for proper operations.

c) UAS, the operator/observer should take necessary measures to deploy in a professional matter 

and take into consideration that all deployments are subject to media presents.

d) Operators/Observers will take into consideration the current weather conditions when planning to 

deploy, and wear appropriate clothing to deploy comfortably.

e) 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 times 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.)

f) Operators/Observers shall wear clothing that easily identifies them as the COMPANY’s personnel.

9. Pre-Flight/Post-Flight Actions

9.1 Inspections

a) Operators/Observers are both responsible for a thorough preflight inspection of the UAS.

b) Before and after each deployment (whether an incident 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 documented and 

resolved immediately prior to flight.

d) It has been recognized that the use of a checklist is a significant method to combat UAS 

accidents. A pre-flight and post-flight checklist is contained in the Base Station and will be 

utilized prior to and post each flight.

e) Any physical equipment that cannot be resolved on-site, and which have an impact on safety or 

the mission, will override the deployment. 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 deployment. The operator shall utilize FAA approved weather resources to obtain the latest 

and most current weather conditions.
b) An anemometer should be utilized in order to better estimate the wind speed and determine if it 

is within the capabilities of the airframe being flown.

c) Operators/Observers should use the Beaufort scale when making deployment decisions in regards 

to wind conditions. This scale can be located in the manufacture's user's manual.

d) The weather conditions reported for the operation shall be recorded in the flight log.

e) The operator shall ensure that the flight will occur within FAA VFR weather requirements.

9.3 Documentation and Evidence

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.

c) After each deployment, all video obtained by the UAS Operation will be submitted to 

evidence in accordance with team policy 7.030 —Photographic Imaging.

d) Aerial photography (still or video) shall be stored in accordance to policy and procedure.

e) The operator of the UAS is responsible for evidence handling as well as writing any supporting 

documentation (GO) for the incident.

9.4 Planning

a) The operator/observer shall familiarize themselves with all available information concerning the 

deployment including, but not limited to, the weather conditions, hazards, description of the

incident, deployment goals, etc.

b) Operators will ensure that the location for take-off and emergency landing is adequate for a safe 

deployment.

c) The take-off/landing location should be clearly marked and identifiable with electric flares and short 

cones.

d) At least one emergency landing area should be identified per deployment.

e) 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 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 goal.