kbs+ armoury

CLOSED SET FLIGHT 

OPERATIONS MANUAL

PROPRIETARY DOCUMENT OF THE UAS ACADEMY

National Operational Standards Developed For Above Named Entity By:

JUNE 2015

Revision 8

©2015, UAS Academy
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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Table of Contents..........................................................................................................................................2

INTRODUCTION.............................................................................................................................................4

Purpose .....................................................................................................................................................4

Waiver of Authorization............................................................................................................................4

Owner....................................................................................................................................................4

Operator................................................................................................................................................4

Director of Operations..........................................................................................................................4

Persons Authorized...............................................................................................................................5

Area of Operations....................................................................................................................................6

Plan of Activities........................................................................................................................................6

Permission to Operate ..............................................................................................................................7

Security .....................................................................................................................................................7

STERILE COCKPIT and CREW RESOURCE MANAGEMENT .........................................................................7

COMMUNICATIONS DURING FLIGHT OPERATIONS..................................................................................8

Lessons Learned Impact Closed Set Operations...................................................................................8

Recommended Cockpit Communications Infrastructure .....................................................................8

Briefing of Pilot/Production Personnel.....................................................................................................9

Certification/Airworthiness ......................................................................................................................9

Pilot Personnel/Minimum Requirements...............................................................................................10

FLIGHT PLANNING - SET PERSONNEL BRIEFING......................................................................................10

Accident Notification ..............................................................................................................................10

FLIGHT PLAN TERMINATION Procedures................................................................................................11

Flight Crew Initiated Abort..................................................................................................................11

Set Director Initiated Termination......................................................................................................11

Aerobatic Competency ...........................................................................................................................11

Special Provisions....................................................................................................................................11

FLIGHT OPERATIONS ORGANIZATION.........................................................................................................12

DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS Duties and Responsibilities: .......................................................................12

Pilot in Command Duties and Responsibilities: ......................................................................................12
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APPENDIX A.1 - List of APPROVED PILOTS ..................................................................................................13

APPENDIX A.2 - List of APPROVED AIRCRAFT .............................................................................................14

APPENDIX B.1 - List of WAIVERs FOR CLOSE-IN OPERATIONS ....................................................................15

APPENDIX B.2 - List of AIRSPACE OWNER WAIVERs GRANTED ..................................................................16

APPENDIX C.1 - DAILY PLAN OF FLIGHT OPERATIONS ACTIVITY.................................................................17
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INTRODUCTION

PURPOSE

This manual has been developed by the UAS Academy to facilitate sUAS operations with reduced 

distances defined in Federal Aviation Regulations 14 CFR 91.119. This manual contains specific 

operational requirements BEYOND THOSE NORMALLY USED in the operation of “Kbs+ armoury” and it’s 

owned subsidiaries, who is operating a sUAS in conjunction with either (1) an approved PL112-95 

Section 333 Exemption and COA, or (2) an application for a Certificate of Waiver of Authorization of the 

provisions of FAR 91.119 (b) and (c) for the purposes of filming.

THIS MANUAL WHEN ADOPTED IN ITS ENTIRITY IS THE ALTERNATE MEANS OF COMPLIANCE WITH 

THE INTENT OF FAR 91.119 IN ORDER TO ACHIVE AN EQUIVALENT LEVEL OF SAFETY

WAIVER OF AUTHORIZATION

Kbs+ armoury pilots and other company personnel when applicable will comply with the policies, 

procedures and conditions of this manual, whenever motion picture or television flight operations are 

performed that require a Waiver of Authorization (FAA Form 7711-1) as mentioned above. 

OWNER

Megan Jolly

kbs+ armoury

160 Varick St

New York, NY 10013

o: 212 352 6558

mjolly@armourynyc.com

OPERATOR

Megan Jolly

kbs+ armoury

160 Varick St

New York, NY 10013

o: 212 352 6558

mjolly@armourynyc.com

DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS

Megan Jolly

kbs+ armoury

160 Varick St

New York, NY 10013

o: 212 352 6558

mjolly@armourynyc.com
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PERSONS AUTHORIZED

FAR 91.119 (c) can be waived only with respect to those persons, vehicles and structures directly 

involved in the performance of the actual filming. The certificate holder shall ensure that no persons are 

allowed within 500 feet of the area except those consenting to be involved and necessary for the filming 

production. Each flight operation will complete the table in Appendix B.1 for all those consenting, and 

those not consenting will be required to remain at least 500 feet or more away from the operation in 

accordance with FAR 91.199 minimum distances as appropriate. 

For flight operations requiring sUAS operations closer than 500 feet to non-consenting persons or 

property owners, this provision may be reduced to no less than 200 feet if an equivalent level of safety 

can be achieved and the Administrator or designated representative has approved it. For example, an 

equivalent level of safety may be determined by an FAA Aviation Safety Inspector's (ASI) evaluation of 

the filming production area to note terrain features, obstructions, buildings, etc. Such barriers may 

protect nonparticipating persons (observers, the public, news media, etc.) and non-consenting property 

owners from sUAS vehicles or moving debris in the event of an accident. 

In order to operate inside the 200' barrier either a flight line operational path and trajectory assessment

completed by the pilot in command and agreed to in writing by the operator's director of operations, OR 

an approved physical barrier rated for impact forces is required for non-participating person protection. 

Aircraft carrying any form of liquid fuel or payload are not eligible for close-in operations.

An example of non-participating persons would a flight demonstration filming operation where an 

audience is involved. Typical protective barriers include mesh netting that meets or exceeds the 

following specification:

• One strand of #15 twine has a breaking strength of 144 lbs

• #15 is the twine gauge (Larger is heavier) which measures 1.8mm

• 100% DuPont Type 66-728 Knotted 3-Strand Black UV Treated/Bonded Nylon Netting

 For sUAS Under 12” Diameter For sUAS 12” or Larger
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AREA OF OPERATIONS

KBS+ ARMOURY and the KBS+ ARMOURY Owned Entities approved area of operations will be the 

continental United States, including Alaska, Hawaii, and all federal territories and military operating 

bases worldwide.

Any flight operation that originated in OR terminates in the US NAS or controlled territorial airspace

areas without regard for the enroute or operational area is considered to be an operation required to 

comply with the operational procedures in this closed set flight operations manual.

PLAN OF ACTIVITIES

When not covered under the FAA Blanket COA for sUAS Operations by Exemption Holders, at least three 

(3) days prior to any scheduled filming KBS+ ARMOURY and the KBS+ ARMOURY Owned Entities will 

submit a written plan of activities AND FAA Form 7711-1 to the local FSDO having jurisdiction over that 

area. The plan of activities should 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 aircraft. 

(4) Make, model, and serial or N-number of aircraft to be used and type of airworthiness certificate, 

including category. 

(5) Name and certificate number of pilots involved in the filming production event, including any 

notation of external load endorsements or aerobatic competency, if required. 

(6) A statement that the 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 must be made 

available to the inspector upon request from the waiver holder. 

(7) Signature of 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 filming will be conducted and the minimum altitudes essential to accomplish the 

operations. 

The three (3) day notification requirements may be waived by either the KBS+ ARMOURY Director of 

Operations (operator) or the KBS+ ARMOURY Owned Entities Director of Operations and the FSDO by 

mutual written agreement. Should the 3-day requirement pose a production delay 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.
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PERMISSION TO OPERATE 

Before any flight operations is conducted at less than the minimum distances specified in FAR 91.119, or 

closed than the 500 feet specified under the provisions of the certificate of waiver and this manual, the 

operator will obtain permission to conduct these operations from property owners and/or local officials 

as necessary or appropriate. When possible, a written record (such as text message, email, etc) is to be 

kept with the full name and contact information of those from whom permission was granted. When 

not possible, the pilot in command or the director of operations is to log the conversation in Appendix 

B.2 of this manual. Persons from whom permission may be required are listed below:

• Property owners 

• Law enforcement officials 

• Fire department officials 

• Local, State and Federal government 

• Air traffic control 

A standard permission form is provided in Appendix B.2 and may be used when obtaining written 

permission. KBS+ ARMOURY and the KBS+ ARMOURY Owned Entities personnel will assure a sufficient 

number of those forms are available at the job site. Written permission forms will be maintained at the 

job site until flight operations are completed, and then turned into the chief pilot 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. 

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. Provisions 

will be made to immediately discontinue operations should the area(s) become unsecured or for any 

other reason in the interest of safety. 

STERILE COCKPIT AND CREW RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

All flight operations are to be conducted with the utmost concern for avoiding distractions of the flight 

crew. In filming operations, it is often the case that the director of filming will seek to inject operational 

commands into the flight crew environment in order to gain improved filming results. Therefore, it is a 

requirement that anyone who can gain access to the flight crew during airborne operations is briefed in 

advance, formally, on the concept and federal regulations regarding interference with, and distraction of 

a flight crew while performing its duties. To the extent possible, the following operational procedures 

and settings will be used:
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COMMUNICATIONS DURING FLIGHT OPERATIONS

Flight crew should be isolated from set operations, connected by headsets tied to the single point of 

contact for the filming and/or direction of camera/sensor. 

LESSONS LEARNED IMPACT CLOSED SET OPERATIONS

In a traditional manned aircraft operation, the dynamic control of the aircraft is handled by the Pilot 

Flying (PF) while to operational control and radio communications of the mission or flight plan is 

handled by the Pilot Not Flying (PNF). This has been shown to be the appropriate distribution of 

workload while reducing the probability of human error and increasing cockpit communications 

effectiveness. Part of the constraint in manned aviation is the space on the flight deck available for 

additional flight crew. sUAS operational assessment data indicates that on closed set operations where

space for additional personnel is available the most effective and safe method of distributing workload 

is to have a 2-person flight crew. Retaining the conventions of manned aviation for the naming of the 

positions within the crew, KBS+ ARMOURY and the KBS+ ARMOURY Owned Entities will use the term PF 

and PNF as an indicator of workload task assignments, not implying who is the PIC or VO within that 

context.

RECOMMENDED COCKPIT COMMUNICATIONS INFRASTRUCTURE

Typically the Pilot In Command (PIC) will have an open microphone to the Visual Observer (VO), and vice 

versa. The PIC will have a push to talk switch for ATC communications, while the VO will have a push to 

talk switch for Mission, Tactical or Set Director (SD) communications. PIC will have ATC and VO audio 

only, and the VO will have PIC and SD audio only.
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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: 

 FAA Form 7711-1, Authorization for motion picture and television certificate of waiver 

 FAA waiver special provisions 

 Operations manual 

 Plan of activities 

 Aircraft parking and starting 

 Taxi procedures 

 Radio Communications 

 Takeoff procedures

 Aviation activities to be conducted during the filming production event 

 Approach and landing procedures 

 Recall procedures 

 Emergency procedures 

 Risks to participating personnel 

 How to control nonparticipating persons 

CERTIFICATION/AIRWORTHINESS 

All KBS+ ARMOURY and the KBS+ ARMOURY Owned Entities aircraft used in operations requiring a 

waiver of FAR 91.119 (b) and (c) for the purpose of closed set filming will be properly certified and hold 

airworthiness certificates or exemption under Section 333 including the appropriate airworthiness 

certification statement. The aircraft will be maintained in a periodic comprehensive progressive 

50/100/annual inspection program designed for the sUAS as a system. Other required tests and 

inspections (Ground Station, Telemetry, etc.) will be performed as per FAR when necessary and 

scheduled in the progressive maintenance program. Each aircraft will have a flight log containing 

upcoming scheduled maintenance and inspections and the dates or times they must be performed. 

Aircraft progressive maintenance is documented using MOBAARS. A section for discrepancies is also 

found in the flight log as required by FAR. The pilot in command will assure the sUAS (as a system -

ground station, telemetry, and aircraft) to be flown is in airworthy condition and all required inspections 

and maintenance has been completed before each flight. 
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PILOT PERSONNEL/MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS 

The pilot/operator shall establish and specify the minimum pilot requirements. Minimum requirements 

shall meet or exceed the following: 

• A current FAA issued pilot certificate with ratings appropriate to the category, class and type (if 

applicable) of aircraft to be used. 

• A minimum of 100 hours in the sUAS category of aircraft to be used, for sUAS the category is 

Fixed Wing OR MultiCopter.

• A minimum of 5 hours in the make and model aircraft to be used. 

FLIGHT PLANNING - SET PERSONNEL BRIEFING

Prior to the start of any operation covered by this manual, the pilot in command will reaffirm the sterile 

cockpit rule, Crew Resource Management (CRM) culture, and document (using MOBAARS or some other 

appropriate AVD recorder) the flight plan in order to provide CRM capability to all participants during 

the actual operation and filming. 

Oral, visual, ground control station telemetry, and radio communications used to facilitate required 

operational communications are required to be specifically briefed to ensure the methods are effective 

and are capable of keeping the participants continuously informed of the current status of the 

operation, ultimately ensuring effective aeronautical decision making in accordance with FAR and safety 

practices.

ACCIDENT NOTIFICATION 

Should an accident or incident requiring notification of the NTSB occur, the notification requirements of 

NTSB Part 830 would apply to all flight crew, as would any additional requirements of the sUAS 

exemption terms and conditions placed on the operator by the FAA or applicable safety management 

system or safety reporting system.
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FLIGHT PLAN TERMINATION PROCEDURES 

FLIGHT CREW INITIATED ABORT

A simple challenge-response signal will be established for communicating through two modalities the 

intent to "abort" the flight operation. Line of sight flag movements by the flight crew combined with a 

broadcast of "Aborting Flight Operations - Returning to Home" or "Aborting Flight Operations - Landing 

In Place" will be communicated by the flight crew to the Set Director as soon as practical.

SET DIRECTOR INITIATED TERMINATION

In the event the Set Director chooses to recall the sUAS, that request will be sent to the flight crew using 

the statement "Request Aircraft Recall" to which the flight crew will respond timely with "ROGER; 

WILCO; Aborting Flight Operations - Returning to Home" or another response as appropriately 

documented in the ORM briefing and checklist located with the PIC prior to operations.

AEROBATIC COMPETENCY

If the filming operations require the issuance of FAA Form 8710-7, Statement of Aerobatic Competency, 

refer to Volume 5, Chapter 9, Issue/Renew/Rescind a Statement of Aerobatic Competency.

SPECIAL PROVISIONS 

1. The controls, procedures, and conditions set forth in the KBS+ ARMOURY and the KBS+ ARMOURY

Owned Entities Closed Set Flight Operations Manual is the primary assurance that persons on the 

surface will not be jeopardized. 

2. The aircraft and pilots used under this authorization and/or waiver will only be those specified in the 

KBS+ ARMOURY and the KBS+ ARMOURY Owned Entities Closed Set Flight Operations Manual 

(CSFOM) (see Appendices) or associated plan of activities. 

3. Each pilot’s name and certificate number shall appear on each daily plan of activity (Appendix C.1). 

4. All civil aircraft and pilot(s) participating in the activity shall be listed in Appendix A.2 and available 

for FAA inspection before the scheduled event. 

5. Each pilot-in-command conducting operations authorized under this certificate understands the 

conditions of issuance, and that it constitutes a waiver of FAR 91.119 (b) and (c) (see Appendix B.1). 

6. Rotorcraft takeoff and landing areas will be protected in a manner that will prevent unauthorized 

persons from entering the takeoff and landing area. 

7. KBS+ ARMOURY and the KBS+ ARMOURY Owned Entities will ensure that the participating persons 

involved in the operations are thoroughly briefed on special procedures, communication, 

emergency procedures, and on the provisions of the authorization and/or waiver before beginning 

the activities. No person may participate in any event unless that person has received a briefing on 

the provisions of the waiver. 
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FLIGHT OPERATIONS ORGANIZATION

DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

1. Required to be a named and qualified pilot in all aircraft stated in this manual and FAR.

2. Final word in the formulation of policy and procedures concerning this manual. 

3. Act as liaison between KBS+ ARMOURY and the KBS+ ARMOURY Owned Entities and the FAA on 

matter concerning this manual. 

4. 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. 

5. Maintain a current copy of this manual at the main base of operations for KBS+ ARMOURY and the 

KBS+ ARMOURY Owned Entities. 

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

7. Must approve or disapprove each proposed job or operation performed by KBS+ ARMOURY and the 

KBS+ ARMOURY Owned Entities under the provisions of this manual. 

8. The director of operations may delegate functions to other personnel but retains responsibility. 

PILOT IN COMMAND DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

1. Assure that aircraft to be flown are in airworthy condition and all inspections and required 

maintenance have been performed as per appropriate FAR's and KBS+ ARMOURY and the KBS+ 

ARMOURY Owned Entities MOST documents. 

2. Acquire documented permission from the director of operations before any operation under the 

provisions of this manual are conducted. 

3. Have demonstrated knowledge, skill, and abilities (KSAs) to comply with the contents of this manual 

and abide by the procedures, policies, and conditions contained herein and within the KBS+ 

ARMOURY and the KBS+ ARMOURY Owned Entities MOST documents.

4. Coordinate with authorities, movie and television personnel, first responders, etc., to formulate 

plans, routes, locations, etc. with safety of all persons involved in the CSFOM defined risk area 

(inside the limitations of FAR 91.119 or as defined in FAA Form 7711-1).

5. Maintain a personal copy of this manual in the most recent version and have it on site at any job or 

operation where closed set flight operations are being conducted. 

6. The pilot in command may delegate functions to other personnel, but retains responsibility.
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APPENDIX A.1 - LIST OF APPROVED PILOTS

Pilot Name:

Certificate Number:

Grade:

Medical Class/Date:

Contact Number:

Pilot Name:

Certificate Number:

Grade:

Medical Class/Date:

Contact Number:

Pilot Name:

Certificate Number:

Grade:

Medical Class/Date:

Contact Number:
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APPENDIX A.2 - LIST OF APPROVED AIRCRAFT

REGISTRATION MAKE MODEL LAST sUAS INSPECTION
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APPENDIX B.1 - LIST OF WAIVERS FOR CLOSE-IN OPERATIONS

By Entering My Name Below I Agree To sUAS Operations Closer To Me Than Specified in FAR 91.119

SIGNATURE POC NAME POC PHONE POC EMAIL
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APPENDIX B.2 - LIST OF AIRSPACE OWNER WAIVERS GRANTED

GRANTOR ENITITY POC NAME POC PHONE POC EMAIL
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APPENDIX C.1 - DAILY PLAN OF FLIGHT OPERATIONS ACTIVITY

1. Use the template for Operational Risk Management in Volume 3 – Safety, MOST Documents.

2. A copy of the Pre-Flight ORM Checklist and/or the Flight Test Card completed prior to operations 

will be attached and available for inspection at the PIC’s location during flight operations.