MOTION PICTURE & TELEVISION

OPERATIONS MANUAL

Last Revision: June 17, 2015
MPTOM Revision date: 6/17/15

Purpose

This operations manual has been created by “HighGround Images, LLC.”, hereafter referred to 

as “HighGround”, to be used in conjunction with all conditions and limitations as stipulated in 

FAA Exemption No (TBD), Regulatory Docket No. FAA-2015-1203 for the purposes of Small 

Unmanned Aerial System (sUAS) aerial image acquisition and inspection. HighGround pilots, 

camera operators, visual observers, and other company personnel when applicable, will comply 

with the policies, procedures and conditions of this manual, whenever UAS flight operations are 

performed that require the exemption as mentioned above.

Owner/Operator & Organization

Whitney M. Johnson

Managing Member

HighGround Images, LLC

310 E Port Au Prince Ln

Phoenix, Arizona 85022

(480) 335-9242

Persons Authorized

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

directly involved in the performance of the actual operation. HighGround shall ensure 

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

involved and necessary for the operation.

Area of Operations

HighGround's approved area of operations will be the United States, including its 

territories and possessions.

Plan of Activities

For flights above 200 feet AGL: At least three (3) days prior to any scheduled operation, 

HighGround 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 event. 

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

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4. Make, model, and serial number (if available) UAS to be used. 

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

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

and/or local officials to conduct the 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 the operation will be conducted. 

The three (3) day notification equipments 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.

Permission to Operate

Before any flight operations is conducted under the provisions of 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

HighGround personnel obtaining such permission will do so in writing whenever 

practical, however, verbal permission is acceptable. A permission form is provided in 

Appendix A and 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 Flight Director 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 to a minimum of a 500 foot perimeter. Provisions will be made to 

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

other reason in the interest of safety.

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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 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. Pertinent sections of this operations manual

2. Plan of activities

3. UAS takeoff and landing procedures

4. Role of PIC, visual observer, and camera/gimbal operator

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

6. Recall procedures

7. Emergency procedures

8. Risks to participating personnel

9. How to control nonparticipating persons

Certification/Airworthiness 

All HighGround UASs used in operations do not require an airworthiness certificate. 

HighGround will use trained technicians to perform maintenance, alterations, or 

preventive maintenance on the UASs using the methods, techniques, and practices 

prescribed in the UAS operating documents (i.e., the DJI Phantom 2 Vision, DJI Inspire 

1, and DJI S800 Hexacopter manuals. These manuals have been included with this 

exemption request.). Furthermore, HighGround will document and maintain all 

maintenance records.

Pilot & Visual Observer Minimum Requirements 

HighGround shall establish and specify the minimum pilot requirements. Minimum 

requirements shall meet or exceed the following (using Exemption NO. 11062 [Astraeus 

Aerial] as a basis):

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.

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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.

HighGround may determine that additional hours are necessary to address all potential 

flight hazards and requisite airmanship skills. HighGround will not permit any PIC to 

operate unless that PIC is able to safely operate the UAS in a manner consistent with 

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 should have a minimum of 1 hour of flight time with the sUAS which 

they are observing affording them direct experience with the performance of the sUAS 

they will be observing.

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.

Accident Notification 

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

requirements of FAR Part 830 would comply.

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.

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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 manual, Appendices A and B, or associated plan of activities. Each pilot’s 

name and certificate number shall appear on each daily plan of activity. All UASs and 

pilot(s) participating in the activity shall be available for FAA inspection before the 

scheduled event.

Company Organization

FLIGHT DIRECTOR

Duties and Responsibilities:

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

2. Acts as liaison between HighGround and the FAA on matter concerning this manual.

3. 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.

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

HighGround.

5. Responsible for assuring that all revisions to this manual are distributed and 

processed properly.

6. Must approve or disapprove each proposed operation performed by HighGround 

under the provisions of this manual.

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

8. The Flight Director may delegate functions to other personnel but retains 

responsibility.

PILOT IN COMMAND

Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Assure the UAS to be flown is in airworthy condition and required maintenance have 

been performed as appropriate. 

2. Acquire permission from the Flight Director before any operation under the 

provisions of this manual. 

3. Be very knowledgeable of the contents of this manual and abide by the procedures, 

policies and conditions contained herein. 

4. Coordinate with location personnel to formulate plans, routes, locations, etc. with 

safety of all persons involved in the primary concern. 

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

operation requiring the waiver. 

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

responsibility. 

VISUAL OBSERVER

Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Maintain visual line of sight with the sUAS at all times.

2. Maintain direct communication with the PIC.

3. Maintain a broader “situational” awareness of the secure area and stay alert for 

unauthorized persons or vehicles that could compromise the area.

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

other traffic, clouds, obstructions, and terrain.

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Appendix A - Location Permission Form

In signing this form, I am giving the pilots of HighGround Images, 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 image acquisition or 

inspection.

Name: ______________________________________________

Title: _________________________________

Basis of Authority

to Grant Permission: __________________________________

Location: ___________________________________

Date of Operation: ____________________________

Signature _________________________________ Date ______________

HighGround

Representative

Receiving Permission: ____________________________________________

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Appendix B - List of Approved Pilots

Phillip Hanley 

 Name: Phillip E. Hanley

	 	 Private Pilot - Single Engine Land

	 	 Complex / High Performance

	 	 FAA Certificate Number 3510920

	 	 Second Class Medical - 09/25/2014

 Address: 2636 East Vogel Avenue

	 	 Phoenix, AZ 85028

 Phone: (602) 996-8390

Sherman Pollard

 Name: Sherman E. Pollard

	 	 CFI, CFII, MEI, IGI

	 	 Flight Safety B-200, SimCom C421

	 	 Total Flight Time: 7,000+ Hrs, Multi-engine Time: 1,500 Hrs

	 	 FAA Certificate Number 2793877CFI

 Address: 4117 W. Beryl Ave.

	 	 Phoenix, AZ 85021

 Phone: 602-451-8215 

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Appendix C - List of Approved UASs

Current operators manuals are part of this appendix.

1. DJI, Phantom 2 Vision

2. DJI, Inspire 1

3. DJI, S900 Hexacopter

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