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UAS Flight Operations Manual 

Updated 7/6/2015
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1. Location & Environment Preparation Steps 

 Site Selection: consult aviation charts for airports and check for hazards 

 Check NOTAMs relating to the location 

 Examine location for people / bystanders 

 Check for power lines, wires / cables 

 Examine location for property or animals in the vicinity 

 Check buffer zones between aircraft and personnel; 

 Plan route to avoid departures and landings over populated areas 

 Identify two alternative landing sites in case take-off site is obstructed. 

 Take into account local topography, ensuring a visible line of sight towards 

the UAV at all times. Ensure the telemetry connection is not obstructed. 

* * * 

 If flying in controlled airspace, notify and obtain any requires clearance from 

airspace authority 

 Discuss flight plan with your co-pilot or observer 

 Check actual and forecast weather conditions including visibility, precipitation, 

wind speed 

* * * 

 Notify any bystanders or nearby property owners of your intentions (permission) 

 Clear site of nonessential participants 

 Verify ability to contact authorities (cell phone signal) 

 Check First Aid Kit stocked, readily accessible and visible to anyone in the area. 

 Verify psychological and physiological factors (well rested, not rushed, feeling 

well, avoid “get there-itis” or other client pressures) 

 
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2. Pre-flight / Run-up Procedures

 Verifying all transmitter, on-board aircraft and camera batteries are fully charged; 

(confirm voltages) 

 Check all control surfaces for any signs of wear, damage, loose hinges, and the 

overall condition; 

 Check wings/rotors to ensure they are in good structural condition and properly 

secured; 

 Check motor/engine and mounting attached to the airframe; 

 Study propellers / mounting hardware / rotor blades for any chips or deformation; 

 Check the landing gear for damage and function 

 Camera memory clear and inserted into the camera 

 Ensure photo / video equipment mounting system is secure and operational. 

 Check location and secure GPS equipment. 

 All transmitter switches in correct pre-flight position 

 Check transmitter gains 

* * * 

 Transmitter throttle to zero 

 Radio transmitters on 

 Video monitors on 

 Connect / power on battery to airframe 

 Ensure led indicators and audible tones are correct 

 Check camera settings are correct (still images, video, framerate, focus) 

 Focus main camera 

 Final scan for people or animals 

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 Say “CLEAR!” 

 Arm flight controller 

 Increase throttle slightly listening for any abnormalities 

 Short 20-30 second hover at 3-5 feet (listen for vibrations / loose items) 

 Confirm Voltage levels are correct
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3. In-Flight and Landing Procedures

 Maintain direct visual contact with the aircraft at all times. 

 Climb to a safe altitude away from potential hazards and to reduce noise. 

 Keep aircraft at a safe operating distance from people, electric utility lines and 

buildings. 

 No flight may be over anyone who is not directly involved in the photo/video 

shoot. 

 Conversation with the pilot or spotter must be limited to flight operations 

whenever the motors are engaged. This applies both on the ground, and while in 

flight. 

 The observer must remain within normal speaking distance from the pilot. 

 In the event that any manned aircraft approaches, the pilot must immediately 

descend at the maximum safe descent speed for the UAV and yield right of way. 

 If weather conditions such as wind change unfavorably during the flight, the pilot 

will land at one of the designated landing sites. 

 Pilot will land immediately if anyone not involved in the shoot enters the flight 

area, if the weather conditions change unfavorably, if battery voltage drops to 

30% capacity, or if the pilot or spotter sees anything that may endanger the 

safety of the aircraft, or people on the ground. 

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 Landing: Scan landing area for potential obstruction hazards. 

 Announce out loud “LANDING!" 

 Carefully land the aircraft away from obstructions and people. 

 
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4. Post-Flight

 Shutting Down: Turn the power off to the aircraft and disconnect the batteries. 

 Turn the power off to the photo equipment. 

 Turn off the transmitters and monitors. 

 Visually check aircraft for signs of damage, loose fittings, or excessive wear. 

 Remove the battery & secure the aircraft. 

 Check pictures: Verify that the UAV camera actually took the pictures