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# UAS Flight Operations Manual

Updated 7/6/20152 

## 1. Location & Envir onment Preparation Steps

 Site Selection: consult aviation char ts 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, ens uring a visible line of sight towards the UAV at all times. Ensure the te lemetry 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 condition s including visibilit y, precipitation, wind speed * * *  Notify any bystanders or nearby property ow ners of your intentions (permission)  Clear site of nonessential participants  Verify ability to contact authorities (cell phone signal)  Check First Aid Kit stocked, readily acce ssible and visible to anyone in the area.  Verify psychological and physiological fa ctors (well rested, not rushed, feeling well, avoid “get there-itis” or other client pressures)3 

## 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 / ro tor 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 mounti ng system is secure and operational.  Check location and secure GPS equipment.  All transmitter switches in co rrect 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, vid eo, framerate, focus)  Focus main camera  Final scan for people or animals * * *  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 correct4 

## 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 fr om 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 norma l speaking distance from the pilot.  In the event that any manned aircraft appr oaches, the pilot must immediately descend at the maximum safe descent s peed for the UAV and yield right of way.  If weather conditions such as wind change unf avorably during the flight, the pilot will land at one of the designated landing sites.  Pilot will land immediately if anyone not involved in th e shoot enters the flight area, if the weather condi tions change unfavorably, if battery voltage drops to 30% capacity, or if the pilot or spo tter sees anything that may endanger the safety of the aircraft, or people on the ground. * * *  Landing: Scan landing area for potential obstruction hazards.  Announce out loud “ LANDING! "  Carefully land the aircraft away from obstructions and people.5 

## 4. Post-Flight

 Shutting Down: Turn the pow er 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