A-I-M IMAGERY

ALLIED INDUSTRIAL MOTION

OPERATING MANUAL

Revision 1 2016
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OPERATIONS MANUAL

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Table of Contents

1. Introduction

A. Purpose 4

B. Pilot/Operator Organization 4

C. Persons Authorized 4

D. Area of Operations 4

E. Plan of Activities 4

F. Permission to Operate 5

G. Security 6

H. Briefing of Pilot/Production Personnel 6

I. Certification/Airworthiness 7

J. Pilot Personnel/Minimum Requirements 7

K. Communications 7

L. Accident Notification 8

M. Recall/Stop Procedures 8

N. Special Provisions 8

2. Company Organization

A. Chief Pilot 9

B. Pilot in Command 9

Appendix A

1 List of Approved Pilots 11

2 List of Approved Aircraft 12

3 Permission Acquisition Form (sample) 13

4 Revision Letter (sample) 14

Appendix B

1 Form (certification of waiver) 15

2 A-I-M Aircraft Checklist 16
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1. Introduction

A. Purpose

This manual has been developed by A-I-M Imagery LLC. hereafter referred to as " A-I-M ", in 

conjunction with an application for a Certificate of Waiver of Authorization of the provisions Exemption 

Request Section 333 of the FAA Reform Act of the Federal Aviation Regulations from 14 CFR §§ 

61.113(a) and (b), 91.7(a), 91.119(b) and (c), 91.121, 91.151(a), 91.405(a) and (b), 91.407(a)(1), 

91.409(a)(1) and (2), and 91.417(a) and (b). for operations of UAS in the NAS.

B. Pilot/Operator Organization

Alberto Velazquez – Chief Pilot

Lindsey Velazquez - Manager

A-I-M Imagery LLC.

2408 Bellaire Dr

Moore, OK 73160

Phone: (405) 922-6300

C. Persons Authorized

This waiver applies only to those persons, vehicles and structures directly involved in the 

performance of the actual video. The certificate holder shall ensure that no persons are allowed within 

500 feet of the flight zone except those consenting to be involved and those necessary for the video 

production. This provision may be modified if the level of safety can be achieved and the Administrator 

has approved. For example, an equivalent level of safety may be determined by an evaluation of the 

video inspection area to note terrain features, obstructions, buildings, etc. Such barriers may protect 

nonparticipating persons (observers, the public, news media, etc.) from debris in the event of an 

accident.

D. Area of Operations

A-I-M's approved area of operations will be the United States of America.
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E. Plan of Activities

At least three (3) days prior to any scheduled video, A-I-M will submit a written plan of 

activities 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 video production event.

3. Name and phone number of person responsible for aircraft (PIC).

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

including category if applicable.

5. Name and certificate number of pilots involved in the video production event.

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 requirement 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. An example of such a mission would be to video a phase of construction not 

easily scheduled due to weather constraints.

F. Permission to Operate

Before any flight operations is conducted at or below 400 feet AGL under the provisions of the 

certificate of waiver and 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 officials

5. Air traffic control

The A-I-M personnel obtaining such permission will do so in writing whenever practical; 

however, verbal permission is acceptable otherwise. A standard permission form is provided in 

Appendix A and may be used when obtaining written permission. A-I-M 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 
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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. Operations may be permitted above 400’ AGL under 

extremely limited circumstances. Any operation above 400’AGL shall be conducted for the shortest 

duration possible to accomplish the task and shall be completed at the lowest altitude to accomplish the 

task. Specific examples of tasks requiring operation above 400’ AGL would be videography of high rise 

construction activities, inspection of structures in excess of 400’, and similar such tasks. For operations 

above 400’ AGL all effort shall be made to remain as close to the obstacle being filed as safely possible 

in order to avoid any possible conflict with other air traffic in the surrounding area.

G. 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. Areas of 

special emphasis shall include:

1. Local weather conditions

2. Local airspace and any flight restrictions

3. Location of persons and property on the ground

4. Location of any ground obstacles

5. Assessment of the operating area to ensure that the operations will pose no undue hazard to 

other aircraft, people or property in the event of loss of control.

If the operations take place I an area or at an altitude where other air traffic could pose a hazard, 

the local ATC shall be notified as to the location of the operations and additional VOs will be used to 

warn the PIC and ATC if aircraft are approaching the area of operations.

Provisions will be made to immediately discontinue operations should the area(s) become 

unsecured or for any other reason in the interest of safety. A Preflight Check List detailing procedures is 

attached as Appendix B.2.

H. Briefing of Pilot/Production Personnel

Prior to the start of any operation under the provisions of this manual, the pilot in command shall 

brief all participating personnel. The briefing will include: all procedures, the risks involved, emergency

procedures, and safeguards to be followed during the filming production event. Personnel will also be 

briefed on additional mission provisions that may be issued by the FAA Representatives, local law 

enforcement personnel, the chief pilot or other individual that has geographic responsibility for the 

operational area, including the location of boundaries or time limits. The briefing shall specifically

include:

 Authorization for video certificate of waiver and the attached special provisions

 Procedures contained in this Operations manual

 Plan of activities

 Radio Communications
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 Take-off 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 non-participating persons

I. Certification/Airworthiness

All A-I-M aircraft used in operations requiring a waiver of Section 333 of the FAA Reform Act 

of the Federal Aviation Regulations from 14 CFR §§ 61.113(a) and (b), 91.7(a), 91.119(b) and (c), 

91.121, 91.151(a), 91.405(a) and (b), 91.407(a)(1), 91.409(a)(1) and (2), and 91.417(a) and (b) for the 

purpose of video will be properly certified and hold airworthiness certificates if applicable. Each aircraft 

will have a flight log containing upcoming scheduled maintenance and inspections and the dates or 

times they must be performed. A section for discrepancies is also found in the flight log. The pilot in 

command will assure the aircraft to be flown is in airworthy condition and all required inspections and

maintenance have been completed before each flight.

J. Pilot Personnel/Minimum Requirements

The chief pilot and operator shall establish and specify the minimum pilot requirements. 

Minimum requirements shall meet or exceed the following:

1. A current U.S. Private pilot

2. A current third class FAA medical certificate

3. At least 25 hours of total time as a UAS rotorcraft pilot including

a. At least 10 hours logged as a UAS pilot with a multi-rotor UAS

b. 5 hours as a UAS pilot operating the same make and model to be used under the 

exemption issued by the FAA

c. At least 3 take offs and landings in the preceding 90 days (for currency purposes)

d. At least 3 return to home emergency procedures within the past

i. 30 days (for currency purposes)

K. 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 and filming. 

Oral, visual and/or radio communications may be used as long as they are effective and capable of

keeping the participants continuously appraised of the current status of the operation.
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L. Accident Notification

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

requirements of FAR Part 830 would apply.

M. Recall/Stop Procedures

Recall or Stop Procedures shall be used under the following conditions:

1. Lost sight of UAS – Perform Return Home/Recall Procedure

2. UAS out of control – Perform Return Home/Recall Procedure

3. UAS Battery low – Return UAS to LZ immediately

4. Stop and IMMEDIATELY land UAS at nearest safe ground location if:

a. manned or other unmanned aircraft is in the vicinity of flight zone

b. unauthorized persons or equipment enter the flight zone

c. hazardous weather conditions develop

d. bird flock enters the flight zone

e. traffic obstruction occurs

f. PIC becomes distracted believes safety is compromised for any reason

N. Special Provisions

The controls, procedures, and conditions set forth in the A-I-M Operations Manual are the 

primary assurance that persons on the surface will not be jeopardized.

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

the A-I-M Operations Manual (“Appendix A.1”) or associated plan of activities. 

Each pilot’s name and certificate number shall appear on each daily plan of activity. All civil 

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

scheduled event. Each pilot-in-command conducting operations authorized under this certificate

understands the conditions of issuance of Section 333 of the FAA Reform Act of the Federal Aviation 

Regulations from 14 CFR §§ 61.113(a) and (b), 91.7(a), 91.119(b) and (c), 91.121, 91.151(a), 91.405(a) 

and (b), 91.407(a)(1), 91.409(a)(1) and (2), and 91.417(a) and (b). UAS takeoff and landing areas will 

be protected in a manner that will prevent unauthorized persons from entering the takeoff and landing 

area. A-I-M 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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2. Company Organization

A. Chief Pilot

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Final authority in the formulation of policy and procedures concerning this manual.

• Acts as liaison between A-I-M and the FAA on matter concerning this manual.

• Assures that each approved pilot is issued a copy of this manual and obtains a signed statement 

from each that they have read and understand its contents.

• Maintains a current copy of this manual and all required documents at the main base of 

operations for A-I-M.

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

• Must approve or disapprove each proposed job or operation performed by A-I-M under the 

provisions of this manual.

• Assumes the responsibilities of pilot in command when acting as such.

• Verifies minimum flight times, proper certification and currency of each PIC.

• Conducts periodic training of each PIC to assure proficiency and currency

• The chief pilot may delegate functions to other personnel but retains responsibility.

B. Pilot in Command

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assures that aircraft to be flown is in airworthy condition and that all inspections and required 

maintenance have been performed as per appropriate FAR's.

• Acquires permission from the chief pilot before any operation under the provisions of this 

manual.

• Is knowledgeable of the contents of this manual and abides by the procedures, policies and 

conditions contained herein.

• Coordinates with other personnel to formulate plans, routes, locations, etc. with safety of all 

persons involved in the primary concern.

• Maintains their copy of this manual in updated condition and keep it on site at any job or 

operation requiring the waiver.

• Maintains currency and proficiency in the operation of the UAS.

• Complies with all applicable FARs and company policies and procedures.

• Knows the location of the UAS at all times.

• Knows the altitude, attitude and direction of flight of the UAS at all times.

• Observes the airspace for other traffic or other hazards.

• Determines that the UAS does not endanger the life or property of another.

• The pilot in command may delegate functions to other personnel, but retains responsibility.
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Appendix A .1

List of Approved Pilots

Chief Pilot

Name: NA

Certificate Number: NA

Grade: NA

Medical Class/Date: NA

Contact Number: NA

Pilots

Name: NA

Certificate Number: NA

Grade: NA

Medical Class/Date: NA

Contact Number: NA
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Appendix A .2

List of Approved Aircraft

Make and Model Registration Number

1. NA

2. NA
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Appendix A .3

A-I-M Imagery LLC.

Permission Acquisition Form

In signing this form, I am giving the pilots of A-I-M Imagery LLC. permission to operate their aircraft at 

the below mentioned location for the purpose of aerial video production. I certify that I am the property owner 

and/or that I have the authority to grant such permission.

Name: ________________________________________________________

Title: _________________________________________________________

Basis of Authority to Grant Permission

Location: ______________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

Dates of Operation: ______________________________________________

Signature: ____________________________________________________

Date: _________________________________________________________

A-I-M Representative Receiving Permission

Signature: ______________________________________________________
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Appendix A .4

Revision Letter

Rev# Section Page Action Remarks Initials

________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________

R • Remove and Replace D • Delete and Destroy N • Insert New Page

Manual Serial# _____________________ Issued to: _____________________

Revised by: _________________________________ Date: _______________

This form must be returned to the Chief Pilot no later than ________________________
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Appendix B .1

(See attached Certification of Waiver)

Appendix B.2

A-I-M AIRCRAFT CHECK LIST

Safety for people, structures and equipment on the ground and for manned aircraft in flight are 

the primary considerations for UAS aerial photography and videography operations. Proper pre-flight 

preparation is essential prior to all UAS flight operations.

PREFLIGHT

FLIGHT AREA PROCEDURES:

1. Obtain local weather station data and weather briefing

2. Identify airspace including any flight restrictions therein.

3. Check Area for Obstacles

a. Note location of public and private use airports and heliports and medical heliports and

helipads

b. Inspect flight zone for utility poles, transmission and guy wires, trees and other vertical 

obstacles to flight

c. Inspect traffic patterns and flow of adjacent roadways and parking areas and ensure 

traffic flow will not be impacted, nor drivers distracted

d. Inspect flight zone for suitability of adjacent public viewing area protected from flight 

zone

e. Locate and define take-off and landing zone (LZ)

4. Assure proper notifications have been completed

a. Written permission from private property owner

b. ATC notified for issuance of NOTAMs as applicable

c. Post warning signs at public access points

5. PIC briefs VO

a. Review flight zone

b. Review Emergency Procedures

c. Review Mission Specific Information

d. Assure all operating documents are located at on site base station
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6. Assure that all flight crew and ground personnel in operational area are briefed before starting 

flight operations.

AIRCRAFT PROCEDURES:

1. Airframe: Look for Cracks, loose screws & loose cable connections.

2. Props: Check condition look for cracks, chips or other deformities. Replace if needed.

3. Gimbal: Check properly attached.

4. Camera: Check MSD, connection to gimbal and screws to gimbal. Check Battery is fully 

charged

5. RC (Radio Controller): Ensure Battery is Fully Charged.

6. FPV Radio TV Monitor: Battery fully charged/check connections

7. Power Remote Control and wait 20 seconds for signal to be established.

8. Power UAS ON and wait for GPS Lock Green Light.

9. RC on (Green Lights) – CHECK

10. Antenna set - CHECK

11. Place UAS on flat surface - CHECK

12. UAS Battery: On & Full charge – CHECK

13. Gimbal Calibration – CHECK

14. UAS GPS calibration rotation – CHECK

15. UAS GPS lock green lights – CHECK

TAKE OFF

1. Clear area of People and Obstacles

2. Start Motors

3. Lift Off 4 feet AGL hold for 1min and perform control accuracy rotations

C. IMMEDIATELY SHUT DOWN IF CONTROL ACCURACY ROTATIONS FAIL.

4. Proceed to proposed altitude

DURING FLIGHT

1. PIC to keep UAS in sight at all times.

2. Maintain Visual and Radio Communication with VO and ground personnel.

3. Monitor UAS Battery – Continuously to NO LESS THAN 30%

4. Monitor RC Battery – Continuously

5. Monitor Altitude not to Exceed mission altitude AGL

6. Monitor Distance Do Not Exceed 1000’ From Pilot

7. Remain alert for bird activity, manned flight activity, non-participating people and vehicle 

activity

8. Maintain “sterile cockpit” procedures for duration of flight
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LANDING

1. Fly UAS back to LZ before 30% battery has been used.

2. LZ Area Clear of Obstacles - Check

3. Land & power off UAS

4. Power off RC

EMERGENCY PROCEDURES

1. Lost sight of UAS – Perform Return Home Procedure

2. UAS out of control – Perform Return Home Procedure

3. UAS Battery low – Return UAS to LZ immediately

4. IMMEDIATELY land UAS at nearest safe ground location if:

a. manned or other unmanned aircraft is in the vicinity of flight zone

b. unauthorized persons or equipment enter the flight zone

c. hazardous weather conditions develop

d. bird flock enters the flight zone

e. traffic obstruction occurs

f. PIC becomes distracted believes safety is compromised for any reason