Texas Unmanned Aerial Systems

www.tuasystems.com

Operations Manual Version 3­27­2015

Published by Director of Operations:

*COMMERCIAL OPERATIONS ARE SUSPENDED PENDING FAA EXEMPTION APPROVAL*

Texas Unmanned Aerial Systems (TUAS) provides this manual for its personnel for the

operation of its unmanned aerial systems aircraft. This manual is in compliance with current

FAA and Texas laws and regulations. Any discrepancies should be reported immediately to

Director of Operations.

This manual is changing its version tracking to dates and will be updated at least once a quarter

until the FAA adds UAS operations to the FAR.

Please report any errors in this document to the Director of Operations.

This manual is provided on the company intranet site in eBook format.

Welcome to TUAS

On behalf of the entire company we would like to welcome you aboard. This operations manual

has been prepared for the use and guidance of flight, ground and management personnel

associated with TUAS. Each Part contains instructions and information necessary for TUAS

personnel to perform their duties and responsibilities with the highest degree of safety.

This manual will address the operation of all company aircraft operated under 14 CFR Part 91,

141 and other pertinent regulations. It is the responsibility of all personnel to operate in first

accordance with the Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR) in the National Airspace (NAS) then

this Operational Manual. In many cases TUAS policy will be more restrictive and take

precedence.

All personnel are required to know and are subject to the provisions in this manual.

K A Cunningham

Director of Operations
TABLE OF CONTENTS

Company Organization ...................2

Expectations of Personnel

Professionalism, Responsibility, Regulations and Guidelines

Scheduling, Business Hours

...................3

Crew qualifications: PIC and VO ...................3

TUAS Flight Requirements

General Flight Rules

Mission Specific Flight Rules

Aircraft Specific Flight Rules

...................4

...................4

...................6

...................7

Documentation of Aircraft and Missions ...................9

Mission and Flight Operations

Client Requirements

Mission briefings

Flight planning

Pre­Flight check­list

...................9

...................9

...................10

...................11

Flight Training ...................12

Safety Considerations ..................13

Maintenance ..................14

Accident/ incident reporting Procedures ..................15

Glossary and Definitions ..................16

Attachments

Texas Unmanned Systems OPERATIONS MANUAL 1
COMPANY ORGANIZATION

TUAS provides aerial photographic services under the following company structure.

Board of Directors

Provides financial management

Establish short and long term business goals

Responsible of all business decisions

Oversees all operational policies and procedures

Director of Sales and Marketing

Keeps financial and business records

Oversees Office operations

Guides operational crews in customer service

Director of Operations

Plans and oversees daily operations

Guides operational crews in customer service

Sets daily schedule

Manages aircraft maintenance

Complies with all federal, state and company reporting

Chief Pilot

Responsible for crew training as per FAR and this manual

Provides for initial and currency crew flight checks

Keeps records of crew training and qualifications

Legal Council

Provide company management with advice concerning government and customer relations.

Texas Unmanned Systems OPERATIONS MANUAL 2
EXPECTATIONS OF PERSONNEL

Professionalism: All TUAS personnel will be neatly dressed and shaven well behaved, well

spoken, and business like while representing the company. Personnel will not work under the

influence of alcohol or other intoxicants, including after effects, while working for TUAS. Air crew

are responsible for being in good health while working. Crews are not required to accept

abusive or offensive behavior from anyone. TUAS does not condone any invasion of privacy

under any circumstances.

Responsibility: Personnel are responsible for their actions and are expected to take

responsibility for their job. Consult management with difficult situations. Personnel will comply

with all law enforcement officials, local and federal.

Regulations and Guidelines: Crews are expected to know federal, state and company

requirements and will be tested on each. FARs will always be complied with.

Scheduling: All crews are responsible for completing scheduled operations. If you cannot for

some reason perform scheduled tasks contact Director of Operations or Chief Pilot as soon as

possible (ASAP]. Schedules will be posted on the TUAS intranet site for easy access.

Business hours: Office hours are 8am to 5pm Mon­Fri. except holidays. Flight operations may

vary depending on customer and operational needs.

Prospective Customers: Personnel may earn bonuses for new customers and must treat

everyone professional and friendly while representing TUAS.

CREW QUALIFICATIONS: PIC AND VO

1. Pilot in Command (PIC) must hold either an airline transport, commercial, private,

recreational, or sport pilot certificate.

2. 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 Colombia, Puerto Rico, a territory, a possession,

or the Federal government.

3. PIC must meet the flight review requirements specified in 14 CFR § 61.56 in an aircraft

in which the PIC is rated on his or her pilot certificate.

4. PIC must have demonstrated the ability to safely operate the UAS to be flown in a

manner consistent with how the UAS will be operated for the mission, including evasive

and emergency maneuvers and maintaining appropriate distances from persons,

vessels, vehicles and structures.

5. PIC qualification flight hours and currency must be logged in a manner consistent with

14 CFR § 61.51(b).

6. Visual Observer (VO) primary duty is to maintain VLOS with aircraft advising in keeping

it clear of persons and structures and will have passed TUAS training and testing.

Texas Unmanned Systems OPERATIONS MANUAL 3
7. VO will provide background check or evidence of background check such as TX realtor

license concealed carry permit or substitute teacher certification.

8. All aircrews will know the pertinent state laws regarding photography and privacy

TUAS FLIGHT REQUIREMENTS

GENERAL FLIGHT RULES

1. PIC will complete FAR 91.1 and company preflight for every flight.

2. PIC must be designated before the flight and is responsible for every aspect of fight

operations.

3. Survey operational area for hazards and obstructions.

4. Emergency recovery/ landing procedures reviewed.

5. Aircraft log will be checked.

6. Airspace, Weather and NOTAMs will be checked.

7. Aircraft and remote batteries will be checked.

8. Low fuel [power] will be reviewed and timed if necessary.

9. Auto return will be set.

10. PIC must conduct a pre­flight inspection in accordance with aircraft manual and

determine the UAS is in a condition for safe flight. The pre­flight inspection must account

for all potential discrepancies, e.g. inoperable components, items, or equipment. Aircraft

failing inspection and unsafe for flight will not be flow.

11. Radio procedures – The current ATC system is not able to handle the vast number of

drones (UAS) entering the market. PIC will monitor CTAF/UNICOM: 122.8 or local

airport frequency to assist in determining presence of manned aircraft. Do not broadcast

on these frequencies unless complying with airport management agreement.

12. For now UAS may not be operating UAVs from boats or other moving vehicles.

13. Visual Observers (VO) are currently required for every flight, may not operate camera.

14. Visual Line of Sight (VLOS) will be maintained by PIC and VO while aircraft is in flight

with unaided eye or prescription corrective lenses specified in medical or driver’s license.

Texas Unmanned Systems OPERATIONS MANUAL 4
15. Operations at or near airports: To operate within 5 miles of an airport the company must

have permission in the COA or an agreement with the airport manager. Crews will

monitor VHF Unicom frequency or frequency stated in agreement. Crews will not

broadcast on VHF radio unless in agreement with airport management or an emergency.

UAS ​WILL ALWAYS YIELD RIGHT OF WAY TO MANNED AIRCRAFT BY TERMINATING FLIGHT UNTIL

OTHER AIRCRAFT ARE CLEAR.

16. Operations for the purpose of closed­set motion picture and television filming are not

permitted unless we have a motion picture and television operations manual (MPTOM).

17. The UAS must be operated at an altitude of no more than 400 feet above ground level

(AGL).

18. The UAS operations must comply with TUAS’ Air Traffic Organization (ATO) Certificate

of Waiver or Authorization (COA) and any agreements with airport management.

19. Electronic messaging or texting is not permitted during flight operations.

20. All flight operations must be conducted under visual meteorological conditions (VMC),

more than 500 feet below or more than 2,000 feet horizontally from a cloud when

visibility is more than 3 statute miles from the PIC.

21. If UAS loses communications or loses its GPS signal, the UAS must return to a

pre­determined location within the private or controlled­access property.

22. Flight must be terminated at least five minutes or with the reserve power recommended

by the manufacturer if greater.

23. All aircraft must be identified by serial number, registered in accordance with 14 CFR

part 47, and have identification (N­Number) markings in accordance with 14 CFR part

45, Subpart C. Markings must be as large as practicable.

24. Unlike manned aircraft all operations shall be conducted over private or

controlled­access property with permission from the property owner/controller or

authorized representative. Permission from property owner/controller or authorized

representative will be obtained for each flight to be conducted.

25. Aircraft clearances from persons and property ­ see Safety Considerations–clearances

Texas Unmanned Systems OPERATIONS MANUAL 5
MISSION SPECIFIC FLIGHT RULES

*All pictures will be sanitized prior to delivery to client to ensure compliance with privacy laws

and decorum.

1. Real estate, architecture, land surveying, engineering, and related commercial and

professional activities.

Flight Crews will be briefed on state and local real estate laws. Crews will work with

agents and/or engineers to complete the mission in compliance with all laws, rules and

regulations. Preflight walk through is required. Maintain clearance of 3 meters (10 ft)

from structure during operations.

2. Agricultural and wildlife operations.

Flight Crews are not currently allowed to operate in a moving vehicle but may use a

parked vehicle for better VLOS.

3. Insurance company operations including insurability and adjustments.

TUAS crews must be briefed and accompanied by an insurance agent unless it’s

previously been flown by that crew. Preflight walk through is required. Maintain

clearance of 3 meters (10 ft) from structure during operations.

4. Television news, public events, cinematography and news gathering.

Pending

5. Inspections of residential/commercial/industrial structures.

Flight crew must be briefed by company or civil authority on the mission. Walk through

required as much as possible. Winds can be big factor in mission operations. Maintain

clearance of 3 meters (10 ft) from structure during operations.

6. Viewing residential/commercial utility infrastructure including but not limited to electrical

power lines, wind turbines and cell towers.

Texas has exemptions for inspecting these facilities. If utility company has right­of­way,

property ownership permission is not required. Utility personnel must accompany or brief

crew onsite before operations. Maintain clearance of 3 meters (10 ft) from structure

during operations.

7. Live video feed to assist with public agencies search and rescue operations in cases of

an emergency or natural disaster when the government authorities request it.

Crews must be present with local authorities during operations. Care must be taken to

maintain situational awareness and not get distracted by events. Crews will cooperate

with authorities unless safety will be compromised.

8. Training to both private and/or public organizations that have interests in the use and

application of a UAS, for the purpose of the safe legal operation of a UAS to enhance

the safety of the NAS and for the safety of the persons and property.

Texas Unmanned Systems OPERATIONS MANUAL 6
Pilot trainer must know the public FARs and 333 exceptions covering the agency in

training. Pilot trainer must be authorized by Director of Operations for these contracts.

9. TUAS must have a FAA exemption and a motion picture and television operations

manual (MPTOM) prior to performing motion picture and television operations.

AIRCRAFT SPECIFIC FLIGHT RULES

* THESE AIRCRAFT HAVE ALL BEEN PREVIOUSLY APPROVED BY THE FAA.

Aircraft restrictions

Max Winds Reserve Bat Power Max speed NO FLY

Q500 Typhoon 11 kts 5 min 10 m/s NO RED LED

DJI Phantom 2 12kts 5 min/1 led 10 m/s

Sensefly eBee 23 kts 10 min 60 kts >35◦ C

TYPHOON OPERATIONS

PIC will be current flying in Angle (Pilot) Mode. In Home Mode the aircraft will return at

10 meters AGL. Home Mode only works when the Q500 has a suitable GPS signal/lock.

Terminate flight if all lights flash. Pilots must be trained in techniques to reacquire aircraft

orientation. The steel reinforcement within structures may interfere with the compass.

Texas Unmanned Systems OPERATIONS MANUAL 7
PHANTOM 2 OPERATIONS

Other than the self test, do not fly the Phantom 2 with any red warning lights.

For fuel reserve compliance terminate flight on 1st Level Low Battery Capacity Warning,

5 red led lights, or low voltage light on remote controller. Do not begin a flight without at

least 2 green led lights on the battery.

Users can configure position 3(bottom position) of the S1 switch to trigger the Failsafe.

The Phantom 2 will enter Failsafe mode when the connection from the remote controller

is lost. The flight control system will automatically control the aircraft to return to home

and land to reduce injuries or damage Ready to Fly (non­GPS) ­­­­ Automatic landing

Ready to Fly ­­­­

Automatic go home and land It is recommended to lift off only after Ready to Fly status

is confirmed. The aircraft will return at 20 meters AGL.

Pilots must be trained in techniques to reacquire aircraft orientation.

The steel structure within buildings may interfere with the compass.

EBEE OPERATIONS

The eBee flight operations manual will be used for all flights. Note the max temp. at

35◦C max. in flight or being transported in vehicle. This aircraft cannot be operated in

many summer afternoons. Winds aloft must be checked during flight planning. The

aircraft is a foam structure which is damaged easily, do not fly with wing damage.

Texas Unmanned Systems OPERATIONS MANUAL 8
DOCUMENTATION OF AIRCRAFT AND MISSIONS

Aircraft operations will be documented by mission and client/customer with minimum of;

1 Date/Time

2 Customer name and number

3 Property address or identification

4 Function performed and product/pictures delivered

5 Aircraft type and N­number

6 PIC and all crew participating

7 PIC report on mission success or lack of

8 Picture numbering, saving and deleting (unlawful or privacy invasion)

MISSION AND FLIGHT OPERATIONS

Client Requirements ­ PIC and VO(s) will be trained to perform the aerial photography mission

which may include;

­ Real estate, architecture, land surveying, engineering, and related commercial and

professional activities.

­ Agricultural and wildlife operations.

­ Insurance company operations including insurability and adjustments.

­ Television news, public events, cinematography and news gathering.

­ Inspections of residential/commercial/industrial structures.

­ Viewing residential/commercial utility infrastructure including but not limited to electrical

power lines, wind turbines and cell towers.

­ Live video feed to assist with public agencies search and rescue operations in cases of

an emergency or natural disaster when the government authorities request it.

­ Training to both private and/or public organizations, that have interests in the use and

application of a UAS, for the purpose of the safe legal operation of a UAS to enhance the safety

of the NAS and for the safety of the persons and property.

TUAS must have a FAA exemption and a motion picture and television operations manual

(MPTOM) prior to performing motion picture and television operations.

Texas Unmanned Systems OPERATIONS MANUAL 9
Mission briefing (pre­mission briefing and post mission briefing) required by PIC:

Mission briefings

● Pre­mission

○ Read customer request for services and/or talk with customer(/rep) confirm

location

○ Review customer photographic request

○ Select aircraft to be used

○ The Q500 Typhoon is our preferred aircraft, while the DJI Phantom 2s are useful

for special uses such as infrared and low light photographs. The Sensefly eBee is

exclusively used for engineering, surveying and mapping.

○ Mission should be planned considering topography, structures, airspace, air

traffic, nonparticipants, hazards, lighting, battery requirements, safe recovery,

and emergency procedures.

○ Mission kit may be modified per mission requirements.

● Post­mission

○ Post mission briefing will include; incidents/accidents and recording/reporting,

photograph saving, recording and deleting unauthorized pictures.

○ Post mission will end with PIC filling out and signing mission document and

delivering to Director of Operations Office with product (pictures).

Flight planning will include:

Documents required for Flight: FAA Exemption, aircraft manual, Pilot license and FAA medical

or driver’s license (all must be available during flight) Sectional map of area.

Winds and weather (WX), winds aloft, visibility

Walk or drive planned flight path

All participants will be briefed on their tasks and responsibilities during operations

Texas Unmanned Systems OPERATIONS MANUAL 10
Pre­Flight checklist will include:

1. Mission kit including: Aircraft, hard hat, ear and eye protectors, extra batteries (aircraft

and remote), required documents, laptop, flash (thumb) drive, VHF radio, walkie­talkie radios,

wind/wx meter and extra rotor or propeller blades.

2. Aircraft checklist in accordance with aircraft manual.

3. Aircrew and any participants in position.

4. Check radio operation

5. Check current wind direction and velocity

6. Clear flight path checking for hazards*

Texas Unmanned Systems OPERATIONS MANUAL 11
FLIGHT TRAINING (PIC CHANGE)

Crews will be trained with the following minimum list.

1. Use lights and markings to maintain situational awareness of aircraft and status of

aircraft.

2. Know how to calibrate the Compass.

3. How to fly in all modes necessary for safe operation.

4. Before your first flight, allow yourself some flight training (Using a flight simulator or

miniature to practice flying, getting instruction from an experienced person, etc.).

5. Do not fly in bad weather, such as rain or wind (more than moderate breeze) or fog.

6. The flying training field should be open and void of tall buildings or other obstacles; the

steel structure within buildings may interfere with the compass.

7. Keep the aircraft away from obstacles, crowds, power lines, trees, lakes and rivers etc.

8. Try to avoid interference between the remote controller and other wireless equipment

(No base stations or cell towers around).

9. Never use the aircraft in a manner that infringes upon or contravenes international or

domestic laws and regulations.

10. Techniques to maintain vehicle orientation (dip stick)

11. Aircraft assembly and joining with gimbal and camera.

12. Aircraft (Ebee) operational temperatures.

TUAS does not permit any PIC to operate unless the PIC demonstrates the ability 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. PIC qualification flight hours and currency must

be logged in a manner consistent with 14 CFR § 61.51(b). Flights for the purposes of training

the operator’s PICs and VOs (training, proficiency, and experience­building) and determining

the PIC’s ability to safely operate the UAS in a manner consistent with how the UAS will be

operated will only be conducted during dedicated training sessions. During training, proficiency,

and experience­building flights, all persons not essential for flight operations are considered

nonparticipants, and the PIC must operate the UA with appropriate distance from

nonparticipants in accordance with 14 CFR § 91.119.

Texas Unmanned Systems OPERATIONS MANUAL 12
SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS

CLEARANCES

All Flight operations must be conducted at least 500 feet from all nonparticipating persons,

vessels, vehicles, and structures unless:

a) Barriers or structures are present that sufficiently protect nonparticipating persons

from the UA and/or debris in the event of an accident. The operator must ensure that

nonparticipating persons remain under such protection. If a situation arises where

nonparticipating persons leave such protection and are within 500 feet of the UA, flight

operations must cease immediately in a manner ensuring the safety of nonparticipating

persons, and;

b) The owner/controller of any vessels, vehicles or structures has granted permission

for operating closer to those objects and the PIC has made a safety assessment of the

risk of operating closer to those objects and determined that it does not present an

undue hazard. The PIC, VO, operator trainees or essential persons are not considered

nonparticipating persons under this exemption

The biggest hazard to safety the UAS (Drone, unmanned vehicle) poses is the potential for

collision with a manned vehicle. A 2 pound drone can easily cause a deadly crash colliding with

a helicopter or a turbine aircraft ingested into the engine. Crew must be aware of any aircraft in

the area and terminate flight operations if any danger is remotely possible.

The NAS has handled about 4000 aircraft at a time. The UAS threatens to increase this number

by tens, even hundreds of times. The UAS needs to operate without interfering with manned

operations including not overwhelming the radio traffic creating an unsafe condition for manned

aircraft.

Your drone/UAS is almost invisible to pilots in other aircraft.

The UAS is new to flight operations and most hazards have not been discovered. Some are

obvious and should be avoided:

Electrical transformers, flammable and explosive materials, winds around tall structures,

distractions to automobile drivers, high rise and tower workers, drone pilots falling during flight,

and more to be added.

Texas Unmanned Systems OPERATIONS MANUAL 13
MAINTENANCE

Check for firmware upgrades and safety bulletins.

Any UAS that has undergone maintenance or alterations that affect the UAS operation or flight

characteristics, e.g. replacement of a flight critical component, must undergo a functional test

flight prior to conducting further operations under this exemption. Functional test flights may only

be conducted by a PIC with a VO and must remain at least 500 feet from other people. The

functional test flight must be conducted on company range in such a manner so as to not pose

an undue hazard to persons and property.

We here at TUAS are responsible for maintaining and inspecting the UAS to ensure that it is in

a condition for safe operation.

TUAS personnel must follow the UAS manufacturer’s maintenance, overhaul, replacement,

inspection, and life limit requirements for the aircraft and aircraft components.

TUAS UAS must comply with all manufacturer safety bulletins.

Texas Unmanned Systems OPERATIONS MANUAL 14
ACCIDENT/ INCIDENT REPORTING PROCEDURES

Aircraft Accident Procedures

1. If anyone is injured – Call 911 emergency services immediately

2. Contact company office and report extent of damage (512 842­8060)

3. If public utilities are damaged – contact utility company immediately

4. If private property is damaged contact property owner/representative

5. Reported to FAA and NTSB in accordance with 49 CFR part 830

6. NTSB office (Arlington, TX) 817­652­7800.

7. Record and save pictures of aircraft, property damage and area of operations

Any incident, accident, or flight operation that transgresses the lateral or vertical boundaries of

the operational area as defined by the applicable COA must be reported to the FAA's UAS

Integration Office (AFS­80) within 24 hours. Accidents must be reported to the National

Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) per instructions contained on the NTSB Web site:

www.ntsb.gov.

Texas Unmanned Systems OPERATIONS MANUAL 15
Glossary and Definitions

UAS – Unmanned aerial system, drone, UAV

Pilot in Command (PIC) Pilot responsible for all flight operations

Visual Observer (VO) person responsible for assisting flight operations

Participants – persons involved in flight operations

Nonparticipants are all persons not essential for flight operations

*Hazards – anything that could potentially cause an incident or accident such as power lines,

towers...

Attachments: www.tuasystems.com

Texas Unmanned Systems OPERATIONS MANUAL 16