FlyBy Photography Standard Operating Procedures

A C. & E. Harris Family, LLC Company

C. & E. Harris Family, LLC S.O.P - Created January 1, 2015 1

Introduction

This document shall provide best practices and internal Standard Operating Procedures (“S.O.P.”)

for the safe operation of Unmanned Aircraft in all of the environments it may be asked to

participate in at an event, filming or photography session (herein known as “event”). While it is

difficult to make a one size fits all document for the many different types of locations we have

flown in this should be considered the guideline to go to. Further, not all of these instructions will

apply to all situations. Best judgment is used and safety is our number one priority.

Personnel Qualifications

Pilot in Command (PIC)

The PIC shall be the individual with responsibility for all other personnel involved with the

operation. For clarification, this section will include both the Pilot in Command and the Pilot at the

Controls although they may both be interchangeable in most circumstances. The PIC shall have the

minimum qualifications;

1. Knowledge of general AMA aviation practices

2. 20/20 corrected vision

3. Familiarity and operations of the aircraft to include;

a. The operator should have sufficient flights to be familiar of all flight

characteristics

b. Familiar with the latest revision of ground control software

c. Emergency recovery procedures in failed link situations

4. Familiar with mission planning and preflight procedures

5. Versed in emergency procedures and contingency operations

6. Familiar with acceptable field repair and maintenance procedures

7. Must have line of sight of aircraft at all times

Pilot at Controls (PAC)

1. Knowledge of general AMA aviation practices

2. 20/20 corrected vision

3. Familiarity and operations of the aircraft to include;

a. The operator should have sufficient flights to be familiar of all flight

characteristics

b. Familiar with the latest revision of ground control software

c. Emergency recovery procedures in failed link situations

4. Familiar with mission planning and preflight procedures

5. Versed in emergency procedures and contingency operations

6. Familiar with acceptable field repair and maintenance procedures

7. Must have line of sight of aircraft at all times

Ground System Crew

1. 20/20 corrected vision

2. Familiarity and operations of the aircraft to include;

a. Familiar with the construction and configuration of each UA

b. Familiar with GCS electronics and configuration
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A C. & E. Harris Family, LLC Company

C. & E. Harris Family, LLC S.O.P - Created January 1, 2015 2

c. Familiar with field repair procedures for each UA

d. Familiar with the latest revision of ground control software

Bystanders

Bystanders shall be blocked from the vicinity of flight operations and flight path via guards,

fences, caution tape, cones, signs, notices, postings, and/or any other reasonable means of keeping

bystanders away from flight operations. A single or combination of items mentioned above may

be used to reasonably enforce the safety of bystanders.

Airframes

Materials incorporated into the UA should be tested as much as is reasonably possible. As

configured, the aircraft would be no more than 1⁄2 to 3/4 of a mile laterally from the pilot at the

controls. Each aircraft of type is flight tested in an isolated area to ensure airframe structure and

propulsion capability are sufficient for the intended payload, operating environment, and

maneuvers required before it will fly any mission stated herein.

Configuration

1. For either fixed wing, rotor or multi rotor aircraft configurations total all up weight

shall not exceed 50lbs.

2. No aircraft shall exceed a speed of 55mph and have the ability to use waypoints and RTL

(Return To Launch)function for navigation

3. Must be able to instantaneously deactivate programmed flight of autopilot systems at

any time during flight and resume manual control of the model aircraft

Construction

The UA can be constructed of foam, Kevlar, carbon fiber, wood, plastic or other materials as long

as they have a proven track record of being airworthy within the aircrafts flight envelope.

Propulsion

Aircraft may utilize brushless, three phase, AC motors that may require a switching electronic

speed control to provide throttle management. Gas powered engines are allowed but must have a

kill engine switch accessible on the transmitter and/or GCS.

Fly-Ins

Each Fly-In has its own unique circumstances that may affect the operation of the UA, safety

factors, and personnel involved. The PIC will consider the following factors before authorizing

any launch of a UA.

1. Weather

When possible, the PIC shall check the local source of weather and may utilize the internet and

may be observed on site. The PIC shall have final determination of risk due to weather and

authority over any launch of aircraft.

2. Hazards to the public

The PIC shall make every effort to ensure that flight operations will not pose any undue risk to
FlyBy Photography Standard Operating Procedures

A C. & E. Harris Family, LLC Company

C. & E. Harris Family, LLC S.O.P - Created January 1, 2015 3

the public not directly involved with the event. The PIC shall have final determination of risk to

the public and authority over any launch of any aircraft.

3. Hazards to property

The PIC shall make every effort to ensure that flight operations will not pose any undue risk to

any property to the area involved with the event. The PIC shall have final determination of risk to

the property and authority over launch of any aircraft.

4. Hazards to personnel

The PIC shall make every effort to ensure that flight operations will not pose any undue risk to

the personnel directly or indirectly involved with the event. The PIC shall have final

determination of risk to the public and authority over any launch of any aircraft.

5. Proximity to controlled airspace

The PIC shall ensure that all unreported operations take place at least three (3) miles from

any controlled airspace. Operations inside any controlled airspace shall be performed with

permission of, and in constant communication with, the controlling authority of the

airspace. The PIC shall have final authority over launch after clearance has been granted

by the controlling authority. The controlling authority maintains the right to abort any

flight operation regardless of the stage that operation is in.

Launch and Landing Zones

Launch Site Selection

Launch site selection shall be driven by safety first and foremost. Selection of launch sites will be

considered based upon:

1. Buffer Zone

Ability to maintain adequate buffer zones between aircraft and personnel. Personnel shall

maintain a buffer of at least 50 feet between aircraft operations and all non-essential

personnel.

2. Environmental Assessment

No launches shall occur until all environmental assessments have been considered. Personnel

have final authority to abort any launch based upon hazard to the environment, themselves, or

other personnel in the area.

3. Departure over sparsely populated corridors

The PIC shall make every effort to select a launch site that minimizes departures over populated

areas. If flights over populated areas must take place the PIC shall plan each flight to minimize

the time of areas of concern.

Landing site & Alternate landing sites

1. Primary Landing Site

Typically the primary landing shall be the same as the launch site. The PIC has final authority for
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A C. & E. Harris Family, LLC Company

C. & E. Harris Family, LLC S.O.P - Created January 1, 2015 4

any approaches to the primary site and may wave off any approach deemed unsafe.

2. Alternate Landing Sites

The PIC shall designate at least one alternate landing site. In the event that a wave off is not

possible and the primary landing site is deemed unsafe, procedures to utilize the secondary site

will be invoked.

3. Mission Abort Sites

The PIC may optionally designate an “abort site” whereby the aircraft may be “dumped” in an

emergency situation. The abort site shall be so far removed as to provide absolute minimal risk

should the aircraft be required to vacate airspace in an emergency. Should the PIC deem it

necessary, the UA may be flown to this site and inserted without regard to the safety of the

aircraft or flight equipment.

4. Approaches over populated areas.

The PIC shall make every effort to select a landing site that minimizes and/or negates approaches

over populated areas.

5. Landing Safety & Crowd control

All landing sites shall be maintained and operated as the launch sites. Personnel shall maintain a

buffer of at least 50 feet between aircraft operations and all non-essential personnel.

Preflight, Takeoff, and Post flight Checklists

Primary Responsibility

Preflight activities are completed and verified by the PIC before takeoff, generally upon arrival at

the location and the operation is to be performed. Activities in this segment refer to all knowledge

gathering, area assessment, and actions performed on the aircraft before taxi or takeoff. These

include inspection of aircraft, assessment of the operating location, coordination with other crew

members involved in the operation, and equipment checkouts.

Mission Plan

The mission plan shall contain all actions and contingencies for the mission planned. Any limiting

factors in the flight environment may alter the intended operation and modify the mission plan

accordingly. Contingency planning should include safe routes in the event of a system failure,

degraded performance, or lost communication link, if such a failsafe exists.

Airframe

The airframe shall be given a thorough inspection thru the use of a checklist. The content of the

checklist will be as follows:

1. Before the first flight of the day, verify all transmitter, on-board aircraft, and camera

batteries are fully charged.

2. Check all control surfaces for signs of damage, loose hinges, and overall condition.

3. Check the control linkages are secured and the condition of the control horns and brackets.

4. Check the wing to make sure it is in good structural condition and properly secured and
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A C. & E. Harris Family, LLC Company

C. & E. Harris Family, LLC S.O.P - Created January 1, 2015 5

aligned to the airframe.

5. Check the motor/engine and mounting system to make sure it is firmly attached to the

airframe.

6. Check the propeller or rotor blades for chips, cracks, looseness and any deformation

7. Check the landing gear (if applicable) for damage, for secure attachment, and the wheels

are in good shape and rotate freely.

8. Check that the servos are firmly attached to the airframe and all receiver connections are

secure.

9. Check all electrical connections making sure they are plugged in and secured to the

airframe.

10. Check that the photography equipment and mounting system are secure and operational.

11. Perform an overall visual check of the aircraft prior to arming any power systems.

12. Repair or replace any part found to be un-airworthy in the pre-flight prior to takeoff.

Flight Control/Ground station

1. Ensure there are no frequency conflicts by use of frequency scanner before turning on

transmitter.

2. Ensure that there are no identical NET ID's operating in your area.

3. Make sure that all of your body parts, clothing, other obstructions, and bystanders are well

away from any propeller or rotor (50 feet minimum) and its arc before turning power on to

any systems. Make sure the aircraft is secure and will not move if the motor was suddenly

powered up.

4. Announce out loud - "CLEAR PROP".

5. Turn on the transmitter. When it displays information such as aircraft memory and battery

voltage, be sure these numbers are correct.

6. Make sure that the throttle stick on the transmitter is in the power off position.

7. Connect the battery and/or turn on the power switch to the aircraft.

8. Follow the recommended range test procedures as outlined in the radio

transmitter/receiver owner's manual.

9. Check for proper operation of control surfaces.

10. Check that all servos are steady and not chattering or making any other abnormal noise

when in operation or idle.

11. Check the motor/engine for proper operation. Firmly secure the aircraft and gradually

increase the throttle to full power and back down to idle - checking for lack of thrust,

vibration or other possible anomalies. Check that the motor stops completely when the

throttle stick is at the off position or when flight system is disarmed.

Before Takeoff:

1. Confirm transmitter antenna is fully extended.

2. Confirm transmitter trims settings in proper position.

3. Confirm receiver antenna is fully extended.

4. Check that the takeoff area is clear of obstructions and people.

5. Double check weather conditions and review potential emergency landing areas.

6. Set flight timer alarm.

7. Announce out loud - "PREPARING TO TAKE OFF."

8. Launch aircraft.
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A C. & E. Harris Family, LLC Company

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In-Flight:

1. Climb to a safe altitude away from potential hazards and check control systems.

2. Reset trims if necessary.

3. Keep aircraft at a safe operating distance from people and buildings.

4. If aircraft must be flown over buildings or people (Airplane only. No multi

rotor)., maintain a safe altitude for recovery & make every effort to minimize

exposure

5. Continually scan the flight and ground areas for potential hazards.

Landing:

1. Check the control systems and set the trims. If necessary, an emergency abort landing can

be made.

2. Scan landing area for potential obstruction hazards and recheck weather conditions.

3. Announce out loud - "PREPARING TO LAND."

4. Always be prepared to go around.

5. Carefully land the aircraft away from obstructions and people.

Post-Flight:

1. Turn the power off to the aircraft and/or disconnect the batteries.

2. Turn off the transmitter.

3. Turn the power off to the photo equipment.

4. Visually check aircraft for signs of damage and/or excessive wear.

5. Remove the unused fuel if applicable.

6. Secure the aircraft.

Field Repairs

After recovery of the aircraft, if an inspection should reveal any damage, the PIC may authorize

the field repair of the aircraft. Field repairs can consist of two types, critical and non-critical.

1. Non-critical repairs are repairs made to the airframe or components that are not critical to

the flight control or function of the aircraft in its assigned mission. Repairs of this nature are

patches to covering, replacing fairings or cowlings, or repairs that enhance the mission

payload.

2. Critical repairs or those repairs that must be made that directly affect the ability of the

aircraft to perform its function and to continue the mission. Typical repairs of this nature would

be such as replacing a motor, or replacing a fight control servo.

Clearing the scene

Environmental considerations

Personnel shall leave as small an environmental footprint as possible. The immediate area around

the flight operations shall be policed for equipment, personal items, or trash. Any material that was

removed to make way for flight operations shall be returned and re-established as it was found.