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K130 Multirotor

Pilot’s Operating Handbook
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Table of Contents

General

Section 1-1 Introduction

Section 1-2 External Dimensions

Section 1-3 Descriptive Data

Section 1-4 Drive system

Section 1-5 Battery Power System

Section 1-6 Flight Control System

Section 1-7 Ground Station

Section 1-8 Payloads

Limitations

Section 2-1 Lifting Capacity

Section 2-2 Airspeed Limitations

Section 2-3 Weight limits

Section 2-4 Altitude and Range 

Section 2-5 Flight Time Limits

Safety Features

Section 3-1 Flight Control Failsafe Features

Normal Procedures

Section 4-1 Daily Checklists

Section 4-2 Flight Logs

Section 4-3 Preflight Compass Calibration and Range Check

Section 4-4 Operation and Startup Procedures 

Aircraft Service and Maintenance

Section 5-1 Overview

Section 5-2 Airframe Maintenance

Section 5-3 Battery Testing and Maintenance

Section 5-4 Motor Maintenance

Addendum
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General

Introduction Section 1-1

This Pilot’s Operating Handbook has been prepared to provide the pilot with all

information necessary to accomplish the intended mission with the maximum

amount of efficiency and safety.

General

External Dimensions Section 1-2

External Dimensions

Width 1790mm(18" propeller mounted) 

Length 1790mm(18" propeller mounted) 

Height 520mm(18" propeller mounted) 

Frame width 1310mm 

Frame arm length 500mm 

General

Descriptive Data Section 1-3

Aircraft

Type Multirotor (Octocopter Configuration)

Construction

Power Source

Carbon Fiber, Aluminum, and Steel

Lithium Polymer Batteries

Airframe Weight (excludes batteries and 

payload)

13.75 lbs. (6.4kg)
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General

Drive system Section 1-4 

Motors

Number of Motors 8

KV 330

Configuration 18N24P

Stator Diameter 40mm

Stator Length 14mm

Shaft Diameter 4mm

Motor Dimensions(Dia.*Len) Φ44.8×34.5mm

Weight (g 149g

ldle current(10)@10v(A 1.1A

Max Continuous current(A)180S 25A

Max. efficiency current (3-10A)>84%

Internal resistance 85mΩ

Motor Controllers (Electronic Speed Controls)

Number of Motor Controllers 8

Continuous Maximum Current 35A

Input Voltage 7.4-22.2V (2-6S Lithium Polymer)

Length: 1.93 in (49mm)

Width: 0.88 in (22.4mm)

Height: 0.33 in (8.4mm)

Weight: 0.98 oz. (27.8 g) each

BEC Voltage: 5.5V; 5A continuous, 7A peak

Propeller

Airfoil Asymmetrical

Material Carbon Fiber or Wood

Size 17 -18 inches (43-46 cm)
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General

Battery Power System Section 1-5 

Flight Batteries

Type Lithium Polymer

Configuration 6S1P 

Voltage 22.1v

Capacity 10A-16A

General

Flight Control System Section 1-6 

Flight Control System

Type DJI A2

Hovering Accuracy(In GPS Mode) Vertical ± 0.5m

Hovering Accuracy(In GPS Mode) Horizontal: ± 1.5m

Maximum Wind Resistance(in GPS Mode) < 8m/s (17.9mph/28.8km/h)

Max Yaw Angular Velocity 150 deg/s

Max Tilt Angle 35°

Ascent/Descent ±6m/s

Power Consumption MAX 5W (Typical Value: 0.3A@12.5V)

Total Weight <= 224g(overall)

Built In Functions Built-in Receiver

Multiple Control Modes

2-axis Gimbal Supported

Low Voltage Protection

PC & Bluetooth Ground Station

External Receiver Supported

Intelligent Orientation Control

Sound Alarm

4 Configurable Outputs

Dimensions Flight Controller: 54mm x 39mm x 14.9mm

IMU: 41.3mm x 30.5mm x 26.3mm

GPS-Compass Pro Plus: 62mm (diameter) x 

14.3mm

LED-BTU-I: 30mm x 30mm x 7.9mm

PMU: 39.5mm x 27.6mm x 9.8mm
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General

Ground Station Section 1-7

PIC Ground Controls and Flight Information

Flight Control Transmitter Ground Control Station

Futaba 14SG DJI GS with data link

2.4GHz spread spectrum technology 2.4Ghz Bluetooth

FCC Approved FCC Approved

General

Payloads Section 1-8 

The K130 Multirotor is designed to accept a payload using a 100mm X 145mm payload 

mounting plate. The K130 payload consists of a camera gimbal and camera. Other payloads 

may be used, provided they do not affect the center of gravity and comply with the weight 

limits outlined in section 2-1 of this manual. Total payload weight can be calculated by adding 

one gimbal and one camera.

Gimbal

Freefly Systems Movi M10 weight 4lb (1.8kg)

 or

Freefly Systems Movi M15 weight 4.93lb (2.13kg)

Camera

Canon C100 as equipped 4.7lb / 2.1kg

Canon 5D as equipped 3.28lb / 1.5kg

Red Epic as equipped 7. 1lb / 3.2kg

Standard Payload

Canon C100 and Movi M10 Gimbal 8.7lbs (3.9kg)
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Limitations

Airspeed Limitations Section 2-1

Never-Exceed Airspeed (Vne)*

Standard camera/gimbal combination 41 mph (35 Knots)*

Maximum camera/gimbal combination 35 mph (30 Knots)*

Cruise Speed 15 mph (13 Knots)

*Ground control station display units are in mph. 

* Vne calculated by GPS speed with correction for wind speed. Section 1-6 describes a 

maximum tilt angle of 35°and a maximum ascent/descent speed of ±6m/s. The combination of 

the built in flight controller limitations and payload surface area prohibit the airspeed to 

approximately 41 mph or 35 Knots. With the maximum payload combination outlined in 

section 1-8, the aircraft uses 71% of available power 

Limitations

Weight limits Section 2-2

Maximum gross takeoff weight 40lb (18.1kg)

Standard payload takeoff weight 27lb (12.25kg)

Limitations

Altitude and Range Section 2-3

The K130 Multirotor must be operated within visual line of sight (VLOS) of the pilot in command 

(PIC) at all times. Additionally, FAA guidelines limit aircraft altitude to 400 feet AGL.

Limitations

Flight Time Limits Section 2-4

Each UAS operation must be completed within 30 minutes flight time or with 25% 

battery power remaining, whichever occurs first. 

No Payload 22 min (30% battery remaining)

Standard Payload (C100 camera / M10 gimbal) 9 min 30 sec (30% battery remaining)

Heaviest payload (Red camera/ M15 gimbal) 6 minutes (30% battery remaining)
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Safety Features

Flight Control Failsafe Features Section 3 

Features of the DJI A2 flight Controller include:

Failsafe

Geo Fencing

Battery Voltage Monitoring

 Failsafe

In the event of a lost RF control signal, preset low voltage level, or manual failsafe the 

A2 will enter Failsafe Mode and immediately return to the predefined coordinates, land, 

and disarm the motors. The predefined fail safe coordinates should be set prior to each 

flight as outlined in the Normal Procedures Section 4-3. Failsafe event triggering:

 Loss or poor quality of RF control signal

 If battery voltage falls below 21.3 volts under load (critical voltage 20% 

remaining)

 Activating switch SB on the transmitter will manually enter the flight controller 

into failsafe mode

 Geo Fencing

The Flight Controller has pre-defined distance limit and altitude limit parameters. 

 Battery Voltage Monitoring

Battery Voltage Monitoring prevents a dead battery during flight. The LED indicator 

located on the back of the airframe indicates low and critical voltage. For a detailed list 

of LED descriptions see Addendum Figure 1

Color Battery 

Voltage

Description

Flashing Yellow 21.7 Low Battery (Indicator warning only)

Flashing Red 21.3 Critical Battery(Fail Safe activation)
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Normal Procedures

Daily Checklist Section 4-1

Daily Checklists

Perform a K130 Pilot's Daily Check prior to the first flight of the day. Check maintenance 

records to ensure aircraft airworthiness. Aircraft inspection areas should include:

 Airframe

 Motor drive system

 Propellers

 Landing Gear

 Electrical System

 Flight Control System

 Ground Control Station

 Payload

See Addendum Figure 2 at the end of this document for the K130 Pilot’s Daily Check Form.

Normal Procedures

Flight Logs Section 4-2

Log each flight in the K130 Multirotor Flight Log. Logged information includes:

 Date

 Location

 Duration

 Pilot In Command

See Addendum Figure 4 for the K130 Multirotor Flight Log Form
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Normal Procedures

Preflight Compass Calibration and Range Check Section 4-3

Prior to the first flight of the day, a range check and compass calibration should be performed

and documented in the daily checklist. 

Range check

 Place transmitter in range check mode and power on K130. With an observer 

watching the led status on the A2 flight controller, walk away from the model 

until the LED turns from green to red. If a distance of a manufacturer 

recommended 100ft is attained, the radio control system has passed the range 

check. 

Compass calibration

 The following illustration outlines the procedures for a compass calibration 

prior to the first flight of the day. Refer to the A2 Flight Manual for additional 

information. An additional compass calibration is required if there is a change 

in distance over 50 miles from the beginning of the day calibration. 
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Normal Procedures

Operation and Startup Procedures Section 4-4

Startup Procedures

Prior to operation an appropriate takeoff and landing area should be selected for safe 

operation. Ensure a preflight check and compass calibration (if applicable) has been performed 

and documented. 

1. Measure wind speed, ambient air temperature, and document measurements in 

preflight checklists.

2. Place the aircraft and appropriate support equipment in the landing and takeoff area. 

3. Ensure the aircraft is resting on level ground and landing gear provides a solid base

4. Install the appropriate flight battery and securely fasten to aircraft

5. Check flight battery charge. Battery indicator should read at least 97%.

6. Power on handheld transmitter, check transmitter charge level and ensure programmed 

settings are correct including flight timer.

7. Power on ground control data link and ground control display

8. Power on K130 Multirotor by connecting both flight battery connections. Aircraft 

should remain motionless during startup.

9. Wait for initialization LED sequence to complete. See Addendum Figure 1 for LED codes 

and meanings.

10. Aircraft will begin searching for 3D GPS lock. 3D GPS lock will take from 10 seconds (GPS 

hot start) to 13 minutes (GPS cold start). Flight observer can begin to prepare 

camera/gimbal or payload for flight.

11. Flight controller will indicate when 3D GPS lock has been obtained and home point 

coordinates have been recorded.

12. After flight personnel and equipment have established a safe distance the aircraft is 

ready to fly
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Aircraft Service and Maintenance

Overview Section 5-1

Section 5 of this manual outlines procedures recommended for servicing and 

maintaining the K130 Multirotor. All maintenance and service must be performed and 

documented in a manner consistent with 14 CFR § 91.417. All maintenance or service to the 

K130 airframe must be documented in the K130 Maintenance Log. A Daily Checklist must be 

performed after any service or maintenance to the airframe to ensure airworthiness. All 

battery analysis should be documented in the Battery Maintenance Form. Aircraft service and 

maintenance records include:

 A description of the work performed

 The date of completion of the work performed

 The signature of the person approving the aircraft for return to service

 The total time in service of the airframe, engines, and propellers

 The current status of life-limited parts

 The time since last overhaul of all items installed on the aircraft which are 

required to be overhauled on a specified time basis.

 The current inspection status of the aircraft

The following sections describe maintenance and service applicable to specific areas of the 

multirotor.

Aircraft Service and Maintenance

Airframe Maintenance Section 5-2

See addendum figure 4 for sample Maintenance Log

Lubricate arm pivots Every 15 Flights

Lubricate arm clamps Every 15 Flights

Lubricate landing gear worm gear Every 15 flights

Replace arm clamps After 60 hours

Replace landing gear motor assembly After 60 hours
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Aircraft Service and Maintenance

Battery Testing and Maintenance Section 5-3

Battery analysis should be performed using a charger / analyzer with the capabilities of:

 Balancing

 Discharging

 Charging

 Total capacity

 Internal resistance

Each battery must be periodically analyzed for physical and internal condition. Batteries are required to 

be analyzed after 15 cycles of use. Battery cycles are documented on the battery cycle card physically 

attached to each battery. Batteries that do not meet 90% of rated capacity after analysis should be 

taken out of service. 

See addendum figure 5 for sample Battery Maintenance Log

Aircraft Service and Maintenance

Motor Maintenance Section 5-4

Oil top and bottom bearings Every 15 flights

Clean Motors Every 15 flights or as needed in dusty conditions

Replace bearings After 60 hours of flight

Replace propeller quick disconnects After 60 hours of flight

See addendum figure 5 for sample K130 Maintenance Log
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Addendum

Figure 1
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Addendum

Figure 2
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Addendum

Figure 3
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Addendum

Figure 4
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Addendum

Figure 5
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Chosen Productions UAS 

Operations and Safety Manual
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TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Company Background and Preface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

2. Personnel

2.1 Flight team composition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

2.2 Flight personnel responsibilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

2.3 Qualification requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

2.4 Pilot/Operator Organization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

3. Safety

3.1 Total Safety Mission Analysis (TSMA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

3.2 Safety Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

3.3 Incident or Accident Investigations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

4. Mission planning

4.1 Plan of Activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

4.2 Permission to Operate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

5. Onsite operations

5.1 Area of operations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

5.2 Operating site assessment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

5.3 Site Preparation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

5.4 Weather . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

5.5 Communications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

5.6 Site Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

6. Appendix 

6.1 Definitions and abbreviations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

6.2 Permission Release Form . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

6.3 Total Safety Mission Analysis (TSMA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
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Background and Preface 

The following procedures are intended to ensure users are operating in a safe, efficient and 

lawful manner. Safety of the public, property and national airspace is the primary concern 

in each and every operation, regardless of the mission. As a member of the Chosen 

Productions flight crew it is each and every crew member’s responsibility to ensure these 

requirements are met. This Operations Manual provides policies and procedures necessary 

for conducting UAS flight operations in the National Airspace System (NAS).

2. Personnel

2.1 Flight team composition

a) The Chosen Productions flight team consists of an operator (PIC) and an observer. 

This is the minimum required for all flights or missions. Due to the nature of UAS flights, 

under no circumstances will an operator attempt to complete a mission alone. 

2.2 Flight personnel responsibilities

Pilot in Command (PIC)

a) Has final authority and responsibility for the operation and safety of the UAS 

flight

b) Has been designated as pilot in command before and during the flight

c) Holds the appropriate category, class, and type rating, if appropriate, for the 

conduct of the flight

d) Is responsible for ensuring adequate visual range coverage to avoid any potential 

collisions 

e) must establish and maintain direct two-way radio communication with 

appropriate ATC facilities 

f) Responsible for identifying a location from which the observer will perform 

his/her duties. This location will be selected to afford the best available view of 

the entire area within which the operation is to be conducted.

g) Payload loading of the aircraft

h) Is responsible for all documentation and updating of the operations manual and 

pilots operating handbook

i) Operators are responsible for all applicable regulations or directives set forth in 

FAA Document 8900.227; 14 CFR; and this operations manual

Visual Observer (VO)

a) Must assist the PIC in not allowing the aircraft to operate beyond the visual lineof-sight limit 
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b) Must be able to see the aircraft and the surrounding airspace sufficiently to 

assist the PIC

c) Determining the UAS’s proximity to all aviation activities and other hazards (e.g., 

terrain, weather, structures) 

d) Complying with 14 CFR 91.111, 91.113, and 91.115

e) Must inform the PIC before losing sufficient visual contact with the UAS or 

previously sighted collision hazard. This distance is predicated on the observer’s 

normal vision. Corrective lenses, spectacles, and contact lenses are permitted. 

Binoculars and field glasses are allowed only for augmentation of the observer’s 

visual capability and are not be used as the primary means of visual contact 

2.3 Qualification requirements

Pilot in Command

a) The Pilot in Command (PIC) must possess a private pilot certificate and a current 

third-class medical certificate. 

b) the PIC must have accumulated and logged, in a manner consistent with 14 CFR § 

61.51 a minimum of five hours as UAS pilot operating the make and model of UAS to be 

utilized for operations under the exemption and three take-offs and three landings in 

the preceding 90 days.

2.4 Pilot/Operator Organization

Gregory Steinmetz – Pilot

Chosen Productions Inc.

3. Safety

3.1 Total Safety Mission Analysis (TSMA)

Safety is the primary concern for each and every UAS flight. A Total Safety Mission 

Analysis (TSMA) document has been implemented to ensure every flight meets the 

highest level of safety requirements. The CSTA will be completed on site before the first 

UAS flight of the day. It serves as a final reminder or checklist to ensure the mission is 

completed safely and successfully, both with operations and equipment. Listed in the 

TSMA are common items that need to be completed for each mission. It does NOT 
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serve as a replacement for thorough knowledge of FAA regulations, the Pilots Operating 

Handbook or this Operations and Safety Manual. An example of the CSTA can be found 

in the appendix.

3.2 Safety Requirements

The following are the mandatory requirements for safe operation of the K130 

Multirotor:

a) The K130 may not be flown at a speed exceeding a ground speed of 35 knots.

b) Flights must be operated at an altitude of no more than 400 feet above 

ground level (AGL), as indicated by the specific procedures specified in the K130 

Pilot’s Operating Handbook. All altitudes reported to ATC must be in feet AGL.

c) The K130 must be operated within visual line of sight (VLOS) and no farther 

than 3⁄4 NM of the PIC at all times. This requires the PIC to be able to use human 

vision unaided by any device other than corrective lenses, as specified on the 

PIC’s FAA-issued medical certificate.

d) All operations must utilize a PIC and visual observer (VO). The PIC and VO 

must be able to maintain voice communications at all times.

d) The operator must ensure that no persons are allowed within 500 feet of the 

area except those consenting to be involved and necessary for the production. 

This provision may be reduced to no less than 200 feet if it would not adversely 

affect safety. 

e) The K130 may not be operated directly over any person, except authorized 

and consenting production personnel, below an altitude that is hazardous to 

persons or property on the surface in the event of a UAS failure or emergency

f) Operations will be restricted to day only and weather conditions equivalent to 

VFR. Additionally, operations may not be conducted during night, as defined in 

14 CFR § 1.1. All operations must be conducted under visual meteorological 

conditions (VMC). Flights under special visual flight rules (SVFR) are not 

authorized. 

g) The UAS cannot be operated by the PIC from any moving device or vehicle.
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h) The UA may not be operated less than 500 feet below or less than 2,000 feet 

horizontally from a cloud or when visibility is less than 3 statute miles from the 

PIC

i) All flights must occur in FAA Class G airspace. The UA may not operate in Class 

B, C, or D airspace without written approval from the FAA. The UAS may not 

operate within 5 nautical miles of the geographic center of a non-towered 

airport as denoted on a current FAA-published aeronautical chart unless a letter 

of agreement with that airport’s management is obtained, and the operation is 

conducted in accordance with a NOTAM as required by the operator’s COA. The 

letter of agreement with the airport management must be made available upon 

request.

3.3 Incident or Accident Investigations

Any 1) incident, 2) accident, or 3) flight operation that transgresses the lateral or vertical 

boundaries of the operational area as defined by the applicable COA must be reported 

to the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) UAS Integration Office (AFS-80) 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. Further flight 

operations may not be conducted until the incident, accident, or transgression is 

reviewed by AFS-80 and authorization to resume operations is provided.

4. Mission Planning

4.1 Plan of Activities

At least 3 days prior to any scheduled UAS operations, the PIC will submit a written plan 

of activities to the (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 aircraft.

3. Name and phone number of the operator for the UAS filming production

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

airworthiness certificate

5. Name and certificate number of pilots involved in the UAS operations, including any 

notation of external load endorsements if required.
25

6. A statement that the waiver holder has obtained permission from property owners 

and/or local officials to conduct the filming or UAS operations. 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 the area over which 

UAS operations 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.

4.2 Permission to Operate

Before any UAS operations are conducted under the provisions of the certificate of 

waiver and this manual, the operator will obtain permission to conduct operations from 

property owners and local officials as necessary or appropriate. Persons from whom 

permission may be required:

 Property owners

 Public safety officials

 Local, State and Federal government

 Air traffic control

Personnel obtaining such permission will do so in writing whenever practical; however, 

verbal permission is acceptable otherwise. The Chosen Productions Permission Form is 

provided in the appendix and may be used when obtaining written permission

Written permission forms will be 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.

5. Onsite operations

5.2 Operating site assessment

The PIC and VO should familiarize themselves with the operating site before each UAS 

mission. The operating site assessment should be performed to evaluate potential 

hazards or safety conflicts that may pose a threat to property, safety of the public and 

national airspace. The process is guided by criteria established by FAA Policy 8900.227 

and this Operations Manual. An operating site assessment includes a walk around and 

familiarization to identify and become familiar with:

 Flight path needed to complete mission
26

 terrain features 

 hazards

 safe landing zones

 flight boundaries

At least one emergency landing area should be identified during the site assessment.

5.1 Area of operations

The area of operations is defined by the PIC during the site assessment in which UAS 

operations will occur. This area encompasses only the necessary distance to complete 

the mission with a maximum of 3⁄4 nautical miles from the PIC. Most Chosen Production 

UAS operations do not require an area of operations that exceed 1000ft from the PIC. 

5.3 Site Preparation

Information gathered in the Operating Site Assessment will assist the PIC in preparing 

the site for a UAS flight. Preparations include:

 Determining applicable safe distances as identified in the Section 4.2 Safety 

Requirements. 

 Preparing a takeoff and landing zone that is level and free of debris 

 PIC and VO locations

 Establishing barriers such as cones or markers identifying the takeoff and landing 

area.

5.4 Weather

Before each UAS operation the PIC and VO will ensure enough weather information is 

gathered to make themselves familiar with the current and forecasted weather 

conditions for the operating site. FAA approved weather resources shall be used for the 

most current conditions. Local wind speed should be measured with an anemometer 

and recorded on the Daily Checklist to determine if it is within the capabilities of the 

aircraft being flown. All UAS flights must meet the minimum qualifications set forth 

under 14 CFR § 91.155.

5.5 Communications

On site communications are essential to effective UAS flights. A communication plan 

established by the PIC between the PIC, VO, and production personnel should be 

established. Methods may include face-to-face or FCC approved 2-way radios. 

Communication scenarios should be discussed before the UAS operation. 

Communication must be effective at keeping all essential personnel informed of the 

current operating status both, before and during UAS flights.
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5.6 Site Security

Prior to UAS flight operations, the PIC will coordinate a security plan with production 

personnel to secure the area of operation from unauthorized persons or vehicles. 

Information contained in Section 4.2 (d) of this manual should be discussed with the 

designated security personnel. Provisions will be made to immediately discontinue 

should the area of operations become unsecured or for any other reason in the interest 

of safety.
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6. Appendix

6.1 Definitions

Above Ground Level (AGL) - an altitude measured with respect to the underlying ground surface

Aircraft - A device used or intended to be used for flight in the air, including unmanned aircraft 

systems (UAS).

Airworthiness Certification - Process and aircraft qualification for civil UAS proponents to obtain 

a Special Airworthiness Certificate.

Air Traffic Control (ATC) - a service provided by ground-based controllers who direct aircraft on 

the ground and through controlled airspace, and can provide advisory services to aircraft in noncontrolled airspace. The primary purpose of ATC worldwide is to prevent collisions, organize and 

expedite the flow of traffic, and provide information and other support for pilots

Certificate of Waiver or Authorization (COA) - An FAA grant of approval for a specific operation. 

COAs are issued by the Air Traffic Organization (ATO) as an authorization for public aircraft 

operators to conduct a specific UAS activity

FAA-Recognized Equivalent - An FAA recognition that a public agency may exercise its own 

internal processes regarding airworthiness and pilot, aircrew, and maintenance personnel 

certification and training; furthermore, the agency has determined that its UAS is capable of 

safe operation in the National Airspace System (NAS) when conducting public aircraft operations 

under Title 49 of the United States Code (49 U.S.C.) §§ 40102(a)(41) and 40125.

Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) - a written notification issued to pilots before a flight, advising them 

of circumstances relating to the state of flying.

Observer (VO) - A trained person who assists a UAS pilot in the duties associated with collision 

avoidance and navigational awareness through electronic or visual means. (Collision avoidance 

includes, but is not limited to, avoidance of other traffic, clouds, obstructions, terrain and 

navigational awareness.) A visual observer (VO) is a trained person who assists the UAS pilot by 

visual means in the duties associated with collision avoidance. A VO includes the OPA pilot when 

the OPA is being operated as a UAS. 

Pilot-in-Command (PIC)-[UAS] - The person who has final authority and responsibility for the 

operation and safety of flight, has been designated as PIC before or during the flight, and holds 

the appropriate category, class, and type rating, if appropriate, for the conduct of the flight. The 

responsibility and authority of the PIC as described by § 91.3 apply to the UAS PIC. The PIC 

position may rotate duties as necessary with equally qualified pilots. The individual designated 

as PIC may change during flight

Populated or Urban Areas - Areas depicted in yellow on a Visual Flight Rules (VFR) sectional 

chart or as determined from other sources.

Total Safety Mission Analysis (TSMA) - A formalized, proactive approach to system safety. 

TSMA is a methodology that ensures hazards are identified, risks are analyzed, assessed, and 

prioritized; and results are documented for FAA decision-makers to transfer, eliminate, accept, 

or mitigate risk.

Unmanned Aircraft (UAS) - A device used or intended to be used for flight in the air that has no 

onboard pilot. This devise excludes missiles, weapons, or exploding warheads, but includes all 

classes of airplanes, helicopters, airships, and powered-lift aircraft without an onboard pilot. 

Visual Line-of-Sight - Unaided (corrective lenses and/or sunglasses exempted) visual contact 

between a PIC or a VO and a UAS sufficient to maintain safe operational control of the aircraft, 

know its location, and be able to scan the airspace in which it is operating to see and avoid other 

air traffic or objects aloft or on the ground.
29

6.2 Chosen Productions Permission Acquisition Form

Location:_____________________________________________

Signature:_____________________________________________

Date:_________________________________________________

Chosen Productions Permission Acquisition Form

I the undersigned_________________________ am giving Chosen Productions permission to 

operate unmanned aerial systems (UAS) at less than 500 feet from property or in some 

jurisdiction in which I am responsible for or affiliated with, for the purpose of aerial 

videography and/or photography. 

Basis of authority to grant permission:________________________________________________

Title:_________________________________________________

Date of Operation:_____________________________________
30

6.3 Total Safety Mission Analysis (TSMA)

YES N O

o o

o o

o o

o o

o o

o o

o o

o o

o

This Total Mission Analysis has been developed as a checklist to evaluate the safety of a Chosen Productions UAS flight. It serves as a 

final reminder or checklist to ensure the mission is completed safely and successfully, both with operations and equipment. Listed 

below are common items that need to be completed for each mission. It does NOT serve as a replacement for thorough knowledge of 

FAA regulations, the Pilots Operating Handbook or the Operations and Safety Manual.

Has the weather forecast been identified for the area and duration of 

operations? o o

Pilot in Command

o

o o

Location:

Does this operation require the UAS to fly past its flight envelope of 

distance and speed?

Is there any conditions that would inhibit voice communications during 

operations between the PIC and VO? (e.g.. machinery or distance) o o

o o

Total Safety Mission Analysis

Rev. 1

o o

Date:

Does this operation endanger the safety to persons, property, or national 

airspace?

Signed:_____________________________________________

Printed:_____________________________________________

Have all security issues been mitigated? (e.g. persons or vehicles)

Has a compass calibration been done(if applicable) and a range check been 

performed per the Pilot’s Operating Handbook? o

Is any part of the flight area in any other than class G airspace?

Is there any NOTAMs issued for the area of operations?

Has an emergency landing area been identified?

Has all required aircraft preflight documentation been completed?

If applicable, has a Permission Acquisition Form been obtained?

Is the aircraft in an airworthy state?

Has an operating site assessment been completed?

Has a written plan of activities been submitted to the (FSDO) having 

jurisdiction over the area 3 days prior? o

 Safety Task

Does this operation meet all FAA Code of Federal Regulations with respect 

to exemptions expressly stated by the FAA and meet the criteria set forth in 

the Operations and Safety Manual?

Chosen Productions