Motion Picture and Television

Flight Operations Manual

~ MPTOM ~

Aerial Media Pros, LLC

3175 Airway Ave. Costa Mesa, CA 92626

T: 985-235-9669

patrick@aerialmediapros.com

www. aerialmediapros.com
MPTOM - Motion Picture and Television Flight Operations Manual 

INTRODUCTION 

This manual has beenprepared in accordance of FAR,Part 91.The intent of this Manual is to

set forth the definitive operational guidelines to be complied with by pilots, assigned 

coordinators,and other personnelwhile engaged in filming operations.

DOCUMENT REVISIONS 

REVISION# PAGE# DATE ENTERED REVISION NAME

001 0000 18 Dec 2015 Start
Table of Contents

CONTACT - GENERAL 1

MANUAL APPLICABILITY 1

DISTRIBUTION AND REVISIONS 1

AVAILABILITY OF THIS MANUAL 2

AREA OF OPERATION ·GEOGRAPHICAL 2

SPECIFIC AREAS - LOCATION SITES 2

FLIGHTS OTHER THAN LOCATION SITES 2

PERMISSION FOR OPERATIONS 2

 PERSONS AUTHORIZED 3

GUIDE 4

SECURITY 5

COMMUNICATIONS 5

HALTING ACTMTIES 9

ROADS AND HIGHWAYS 9

PILOT I PRODUCTION CREW BRIEFING 9

AIR OPERATIONS ·CREW NOTIFICATION 10

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS -PILOTS 10

APPROVED PILOTS 11

AIRCRAFT CERTIFICATION and AIRWORTHINESS 12

AIRCRAFT INSPECTIONS 12

APPROVED AIRCRAFT 13

NOTIFICATION IN CASE OF AN ACCIDENT 14

RECORD OF REVISIONS 15

APPENDIX 1 - Statement of Verification 16

APPENDIX 2- Production Definitions 17

APPENDIX 3 - Accident Reporting Procedures 18

APPENDIX 4 - Consent To Be Involved 19

APPENDIX 5 - Standard Crew Briefing 20

SPECIAL PROVISIONS 20
CONTACT - GENERAL

The administration,filing and record-keeping for operations covered bythis manualare maintained and on

file at this mailing address and further, allnotices and correspondence at:

Aerial Media Pros, LLC

Patrick Smith

3175 Airway Ave

Costa Mesa,, CA, 92626

985-235-9669

patrick@aerialmediapros.com

MANUAL APPLICABILITY

This Manualprescribes rules, policies and procedures for the guidance of pilots and studio or production

personnel.The Manualwill be incorporated as part of a special provisions and become the standard by

whichAMP conducts all operations,pursuant to the FAA Certificate of Waiver or Authorization.

The controls,procedures and conditions set forth in this operations manual are the primary assurance that

nonparticipating persons,property and aircraft will not be jeopardized. This is the basis for issuance of

the waiver.Therefore compliance withthe provisions of this manual is mandatory when operating underthe

FAA Certificate of Waiver or Authorization, just as is compliance with all non-waived FAA regulations and

other applicable government regulations.

DISTRIBUTION AND REVISINOS 

AMP will be responsible for distributing a copy of this manual to all pilots and coordinators before any

flight activity covered by this manual shall take place.Pilots and coordinators will be required to sign a

statement affirming that they have read this manual as well as the Certificate of Waiver or Authorization

attached to it and will comply with all provisions contained therein. The statements are the responsibility

of AMP and will be kept onfile in digital and /or paper format at the AMP office.These statements must

be available for inspection when required by the Administrator.Appendix 1 provides an example of the

Statement of Verification. 

The FAA shallreceive allrevisions to this manual15 days before the effective date of those revisions.

Revision numbers and dates will appearin the upper right hand comer of each page of the manual.

1.
AVAILABILITY OF THIS MANUAL 

The FAA approved original manual will be kept on file in the office of AMP True copies will be made

available at eachfilm locationsite forthe use of pilots,coordinators and any other persons requiring them.

AREA OF OPERATIONS - GEOGRAPHICAL 

All pilots and coordinators within the Continental United States including Alaska, Hawaii and all US

territories and its possessions must use this Manual.

SPECIFIC AREAS – LOCATION SITES 

This Manual is required to be used at all specific location sites. Prior to any flight activity required by

proposed filming AMP will submit at least three days before scheduled filming,a writtenplan of activities

to the FSDO having jurisdiction over the area of proposed filming. The three-day notification may be

waived if AMP was contacted for a last minute event.AMP should contact the FSDO as soonas possible

to request waiver of the three-day requirement A written justification of the exception to the three-day

requirement is required.No flight activities will commence until notificationand a "received and accepted"

or"examined and accepted" acknowledgment from the applicable FSDO has beenaccomplished.

FLIGHTS OTHER THAN LOCATION SITES 

Personnel are to be aware that only those approved operations conducted at the location sites are

waived relative to compliance with FAR 91.119(b) and (c).All other flights to, from,and in the vicinity

of the approved location site(s) must be conducted in compliance with existing regulations.

PERMISSION FOR OPERATIONS 

It is the responsibility of AMP to coordinate with the film studio involved to assure that the following

entities have giventheir permission prior to the commencement of filming operations:

A) Propertyowners

B) Politicalsubdivisions, as required

C) Law enforcement agencies,as required

D) Fire protection agencies,as required

E) State and Federalgovernment or both

F) FAA Flight Service Station, or Air Traffic Control,as required

G) Local FAA Flight Standards District Office

2.
PERSONS - AUTHORIZED

Pursuant to FAA Order 8900.1, Flight Standards InformationManagement System (FSIMS) CHG 0,

Volume 3,Chapter 8 dated 9/13/2007 and FAR 91.119 "Persons Authorized",the following will outline

in detailthe procedures that AMP willfollow prior to any flight operations that require flight below 500

feet AGL (above ground level) and withina 500 foot distance of occupied structures, vehicles,etc.

These procedures ensure that no persons, except those persons consenting to be involved and

necessary for the filming production,are allowed within 500 feet of the filming production area. This

provision may be reduced to no less than 200 feet in the event that a suitable, equivalent level of

safetycan be achieved.An equivalent level of safety maybe determined by evaluation of the filming

production area and the degree of terrain features, buildings etc.that will provide a safety barrier to

observers

Prior to any flight operations, AMP along with authorized production personnel will ensure that no

person or persons within occupied structures and vehicles will be allowed within 500 feet of the

shooting area that involves the aircraft exercising AMP's Certificate of Waiver or Authorization.

Those individuals within the 500 foot area of operations who do not consent to be involved will be

required to relocate outside the designated "safety zone". For buildings that have non-participating

individuals, productionwill make arrangements to have those persons removed from the building or

buildings during flight operations.A AMP representative will confirm with production that the above

has been accomplished prior to any flight activity.

Those individuals other than production staff who "consent to be involved" will be required to sign a

written statement acknowledging and agreeing to the proposed filming activity. Before the beginning

of flight operations, a AMP representative will review all signed statements. Upon request these

signed documents will be made available for review to local FAA FSDO representatives overseeing

the filming activities.

NOTE:(A detailed "consent to be involved, form can be found in Appendix4)

3.
GUIDE

The following guide shall be used by AMP to inform the applicable FSDO at least three days

prior to the proposed filming. This form shall also include maps and diagrams of specific sites

of operations as necessary.

Plan of Activities

(1) Dates and times for all flights.

(2) Name and phone number of the operator for the UAS aerial filming conducted under the 

Exemption.

(3) Name and phone number of the person responsible for the on-scene operation of the UAS.

(4) Make, model, and serial or N−Number of UAS to be used. Name and certificate number of 

UAS PICs involved in the aerial filming.

(5) A statement that the operator 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;

(6) Signature of exemption holder or representative.

(7) 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.

(8) General outline of daily production schedule as follows:

a. Description of flight activity including maps, diagrams of flight area identifying cities, 

towns, counties and the state over where filming will be conducted.

b. Include the minimum and maximum altitudes the flight will be conducted. 

c. Identify security for the production area; police, guards or other specifically place 

personnel. 

d. Control methods of non-participating personnel; police, guards or other specifically place 

personnel. NON-PARTICIPATING PROPERTY AND MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC

SHALL NOT BE CLOSER THAN 500 FEET FOR ANY REASON

e. All city, town, county, state and local filming permits have been have

f. All necessary written approvals have been obtained from the property owner(s).

g. If necessary, a list of all permissions and waivers must be made available to the FSDO 

officer, local authorities or safety representative. 

4.
SECURITY- ON SET

A plan for securing the productions area(s) against unauthorized persons, vehicles and outside air

traffic shall be created and coordinated between AMP and one or more of the following studio

representatives:

(1) Unit ProductionManager

(2) Director*

(3) First or Second Assistant Director* 

(4) Unit Security Chief

(5) Local Law Enforcement and Fire Protection AgencyPersonnelWho MayBe Assigned to the

Production

*NOTE: A detailed description of the Director, First Assistant Director, UPM and Producer can be

found in Appendix 2

At a minimum,UAS landing site(s) will be cordoned off and a ground safety person will be posted to

ensure the landing area is clear and secure during take-off and landing evolutions along with the

appropriate fire suppressionequipment (ABC dry chemical fire extinguishers,water truck and other 

equipment to suppress and stop a Lithium-ion polymer battery fire). 

This comprehensive plan will include a communication and response system between pilot(s)

assigned personnel that would facilitate an immediate halt to air activities should unauthorized

persons,vehicles or other aircraft inadvertently enter the area.

COMMUNICATIONS

AMP personnel and respective production coordinators will design and implement a plan for

communicationbetweenprinciple participants in the air and on the ground.

The plan will incorporate the following:

1. All UAS operations crew will be equipped with a least one 10 watt VHF radio, with hands free 

head gear.

2. Ground personnel will be provided with "Hand-Communication Talkies" to be programmed to

frequencies utilized in the UAS crew.

3. A "sterile emergency backup channel" will be selected before air operations begin.

4. AMP designated ground coordinator will be assigned to the First Assistant Director in order to

communicate directly pilot(s)action cues, requests,etc. This coordinated effort will allow direct 

communicationfrom production to the UAS pilot(s).

5. Pilot or lead pilot will talk directly to the ground coordinator who will communicate instructions

to members of the film crew on a separate channelso as to avoid the possibility of air/ground

confusion or miscommunication.

5.
STOPPING FLIGHT ACTIVITIES

AMP will coordinate with appropriate studio personnelthe implementation of a method to ensure a

halt to activities should unauthorized persons or vehicles enter the area orif an emergency exists. This

method will incorporate a chainof communication and signals between involved personnel.Pilots will

be thoroughly briefed on proper frequencies, responsible ground coordinators and/or the exact

locations and operations of signaling devices.

ROADS, LANES AND HIGHWAYS

Should operations require flights over or onroads or highways, AMP will coordinate studio personnel

to assure that proper action has been taken to sterilize the roads or highways from vehicular or

pedestrian traffic.Security personnelsuch as sheriff, police or fire department representatives should

establish this assurance and be knowledgeable to the time frames involved.

PILOT, FLIGHT AND PRODUCTION CREW PREOPERATIONS BRIEFING

Prior to any activities covered by this manual, AMP will meet and plan the aerial sequences with the

responsible studio personnelassigned to the specific event At this meeting the following information

will be discussed with studio representative(s):

1. Authorization for motion picture and television Certificate of Waiver or Authorization and

any attached provisions

2. Operations manual

3. Plan of Activities

4. Aircraft parking and starting

5. Taxi procedures (as applicable)

6. Radio communications

7. Takeoff procedures

8. Aviation activities to be conducted during the filming production event

9. Approach and landing procedures

10. Recall procedures

11. Emergency procedures

12. Risks to participating personnel

13. Procedures to control non-participating personnel

14. Additional provisions issued by the FSDO including the location of the physical

boundaries and usage time limits if applicable.

6.
AIR OPERATIONS – CREW NOTIFICATION 

AMP will coordinate with the studio to request that the front of the studio call sheet, which outlines the

daily shooting schedule,crewand required personneland equipment and will have the following statement

informationonit:

 Number of UAS will be used in today's filming activities.

 The UAS will be in the close proximity to crew and equipment.

 Anyone need further explanation notify the Production Manager or the first Assistant Director

prior to filming.

 Anyone objecting notify the Production Manager or the first Assistant Director prior to filming.

PILOT AND FLIGHT PERSONEL MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS 

AMP will be responsible for checking the documents and certificates of pilots who are engaged in flying

activities covered by this manual. Pilots must meet the following minimum requirements:

1. Hold a current US commercialcertificate withratings appropriate to the category, class

and type (if applicable) of the aircraft to be used under the terms of the waiver.

2. Have logged a minimum of 500 hours PIC and logged at least 20 hours as the PIC in the aircraft

type.

3. Have logged a minimum of 100 hours in the category and class of the aircraft to be flown.

4. Have logged a minimum of 50 hours in the make and modelof the aircraft to be flown under the

waiver.

5. Hold a current Class I or Class IImedicalcertificate.

6. In the event the operationto be conducted contains elements of anexternal-load operation, whether

fixed orrotary wing operations, pilots used in the operation shall be qualified. This qualification

may be obtained through a knowledge test (which may be oral and/or written) and/or skill. The

inspector or another company pilot approved by the geographically responsible FSDO who is

qualified to carry loads externally will give the test(s) which are similar to part 133 requirements

and coverthe following subjects:

a) Steps to be takenbefore starting operations, including a survey of the flight.

b) Proper method of loading,rigging, or attaching the external-load.

c) Aircraft performance capabilities under motion picture operating procedures and the

Aircraft Flight Manual{AFM).

d) Properinstructions for flight and ground crewpersonnel.

e) AFM,pilot's operations handbook (POH),or a rotorcraft-load combination flight manual

and limitations, if appropriate.

NOTE: Inthe event that the 1500 footminimumstandard contained inFARPart91.303(e)is to be waived,

the pilot performing the acrobatic maneuvers must hold anFAA form 8710-7 "Statement of Acrobatic

Competency"for the operations to be performed.

7.
APPROVED PILOT ROSTER 

NAME and ADDRESS UAS EQUIPMENT MEDICAL

 GRADE CLASS PILOT#

Sample: Patrick Smith

 3175 Airway Ave

 Costa Mesa, CA, 92626

Dji-AMP-2743112 CURRENT Private Pilot

UAS Pilot

Fixed Wing D2

8.
COMPANY ORGANIZATION

A. Chief Pilot Duties and Responsibilities:

(1) Final word in the formulation of policy and procedures concerning this manual.

(2) Act as liaison between AMP and the FAA on matters concerning this manual.

(3) Assure that each approved pilot is issued a copy of this manual and obtain a signed 

statement from each that they have read and understand its contents.

(4) Maintain a current copy of this manual at the main base of operations for Fovea Aero 

Systems LLC.

(5) Responsible for assuring that all revisions to this manual are distributed and processed 

properly.

(6) Must approve or disapprove each proposed job or operation performed by AMPunder the 

provisions of this manual.

(7) Assume the responsibilities of pilot in command when acting as such.

(8) The chief pilot may delegate functions to other personnel but retains responsibility.

B. Pilot in Command Duties and Responsibilities:

(1) Assure that aircraft to be flown is in airworthy condition and all inspections and required 

maintenance have been performed as per the Exemption.

(2) Acquire permission from the chief pilot before any operation under the provisions of this 

manual.

(3) Be very knowledgeable of the contents of this manual and abide by the procedures, policies 

and conditions contained herein.

(4) Coordinate with movie and television personnel to formulate plans, routes, locations, etc. 

with safety of all persons involved in the primary concern. Page 11 of 15

(5) Maintain their copy of this manual in current condition and have it on site at any job or 

operation requiring the waiver.

(6) The pilot in command may delegate functions to other personnel, but retains responsibility.

9.
INVENTORY OF UAS 

UAS MAKE UAS MODEL(S)

Dji S 1000 Plus Octocopter

10.
ACCIDENT NOTIFICATION

AMP will be required to notify the NationalTransportation Safety Board if an accident or incident occurs

that is serious enough to come under the provisions of 49 CFR part 830. In the event that the pilot

becomes incapacitated the designated Ground Safety Coordinator on set shall be tasked with notifying

the appropriate agencies, please refer to Accident Reporting Procedures, 49 CFR Part 830 contained

in Appendix 3.

EMERGENCY 800.847.2111

STATE POLICE 911

FSS 800.992.7433

FAA Regional Office 310.725.3300

NTSB 310.380.5660

NOTE: A copy of 49 CFR Part 830 will be made available to:

1. Producer

2. Assistant Director

3. Unit Production Manager

4. This may include all of the above or one listed above

11.
SPECIAL PROVISIONS 

Allpilots and coordinators withinthe ContinentalUnitedStates including; The controls, procedures, and 

conditions set forth in the AMP motion picture and television operations manual is the primary 

assurance that persons on the surface will not be jeopardized. 

The aircraft and PIC / operators used under this authorization, Exemption and / or waiver will only 

be those specified in the AMP motion picture and television operations manual (“Appendix A”) or 

associated plan of activities.

Each pilot’s name and certificate number shall appear on each daily plan of activity. All 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, and that it constitutes a waiver of FAR 91.119 (b) and (c). (see attached 

document under “Appendix B”)

UAS takeoff and landing areas will be protected in a manner that will prevent unauthorized persons 

from entering the takeoff and landing area. AMP 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.

12.
STATEMENT OF VERIFICATION

APPENDIX 1 

I, as an approved ___________________ Motion Picture Pilot and I or Coordinator affirm I have received

training on the Motion Picture and Television Flight Operations Manual as well as the Certificate of Waiver or

Authorization attached to it as applicable and will comply with all provisions contained therein.

Signed: _______________________________ Date:______________

13.
PRODUCTION DEFINITIONS

 

APPENDIX 2 

DIRECTOR:Person on set responsible for the creative aspects of the film.Works with the actors and crew

on the day-to-day shooting of the production.

FIRST ASSISTANT DIRECTOR: Person onset who coordinates with the director and production regarding

the daily shooting schedule and he or she runs the set. Works with the aerial coordinator on conducting the

"safety meeting" as it pertains to flight operations.

UNIT PRODUCTION MANAGER I PRODUCER: Person or persons responsible on set in making 

production decisions that directly affect the day to day operations of the film.Coordinates with departments

and hires and fires crewmembers.

14.
AFAA ACCIDENT REPORTING PROCEDURES 49-CFR PART 830 

APPENDIX 3

In theevent of an aircraft accident orincident andthepreservation of aircraft wreckage theAerial Coordinator,

and or the Ground Safety Coordinator,First Assistant Director or Producer shall when able and at the earliest

possible time notify the FAA and the NTSB regarding the accident or incident. A copy of the National

Transportation Safety Board Guidelines follows this appendix. Contact phone numbers are listed below and

will help guide those tasked with notifying the appropriate agencies.

FSS 800.992.7433

FAA REGIONAL OFFICE 310.725.3300

NTSB 310.380.5660

15.
CONSENT TO PARTICIPATE AND BE INVOLVED 

APPENDIX 4

Iacknowledge that a AMP representative has fully explained to me the flight parameters that will be performed

for the actual filming. Iunderstand the potential risks involved with being within the 500 foot "safety zone"* and

that the aircraft may fly in close proximity to me and/or my property. By signing this statement Ihave become

a participant and I am willing to assume any and all risks associated with being within the "safety zone".

Participant Name (printed) Date

Participant Signature

Production Title

*NOTE:A safety zone is defined as a 200 to 500 foot radius that surrounds the shooting area in which UAS 

multirotor, helicopters and/or fixed-wing aircraft may be flown in close proximity to crew and equipment and

is free from "non-participating members of the public".

16.
STANDARD CREW BRIEFING

APPENDIX 5

 Name of Production

1. Authorization for motion picture and television Certificate of Waiver or Authorization and any

attached provisions

2. Operations manual

3. Planof activities

4. Aircraft parking and starting

5. Taxi procedures (as applicable)

6. Radio communications

7. Takeoff procedures

8. Aviationactivities to be conducted during the filming productionevent

9. Approachand landing procedures

10.Recallprocedures

11.Emergency procedures

12.Risks to participating personnel

13.Procedures to control non-participating personnel

14.Additional provisions issued by the FSDO including the location of the physical boundaries and

usage time limits as applicable.

Briefing conducted by:______________

Signature:______________________________ Date: _____________

17.