M-Kopter Safety Policy and Procedures

1. Aircraft will not be flown: 

a. In a careless or reckless manner. 

b. At a location where UAS or model aircraft activity are prohibited unless permit is 

acquired.

c. In Airspace that is Class B or C, Restricted, Prohibited

2. UAS pilots will: 

a. Hold a Commercial Pilot Certificate.

b. Maintain currency as follows:

i. The PIC must also 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.

ii. 5 hours of training for specified UAS in controlled environment including evasive 

and emergency maneuvers and maintaining appropriate distances from people, 

vessels, vehicles and structures.

iii. 3 UAS takeoffs and landings within 90 days of commercial operations.

c. Maintain control during the entire flight with the option of using the assistance of 

autopilot or stabilization system.

i. PIC must abort the flight in the event of unpredicted obstacles or emergencies.

d. Land aircraft with 30% battery

e. Maintain visual contact without enhancement other than by corrective lenses 

prescribed for the pilot.

f. Yield the right of way to all human-carrying aircraft. 

g. Notify airport operator when operating within five nautical miles of an airport.

h. See and avoid all aircraft and a spotter (VO) must be used when appropriate when 

within five nautical miles of an airport.

i. Use a two way radio when operating within 5nm of an airport. Monitor CTAF or 

appropriate frequency, altitude must be reported “AGL”.

j. Issue NOTAM when flying within 5nm of a class D airspace.

k. Get COA before operating.

l. Not fly higher than approximately 400 feet above ground level, or specified by airport 

operator when within 5nm

m. Not fly faster than 30kts. 

n. Not interfere with operations and traffic patterns at any airport, heliport or seaplane 

base except where there is a mixed use agreement. 

3. Visual Observers (VO) will:

a. Assist PIC in tracking aircraft

b. Look for Manned Aircraft

c. Communicate with PIC at all times
4. Prior to each flight, the PIC must inspect the UAS to ensure it is in a condition for safe flight. If 

the inspection reveals a condition that affects the safe operation of the UAS, the UAS is 

prohibited from operating until the necessary maintenance has been performed and the UAS is 

found to be in a condition for safe flight. The Ground Control Station must be included in the 

preflight inspection. All maintenance and alterations must be properly documented in the 

aircraft records.

5. Any UAS 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. The PIC who 

conducts the functional test flight must make an entry in the aircraft records.

6. Ensure the aircraft is identified with the name and address or FAA registered number of the 

owner on the inside or affixed to the outside of the model aircraft. (This does not apply to UAS

flown indoors.

7. Not operate aircraft while under the influence of alcohol or while using any drug that could 

adversely affect the pilot’s ability to safely control the model. 

8. Not operate model aircraft carrying pyrotechnic devices that explode or burn, or any device 

which propels a projectile or drops any object that creates a hazard to persons or property. 

9. An inexperienced UA pilot (Less than 25 hours) must be assisted by an experienced pilot 

(Greater than 25 hours)

10. All pilots shall avoid flying directly over unprotected people, vessels, vehicles or structures and 

shall avoid endangerment of life and property of others.

11. A successful equipment check and flight check in accordance with manufacturer’s 

recommendations will be completed before the first flight of a new or repaired UAS. 

12. Launch area must be clear of all individuals except PIC and VO(s)

13. All pilots will brief anyone in flight area of operations. This includes but is not limited to.

a. Emergencies

b. Takeoff/Landing Area

c. Sterile environment (Distractions, noise, etc.)

d. Environment

14. Intentional flying beyond line of sight is prohibited

15. Aircraft must use the radio-control frequencies currently allowed by the Federal 

Communications Commission (FCC). 

16. With the exception of takeoff and landing, no UAS may be flown outdoors closer than 500 feet 

to any individual(s), except for the pilot and the VO

a. This distance may be decreased if individual(s) agrees to it and is briefed by the pilot.

17. Under no circumstances may a pilot or other person touch an UAV in flight while it is still under 

power, except to divert it from striking an individual. 

18. Night flying is prohibited after civil twilight.

19. 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 (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.