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# Flight Operations and Procedures Manual

Creation Date: May 26, 2015

# Table of Contents

Glossary of Abbreviations........................................................................3 About.....................................................................................................4 Preface...................................................................................................5 Mission Statement..................................................................................5 Protection of Privacy ..............................................................................5 Administration ......................................................................................6 Organization..........................................................................................6 Personnel...............................................................................................6 Scheduling.............................................................................................8 Safety....................................................................................................8 Training.................................................................................................8 Flight Operation.....................................................................................9 Emergency/Accident.............................................................................. 9 Protocols and Controls...........................................................................10 Flight Log - Flight Safety.........................................................................1 2

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# Glossary of Abbreviations

AGL Above Ground Level ATC Air Traffic Control
COA Certificate of Authorization
FAA Federal Aviation Administration FAR Federal Aviation Regulation GCS Ground Control Station GPS Global Positioning System LOL Loss of Link
NAS National Airspace System PIC Pilot in Command
RTH Return to Home sUAS Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems
VFR Visual Flight Rules
VMC Visual Meteorological Conditions VO Visual Observer
VMC Visual Meteorological Conditions VLOS Visual Line of Sight

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# About SpotOn Productions

SpotOn Productions is a production company (photography and videography) located in southwest Ohio. SpotOn Productions utilizes three current DJI sUAS platforms for the purpose of photography and videography in controlled access areas. SpotOn Productions is committed to offering safe and responsible sUAS flight operations

. Current applications of sUAS are flown in low risk, controlled access areas including: commercial development, land use planning, economic development, construction progress (legal) documentation, corporate marketing & promotions, 3D building/landscape modeling, golf course promotion, government/civic photography and videography, and regional tourism promotion. Protocols and controls are in place to ensure safety of property and nonparticipating people. Protocols and controls are executed before, during, and after every flight to ensure safety, and are outlined within these documents. Flight operations will be conducted by visual line of site (VLOS), utilizing a visual observer (VO) for safety, during daylight hours in visual meteorological conditions (VMC) under visual flight rules (VFR). For safety, all sUAS utilize an onboard global positioning system (GPS) that records takeoff location so that should loss of link (LOL) occur, the sUAS will automatically return to home (RTH). The public can benefit greatly with the addition of sUAS photography and videography in the local market by providing safer photography and videography than that provided by traditional manned aircraft. Current use of manned airplanes are noisy and operate with greater potential risk. SpotOn Productions can perform tasks at a lower risk level while at the same time not disrupting the surrounding community. Benefits of sUAS photography and videography include: less noise (electric motors vs gas powered engines), significantly reduced aircraft size and weight (sUAS are less than 55 lbs), slower flight speeds (1 MPH to 50 MPH), carrying no pilots or crew, no gallons of flammable fuel onboard, and greater versatility to safely capture closer, lower altitude shots. SpotOn Productions’ first priority is safety. All operations performed will meet FAA safety standards, along with operational guidelines outlined within these documents.

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## Preface The following procedures are intended to promote safe, efficient and lawful operation of SpotOn Productions’ small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS). Safety, above all else, is the primary concern in each and every operation. 

## Philosophy & Mission Statement SpotOn Productions’ mission is to provide the safe and professional use of sUAS. We provide professional sUAS services to local businesses, government, and civic groups. We are committed to promoting the safe and responsible implementation of sUAS into the community and NAS

. It shall be the intent of every SpotOn Productions sUAS operator to make a responsible effort to not invade a person's reasonable expectation of privacy when operating the sUAS. When operating the sUAS, SpotOn Productions’ operators will abide by all FAA Regulations for flight and receive the proper authorization for flight. 

## Protection of Rights and Privacy sUAS Pilot in Command, Camera Operator, Visual Observer or any other person involved in flight mission is to observe privacy rights or expectations of the public. Any person involved in any unlawful flights that may jeopardize someone's privacy rights or expectations will be held accountable for their actions. To accomplish this:



### • When the sUAS is being flown operators must do their best to minimize inadvertent video or still images of uninvolved persons.



### • Any video obtained inadvertently that is violating someone's privacy shall be destroyed immediately.



### • When able, have clients advise any surrounding neighbors of our presence.



### • All flights will be conducted within the rules and regulations of the FAA.



### • Any PIC of a sUAS must meet current rules and regulations of the FAA. PIC is responsible for abiding by these rules and staying up-to-date on any ongoing training that may be required to stay compliant.

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## Administration Operations Manual a) The policies and procedures contained in this manual are issued by SpotOn Productions. b) As such, it is an official document of SpotOn Productions. This manual is not intended to be all-inclusive, but as a supplement to other company guidelines, FAA regulations, aircraft manufacturers approved flight manuals , etc. c) This manual has been written to address sUAS operations as they existed when it was drafted. Equipment, personnel, environment (internal and external, etc.), change over time. The management of change involves a systematic approach to monitoring organizational change and continually updated as necessary, The entire manual will be reviewed, at a minimum, annually to assure it is up-to-date. Any changes to the manual will be communicated to all SpotOn Productions PIC/personnel, etc

. d) A copy of the manual (electronic and or paper) will be issued to every person having sUAS responsibilities. 

## Organization a) Any people involved in sUAS flights shall be comprised of personnel approved by SpotOn Productions and includes operators, visual observers and others deemed necessary. b) Any documentation such as logbooks, maintenance records etc. are the responsibility of the PIC to complete every time an entry is needed. c) PIC must have all documents pertaining to flight and sUAS on persons at all times during flight. This includes but not limited to logbook, pilot license, COA etc. d) Any and all logbooks must be in accordance the manufacturer guidelines. 

## Personnel Personnel Manual a) SpotOn Productions has authorized one (1) PIC for company sUAS operation, pursuant to current FAA laws and COA guidelines. b) In the event of another PIC joins the company they will also assume the responsibility of PIC once they have met all relevant requirements. PIC Responsibilities: 1. Maintaining all training, flight and maintenance records for each operator as well as individual airframes

. 2. Maintain contact with the FAA and regulations as they change

. 3. Evaluate airframes based on mission needs.

Page of 6 124. The sUAS PIC must maintain a current standards recommended by FAA. 5. Perform all pre flight checklist objectives before every flight

. Operators a) All PIC must meet current FAA minimum requirements regarding regulations for operator status

. b) Operators interacting with Air Traffic Control (ATC) shall have sufficient expertise to perform that task readily. Operators must have an understanding of, and comply with FAA Regulations applicable to the airspace where the sUAS will operate

. c) The operator is responsible for maintaining and inspecting the sUAS to ensure that it is for safe for operation. d) Prior to each flight, the PIC must conduct a pre-flight inspection and determine the sUAS is in good condition for safe flight. The pre-flight inspection must account for all potential discrepancies, e.g. inoperable components, items, or equipment. If the inspection reveals a condition that affects the safe operation of the sUAS, the aircraft is prohibited from operating until the necessary maintenance has been performed and the sUAS is found to be safe flight. e) Operators may be temporarily removed from flight status at any time by SpotOn Productions for reasons including performance, proficiency, physical condition, etc. Should this become necessary, the operator will be notified verbally and in writing of the reason, further action to be taken, along with expected duration of such removal. f) SpotOn Productions shall maintain a file for each operator which shall include copies of FAA certifications, training records, etc. This file will be reviewed in accordance with current company policy and procedures.
Observers a) The main responsibility of a Visual Observer (VO) is to help ensure safe flight by communicating with the PIC of the sUAS, any impending object, traffic, or other condition/situation that may hinder safe flight. b) Designated VO will only perform the task of observer, and has no direct control of any sUAS functions while assigned the role of VO. c) A VO may also control equipment connected to the sUAV i.e. cameras, gimbals etc. when an additional designated VO is utilized. d) VO is to comply with FAA recommended guidelines. e) VO will be trained to communicate with PIC.

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## Scheduling a) When required/necessary, PIC is responsible to schedule any flights with nearest air traffic control tower. b) PIC are responsible for submitting any flight documents the FAA requires before flights within their given time frame. c) As a redundancy, PIC are to also contact air traffic control even if prior permission was granted to ensure NAS safety and awareness.


## Safety Our National Airspace System (NAS) is the safest in the world. SpotOn Productions’ goal is to continually improve safety standards within the company to maintain the safety of the NAS

. Safety Manual a) PIC must meet current FAA standards for a sUAS operator b) VO will always be used. c) Before flight PIC and VO must walk the grounds in which sUAS operations will proceed, and establish an area for the GCS

. d) PIC must always use checklist listed in Protocols and Controls. e) Any persons involved in sUAS operations will will do so in a safe and
r esponsible manner that complies with FAA standards. f) sUAS are equipped with ceiling functions so sUAS don't go higher/farther then programed, these are only to be changed by an administrator. g) All sUAS are equipped with GPS and RTH functionality should LOL occur. h) sUAS operations will be conducted by VLOS, utilizing a VO for safety, during daylight hours in VMC under VFR. The sUAS will not be operated less than 500 feet below, or less than 2000 feet horizontally from a cloud or when visibility is less than 3 statute miles from the PIC. 

## Training The key to continued safe operations is by maintaining a professional level of competency. The first step in this process is establishing minimum qualifications for selecting members, and the second step involves training those personnel. a) Any PIC involved in sUAS operations must complete the manufacturer’s recommended training standards for that particular unit. b) Any PIC or VO for sUAS operations must have completed any FAA training required to hold the position. c) In addition PIC and VO must be trained in operational procedures outlined in this document. d) PIC must have 10 logged flight hours for each airframe used.

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## Flight Operations Guidelines set in place in which any sUAS operator working with SpotOn Productions must abide by to ensure safe, responsible flight. All flights are subjected to follow these guidelines.



### • Visual line-of-sight (VLOS) only; the unmanned aircraft must remain within VLOS of the operator or visual observer.



### • At all times the sUAS must remain close enough to the operator for the operator to be capable of seeing the aircraft with vision unaided by any device other than corrective lenses.



### • sUAS may not operate over any nonparticipating persons.


### • Daylight-only operations (official sunrise to official sunset, local time).



### • The sUAS must be operated at an altitude of no more than 500 feet above ground level (AGL).



### • The sUAS must remain clear and give way to all manned aviation operations and activities at all times.



### • First-person view camera cannot satisfy “see-and-avoid” requirement but
can be used as long as requirement is satisfied in other ways.



### • Maximum airspeed of 50 mph (44 knots).



### • Minimum weather visibility of 3 miles from ground control station (GCS)

. 

### • No person may act as an operator or VO for more than one unmanned aircraft operation at one time

. 

### • The sUAS may not be operated by the PIC from any moving device or vehicle.



### • No careless or reckless operations.


## Emergency/ Accident a) In the event of an accident PIC and there is injury call 911. b) A ll crashes must be reported immediately. c) Any sUAS incidents, accidents or flight operations that transgresses the lateral or vertical boundaries of the operational area as defined by the applicable COA shall be reported to the FAA’s UAS Integration Office (AFS-80) within 24 hours. Accidents shall be reported to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) per instructions contained on the NTSB Web site: www.ntsb.gov

.

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## Protocols and Controls Safety for public on the ground as well as manned aircraft above is an essential and utmost consideration for aerial videos and photography. As such, safety protocols and controls must be implemented through pre-flight preparation and during flight. Pre-Flight Protocol:



### • Check batteries to insure fully charged and ready for use.



### • Inspect batteries for damage or leakage that may affect proper operation.



### • Inspect propellers for cracks, chips or damage that may cause sudden loss of propulsion or unmanageable/uncontrolled flight.



### • Check weather forecasts for wind advisory or other conditions that my impact flight.



### • Consult five (5) mile radius map for airport vicinity.



### - If necessary, contact respective airport to advise of estimated flight time, estimated flight duration, estimated elevation of flight, and any other pertinent information.



### • Inspect flight area for



### - vicinity of public safety helipads/heliports



### - vicinity of medical helipads/heliports



### - vicinity of light poles



### - vicinity or utility wires



### - vicinity of trees



### - flocks of birds that may cause interference and potential flight impact



### - vicinity of any elevated obstructions that may pose potential flight hazard



### - vicinity of roadways with moderate to heavy traffic which could be distracted



### - public gatherings that may attract viewers



### - optimal point for GCS for best VLOS of s UAS while in flight



### • Takeoff and landing



### - inspect area for best and safest point for takeoff and landing



### - if in an area that is within 150 feet of nonparticipating people, post warning sign(s)/stand(s) “Attention! Remotely Piloted Aircraft Operating. Aircraft May Be OVERHEAD. For Your Safety Please Locate & Remain Back 150 Feet” Flight Protocol:



### • Takeoff and land from same location.



### • Remain alert to birds, sounds of aircraft, curious public, and approaching vehicles.



### • Do not allow anyone to engage in conversation or distract the PIC.



### • Restrict flight to minimal elevation sufficient to acquire desired results.



### • Remain prepared for emergency landing at all times.



### • Pay attention to flight time and battery levels.

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### • Land sUAS and shut down propulsion immediately following landing

. Post flight:



### • Disconnect battery to prevent accidental activation of propulsion system.



### • Secure sUAS in a safe location.



### • Remove all warning signs from public access areas. Emergency or Suspected Hazard:



### • Immediately land s UAS at safest and closet ground location in the event



### - manned aircraft is heard or seen in vicinity of flight



### - there is a public gathering within established safety boundary wanting to observe flight



### - pilot is being distracted from focusing on flight and safety



### - sudden change in weather (wind bursts)



### - birds enter into proximity of flight



### - any sudden unsafe event that can cause collision, distraction or interruption of control

Page of 11 12Flight Log - Flight Safety

Safety for public on the ground as well as manned aircraft above is an essential and an utmost consideration for aerial videography and photography. Maintaining a record of safe flight for FAA request and for determining future sUAS safety protocols is imperative.

Date:_______________________ Location:__________________________________________ ____________ Initials:__________ Pre-flight Inspection: Yes No Comment:____________________________________________________________________

Nearest Major Intersection:______________________________________________________________________

Unedited flight video/photos available for FAA upon written request within 180 days of flight: Yes No

Approx. Takeoff Time
Approx. Landing Time

Estimated Elevation

Safety Concerns:

Additional Comments:

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Weather Good Fair
Visibility Good Fair
Wind Speed Low Medium

Proximity to airport:__________________________________ Airport Notified: Yes No Date:_________________ Time:_____________________ Phone Number:____________________________ Contact Name:_______________________________