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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.........................................................................12 

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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. 

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4. 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 

responsible 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) All 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 sUAS 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 sUAS 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

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Flight 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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Elements (circle) (circle) Comment

Weather Good Fair

Visibility Good Fair

Wind Speed Low Medium

Proximity to airport:__________________________________

Airport Notified: Yes No Date:_________________ Time:_____________________

Phone Number:____________________________ Contact Name:_______________________________