# Operating Procedures Manual

Copyright 201 5

Synergy UAS Inc.

All Rights Reserved

April 28, 2015 Approved by:

___________________________

Robert Walker, President TM

## Operating Procedures Manual

Page | 1 28 April 2015 

## RECORD OF REVISIONS

Item Title Compliance* Manual Reference



## SIGNATURE SHEET

• All personnel employ ed or contracted by this organiz ation must sign this sheet as evidence

of having read, understood and agreed to apply the procedures and data contained in this

Operations Manual.

• If this manual is reissued or revised they must resign, acknowledging review of the revision.



### Printed

Name Signature Date Printed

Name Signature Date

## Operating Procedures Manual

Page | 2 28 April 2015 

## TABLE OF CONTENTS

1 GENERAL

................................ ................................ ................................ ........................... 5

1.1 PREFACE

................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ........... 5

1.2 METRIC	AND	IMPERIAL	UNITS

................................ ................................ ................................ .............................. 5

1.3 RECORD	OF	REVISIONS

................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .............. 1

1.4 SIGNATURE	SHEET

................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ...................... 1

1.5 ABBREVIATIONS,	ACCRONYMS	AND	DEFINITIONS

................................ ................................ ..................... 5



### 2 COMPANY	OPERATIONS

................................ ................................ ................................ ... 6

2.1 FAA	DIRECTIONS,	PERMISSIONS	AND	APPROVALS

................................ ................................ ..................... 6

2.2 ORGANIZATION	STRUCTURE

................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .. 6

2.3 RESPONSIBILITIES	OF	COMPANY	PERSONNEL

................................ ................................ .............................. 7

2.3.1 President	&	CEO

................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .......................... 7

2.3.2 Director	of	Operations

................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .............. 7

2.3.3 Director	of	Administration

................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ..... 7

2.3.4 Chief	Pilot

................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ....... 7

2.3.5 Maintenance	Manager

................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ............. 8

2.3.6 Operations	Pilot

................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ........................... 8

2.3.7 Instructor	Pilot

................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ............................ 8

2.4 DRUG	AND	ALCOHOL	MANAGEMENT	PLAN

................................ ................................ ................................ .... 9

2.5 PRIVACY	POLICY

................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ........................... 9



### 3 CREW	ADMINISTRATION

................................ ................................ ................................ . 10

3.1 CREW	QUALIFICATIONS

................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .......... 10

3.2 PILOT	RECORDS

................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .......................... 10

3.3 RECENCY	REQUIREMENTS

................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ..... 10

3.4 DUTY	AND	FLIGHT	TIME	LIMITATIONS

................................ ................................ ................................ ........... 10



### 4 UNMANNED	AIRCRAFT	SYSTEM	ADMINISTRATION

................................ ......................... 11

4.1 METHOD	OF	RECORDING	HOURS	IN	SERVICE	AND	UNSERVICEABILITY

................................ ........ 11

4.2 PERSONS	PERMITTED	TO	OPERATE	UNMANNED	SYSTEM	CONTROLS

................................ ........... 11

4.3 AUTHORITY	FOR	MAINTENANCE

................................ ................................ ................................ ....................... 11

4.4 DANGEROUS	GOODS

................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .................. 11

4.5 WEATHER	PROTECTION

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

4.6 FLIGHT	CONDUCT

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

4.7 NON

- COMPANY	VISITORS

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

4.8 HAND	OVER/TAKE	OVER	PROCEDURES

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

4.9 PILOT	EMERGENCY	PROCEDURES	BRIEFING

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

4.10 USE	OF	CHECKLISTS

................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ............... 13

4.11 BATTERY	SAFETY

................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .................... 13

4.12 AIRCRAFT	TEST	FLIGHTS

................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ..... 13

## Operating Procedures Manual

Page | 3 28 April 2015 

### 5 INTERNAL	TRAINING

................................ ................................ ................................ ....... 14

5.1 Required	Training	Subjects

................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .... 14



### 6 FEASIBILITY	CHECK	AND	JOB	SAFETY	ASSESSMENT

................................ .......................... 15

6.1 Is	it	legal?

................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ........ 16

6.2 Site	Safety	Assessment

................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .............. 16

6.3 Would	an	Area	Approval	make	it	legal?

................................ ................................ ................................ ............ 17

6.4 Is	it	safe?

................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .......... 17

6.5 Apply	for	Area	Approval:

................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ......... 17



### 7 ACCIDENT/INCIDENT	REPORTING

................................ ................................ .................... 18

8 OPERATIONAL	LIMITATIONS

................................ ................................ ........................... 19

8.1 UAS	Approved	Applications

................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ... 19

8.2 Operating	Envelope

................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .................... 19

8.3 Visual	Line	of	Sight	Requirement

................................ ................................ ................................ ......................... 19

8.4 Preflight	&	Maintenance

................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .......... 19

8.5 Minimum	Manual	Flying	Skills

................................ ................................ ................................ .............................. 20

8.6 UAS	Operating	Environment

................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .. 20

8.7 Operations	near	Airports

................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ......... 20

8.8 Lost	Link

................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .......... 21

8.9 Reserve	Battery	Capacity

................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ......... 21

8.10 RF	Radio	Congestion

................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ............... 21

8.11 Right	of	Way

................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ............................... 21

8.12 Operations	Near	Vessels,	Vehicles,	&	Structures

................................ ................................ ........................ 21

8.13 Operations	Proximate	to	Essential	Personnel

................................ ................................ ............................. 21

8.14 Permission	by	Landowner

................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .... 22



### 9 TRAINING	SCHOOL	OPERATIONS

................................ ................................ ..................... 23

9.1 Ground	Training	Syllabus

................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ........ 23

9.2 FLIGHT	TRAINING	SYLLABUS

................................ ................................ ................................ ............................... 23



### 11 COPY	OF	UAV	OPERATORS	CERTIFICATE

............................... Error!	Bookmark	not	defined.

12 USEFUL	CONVERSIONS

................................ ................................ ................................ .. 29

13 Documentation	and	Forms

................................ ................................ ............................ 24

13.1 AIRCRAFT	FLI GHT	LOG

................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ......... 24

13.2 Briefing

................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ......... 25

13.3 Client	Intake	Sheet

................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ................... 26

13.4 Maintenance	Logbook

................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ............ 27



### 14 RISK	ASSESSMENT

................................ ................................ ................................ ......... 28

14.1 Overview

................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ...... 30

## Operating Procedures Manual

Page | 4 28 April 2015 14.2 Determining	the	Risk

................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .............. 30

14.3 Risk	Management

................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ..................... 30

14.4 Validation	of	Risk	Assessment

................................ ................................ ................................ ............................ 31

14.5 Other	Factors

................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .............................. 31

## Operating Procedures Manual

Page | 5 28 April 2015 

# 1 GENERAL



## 1.1 PREFACE

The instructions, procedures and information contained in this manual have been devised to

ensure safety and standardization in the conduct of operations. They are to be observed by all

operating personnel. Personnel are also reminded of their obligation t o comply with applicable

r egu lations, directives, and general practices.

Nothing in this manual takes precedence over a FAA regulation or permits unsafe operation

Where in the light of operating experience

, errors are found in the manual or deficiencies in the

manner in which operations are conducted, recommendations for amendment action shall be

s ubmitted to the Chief Pilot

.



## 1.2 METRIC AND IMPERIAL UNITS

This manual makes reference to both imperial and metric units. See conversion table at section

11.5



## 1.3 ABBREVI ATIONS, ACCRONYMS AND DEFINITIONS

AC Advisory Circular

AGL Above Ground Level

AMA Academy of Model Aeronautics

ASIC Aviation Security Identification Card

ATC Air Traffic Control

ATM Air Traffic Management

COA Certificate of Authorization

DO Director of Op erations

FAA Federal Aviation Administration

IAW In accordance with

MSL Mean Sea Level

NAS National Airspace System

NM Nautical Miles

NPRM Notice of Proposed Rule Making

PIC Pilot in Command

UA Unmanned Aircraft

UAS Unmanned Aircraft System(s)

UAV Unmanned Aerial Vehicle

UOC UAS Operators Certificate

VLOS Visual Line of Sight

VMC Visual Meteorological Conditions

VO Visual Observer

## Operating Procedures Manual

Page | 6 28 April 2015 

# 2 COMPANY OPERATIONS

All operations will be conducted in accordance with FAA approval and this operating manual.



## 2.1 FAA D IRECTIONS, PERMISSIONS AND APPROVALS

This manual is based on information adapted from NPRM FAR § 107 , FMRA § 333 Exemption

petitions granted, and our own § 333 petition. In the event of discrepancy between this manual and

FAA approvals, the FAA approval will prevail.



## 2.2 ORGANIZATION STRUCTURE

President	&	CEO

Chief	Pilot

Operations	Pilot Operations	Pilot Instructor

Pilot Maintenance

Manager Director	Of

Operations Director	of

Administration

## Operating Procedures Manual

Page | 7 28 April 2015 

## 2.3 RESPONSIBILITIES OF COMPANY PERSONNEL

2.3.1 President & CEO

The President has overall responsibility over the entire organization and also serves as the Chief

Executive Officer. This person has the power to appoint and remove personnel at his or her

discretion. This person may delegate operational and administrative duties as appropriate.



## 2.3.2 Director of Operations

The Director of Operations has the overall responsibility for the company’s business performance

and regulatory comp liance. This person provides the necessary resources so that all operations

and maintenance can be conducted to meet company obligations, goals and objectives. The DO

will coordinate with the Director of Administration to obtain desired resources.



## 2.3.3 Director of Administration

The Director of Administration has the overall responsibility for administ ration of the company’s

legal, finance, accounting, IT infrastructure, and record keeping activities. This person does not

have any operational authority but may influence operations by coordinating with the Director of

Operations and CEO when necessary

.



## 2.3.4 Chief Pilot

The Chief Pilot is the person appointed and approved by the Director of Operations, and is

responsible for all UAS pilot training and operational matters affecting the safety.

The role and responsibilities of the Chief Operator are:

a) Ensuring that the operator’s air operations are conducted in compliance with AMA and FAA

Regulations and exemptions

b) Maintaining a record of qualifications held by each p ilot in command.

c) Develop and review operational standards, supervising and training of all pilots employed

by the operator,

d) Maintaining a complete and up

- to

- date reference library of operational documents as

required by FAA for the class of operations cond ucted; and

e) Is authorized to be a point of contact between the company and FAA.

## Operating Procedures Manual

Page | 8 28 April 2015 

### 2.3.5 

## Maintenance Manager

The Maintenance Operator is the person appointed by the company and is responsible for ensuring

the maintenance is in accordance with the manufacturer and co mpany specifications.

The responsibilities of the Maintenance Operator are:

a) To administer and supervise all company UAS maintenance.

b) Ensure personnel performing maintenance are properly trained to perform their assigned

tasks.

c) Maintain maintenance perso nnel records.

d) Develop and monitor UAS maintenance standards,

e) Keep abreast of manufacturer service bulletins, alerts, and notices.

f) Maintain a thorough technical knowledge of company UAS components.

g) Ensure maintenance activities are conducted in accordance w ith the procedures specified

in this manual.



## 2.3.6 Operations Pilot

The operatio ns pilot reports administratively and operationally to the chief pilot. Each operations

pilot are qualified to act as pilot in command (PIC).

The PIC of the aircraft is responsible for:

a) Overall operation and safety of UAS in flight.

b) Perform preflight procedures to ensure the proposed flight can be safely accomplished.

c) Is responsible for conduct of visual observer and other participating personnel.

d) Is authorized and empowered to deviate from any rule if justified for safety reasons.



## 2.3.7 Instructor Pilot

The Instructor Pilot is an Operations Pilot and is responsible for training and certification other

operations pilots, clients, observers, and other support personnel. The instructor i s reports directly

to the Chief Pilot and is charged with implementing the training syllabus. The IP is empowered to

recommend changes to the training syllabus or its administration as appropriate.

## Operating Procedures Manual

Page | 9 28 April 2015 

## 2.4 DRUG AND ALCOHOL MANAGEMENT PLAN

No pilot is permitted to o perate aircraft while under the influence of alcohol or while using any drug

that could adversely affect the pilot’s ability to safely control the aircraft

. This includes the use of

over the counter and prescription medication. Personnel may be randomly tested for alcohol a nd

other drugs or must submit to alcohol or drug test if required by law enforcement.



## 2.5 PRIVACY P OLICY

It is company policy that pilots will not fly or operate sensors that violate a n individual ’ s reasonable

expectation of pr ivacy. A reasonable expectation of privacy exists when a reasonable person would

find the alleged violation objectionable. Examples include the intentionally peering or viewing a

person’s private or family activity in the confines of their home or yard

. Pr ivacy is not violated if the

individual’s activity is openly visible to the public at large.

Pilots are charged to exercise great care and take reasonable precaution s to avoid the perception

of violating another ’ s privacy. Capturing images of private acti vities that are accidental or incidental

to mission objectives are presumed not to violate this policy. However, this presumption will be

based on the reasonable person standard, not the subjective opinion of the pilot or operator.

## Operating Procedures Manual

Page | 10 28 April 2015 

# 3 CREW ADMINISTRATION



## 3.1 CREW QUALIFICATIONS

All Pilots must have a n FAA issued Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS ) Airmans Certificate with

appropriate class rating

. Consideration is given that the FAA has not yet finalized requirements for

the issuance of such a certificate. Until such time, pilots are authorized if they possess the airman

certificate as required under a grant of exemption from 14CFR § 61.

Pilots are r equired to have the required airman certificate in their possession during commercial

flight operations.

Visual Observers may but need not possess an airman certificate



## 3.2 PILOT RECORDS

Individual Operation Pilots are responsible for maintenance of their own pilot log book.



## 3.3 RECENCY REQUIREMENTS

The Operator /Remote Pilot must have a minimum of three take offs and three landings on type

within the last 90 day s. Each flight must include a maneu vering segment of at least 5 minutes

duration in manual or GPS assis ted modes

.



## 3.4 DUTY AND FLIGHT TIME LIMITATIONS

Pilots are responsible to ensure they do not fly while fatigued. All personnel are not permitted to be

part of the flight operation team if they are not well rested.

## Operating Procedures Manual

Page | 11 28 April 2015 

# 4 UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEM ADMINISTRATION



## 4.1 MET HOD OF RECORDING HOURS IN SERVICE AND

UNSERVICEABILITY

The UAS Operators Certificate holder is responsible to ensure all records are kept. To ensure

compliance with this responsibility is carried out, each operations pilot must review the aircraft

maintena nce records and make appropriate entries if he or she finds any discrepancy.

Operations pilots will record flight data at the end of every mission in the aircraft manual.



## 4.2 PERSONS PERMITTED TO OPERATE UNMANNED SYSTEM

CONTROLS

No Person is permitted to o perate the controls commercially unless they hold a valid Airmans

Certificate and have been authoriz ed by the Chief Pilot

. Company e mployee’s , contractors, and

clients are permitted to operate compan y aircraft during training according the specific trainin g

syllabus.



## 4.3 AUTHORITY FOR MAINTENANCE

Only people authoriz ed by the Maintenance Manager or Director of Operations can perform

maintenance. The Maintenance Manager is responsible for keeping the appropriate records

.

The Chief Pilot may authorize maintenanc e only under unique circumstances. Unique

circumstances exist when during a mission, 1) the maintenance manager is unavailable, 2) a

critical component has malfunctioned or is damaged, and 3) an immediate repair will return the

aircraft to mission ready st atus in short order. If a field repair is deemed unwarranted, the mission

will be rescheduled until repairs are made and approved under the direction of the maintenance

officer.



## 4.4 DANGEROUS GOODS

The carriage of dangerous goods is not permitted.

Note: Parts of the UAS may be classified as dangerous goods during transportation such as lithium

batteries.

## Operating Procedures Manual

Page | 12 28 April 2015 

## 4.5 WEATHER PROTECTION

All personnel are jointly responsible to ensure appropriate weather protection is provided to avoid

unnecessary deterioration or damage to the UAS

.



## 4.6 FLIGHT CONDUCT

A ircraft will be operated in accordance with the manufacturers operating instructions which are

considered to be part of this Operating and Procedures Manual. Company initiated variation to the

Flight Manual will require supplementa ry documentation.



## 4.7 NON

- COMPANY VISITORS

Non

- company visitors must not come wit hin 1 50 feet of the UAS during operation. The Pilot must

include a contingency plan in the event visitors actions create an unsafe situation in his preflight

safety briefing.



## 4.8 HAND OVER/TAKE OVER PROCEDURES

Handover is generally prohibited during customer missions and is limited to training flights.

If a hand over is required during training, the pilot taking control will initiate the action by stating “I

have the aircraft”, th e pilot relinquishing control will then respond “you have the aircraft”. Under no

circumstances shall the pilot give up control of his aircraft. If in the opinion of the pilot flying, he/she

cannot or should not continue to fly, he/she will state “take the aircraft”. At that time, the pilot taking

control will state “I have the aircraft”, the pilot relinquishing must respond and assist as necessary.



## 4.9 PILOT EMERGENCY PROCEDURES BRIEFING

To ensure co

- ordination in a multi crew environment a briefing must be co nducted prior to the

co mmencement of any operation.

Every briefing will include at least but is not limited to the following;

• Take	off	Abort	Criteria

• Emergency	Landing

• Fail	Safe	Mode	Procedure

• Loss	sight	procedures

• Lost	link	cues	and	procedures • Unable	to discern	attitude	orientation

• Recognition	of	loss	of	GPS	and	recovery

procedures

• Down	aircraft	procedures

## Operating Procedures Manual

Page | 13 28 April 2015 

## 4.10 USE OF CHECKLISTS

Company supplied checklists shall be use d at all times

. Checklists are not to be performed by

memory. A crew may use the “do then read” format when appropriate.



## 4.11 BATTERY SAFETY

Manu facturer’s instructions for correct fuel specification and/or follow manufacturers’ battery

documentation especially rel ating to c harge/discharge rates must be followed.

Battery conditions are to be monitored.

Note Lipo batteries may be considered dangero us goods for transport purposes and must not be

transported in the cargo compartment of commercial aircraft. Corporate policy is to transport by

ground transport or in limited circumstances, LIPO batteries may be transported as carryon

luggage if they are contained within a fireproof pouch and/or hard case containers designed to

prevent damage to batteries during handling.



## 4.12 AIRCRAFT TEST FLIGHTS

When completion of maintenance requires a test flight, the person completing the maintenance is

responsible to ensure a satisfactory test flight is completed. The Maintenance Operator or PIC is

res ponsible to ensure a logbook entry is made ind icating satisfactory functional check flight.

## Operating Procedures Manual

Page | 14 28 April 2015 

# 5 INTERNAL TRAINING



## 5.1 Required Training Subjects

Functionality and start

- up of systems

• Description of all common components

• Handling of system

• Handling of rechargeable batteries

• Description and inspection of machine and all of its related parts

• Construction and deconstruction of the system

• Detailed explanations on the use of the transmitter and operating frequencies, limitations

thereof

• Use of any other operating software, such as ground station software, firmware update

software etc.

• Flight controls and associated flight theory

• Maintenance and inspection training

• Problem solving, fault analysis

• Pre and Post flight related matters

• Safety and risk management

Flight Exercises

• Aerodynamics

• Aircraft physical influences

• Downwash and ground effect

• Take

- off and landing

• Practical flight exercises

• Pre and Post flight

• Safety

## Operating Procedures Manual

Page | 15 28 April 2015 

# 6 FEASIBILITY CHECK AND JOB SAFETY ASSESSMENT

Before a task can be carried out a feasibility check must be performed to ensure i t is within the

scope of the operating certificate . The flow chart represents the process to be followed to

determine if a task may proceed.

A numbered box indicates there are steps to consider. The corresponding steps a re listed below. A

red box indicates the task cannot proceed.

T a s k R e q u e s t R e c e i v e d

1

. I s I t l e g a l Y e s

N o

3

. W o u l d a n A r e a A p p r o v a l

m a k e i t l e g a l

N o Y e s N o

4

. I s i t S a f e ?

C o m p l e t e R i s k M a t r i x

Y e s Y e s P r o c e e d

N o Y e s

5

. A p p l y f o r a n A r e a

A p p r o v a l

. I s t h e A r e a

A p p r o v a l i s g r a n t e d ? 2

. I s i t s a f e ?

P e r f o r m a J o b S a f e t y

A s s e s s m e n t

M

A A a pp

The flow chart indicates the mandatory steps that must be completed. You may choose to have

other administrative steps or choose to modify the sequence. For example you may choose to

accept the task provisionally before applying for an Area Approval

## Operating Procedures Manual

Page | 16 28 April 2015 

## 6.1 Is it legal?

• Does the proposed flight remain below 5 00 feet A bove G round L evel (AGL)

• Is the operation within class G airspace?

• Is the proposed fly zone within 5nm from an airport? If so, perform ATC Safety A ssessment.

• Is the proposed flight conducted within the yellow congested area on a VFR chart? If so, will

the flight remain below 100’ AGL? If so, proceed.

• Is it possible to secure a safety zone to keep non

- participating personnel at least 50 feet

from the aircraft at all times?

• Can V isual line of sight (V LOS ) be maintained?

• Is the proposed operation conducted during Day V isual Meteorological Conditions (VMC)?

• Does the propose d flight violate local ordinances or raise privacy issues?



## 6.2 Site Safety Assessment

A Site Safety Assessment must be performed prior to conducting any a mission. An ATC Safety

Assessment is the same as the site safety assessment except notification of ATC i s required.

Note

– A single mission may consist of a number of flights

The Site Safety Assessment would normally be performed during the feasibility planning phase to

determine if the flight is viable and validated on the day prior to the first flight. This is when

assumptions made during the initial Job Safety Assessment (such as forecast weather/wind,

location of persons etc.) are validated.

As a minimum the Job Safety Assessment must consider the following:

• Gather the necessary maps and charts (either hard copy or electronic) for the area

• Determining the weather is suitable for the machine and the operation . Minimum weather is

500’ ceiling, and 3 SM visibili ty. Consideration must be given to low sun angles and ability

to discern aircraft orientation, color, and contrast.

• Prepare and issue a NOTAMs to the appropriate ATC facility at least 3 days prior

• Consider the possibility of person moving into the area of operation or landing area during

flight footpath, or other rights of way

• Suitable take

- off and landing areas (including alternate landing area)

• Ability to maintain 50

- 100 feet horizontal separation from the public

• Obstructions (Buildings Trees etc.)

• Possible radio interference ( other operators, own equipment, power lines, antennas etc.)

• Ability to maintain visual line of sight

• Operator s ability matches location/task

• Permission from land owner

• Privacy

## Operating Procedures Manual

Page | 17 28 April 2015 • Local restrictions, by laws,

• Need for signage



## 6.3 Wo uld an Area Approval make it legal?

Ensure the proposed flight will not be conducted within controlled airspace or 5 NM of an

aerodrome and not within the approach and departure path for a runway of an aerodrome . If so,

obtain COA or ATC clearance.



## 6.4 Is it s afe?

Complete the Risk Assessment Matrix at Appendix seven. Note

- this will form part of an Area

Approval application



## 6.5 Apply for Area Approval:

Apply to FAA for an Area Approval

. Validate the Job Safety Assessment if performed earlier

. C ommence job in accordance with the UOC approval.

## Operating Procedures Manual

Page | 18 28 April 2015 

# 7 ACCIDENT/INCIDENT REPORTING

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 UA S 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.

## Operating Procedures Manual

Page | 19 28 April 2015 

# 8 OPERATIONAL LIMITATION S



## 8.1 UAS Approved Applications

☐ AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHY & VIDEO

☐ AERIAL MAPPING

☐ AERIAL SURVEY & SURVIELLANCE



## 8.2 Operating Envelope

The UA WILL NOT be flown at an indicated airspeed exceeding 30 knots.

The UA WILL NOT be operated at an altitude of no more than 5 00 feet above ground level (AGL)

.

All altitudes reported to ATC must be in feet AGL.



## 8.3 Visual Line of Sight Requirement

The UA WILL be operated within visual line of sight (VLOS) of the Pilot In Command (PIC) at all

times. This requires the PIC to be able to use human vision unaided b y any device other than

corrective lenses, as specified on the PIC’s FAA

- issued airman medical certificate.



## 8.4 Use of Visual Observer

All operations MAY utilize a visual observer (VO). When used, t he UA WILL be operated within the

visual line of sight (VLOS) of the VO at all times. The VO may be used to satisfy the VLOS

requirement as long as the PIC always maintains VLOS capability. The VO and PIC must be able

to communicate verbally at all times.



## 8.5 Designation of PIC

The PIC must be designated before the fli ght and cannot transfer his or her designation for the

duration of the flight. The PIC must ensure that the VO can perform the functions prescribed in the

operating documents.



## 8.6 Preflight & Maintenance

Prior to each flight, the PIC WILL inspect the UAS to e nsure 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 Procedures Manual

Page | 20 28 April 2015 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.

Any UAS maintenance or alterations that affect the UAS operation or flight chara cteristics, 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.

The pre

- flight inspection section in the operating documents must account for all discrepancies,

i.e. inoperable components, items, or equipment, not already covered in the relevant sections of

the operating documents.

The operator WILL follow the UAS man ufacturer’s aircraft/component, maintenance, overhaul,

replacement, inspection, and life limit requirements.

Each UAS operated under this exemp tion WILL comply with all manufacturer Safety Bulletins.



## 8.7 Minimum Manual Flying Skills

The operator may not perm it the PIC to operate the UAS for the purpose of aerial

videography/cinematography and augmenting real estate listing videos (or similar operations),

unless the PIC has demonstrated and logged in a manner consistent with 14 CFR 61.51(b), the

ability to saf ely operate the UAS including evasive and emergency maneuvers and maintaining

appropriate distances from people, vessels, vehicles and structures.



## 8.8 UAS Operating Environment

UAS operation is limited to day VMC. 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.



## 8.9 Operations near Airports

The UA may not operate within 5 nautical miles of an airport reference point as denoted on a

current FA A

- publis hed aeronautical chart without coordination with ATC or airport manager.

Prior to coordination with ATC, the director of operations is responsible to ensure the assigned pilot

has consulted all aeronautical charts (VFR and IFR) so as to ensure the proposed site does not

intrude the approach and departure corridors, airport traffic pattern, and other airport activities. A

safety buffer zone will be established such that transgression into this area will still provide a

reasonable margin of separation between manned and unmanned aircraft. Missions that violate the

safety buffer zone, will not be approved by the director of operations and will not be presented to

ATC for approval.

## Operating Procedures Manual

Page | 21 28 April 2015 

## 8.10 Lost Link

If the UA loses communications or loses its GPS signal, it must return to a pre

- determined location

within the planned operating area and land or be recovered in accordance with the operating

documents.



## 8.11 Reserve Battery Capacity

The PIC is prohibited from beginning a flight unless (considering wind and forecast weather

conditions) there is enough power to fly at normal cruising speed to the intended land ing point and

land the UA with 2 0% battery power remaining.



## 8.12 RF Radio Congestion

Before conducting operations, the radio frequency spectrum used for operation and control of the

UA must comply with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) or other appropriate

government oversight agency requirements.

Perform a range check prior to each flight to ensure RF interference is mitigated.



## 8.13 Right of Way

The UA must remain clear and yield the right of way to all manned aviation operations and

activities at all times.



## 8.14 Operations Near Vessels, Vehicles, & Structures

The aircraft is operated near vessels, vehicles or structures where the owner/controller of such

vessels, vehicles or structures has granted permission and the PIC has made a safety assessment

of the risk of operating closer to those objects and determined that it does not present an undue

hazard, and;

The UAS may not be operated by the PIC from any moving device or v ehicle.



## 8.15 Operations Proximate to Essential Personnel

Operations nearer to the PIC, VO, operator trainees or essential persons do not present an undue

hazard to those persons per § 91.119(a).

Pilots may desire to geofence a minimum standoff distance from the control station. This safety

feature prevents the aircraft from flying in proximity of the control station even if commanded by the

pilot and is designed primarily to prevent injury to the pilot and other personnel.

## Operating Procedures Manual

Page | 22 28 April 2015 

## 8.16 GeoFencing

Geofencing is a semi

- autonomous mode programmed into flight control software that prevents the

pilot from flying outside the designate fly zone by establishing a virtual fence around the mission

area. DJI Assistant an d 3DR Mission Planning software provide a means to limit the aircrafts

maximum altitude and distance from launch point. This geographic fence prevents “altitude busts”

and inadvertent flight beyond visual line of sight and/or control link range.

Real esta te missions generally do not require altitudes above 200’ AGL, depending on the size and

shape of the structure. This policy manual requires the use of geofencing when operating

proximate to residential subdivisions and commercially zoned shopping areas.

Operations pilots must verify geofence programming prior to conducting flight operations near

airports, open assembly of persons, or when required by COA or area approval.



## 8.17 Permission by Landowner

All operations shall be conducted over private or controll ed

- access property with permission from

the land owner/controller or authorized representative. Permission from land owner/controller or

authorized representative will be obtained for each flight to be conducted.

These operations may be subject to othe r State and Federal laws and must be complied with.

## Operating Procedures Manual

Page | 23 28 April 2015 

# 9 TRAINING SCHOOL OPERATIONS



## 9.1 Ground Training Syllabus

(1) Applicable regulations relating to small unmanned aircraft system rating privileges, limitations,

and flight operation;

(2) Airspace classificat ion and operating requirements, obstacle clearance requirements, and flight

restrictions affecting small unmanned aircraft operation;

(3) Official sources of weather and effects of weather on small unmanned aircraft performance;

(4) Small unmanned aircraft system loading and performance;

(5) Emergency procedures;

(6) Crew resource management;

(7) Radio communication procedures;

(8) Determining the performance of small unmanned aircraft;

(9) Physiological effects of drugs and alcohol;

(10) Aeronautical decision

- making and judgment; and

(11) Airport operations.



## 9.2 FLIGHT TRAINING SYLLABUS

1) Field set up

2) Preflight Inspection

3) Functional Test Flight

4) Normal Procedures

5) Emergency Procedures

6) Autonomous Flight

7) Semi

- Autonomous Flight

## Operating Procedures Manual

Page | 24 28 April 2015 

# 11 Documentation and Forms



## 11.1 AIRCRAFT FLIGHT LOG

Aircraft Type_________________

Aircraft Serial Number__________

Date of Manufacturer___________

Aircraft

identification Operator

Date Pilot Daily

inspection Post flight

inspection Flight

or

daily

total Serviceable

Y/N Defect

number Comment Total

Brought

Forward

Page Number_______ Carried

forward

## Operating Procedures Manual

Page | 25 28 April 2015 

## 11.2 Briefing

The following briefing is to be given by the PIC to all crew members

, observers , and other participating

personnel . The PIC is also responsible to ensure the emergency contact telephone numbers are to

hand.

Action ü

Overview of the mission as planned

Any specific tasking for crew member. EG. person tasked with observing for people

straying into the area of operation

Possible issues and identification of hazards associated with the mission including

planned action

How the PIC will communicate any problem and/or subsequent action

Identification of alternate landing area

Identification of a safe zone

Action following an incident

Notes/comments specific to mission

Emergency contact numbers