Operating Procedures Manual

Copyright 2015

Synergy UAS Inc.

All Rights Reserved

April 28, 2015

Approved by: ___________________________

Robert Walker, President

TM
Operating Procedures Manual

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RECORD OF REVISIONS

Item Title Compliance* Manual Reference

SIGNATURE SHEET

• All personnel employed or contracted by this organization 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
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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
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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	FLIGHT	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
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14.2 Determining	the	Risk..............................................................................................................................................30

14.3 Risk	Management.....................................................................................................................................................30

14.4 Validation	of	Risk	Assessment............................................................................................................................31

14.5 Other	Factors..............................................................................................................................................................31
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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 to comply with applicable 

regulations, 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 

submitted 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 ABBREVIATIONS, 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 Operations

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
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2 COMPANY OPERATIONS

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

2.1 FAA DIRECTIONS, 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	
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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 compliance. 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 administration 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 pilot 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 conducted; and

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

in this manual.

2.3.6 Operations Pilot

The operations 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 is 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.
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2.4 DRUG AND ALCOHOL MANAGEMENT PLAN

No pilot is permitted to 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 aircraft. This includes the use of 

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

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

2.5 PRIVACY POLICY

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

expectation of privacy. 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. Privacy 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 precautions to avoid the perception 

of violating another’s privacy. Capturing images of private activities 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.
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3 CREW ADMINISTRATION

3.1 CREW QUALIFICATIONS

All Pilots must have an 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 required 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 days. Each flight must include a maneuvering segment of at least 5 minutes 

duration in manual or GPS assisted 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. 
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4 UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEM ADMINISTRATION

4.1 METHOD 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 

maintenance 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 operate the controls commercially unless they hold a valid Airmans 

Certificate and have been authorized by the Chief Pilot. Company employee’s, contractors, and 

clients are permitted to operate company aircraft during training according the specific training 

syllabus.

4.3 AUTHORITY FOR MAINTENANCE

Only people authorized 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 maintenance 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 status 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.
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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

Aircraft 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 supplementary documentation. 

4.7 NON-COMPANY VISITORS

Non-company visitors must not come within 150 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”, the 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 conducted prior to the 

commencement 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
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4.10 USE OF CHECKLISTS

Company supplied checklists shall be used 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

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

documentation especially relating to charge/discharge rates must be followed.

Battery conditions are to be monitored. 

Note Lipo batteries may be considered dangerous 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 

responsible to ensure a logbook entry is made indicating satisfactory functional check flight.
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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 
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6 FEASIBILITY CHECK AND JOB SAFETY ASSESSMENT

Before a task can be carried out a feasibility check must be performed to ensure it 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 are listed below. A 

red box indicates the task cannot proceed. 

 

Task Request Received

1. Is It legal

Yes

No

3. Would an Area Approval

make it legal

No

Yes

No

4. Is it Safe?

Complete Risk Matrix

Yes

Yes

Proceed

No

Yes

5. Apply for an Area

Approval. Is the Area

Approval is granted?

2. Is it safe?

Perform a Job Safety

Assessment

 M 

AA app

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
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6.1 Is it legal?

• Does the proposed flight remain below 500 feet Above Ground Level (AGL)

• Is the operation within class G airspace? 

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

• 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 Visual line of sight (VLOS) be maintained?

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

• Does the proposed 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 is 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 visibility. 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

• Operators ability matches location/task

• Permission from land owner

• Privacy 
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• Local restrictions, by laws, 

• Need for signage

6.3 Would an Area Approval make it legal?

Ensure the proposed flight will not be conducted within controlled airspace or 5NM 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 safe?

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. 

Commence job in accordance with the UOC approval.
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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 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.
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8 OPERATIONAL LIMITATIONS

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 500 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 by 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, the 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 flight 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 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 
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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 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. 

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 manufacturer’s aircraft/component, maintenance, overhaul, 

replacement, inspection, and life limit requirements. 

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

8.7 Minimum Manual Flying Skills

The operator may not permit 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 safely 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 FAA-published 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.
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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 landing point and 

land the UA with 20% 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 vehicle. 

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. 
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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 and 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 estate 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 controlled-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 other State and Federal laws and must be complied with.
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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 classification 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