# UAV



# Operating Manual 2016

- 2017



## AG TECH SERVICES, IN C.

OPERATIONS MANUAL

## 1 

# INTRODUCTION

CONTENTS

Contained in this Operational Manual are the operational guidelines for all Ag Tech Services, Inc. sUAS craft piloted by Ag Tech Services, Inc. Pilots in Command and observed by Ag Tech Services, Inc. Visual Observers. The guidelines herein provide instruction on how to o perate Ag Tech Services, Inc. sUAS Flight Crafts as well as operating rules and regulations pertaining to Ag Tech Services, Inc. ’ s Petition for Exemption under Section 333 of the Federal
Aviation Administration Modernization and Reform Act of 2012.



## CONTACT INFORMATION

Ag Tech Services, Inc. Drew Hallman 966 W. Church Street Sandwich, IL 60548
815

- 786

- 2193 agtech@agtechil.com



## INTRODUCTORY STATEME NT

Pursuant to the Petition for Exemption under Section 333 of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012, the operation al guidelines herein provide instruction on how to safely operate and manage commercial sUAS flights over the United States of America utilizing Ag Tech Services, Inc. Flight Craft. As is highlighted by the Federal Aviation A dministration, successful Petitions for Exemption are granted to individuals and businesses who can show that their commercial sUAS flights are within the public interest and provide at least an equivalent level of safety as what current rules and regulati ons provide. For this reason, it is imperative that all commercial sUAS flights performed by Ag Tech Services, Inc. representatives adhere to strict operating procedures as laid out in the Petition for Exemption paperwork fil ed with the FAA. Failure to follow the rules laid out within the Exemption paperwork are ground for the removal of a granted exemption and in turn the forfeiture of the ability to conduct commercial sUAS operations. Thus, Ag Tech Services, Inc. strongly encourages all repres entatives to read through this Operations M anual and

## 2 become familiarized with the rules and regulations pertaining to proper sUAS

operations at Ag Tech Services, Inc.

.



# DEFINITIONS

 sUAS

– Small Unmanned Aerial System

 UAV

– Unmanned Aerial Vehicle

 UA

– Unmanned Aircraft

 UAS

– Unmanned Aerial System

 VMCs

– Visual Meteorological Conditions

 CFRs

– Code of Federal Regulations

 14 CFR

– Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulation s (Relating to Aviation)

 VFRs

– Visual Flight Rules

 PIC

– Pilot In Command

 VO

– Visual Observer

 FAA

– Federal Aviation Administration



# DOCUMENT EDITION NUM BER

This Edition of the Ag Tech Services, Inc. sUAS Operations Manual i s Edition 1 and was last updated on February 4, 2016 . This Edition of the Operations

Man ual will be current for the 2016

- 2017 Flight Years. Further Editions of this Manual may come in late 2016 or 2017 depending on the FAA’s re leasing of a Final Rule for commercial sUAS operations within the United States of America.



# TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction

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

Contents

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

Contact Information

................................ ................................ ....................... 1
Introductory Statement

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

Definitions

................................ ................................ ................................ .......... 2

## 3 Document Edition Number

................................ ................................ ................. 2

Organization

................................ ................................ ................................ ....... 4
Structure of sUAS Flight Crews

................................ ................................ ........ 4

Nominated Personnel

................................ ................................ ..................... 5
Responsibility and duties

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

PIC

................................ ................................ ................................ .............. 5
Responsibility and duties of support Team

................................ ...................... 6
Brief technical description of the UAS

................................ ............................. 6
Area of Operation

................................ ................................ ........................... 7
Operating limitations and conditions

................................ .............................. 7
Supervision of UA S operations

................................ ................................ ........ 8
Accident prevention

................................ ................................ ....................... 8
Flight team composition

................................ ................................ ................. 8
Operation of multiple types of UAS

................................ ................................ . 9
Qualification requirement Details

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

PIC

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

VO

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

Crew health

................................ ................................ ................................ .. 10
Logs and Records Requirements

................................ ................................ ... 11
Operating Procedures

................................ ................................ ....................... 11
Flight planning/preparation

................................ ................................ .......... 11
Determination of the intended tasks and feasibility

................................ ...... 11
Operation site location and assessment

................................ ........................ 12
the type of airspace and specific provisions

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

other air craft operations

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

hazards associated with industrial sites

................................ ..................... 12
extraordinary restrictions

................................ ................................ ......... 13
permission from land/property owner

................................ ...................... 13
weather conditions for the planned flight

................................ ................. 13
Risk management Identification

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

Contact number Link for ATC & fAA

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

Pre

- notification

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

## 4 obtaining weather forecasts.

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

Preparation and serviceability

................................ ................................ ...... 14
On site procedures and Pre

- flight checks

................................ ...................... 15
Site survey Visual chec k of operating area

................................ .................... 15
Selection of operating area

................................ ................................ ........... 15
Cordon procedure

................................ ................................ ........................ 16
Communications with other operators

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

Weather checks

................................ ................................ ............................ 16
Refueling Or charging/changing batteries

................................ ..................... 17
correct assembly of the UAS

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

Pre

- flight checks

................................ ................................ ........................... 17
Flight procedures

................................ ................................ .......................... 18
Emergency Procedures

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

Loss of control data link

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

Training

................................ ................................ ................................ ............ 19
Pilot In Command and Visual Observer Training Procedures

......................... 19
Visual Observer Training Guide

................................ ................................ ..... 19
Pilot in Command Training Guide

................................ ................................ .. 20
Granted Section 333 Exemption

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



# ORGANIZATION

STRUCTURE OF SUAS FL IGHT CREWS

At Ag Tech Services, Inc. , each of our flight crews will consist of one Pilot In Command (PIC) and at least one Visual Observer (VO). Both the PIC and VO will have completed Mandatory sUAS Training by Ag Tech Services, Inc. and will
have received bot h 3 hours of cl assroom training and at least 25 hours of real

world flight training (PIC) . Furthermore, both the PIC and VO will have to have
at least a valid Class 3 Medical Certificate from the Federal Aviation Administration or the equivalent, which cu rrently is a valid U.S. Driver’s License. Additionally, each PIC will have to have at least a valid Sport or Recreational
Pilot Certificate. If representatives of Ag Tech Services, Inc. meet all of these

## 5 criteria, they are t hen eligible to participate in commercial sUAS flights over the

United States of America on behalf of Ag Tech Services, Inc.

.



## NOMINATED PERSONNEL

As is stated in the Structure of sUAS Flight Crews, the nominated participants of each commercial sUAS flight will be a Pilot In Command and a Visual Observer. These personnel will be nominated to their positions based on their qualifications, training, a nd eligibility pertaining to required licenses and medical

status.



## RESPONSIBILITY AND D UTIES

PIC

The PIC is the Captain of a sUAS flight crew at Ag Tech Services, Inc. and with that title comes responsibilities and duti es. As the captain of the crew the PIC is not only responsible for the safe operations of the flight craft but also the positioning of the Visual Observer. This positioning is very important as it is up
to the PIC to select a location for the VO that all ows for the VO to have the best perspective of the flight area. On top of placing the VO in the right position and conducting safe flights, the PIC is also responsible for going through a preflight checklist, which includes checking the batteries, props, GPS System, and the like. Furthermore, it is imperative that the PIC also determine if the current weather conditions provide for a safe flying environment. More clearly, it will be up to the PIC, with assistance from the VO, to determine if the VMCs all ow for Visual Flight Rule Operations. If so, the PIC can conduct the flight but if not, he or she should terminate the flight and either wait for better weather or reschedule the flight for a different day. Additionally, the PIC is responsible for ensuri ng;

 Compliance with applicable sections of Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) to operate in the NAS

,

o ht tp://www.ecfr.gov/cgi

- bin/text

idx?SID=23bdc8482b9526fb3dad5c7daf2f3cdd&mc=true&tpl=/ ecfrbrowse/Title14/14tab_02.tpl  Compliance with the Petition for Exemption and Granted Section 333 Exemption

,

o Attached Below

## 6  A t least an equivalen t level of safety as is provided by existing rules and

regulations for the National Airspace System as developed by the
Federal Aviation Administration

.

VO

The Visual Observer is also an extremely important part of the sUAS flight crew. Above all else, the Visual Observer ha s the responsibility to maintain safe flight operations and to ensure;

 Compliance with applicable sections of Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) to operate in the NAS

,

o http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi

- bin/text

idx?SID=23bdc8482b9526fb3dad5c7daf2f3cdd&mc=true&tpl=/ ecfrbrowse/Title14/14tab_02.tpl  Compliance with the Petition for Exemption and Granted Section 333

Exe mption

,

o Attached Below  A t least an equivalent level of safety as it provided by existing rules and regulations for the National Airspace System as developed by the
Federal Aviation Administration

.



## RESPONSIBILITY AND D UTIES OF SUPPORT TEAM

While the typ ical Ag Tech Services, Inc. flight crew will be made up of a Pilot In Command and a Visual Observer, it should also be noted that some flights will take place with add itional support personnel . Non

- participating personnel
sho uld maintain a safe distance from participating personnel (in accordance
with 14 C.F.R. 91.119 ) and obviously, sometimes additional support personnel may be required to keep non

- participating parties at a safe distance from the flight crew. The flight cre w has enough to worry about in order to maintain a safe flight, therefore, additional participants may be required to perform basic,

non

- flight dependent tasks, such as crowd control as an example.



## BRIEF TECHNICAL DESC RIPTION OF THE UAS

At Ag Tech Services, Inc. , our Section 333 Exemption covers the use of the following aircraft;

## 7  DJI Inspire 1

 DJI Matrice 100 

Below are l inks to the user manuals of each platform.

 DJI Inspire 1

o http://download.dji

innovations.com/downloads/inspire_1/en/Inspire_1_User_Man ual_v1.2_en.pdf  DJI Matrice 100

o http://download.dji

innovations.com/downloads/dev/Matrice/en/M100_User_Man ual_v1.0_en.pdf



## AREA OF OPERATION

Ag Tech Services, Inc. may operate throughout the United States , however most operations will occur in Northern Illinois . Nonetheless

, the actual areas of the operations will always be governed by Visual Flight Rules and Regulations.

In order to begin a flight, the PIC and VO will have to determine that the VMCs are suitable for Visual Flight. From there the actual area of operation will be dependent on the visual line of sight distance achievable by the flight crew. This visual line of sight d istance is determined by how far the flight crew can see with their unaided (with the exception of prescription glasses or contacts) eye. It is imperative that every flight mission include constant visual contact with the flight platform. This will ensur e safety and more efficient operations.



## OPERATING LIMITATION S AND CONDITIONS

All Ag Tech Services, Inc. flights will take place when Visual Meteorological Conditions are such that VFR Flights are possible (as opposed to Instrument Rated Flights) within Class G Airspace. The following link will take you to the VMC rules and the specific distances are listed in Section A.1.

 https:// www.faa.gov/air_traffic/nas_redesign/regional_guidance/easter n_reg/nynjphl_redesign/documentation/feis/ap pendix/media/Appendix _A

- National_Airspace_System_Overview.pdf

Generally, VFR operations are possible when weather is fair to good and visibility is at least 3 Statute Miles (SM).

## 8 Furthermore, safe operations are generally considered possible by Ag Tech

Services, Inc. when wind speeds are equal to or less than the operational guidelines as laid out by each flight craft’s specific manual (which are linked below).



## SUPERVISION OF UAS O PERATIONS

In addition to the flight crew operating the flight, it should also be noted that multiple flight computer systems will be assisting the crew and supervising the operation. The flight controller onboard all Ag Tech Services, Inc. aircraft calculates various sensor readings from around the aircraft to make adjustments for wind changes and other outside factors. Additionally, telemetry from each flight is collected and shared live with the PIC and VO during flights to ensure

sa fe operations. The data included in this telemetry are GPS data, speed, distance away from the controller, height (AGL), and the like.



## ACCIDENT PREVENTION

In an effort to avoid accidents with any Ag Tech Services, Inc. f light craft, frequent maintenance checks are required. With DJI’s newest aircraft (DJI Phantom 3, DJI Inspire, and DJI Matrice) all flights are logged. After each flight, the PIC and VO should confirm that a flight log was generated for the flight and

up load it to the cloud by hitting the cloud icon on the top right corner of the flight application. Additionally, these logs should be monitored on a bi

- weekly schedule to assess for any potential issues that might pop up. Furthermore, these logs should be used to track overall usage of the system in an effort to estimate component failures and replace them before they lead to an accident.



## FLIGHT TEAM COMPOSIT ION

Each Ag Tech Services, Inc. Flight Team will consist of two crew members, the PIC and the VO, as well as the flight craft itself. This flight craft will be one of the following;

 DJI Inspire 1  DJI Matrice 100 
Commercial UAV Flights by Ag Tech Services, Inc. will always utilize the newest generation system from the above

- highlighted list of accepted UAV aircraft

## 9 under the granted petition. Older generation aircraft will only be u sed when

newer systems are not on hand for the commercial operation.



## OPERATION OF MULTIPL E TYPES OF UAS

In some situations, more than one UAS might be operating for a commercial purpose. It should be noted that a designated flight team, including the PIC and VO can only operate one UAS at a time. Therefore, any operations in which multiple craft are used will require more th an one flight crew.



## QUALIFICATION REQUIR EMENT DETAILS

Both the Pilot In Command and Visual Observer are required to meet certain qualification requirements. The requirements are listed below for each position.



## PIC

The PIC is responsible for the mane uvering of the aircraft and in turn the safe operations of the commercial UAS flight. For this reason, he/she must have the following qualifications.

 All PICs must have an understanding of Federal aviation regulations applicable to the airspace where the UAS will operate (Class G Airspace)

o PICs are captains of flight crews

o PICs must NOT perform crew duties for more than one UAS at a
time

o PICs a re not allowed to be both the PIC and VO

 PICs must complete sufficient trai ning to communicate with the VO any inf ormation required to remain clear of conflicting traffic, terrain, and obstructions, maintain proper cloud clearances, and provide navigational awareness.

o Overview 14 CFR:

 § 91.111, Operating Near Other Aircraft;

 § 91.113, R ight

- of

- Way Rules: Except Wat er Operations;

 § 91.115, Right

- of

- Way Rules: Water Operations; and

## 10  § 91.155, Basic VFR Weather Minimums;

 PICs must hold at least a valid Sport or Recreational Pilot’s Certificate from the FAA and a valid Class 2 Medical Certificate or an equivalent,
whi ch includes;

o Valid U.S. Driver’s License



## VO

The VO is responsible for the visual observance of the aircraft and in turn the safe operations of the commercial UAS flight. For this reason, he/she must have the following qualifications.

 All observers must have an understanding of Federal aviation regulations applicable to the airspace where the UAS will operate (Class G Airspace)

o Observers are considered crewmembers

o Observers must NOT perform crew duties for more than one
UAS at a time

o Observers are not al lowed to be both the VO and PIC

 Observers must complete sufficient training to communicate to the pilot any information required to remain clear of conflicting traffic, terrain, and obstructions, maintain proper cloud clearances, and provide navigational awareness.

o Overview 14 CFR:

 § 91.111, Operating Near Other Aircraft;

 § 91.113, Right

- of

- Way Rules: Except Water Operations;

 § 91.115, Right

- of

- Way Rules: Water Operations; and

 § 91.155, Basic VFR Weather Minimums;

 Observers must hold a Valid Class 2 Medical Certificate from the FAA or an equivalent, which includes;

o Valid U.S. Driver’s License



## CREW HEALTH

## 11 The health of the flight crew is necessary for safe UAS operations. For this

reason, all flight crew members will have to hold at least a Valid U .S. Driver’s license, which will ensure their capable eyesight. Furthermore, each crew is responsible for assessing the health of each crew member individually and in turn, determining if each crew member is fit for the operation that day. If there
is a suspicion of an unfit crew member, the PIC or VO should call off the flight.



## LOGS AND R ECORDS REQUIREMENTS

All flight logs will be recorded within the flight app of our newest UA systems.
These self

- reporting systems include the Phantom 3 Series, the Inspire 1, and DJI Matrice. For flights including craft outside this list, a manual reporting flight log application will be used, such as RPAS Logger Lite, available on the Google Playstore.



# OPERATING PROCEDURES

FLIGHT PLANNING/PREP ARATION

Prior to each commercial UAS Flight there will be a flight planning meeting. This will typically take place the day before the planned flight and the information discussed in that meeting will be reviewed prior to flight. The flight planning meeting will be a review of the applicable FAA guidelines that will have to be followed, a safety brief on the flight, a review of the aircraft to ensure it doesn’t need any maintenance or repairs, and finally a Mission Planning session in which background maps will b e cached using WIFI. Additionally, if time allows, the Mission Planning Session may also include the actual flight creation on the Mission Planning Software. This will allow for a preloaded flight mission prior to arriving at the sight. When arriving at the sight, if any unforeseen obstacles are in the area, the mission can be altered within the Mission Planner Software.

Furthermore, pre

- flight check lists will be completed, a review of the capability of the flight crew will be assessed, and VMCs will be noted for safe VFR operations.



## DETERMINATION OF THE INTENDED TASKS AND FEASIBILITY

## 12 The feasibility of the flight will be considered prior to take off. First, the flight

crew will determine that they are capable of performing the flight. The fact ors they will assess in this determination will include;

 Health Status  VMC Status  Aircraft Status  Flight Skill and Abilities

If the flight crew finds that they are lacking in one of these areas, they should terminate the flight. However, if they feel heal thy, have good visibility, their aircraft is functioning properly, and they have the necessary skills to pull off a safe flight, then they should proceed with the operation.



## OPERATION SITE LOCAT ION AND ASSESSMENT

THE TYPE OF AIRSPACE AND SPECIFIC PROVI SIONS

All commercial UAS Flights performed by Ag Tech Services, Inc. will take place in Class G airspace and specifically, no more than 400 feet above ground level. Furthermore, it will be necessary to have at least 3 statute miles of visibility to perform the commercial operations. This is to ensure that the flight can be operated under Visual Flight Rules.

OTHER AIRCRAFT OPERA TIONS

In some situations, other aircraft will be operating in the same flight area as the Ag Tech Services, Inc. Flight Crew’s UA. These other operations should b e noted and it will be up to both the PIC and VO to maintain safe operating distances away from these aircraft and be ready to conduct evasive maneuvers if

necessary.

HAZARDS ASSOCIATED W ITH INDUSTRIAL SITES

It will be the job of both the PIC and VO to assess all potential flight hazards prior to a UAS Flight. These hazards include, but are not limited to;

 Power Lines  Towers  Large Structures  Chemical Waste

## 13  Smoke Stacks

 Etc.

To ensure safe operations it will be important for the PIC and VO not only to assess these potential hazards but also create a verbal action plan as to how to avoid these obstacles during flight.

EXTRAORDINARY RESTRI CTIONS

Obviously there are some FAA r estrictions associated with important airspace.
These restricted areas are off limits to Ag Tech Services, Inc. flight crews and include areas within 5 miles of an airport, over Capitol buildings, over College
and Professiona l Football Stadiums, and other similar venues unless expressed
written consent is obtained from the controller of said locations

. In each situation, particularly those situations in which FAA ru les are involved, you will either contact the representative FAA personnel (via the FAA hot line or your local FAA representative phone number), file and receive a COA for the operations, or obtain other appropriate permissions. If there is a question as to whether certain airspace is restricted, please contact the Federal Aviation
Administration.

PERMISSION FROM LAND 

## / PROPERTY OWNER

All Ag Tech Services, Inc. Flights will take place only after Ag Tech Services, Inc. secures verbal, written, or digital permission from the Land or Property owner of the site below the UA operations.

WEATHER CONDITIONS F OR THE PLANNED FLIGHT

All Ag Tech Services, Inc. flights will take place when Visual M eteorological Conditions are such that VFR Flights are possible (as opposed to Instrument Rated Flights) within Class G Airspace. The following link will take you to the VMC rules and the specific distances are listed in Section A.1.

 https:// www.faa.gov/air_traffic/nas_redesign/regional_guidance/easter n_reg/nynjphl_redesign/documentation/feis/appendix/media/Appendix _A

- National_Airsp ace_System_Overview.pdf

Generally, VFR operations are possible when weather is fair to good and visibility is at least 3 Statute Miles (SM).

Furthermore, safe operations are generally considered possible by Ag Tech Services, Inc. when wind speeds are equal to or less than the operational

## 14 guidelines as laid out by each flight craft’s specific manual (which are linked

below).



## RISK MANAGEMENT IDEN TIFICATION

It is imperative that all members of the Ag Tech Services, Inc. Team consider risk management when performing their duties. If you see something that you believe is risky, please contact upper management about your concerns. The most important thing at Ag Tech Services, Inc. is safety and for this reason the company would much rather have a risk highlighted and addressed instead of finding out about it after an accident.



## CONTACT NUMBER LINK F OR ATC & FAA

http://acukwik.com/



## PRE

- NOTIFICATION

If you feel that your operations may cause concern among the general public, be sure to notify local law enforcement of your intended flight. This step typically does not need to be taken but if you feel that an operation is going to set off alarms with the general public you may want to inform the local police and provide them with the written permission of the landowner as well as the granted Section 333 Exemption linked below. This is a precautionary step i n order to get ahead of anyone calling the police for example even though your flights are legal.



## OBTAINING WEATHER FO RECASTS.

When considering a UAS flight it will be important to ensure that the operations are going to be occurring in Visual Meteorological Conditions. In order to determine this, a PIC and VO should visually assess the situation as well as double check weather f orecasts using a local or national weather application, such as the Weather Channel App. This will ensure VMCs throughout the entire
mission.



## PREPARATION AND SERV ICEABILITY

## 15 In order to ensure safe operations, it is vital that all Flight Crews are pr epared

for their flights and perform all pre

- flight checks of the aircraft to ensure the aircraft is assembled correctly, the batteries are fully charged, and there is a good link between the PIC and the aircraft systems.



## ON SITE PROCEDURES A ND PRE

- FLI GHT CHECKS

While on site for a commercial UAS operation the PIC and VO should perform several checks. First they should determine their ability to complete the operation in a safe manner. Considerations that will go into this calculation
include their health on that day and their overall flight skill. Furthermore, the PIC and VO should select a safe operating area, clear of hazards and with
sufficient room. Then the PIC should select a location for the VO so that the VO has the best vantage point and view of the operating area. Next, both the PIC and VO should go through a Pre

- Flight checklist that includes ensuring the batteries are charged, a good link between the Pilot and Aircraft, and that the system is assembled properly. At the culmination of these checks the mission will be a go and the operation will be flown. Upon landing the PIC and VO will ensure both the flight data and imagery were logged. Then they will clean up the site so that it is the same way they found it and they can move onto their next operation.



## SITE SURVEY VISUAL C HECK OF OPERATING AR EA

Prior to flight

, the PIC and VO should do a visual check of the operating area to ensure no obstacles or hazards present a risk to the safe operation of the
aircraft. If hazards are in t he area a determination must be made by the flight crew if the hazards warrant not flying that day or if they can be managed by good communication between the PIC and VO.



## SELECTION OF OPERATI NG AREA

The selection of the operating area should include a few considerations. First, the operating area should be large enough to accommodate the fli ght craft.
Due to the fact Ag Tech Services, Inc. flight craft are multi

- rotors, not much space is necessary due to the aircraft’s ability to perform vertical take

- offs and landings.

## 16 In addition to making sure there is enough space, it will also be important to

ensure that both the PIC and VO have a goo d view of the craft while it is flying. This may mean finding high ground to stand on. Remember, it is a requirement to have the UAV in visual line of sight at all times and due to this, it will be important to find an operating area in which this is pos sible.



## CORDON PROCEDURE

All Ag Tech Services, Inc. flights will be controlled by a flight crew consisting of a Pilot In Command and a Visual Observer. All other parties who are not considered participants will be cordoned off and kept a safe distance from the operating area. This distance will be determined based on current FAA r ules and regulations and particularly, 14 CFR § 91.119 , which states an aircraft must not operate within 500 feet of a person (non

- participant). To ensure this, Ag Tech Services, Inc. Flight crews will use a rope or verbal co mmands in situations
where there is an abundance of non

- participants.



## COMMUNICATIONS WITH OTHER OPERATORS

In the situation that a Ag Tech Services, Inc. Flight crew knows it will be operating alongside other operators, the Ag Tech Services, Inc. Flight crew will notify the other operator of its flight plan and discuss an action plan so as to not interfere with either operation.



## WEATHER CHECKS

All Ag Tech Services, Inc. flights will take place when Visual Meteorological Conditions are such that VFR Flights are possible (as opposed to Instrument Rated Flights) within Class G Airspace. The following link will take you to the VMC rules and the specific distances are listed in Section A.1.

 https:// www.faa.gov/air_traffic/nas_redesign/regional_guidance/easter n_reg/nynjphl_redesign/documentati on/feis/appendix/media/Appendix _A

- National_Airspace_System_Overview.pdf

Generally, VFR operations are possible when weather is fair to good and visibility is at least 3 Statute Miles (SM).

## 17 Furthermore, safe operations are generally considered possible b y Ag Tech

Services, Inc. when wind speeds are equal to or less than the operational guidelines as laid out by each flight craft’s specific manual (which are linked below).



## REFUELING OR CHARGIN G/CHANGING BATTERIES

As is st ated in the Section 333 Exemption Paperwork linked below;

 No commercial flight missions will be executed unless it can be determined that the flight crew can complete their mission from take

off through landing, with a r eserve of 25 % battery life. Ag Tech Services, Inc. ’ s newest flight crafts have adaptive battery monitors and
for this reason this condition will be an automated process as Ag Tech Services, Inc. can set the default Advisory and Crit ical Battery warnings
to 35% and 30 % respectively, which will warn the PIC of the depleted battery and engage him/her to fly home and land with 2 5 % remaining power. For all Ag Tech Services, Inc. systems without this automated feature, a watch will be used to monitor flight times to ensure a safe return home with adequate battery power.

Thus, it will be important to charge batteries. For proper instructions on how to charge each style of battery, please see the linked Section 333 Paperwork below and follow the Table of Contents to the battery charging and handling procedures for each flight craft type and battery type.



## CORRECT ASSEMBLY OF THE UAS

For specific assembly instructions for each of th e UAS flight craft used by Ag Tech Services, Inc. , please see the following links to the user manuals.

 DJI Inspire 1

o http://download.dji

innovations.com/downloads/inspire_1/en/Inspire_1_User_Man ual_v1.2_en.pdf  DJI Matrice 100

o http://download.dji

innovations.com/downloads/dev/Matrice/en/M100_User_Man ual_v1.0_en.pdf



## PRE

- FLIGHT CHECKS

## 18 Please see the following comprehensive user manuals for each of the specific

flight craft utilized by Ag Tech Services, Inc. for commercial operations under Section 333. Within these manuals you will find operating guidelines that will assist in the safe operations of each craft. Furthermore, please see the Quick Start Guides for each specific flight craft by followin g the link below to the Section 333 Paperwork and then following the Table of Contents to the Quick
State Guides.

 DJI Inspire 1

o http://download.d ji

innovations.com/downloads/inspire_1/en/Inspire_1_User_Man ual_v1.2_en.pdf  DJI Matrice 100

o http://download.dji

innovations.com/downloads/dev/Matrice/ en/M100_User_Man ual_v1.0_en.pdf



## FLIGHT PROCEDURES

Please see the following comprehensive user manuals for each of the specific flight craft utilized by Ag Tech Services, Inc. for commercial operations under
Section 333. Wit hin these manuals you will find operating guidelines that will assist in the safe operations of each craft. Furthermore, please see the Quick Start Guides for each specific flight craft by following the link below to the Section 333 Paperwork and then fol lowing the Table of Contents to the Quick
State Guides.

 DJI Inspire 1

o http://download.dji

innovations.com/downloads/inspire_1/en/Inspire_1_User_Man ual_v1.2_en.pdf  DJI Matrice 100

o http://download.dji

innovations.com/downl oads/dev/Matrice/en/M100_User_Man ual_v1.0_en.pdf



## EMERGENCY PROCEDURES

In the case of an emergency, such as the loss of communication with the aircraft, a battery shortage on the aircraft, a dying battery on the ground station, or the like, the aircraft u tilized by Ag Tech Services, Inc. have automated fail safes. Specifically, if the signal is lost between the PIC and the aircraft the aircraft will automatically return home (a predetermined GPS Home Point that is

## 19 calculated prior to flight). Furthermore, if an emergency takes place in which

the signal isn’t lost but the drone needs to be returned home safely, PICs have the option of engaging an auto

- return home feature which is shown to them in training.

In the case of an evasive maneuver emergency, PICs are trained to dive at a maximum safe speed to avoid things like manned aircraft or other UAs. Typically, the bottom of this dive will be at about 50 feet above ground level and it is at this height the PIC will loiter unt il safe flight operations at a higher altitude are again available.



## LOSS OF CONTROL DATA LINK

In the case of an emergency, such as the loss of communication with the aircraft, a battery shortage on the aircraft, a dying battery on the ground station, or the like, the aircraft utilized by Ag Tech Services, Inc. have aut omated fail safes. Specifically, if the signal is lost between the PIC and the aircraft the aircraft will automatically return home (a predetermined GPS Home Point that is calculated prior to flight). Furthermore, if an emergency takes place in which
the signal isn’t lost but the drone needs to be returned home safely, PICs have the option of engaging an auto

- return home feature which is shown to them in training.



# TRAINING

PILOT IN COMMAND AND VISUAL OBSERVER TRA INING
PROCEDURES

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B8sknt2zpxhMNFllQVJZdHVsQ0E/view?usp=sh aring



## VISUAL OBSERVER TRAI NING GUIDE

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B8sknt2zpxhMbElBZTcwUi02aHM/view?usp=s haring

## 20 PILOT IN COMMAND TRA INING GUIDE

https: //drive.google.com/file/d/0B8sknt2zpxhMREF0OHZLZ25Jc2M/view?usp=s haring



# GRANTED SECTION 333 EXEMPTION

Awaiting approval. Once approved, the Granted Exemption and Finalized Petition for Exemption will be linked here.