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Preface 1 

Operations Manual 

The following procedures are intended to promote safe, efficient and lawful operation of 

unmanned aerial systems (UAS). Safety above all else is the primary concern in each and 

every operation, regardless of the nature of the mission. 

Philosophy 

Flying V Designs (Flying V) philosophy is to deliver the best video/photo product to its 

motion picture, television and web clients at a very competitive price with higher quality 

and delivered in a shorter time frame compared with traditional videography and 

photography methods. 

Flying V is focused on the application and production of video filming and photography 

for the motion picture, television and web industries. Flying V's focus is to capture and 

provide to its clients high quality, state of the art, beautifully captured videography, 

photography and cinematography with current and stock footage to be used in the various 

production products. 

Currently, the FAA views UAS operations in four overarching categories, (1) Close Set 

Film Production, (2) Videography and Photography, (3) Data Collection and (4) 

Communications. When following the FAA's category determinations and reviewing the 

many application uses, Flying V's applications fall under the categories of: Videography 

and Photography; and, Data Collection. These categories are the underlying bases for 

89% of all UAS applications excluding delivery applications where an item would be 

delivered at a location or to person after landing. 

It shall be the mission of Flying V to perform controlled flights for multiple multimedia 

applications in various practices as defined and detailed in the 333 Exemption Letter of 

Petition. The use of (UAS) as a complete aerial resource provides a system that at its core 

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will illuminate a digital path to real world navigational needs. Flying V's aerial UAS 

applications are based in the categories of Videography and Photography and Data 

Collection. Flying V's professionals deliver video imagery, knowledge and experience to 

its clients providing the highest quality UAS videography, photography and 

cinematography. The use of Flying V's UAS videography, photography and 

cinematography processes provides important information and imagery collection that 

can't be supplied by any other means. Such important programs provide endless 

opportunities of application specific operations flying hundreds if not thousands of 

IDlSSlOOS. 

Protection of Rights and Privacy 

It is the intent of every Flying V's trained and qualified pilot to make every reasonable 

effort to not violate privacy laws or invade any person's expectation of privacy when 

operating a UAS in all situations. When operating the UAS, Flying V's PIC will abide by 

all FAA Regulations and receive the proper authorization as related to such flights. 

Flying V's trained PICs and VOs will assure that the protection of citizen's civil rights 

and reasonable expectations of privacy as a key component of any decision made in 

deploying a UAS. PICs and VOs will be accountable for ensuring that operations ofUAS 

have minimal intrusion upon citizens. 

To accomplish this primary goal Flying V will provide training for a variety of scenarios: 

a) In the event of services being deployed were UAS are being flown, the onboard 

camera(s) will be turned so as to be facing away from occupied structures to 

minimize inadvertent video or still images of uninvolved persons. 

b) All video and still images will be maintained in strict compliance with state and 

federal privacy policies and procedures. 

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c) A website for employees, personnel and public input will be maintained and 

regularly monitored to address employees, personnel and citizen concerns and 

recommendations. 

d) Flying V employees and personnel will not conduct random surveillance 

activities. The use ofUAS will be tightly controlled and regulated. 

UAS Applications 

There are hundreds ofUAS applications and uses. The following is a list of several of the 

more popular application uses and identifies Flying V's UAS application uses highlighted 

in bold type. 

Pipeline Inspection 

Stratospheric Telecommunications 

Motion Picture Production • 

Real Estate Photography 

Real Estate Inspection 

Real Estate Marketing 

Event Performances 

News Gathering 

Security Operations 

Aerial Mapping 

Mining 

High Altitude Imagery 

Maritime Surveillance 

Environmental Sensing 

Media and Traffic Monitoring 

Law Enforcement 

Emergency Management Natural disasters Meteorology 

Hurricane Monitoring 

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Cryospheric Research - Arctic and Antarctic Bridge Inspection 

Transmission Line Inspection 

HAZMAT Inspection 

Emergency Medical Supply 

Traffic Monitoring 

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Aerial Surveying 

Damage Assessment 

Insurance Claim Appraisal Concert Security 

Environmental 

Geomatics 

Agriculture 

Sports Video 

Runway Inspection 

Virtual Tours 

Landmark Inspection 

Coffee Harvest Optimization Crop Disease Management 

Herd Tracking and Management Entomology 

Forestry Inspection 

Fisheries Management 

Species Conservation 

Wildlife Inventory 

Mineral Exploration 

Remote Aerial Survey 

Forest Fire Surveillance 

Forest Fire Mapping 

Volcano Monitoring 

Remote Aerial Mapping 

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Oil Spill Tracking 

Snow Pack Avalanche Monitoring Ice Pack Monitoring 

Poaching Patrol 

e) Flying V's employees will meet quarterly for the purpose of reviewing the 

existing UAS procedures as well as new technologies, laws and regulations on 

UAS usage. The committee will consist of Flying V's personnel, clients and 

community leaders. The committee will follow the leadership of the community 

and will help present proposed policies, procedures and changes meeting the needs 

of City Councils, legal and community groups. Additionally, the UAS committee 

will solicit feedback prior to meetings referencing to research and education 

strategies and policy changes. 

f) Flying V and its employees will operate strictly within the letter of the laws and 

regulations maintaining public safety, privacy and freedom from intrusion as well 

as the guidelines imposed in the grant of the 333 Exemption. 

Definitions 

COA (Certificate of Authorization)- Given by the FAA grants permission to fly within 

specific boundaries and perimeters. Training flights cannot take place without UAS 

research and education mission critical personnel who will be the only people authorize 

to perfonn such training missions. 

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VO (Visual Observers)- YO's are required by the FAA for the flights ofUAS defined 

as a person who uses only his or her eyes to scan for traffic and inform the pilot of an 

unmanned aircraft (UA) when traffic is in the vicinity of the UA so that its pilot can avoid 

it. See additional definitions and aviation abbreviations on the FAA.gov website. 

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PIC (Pilot in Command)-

VFR (Visual Flight Rule)- VFR flight is based on the principle of"see and avoid." the 

presumption made in establishing the basic VFR weather minimums is that aircraft flying 

at lower altitudes flight in an unobstructed visual flight path. 

Administration 

1.1 Operations Manual 

The policies and procedures contained in this manual are issued by authority of the Brain 

Farm leadership. As such it is an official document of Flying V and is not intended to be 

all-inclusive, but is to be used as a supplement to FAR's, Federal Aviation Regulations, 

Aircraft Manufacturers' manuals, directives and approved flight manual guides. 

This manual has been written to address Flying V's available UAS safety and operations 

information as of the date published. Technology advancement in aerial equipment, 

personnel and operations changes over time drives Flying V's management to 

systematically monitor, edit, organize and change critical parts of the manual and other 

safety and operations manuals and systems to reduce U AS flight and operations risk of 

aircraft failures or loss of operations. 

Given this, it is essential that this manual be continually updated as necessary. The entire 

manual will be reviewed, at a minimum, annually to assure it provides current and correct 

information. A copy of the manual (electronic and/or paper) will be issued to all Flying V 

personnel having UAS flight operations responsibilities. 

1.2 Organization 

a) Flying V shall be comprised of those personnel approved in part by the Federal 

Aviation Administration and Flying V Flying V's UAS personnel include UAS 

PICs, VOs and other personnel assigned to UAS flight operations. 

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b) The Flying V administration is comprised of Flying V's president, officers and 

personnel that have business and UAS safety and training knowledge. 

13 Personnel 

a) The UAS Flight Director is responsible for the overall direction and 

performance of Flying V's fight operations. 

b) The UAS Flight Director is responsible for the day to day supervision and 

management of Flying V flight operations and flight personnel. 

The pilot in command (PIC) of a UAS is the person who is ultimately responsible for its 

operation and safety during flight. 

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c) UAS Flight Director Responsibilities: 

1. Maintaining all training, flight and maintenance records for each UAS PIC and 

VO as well as individual airframes. 

n. Maintain contact with the FAA and regulations as they are published. 

m. Evaluate flight personnel based on mission type and need. 

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tv. The UAS Flight Director must maintain a working knowledge and proficiency on 

all 

UAS operated by Flying V personnel. 

v. UAS PIC employees to be considered for selection as a UAS PIC instructor are 

currently required to possess an FAA sport pilot's certification and a Class II FAA 

physical examination and or a current state driver's license. 

UAS PICs interacting with Air Traffic Control (ATC) shall have sufficient expertise to 

perfonn readily. UAS PICs must have an understanding of and comply with FAA and 

Military Regulations applicable to the airspace where the UAS will operate. 

A UAS PIC's primary duty is for the safe and effective operation ofUAS in accordance 

with the manufacturers' approved flight manual and FAA regulations policies and 

procedures. UAS PICs must remain knowledgeable of all FAA regulations; UAS 

manufacturer's flight manual and bulletins and City and State UAS policy. 

UAS Flight Director may temporarily remove any employees and personnel or UAS PIC 

from flight status at any time for any reasons including; perfonnance, proficiency, 

physical condition, etc. Should removal become necessary, the person will be notified 

verbally and in writing of the reason and the further action to be taken and expected 

duration of such removal. 

UAS VOs Personnel to be considered for selection as aVO are not required to possess a 

Class II FAA certification (private pilots) or a Class II FAA physical examination. They 

will, however, be required to hold a current valid a valid U.S. driver's license issued by a 

state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, a U.S. territory, a U.S. possession, or the 

Federal government. 

a) VOs must have been provided with sufficient training to communicate clearly 

to the PIC any instructions required to stay clear of conflicting traffic. VOs will 

receive training on rules and responsibilities described in 14 CFR 91.111, 

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Operating Near Other Aircraft, 14 CFR 91. 13, Right-of-Way Rules, cloud 

clearance, in-flight visibility, and the pilot controller glossary including standard 

ATC phraseology and communication. 

b) PICs and VOs must have in their possession a current 14 CFR 91.17, Alcohol 

or Drugs, test as applies to PICs and VOs. 

c) AVO's primary duty is to see and avoid all other aircraft traffic, stay clear of all 

other building, structures and obstacles. 

d) AVO'ssecondarydutyistooperatetheUAS'sequipmentincludingcameras,sensors, 

radio communications as well as perform anything activities that may affect the 

UAS PIC's primary duty. 

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e) The UAS Flight Director shall maintain a file for each PIC and VO which shall include 

copies of FAA certifications, training records, etc. This file can be reviewed in 

accordance with current Federal policies and procedures. 

1.4 Scheduling 

a) To maintain a level of proficiency UAS personnel will be required as part of their 

continued participation to attend online training updates as they are made available. UAS 

personnel training will be coordinated through the UAS Flight Director and announced in 

advance for scheduling purposes for participating personnel. 

1.5 Miscellaneous 

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a) Requests for immediate UAS flight launch, support and assistance will be 

responded to by the Flight Director. Should the request involve an immediate 

threat to life, or property, an Flying V trained UAS PIC is authorized to accept or 

decline such request based on previously approved authorization or their flight and 

operations experience. Proper policy and procedure, as well as FAA regulations 

shall be followed when accepting emergencies. 

b) Complaints or inquiries regarding UAS operations shall be referred to Flying 

V's Flight Director for immediate cure and accountability then referred to the 

Flying V president. 

2.1 Safety Policy 

Flying V is committed to promoting a safe and healthy workplace, including: 

a) Personnel will at all times protect and prevent damage to equipment, the 

environment and property. 

b) Company culture of open reporting of all safety hazards or incidents. 

c) The personnel will support all UAS safety training and awareness programs. 

d) The Flight Director is trained in conducting regular reviews of safety 

policies, procedures and practices with all personnel. 

e) The Flight Director continuously monitors the UAS community at large to, 

ensure that best safety practices are incorporated into the Flying·V UAS flight 

operations. 

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t) It is the duty of every person to contribute to the goal of continued safe 

operations. This contribution may come in many forms and always includes 

operating in the safest manner practical and never taking unnecessary extreme 

risks. 

g) Any safety hazards, whether procedural, operational or maintenance related 

should be identified if possible before an incident occurs. Any suggestions in the 

interest of safety should be made directly to the UAS Flight Director as soon as 

known. 

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If any UAS PICs, VOs or other personnel has knowledge of unsafe or dangerous acts 

committed by anyone, the UAS Flight Director is to be notified immediately so that 

corrective action(s) may be taken. Hazards requiring immediate attention will be brought 

to the attention of the Flight Director verbally and without delay. 

2.2 Operational Hazard and Occurrence Report eOHOR) and Investigations 

Occurrences are unplanned safety related events, including accidents and incidents that 

could impact safety or become a hazard that may be cause of potential harm. 

a) The OHOR concept provides a mechanism to report hazards and occurrences, 

real and perceived, to those responsible for Flying V and operations. 

b) There is no specific format for the OHOR as the information provided is what 

is important, not the format and should be used without hesitation to report any 

anticipated, current, or experienced safety hazards, or occurrence. OHOR can be 

submitted anonymously to the Flight Director to get the matter proper attention. 

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c) Every hazard and/or occurrence that involves UAS will be investigated with 

the results and corrective action taken communicated to Flying V personnel. The 

investigation will be conducted by the Flight Director and Personnel under the 

direction of Flying V's officers or personnel who have the technical skill necessary 

to perform correct actions. 

d) UAS operational Hazards requiring immediate attention will be brought to the 

attention of the Flight Director, verbally, without delay firstly, then to the attention 

of Flying V. 

e) ALL FLYING V PERSONNEL ARE AUTHORIZED TO TAKE IMMEDIATE 

ACTION TO CORRECT ANY POSSIBLE HAZARD OR HAZARDOUS 

CONDITION WHERE AN OPINION OR DELAY MAY RESULT IN AN 

ACCIDENT, INJURY OR DEATH. The Flight Director will be notified 

immediately ASAP in such situations. 

23 The Flying V President, Flight Director, Safety Officer, PIC, VO and all personnel are 

all responsible for the following time of change, monthly, qoortedy and yearly activities: 

a) Ensuring that UAS flight operations personnel understand applicable regulatory 

requirements, standards and organizational safety policies and procedures. (M) 

b) Observe and direct safety educational programs by monitoring all procedures. 

(Q) 

c) Observe standards and best practices how they impact UAS operational safety. 

(M) 

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d) 

Communicateallreportedsafetyrelatedproblemsandthecorrectiveactiontakenandthe 

proper procedures for handling that problem should be discussed and documented. 

(M) 

e) All safety incidents should be circulated with pertinent safety information. 

(TOC) 

f) All safety incidents should be circulated with emergency safety bulletins. 

(TOC) 

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g) Place any electronic copies of safety information or bulletins on Flying V's UAS 

website for personnel access. (TOC) 

It is emphasized again that safety is the responsibility a fALL personneL 

23 Medical Factors 

a) UAS PICs, VOs and participating personnel shall only deploy the UAS when 

rested and emotionally prepared for the tasks at hand. 

b) Physical illness,exhaustion,emotional problems,etc.,can seriously impairs 

udgment,memory and alertness. The safest rule is not to act as a UAS PIC or VO 

when suffering from any of the above. PICs, VOs and participating personnel are 

expected to "stand down" when these problems could reasonably be expected to 

affect their ability to perform UAS flight operations. 

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c) A self-assessment of physical condition shall be made by all personnel before 

or during pre- flight activities. 

d) Performance can be seriously hampered by prescription and over the counter 

drugs.The Flight Director will be advised anytime such drugs are being taken. If it 

is determined that the medication being taken could hamper a flight operations 

team member that person shall be prohibited from all flight operation exercises for 

a time period of no less than 48 hours. 

e) No personnel shall act as a UAS PIC within eighteen hours after consumption 

of any alcoholic beverage, while under the influence of alcohol, or while 

consuming an alcohol concentration of0.04% (FAR 91.17) 

3. Training 

3.1 Objective 

The key to continued safe operations is by maintaining a professional level of 

competency. The first step in this process is establishing minimum qualifications and the 

second step involves training personnel, "employees" to acceptable levels of flight 

operations competency. 

3.2 On-site Basic Instructors 

a) FAA certified private pilots will be given instructor duties. Such duties can 

include developing training courses, provide full knowledge training and 

employee evaluation and documentation. 

b) Duties for the training of new employees falls upon the UAS Flight Directoror 

PIC that has the most flight logged time. UAS equipment and operations 

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knowledge. Instructors will be designated by the Flight Director. 

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3.3 Training Plans 

a) All employees will have a UAS training plan on file that outlines training 

objectives. This training plan will be held in conjunction with an employees, 

personnel training file. 

b) Flying V approved training plan can be developed by the Flying V Flight 

Director, the education staff or outside 3rd parties. 

"C) All UAS deployments or exercises will be documented and count toward an 

employee, personnel's time in operations training. 

d) It is the employee, personal's responsibility to verify their training file contains 

all pertinent information. 

3.4 Initial Training 

a) Upon acceptance by the Flight Director as the education source, the Flight 

Director shall review FAA UAS operations requirements at FAA.gov, review UAS 

flight, user and other manufactures guidelines and manuals and review B Flying 

V's 333 Exemption grant for UAS restrictions and directives. 

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b) The PIC and VO must have completed sufficient training to communicate to 

alerts, directives or instructions required to remain clear of conflicting traffic. This 

training at a minimum shall include knowledge of the rules and responsibilities 

described in l4CFR 91.111, Operating Near Other Aircraft; 14CFR 91.113, 

Right-qt.-Way Rules: Except Water Operations; and 14 CFR 91.155, Bask VFR 

Weather Minimums; knowledge of air traffic and radio communications, including 

the use of approved ATC/pilot phraseology; and knowledge of appropriate sections 

of the Aeronautieal Information Manual. 

c) UAS PIC must enroll in (fixed wing) training to obtain their private or sport 

pilot license/certificate if not already in possession. 

d) UAS PICs who fail to successfully complete the initial Flying V Flight 

Director's training program may be re-scheduled for additional UAS training. 

e) After a PIC has received their FAA private or sport pilot's license but before a 

PIC can provide UAS training to employees, they must complete at least 8 hours 

of flight training with the Flight Director for proficiency of flight training 

exercises and airframe knowledge. This must be accomplished to demonstrate 

their ability and general knowledge ofUAS. 

3.5 Recurrent Training 

a) Students who do not have any documented training or flight time within a span 

of 90 days will have to attend Flying V's UAS update training proficiency 

programs. 

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b) Recurrent training is not limited to actual UAS flight skills only, it also 

includes knowledge of all pertinent UAS operations and aviation matters. 

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3.6 Miscellaneous 

a) Depending on the nature of the training request, all efforts will be made to 

accommodate Flying V personnel. 

b) All requests for UAS training shall be approved through the Flight Director and 

timekeeping during those training hours. 

c) Students are encouraged to attend all UAS training opportunities and 

participate in FAA sponsored safety seminars. 

d) Training shall be conducted at Flying V locations and follow the Flight 

Director's flights provisions within the COA. 

4. r Cafl-out Operations Procedures 

a) The Flight Director will contact the PIC and VO to meet at the fight and 

mission locations. 

b) The PIC and flight operations personnel are responsible for transporting the 

UAS and the required equipment to the location and setup the base of operations. 

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c) Upon arriving at the requested location the UAS PIC will contact the Flight 

Director and receive a briefing on the training mission. 

d) The PIC will make an on location determination of the UAS,equipment and 

personnel required to perform the requested mission safely within Flying V's and 

the FAA policies and procedures. 

e) If the PIC determines that the use of the UAS would violate safety measures, 

Flying V policy or directives then the PIC will inform the Flight Director of the 

potential conflict along with recommendations for modifying the requested 

mission to conform to safety measures and Flying V's policies and procedures. 

f) If this modification is a major change from the original approved mission, the 

PIC will contact the Flight Director for direction orr how to proceed. 

g) Upon completion of the mission, the PIC will make a full report of the modified 

missjon circumstance~ and their concerns and issues associated with the flight to 

the Flight Director. 

h) PICs will have sole discretion for declaring safety, Flying V or FAA rules 

violations. 

i) If a PIC determines that a requested mission would violate Flying V or FAA 

rules or endanger personnel and civilians, then the PlCwilt respectfully inform the 

Flight Director of the reasons for refusing to operate the UAS. 

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j) The PIC's has the final and absolute authority to cancel or abandon a mission 

because of safety circumstances it is the decision of the PIC only. 

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k)Ifthe PIC determ~nes that the requestedmissicm may potentjally dam~ethe UAS or 

its associated equipment the PIC will inform the Flight Director of their concerns and 

may or may not chose to cancel the mission. 

4.2 Flight Boundaries 

Although there may be requests for UAS support outside the boundaries of mission, no 

person at any level in the chain of command has the authorization to authorize 

deployment outside of the COA. Any mission requests for such uses are restricted from 

flight until a new COA is submitted to the FAA and by the Flight Director and approved 

for such flight. 

a) At no time shall UAS support be granted outside the flight plan or COA 

without the flight Director first obtaining an emergency FAA- COA approval. 

b) Information regarding flight boundaries can be found in the FAA-COA and the 

use of the NAS National Airspace System. 

c) Maximum mission altitude shall not ever, under any circumstances exceed 400' 

(AGL) per the FAA COA. 

43 Minimum Personnel Requirements 

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Due to the nature of the Flying V UAS missions~ the minimum personnel required for any 

mission will be the UAS PIC and VO. Under no circumstances will a PIC attempt to 

complete a deployment or mission alone. 

4.4 Personnel Responsibilities for Deployments 

"OPEN COMMUNCATIONS ACHIEVES SAFE OPERATIONS" 

a) The UAS PIC 

I. The PIC is directly responsible for safety and is the final authority over the actual 

mission operations of the UAS. 

II. UAS PICs have absolute authority to reject any missions based on personnel 

safety or violation of Flying V or FAA regulations. 

III. No one has the authority, regardless of their position, to order a PIC to conduct a 

flight of any type when, in the opinion of the PIC, the mission poses risk to 

personnel or is in violation of Flying V or FAA regulations. 

IV. PICs are responsible for compliance with this manual, Flying V policy and 

procedures and FAA regulations. 

V. The PIC's primary duty during a mission is to operate the UAS safely and protect 

all and any ground personnel while accomplishing the goals of the mission. 

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VI. PICs shall avoid any and all obstacles that will lessen flight safety during the 

miSSIOn. 

VII. PICs shall be responsive to the requests of the VO in order to accomplish the 

mission. 

VIII.PICs shall be responsible for documentation of each mission updating flight logs 

and notating post flight UAS or equipment issues. 

b) The UAS VO 

I. VOs shall see-and-avoid any obstacle that will lessen safety during all missions. 

II. VOs are responsible for the ground safety enforcement per-during and post 

miSSIOn. 

III. Under rare and specific missions have high visibility, VOs shall operate any 

attached systems and accessories to the UAS such as cameras or sensor arrays. 

IV. AVOs primary duty during a mission is to have continuous eyes-on the UAS 

during all modes of operation allowing the PIC to maintain complete focus on the 

operation of the UAS. 

V. VOs shall remain alert of suspicious persons or activities on the ground and 

coordinate response by informing the Flight Director and other security and or 

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operations ground personnel. 

c) 

VI. VOs shall pmviae verbal commands and. monitor UAS flight position delivering 

radio flight safety updates as needed. 

VII_ VOs.shalLupdate_and assist the PIC with safe operation alerts of the liAS mission 

as needed. 

VIII. VOs shall be responsible for assisting the PIC with completing all 

documentation of each mission and the updating of flight logs and other notations. 

Personal Equipment 

I. PICsNOs shall wear eye sun protection at all times when required while the UAS 

is in flight to improve their line of sight quality during a mission. 

II. The Flight Director, PIC, VO and flight operations personnel should take 

necessary measures to deploy in a professional manner and assure that they are 

recognized via standard group colors. 

IlL PICs, VOs and personnel will take into c~msideration the current weather 

conditions when planning a mission and wear appropriate clothing to deploy 

comfortably. 

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IV. Use of additional personal radios or cellular phones during missions are not to be 

operated or in use during any flight operation unless being used as backup 

communications resources. (Use of personal radios or other electronic devices are 

strictly prohibited during aH flights.) 

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V PICs, VOs and personnel should at all times take into consideration safe operation of 

the UAS when using radios or another communication electronic devices associated with 

fughtoperatiorts or the mission. 

5.0 Pre-Flight/Post-Flight Actions 5.1 Inspections 

a) PICsNOs are both responsible for a thorough preflight inspection of the UAS 

and other important inspection operations with regards to UAS equipment. 

b) Before and after each mission deployment the PIC, VO and flight operations 

personnel shall condU<.,1:a thorough inspection ofthe UAS in accordance with UAS 

instructions contained in the manufactures user's manual. 

c) PIC~VO and.flight operations persoru;J.el shall perfo~ all.pre-4eploy:ment 

operations needed such as UAS to radio calibration and of bench testing processes 

to help insure a safe mission when deployed. 

d) Any issues found that could place the flight or ground personnel,the U AS or 

systems and equipment in jeopardy of safe operations, shall be documented and 

resolved immediately prior to flight. 

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e) It has been recognized that the use of a checklist is a significant method to 

combat UAS accidents. A pre-flight checklist is contained at the Base Station and 

will be utilized prior to each flight. 

f) Any system and or physical equipment issues that cannot be resolved through 

additional inspection and on-site testing may change the UAS's airworthy and 

ready status. 

g) Any system and or physical equipment issues that may have an impact on 

safety of the mission will change the UAS's airworthy and ready status to "Not 

Ready for Fight". All deployment and pre-flight issues with personnel or 

equipment must be resolved before flight. 

5.2 Weather 

Before each deployment the Flight Director, PIC and or VO will ensure that he/she 

gathers enough information to make themselves familiar with the weather conditions 

exjsting throughout~. area of deployment for the Flight Duration of the mission. 

a) The PIC shall utilize FAA approved weather resources to obtain the latest and 

most current weather conditions. 

b) An anemometer will be utilized at the mission location in order to better 

estimate the wind speed and determine if it is within the flight performance 

envelope of the UAS being deployed. 

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U.S. Department of Transportation Page 1 

c) UAS PICs, VOs and flight operations personnel will use the Beaufort scale when 

making deployment decisions in regards to wind conditions. This scale can be located in 

the UAS manufacture's user's manual. If not visit: www.flyingv.noaa.gov/faq/tomado/ 

beaufort.html 

d) The weather conditions reported for the operation shall be recorded in the flight 

log pre and post flight. 

e) The PIC shall ensure that the flights will occur within VFR weather 

requirements. 

53 Planning 

a) The PIC, VO and flight and ground personnel shall familiarize themselves with 

all available information concerning the UAS deployment including, but not 

limited to, the weather conditions, flight zone or area, hazards, and the mission 

goals. 

b) PIC will ensure that the location for take-off and emergency landing is 

adequate for safe UAS deployment and recovery. 

c) The take-off/landing location should be clearly marked and identifiable with 

electric lights, brightly colored short cones or by other appropriate methods. 

d) The PIC will identify at lea~t one emergency landing area pre-mis.~ion 

deployment and clearly mark and make all personnel aware of its location. 

e) PICs will ensure that they are aware of their surroundings in the event that an 

emergency landing is necessary. This includes the ability to recover the UAS in 

UAVSA Release 1.4 

25. 
UAVSA Release 1.4 

U.S: Department of Transportation Pagel 

encumbered areas. 

5.4 Checklists 

a) PICs shall utilize checklists to ensure the highest level of safety. 

b) Prior to flight, the flight log shall be notated and other flight documents of 

record will be completed with important entries of data. 

5.5 Maintenance 

a) Although there are few parts on the UAS that need servicing, it is necessary 

that the manufacturer's maintenance schedule is followed and properly 

documented. 

b) Any issues that arise during maintenance that cannot be resolved by routine 

methods shall be forwarded to the manufacturer for further technical support and 

repair. 

5.6 Other 

a) UAS PICsNOs will ensure that no items are attached to the UAS prior to flight that 

are not required for safe operation and to complete the mission goal. 

UAVSA Release 1.4 

26 
UAVSA Release 1.4 2015 

Pilot in Command (PIC) 

Operating Manual 

PIC leadership rule is to assure that all Company equipment may only be operated by approved 

Company employees and can only be used properly for internal or external Company business. 

PIC must always follow the Company Code of Conduct for the deployment and operation of the 

Company's UAS and its equipment. 

PIC must always follow all FAA Rules and Regulations for the safe flight and operations of the 

Company's UAS as defined below but not limited to by these basic rules: 

• PIC must always operate at or under 400 feet Above Ground Level (AGL ). 

• PIC must always maintain Visual Line of Sight (VLS) at all times during flight 

operations. 

• Maximum flight times will be no greater than 30 minutes flight time or with 25% battery 

power remaining, whichever occurs first. However, sUAS with hybrid power systems 

may extend the flight time in the air based on 25% of remaining fuel on board. 

• Ensure that no persons are an owed within 500 feet ofthe area except those consenting to 

be involved and necessary for filming or other approved application uses ofUAS. 

• PIC must always be sure that the UAS is prepared for flight and that the batteries and or 

fuel on board is adequate to perform the intended flight and return safely under the UAS 

lost signal programming. 

• PIC must always check the UAS Flight Log and Pilot's Log for discrepancies and 

maintenance issues. 

• PIC must always check local weather of flight operations before launching the UAS. 

• PIC must always fly with visual minimums under the Visual Flight Rule (VFR). 

• PIC is responsible for the continuous observation of the UAS using the unaided eye (with 

the exception of corrective lenses}. 

• PIC must ensure that Bench-Check list has been performed before aircraft arrives on-set. 

• PIC must perform all Pre-Flights and Post Flight Check List. 

a ~ l Bf4 
UAVSA Release 1A 2015 

i i 

i 

• PIC deems weather unreasonable he/she may cancel/ postpone flight until conditions are 

deemed fly worthy. 

• PIC's main and number one responsibility is to the Safety of the entire crew, location 

participants, the Company UAS and equipment. 

• :Pre wilt always log his or her flying time in their PIC tog Book example shown: 

-· .· •• 

··.· .. ·. 

··-·· ,.,._~ 

· .. .. 

.. 

- '~-~ " 

1···. ··.·· 1•. i . ,., . .,. . . .. ,. ·--~" 

: I [. ' 

~GE!OTAL ' 

r .:.· 

' I •. l - AMlfORWARD ! .·.·. 

lOT ALTO IJATE . ·.• · 

---·--~ 1--- ~t--~ -- -- 1--·- -- . 

I. ... L ... 

Page 2 of4 

... 

.· 
UAVSA Release 1.4 2015 

Emergency Procedures 

Additional Emergency Communication can be found in the Flight and Communications Manual. 

A. Review Emergency Landing Zones 

1. PIC, VO and other Ground Managers review location for emergency landing 

Zone (ELZ) Locations in the Flight Envelope. 

2. In an Emergency situation if you are able, bring the UAS to the ELZ and land, 

if not, then land as soon as possible. 

3. If major failures have occurred that may endanger life or property, try and maneuver 

the UAS to any clear area and land immediately. 

B. Loss U AS Control Signal with the PIC Base Transmitter 

® 1. PIC Announce: "I have lost control of the UAS." 

a. Identify clear areas in case of emergency landing, 

(If possible, use visuals from transmitter.) 

Notify crew and participants through Voice, Radio or Bullhorn. 

C. Emergency Transmitter Controller Protocol (each controller may have different locations 

for switches and flight attitude) 

1. Flip Antenna Switch to High Power. 

2. If in GPS Flip Switch to ATT Test Control 

3. PIC regains control, immediately land UAS. 

(If there is no response.) 

4. Flip toggle switch from GPS to Manual 

5. Flip Throttle Curve all the way to Closed Switch Position. 

6. Slow movements (Try to regain control). 

7. PIC regains control, immediately land UAS 

a. Notify and alert crew and participants through Radio and bullhorn. 

8. PIC Announce: "I have control of the UAS" 

"Be alert, I'm landing UAS oo.w." 

D. Wind or Weather Change 

Weather rapidly deteriorates; heavy rain, strong winds, poor visibility. 

1. PIC notifies and alerts crew and participants through voice, radio, or bullhorn 

2. PIC Announce: "Weather conditions below minimums" 

Page 3 of4 
IJAVSA Release 1A: ;!QlS 

E. UAS Down Protocol 

g If there are any injuries, call emergency services immediately @ 911. 

1. PIC Announce: "UAS down" Make sure everyone is safe! 

a. PIC - get crash safety kit on mobile cart: includes fire extinguisher and a first 

aid kit, etc. 

F. Severe Danger 

If the battery has cracked there is increased risk of a chemical fire that would need to 

be extinguished with water or by other means identified and prepared for during the 

U AS equipment check list. 

Page4of4 
UAVSA Release 1.4 2015 

Company Protocol 

1. All participants are required to call out "Safety Firsf' it they spot a problem 

or danger. 

2. The Company expects and requires all individuals to be sober of mind and 

body. 

3. A zero tolerance for all drugs and alcohol will be applied to everyone on 

location representing Company and any other participants. 

4. All Company crew and staff involved with any and all UAS services are 

expected to have thoroughly reviewed the project, schedule, and project 

list prior to project. 

5. All Company employees are expected to follow all Company protocols and 

Checklists. 

6. Be on location on time. 

7. Communicate all of the time with everyone involved in flight operations. 

8. Always make "Safety First" and have first aid kit at all operation locations. 

9. Never leave UAS batteries spent, charged or otherwise loose at any 

location and properly dispose of all failed batteries through proper 

channels. 

10. Company staff and personnel must always maintain and high degree of 

professionalism, meaning following the Operations and Protocols as 

present by the PIC and or Location Director. 

11 . Never leave locations until area has been fully policed and all trash, debris 

or disorder has been cleaned. 

12. Report any unlawful or illegal request or action immediately to Company 

gir~ct9r~ sng/9r sYlh9rJtj~~~ 

13.1nspect, clean, organize, package, and take inventory of all UAS Company 

equipment at the completion of project. 

14. Never leave fuel, matches, or any combustibles at locations. 

15. Report lost or questionable misplaced equipment, supplies or other 

Company items of importance such as documents, logs, maps, etc. 
.. ' 

UA VSA Release 1.1 

U.S. Department of Transportation 

Page 1 

Location Protocols 

1. Before Aniving on Location 

a. Check NOTAMS 

b. View Weather and Pilot Reports 

i. AIRME.T 

ii. SIGMET 

c. Pre-Flight Weather Briefing and Forecast 

d. Inform A TC of your flight plan if required 

2. After Anival to Location 

a. Tum Cell Phones on Vibrate and Airplane Mode. 

b. Greet Production Team and Introduce the Company Team 

·c. Make Flight plan {if Nat Already Discussed) and set time f"Or F1:nal S-afety 

Briefing Before first takeoff w/ everyone on set. 

i. Inform Location Manager that area needs to be cleared 

ii. Flight and Educate on Pre-Flight Checklist 

e. Confirm walkie-talkie for team is working properly ATC corns fully working 

prGfl0TJy u+1eed.ed. 

f. Check Weather at Local Weather Service 

g. Check and Mark: 

i. Wind Direction 

ii. Average wind 

iii. Relative Humidity 

iv. Outside Temperature 

h. Make Reference of Suns Location and Flight Plan 

3. Clear Area Protocol 

a. Set a perimeter for Take-Off 

b. A 200 foot Circle area must be clear of people 

'C. Rev1:ew Flight P:lan/ Shot List 

d. Identify and Clear Flight Area 

i. Walk Through Of Entire Flight Area Look for Potential Hazards and 

Hidden Obstacles Along Flight path 

ii. Power Lines, Poles, Potential Magnetic Interference, Trees, Objects 

tl:mt-move m the wind., W-itld l'Wltlel.s 

e. Locate best Base Station for Equipment 

f. 'Locate Pilot Station for Clear Visual Line for shot. 

g. Identify Emergency Landing Locations throughout upcoming flight paths 

h. If there are Hazards along flight Path find alternatives to get the shot. 

i. Record, writing concerns about upcoming flight and review with the Location 

Manager. 

j. Record in writing '~Alternative Safe Flight Paths" 
UA VSA Release 1.1 

'i U.S. Department of Transportation 

Page2 

k. Check Height Restrictions for upcoming Flight Path ofUAS s return to home 

feature 

l. Make Adjustment in Software by other means if Necessary 

m. Review Data from Previous Flights 

n. Make Adjustments to Pilot Connection Channels for Best Connection 

4. Start Final Check For Multi-rotor 

a. See PIC Set Final Checklist PDF 

b. After Final Check ofUAS equipment call for final Safety Briefing w/ 

Location Manager and Set Crew 

5. Final Safety Briefing 

a. Share w/ Location Manager and Crew Potential Hazards for upcoming shot. 

b. If there are any changes to flight path that need to happen make 

recommendations for alternatives now. 

6. UAS Limitations 

a. Height Restrictions 

b. Distance Restrictions 

·c. Battery H1ght Time L1m1iatwns 

d. Clear Line of Sight Rules 

e. Wind Tolerance 

f. Air Craft Flight Characteristics 

g. What to Expect w/ Sound from UAS 

}l, FAA R.egalatio:es .and R.Y~s 

a. Everyone on set needs to be on high Alert When UAS is cleared for Flight. 

i. Everyone on set that is available needs to keep eyes on UAS at all 

times if possible. 

ii. Identify Crew members that need to focus on their jobs and cannot 

give attention to UAS when in Flight. 

iii. Assign Crew to be the eyes and warning system 

b. Emergency Procedures for Losing Control OfUAS 

i. If for any reason Control ofUAS is lost 

c. PIC- Loudly Announce 

i. I have no Control ofUAS 

ii. Everyone On Set EYES on UAS 

d. Start Reconnection Process. 

e. Make Sure Landing Area is Clear (go home function should start) 

f. Everyone on set needs to have eyes on UAS at all times During Flight and 

maintain eye contact until UAS is back on Ground and powered down. 

g. Emergency Procedures ifUAS Crash Lands 

i. Make Sure Everyone is Safe 

h. If someone is injured immediately contact emergency services 

'i. Clear ·wreckage AREA and Stay 500 feet from UA.'S 
UA VSA Release 1.1 

U.S. Department of Transportation 

Page3 

j. If battery is on fire, take action to put it out w/ Fire Kit located at Ground 

Station 

k. Ask Crew if they have any Final Questions 

I. Wrap up Final Safety Meeting 

7. Return to Ground Station and Prepare for Flight 

a. Final Check and Clearing of Flight Area 

b. Final Meeting with VO and Gimbal Operator 

c .. Announce To Producer that We are Clear and Ready for Take-Off 

d. * * * If anything changes to Flight Plan before flight or if Weather Changes. 

IE. Wind, Sun Direction orPotential Hazards are Identified 

8. Hold Flight 

a. Let Producer Know we are not clear to fly 

b. Share Safety Concerns 

c. Re-Clear Flight Area- walk through and Restart Clear Area Protocol 

9. Gimbal Operator and VO Arriving on set Set-Up Protocols 

a. Unload Gear from Vehicle 

b. Go Through Vehicle Checklist upon Arrival 

c. Check-inAll Gear to SetListPDF 

d. Tum Cell Phones on Vibrate and Airplane Mode. 

e. Start Scan 

10. Set Walk Through 

a. Set a perimeter for Take-Off 

b. A 200 foot Circle area must be clear of people 

c.. Review Flight Plan! Shot List 

d. Identify and Clear Flight Area 

e. Walk Through of Entire Flight Area Look for Potential Hazards and Hidden 

Obstacles Along Flight path if Identified share with PIC 

f. Power Lines, Poles, Potential Magnetic Interference, Trees, Objects that move 

in the wind, Wind Tunnels 

g. Locate best Base Station for Equipment 

h. Locate Pilot Station for Clear Visual Line for shot. 

i. Identify Emergency Landing Locations throughout upcoming flight paths 

j. If there are any Hazards along flight Path figure out alternatives to get the 

shot. 

i. Write Down Concerns Share with PIC. 

ii. Write Down Alternative Safe Flight Paths 

k Check Height Restrictions for upcoming Flight Path ofUAS s return to home 

feature 

1. Make Adjustment through Software if Necessary 

m. After PIC identifies flight Area Set up Base Station (refer to Base Station PDF 

for Locations for Tent Tables and Chairs, Charging Station Setup and Tripod 

and Monitor Placement 
UAVSARe1ease 1.1 

U.S. Department of Transportation 

Page4 

n. All antennas installed and all pointing in correct directions 

o. Set Up Transmitters 

p. Set Up Charging Station 

q. Set up Pilot and Gimbal Monitors 

r. Set up and Balance Gimbal and Camera 

s. Camera Battery Full 

t SD card-Make sure Memory card has been formatted and is clear 

u. Remove lens cap/Clean lens/ Put Lens Cap Back On 

11. Battery Check 

a. Transmitters Pilot and Gimbal Operator 

i. Fully Charged 

it Make sure 2 Backup Batteries are charged and ready to go 

b. Video Downlink 

i. Make sure all Systems are On and Operating 

ii. ***Make sure Antennas are Tight and Secure before Powering On 

iii. Power On 

c. PIC- Monitor 

i. Power on and check indicator for battery charge 

ii. *** Make sure Antennas are tight and secure before powering on 
UAVSA Release 1.4 2015 

Flight Communications Protocols 

Communications Briefmg: Safety Procedures and Communication Protocol 

A. Mayday 

1. Mayday announcements are performed only by the PIC. 

2. Mayday announcements force all filming operations to halt and for all crews and 

participants to take the necessary precautions and/or actions to locate the UAS 

and, if needed, fmd shelter. 

3. Mayday announcements force all UAS crew to immediately locate the UAS, 

direct others out of its flight path, and/or if needed, direct them to shelter. 

B. Clear the flight location 

1. Clear the flight location announcements are performed by the location or UAS 

crew in charge. 

2. Clearing the flight location announcements for emergencies such as frres, 

explosions or other life threating dangerous circumstances may be performed by 

police, security, fire personnel or any of the UAS or location crew. 

C. In-Flight Emergency 

1. Land-Land-Land Announcements can be initiated by any of the UAS crew before 

departure, in flight or any other condition that requires the pilot to immediately 

land the U AS aircraft. 

2. The UAS crew can at any time before or during a flight for whatever reason such 

as he or she feels or observes that the flight is unsafe, can announce, "We have a 

problem and need to land." 

D. Defining In-Flight Emergency 

1. Any UAS crew member can call an In Fight Emergency by Announcing to the 

Pilot I PIC: "We have a problem and need to land." 

2. "Stating a problem as· clear and concise as possible ''the need to land." 

3. Pilot Announces Response: "Copy landing immediately." 

E. In-Flight Corrections and Announcements 

1. Pilot loses orientation ofUAS In-flight. 

a. Pilot Announce: "UAS orientation lost." 

b. VO Announce: "Last seen position was __ ." 
UAVSA Release 1.42015 

; ' 

2. Corrective Action 

a. PIC Announce: "use camera to fmd ground marker." 

F. Signal is Lost In Flight 

a. Pilot Announce: "I have lost control ofUAS." 

b. Pilot Announce: "UAS is not responding to my commands." 

c. PIC Announce: "signal lost informing crews." 

G. Make all crews aware that the UAS signal is lost and to be on high alert. 

Organization and Equipment 

A. UAS Flight, ground crew team and important location crew. 

i. PIC, UAS Pilot I Camera operator 

B. UAS Team Communication Equipment 

i. Hand Radios or walkie talkies 

ii. Head Set w/Mics as required 

iii. Bullhorn for flight location Flight Announcements 

C. UAS Communication Equipment 

i. UAS Base Radio Controller 

Communications Check 

A Sync Radio Channels 

1. Test All Channels 

1. Select one Channel for Flight Operations 

2. Select one Channel for Emergency Backup 

B. Radio Communications Check 

1. PIC Announce: Radio Check "Name and Position Radio Check" 

l.PIC, Pilot In Command 

2. Camera Operator 

3. Observer x (Number of Observers) 

4.Location Crew x (Number of"Required Only" Location Crew) 

ii. PIC Announce: "We have Radio Com" 

C. Bull Hom for the Location Flight Announcements Check 

i. PIC Announce: "Flight and Crew Com Check" 

ii. Observer (On Radio) Announce: "Bull Hom Check Affirmative" 

iii. Location Crew (On Radio) Announce: "Bull Hom Check Affirmative" 

D. Clear Communications must be established before each flight. 
------------------------------------- UAVSA Release 1.4 2015 

i' • 

Communications and Checks Prior to Takeoff 

A. Battery Check Before Takeoff 

i. PIC Announce: "Voltage Check ____ Volts ____ % of battery." 

ii. Observer Announce: Mark Voltage in Pilot Log 

iii. Observer Announce: "Repeat Voltage, Before Takeoff'' after imputing data into 

pilot Log. 

iv. PIC Announce: "Powering UAS" 

1. PIC Action: Plug in Batteries Red than Black 

v. PIC Announce: "UAS Has power" 

vi. PIC Announce: "Battery Voltage on Monitor ____ Volts" 

vii. Observer Respond: "Repeat Voltage, imputing voltage into Pilot Log." 

B. UAS to Ground Controller Pairing 

i. PIC Announce: Satellite Pairing 

1.Activity: LED Description, "what colors are flashing" ex. Purple-GPS 

Yell ow-Attitude mode 

2.After GPS locks and Home Point is recorded LED will Flash Green 

ii. PIC Announce: "Satellite Lock _10 __ satellites, Home Base Recorded" 

iii. PIC Announce: "Camera on?" 

iv. Camera Operator respond: "Camera is Recording, Batteries are good" 

C. Preparing for Takeoff 

i. PIC Announce: "Final Check of Flight Area" 

ii. Observer Respond: " __ name __ Final Check Complete ready for Take Off' 

iii. Gimbal Operator: " __ name_ Final Check Complete ready for Take Off." 

iv. PIC Announce: "Ready for Power." 

v. PIC Announce: "1 minute to Power, Take Positions and Ready for Power." 

vi. Camera Operator: "Camera Operator in Position and Ready." 

vii. Observer Respond: "Observer in Position and Ready for Power." 

viii. PIC Announce: "Clear for Take-off, Powering Motors." 

ix. PIC Announce: "Ready for Take Off, Final check of flight area 

x. Observer Respond: " __ name __ Clear Ready for Take Off." 

xi. Camera Operator: " __ name_" Clear Ready for Take Off." 

xii. PIC: "Clear to Power up UAS." 

xiii. PIC Announce Loudly: "Powering Motors and Taking Off." 
UAVSA Release 1.4 2015 

i ,.. f l 

In Flight Communications 

1. Immediately after taking-off, at low level make sure you have full control ofUAS. 

i. PIC Announce: "Systems Check Complete Ready for Flight." 

ii. Camera Operator: "Camera Ready." 

iii. PIC Announce:" Voltage on Monitor after take-off" 

iv. Observer respond: "Repeat Voltage on Monitor." 

v. PIC: Ready to Initiate Flight Plan. 

vi. Observer Respond: " __ name __ ready". 

vtl. Camera Operator: " __ name __ Camera ready for Flight Plan" 

viii. PIC: Starting Flight in 3, 2, 1" 

2. Completing Flight Plan Return to Location or Base 

1. Observer: "Negative Flight Plan." 

ii. PIC: Roger, UAS returning to Start Filming Position for a second pass 

Or 

iii. Observer: "Flight Plan Complete." 

iv. PIC: Roger, UAS returning to base for landing. 

3. Landing Communication 

i. PIC announce loudly: "Landing UAS." 

ii. Camera Operator: "Roger, landing UAS, returning camera to center." 

iii. Camera Operator: "Camera centered, ready landing gear." 

iv. PIC: "Landing gear down and locked, on-fmal." 

v. PIC: "Clear Landing zone. 

vi. Observer: "Landing zone clear." 

vii. Camera Operator: "Landing check." 

viii. PIC: motors off 
UAVSA Release 1.4 2015 

4. After motors shut-off initiate post flight checklist 

In Flight- Observer Commands 

i. Observer: Relays info to Pilot I PIC 

ii. Observer: Announce Altitude every 20 feet in elevation change -if required 

IfUAS is getting out of sight or hard to locate. 

iii. Observer: "U AS VLOS problem, losing line of sight." 

iv. Observer: Lost UAS, abort Flight Plan. 

v. Observer Announce: "Aircraft/Danger spotted, Abort Flight." Describe situation, 

direction and heading. 

vi. Pilot "Aircraft Landing immediately." 

vii. Observer Announce: "UAS spotted, Abort Flight. 

vm. Observer Announce: UAS in unapproved air-space, climb, descend, proceed 

(direction) immediately (as required) 

ix. Ovserver: "UAS is in view, landing immediately." 
UAVSARelease 1.1 

-u.s. Department of Transportation 

Pagel 

Departing Location Protocols 

A. PIC: Inform ATC of Completion of Flight Plan if Necessary 

B. Final Measure Weather and Check and Mark Pilot's and Operation's Log. 

Wind Direction 

Wind Velocity 

Relative Humidity 

Barometric Pressure 

Outside Temperature 

Flight Duration 

Flight Performance 

C. Record Flight Notes, and UAS Performance (energy consumed). 

D. Safety Debriefing of Flight and Operations Crews. 

E. Breakdown UAS and Place in Travel Safety Case. 

F. Crew: Carefully Pack Gear and other location Essentials. 

1. Gear Checklist in Each Case 

2. Make sure each Case has all equipment 

3. Refer to each Case Packaging Slip (PDF located in each Case) 

G. Case Checklist 

1. Make sure all Cases brought to set are accounted for and Mark on Checklist. 

H. After each Operations all Company Team are require to attend a Safety 

Debriefing. 

I. Team Meeting to Discuss Flight what was done correctly and what could have 

been better executed. 

J. Review All Communications and Discuss Improvements, Failures and Edits for 

the Next Fli~ht Operations. 

K. Review Company Protocols and Discuss Edits, Changes and or Additions to the 

Various Flight and Operations Protocols. 

L. Discuss with the Team if the Base Camp Diagram and the Tent Location was laid 

out properly and could it be improved for the Next Project. 
UAVSARelease 1.1 

U.S. Department of Transportation 

Pagel 

Transmitter Protocols 

Ground Station Set up Checklist 

A. PIC Operator 

1. Unit: Check Transmitter for Damage 

2. Battery: Check for Full Voltage Battery Packs (Test with Proper Battery Testing Unit for Actuals) 

B. Remove Transmitter from Case, Inspect for damage Cracks, Antenna Secure, 

switches, nobs, stick work properly. 

C. Make Sure All Switches are in Start Positions 

(All switches flipped away from operator) 

LD and RD are Center 

D. Power On Unit 

Take note of Voltage and Time 

E. Make Sure the correct UAS model is selected under "model" 

Reset Timers (Timers are programmed to start when throttle is engaged) 

F. Make sure all Trims are Centered 

G. Connection, Test and Check UAS to Transmitter Parity 

H. Perform Antenna Strength Test on Transmit 

Gimbal Control 

I. PIC Operator 

3. Unit: Transmitter Protocols (Transmitter make and model) 

4. Battery: Check for Full Voltage on -Battery Packs (Test with Proper Battery 

Testing Unit for Actuals) 

J. Remove Transmitter from Case, Inspect for damage Cracks, Antenna Secure, 

switches, nobs, stick work properly. 

K. Make Sure All Switches are in Start Positions 

(All switches flipped away from operator) 

LD and RD are Center 

L. Power On Unit (Take note of Voltage and Time) 
. 'f':~· 

.----] (L_ UAVSA Release 1.1 

.t ·~ ~- U.S. DepartmentofTransportation 

Page2 

M. Make sure all Trims are Centered 

N. Make Sure Correct Video Downlink is selected 

0. Reset Timers (Timers are programmed to start when you push start) 

P. PowerOffUnit 

Q. Make Sure Antennas on Video Downlink are tight and secure 

R. Power On Video Downlink 

S. Connection Test w/ Video Downlink Receiver 

T. Perform Antenna Strength Test on Transmitter 

U. Make sure Gimbal Functions are working correctly 

V. Make sure Video Connection is clear and signal is strong. 
UAVSA Release 1.3 

Pre-flight Checklist 

A. Weather 

1. Check weather to ensure safe operating conditions. 

B. Location 

1. Check for nearest airport 

u. NotifY property manager of arrival and daily expectations. 

111. Check property and surrounding areas for radio towers, buildings, power 

lines, and other obstructions. 

IV. Designate a safe takeoff and landing location. 

v. Clean up all trash and debris from area. 

C. Radios 

1. Remove from case. 

u. Turn on radios. 

111. Ensure radios are on proper aircraft model. 

IV. Ensure radios have proper battery voltage. 

v. Ensure radios are transmitting on proper frequencies. 

VI. Ensure radio switches are all operational. 

D. Ground stations 

1. Remove from case. 

u. Plug batteries into ground stations. 

m. Check antennas on ground stations for serviceability. 

IV. Turn on ground stations. 

v. Ensure ground stations are on proper receiving channels. 

E. Aircraft 

n. Remove aircraft from case. 

iii. Set up aircraft. 

IV. Check aircraft hardware for proper security. 

v. Check aircraft components for proper security. 

vi. Check propellers for any indications of chips, cracks, or wear beyond safe 

serviceability. 

vn. Check camera for full battery. 

viii. Check camera for SD card. 

1x. Check camera for clean lens. 
UAVSA Release 1.3 

x. Secure camera in gimbal. 

x1. Check flight battery for proper overall voltage and voltage of individual 

cells. 

xii. Check video transmitter battery for proper overall voltage and voltage of 

individual cells. 

xiii. Plug in batteries and let aircraft initialize. 

x1v. Calibrate aircraft to location. 

xv. Ensure proper satellites acquired. 

xv1. Ensure OSD is displaying all accurate information. 

xvn. Tum on camera. 

xvm. Ensure operation of camera gimbal. 

xtx. Ensure ground stations are receiving video signals from cameras. 
UAVSA Release 1.3 

Post-flight Checklist 

A. Aircraft 

1. Unplug flight battery. 

ii. Unplug video transmitter battery. 

iii. Check aircraft temperatures of motors and other electronics. 

1v. Check hardware on aircraft to ensure tightness. 

v. Check propellers for any indications of chips, cracks, or wear beyond safe 

serviceability. 

v1. Store aircraft in case. 

vn. Put batteries back into storage cases. 

B. Batteries 

1. Check temperature of batteries. 

n. Check batteries for any indication of swelling. 

iii. Cheek overall voltage of battery packs. 

1v. Check individual cell voltages in battery packs. 

v. Put batteries on storage charge. 

C. Camera 

i. Verify that recording has stopped. 

11. Turn off camera. 

iii. Remove camera from gimbal. 

D. Radios 

1. Tum off radios. 

11. Put radios back into cases. 

E. Ground stations 

1. Turn off ground stations. 

ii. Unplug batteries from ground stations. 

iii. Check antennas on ground stations for serviceability . 

1v. Pack ground stations into cases. 

F. Other 

1. Clean up all trash and debris in area. 

ii. Notify property owners of departure. 
UAVSA Release 1.3 

Equipment Checklist 

A. Aircraft G. Laptop 

1. Travel case 1. Power supply 

ii. Logbook 

111. 2 camera mounting 

screws 

H. Spare parts 

1. Propellers 

1V. 2 battery trays 11. Zip ties 

111. Super glue 

B. Batteries 1V. Double-sided tape 

l. Flight batteries 

11. Video transmitter 

v. Boom locks 

Vl. Velcro 

batteries 

iii. Velcro I. Tools 

1. Battery voltage checkers 

C. Camera ii. Tool kit 

1. Travel Case iii. Scissors 

11. Batteries lV. Allen wrenches 

iii. Charger 

1V. Lens cap 

v. Lens 

v. Infrared thermometer 

Vl. Soldering iron 

V11. Solder 

vi. Cleaning Cloths viii. Shrink tube 

vii. Dust Blaster 

viii. Filters 

1X. SD cards 

D. Ground stations 

1. Monitors 

11. Tripods 

111. Antennas 

1V. Batteries 

v. Battery adapter cables 

E. Radios 

1. Travel case 

ii. Batteries 

111. Charger 

F. Charger 

1. Power supply 

11. Power supply cable 

111. Charger 

tv. Balance boards 

v. Battery adapters