Ferrer Video

Productions

MOTION PICTURE & TELEVISION

FLIGHT OPERATIONS MANUAL

Revision: Original

Date: January 8, 2016

FERRER VIDEO PRODUCTIONS

PO Box 363564

San Juan,PR 00936-3564

(787) 283-7309

(787) 642-5427

ferrervideo@yahoo.com
Table of Contents

1. Introduction PAGE

A. Purpose 3

B. Owner/Operator & Organization 3

C. Persons Authorized 3

D. Area of Operations 3

E. Plan of Activities 4

F. Permission to Operate 4

G. Security 5

G1. Safety of Flight 5

G2. See-and-Avoid 5

H. Briefing of Pilot/Production Personnel 6

I. Certification/Airworthiness 6

J. Pilot Personnel/Minimum Requirements 7

K. Communications 7

L. Accident Notification 7

M. Recall/Stop Procedures 8

N. Special Provisions 8

2. Company Organization 8

A. Director of Videography 8

B. Pilot in Command 9

C. Visual Observer 9

Appendix 

Appendix A - Location Permission Form 10

Appendix B - List of Approved UASs 11

Appendix C- Verbal Permission Record Form 12

Appendix D- Form 7711-2 (certification of waiver) 13

Appendix E-Revision Letter 14
1. Introduction

A. Purpose

This manual has been developed by "Ferrer Video Productions.", hereafter referred to 

as "FVP", in conjunction with an application for a Certificate of Waiver of Authorization 

of the provisions of FAR 91.119 (b) and (c) for the purposes of filming (Docket ID: FAA2015-4844). FVP Pilots, camera operators, visual observers, and other company 

personnel when applicable, will comply with the policies, procedures, and conditions of 

this manual, whenever motion picture or television UAS flight operations are performed 

that require an Exemption and/or Waiver of Authorization as mentioned above. 

B. Owner/Operator & Organization

Francisco R. Ferrer

Owner / Video Director

Ferrer Video Productions

PO Box 363564

San Juan, PR 00936-3564

(787)-283-7309 (787) 642-5427 cell

C. Persons Authorized

FAR 91.119 (c) is waived only with respect to those persons, vehicles and

structures directly involved in the performance of the actual filming. The certificate 

holder shall ensure that no persons are allowed within 500 feet of the area except those 

consenting to be involved and necessary for the filming production. This provision may 

be reduced to no less than 200 feet if an equivalent level of safety can be achieved and 

the Administrator has approved it. For example, an equivalent level of safety may be 

determined by an aviation safety inspector’s (ASI) evaluation of the filming production 

area to note terrain features, obstructions, buildings, etc. Such barriers may protect 

nonparticipating persons (e.g. observers, the public, news media, etc.) from debris in 

the event of an accident.

D. Area of Operations

FVP's approved area of operations will be the continental United States, including its 

territories and possessions.
E. Plan of Activities

At least three (3) days prior to any scheduled filming, FVP will submit a written plan of 

activities to the local Flight Standards District Offices (FSDO) having jurisdiction over 

that area. The plan of activities should include the following:

(1) Dates and times for all flights.

(2) Name and phone number of person responsible for the filming production

event.

(3) Name and phone number of person responsible for aircraft.

(4) Make, model, and serial or N-number of aircraft to be used and type of

airworthiness certificate, including category.

(5) Name and certificate number of pilots involved in the filming production

event, including any notation of external load endorsements or aerobatic

competency, if required.

(6) A statement that the waiver holder has obtained permission from property

owners and/or local officials to conduct the filming production event. The

list of those who gave permission must be made available to the inspector

upon request from the waiver holder.

(7) Signature of waiver holder or representative.

(8) A description of the flight activity including maps or diagrams of any area,

city, town, county, and/or State over which filming will be conducted and the

minimum altitudes essential to accomplish the operations.

The three (3) day notification equipments may be waived, however, the operator

should contact the FSDO as soon as possible with this request and be prepared to 

explain in detail why the three (3) day notification is not practical.

F. Permission to Operate

Before any flight operations is conducted at less than 500 feet under the

provisions of the certificate of waiver and this manual, the operator will obtain

permission to conduct these operations from property owners and local officials as 

necessary or appropriate. Persons from whom permission may be required are listed 

below: 

(1) Property owners

(2) Law enforcement officials

(3) Fire department officials

(4) Local, State and Federal government
(5) Air traffic control

The Ferrer Video Prodution (FVP) personnel obtaining such permission will do so in 

writing whenever practical, however, verbal permission is acceptable otherwise. FVP 

personnel will notate verbal permission on the verbal permission record form (sample 

provided in Appendix item C). A standard permission form is provided in Appendix A 

and may be used when obtaining written permission. FVP personnel will assure a 

sufficient number of those forms are available at the job site. Written permission forms 

will be maintained at the job site until flight operations are completed, and then turned 

into the Director of Videography to be kept on file for a minimum of six (6) months. 

These forms will be made available for inspection by the Federal Aviation Administration 

(FAA) or other official personnel upon request.

G. Security

Prior to any flight operation the operator will coordinate with appropriate

production personnel to devise a plan of securing the area(s) of operation from all 

unauthorized persons and vehicles to a minimum perimeter described in Section C 

(Persons Authorized) above. Provisions will be made to immediately discontinue 

operations should the area(s) become unsecured or for any other reason in the interest 

of safety.

G1. Safety of Flight

The operator or pilot in command (PIC) is responsible for halting or canceling activity in 

the COA area if, at any time, the safety of persons or property on the ground or in the 

air is in jeopardy, or if there is a failure to comply with the terms or conditions of the 

Certificate of Waiver of Authorization.

G2. See-and-Avoid

Unmanned aircraft have no on-board pilot to perform see-and-avoid responsibilities; 

therefore, when operating outside of active restricted and warning areas approved for 

aviation activities, provisions must be made to ensure an equivalent level of safety 

exists for unmanned operations consistent with 14 CFR Part 91 §91.111, §91.113 and 

§91.115.

The pilot in command (PIC) is responsible:

• To remain clear and give way to all manned aviation operations and activities at all 

times.

• For the safety of persons or property on the surface with respect to the UAS.

UAS pilots will ensure there is a safe operating distance between aviation activities and 

unmanned aircraft (UA) at all times.

Visual observers must be used at all times and maintain instantaneous communication 

with the PIC.

The PIC is responsible to ensure visual observer(s) are:

• Able to see the UA and the surrounding airspace throughout the entire flight, and
• Able to provide the PIC with the UA’s flight path, and proximity to all aviation activities 

and other hazards (e.g., terrain, weather, structures) sufficiently for the PIC to exercise 

effective control of the UA to prevent the UA from creating a collision hazard.

Visual observer(s) must be able to communicate clearly to the pilot any instructions 

required to remain clear of conflicting traffic.

Pilots are reminded to follow all federal regulations e.g. remain clear of all Temporary 

Flight Restrictions, as well as following the exemption granted for their operation.

The operator or delegated representative must not operate in Prohibited Areas, Special 

Flight Rule Areas or, the Washington National Capital Region Flight Restricted Zone.

H. Briefing of Pilot/Production Personnel

Prior to the start of any operation under the provisions of this manual, the pilot in

command (PIC) will conduct a briefing of all procedures to participating personnel of the 

risks involved, emergency procedures, and safeguards to be followed during the filming 

production event. Personnel will also be briefed on additional provisions that may be 

issued by the FSDO that has geographic responsibility for the operational area, 

including the location of boundaries or time limits. The briefing shall cover:

• Authorization for motion picture and television certificate of waiver and the

attached special provisions

• Pertinent sections of this Operations manual

• Plan of activities

• UAS takeoff and landing procedures

• Role of PIC, visual observer, and camera/gimbal operator

• Radio Communications

• Aviation activities to be conducted during the filming production event

• Approach and landing procedures

• Recall procedures

• Emergency procedures

• Risks to participating personnel

• How to control nonparticipating persons

I. Certification/Airworthiness

All aircraft operated by Ferrer Video Productions (FVP) will be identified by serial 

number, registered in accordance with 14 CFR part 47, and have identification (NNumber) markings in accordance with 14 CFR part 45, Subpart C.

Markings will be as large as practicable. All FVP UASs used in operations do not 

require an airworthiness certificate. Each UAS will have a flight log containing 

scheduled maintenance. FVP will use trained technicians to perform repair, alterations, 

or preventive maintenance on the UASs using the methods, techniques, and practices 

prescribed in the UAS manufacturer operating documents and manuals. FVP will 

document and maintain all maintenance records.
J. Pilot Personnel/Minimum Requirements

FVP shall establish and specify the minimum pilot requirements. Minimum

requirements shall meet or exceed the following (using Exemption NO. 11062 [Astraeus

Aerial] as a basis):

Prior to conducting operations, the PIC must have logged, consistent with 14 CFR 

61.51(b), 25 hours of total time as a UAS pilot. Prior to operations the PIC must also 

have logged a minimum of 5 hours as a UAS pilot operating the same make and model 

of UAS to be used for operations under the exemption. In addition to the hour 

requirements, the PIC must accomplish 3 take-offs and landings in the preceding 90 

days (for currency purposes). Prior documented flight experience that was obtained in 

compliance with applicable regulations could satisfy this requirement. 

Training, proficiency, and experience-building flights can also be conducted to 

accomplish the required flight time. During training, proficiency, and experience-building 

flights the PIC is required to operate the UAS with appropriate distances in accordance 

with 14 CFR 91.119.

FVP may determine that additional hours are necessary to address all potential flight 

hazards and requisite airmanship skills. FVP will not permit any PIC to operate unless 

that PIC is able to safely operate the UAS in a manner consistent with how the UAS will 

be operated under this exemption, including evasive and emergency maneuvers and 

maintaining appropriate distances from persons, vessels, vehicles and structures.

Prior to operations the PIC must hold either an airline transport, commercial, private, 

recreational, or sport pilot certificate. The PIC must also hold a current FAA airman 

medical certificate or a valid U.S. driver’s license issued by a state, the District of 

Columbia, Puerto Rico, a territory, a possession, or the Federal government, and have 

completed the minimum flight hour and currency requirements as stated in the 

conditions and limitations above.

Visual Observers should have a minimum of 1 hour of flight time with the sUAS which 

they are observing affording them direct experience with the performance of the sUAS 

they will be observing.

K. Communications

Prior to the start of any operation covered by this manual, the pilot in command

will formulate a plan to provide communications capability to all participants

during the actual operation and filming. Oral, visual or radio communications may

be used as long as it is effective and is capable of keeping the participants

continuously appraised of the current status of the operation. 

L. Accident Notification

Any incident, accident, or flight operation that transgresses the lateral or vertical 

boundaries defined in this COA must be reported to the FAA via email at 9-AJV-115-

UASOrganization@faa.gov within 24 hours.

Accidents must be reported to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) per 

instructions contained on the NTSB Web site: www.ntsb.gov. Should an accident or 
incident requiring notification of the NTSB occur, the notification requirements of FAR 

Part 830 would apply.

M. Recall/Stop Procedures

Specific procedures will vary based on the UAS being used, the physical location, and 

other unique configurations in the field. Details will be part of the required pre-flight 

briefing. Oral, visual, or radio communications will be utilized to keep the participants 

continuously appraised of the current status of the operation.

N. Special Provisions

The controls, procedures, and conditions set forth in the Ferrer Video Productions 

motion picture and television operations manual is the primary assurance that persons 

on the surface will not be jeopardized.

UASs takeoff and landing areas will be protected in a manner that will

prevent unauthorized persons from entering the takeoff and landing area.

The UASs and pilots used under this exemption and/or waiver will only be those

specified in manual, Appendix, or associated plan of activities. Each pilot’s

name and certificate number shall appear on each daily plan of activity. All UASs and

pilot(s) participating in the activity shall be available for FAA inspection before the

scheduled event.

FVP will ensure that the participating persons involved in the operations are thoroughly 

briefed on special procedures, communication, emergency procedures, and on the 

provisions of the authorization and/or waiver before beginning the activities. No person 

may participate in any event unless that person has received a briefing on the 

provisions of the waiver.

2. Company Organization

A. Director of Videography

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Has final word in the formulation of policy and procedures concerning this manual.

• Acts as liaison between FVP and the FAA on matters concerning this manual.

• Assure that each approved pilot is issued a copy of this manual and obtain a signed 

statement from each that they have read and understand its contents.

• Maintain a current copy of this manual at the main base of operations for FVP.

• Responsible for assuring that all revisions to this manual are distributed and 

processed properly.

• Must approve or disapprove each proposed operation performed by FVP under the 

provisions of this manual.

• Assume the responsibilities of pilot in command when acting as such.

• The Director of Videography may delegate functions to other personnel but retains

responsibility.

B. Pilot in Command
Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assure the UAS to be flown is in airworthy condition and required maintenance has 

been performed as appropriate.

• Acquire permission from the Director of Videography before any operation under the 

provisions of this manual.

• Be very knowledgeable of the contents of this manual and abide by the procedures, 

policies and conditions contained herein.

• Coordinate with location personnel to formulate plans, routes, locations, etc. with 

safety of all persons involved the primary concern.

• Maintain and keep current their copy of this manual and have it on site at any job or 

operation requiring the exemption and/or waiver.

• The pilot in command may delegate functions to other personnel, but retains 

responsibility.

C. Visual Observer

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Maintain visual line of sight with the UAS at all times.

• Maintain direct communication with the PIC.

• Maintain a broader situational awareness of the secure area and remain alert for 

unauthorized persons or vehicles that could compromise the area.

• Assist the PIC in with collision avoidance. Including, but not limited to, avoidance of 

other structures, obstructions, and terrain.
Appendix A - Location Permission Form

Ferrer Video Productions - Permission Acquisition Form

In signing this form, I am giving the pilots of Ferrer Video Productions permission to

operate their aircraft at less than 500 feet from property, or within some jurisdiction in

which I am responsible for or affiliated with, for the purpose of image acquisition or

inspection.

Name:______________________________

Title:_______________________________

Basis of Authority

to Grant Permission: (FSO, Private property, City 

Permit)______________________________

Location:____________________________________________

Date of Operation:_____________________________________

Signature_______________ Date_________________

Ferrer Video Productions Representative

Receiving Permission____________________________________
Appendix B - List of Approved UASs

FAA Registry Aircraft N-Number Reservation had been made on Dec 21, 2015 (Pay.gov 

Tracking ID: 25P0NJR1/Agency Tracking ID: 201512210752585101NN) for the 

following UASs:

1. DJI Phantom 3 Advance Serial number P76DCF04013454 
Appendix C- Verbal Permission Record Form

Ferrer Video Productions staff and designees that receive verbal permission must make 

a record on this form:

The following person(s) listed is (are) giving the pilots of Ferrer Video Productions,

permission to operate their aircraft at less than 500 feet from property, or within some 

jurisdiction in which they have responsible for or are affiliated with, for the purpose of 

film, video, or television production.

Name:__________________________ Title:_____________________

Company or Organization:____________________________________

Date permission granted:____________________________________

Basis of Authority to Grant Permission:_______________________

Name:__________________________ Title:_____________________

Company or Organization:____________________________________

Date permission granted:____________________________________

Basis of Authority to Grant Permission:_______________________

Name:__________________________ Title:_____________________

Company or Organization:____________________________________

Date permission granted:____________________________________

Basis of Authority to Grant Permission:_______________________

Location:_______________________________________

Date of Operation:____________________________

FVP Representative Receiving Permission_________________________________
Appendix D - Form 7711-2 (certification of waiver)

For the Form 7711-2 (certification of waiver) please see at 

http://www.faa.gov/documentlibrary/media/form/faa7711-2.pdf
Appendix E

Revision Letter

Rev# Section Page Action Remarks Initials

______________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________

R • Remove and Replace D • Delete and Destroy N • Insert New Page

Manual Serial# ___________________ Issued To ___________________________

Revised By _________________________________

Date _______________________

This form must be returned to the Chief Pilot no later than _______________________