Date: 9/07/2016 Revision: Original

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Motion Picture and 

Television Flight Operation 

Manual 

12882 Zurich Place, #2

Truckee, CA, 96161
Date: 9/07/2016 Revision: Original

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Table of Contents 

Revision Control Page ..................................................................................................... 3

1. Introduction................................................................................................................. 4

A. Purpose............................................................................................................. 4

B. Pilot/Operator Organization ................................................................................ 4

C. Persons Authorized .............................................................................................. 4

D. Area of Operations............................................................................................... 4

E. Plan of Activities .................................................................................................. 5

F. Permission to Operate.......................................................................................... 5

G. Security................................................................................................................ 6

H. Briefing of Pilot/Production Personnel ............................................................... 6

I. Certification/Airworthiness .................................................................................. 7

J. Pilot Personnel/Minimum Requirements............................................................. 7

K. Communications.................................................................................................. 8

L. Accident Notification............................................................................................ 8

M. Recall/Stop Procedures....................................................................................... 8

N. Aerobatic Competency......................................................................................... 8

O. Special Provisions ................................................................................................ 8

2. Company Organization ............................................................................................ 9

A. Chief Pilot ............................................................................................................ 9

B. Pilot in Command ................................................................................................ 9

Appendix A .1 ................................................................................................................ 11

List of Approved Pilots............................................................................................... 11

Appendix A .2................................................................................................................ 12

List of Approved Aircraft ........................................................................................... 12

Appendix A .3 ................................................................................................................ 13

Permission Acquisition Form..................................................................................... 13

Revision Letter........................................................................................................... 14
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Revision Control Page 

Revision# Date Initials 
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1. Introduction 

A. Purpose

This manual has been developed by Float Deck Films, hereafter referred to as 

Float Deck Films, 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. Float Deck Films pilots and other company personnel when applicable 

will comply with the policies, procedures and conditions of this manual, 

whenever motion picture or television flight operations are performed that 

require a Waiver of Authorization as mentioned above. 

B. Pilot/Operator Organization

Name of Chief Pilot/Owner

Glenn McKenna

Organization, Address 

12882 Zurich Place, #2

Truckee, CA, 96161

Phone

415.819.4645

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 ASI’s 

evaluation of the filming production area to note terrain features, obstructions, 

buildings, etc. Such barriers may protect nonparticipating persons (observers, 

the public, news media, etc.) from debris in the event of an accident. 

D. Area of Operations

Float Deck Films holds an FAA authorized Section 333 exemption # 14416. Our 

approved area of operations are, the continental United States, Alaska, and 

Hawaii. 
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E. Plan of Activities

At least three (3) days prior to any scheduled filming, Float Deck Films will 

submit a written plan of activities to the local 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 equipment 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 
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5. Air traffic control 

The Float Deck Films personnel obtaining such permission will do so in writing 

whenever practical, however, verbal permission is acceptable otherwise. A 

standard permission form is provided in Appendix A and may be used when 

obtaining written permission. Float Deck Films personnel will assure enough

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 

chief pilot to be kept on file for a minimum of six (6) months. These forms will be 

made available for inspection by the 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. Provisions will be made to immediately 

discontinue operations should the area(s) become unsecured or for any other 

reason in the interest of safety. 

H. Briefing of Pilot/Production Personnel

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

in command 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 

 Operations manual 

 Plan of activities 

 Aircraft parking and starting 

 Taxi procedures 

 Radio Communications 

 Takeoff procedures 

 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 
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I. Certification/Airworthiness

All Float Deck Films aircraft used in operations requiring a waiver of FAR 91 .119 

(b) and (c) for the purpose of filming will be properly certified and hold 

airworthiness certificates. However, restricted category aircraft cannot be used 

as the filming "vehicle" in motion picture and television filming. Also, aircraft in 

the experimental category must have an airworthiness certificate issued for the 

purpose of exhibition in order to be used in motion picture and television 

filming. Each aircraft will have a flight log containing upcoming scheduled 

maintenance and inspections and the dates or times they must be performed. A 

section for discrepancies is also found in the flight log. The pilot in command will 

assure the aircraft to be flown is in airworthy condition and all required 

inspections and maintenance has been completed before each flight. 

J. Pilot Personnel/Minimum Requirements

The pilot/operator shall establish and specify the minimum pilot requirements. 

Minimum requirements shall meet or exceed the following: 

1. A current U.S. sport pilot certificate with ratings appropriate to the 

category, class and type (if applicable) of aircraft to be used under the 

terms of the waiver. 

2. At least 10 hours logged as PIC and at least 5 hours logged as the PIC in 

the aircraft type. 

3. A minimum of 10 hours in the category and class of aircraft to be used. 

4. A minimum of 5 hours in the make and model aircraft to be used under 

the waiver. 

5. In the event that the 1,500-foot minimum standard contained in the 14 

CFR 91.303(e) is to be waived, the pilot performing aerobatic maneuvers 

must hold FAA Form 8710-7, Statement of Acrobatic Competency, to 

perform the operations. 

6. In the event the operation to be conducted contains elements of an 

external-load operation, whether fixed or rotary wing operations, pilots 

used in the operation shall be qualified. This qualification may be 

obtained through a knowledge test (which may be oral and/written) 

and/or skill. The inspector or another company pilot approved by the 

geographically responsible FSDO who is qualified to carry loads 

externally will give the test(s) which are similar to part 133 requirements 

and cover the following subjects: 

a. Steps to be taken before starting operations, including a survey of 

the Flight area. 

b. Proper method of loading, rigging, or attaching the external load. 

c. Aircraft performance capabilities under motion picture operating 

procedures and the aircraft flight manual. 
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d. Proper instructions for flight and ground crew personnel. 

e. Aircraft flight manual, pilot operations handbook, or a rotorcraftload combination flight manual and limitations, if appropriate. 

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

Should an accident or incident requiring notification of the NTSB occur, the 

notification requirements of FAR Part 830 would comply. 

M. Recall/Stop Procedures

Radio communication, oral, visual or a combination will be utilized to keep the 

participants continuously apprised of the current status of operation. 

N. Aerobatic Competency

If the filming operations require the issuance of FAA Form 8710-7, Statement of 

Aerobatic Competency, refer to Volume 5, Chapter 9, Issue/Renew/Rescind a 

Statement of Aerobatic Competency. 

O. Special Provisions

The controls, procedures, and conditions set forth in the Float Deck Films

motion picture and television operations manual is the primary assurance that 

persons on the surface will not be jeopardized. 

The aircraft and pilots used under this authorization and/or waiver will only be 

those specified in the Float Deck Films motion picture and television operations 

manual (“Appendix A” page 11) or associated plan of activities. Each pilot’s 

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

aircraft and pilot(s) participating in the activity shall be available for FAA 

inspection before the scheduled event. 

Each pilot-in-command conducting operations authorized under this certificate 

understands the conditions of issuance, and that it constitutes a waiver of FAR 

91.119 (b) and (c) 

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

prevent unauthorized persons from entering the takeoff and landing area. 
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Float Deck Films 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. Chief Pilot

Duties and Responsibilities: 

 Final word in the formulation of policy and procedures concerning this 

manual. 

 Act as liaison between Float Deck Films and the FAA on matter 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 

Float Deck Films. 

 Responsible for assuring that all revisions to this manual are distributed 

and processed properly. 

 Must approve or disapprove each proposed job or operation performed by 

Float Deck Films under the provisions of this manual. 

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

 The chief pilot may delegate functions to other personnel but retains 

responsibility. 

B. Pilot in Command

Duties and Responsibilities: 

 Assure that aircraft to be flown is in airworthy condition and all inspections 

and required maintenance have been performed as per appropriate FAR's. 

 Acquire permission from the chief pilot before any operation under the 

provisions of this manual. 
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 Be very knowledgeable of the contents of this manual and abide by the 

procedures, policies and conditions contained herein. 

 Coordinate with movie and television personnel to formulate plans, routes, 

locations, etc. with safety of all persons involved in the primary concern. 

 Maintain their copy of this manual in current condition and have it on site at 

any job or operation requiring the waiver. 

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

responsibility. 
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Appendix A .1 

List of Approved Pilots 

Chief Pilot 

Name Glenn McKenna

Certificate Number : 2001989225

Grade : Privtae

Medical Class/Date : Class / Expires 1/6/2026

Contact Number 

Pilots

: 415.819.4645

Name : 

Certificate Number : 

Grade : 

Medical Class/Date : 

Contact Number 

Name : 

Certificate Number : 

Grade : 

Medical Class/Date : 

Contact Number : 
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Appendix A .2 

List of Approved Aircraft 

Make and Model Registration Number 

1. DJI Inspire 1 Pro RAW N526FD

2. Freefly Cinestar 8 N673FD

No aircraft will be operated without being registered.
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Appendix A .3 

Permission Acquisition Form 

In signing this form, I am giving the pilots of Float Deck Films Permission to operate 

their aircraft at less than 500 feet from property, or in some jurisdiction in which I am 

responsible for or affiliated with, for the purpose of film or television production. 

Name: 

Title: 

Basis of Authority to Grant Permission: 

Location: 

Date of Operation: 

Signature Date 

Float Deck Films Representative Receiving Permission

Glenn R McKenna
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Appendix A .4 

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 ____________________________