SKYNET UNMANED SYSTEMS

UAV OPERATIONS MANUAL

DOCUMENT NO. UAV-MAN-OPS-0001

Approved: Date: 

Approved: Date: 
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Revision History

A November-2014 ISSUED FOR REVIEW AB

REV DATE DESCRIPTION ORIG CHK APPR
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Table of Contents

1. INTRODUCTION ..................................................................................................... 4

2 SCOPE ...................................................................................................................... 5

3 SAFETY .................................................................................................................... 6

4 OPERATIONS MANUAL EXECUTION ................................................................. 9

5 OPERATIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES ................................................................... 9

6 GENERAL ADMINISTRATION.............................................................................11

7 DOCUMENTATION AND VERIFICATION..........................................................12

8 STOCK CONTROL SYSTEM.................................................................................12

9 MAINTENANCE .....................................................................................................12

10 UAV OPERATING GUIDELINES.......................................................................14

11 GENERAL EMERGENCY OPERATIONS .........................................................18

12 APPENDIXES.......................................................................................................20
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1. INTRODUCTION

The purpose of this document is to provide operating guidelines, minimum standards, and preferred 

methodologies that are to be followed by SkyNet personnel in the operation, maintenance, repair, and 

refurbishment of UAV systems, to ensure their safe and effective operation in compliance with accepted 

safety practices and applicable requirements. The responsibilities of key personnel will be defined 

along with the actions that shall be taken to ensure that all required reporting and specified quality 

assurance levels are achieved and maintained.

 All personnel employed or contracted by this organization must sign this sheet as evidence of having 

read, understood and agreed to apply the procedures and data contained in this Operations Manual.

 If this manual is reissued or revised they must resign, acknowledging review of the revision.

Printed Name Signature Date Printed Name Signature Date

Buddy-Box System Is a radio controlled (R/C) UAV system that has one transmitter operating as the 

master controller, while a second transmitter is linked/slaved to it allowing dual 

control of an aircraft. The operator of the master transmitter allows one or the 

other transmitter to control the aircraft through the use of a spring-loaded 

switch. The switch provides instantaneous transfer of control from one 

transmitter to the other. The buddy-box system is an efficient and effective 

means of achieving a position transfer of control from one pilot to another.
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2 SCOPE 

The scope of this document shall apply to all UAV activities performed by Company personnel to ensure 

that operations are managed efficiently and that they meet the Customer's requirements. It is intended 

that this manual will be issued to all UAV Supervisor s, UAV Supervisors, Senior Pilot Technicians, and 

any other personnel who are in a position of making decisions regarding the operation and maintenance 

of Company UAV systems and auxiliary equipment.

Individual projects and individual locations may require differing approaches based on the 

specific requirements of the project.

EFS Essential Flight Systems are any systems or components necessary to maintain 

stable flight within a model aircraft’s flight envelope. (This includes primary 

radio control systems and any stabilization or gyros required to maintain 

stability and heading in certain types of R/C aircraft that would be 

uncontrollable/unstable without their use). 

FPV First Person View (FPV) refers to the operation of a radio controlled (R/C) 

aircraft using an onboard camera’s cockpit view to orient and control the 

aircraft.

FPV Pilot Is an UAV pilot who is capable of maintaining stable flight of a UAV aircraft 

within its intended flight envelope when flown using an onboard camera’s 

cockpit view as a First Person View from a remote aircraft without losing 

control or having a collision.

Flight Envelope Flight Envelope is defined as the range of airspeeds, attitudes, and flight 

maneuvers which a UAV aircraft can safely perform/operate for its intended 

use.

FPV Spotter FPV Spotter is an experienced FPV UAV pilot who has been briefed by the 

FPV pilot on the tasks, responsibilities and procedures involved in being a 

spotter; is capable and mature enough to perform the duties and is able to 

assume conventional VLOS control of the aircraft.

NEFS Non-Essential Flight Systems are any systems or components that are not 

necessary to maintain stable flight within the aircraft’s flight envelope. (This 

includes autopilot or stabilization systems that can be activated and deactivated 

in flight by the pilot without affecting stable flight).

R/C Test Flight Radio/Controlled Test Flight requires an UAV Pilot to manually operate an R/C 

transmitter to control a model aircraft’s flight path and determine if the aircraft 

is capable of maintaining stable flight within its flight envelope.

VLOS Visual Line Of Sight (VLOS) is the distance at which the pilot is able to 

maintain visual contact with the aircraft and determine its orientation without 

enhancements other than corrective lenses.

UAV An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), commonly known as a drone and also 

referred to as an unpiloted aerial vehicle and a remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) 

by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), is an aircraft without a 

human pilot aboard.
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3 SAFETY

It is recognized that the day-to-day management of health and safety requires a high level of planning 

and control in the workplace by all employees to ensure that all work is completed in such a way that the 

level of risk is as low as reasonably possible and that it conforms to Company safety targets. To this end 

a practical, constructive, and pro-active approach to health and safety is to be promoted at all times and 

among all levels of Company management and employees.

UAV Operations are conducted both in an offshore marine environment and onshore industrial areas. 

Therefore, all employees are to be continuously aware of their own safety and the safety of their fellow 

employees. It is an essential component of their employment that they assume an active role in their health 

and safety responsibilities. Moreover, the identification of hazards, before they are introduced into or occur 

in the workplace, is to be identified and corrected as soon as possible.

CEO/Director

The CEO/Director has the overall responsibility for the company’s business performance and 

compliance. They will provide the necessary resources so that all operations and maintenance can be 

conducted to meet company obligations, goals and objectives.

The UAV Chief Controller is responsible for the following:

 Ensuring that all equipment is installed and operated in accordance with accepted safe work practices,

 Ensuring that all Company employees and subcontractors are fully acquainted with the relevant safety 

regulations and perform their duties in accordance with them.

 (Offshore)Ensuring that the Master of the vessel is advised and made aware of any equipment that the 

operation of, or materials that the transport of, may require special precautions or additional safety 

regulations.

The Client’s Representative is responsible for supporting the established safe working environment and 

is expected to champion a continuing awareness of the Occupational Health and Safety Policy

The Maintenance Controller is the person appointed by the operator, and is responsible for ensuring the 

maintenance of company UAV in accordance with the manufacturer specifications.

The role and responsibilities of the Maintenance Controller are:

 control all company UAV maintenance, either scheduled or unscheduled;

 Ensure personnel performing maintenance on the UAV are competent. The Maintenance Controller 

must keep a record of personnel permitted to perform maintenance. The company may choose to 

keep a record of qualifications;

 develop, enforce and monitor UAV maintenance standards,

 maintain a record of UAV serviceability’s,

 ensure that specialist equipment items are serviceable,

 maintain a thorough technical knowledge of the company UAV,

Ensure maintenance activities are conducted in accordance with the procedures specified in the 

Maintenance Manual; and investigate all defects in the UAV.

Controller/Remote Pilot

The controller/Remote Pilot in command of the aircraft is responsible for:
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 conduct of flight – start to end; 

 Safe operation of the aircraft.

Note: depending on job specifications, other responsibilities may also be required to be added 

to this list

 All personnel (SkyNet and subcontractors and other Company Representatives) shall attend an

orientation and safety induction/briefing upon arrival on the job site

 If any personnel certification for any project personnel is required, this shall be presented to the 

relevant SkyNet personnel onboard.

 The safety introduction of new persons on the job site will contain (but not be limited to) the 

following subjects:

 Hot Work Permit

 Use of spotters 

 Safety regulations 

 Sky Net has instituted a JSA (Job Safety Analysis form) and JSEA (Job Safety Environmental 

Analysis form) for all projects. 

 A JSA and a JSEA will be conducted prior to the beginning of every flight or job site activity the 

UAV crew is involved in and reviewed by any new personnel to the project prior to participation in 

any repetitive operations.

The SkyNet Behavior Base Safety INSPECTION Card program is modeled after the General Industry 

Safety Training Observation Program (STOP) developed through their Safety Auditing and 

Communication Process and is all about people thinking and talking with people about safety. It is based 

on observing people while they work, reinforcing safe work practices and correcting unsafe acts and 

conditions.

The STOP Work program assists in safety excellence by making safe behavior and workplace conditions 

part of the work culture.

Any person directly involved in the operations can order an “ALL STOP”. All operators involved in the 

activity must comply immediately. The reason(s) for the stop will be investigated, and once the problem is 

resolved and all parties agree that the operations can recommence, the SkyNet Foreman will authorize a 

resumption of the activity. No one other than the SkyNet Foreman is authorized to start or re-start any 

activity.

Depending on the reason for the “ALL STOP” call, the SkyNet Flight Officer may consult with the 

SkyNet project manager and/or the Client Representative prior to resumption of the operations taking 

place.

An accident is any event which results in human injury or damage to property, or the possibility of such 

injury or damage to property. This definition also takes into account near-miss situations which do not 

result in injury or damage but have the potential to do so.

For the purposes of accident prevention it is important to record and investigate all accidents and nearmisses.

The purpose in investigating accidents and near-misses is:

o To identify the immediate and contributing causes of the incident

o To formulate a strategy in which a recurrence of the same incident will be prevented.
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The immediate UAV Supervisor is in the best position to investigate the accident or near-miss due to their 

familiarity with the people involved the work area, and the methods of work, equipment, and legal –

circumstances involved. The UAV Supervisor is usually on the site and can begin the investigation soon 

after the time of the incident, an important factor in good investigation procedures.

Effective accident investigations can be aided by utilizing the following equipment to assist in 

documenting the incident:

 Standardized report form

 Camera

 Recorded (written) witness statements.

The immediate aim of an accident investigation is to obtain accurate and complete information about the 

circumstances and causes of the accident.

The incident should be investigated as promptly as possible while the circumstances are fresh in the 

memory of all parties, and before any evidence is removed or destroyed.

The ultimate objective is to prevent the occurrence of similar accidents in the future, 

 The questions asked during the investigation should be designed to:

 Obtain information about the date, time, and location of the incident,

 Obtain details about the injured person and witnesses,

 Determine property damage,

 Identify what tools, machinery, and protective equipment were in use, and

 Obtain information which will enable the cause(s) of the incident to be identified.

Witnesses should be interviewed individually and asked to state the conditions present before and up to 

the incident occurring, and to describe the incident itself. Each witness should provide a recorded (written) 

statement.

The Accident Incident Report form should be used to aid the UAV Supervisor in attaining consistency in 

accident reporting.

Utilization of SkyNet RCA (Root Cause Analysis) form is required for investigations.

Unless the UAV Supervisor was present prior to and during the incident, the bulk of the information that 

can be obtained will relate to the position of equipment, visible damage, etc.

When questioning witnesses and the injured person, it is important that the UAV Supervisor distinguish 

between what these witnesses saw and did, and what they assumed happened.

If the report identifies unsafe acts, then the recommendations could include:

 ImpUAVed training and instruction of employees,

 ImpUAVed training and instruction of UAV Supervisors,

 A change in current safety procedures, and/or

 Increased warning signs.
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 Unsafe conditions can be countered by:

 Increased maintenance,

 ImpUAVed housekeeping,

 ImpUAVed machinery design,

 PUAVision of safety equipment, and

 Use of less hazardous substances.

The holding of safety meetings is an essential part of the implementation of the Company’s HSE Policy. 

Notwithstanding the difficulty of assembling all personnel while engaged in 24 hour operations, at least 

one safety meeting shall be held during each crewing cycle. In the event of an accident or a near miss 

occurring, a special safety meeting shall be convened as soon as possible afterwards. This is to examine 

the causes of the incident and to determine if changes in operating procedures are required to minimize the 

chance of re-occurrence.

The composition of the safety meeting can be flexible. Apart from designated Safety Representatives, it is 

desirable that the maximum number of those involved in the day to day running of operations be present. 

The objects of the meetings are twofold:

 To review existing procedures to detect any weaknesses, and

 To formulate new or modified procedures that will impUAVe safety and efficiency.

The meetings should be conducted as a forum in which all personnel have the opportunity to express, 

comment, or put forward suggestions. Safety Meetings shall be recorded in the Daily UAV log. Brief 

minutes are to be prepared by the Safety Representative, covering points raised and proposed action, and 

are to be retained as the permanent record of the meeting.

The Company considers sleep deprivation as a serious safety issue. People who are sleep deprived are not 

as alert and aware of their surroundings as they should be and this may lead to accidents. The Company 

believes that without proper rest, employees are a danger to themselves as well as others, and that 

equipment may be damaged. The Company has therefore, established a guideline that the number of hours 

worked by an employee in any given shift must be balanced with a number of hours of quality rest.

Therefore, all work shall be planned such that each employee will not be required to work more than a 12 

hour work period, which shall be followed by a minimum 8 hour period of quality rest. If a crew is 

required to be on standby for a number of hours before an operation begins, this time shall be taken into 

account as part of the 12-hour work period. In unusual circumstances where extended hours have to be 

worked, extreme care shall be taken and allowances shall be made for the effects of fatigue. Personnel 

shall not work back-to-back extended shifts. If manpower shortages become an issue, the UAV Supervisor

shall let the Client and the Project Manager know that additional personnel are required to continue 

operations without causing undo fatigue to personnel.

All personnel, while carrying out their duties, must ensure their own safety, safety of others, and 

equipment at all times.

4 Operations Manual Execution

All Managers and UAV Supervisors are to ensure that all personnel read the contents of the UAV operations

Manual and ensure that a copy of the UAV operations is available to all personnel onboard the UAV vessel. 

5 OPERATIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES
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The Division Manager is ultimately responsible for all matters relating to the UAV division.

The UAV Operations Manager reports to the Division Manager and is responsible to ensure: 

 That all UAV operations are carried out in a safe manner. 

 The UAV personnel are qualified and trained to perform the contractual obligations of jobs awarded 

to the SkyNet UAV division.

 The equipment of the UAV division is maintained in a constant state of readiness to be available to go 

to work at all times.

 The UAV project manager has all the resources and support required to fulfill the contractual 

obligations of the project they are assigned.

 The business development personnel and the estimating personnel understand the capabilities of the 

UAV equipment and correctly interpret those capabilities in to the contracts they submit to our 

clients. 

 Monitor and promote the quality and craftsmanship of the work the UAV personnel perform on 

SkyNet UAV systems and client projects.

 Maintain the UAV spares inventory system and keep adequate spares to complete the projects. 

The Project Manager reports to the UAV Operations Manager and is responsible to ensure:

 That all UAV operations are carried out in a safe manner. 

 The equipment of the project is maintained in a constant state of readiness to be available to go to 

work at all times.

 The business development personnel and the estimating personnel understand the capabilities of the 

UAV equipment and correctly interpret those capabilities in to the contracts they submit to our 

clients. 

 Monitor and promote the quality and craftsmanship of the work the UAV personnel perform on 

SkyNet UAV systems and client projects.

 The UAV UAV Supervisors and UAV crew under their control are fully aware of their 

responsibilities and understand the scope of work to be performed. 

 That all contractual requirements of the project are completed in a timely and professional manner 

with an emphasis on quality.

 That all project procedures and equipment are reviewed and appUAVed by the client and the 

operations manager prior to the start of the job.

 That all project equipment is delivered and tested prior to leaving the office.

 That the client is informed of progress at all times.

 That accident and down time notification protocol is followed at all times.

 That all rental equipment is tracked and accounted for at all times. 

 That the UAV spares inventory system is up to date and keep adequate spares to complete the 

projects.

 That all personnel under their supervision understand and adhere to all procedures as detailed within 

the UAV Operations Manual.

UAV Supervisors primarily report to the UAV Flight Officer , who will report directly to the 

project manager and the UAV Operations Manager and are responsible to ensure:

 That all UAV operations are carried out in a safe manner. 
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 The equipment of the UAV division is maintained in a constant state of readiness to be available to go 

to work at all times.

 Monitor and promote the quality and craftsmanship of the work the UAV personnel perform on 

SkyNet UAV systems and client projects.

 The UAV crew under their control is fully aware of their responsibilities and understandsthe scope of 

work to be performed. 

 Mentor and train the UAV Pilot Technicians assigned to them in the safe and proficient operations

and repair of the UAV system 

 Fill out personnel evaluations every project.

 Maintain the constant work flow of personnel to keep the project on schedule.

 The crew maintains a clean orderly and safe work area at all times.

 That all personnel time sheets and crew change requests are submitted to the office on time.

 That JSEA’s are completed for every task.

 That every crew member under stands and participates in the BBS stop program.

 That all rental equipment is tracked and accounted for at all times. 

 That the UAV spares inventory system is up to date and adequate spares are kept to complete the 

projects.

 That all personnel under their supervision understand and adhere to all procedures as detailed within 

the UAV Operations Manual.

 That any deviation from the procedures in this manual or a job procedure is accompanied by method 

of change form signed by the client representative.

The Pilot Technician reports to the UAV Supervisor and is responsible to ensure:

 That all UAV operations are carried out in a safe manner.

 The equipment of the UAV division is maintained in a constant state of readiness to be available to go 

to work at all times.

 the safe and proficient operation and repair of the UAV system 

 That JSEA’s are completed for every task.

 That they participate in the BBSI stop program.

 That they perform quality repairs and maintenance on the UAV system.

 That they maintain a clean and safe work area at all times.

 That they conduct them self in a professional manner at all times.

 That they read the system manuals and this operation manual at every opportunity to better lean their 

craft.

 That their time sheets and crew change requests are submitted to the office on time.

6 GENERAL ADMINISTRATION

The Daily UAV Log is to be completed every day that the UAV system is manned, irrespective of whether 

or not a flight has been completed that day. 
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In addition to information regarding personnel and work undertaken, the Daily Operations Log contains 

space to list client rechargeable items. This is particularly relevant for rental equipment; DVD’s, 

photographs or any items used which should be charged separately to the Client as defined by contract.

The Daily Operations Log documents the works performed and is used to support invoicing the client, the 

Client’s Representative must sign it.

On each flight the Pre / Post Flight Checklist should be completed by the UAV Supervisor and a Pilot 

Technician, to ensure that the UAV is fully operational prior to launching and also to ascertain if any 

maintenance is required when the UAV is recovered. 

The completed Pre / Post Flight checklist should be filed and retained with the system.

7 Documentation And Verification

Video pictures from the UAV cameras will be recorded onto Micro SD Cards or DVR in NTSC format of 

all UAV activities and surveys or as requested by the client (from launch to recovery, until the return, or 

task specific).Typically, during the operations, either the B&W or Color Camera will be recorded.

Irrespective of the foregoing, a continuous “black-box” recording will be made of either the B & W or 

color camera. Ten tapes, each of 2 hours duration, will be continuously rotated, to provide up to 20 hours 

of historic camera image.

The UAV will be at an all stop with an identifying feature in the video as the video header is read. The 

DVD recording shall be checked for audio and video quality. If the quality is good work can begin. 

8 Stock Control System

The procedure for controlling the stock / stores level for the UAV system is as follows:

Stock control is an essential part of good housekeeping. Well-kept stock records will ensure that parts 

required for the maintenance of the UAV systems are always available when needed, and are able to be 

found quickly.

The master inventory list is a complete manifest of all the stock to be held with UAV systems. The list 

should be referenced for an explanation of how to use it.

Any person removing or replacing stock from the UAV system shall complete this sheet and it should be 

kept on the wall at the entrance of the stores container on a clipboard.

At the end of each shift it is the responsibility of the UAV Supervisor to ensure that the information on the 

daily stock movement sheet is transferred to the stock control sheets located at the back of each stock 

master sheet. Fault Reports are used to track used parts during repairs; the information from these reports 

shall be transferred to permanent reorder forms.

The stock control sheet will record all stock movements and when completed will indicate to the UAV

Supervisor when stock requires to be re-ordered. A benchmark for the re-ordering of stock items should be 

50% of the maximum stock levels. This will allow time for shipment of replacement items.

9 Maintenance

All electrical equipment is to be maintained in a good, safe working condition.
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All UAV systems operated by the Company have voltages associated with them. To ensure the safety of 

both the equipment and, more importantly, the personnel who operate and maintain the equipment, regular 

functional checks systems are to be performed to ensure that they are functioning correctly.

Prior to carrying out any electrical maintenance or repair work, the technician who is going to perform the 

work shall fully satisfy himself that the equipment has been correctly isolated and that all other 

precautions and checks have been completed.

Whenever it is necessary for a piece of equipment to remain energized while it is being worked on, there 

shall always to be a minimum of two (2) technicians in the immediate vicinity to shut down the equipment 

in case of electrical shock.

The Company has implemented a planned maintenance system to ensure reliable operation of the systems.

The success or failure of the planned maintenance program is directly related to the knowledge and 

conscientiousness of the personnel doing the maintenance. It is emphasized that this program requires its 

full knowledge by the entire crew and their total participation in it.

Copies of the records from the planned maintenance system are to be forwarded to the UAV Operations 

manager.

It is recognized that there are at least three occasions when modifications to the system are required:

 When there is an equipment malfunction and a modification is required to quickly correct a defect 

so that the equipment can continue to operate.

 When modifications are carried out to meet additional client or project specific requirements.

 When modifications are made to the equipment to impUAVe performance or reliability.

If, at any time, it is necessary to alter the configuration of any system from the standard, the following 

steps are to be taken.

 Photocopy the relevant drawing from the manual and redline the changes. The redline drawing is to 

be inserted in the manual along with the original. At no time is the original to be altered. If a 

photocopier is not available, a hand drawn sketch will suffice.

 A copy of the drawing showing the changes and a report stating the reason for the changes is to be 

sent to the administrative office.

 Enter the relevant information into a Field Change Notice and send the form to the UAV

Operations manager

The spares inventory associated with each UAV system is to be maintained, with all usage recorded. Each 

system is to have a spares inventory maintained and updated by the UAV Supervisor. All items consumed 

shall be replaced as described herein.

All defective equipment is to be inspected and evaluated for possible repair at the worksite and not be left 

for when the system is "back at the office”. This achieves three objectives:

 The equipment remains with the UAV

 Technicians gain insight and knowledge about the equipment that they are operating and 

maintaining.
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 Repair costs can be minimized if it is not possible to repair the equipment offshore, as a complete 

evaluation of the item has already been completed and a second analysis will not have to be

performed. An Unserviceable Equipment Tag is to be attached to the component detailing all the 

information found. A detailed fault analysis is also to be attached. The Unserviceable Equipment 

Tag and the detailed fault analysis shall accompany the equipment if it is dispatched to the onshore 

support base for repair.

10 UAV Operating Guidelines

The UAV Supervisor shall ensure that the UAV system are operated and maintained within the 

manufacturers’ specifications and according to Company procedures. UAV systems are only to be 

operated by Company employees or other personnel under the Company’s direct control. The decision 

as to whether the environmental conditions are suitable for launch, recovery, and operation of the UAV

is the sole responsibility of Company’s UAV Supervisor If, in the opinion of the UAV Supervisor 

weather conditions, or any other circumstances present a hazard to personnel or the equipment, then the 

client's representative is to be notified.

After launch, the suitability of weather conditions for continuing UAV operations will be at the 

discretion of the UAV supervisor 

Before a task can be carried out a feasibility check must be performed to ensure it is within the scope of 

the UOC. A numbered box indicates there are steps to consider. The corresponding steps are listed below. 

A red box indicates the task cannot proceed.
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Yes 

Task Request Received

2. Is it safe? 

Perform a Job Safety 

Assessment 

Proceed 

Yes No 

1. Is It legal 

Yes 

No 

Yes 4. Is it Safe? 

Complete Risk Matrix 

3. Would an Area Approval 

make it legal 

5. Apply for an Area 

Approval. Is the Area 

Approval is granted? 

No Yes No 

 Within all conditions listed in the schedule for the UOC

 400 feet Above Ground Level (AGL)

 Outside Controlled airspace/restricted airspace

 Greater than 1 Nautical Miles (NM) from a registered aerodrome

 Outside populous area

 More than 30metres from people not involved in operation

 Visual line of sight (VLOS)

 Day Visual Meteorological Conditions (VMC)

 Not prohibited by any other State or Federal Regulation

A Job Safety Assessment must be performed prior to conducting any task. Note – A single task may 

consist of a number of flights
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The Job Safety Assessment would normally be performed during the feasibility planning phase to 

determine if the flight is viable and validated on the day prior to the first flight. This is when 

assumptions made during the initial Job Safety Assessment (such as forecast weather/wind, location of 

persons etc.) are validated.

As a minimum the Job Safety Assessment must consider the following:

 Gathering the necessary maps and charts (either hard copy or electronic) for the area

 Determining the weather is suitable for the machine and the operation

 Reviewing the NOTAMs related to the operations area

 Possibility of person moving into the area of operation or landing area during flight

 footpath, or other rights of way

 Suitable take-off and landing areas (including alternate landing area)

 Ability to maintain 30m separation from the public

 Obstructions (Buildings Trees etc.)

 Possible radio interference (power lines, antennas etc.)

 Ability to maintain visual line of sight

 Controllers ability matches location/task

 Permission from land owner

 Privacy

 Local restrictions, by laws,

 Need for signage

3. Would an Area Approval make it legal?

Inside controlled airspace however, outside 1 NM of an aerodrome and not within the approach and 

departure path for a runway of an aerodrome (Not within a 5 mile range of airport).

4. Is it safe?

Complete the Risk Assessment Matrix at Appendix seven. Note - this will form part of an Area 

Approval application

The relationship between the Client and the Company at the worksite is very important and should be 

dealt with in a professional manner. It is the UAV Supervisor’s responsibility to establish good open 

communications with the Client and/or their representative(s) on site, as the relationship between 

Company personnel (particularly the UAV Supervisor) and the Client's Representative can have a direct 

commercial impact on the project.
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The UAV Supervisor is responsible for producing the results required by the Contract or Work Orders 

issued by the Client and agreed to by Company, and by Company’s procedures. If a Client has unrealistic 

expectations, or makes unrealistic demands of the UAV or of Company’s employees, it is the UAV

Supervisor responsibility to explain to the client the operational and/or technical limitations of the 

equipment and the personnel.

UAV Technicians are to direct the Client's Representative to the UAV Supervisor if they are approached 

with operational or technical queries regarding the work being undertaken by the Company. At no time 

will any UAV employee other than the UAV Supervisor state any operational readiness or technical 

statement regarding UAV capabilities or job progress status to the Client representative. 

Prior to each flight, all UAV crew members and other personnel who may be directly involved in the 

forthcoming UAV operation shall be briefed. The items that shall be discussed include, but are not limited 

to:

 The tasks that are to be undertaken during the flight,

 Any special operating procedures necessitated by the specific task or operation,

 Any unusual hazards or environmental conditions that are anticipated to be encountered and what 

their effect may be on the safety of the vehicle,

 Any special safety requirements,

 Any planned or other simultaneous operations which may interfere or restrict the planned tasks to be 

accomplished.

On the completion of each flight, the UAV Supervisor shall debrief all members of the crew, collect flight 

data, and discuss any problems that may have arisen during the operation.

Prior to the UAV system being deployed, a complete set of system functional checks is to be carried out to 

ensure that all sub-systems are operating correctly, and if not, identify the sub-systems that are not 

completely operational so that their status is known prior to deployment.

There may be circumstances when the vehicle will be deployed without being entirely operational, 

however the UAV Supervisor is to ensure that he is aware of the exact nature of any pre-existing 

deficiencies and how they may adversely affect the performance of the vehicle.

The Pre-Deployment Checklist is to be strictly adhered to and shall be signed off by the Technician(s) 

carrying out the checks prior to the UAV being deployed.

On completion of the flight the UAV crew is to carry out the Post-Deployment checks. The purpose of 

these checks is to ensure that all systems are fully operational and if not, identify any problems that may 

have arisen during the flight so that they can then be rectified immediately and the UAV can be fully 

prepared for its next deployment.

Prior to launching the UAV, the UAV Supervisor shall inform the Client's representative, and vessel 

master, of the impending launch, the proposed area of work, possible duration, and extent of activities.

During all launch and recovery operations the UAV Supervisor must be present. Access of other personnel 

to the launch and recovery area is to be strictly limited to only those personnel directly involved in the 

operation.

During deployment, when the UAV is in the water and en-route to the worksite, the UAV Supervisor shall 

consider the location and any other items that may be in the vicinity. He must also be aware of any 
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activities or simultaneous operations which may interfere or curtail the scope of work, etc., to ensure that 

the UAV can be easily recovered if the need arises and to reduce the possibility of entanglement.

The following is a list of conditions that Company UAV’s are to be operated within:

 The Company’s equipment is to be operated only by Company personnel or personnel under the 

Company’s direct supervision,

 Equipment shall not be operated in conditions exceeding manufacturer’s specifications,

 The UAV Supervisor shall have the sole responsibility for determining whether the conditions for 

operating the UAV are suitable, and his decision will be based on the following conditions:

 Operational condition of equipment,

 Deterioration factor of weather conditions, and Sea Current.

11 General Emergency Operations

It is vital that if either an equipment downtime or personnel accident occurs that the project manager and 

the UAV Operation Manager is contacted immediately by any form of communication available It is 

also vital the Client's Representative and vessel Master is informed immediately.

Action to be taken by the UAV Supervisor in this event is as follows:

 Inform the Operations Manager and Client's Representative and set up direct lines of communication 

with the base.

In any accident (equipment or personnel) the senior UAV person on shift will notify the UAV Operations 

Manager with an immediate phone call and a full written report on forms (Injury report, Incident or Near 

Miss Report) detailing the accident, its cause and effect.

The following basic information will be required:

 Date

 Time

 Circumstances

 Steps (if any) to recover equipment

 Flight logs

 Any witnesses statements, e.g. Client, Captain etc.

A rough working label may be employed during the recording, but this must contain as a minimum; tape 

no., date started and outline subject. On completion the following information is to be typed on the video 

label.

Front Label:

Title/subject

Date

Structure/location

SkyNet Logo

Client Logo
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Side Label:

Number.

Title/subject.

Date.

Structure/location

One video recorder for each UAV system will be used as a 'Black Box' record. This DVR should be 

recording continuously from the time the UAV enters the airspace until the time it exits the airspace. 

Video Capture Photography

Photographs should be taken of all anomalous items or areas of interest and as directed by the Inspection 

Coordinator. Care should be taken to ensure that the anomaly/area of interest would be in the shot. The 

number of photographs taken of a particular area will depend on what is being photographed; take as 

many shots as are required to demonstrate the extent of the anomaly/area of interest.

The photographic log will be filled in as each shot is taken. Information such as angle of shot, direction, 

video time, etc., should be inserted into the photo-log in order to aid orientation if the photographs are to 

be viewed at a later date. It is essential that the photo-log is accurate.

The inspection database is the primary reporting tool and is designed to minimize the workload of the data 

recorder. A brief outline of the capabilities of the inspection database system is included in third party 

operations manual.

In the event that an anomaly (non-conformity) is found, a suitable status code is selected and the 

description field adjacent to the status code must be completed to specify the severity and location of the 

non-conformity. If necessary a supplementary report with sketches shall be produced to further describe 

the anomaly. 

The on-line data recorder is responsible for ensuring that the inspection task is carried out as specified in 

the work scope and in the current flight plan. The Data Recorder is also responsible for ensuring that the 

correct procedures are carried out regarding anomalous features. The on-line data recorder determines the 

speed of the inspection such that all the required data is logged at the fastest practicable inspection speed.
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12 Appendixes

Register of Documents Form No
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APPENDIX B – EXAMPLE FORMS
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Purpose

Project Name 

Project Number 

SCOPE OF WORK to be preformed by 

SkyNet UAS (attach SOW if required)

DATE 

CLOSED

CLOSED 

BY

EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS 

list all equipment requirements 

Describe status of all equipment readiness, and pre-deployment 

testing. Mark as closed when completed. 

S800 Yes 2/27/2015 JF

GoPro H4 Yes 2/27/2015 JF

Transmitter Yes 2/27/2015 JF

SD Cards Yes 2/27/2015 JF

Batteries (15000 mah)x2 Yes 2/27/2015 JF

Battery Charging Station Yes 2/27/2015 JF

Micro USB Charging Cable Yes 2/27/2015 JF

Spare Propellers Yes 2/27/2015 JF

Video Monitor Yes 2/27/2015 JF

Batteries for Monitor Yes 2/27/2015 JF

Monitor Cables Yes 2/27/2015 JF

Allen Set Yes 2/27/2015 JF

Velcro Yes 2/27/2015 JF

Tool Chest Yes 2/27/2015 JF

Camera Stand Yes 2/27/2015 JF

Spare Control Console Yes 2/27/2015 JF

Power Charger Yes 2/27/2015 JF

Manuals for Troubleshooting Yes 2/27/2015 JF

DJI Inspire

DJI Inspire 1 Yes 2/27/2015 JF

Tranmitter Yes 2/27/2015 JF

Tablet Samsung Yes 2/27/2015 JF

Cables USB Yes 2/27/2015 JF

HDMI Calble Yes 2/27/2015 JF

Camera System Yes 2/27/2015 JF

Spare Propellers Yes 2/27/2015 JF

Spare Battery Yes 2/27/2015 JF

Charging Station Yes 2/27/2015 JF

Spare SD Cards Yes 2/27/2015 JF

Laptop Computer Yes 2/27/2015 JF

HSE/Spill Kit Inventory status 

2 X 10 LBS ABC Fire Extinguishers NA 2/27/2015

2 Spare Hardhats NA 2/27/2015

4 Spare Hardhats NA 2/27/2015

4 Spare safety glasses (clear/tinted) NA 2/27/2015

Spare PPE (4 sets) NA 2/27/2015

First Aid Kit NA 2/27/2015

Fall Arrestors (2) NA 2/27/2015

Trash Bags, 1 box NA 2/27/2015

*Client to list any other items required* 2/27/2015

PPE EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS and 

INVENTORY Notes, (job PPE inventory to include 1 spare per item per staff)

Hard Hat Yes 2/27/2015 JF

Safety Glasses (clear) Yes 2/27/2015 JF

Safety Glasses (shaded) Yes 2/27/2015 JF

Steel Toe Shoes Yes 2/27/2015 JF

Ear Protection Yes 2/27/2015 JF

High Visability Vest or Clothing Yes 2/27/2015 JF

Cold Wether Gear Yes 2/27/2015 JF

*Client to list any other items required*

Standard Job/Office Inventory 

Laptop Computer with backup hard drive NA 2/27/2015 JF

Printer Scanner NA 2/27/2015 JF

CD Burner NA 2/27/2015 JF

200 CDs NA 2/27/2015 JF

MC101

Conduct Video Inspection of Flare Tips FLA-012 & FLA 011. Conduct Inspection of Tank 

Vents in Tank Farm

SkyNet Pre-Deployment Checklist

To identify points requiring action and clarification prior to initiating a project. 

This form is to be completed prior to deployment personnel anmd assets 

NCRA Flare Tip Inspection
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