Peace of Thorn Productions LLC.

Motion Picture and Television 

Flight Operation Manual

Peace of Thorn Productions LLC.

4237 Arlington Drive 

Richton Park, Illinois. 60471

(708) 513-5431

delapenaa31@yahoo.com

Date: July, 2012 Revision: Original

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Peace of Thorn Productions LLC.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction 

A. Purpose 5

B. Pilot / Operator Organization 5

C. Persons Authorized 5

D. Area of Operations 5

E. Plan of Activities 6

F. Permission to Operate 7

G. Security 7

H. Briefing of Pilot / Production Personnel 8

I. Certification / Airworthiness 8

J. Pilot Personnel / Minimum Requirements 9

K. Communications 10

L. Accident Notification 10

M. Recall / Stop Procedures 10

N. Aerobatic Competency 11

O. Special Provisions 11

2. Company Organization

A. Chief sUAS Pilot 12

B. Pilot in Command 12

Appendix A

1. List of sUAS Drone Pilots 14

2. List of sUAS Drone Aircraft 15

3. Permission Acquisition Form (sample) 16

4. Revision Letter (sample) 17

Date: July, 2012 Revision: Original

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Appendix B

1. Form 7711-2 (Certification of waiver) 18 

 

Date: July, 2012 Revision: Original

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Revision Control Page

 Revision # Date Initials

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

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Date: July, 2012 Revision: Original

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1. Introduction

A. Purpose

This manual has been developed by “Peace of Thorn Productions, LLC.,” hereinafter 

referred to as “Peace of Thorn Productions,” 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. Peace of Thorn Productions 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

Anthony W. De La Pena – Pilot

Peace of Thorn Productions, LLC.

4237 Arlington Drive

Richton Park, Illinois. 60471

Anthony W. De La Pena – Manager (708) 513-5431 home/office/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 and television 

production(s). 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 and television production(s). 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 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 unforeseen accident. 

D. Area of Operations

Peace of Thorn Productions’ approved area of operation(s) will be the continental 

United States, including Alaska and Hawaii. 

Date: July, 2012 Revision: Original

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E. Plan of Activities

At least three (3) days prior to any scheduled filming or television 

activity/production, Peace of Thorn Productions 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/television 

production event.

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

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

airworthiness certificate, including category.

(5) Name and certificate number of pilot(s) involved in the filming/television 

production(s) event, including any notation of external load endorsement(s) 

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/television 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/television production 

will be conducted and the minimum altitudes essential to accomplish the 

operation(s). 

The three (3) day notification equipment(s) 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. 

Date: July, 2012 Revision: Original

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Peace of Thorn Productions LLC.

F. Permission of 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 deemed 

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 Peace of Thorn Productions 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 utilized when 

obtaining written permission. Peace of Thorn Productions 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 complete, and then 

given to 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. 

Date: July, 2012 Revision: Original

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H. Briefing of Pilot / Production Personnel

Prior to the start of any production 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/television production event. Personnel will also be briefed on additional 

provisions that may be issued by the FSDO that has geographic responsibility for 

the operation area, including the location of boundaries or time limits. The briefing 

shall cover: 

(1) Authorization for motion picture and television certificate of waiver and the 

attached special provisions.

(2) Operations Manual.

(3) Plan of Activities.

(4) Aircraft parking and starting.

(5) Taxi procedures.

(6) Radio Communications.

(7) Take-off procedures. 

(8) Aviation activities to be conducted during the filming/television production 

event.

(9) Approach and landing procedures.

(10) Recall procedures.

(11) Emergency procedures.

(12) Risks to participating persons.

(13) How to control nonparticipating persons.

I. Certification / Airworthiness 

All Peace of Thorn Productions aircraft utilized in filming/television operations 

requiring a waiver of FAR 91.119 (b) and (c) for the purpose of filming/television 

operations will be properly certified and hold airworthiness certificates. However, 

restricted category aircraft cannot be used as the filming/television “vehicle” in 

motion picture and television filming. 

Date: July, 2012 Revision: Original

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Peace of Thorn Productions LLC.

Also, aircraft in the experimental category must have an airworthiness certificate 

issued for the purpose of exhibition in order to be utilized in motion picture and 

television filming production. The aircraft will be 100 hr/annual inspection 

program. Other required tests and inspections (transponder, E.L.T., etc.) will be 

performed as per Part 91 when necessary. Each aircraft will have a flight log 

containing upcoming schedule 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 airworthiness 

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. Commercial 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 500 hours logged as PIC and at least 20 hours logged as the PIC in 

the aircraft type.

(3) A minimum of 100 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 

operation(s). 

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

Date: July, 2012 Revision: Original

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Peace of Thorn Productions LLC.

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.

(d) Proper instructions for flight and ground crew personnel.

(e) Aircraft flight manual, pilot operations handbook, or a rotorcraft-load 

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 utilized 

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(s). 

Date: July, 2012 Revision: Original

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N. Aerobatic Competency

If the filming/television operation(s) 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 Peace of Thorn Productions 

motion picture and television operations manual is the primary assurance that 

persons on the surface will not be jeopardized. 

The aircraft and pilot(s) utilized under this authorization and/or waiver will only be 

those specified in the Peace of Thorn Productions 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). (see attached document under “Appendix B” page 15).

Rotorcraft take-off and landing areas will be protected in a manner that will prevent 

unauthorized persons from entering the take-off and landing area.

Peace of Thorn Productions will ensure that the participating persons involved in 

the operations are thoroughly briefed on special procedures, communications, 

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. 

Date: July, 2012 Revision: Original

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 Peace of Thorn Productions LLC.

2. Company Organization

A. Chief sUAS Pilot

Duties and Responsibilities

(a) Final word in the formulation of policy and procedures concerning this 

manual.

(b) Act as liaison between Peace of Thorn Productions and the FAA on matters 

concerning this manual.

(c) 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.

(d) Maintain a current copy of this manual at the main base of operation(s) for 

Peace of Thorn Productions.

(e) Responsible for assuring that all revisions to this manual are distributed and 

processed properly.

(f) Must approve or disapprove each proposed job or operation performed by 

Peace of Thorn Productions under the provisions of this manual.

(g) Assume the responsibilities of pilot in command when acting as such.

(h) The chief pilot may delegate functions to other personnel but retains 

responsibility. 

B. Pilot in Command

Duties and Responsibilities

(a) Assure that aircraft to be flown is in airworthy condition and all inspections 

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

(b) Acquire permission from the chief pilot before any operation under the 

provisions of this manual.

(c) Be very knowledgeable of the contents of this manual and abide by the 

procedures, policies and conditions contained herein.

Date: July, 2012 Revision: Original

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 Peace of Thorn Productions LLC.

(d) Coordinate with movie and television personnel to formulate plans, routes, 

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

(e) Maintain their copy of this manual in current condition and have it on site at 

any job or operation requiring the waiver.

(f) The pilot in command may delegate functions to other personnel; but retains 

responsibility.

Date: July, 2012 Revision: Original

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 Peace of Thorn Productions LLC.

Appendix A. 1

List of sUAS Drone Pilot(s)

Chief Pilot

Name Anthony W. De La Pena

Certificate Number N/A

Grade Commercial / Private

Medical Class/Date N/A

Contact number (708) 513-5431

Pilots

Name 

Certificate Number 

Grade 

Medical Class/Date 

Contact Number 

Name 

Certificate Number 

Grade 

Medical Class/Date 

Contact Number 

Name 

Certificate Number 

Grade 

Medical Class/Date 

Contact Number 

Date: July, 2012 Revision: Original

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Appendix A. 2

List of sUAS Drone Aircrafts

Make and Model Product Number/Serial Number 

1. DJI Phantom II BH201328072585 

2. DJI Spreading Wings S800 EVO DJI6958265105630/ASINB00G5J6U3Q

3. 

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

13.

 

Date: July, 2012 Revision: Original

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Appendix A. 3

Peace of Thorn Productions, LLC.

Permission Acquisition Form

In signing this form, I am giving/allowing the pilots of Peace of Thorn Productions, LLC. 

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.

Date of Operation: 

Full Name:

Title: 

Basis of Authority to Grant Permission: 

Location: 

Signature: ____________________________________________________________________

Date: ____________________________________________________________________

Peace of Thorn Productions, LLC. Representative Receiving Permission: 

_____________________________________________________________________________

Date: July, 2012 Revision: Original

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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: _____________________________________________

Date: July, 2012 Revision: Original

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Appendix B. 1

(See attached form 7711-2)

Date: July, 2012 Revision: Original

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