Piper Mountain Aerial

Unmanned Aircraft System

Operations Manual
February 2017

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Piper Mountain Aerial Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operations Manual

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. PREFACE ...................................................................................................................... 1
2. PHILOSOPHY & MISSION STATEMENT ............................................................. 1
3. PROTECTION OF RIGHTS AND PRIVACY ......................................................... 1
4. DEFINITIONS .............................................................................................................. 2
5. ADMINISTRATION .................................................................................................... 2
5.1 OPERATIONS MANUAL ................................................................................................. 2
5.2 ORGANIZATION ........................................................................................................... 2
5.3 PERSONNEL ................................................................................................................. 3
5.4 FACILITIES................................................................................................................... 4
5.5 SCHEDULING ............................................................................................................... 4
5.6 MISCELLANEOUS ......................................................................................................... 4
6. SAFETY ......................................................................................................................... 4
6.1 SAFETY POLICY ........................................................................................................... 4
6.2 OPERATIONAL HAZARD AND OCCURRENCE REPORT (OHOR) AND INVESTIGATION ....... 5
6.3 SAFETY OFFICER – OPERATOR/OBSERVER/COORDINATOR............................................ 6
6.4 SAFETY TRAINING ....................................................................................................... 6
6.5 MEDICAL FACTORS ...................................................................................................... 6
7. TRAINING .................................................................................................................... 7
7.1 OBJECTIVE................................................................................................................... 7
7.2 INSTRUCTORS .............................................................................................................. 7
7.3 TRAINING PLANS ......................................................................................................... 7
7.4 INITIAL TRAINING ........................................................................................................ 7
7.5 RECURRENT TRAINING ................................................................................................ 8
7.6 MISCELLANEOUS ......................................................................................................... 8
8. GENERAL OPERATING PROCEDURES ............................................................... 8
8.1 REQUEST FOR UAS SUPPORT ........................................................................................ 8
8.2 CALL-OUT PROCEDURE ................................................................................................ 8
8.3 DEPLOYMENT PRIORITIES .......................................................................................... 10
8.4 FLIGHT BOUNDARIES ................................................................................................. 10
8.5 MINIMUM PERSONNEL REQUIREMENTS ...................................................................... 10
8.6 PERSONNEL RESPONSIBILITIES FOR DEPLOYMENTS.................................................... 10
8.7 PERSONAL EQUIPMENT .............................................................................................. 11
9. PRE-FLIGHT/POST-FLIGHT ACTIONS .............................................................. 11
9.1 INSPECTIONS ............................................................................................................. 11

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9.2 WEATHER .................................................................................................................. 12

9.3 DOCUMENTATION ..................................................................................................... 12
9.4 PLANNING ................................................................................................................. 12
9.5 CHECKLISTS .............................................................................................................. 13
9.6 MAINTENANCE .......................................................................................................... 13
9.7 OTHER ....................................................................................................................... 13

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1. Preface
The following procedures are intended to promote safe, efficient and lawful operation of
the PIPER MOUNTAIN AERIAL unmanned aerial system (UAS). Safety, above all else,
is the primary concern in each and every operation, regardless of the nature of the mission.

2. Philosophy & Mission Statement

It shall be the mission of those personnel of PIPER MOUNTAIN AERIAL who are trained
in the use of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), to use this resource to conduct aerial
photography, videography, commercial inspections (agriculture, buildings and
infrastructure), and aerial surveying, mapping and 3D modeling.

It shall be the intent of every UAS operator to make reasonable effort to not invade a
person's reasonable expectation of privacy when operating the UAS. When operating the
UAS, PIPER MOUNTAIN AERIAL operators abide by all FAA Regulations for flight and
receive the proper authorization for flight.

3. Protection of Rights and Privacy

UAS operators and observers ensure the protection of private individuals’ civil rights and
reasonable expectations of privacy before deploying the UAS. UAS operators and
observers ensure and are held accountable for ensuring that operations of the UAS intrude
to a minimal extent upon the private persons and businesses. To accomplish this primary
goal, PIPER MOUNTAIN AERIAL observes the following:

1. When the UAS is flown, the onboard cameras are turned so as to be facing away
from occupied structures, etc. to minimize inadvertent video or still images of
uninvolved persons or property.
2. PIPER MOUNTAIN AERIAL does not conduct random surveillance activities.
The use of the UAS is tightly controlled and regulated.
3. All authorized missions for PIPER MOUNTAIN AERIAL UAS are for:
a. Aerial photography, videography, commercial inspections (agriculture,
buildings and infrastructure), and aerial surveying, mapping and 3D
modeling.
4. A committee is formed and meets semi-annually for the purpose of reviewing the
existing UAS procedures as well new technologies, laws, and regulations on UAS
usage. The committee consists of personnel from PIPER MOUNTAIN AERIAL
and business partners and advisors.
5. PIPER MOUNTAIN AERIAL UAS operate strictly within the law and regulations.
If in doubt, prior to operating the UAS we ensure that the proper forms and
applications are applied for and obtained. We balance all operations with the need
to accomplish the mission while maintaining public privacy and the freedom from
intrusion.

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4. Definitions
1. Aircraft: any contrivance invented, used, or designed to navigate, or fly in, the air.
2. Airport: a landing area used regularly by aircraft for receiving or discharging
passengers or cargo.
3. Civil aircraft: an aircraft except a public aircraft.
4. Landing area: a place on land or water, including an airport or intermediate landing
field, used, or intended to be used, for the takeoff and landing of aircraft, even when
facilities are not provided for sheltering, servicing, or repairing aircraft, or for
receiving or discharging passengers or cargo.

5. Administration

5.1 Operations Manual

1. The policies and procedures contained in this manual are issued by PIPER
MOUNTAIN AERIAL . As such it is an official business document of PIPER
MOUNTAIN AERIAL .
2. This manual is not intended to be all-inclusive, but as a supplement to other
company guidelines, Federal Aviation Administration regulations, pre-flight safety
checklists, aircraft manufacturers' approved flight manual, etc.
3. This manual is been written to address UAS operations as they existed when it was
drafted. Equipment, personnel, environment (internal and external), etc., change
over time. The management of change involves a systematic approach to
monitoring organizational change and is a critical part of the risk management
process. Given this, it is essential that this manual be continually updated as
necessary. The entire manual must be reviewed, at a minimum, annually to assure
it is up to date. Any changes to the manual will be communicated as currently
dictated by company policy.
4. A copy of the manual (electronic and/or paper) is issued to every person having
UAS responsibilities.

5.2 Organization

1. The UAS unit is comprised of those personnel approved by PIPER MOUNTAIN

AERIAL and includes operators, observers and others deemed necessary and an
have assignment as part of the UAS crew.
2. Assignment to the UAS crew is carefully selected by PIPER MOUNTAIN
AERIAL from specially trained staff members of PIPER MOUNTAIN AERIAL
with knowledge of the airspace within which the operation will take place and how
that airspace fits into the National Airspace System (NAS).

5.3 Personnel

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1. The UAS flight coordinator or pilot-in-command (PIC) is responsible for the

overall direction and performance of the UAS unit and exercises command and
control over it. The PIC must be FAA part 107 certified.
2. UAS Coordinator Responsibilities:
a. maintaining all training, flight and maintenance records for each operator
and observer as well as individual airframes;
b. maintain contact with the FAA and regulations as they change and maintain
current FAA certification as needed and required by US law for civil UAS
operations.
c. evaluate airframes based on mission needs;
3. Operators:
a. To be considered for selection as an operator, applicants must meet the
requirements for and successfully pass a PIPER MOUNTAIN AERIAL
administered UAS Operators Course AND be FAA part 107 certified in
order to be accepted into the UAS crew.
b. Operators interacting with Air Traffic Control (ATC) or Terminal Radar
Approach Control Facilities (TRACON) shall have sufficient expertise to
perform that task readily. Operators must have an understanding of, and
comply with FAA Regulations applicable to the airspace where the UAS
operates.
c. An operator's primary duty is the safe and effective operation of the UAS
in accordance with the manufacturers' approved flight manual, FAA
regulations and company policy and procedures. Operators must remain
knowledgeable of all FAA regulations; UAS manufacturer's flight manual
and bulletins and company policy and procedures.
d. Operators may be temporarily removed from flight status at any time by the
UAS coordinator, for reasons including performance, proficiency, physical
condition, etc. Should this become necessary, the operator will be notified
verbally and in writing of the reason, further action to be taken and expected
duration of such removal.
e. The UAS Coordinator shall maintain a file for each operator which shall
include copies of training records, flight incidents, etc. This file is reviewed
in accordance with current company policy and procedures.
4. Observers
a. Observers must have been provided with sufficient training to communicate
clearly to the operator any turning instructions required to stay clear of
conflicting traffic and obstacles. Observers receive training on rules and
responsibilities described in 14 CFR 91.111, Operating Near Other Aircraft,
14 CFR 91.13, Right-of-Way Rules, cloud clearance, in-flight visibility, and
the pilot controller glossary including standard ATC phraseology and
communication. 14 CFR 91.17, Alcohol or Drugs, applies to UAS
observers.
b. An observer's primary duty is to operate the UAS's equipment including
cameras, FLIR, radio communications with other crew members and
property owners as well as be an observer for anything that may affect the
operator's primary duty (see and avoid).

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c. The UAS Coordinator maintains a file for each observer, which includes
copies of training records, UAS incidents, etc.

5.4 Facilities

1. UAS operations are housed and maintained at a facility designated by PIPER

MOUNTAIN AERIAL .
2. Personnel must not leave the designated facility without making sure the UAS
equipment is secured.
3. All personnel are equally responsible for maintaining the facility in a neat, clean
and orderly fashion.

5.5 Scheduling

1. To facilitate the broad use of the UAS, it shall be made available to all UAS flight
crew members.
2. To maintain a level of proficiency with the UAS, operators are required, as part of
their acceptance into the UAS flight crew, to attend training every two months.
Training is coordinated through the UAS flight crew and announced in advance for
scheduling purposes.

5.6 Miscellaneous

1. Inquiries from the news media must be forwarded to the PIPER MOUNTAIN
AERIAL owner Ty Hurd. Operators/Observers shall follow currently established
company policy regarding interactions and inquiries from the media.
2. Requests for support from third-parties will be responded to by the UAS
coordinator. Should the request involve an immediate threat to life, or property, the
operator is authorized to accept or decline the request. Proper policy and procedure,
as well as FAA regulations must be followed when accepting mutual aid support
for the UAS.
3. Complaints or inquiries regarding UAS operations must be referred to the UAS
coordinator.

6. Safety
6.1 Safety Policy

1. PIPER MOUNTAIN AERIAL is committed to having a safe and healthy

workplace, including:
a. The ongoing pursuit of an accident free workplace, including no harm to
people, no damage to equipment, the environment and property.

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b. A culture of open reporting of all safety hazards in which management will

not initiate disciplinary action against any personnel who, in good faith,
disclose a hazard or safety occurrence due to unintentional conduct.
c. Support for safety training and awareness programs.
d. Conducting regular audits of safety policies, procedures and practices.
e. Monitoring the UAS community to ensure best safety practices are
incorporated into the organization.
2. It is the duty of every member within the UAS flight crew to contribute to the goal
of continued safe operations. This contribution comes in many forms and includes
always operating in the safest manner practicable and never taking unnecessary
risks. Any safety hazard, whether procedural, operational, or maintenance related
must be identified as soon as possible after, if not before, an incident occurs. Any
suggestions in the interest of safety should be made to the UAS Coordinator.
3. If any member observes, or has knowledge of an unsafe or dangerous act committed
by another member, the UAS coordinator is to be notified immediately so that
corrective action may be taken.

6.2 Operational Hazard and Occurrence Report (OHOR) and Investigations

1. Occurrences are unplanned safety related events, including accidents and incidents
that could impact safety. A hazard is something that has the potential to cause harm.
The systematic identification and control of all major hazards is foundational to
safety.
2. The OHOR concept provides a mechanism to report hazards and occurrences, real
and perceived, to those responsible for UAS operations.
3. There is no specific format for the OHOR as the information provided is what is
important, not the format and should be used without hesitation to report any
anticipated, current, or experienced safety hazard, or occurrence. Further, the
OHOR can be submitted anonymously, and to whatever level in the chain of
command, to get the matter proper attention, without fear of reprisal.
4. Written memorandums fully explaining the problem will be given to the UAS
coordinator for investigation.
5. Every hazard and/or occurrence is investigated, with the results and corrective
action taken communicated to all members. The investigation will be conducted by
the UAS coordinator or any other member of the company who has the technical
skill necessary to do it. The services of an independent subject matter expert may
be necessary in some cases to assure a thorough and complete investigation.
6. Hazards requiring immediate attention will be brought to the attention of the UAS
coordinator, verbally, without delay.
7. ALL MEMBERS ARE AUTHORIZED TO TAKE ACTION TO CORRECT A
HAZARD if in that member's opinion delay will result in accident or injury. The
UAS coordinator will be notified immediately in such situations.

6.3 Safety Officer - Operator/Observer/Coordinator

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1. In regards to safety, all members of the UAS flight crew are responsible for the
following:
a. Ensuring all flight operations personnel understand applicable regulatory
requirements, standards and organizational safety policies and procedures.
b. Observe and control safety systems by monitoring all operations.
c. Review standards and the practices of company personnel as they impact
operational safety.
d. Communicate all reported safety related problems and the corrective action
taken. If there were any in-flight problems (or learned experiences), the
proper procedures for handling that problem should be discussed.
e. Copy and circulate pertinent safety information.
f. Copy and circulate emergency safety bulletins.
g. Place any electronic copies of safety information or bulletins in a
conspicuous location for all employees to access.
h. It is emphasized again that safety is the responsibility of ALL members of
the UAS unit.

6.4 Safety Training

1. All members shall receive training in the following subjects prior to operating the
UAS:
a. Company commitment to safety
b. Company policy
c. UAS member's role in safety
d. Emergency safety procedures
2. All members shall review the company safety policy and procedures on an annual
basis and that review shall be noted in their training history.

6.5 Medical Factors

1. Operator and Observers shall only deploy the UAS when rested and emotionally
prepared for the tasks at hand.
2. Physical illness, exhaustion, emotional problems, etc., seriously impair judgment,
memory and alertness. The safest rule is not to act as an operator or observer when
suffering from any of the above. Members are expected to "stand down" when these
problems could reasonably be expected to affect their ability to perform flight
duties.
3. A self-assessment of physical condition shall be made by all members during pre-
flight activities.
4. Performance can be seriously hampered by prescription and over-the-counter
drugs. The UAS Coordinator must be advised anytime such drugs are being taken.
If it is determined that the medication being taken could hamper an operator or
observer, that member shall be prohibited from the deployment or exercise.
5. No member shall act as an operator or observer within eight hours after
consumption of any alcoholic beverage, while under the influence of alcohol, or
while having an alcohol concentration of 0.04 (FAR 91.17)

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7. Training
7.1 Objective

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

competency. The first step in this process is establishing minimum qualifications
for selecting members, and the second step involves training those personnel.

7.2 Instructors

1. If any members are FAA certified flight instructors, they are given instructor duties.
Such duties can include developing training courses, provide training, and student
evaluation and documentation.
2. Duties of instructing new members shall fall upon those who have the most flight
time and knowledge of UAS operations. Instructors are designated by those within
the unit and approved by the UAS Coordinator.

7.3 Training Plans

1. All members have a training plan on file that outlines training objectives for the
upcoming year. This training plan will be held in conjunction with the member's
normal training file per company policy.
2. The approved training plan is developed by the UAS coordinator.
3. All deployments or exercises are documented and count toward a member's
training.
4. It is the member's responsibility to verify their training file contains all pertinent
information.

7.4 Initial Training

1. Observers and Operators must have completed sufficient training to communicate

to the pilot any instructions required to remain clear of conflicting traffic. This
training, at a minimum, shall include knowledge of the rules and responsibilities
described in 14 CFR 91.111, Operating Near Other Aircraft; 14 CFR 91.113, Right-
of-Way Rules: Except Water Operations; and 14 CFR 91.155, Basic VFR Weather
Minimums; knowledge of air traffic and radio communications, including the use
of approved ATC/pilot phraseology; and knowledge of appropriate sections of the
Aeronautical Information Manual.
2. In conjunction with fulfilling all training requirements for operator/observer duties,
the new member must also become familiar with UAS operations, the aircraft and
its equipment.

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3. Any new member who fails to successfully complete the initial training may be
denied as a member of the UAS flight crew.
4. Before a member can fly as an operator, they must complete at least enter number
(e.g., 10, 15, 20, etc.) hours of flight training with the UAS instructors to show
proficiency of the flight training exercises and the airframe. This must be
accomplished to show their ability and knowledge of the UAS.

7.5 Recurrent Training

1. All members within the unit shall maintain proficiency in their operator/observer
abilities. Members who do not have any documented training or flight time within
a span of 90 days will have to show proficiency before being an operator/observer
during a deployment or exercise.
2. Recurrent training is not limited to actual operating/observer skills but includes
knowledge of all pertinent UAS/aviation matters.
3. Failure to prove proficiency can result in removal from UAS responsibilities.

7.6 Miscellaneous

1. Depending on the nature of the training request, all efforts are made to
accommodate the hours of training so as little impact is made to staffing levels.
2. All requests for training shall be approved through the member's chain of command
and timekeeping during those training hours are marked by the UAS coordinator.
3. Members are encouraged to attend, and forward information on FAA sponsored
safety seminars.
4. Training shall only be conducted at approved locations and follow the provisions
within the approved FAA regulations.

8. General Operating Procedures

8.1 Request for UAS Support

1. Requests for UAS support shall be made through the UAS coordinator who has the
most current list of UAS operators and observers to contact.
2. Requests for UAS support can be made at any time during the day or night.
3. The UAS coordinator will submit a written Plan of Activities to the local FAA
FSDO three days before the proposed mission.
4. If a request is made for UAS support during the night, PIPER MOUNTAIN
AERIAL must contact the FAA to obtain a waiver if one isn’t on file for the location
and time of the mission.

8.2 Call-out Procedure

1. The UAS coordinator will screen all initial requests to use a UAS.
2. The UAS coordinator will then contact the PIC to request the deployment of the
UAS.

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3. The UAS Coordinator will also contact the UAS flight crew who will screen the
request using the following factors:
a. Is the proposed use of UAS within the capabilities of the UAS equipment
and personnel to perform?
b. Does the proposed use of the UAS fall within the FAA and department
policies and regulations for UAS usage?
c. Can the UAS be deployed safely given current weather conditions?
d. If the UAS deployment requires a warrant has one been requested and
approved?
e. Are sufficient trained and qualified personnel available to safely operate the
UAS?
4. The UAS flight crew will either accept or decline the request for UAS support. If
the request is denied the UAS flight crew will provide a reason for declining the
support request to the UAS Coordinator who will provide the requestor this
information along with the reason for declining. If the UAS Coordinator accepts
the support request they will contact a UAS operator who will be provided all
available mission information.
5. The UAS operator will contact a certified observer from the list of available trained
observers. The UAS operator is responsible for transporting the UAS and all
required equipment to the scene. Upon arriving at the requested location the UAS
operator will contact the requestor to check in and receive a briefing on the mission
requested. The UAS operator will make an on scene determination of the ability of
the UAS to perform the requested mission safely and within company and FAA
policies and procedures.
6. If the UAS operator determines that the use of the UAS would violate company
policy or directives then the UAS operator will inform the requestor of the potential
conflict along with recommendations for modifying the requested mission to
conform to company policies and procedures. As this is a change from the original
approved mission the UAS operator will contact the UAS coordinator for direction
on how to proceed. As soon as possible after the completion of the mission, the
UAS operator will make a full report of the circumstances and their concern through
the UAS coordinator.
7. UAS operators will have sole discretion for declaring safety or violation of FAA
rules. If the UAS operator determines that a requested mission would violate FAA
rules or endanger person or property, then the UAS operator will respectfully
inform the requestor of the reasons for refusing to operate the UAS and contact the
UAS coordinator immediately. The UAS will not be flown in this circumstance and
the authority of the UAS operator is absolute.
8. If the UAS operator determines that the requested mission will potentially damage
the UAS or its associated equipment the UAS operator will inform the requestor of
their concerns. The UAS operator will fully document and send a report to the UAS
coordinator.

8.3 Deployment Priorities

1. The UAS shall not be used for the purpose of random surveillance.

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2. If several separate requests for UAS support are received simultaneously, they shall
be prioritized.
3. In general terms, requests for UAS support are prioritized as:
a. List priorities of company’s business generally.

8.4 Flight Boundaries

1. Although there may be requests for UAS support in restricted airspace, FAA
regulations for UAS restrict UAS deployment inside restricted airspace.
2. At no time shall UAS support be granted inside restricted airspace without first
obtaining permission from the local FAA FSDO and approval by local authorities.
3. Maximum altitude shall not be set more than 400 feet per the FAA regulatory
standards.
4. The operator will obtain the consent of all persons involved in the mission and
ensure that only consenting persons will be allowed within 100 feet of the flight
operation, and this radius may be reduced to 30 feet based upon an equivalent level
of safety determination.

8.5 Minimum Personnel Requirements

1. Due to the nature of the mission, the minimum personnel required on ALL missions
will be an operator and observer. Under no circumstances will an operator attempt
to complete a deployment alone.
2. Although training is not considered a mission, an observer shall be used.

8.6 Personnel Responsibilities for Deployments

OPEN COMMUNICATION ACHIEVES SAFE OPERATIONS

1. Operator
a. The operator is directly responsible for, and is the final authority over the
actual operation of the UAS.
b. Operators have absolute authority to reject a flight based on personnel safety
or violation of FAA regulations. No member of PIPER MOUNTAIN
AERIAL, regardless of status, shall order an operator to make a flight when,
in the opinion of the operator, it poses a risk to personnel or is in violation
of FAA regulations.
c. Operators are responsible for compliance with this manual, company policy
and procedure and FAA regulations.
d. The operator's main duty during the deployment of the UAS is to operate
the UAS safely while accomplishing the goals of the deployment.
e. Operators shall see-and-avoid any obstacle that will lessen safety during the
mission.
f. Operators shall be responsive to the requests of the observer in order to
accomplish the deployment.

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g. Operators shall be responsible for documentation for mission training and

updating of flight books.
2. Observer
a. Observers shall see-and-avoid any obstacle that will lessen safety during the
mission.
b. Observers are responsible for the operational aspect of the deployment.
c. Observers shall operate any attachments to the UAS, allowing the operator
to maintain complete focus on the operation of the UAS.
d. Observers shall remain alert for suspicious persons or activities on the
ground and coordinate response by other UAS flight crewmembers.
e. Observers shall assist the operator in the main objective of safe operations
of the UAS.
f. Observers shall be responsible for documentation for mission training and
updating of flight books.

8.7 Personal Equipment

1. Operators/Observers shall wear eye protection at all times while the UAS is in
flight.
2. Although there is no specific uniform for the UAS unit or required for proper
operation of the UAS, the operator/observer should take necessary measures to
deploy in a professional matter, wear Hi-Visible vests when appropriate, and take
into consideration that all deployments are subject to media requests.
3. Operators/Observers will take into consideration the current weather conditions
when planning to deploy, and wear appropriate clothing to deploy comfortably.
4. There are no documented issues with the use of the radio or cellular phones during
the deployment of the UAS, but the operator/observer should at all times take into
consideration safe operation of the UAS when using a radio or another device (use
of the radio or other device is strictly prohibited by the operator during flight).
5. Operators/Observers shall wear clothing that easily identifies them as PIPER
MOUNTAIN AERIAL UAS Flight Crew members.

9. Pre-Flight/Post-Flight Actions
9.l Inspections

1. Operators/Observers are both responsible for a thorough preflight inspection of the

UAS.
2. Before and after each deployment (whether a mission or training), the operator and
observer shall conduct a thorough inspection of the UAS in accordance with the
instructions contained in the manufactures user's manual.
3. Any issues found that will put in jeopardy the safe operation of the UAS shall be
documented and resolved immediately prior to flight.
4. It has been recognized that the use of a checklist is a significant method to combat
UAS accidents. A pre-flight checklist is contained with each UAS Base Station and
is utilized prior to each flight.

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5. Any physical equipment that cannot be resolved on-site, and which have an impact
on safety or the mission, will override the deployment. These issues will be resolved
before flight.

9.2 Weather

1. Before each deployment, the operator/observer will ensure that he/she gathers
enough information to make themselves familiar with the weather situation existing
throughout the area of deployment. The operator shall utilize FAA approved
weather resources to obtain the latest and most current weather conditions.
2. An anemometer should be utilized in order to better estimate the wind speed and
determine if it is within the capabilities of the airframe being flown.
3. Operators/Observers should use the Beaufort Scale when making deployment
decisions in regards to wind conditions.
4. The weather conditions reported for the operation shall be recorded in the pre-flight
checklist.
5. The operator shall ensure that the flight will occur within FAA VFR weather
requirements.

9.3 Documentation

1. Inspection and weather will be documented prior to flight within the log book.
2. After each flight, the operator will complete a statement documenting the UAS
operations.

9.4 Planning

1. The operator/observer shall familiarize themselves with all available information

concerning the deployment including, but not limited to, the weather conditions,
hazards, description of the incident, deployment goals, etc.
2. Operators will ensure that the location for take-off and emergency landing is
adequate for a safe deployment.
a. The take-off/landing area should be clearly marked and identifiable with
short cones.
b. At least one emergency landing area should be identified per deployment.
3. Operators will ensure that they are aware of their surroundings in the event that an
emergency landing is necessary. This includes the ability to recover the UAS.

9.5 Checklists

1. Operators shall utilize pre-flight checklists to ensure the highest level of safety for
deployment.
2. Prior to flight, the flight log shall be initiated.

9.6 Maintenance

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1. Although there are few parts on the UAS that need servicing, it is necessary that
the manufacturer's maintenance schedule is followed and properly documented.
2. Any issues that arise during maintenance that cannot be resolved by routine
methods shall be forwarded to the manufacturer for further technical support.

9.7 Other

1. Operators/Observers will ensure that no items are attached to the UAS prior to flight
that are not required for safe operation and to complete the mission goal.

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