Operations Manual for Drone is a comprehensive set of procedures and guidelines used as part of the operation of a drone/Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV). A standard Operations Manual should include the following information:
• A description of the UAV, including its make and model, payload capacity, take-off and landing procedures
• Operational regulations, such as airspace restrictions, landing regulations and flight no-fly zones
• A list of safety precautions to be taken when using the drone
• Detailed descriptions of the drone’s launch and recovery, altitude restrictions, and other operational points
• Radio/communications information
• Maintenance records, as well as procedures for servicing and performing repair work
• Operating procedures for specific operations, such as search and rescue, air traffic monitoring, geofencing, and so on
• Rules and regulations pertaining to the operation of UAVs in the country in which it will be used
The vast majority of drones used commercially today are required to have an Operations Manual. For example, in the United States, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requires all commercial drone operators to have an Operations Manual that is approved by the FAA. For more information on FAA regulations for drones, please click here: https://www.faa.gov/uas/getting_started/
To summarize, an Operations Manual for Drone is an important part of using a drone safely and in accordance with the relevant regulations. It includes operational regulations, safety precautions, flight and communication information, maintenance records, operating procedures and regulations pertaining to an individual country. It is a requirement for commercial drone operators in the United States to have an Operations Manual that is approved by the FAA.