Flight Crew Private
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 3; Flight Crew Total 130; Flight Crew Type 26
Deviation - Altitude Overshoot; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural FAR; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
General None Reported / Taken
Company Policy; Procedure
I have a PPL and also hold a Section 333 Exemption for commercial UAV operations. This violation occurred when I was filming a commercial for a private golf course with my UAV. I reported this flight to local airports and filed a NOTAM as required. However; during filming for this commercial I was less than 500 feet from people (anywhere from roughly 20 to 200 feet) which is a violation of the terms of my 333 Exemption. All of these people gave me verbal authorization to be filmed under these conditions; nobody was hurt; and the flight occurred safely as planned. Approximately two days ago I discovered that I need a Motion Picture and Television Operations Manual (MPTOM); among other things; in order to film during commercial UAV operations that occur less than 500 feet from people. This violation occurred because at the time I did not fully understand the '500 foot' rule that applied to this flight/project; but I should have; so the real cause is ignorance on my part. The corrective action I am taking is to cease this type of operation and apply for a MPTOM. I do believe this type of operation can be conducted safely by me and other UAV pilots that do not presently hold a MPTOM; provided they have the proper equipment and training. However; I do see value in the application and approval process related to a MPTOM. Note: Flying time figures provided above are 104 total hours of ASEL with 0 in last 90 days; plus 26 hours of logged UAV flying time with 3 hours in the last 90 days.
Commercial Drone Operator reported having conducted a photo shoot job using a company-owned drone within 500 feet of personnel on the ground which is a violation of their authorization to film during commercial UAV operations.