Reference no: EM132291403

Close Up Aviation Corp. is a commercial helicopter operator specializing in providing air support to Hollywood motion picture and television production companies using specially-trained and highly-experienced flight crews and aircraft equipped with the latest technology in gyro-stabilized camera mounts for air-to-ground and air-to-air cinematography. Typically, Close Up furnishes the flight crews and aircraft, while the production company provides the cameras, along with on-board cinematographers and related technical personnel. The company will be providing its services to the producers of a new action thriller, and much of the flying will involve high-speed maneuvering flight at very low altitudes over broken terrain, between buildings, under bridges and powerlines and in very close proximity to actors and camera crews on the ground, vehicles and other participating aircraft, and amidst explosions and other pyrotechnics. Close Up is also considering adding appropriate camera-carrying unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) to its fleet of camera aircraft, and hiring and training crews to operate them. Some of the more dangerous shots might be accomplished using those aircraft instead of the manned helicopters. A group of prospective investors in the movie hires you to review the production company plan of aviation operations and advise them on risk management concerns. Answer the question.

Determine which individuals and companies could be deemed to be an "operator" of aircraft (both manned and unmanned) involved in this project, for FAR compliance purposes.