FSUFILM Handbook

SB18-Stunt-Air-Bags-and-Freefall-Catch-Systems Download

Stunt Air Bags and Freefall Catch Systems

Safety Bulletin

Guidelines

These guidelines are intended to provide recommendations on the safe use of stunt-related systems into which performers or objects fall.

The following shall be taken into consideration when choosing a system:
1. The type of stunt to be performed.
2. The height of the jump/fall.
3. The weight that will impact the device or system.
4. The number and sequence of falling performers or objects.
5. The area where the device or system will be placed.
6. Special effects, wardrobe, props or any other item that may affect the stunt.
7. Any other unusual conditions.
If the stunt is planned to take place at night, suitable lighting must be provided. Care must be taken to ensure that the performer(s) can adequately see the intended target and to ensure the set or safety lighting does not obscure the performers’ vision.
The Stunt Coordinator should assess the fall area for cables, wiring, or building infrastructure, (i.e., fire escapes, landings, access ladders) that could impede the fall path. The Stunt Coordinator should inspect the condition and structural integrity of the device or system. All devices and systems should be of good quality and appropriate for the task.
The Stunt Coordinator should inspect the fall area prior to and during the stunt.
The Performer and Stunt Coordinator will inspect the device or system prior to each use.
Inspections should include:
1. Air Bags
  1. Stitching, seams and vents
  2. Fans
  3. Power Source: Adequate power supply from an independent source, appropriate cable size and secured connections.
2. Boxes
  1. Condition – dry, structural integrity for the application, empty
  2. Assembled and oriented per the Stunt Coordinator’s instructions.
3. Other Devices or Systems
  1. Condition of integral components of any device or system used.
Qualified personnel should set up each device or system.
Use a sufficient number of spotters, designated by the Stunt Coordinator, around each device or system to ensure safety.
The duties for ground-based spotters should include, but are not limited to the following:
1. Protecting performers, through the use of individual crash pads, peripheral devices or other equipment, in case the performers become misaligned during the fall.
2. Observing any unusual changes in atmospheric conditions, particularly wind and effects-related debris, which may affect the performer’s fall.
3. Lifting and moving the device or system should the performer become misaligned during the fall.
4. Continuously inspecting all power operated equipment.
5. Ensuring no unnecessary personnel or equipment are within the fall area.
6. Being aware of location peculiarities that may affect the performer’s fall.
Implement additional pre-planning if two performers are to use the same device or system at the same time. For example, it may be problematic when the two performers’ weights are significantly different when using an air bag.
Prior to the stunt and after any change or modifications to the stunt sequence, the First Assistant Director shall conduct a safety meeting at the site with all personnel involved.
Conduct a walk-through or dry run of the stunt sequence with all appropriate personnel on the day of the stunt. Assure that all have a clear understanding of the intended action and their duties.
Communicate to all appropriate personnel the method and meaning of abort signals. Discuss primary and/or back-up signals (e.g., radios and hand signals).
Allow only safety personnel and personnel necessary for assisting, directing, filming or performing the stunt in the stunt area.
The performer(s) should have the necessary experience and knowledge to perform the particular stunt sequence.
Fall protection for all other personnel working at height is required.

Related Bulletins

SB17-Water-Hazards Download

Water Hazards

Safety Bulletin

Guidelines

The following procedures are recommended for all water work, including, but not limited to ponds, rivers, lakes, swamps, bogs, oceans, pools, and tanks, or any other unduly wet work environment.

When working on a body of water is contemplated, the Producer should identify and make known prior to actual filming, all available knowledge regarding currents; and natural and man-made hazards, including sub-surface objects, underwater life and contamination. Upstream activities, such as dams, waste disposal sites, agriculture, chemical plant dumping sites, flash flood dangers, etc. should also be evaluated. If a potential safety hazard is found to exist, the Producer should take appropriate steps to mitigate the hazard.
Prior to personnel entering a body of water, a determination should be made that the water quality meets the applicable regulatory standards for “recreational full body contact.” This determination may be made by one or more of the following: Direct water sampling, contact local health authorities and/or detailed other knowledge of the uses and water sources supplying the body of water. Water sampling results and acceptable water quality criteria shall be made available upon request. Note: When it is determined that a body of water is contaminated or hazardous, the contamination or hazard should be neutralized or the site shall be avoided.
Extreme care should be taken regarding dangerous marine life, including reptiles.
When necessary for personnel to work in fast-moving rivers, downstream safety pickup personnel and safety equipment should be stationed for downstream emergency rescue.
Where boating traffic is anticipated, all precautions, including those mandated by the appropriate authorities, will be enforced. (See Safety Bulletin: Boating and Watercraft)
All personnel scheduled for water work shall be notified in advance via the Call Sheet. Personnel who are uncomfortable working in or around water should notify their supervisor prior to that day’s call.
All personnel working in or around water shall be provided with the appropriate water safety devices. (See Safety Bulletin: Diving Operations)
The Producer should take steps to prevent hyperthermia (elevated body temperature) and hypothermia (reduced body temperature).
All personnel should be advised to keep all potential contaminants away from the water, including paints, thinners, repellents, gasoline, oils, etc.
Provisions for post-immersion washing should be available.
When necessary, the Producer should implement a plan to account for personnel in the water, such as a “buddy” or a check in/check out system.
Special care must be used whether AC or DC electricity is used in or around water. All electrical cables and lights in close proximity to water shall be properly secured to prevent tipping and falling. All wiring, electrical equipment and devices that will, or may be, subject to a submerged condition should be approved for underwater use, be watertight, have no exposed live connections and be constructed such that there is no shock hazard under any likely conditions of use. All applicable provisions of the National Electric Code should be followed. Local regulations may be more restrictive and should be consulted.
When lighting, electrical distribution, or any electrically powered equipment is used in close proximity to water or can make contact with water, the use of GFCI should be evaluated by a qualified person. This includes all areas where water hazards exist. When persons, wardrobe, props, or equipment are wet, the need for GFCI protection should be evaluated. GFCIs should not be used on circuits where removal of power may create a greater hazard, such as airbags, decelerators, emergency egress lighting, etc.
All electrical connections should be made by, or under the supervision of, a qualified person.

Related Bulletins

Critters

Poisonous Plants

Railroads

Urban Exterior Locations

Water Hazards

Pyrotechnic Special Effects

Safety Bulletin

SB16-Pyrotechnic-Special-Effects Download

Guidelines

This Safety Bulletin applies to pyrotechnic materials such as explosives and flammable or combustible liquids, gases and solids when used to create pyrotechnic special effects.

All use, handling, storage and transportation of pyrotechnic materials shall be in compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations.

Pre-Production/Planning

When pyrotechnic materials are used on set, such use shall be under controlled conditions with due regard for the safety of all involved.
The Production Company or Studio shall make sufficient advanced notification of the use of pyrotechnic materials to the appropriate departments (such as Special Effects, Stunts, Camera, Art, Construction, Hair, Make-up and Wardrobe), in order to safely plan pyrotechnic special effects. Any performer who may be involved in a pyrotechnic special effect shall be notified.
Any required licenses and/or permits shall be obtained from proper Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) over pyrotechnic materials prior to using pyrotechnic special effects. Pyrotechnic Special Effects Operator(s) must hold valid State and Federal license(s), as applicable.
Consideration of using remote control detonation devices should be discussed with Safety, Fire, Production, Stunts, and Special Effects prior to use.
Prior to pyrotechnic special effects work, productions must develop emergency procedures and contingency plans, including identifying emergency fire suppression equipment and personnel needs. All equipment shall be checked to verify that it is in good operating condition. Individuals using this equipment must have proper training in its use and limitations.
The need for personal protective equipment (PPE) should be identified during the planning stage.
Special effects personnel must inform the Transportation Coordinator of what pyrotechnic materials will be transported. Vehicles must be properly placarded when required by Federal or State law. All vehicles transporting pyrotechnic materials shall have an inventory of the materials being transported or stored readily available. Drivers must be qualified to transport pyrotechnic materials.
Sets, equipment, props, wardrobe, make-up, wigs, hair supplies, etc. that will be in close proximity to planned pyrotechnic special effects must be prepared accordingly and/or should be made of flame retardant material. All sets, equipment, props, wardrobe, wigs, etc., must be made available in advance to the Pyrotechnic Special Effects Operator in charge for evaluation, to establish placement, and if necessary, for testing.

Clothing and Personal Protective Equipment

Cast and crew in close proximity to planned effects should wear appropriate protective clothing. Depending on the hazards involved, this clothing should include appropriate closed-toe footwear, long pants, and a long-sleeved shirt made of 100% cotton or material which provides equal or greater protection.
Cast and crew must be notified by the Pyrotechnic Special Effects Operator in charge when there is potential for exposures to pyrotechnics, such as fireball, debris, and shock wave. PPE must be provided as appropriate for the hazard(s) involved and considerations must be made for head, hand, eye, ear and respiratory protection. Depending on the hazards involved, the AHJ may require full fire turnout gear and Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA). These guidelines will also apply to performers when appropriate. All users must have proper training in the use and limitations of such PPE.

Fire Protection

Pyrotechnic materials shall be kept a safe distance from open flames and other sources of ignition. Where required, such materials shall also be stored in approved, properly labeled containers.
Smoking is prohibited in all pyrotechnic areas and “No Smoking” signs shall be posted in all appropriate areas of the premises or locations where pyrotechnic materials are stored and handled.
Sufficient fire suppression equipment (such as charged extinguishers and fire hoses) must be manned, ready for use and placed at an appropriate safe distance from the effect, during testing, rehearsal and filming.
Designated personnel performing fire suppression activities during testing, rehearsal and filming must be properly clothed and wear appropriate PPE.

Personnel Using and Handling Pyrotechnic Materials

Special effects personnel working with pyrotechnic materials (pyrotechnicians) should be dressed in appropriate clothing to protect them from potential hazards. At a minimum, clothing should consist of appropriate closed-toe footwear, long pants, and a long-sleeved shirt made of 100% cotton or material which provides equal or greater protection. PPE considerations must be made for head, hand, eye, ear and respiratory protection. Depending on the hazards involved, the AHJ may require full fire turnout gear.
Intoxicating liquids, drugs and other controlled substances (except for prescription drugs not impairing the user’s judgment and motor functions) shall not be used by any person handling pyrotechnic special effects at any time during transportation, set-up, firing or removal.
Pyrotechnicians must be given sufficient time to safely perform the work (including the transporting, storing, creating, rigging, firing, striking and extinguishing of all pyrotechnic special effects materials). While conducting such duties, pyrotechnicians should not be rushed, interrupted or distracted from focusing on their work.
The rigging of any type of pyrotechnic device to a performer shall be done by a qualified special effects operator.
Pyrotechnic special effects shall not be fired unless the area involved with the firing is in the continuously unobstructed full view of the Pyrotechnic Special Effects Operator in charge or his or her designated representative at the time of firing, unless equal means of observation are used.

Awareness

When using pyrotechnic special effects on any set, notification shall be given to personnel by way of the call sheet, or other suitable means. The call sheet should also state the type of pyrotechnic special effects work that is planned.
Before any pyrotechnic special effects or potentially hazardous sequence is to be performed, all persons involved shall be thoroughly briefed at a safety orientation meeting on the site.
The safety orientation meeting shall include an “on site walk-through” and/or “dry run” with the Pyrotechnic Special Effects Operator in charge and all other persons involved in the event, including Stunt Coordinator if applicable. PPE should be in place at that time.
No performer shall be rigged with a pyrotechnic device without his or her prior consent and consultation with the qualified Pyrotechnic Special Effects Operator in charge and, if applicable, Stunt Coordinator.
If practical and upon a reasonable and timely request, the Pyrotechnic Special Effects Operator in charge may conduct a test firing of pyrotechnics when such are to be discharged in the vicinity of cast and crew.
If at any time a significant change becomes necessary, the First Assistant Director will again call all persons involved in the event to another meeting to confirm everyone understands the proposed change(s).

Emergency Procedures

Emergency procedures and contingency plans, including appropriate signs and signals and the authority to abort the shot, shall be specified prior to engaging in any pyrotechnic special effects work.
Before the performance of a pyrotechnic special effect, the First Assistant Director, or designee, shall clearly announce to all persons the location of exits, the primary escape route and alternate escape routes. Escape routes must provide a clear and unobstructed passage to a designated safe area.
Each person should ensure their designated escape routes are clear and remain accessible. Any person who is unsure of their designated escape routes should check with the First Assistant Director and learn of the escape routes upon entering the work area.
In the event of an emergency, only those designated with emergency response roles should enter the pyrotechnic special effects area.

Authorized Personnel in the Pyrotechnics Area

Access to areas where pyrotechnic materials are stored or handled shall be limited to authorized personnel only. All other personnel shall remain at a designated safe distance. If needed to prevent unintentional entry into hazardous areas, warning signs should be posted and/or other appropriate precautions taken.
Prior to using pyrotechnic special effects with minors present, key production personnel, such as the Director, First Assistant Director, Pyrotechnic Special Effects Operator in charge, Stunt Coordinator and safety professional, should confer with the minor, minor’s parent/legal guardian and Studio Teacher to review and discuss the planned activity. Only those minors under the age of 16 whose performance requires them to be on the set when pyrotechnic special effects are being handled are allowed on the set, and in some states may be prohibited altogether. Production should check applicable state laws with respect to the employment of minors in these situations. The production shall consider any reasonable request from the minor, minor’s parent/legal guardian, and/or Studio Teacher regarding the minor’s proximity to any pyrotechnic special effect.

Use of Power Sources in Firing Pyrotechnic Materials

To protect against accidental firing, all electrically fired pyrotechnic devices shall be shunted at all times prior to firing.
Power sources for firing pyrotechnic special effects devices shall be restricted to isolated ungrounded batteries or individually designated ungrounded generators (below 5 kilowatts to comply with non-grounding requirements) used exclusively for firing purposes only.
Commercial or house power shall not be used directly – There should be no wireless transmissions in the area where electrically fired pyrotechnic devices are being used without prior consultation with the Pyrotechnic Special Effects Operator in charge. In addition, caution should be taken to avoid extraneous or induced electrical currents from sources such as power lines, radar/microwave transmitters, electrical cable, lightning, static electricity, etc. Note that static electricity is especially a problem during periods of low humidity.
Whenever practical, pyrotechnic special effects should be hard wired from the effect to the firing system. When remote control firing is planned, special precautions must be taken to prevent accidents, including but not limited to the following:
- Having familiarity with the system being used and its limitations;
- Performing a risk analysis in the event of premature firing or firing failure; and
- Testing the firing system under the anticipated conditions of use.

Safety on the Set After Use of Pyrotechnic Material

After each pyrotechnic event, no one shall enter the pyrotechnic area other than the Pyrotechnic Special Effects Operator in charge, or his or her designated representative(s), until it is declared safe. This includes testing, rehearsals, and filming.
Appropriate fire watch, as determined by the AHJ, should be maintained after each pyrotechnic event.

Related Bulletins

SB14-Parachuting-and-Skydiving Download

Boating and Watercraft

Safety Bulletin

SB15-Boating Download

Guidelines

These guidelines are intended to provide recommendations for safety on and around boats and other watercraft. Watercrafts may include, but are not limited to: ships, boats, personal watercraft and other floating vessels.

Pre-Production

The production should designate a responsible person to be in charge of all production watercraft. The production also should determine whether the scope, action, or complexity of any boating sequence requires a Marine Coordinator.
The Marine Coordinator or responsible person shall pre-inspect the proposed water routes or paths of travel for underwater obstructions, i.e. cables, reefs rocks, trees and pilings.
Each boat operator should have an effective means of communication.
To the extent practicable, cast and crew should be informed in advance that they will be working on or around watercraft. Cast and crew who cannot work in this environment should advise production management and/or their Department Head.
Cast or crew members susceptible to sea sickness should consult their physician in advance and should advise the set medic.
The responsible person or Marine Coordinator will establish a means by which to monitor and communicate weather and water conditions.
The production should be aware that bodies of water can have multiple authorities having jurisdiction with specific regulations related to watercraft activities. The production should identify these laws and regulations.
The production will establish work procedures to be followed while working on or around watercraft, including procedures for abandoning the watercraft; responding to fire, collision, and general alarms; and rescuing personnel. In establishing these procedures, the production should consider the manufacturer’s operating and safety guidelines, and the scope, action, and complexity of the planned boating sequences.
The responsible person or Marine Coordinator will determine who will be assigned the responsibility for conducting a head count. A head count should be conducted when the amount of cast and crew, the size and design of the vessel, the intended operations aboard the vessel, or the environmental conditions make an immediate visual assessment of cast and crew impractical.
Each watercraft shall be equipped with all United States Coast Guard required safety equipment for the vessel type and size, including approved Personal Floatation Devices (PFD) for each person aboard the watercraft.
The responsible person or Marine Coordinator shall check the number, rating, and condition of all PFDs and, if required, rescue devices and safety equipment needed on board and dockside.
The responsible person or Marine Coordinator should determine the occupancy and weight limits for each watercraft. Only essential personnel and equipment should be on board.
The responsible person or Marine Coordinator will approve how equipment will be rigged and secured to the watercraft.
All shore power and portably supplied AC power shall be protected by Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (“GFCI”).
The watercraft owner/operator should pre-approve generator use. Generators need to be secured, and exhaust properly vented. Generators also must be equipped with a charged and readily accessible fire extinguisher.
The responsible person or Marine Coordinator needs to approve all areas where fuel is stored and used.

Prior to Boarding

Safety Meetings – The First Assistant Director (1st A.D.), along with the responsible person or Marine Coordinator, shall conduct a safety meeting with all cast and crew. Safety meeting topics may include, but are not limited to: work procedures; emergency procedures; and known or potential hazards.
All persons should wear closed-toe, non-skid, rubber-soled shoes when working on watercraft.
Avoid clothing, jewelry or loose items that can get caught in machinery or rigging, or impede watercraft transfers.
Wear clothing appropriate to the anticipated environmental conditions, such as a brimmed hat, sunglasses, and long-sleeved shirt. Apply and reapply sunblock as needed.
A head count shall be taken when applicable, the Marine Coordinator or his/her designee shall conduct a head count as cast and crew board the vessel. A similar head count shall be conducted upon disembarking.

Boarding

Stand clear of the watercraft and away from the dock edge during docking procedures. Do not attempt to board until the watercraft is secured to the dock and a member of the watercraft crew gives instructions and permission to board.
Never place arms, legs or any other part of the body between the watercraft and dock, between two watercrafts, or between the lines used to secure watercrafts.
When boarding, only the designated boarding area or device shall be used. Do not step over rails, gunwales (side of boat), or lifelines without permission.
Do not block access to the watercraft’s rigging, ladders, or emergency-access hatches. Stow gear and equipment in pre-approved areas only.

Once on Board

When underway or anchored or docked in choppy water, keep one hand free at all times to hold onto the watercraft or railing.
PFDs and other floatation devices must be available for all cast/crew members. If you are instructed to put on a PFD, do so and be sure it is properly secured.
Only personnel designated by the responsible person or Marine Coordinator should operate the watercraft’s machinery, valves, switches, and other equipment.
No one should straddle the gunwale or sit with their legs dangling over the side of the watercraft, unless it is required for production or vehicle operation and the necessary safety precautions are in place.
Always ensure an emergency escape route is available, including while positioning and securing gear and equipment.
Do not throw any waste overboard.
The private quarters, engine room, and the wheelhouse/bridge are off limits to the cast and crew, unless approved.
Smoking and open flames are not allowed, unless specifically required for a scene and necessary safety precautions are in place.
Marine toilets may not be as efficient as those on land. Do not flush objects other than approved toilet tissue.
Cast and crew should be aware of sudden and drastic movement from moving parts, i.e. overhead booms, winches, additional rigging lines, etc., which may hit and injure an unsuspecting person.
Performers requested to operate watercraft on-camera should be provided appropriate training. When a performer is operating the watercraft, emergency procedures to reestablish operational control of the on-camera watercraft should be in place.

Sea Sickness

If you feel nauseous, do not go below the deck. Instead, stay on deck in the fresh air, look at the horizon line, and contact the set medic immediately.
Eat soda crackers or plain bread and drink soda water when sea-sickness symptoms are present.
Cast and crew who have taken sea sickness medicine should promptly advise the set medic.

Boat-to-Boat Transfers

Do not attempt to transfer until watercraft personnel have designated the transfer points and have given the command to transfer.
Stand clear of the transfer-craft, tie-up area until the transfer craft is secured to the watercraft.
Prior to transferring to another watercraft, allow watercraft personnel to assist in the transfer of gear and equipment. Use two hands to steady yourself when transferring to the other watercraft.

Boat-to-Beach Transfers

Because proper timing is essential for the watercraft operator to safely enter and exit from a beach, the watercraft operator will advise the cast and crew on boat- to-beach transfer procedures.

When at Anchor or at Sea

If you see someone fall into the water, yell, “MAN OVERBOARD,” as loudly as possible and point in the direction of that person. DO NOT take your eyes off that person. Continue pointing until watercraft personnel take over.
Stay out of the water, unless you are part of a planned scene.

Parachuting and Skydiving

Safety Bulletin

Guidelines

The following information pertains only to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulated activities. It does not pertain to non-FAA activities such as “Base Jumping” or “Parasailing.”

This bulletin identifies safety guidelines that should be considered when filming parachuting or skydiving sequences. In all parachuting and skydiving jumps, personnel must follow all federal, state, and local rules, laws, and regulations pertaining to parachuting and skydiving. Should any of the following guidelines conflict with federal, state, or local rules, laws, or regulations, personnel must follow the rules, laws, or regulations.

All productions that require a parachutist or skydiver must include the participation of a Parachuting Coordinator, who possesses a United States Parachute Association (USPA) Professional Exhibition Rating. Otherwise, the Parachuting Coordinator must provide evidence of the necessary experience, knowledge, and skill required to attain a USPA Professional Exhibition Rating before rendering services on a production.

The Parachuting Coordinator is responsible for all parachuting and skydiving activities. The Parachuting Coordinator should be consulted if there are any “unusual” activities or hazards related to the filming of the parachuting or skydiving sequence. Unusual jumps include those involving non-standard landing areas, wardrobe, prosthetics, wigs, lenses, props, helmet cameras, or other equipment which is not typically worn by a parachutist or skydiver. The circumstances surrounding any unusual jump should be presented to the Parachuting Coordinator in sufficient time before any jump so that he or she may evaluate the effects, if any, on the execution of the jump.
The Parachuting Coordinator and the parachutist performing the jump should agree that in planning the jump they are satisfied that they have addressed all possible safety issues. They should articulate to the productions designated representative how they have reached that conclusion.
The jumper should have sufficient experience with the type of canopy that he or she will use.
The Parachuting Coordinator and/or each individual parachutist must have authority over his or her jump, including the authority to abort a jump. Abort signals should be specified before starting the jump.
The Parachuting Coordinator should designate a qualified person as a Ground Safety Contact, who should not have other responsibilities during the filming of the sequence that could interfere with his or her duties as the Ground Safety Contact.
The Parachuting Coordinator, together with the Ground Safety Contact and any other designated production representative, should implement a plan for communications between the participants in the air and on the ground. This plan should incorporate the following equipment and actions to the fullest extent possible:
1. Air to ground radios (VHF or FM) and any other effective means of communication.
2. Assignment of discreet radio frequencies (channels).
3. Visual signals (e.g., flags, specified hand signals, panels, lights or flares) to be used to, among other things, halt filming in the event of lost communications or inability to utilize radios.
4. Abort signals (audible or visual) to be used to halt filming in the event of unforeseen circumstances or safety hazards.
A pre-planned stunt sequence involving parachuting or skydiving should not be changed without the authorization of the Parachuting Coordinator. If the parachuting sequence involves special effects, the Special Effects Coordinator should also be consulted and both should agree on the proposed change(s). No changes should be made to a pre-planned stunt sequence once the stunt performers have departed the briefing area.
Landings in public places must be restricted from the public. The Parachuting Coordinator should determine whether security personnel are necessary to exclude non-essential crew and non-participating spectators from the landing area.
All flights and jumps must be conducted in accordance with Federal Aviation Regulations, Part 105, except variances that are outlined in a current FAA approved Motion Picture & Television Operations Manual and accompanying Waiver.
The Parachuting Coordinator should determine whether the visibility, cloud ceiling height, and velocity of wind (as they apply to the particular situation) are safe for a jump and should take into consideration the landing area size, canopy type, number of jumpers and the planned stunt. In all circumstances, FAA rules regarding visibility and cloud clearance must be followed.
Before each jump is performed, the Parachuting Coordinator should brief all persons involved with the on-site production and filming of the jump. He or she may include a “walk-thru,” simulation or “dry run” on the ground.
The Parachuting Coordinator and jumpers should have the opportunity to inspect all landing sites before the jump during daylight hours, and again at night if a night landing is required. Jumps near or into potentially hazardous landing areas, (water, power lines, etc.) as determined by the Parachuting Coordinator, should be considered carefully.
Before jump sequences, the Parachuting Coordinator or the designated production representative will conduct a SAFETY MEETING for the production staff and those persons necessary for filming, including emergency, safety and security personnel. Additional SAFETY MEETINGS may be required as necessary for intended action sequences or scenes. SAFETY MEETINGS may include discussion of the following:
1. Pertinent jumping sequence, timing, landing zone, special considerations of the Parachuting Coordinator, or aerial coordinator, such as review of the Motion Picture and Television Operations Manual and accompanying Waiver, or any mandates by the local FAA Flight Standards District Office.
2. Possible risk to personnel who are involved.
3. Safeguards to personnel and equipment.
4. Communication plan, including agreed upon visual and abort signals.
5. Emergency procedures.
6. Location of boundaries.
7. Local governmental limitations or restrictions, if any.
All equipment, props, wardrobe, etc., must be made available to the Parachuting Coordinator and the parachutist involved in the jump for evaluation before the jump. The Parachuting Coordinator should be consulted prior to establishing placement of any equipment, props, wardrobe, etc., that will be used in the jump. When necessary, this equipment, props, wardrobe, must be made available for test jumping or other practice.
The Parachuting Coordinator may postpone or cancel the jump if at any time the safety of persons or property on the ground or in the air is in jeopardy, or if there is a contravention of the terms or conditions of any FAA Letter of Authorization, or any other applicable law, rule or regulation.
A jumper may jump only with a main parachute packed by a “certificated parachute rigger,” or the jumper.
All operations involving aircraft must conform to FAA regulations. All operations involving aircraft should also consider the Safety Bulletins on Helicopters, Fixed-Wing Aircraft, and Hot Air Balloons.
All pilots involved in parachuting or skydiving sequences must be familiar and have experience with the dropping of jumpers. They should also be familiar with flights with the flight door removed, Federal Aviation Regulations, Part 105, and other applicable federal, state, and local laws, rules, and regulations. Before any jump, the pilot should know all ground signals and the agreed upon abort signal. He or she should be involved with rehearsals of aircraft exits, and should be familiar with any Letters of Authorization or waivers applicable to the jump. He or she should analyze the weight and balance of the aircraft with jumpers in exit position.
Adequate watercraft and flotation gear must be available when the possibility of a water landing exists. Jumpers should consider wearing an approved self-inflating personal flotation device when a jump involves the possibility of a water landing.
If the jump includes an intentional water landing, there should be one (1) boat per jumper with each containing an operator and safety personnel familiar with parachutes and water retrievals. The boat should be in the water with the engine running in sufficient time before jumpers exit the aircraft. Personal watercrafts are not recommended for retrieving jumpers with wet parachutes. All jumpers must wear an approved self-inflating personal flotation device when a jump involves a water landing.
If the parachuting sequence involves a free-fall cinematographer, he or she should consult with the Parachuting Coordinator and both should agree on the “Plan of Activities”. Any free-fall cinematographer should be experienced with the type of camera equipment which will be used in the filming of the jump.

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