August 11

, 2015

Exemption No. 12441 Regulatory Docket No. FAA

– 20 15

– 1994

Mr. Lestley Pierce

Westside Drones

13635 Vose St reet Van Nuys CA, 91405

Dear Mr. Pierce :

This letter is to inform you that we have granted your request for exemption. It transmits our decision, explains its basis, and gives you the conditions and limitations of the exemption, including the date it ends.

By letter dated May 15, 2015 , you petitioned the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on

behalf of Westside Drones ( hereinafter petitioner or operator ) for an exemption . The petiti oner requested to operate an unmanned ai rcraft system (UAS) to conduct aerial videography and cinematography

.

See Appendix A for the petition submitted to the FAA des cribing the proposed operations and

the regulations that the petitioner seeks an exemption

.

The FAA has determined that good cause exists for not publishing a summary of the petition in the Federal Register because the requested exemption would not set a precedent, and any delay in acting on this petition would be detrimental to the petitioner

.

Airworthiness Certification

The UAS proposed by the petitioner are the DJI Phantom 3 and 3D R obotics Solo

.

The petitioner requested relief from 14 CFR part 21, C ertification procedures for products and parts, Subpart H

— Airworthiness Certificates

. In accordance with the statutory criteria provided in Section 333 of P ublic Law 112

− 95 in reference to 49 U

. S

. C

. § 44704, and in consideration of the size, weight, speed, and limited operating area associated with the2

aircraft and its operation, the Secretary of Transportation has determined that this aircraft

meets the conditions of Section 333. Therefore, the FAA finds that the requested relief from

14 CFR part 21

, C ertification procedures for products and parts, Subpart H

— Airworthin ess Certificates , and any associated noise certification and testing requirements of part 36, is

not necessary.

The Basis for Our Decision

You have requested to use a UAS for aerial data collection 1

. The FAA has issued grants of exemption in circumstances similar in all material respects to those presented in your petition. In Grants of Exemption No s

. 11062 to Astraeus Aerial ( see Docket No. FAA−2014−0352), 11109 to Clayco, Inc. ( see Docket No. FAA

− 20 14

− 0507), 11112 to VDOS Global, LLC ( see Docket No. FAA−2014−0382), and 11213 to Aeryon Lab s , Inc. ( see Docket No. FAA−2014−0642), the FAA found that the enhanced safety achieved using an unmanned aircraft (UA) with the specifications described by the peti tioner and carrying no passengers or crew, rather than a manned aircraft of significantly greater proportions, carrying crew in addition to flammable fuel, gives the FAA good cause to find that the UAS operation enabled by this exemption is in the public i nterest.

Having reviewed your reasons for requesting an exemption, I find that

—

 They are similar in all material respects to relief previously requested in Grant of Exemption Nos. 11062, 11109, 11112, and 11213 ;

 The reasons stated by the FAA for granting Exemption Nos. 11062, 11109, 11112, and

11213 also apply to the situation you present; and

 A grant of exemption is in the public interest.

Our Decision

In consideration of the foregoing, I find that a grant of exemption is in the public interest. Therefore, pursuant to the authority contained in 49 U.S.C. 106(f), 40113, and 44701, delegated to me by the Administrator, Westside Drones is granted an exemption from 14 CFR §§ 61.23(a) and ( c ), 61.101(e)(4 ) and (5), 61.113(a), 61.315(a) , 91.7(a), 91.119(c), 91.121, 91.151(a)(1), 91.405(a), 91.407(a)(1), 91.409(a)(1) and (2), and 91.417(a) and (b), to the extent necessary to allow the petiti oner to operate a UAS to perform aerial data collection

. This exemption is subject to the conditions and limitations listed below.

1 Aerial data collection includes any remote sensing and measuring by an instrument(s) aboard the UA. Examples include imagery (photography, video, infrared, etc.), electronic measurement (precision surveying, RF analysis, etc.), chemical measurement (part iculate measurement, etc.), or any other gathering of data by

instruments aboard the UA.3

Conditions and Limitations

In this grant of exemption, Westside Drones is hereafter referred to as the operator.

Failure to comply with any of the conditions and limitations of this grant of exemption will be grounds for the immediate suspension or rescission of this exemption.

1. Operations authorized by this grant of exemption are limited to the DJI Phantom 3 and

3D R obotic s Solo when weighing less than 55 pounds including payload. Proposed operations of any other aircraft will require a new petition or a petition to amend this exemption

.

2. Operations for the purpose of closed

- set motion picture and television filming are

no t permitted.

3. The UA may not be operated at a speed exceeding 87 knots (100 miles per hour). The exemption holder may use either groundspeed or calibrated airspeed to determine compliance with the 87 knot speed restriction. In no case will the UA be operated at airspeeds greater than the maximum UA operating airspeed recommended by the

aircraft manufacturer.

4. The UA must be operated at an altitude of no more than 400 feet above ground level (AGL). Altitude must be reported in feet AGL.

5. The UA must be operated within visual line of sight (VLOS) of the PIC at all times. This requires the PIC to be able to use human vision unaided by any device other than corrective lenses, as specified on the PIC’s FAA

- issued airman medical certificate or

U.S. driver’s license.

6. All operations must utilize a visual observer (VO). The UA must be operated within the visual line of sight (VLOS) of the PIC and VO at all times. The VO may be used to satisfy the VLOS requirement as long as the PIC always maint ains VLOS capability. The VO and PIC must be able to communicate verbally at all times ;

e lectronic messaging or texting is not permitted during flight operations. The PIC must be designated before the flight and cannot transfer his or her designation fo r the duration of the flight. The PIC must ensure that the VO can perform the duties required of the VO.

7. This exemption and all documents needed to operate the UAS and conduct its operations in accordance with the conditions and limitations stated in thi s grant of exemption, are hereinafter referred to as the operating documents. The operating

documents must be accessible during UAS operations and made available to the Administrator upon request. If a discrepancy exists between the conditions and

limita tions in this exemption and the procedures outlined in the operating documents,4

the conditions and limitations herein take precedence and must be followed. Otherwise, the operator must follow the procedures as outlined in its operating documents. The ope rator may update or revise its operating documents. It is the operator’s responsibility to track such revisions and present updated and revised documents to the Administrator or any law enforcement official upon request. The operator must also present up dated and revised documents if it petitions for extension or amendment to this grant of exemption. If the operator determines that any update or revision would affect the basis upon which the FAA granted this exemption, then the operator must petition for an amendment to its grant of exemption. The FA A’s UAS Integration Office (AFS− 80) may be contacted if questions arise regarding updates or revisions to the operating documents.

8. Any UAS that has undergone maintenance or alterations that affect the UAS op eration or flight characteristics, e.g.

, replacement of a flight critical component, must undergo a functional test flight prior to conducting further operations under this exemption. Functional test flights may only be conducted by a PIC with a VO and mu st remain at

least 500 feet from other people. The functional test flight must be conducted in such a manner so as to not pose an undue hazard to persons and property.

9. The operator is responsible for maintaining and inspecting the UAS to ensure that it i s in a condition for safe operation.

10. Prior to each flight, the PIC must conduct a pre

- flight inspection and determine the UAS is in a condition for safe flight. The pre

- flight inspection must account for all potential discrepancies, e.g.

, inoperable comp onents, items, or equipment. If the inspection reveals a condition that affects the safe operation of the UAS, the aircraft is prohibited from operating until the necessary maintenance has been performed and the

UAS is found to be in a condition for safe flight.

11. The operator must follow the UAS manufacturer’s maintenance, overhaul, replacement, inspection, and life limit requirements for the aircraft and

aircraft components.

12. Each UAS operated under this exemption must comply with all manufacturer safety bulletins.

13. Under this grant of exemption, a PIC must hold either an airline transport, commercial, private, recreational, or sport pilot certificate. The PIC must also hold a

current FAA airman medical certificate or a valid U.S. driver’s license issued by a state, the District of Col u mbia, Puerto Rico, a territory, a possession, or the Federal government. The PIC must also meet the flight revi ew requirements specified in

14 CFR § 61.56 in an aircraft in which the PIC is rated on his or her pilot certificate.5

14. The operator may not permit any PIC to operate unless the PIC demonstrates the ability to safely operate the UAS in a manner consistent with how the UAS will be operated under this exemption, including evasive and emergency maneuvers and maintaining appropriate distances from persons, vessels, vehicles and structures. PIC qualification flight hours and currency must be logged in a manner consistent with

14 CFR § 61.51(b). Flights for the purposes of training the operator’s PICs and VOs ( traini ng, proficiency, and experience

- building) and determining the PIC’s ability to safely operate the UAS in a manner consistent with how the UAS will be operated under this exemption are permitted under the terms of this exemption. However, training op erations may only be conducted during dedicated training sessions. During

traini ng, proficiency, and experience

- building flights, all persons not essential for flight operations are considered nonparticipants, and the PIC must operate the UA with appropri ate distance from nonparticipants in accordance with 14 CFR § 91.119.

15. UAS operations may not be conducted during night, as defined in 14 CFR § 1.1. All operations must be conducted under visual meteorological conditions (VMC). Flights under special visu al flight rules (SVFR) are not authorized.

16. The UA may not operate within 5 nautical miles of an airport reference point (ARP) as denoted in the current FAA Airport/Facility Directory (AFD) or for airports not denoted with an ARP, the center of the airport symbo l as denoted on the current

FAA

- published aeronautical chart, unless a letter of agreement with that airport’s management is obtained or otherwise permitted by a COA issued to the exemption holder. The letter of agreement with the airport management must be made available to the Administrator or any law enforcement official upon request.

17. The UA may not be operated less than 500 feet below or less than 2,000 feet horizontally from a cloud or when visibility is less than 3 statute miles from the PIC.

18. If the UAS loses communications or loses its GPS sign al, the UA must return to a

pre

- determined location within the pr ivate or controlled

- access property.

19. The PIC must abort the flight in the event of unpredicted obstacles or emergencies.

20. The PIC is proh ibited from beginning a flight unless (considering wind and forecast weather conditions) there is enough available power for the UA to conduct the intended operation and to operate after that for at least five minutes or with the reserve power recommended by the manufacturer if greater.

21. Air Traffic Organization (ATO) Certificate of Waiver or Authorization (COA). All operations shall be cond ucted in accordance with an ATO

- issued COA. The exemption holder may apply for a new or amended COA if it intends to conduct operations that cannot be conducted under the terms of the attached COA

.6

22. All aircraft operated in accordance with this exemption must be identified by serial number, registered in accordance with 14 CFR part 47, and have identification (N− Number) markings in accordance with 14 CFR part 45, Subpart C. Markings must be as large as practicable.

23. Documents used by the operator to ensure the safe operation and flight of the UAS and any documents required under 14 CFR §§ 91.9 and 91.203 must be available to the PIC at the Ground Control Station of the UAS any time the aircraft is operating. These documents must be made available to the Administrator or any law enforcement official upon request.

24. The UA must remain clear and give way to all manned aviation operations and

activities at all times.

25. The UAS may not be operated by the PIC from any moving device or vehicle.

26. All Flight operations must be conducted at least 500 feet from all nonpartici pating persons, vessels, vehicles, and structures unless:

a. Barriers or structures are present that sufficiently protect nonparticipating persons

from the UA and/or debris in the event of an accident. The operator must ensure that nonparticipating persons r emain under such protection. If a situation arises where nonparticipating persons leave such protection and are within 500 feet of the UA, flight operations must cease immediately in a manner ensuring the safety of nonparticipating persons ; and

b. The owner/ controller of any vessels, vehicles or structures has granted permission for operating closer to those objects and the PIC has made a safety assessment of the risk of operating closer to those objects and determined that it does not present an undue hazard

.

The PIC, VO, operator trainees or essential persons are not considered nonparticipating persons under this exemption.

27. All operations shall be conducted over private or control led

- access property with permission from the property owner/controller or aut horized representative. Permission from property owner/controller or authorized representative will be obtained for each flight to be conducted.

28. Any incident, accident, or flight operation that transgresses the lateral or vertical boundaries of the opera tional area as defined by the applicable COA must be reported

to the FA A's UAS Integration Office (AFS− 80) within 24 hours. Accidents must be reported to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) per instructions

contained on the NTSB Web site: www.ntsb.gov

.7

If this exemption permits operations for the purpose of closed

- set motion picture and television filming and production, the following additional conditions and limitations apply.

29. The operator must have a mot ion picture and television operations manual (MPTOM) as documented in this grant of exemption.

30. At least 3 days before aerial filming, the operator of the UAS affected by this exemption must submit a written Plan of Activities to the local Flight Standards District Office (FSDO) with jurisdiction over the a rea of proposed filming. The 3

- day notification may be waived with the concurrence of the FSDO. The plan of activities must include at least the following:

a. Dates and times for all flights;

b. Name and phone number of the operator for the UAS aerial filming conducted under this grant of exemption;

c. Name and phone number of th e person responsible for the on

- scene operation of the UAS;

d. Make, model, and serial or N− Number of UAS to be used;

e. Name and certific ate number of UAS PICs involved in the aerial filming;

f. A statement that the operator has obtained permission from property owners and/or local officials to conduct the filming production event; the list of those who gave permission must be made available t o the inspector upon request;

g. Signature of exemption holder or representative; and

h. A description of the flight activity, including maps or diagrams of any area, city, town, county, and/or state over which filming will be conducted and the altitudes

essenti al to accomplish the operation.

31. Flight operations may be conducted closer than 500 feet from participating persons consenting to be involved and necessary for the filming production, as specified in the exemption holder’s MPTOM.

Unless otherwise specifie d in this grant of exemption, the UAS, the UAS PIC, and the UAS operations must comply with all applicable parts of 14 CFR including, but not limited to,

parts 45, 47, 61, and 91.8

This exemption terminates on August 31, 2017 , unless sooner superseded or rescinded.

Sincerely,

/s/

John S. Duncan Director, Flight Standards Service

Enclosures

## Westside Drones
Lestley Pierce

13635 Vose St.
Van Nuys CA, 91405
Tele: (818)781-0877

May 15, 2015

U. S. Department of Transportation Docket Management System 1200 New Jersey Ave, SE Washington, DC 20590

Re: Exemption Request Section 333 of the FAA Reform Act of the Federal Aviation Regulations from 14 C.F.R. 45.23(b); 14 C.F.R. Part 21; 91.7(a); 91.9(b) (2); 91.103(b); 91.109; 119.121; 91.151(a); 91.203(a)&(b); 91.405(a); 91.407(a) (1); 91.409(a) (2); 91.417(a)&(b)



## Dear Sir or Madam,

We, Westside Drones, are writing pursuant to the FAA
Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 and the procedures contained within 14 C.F.R. 11, to request that Westside Drones, an owner and operator of small unmanned aircraft, be exempted from the Federal Aviation Regulations (“FARs”) listed below so that We, Westside Drones, may operate our small ultra light weight unmanned aircraft system (“UAS”) commercially in airspace regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration (“FAA”).

As described herein Westside Drones Members, are Certified Private Pilots in the United States; experienced in flying hobby Quad Copters for recreational purposes. Our Inventory includes a
Two DJI Phantom 3 with 4k cameras and a 3DR Solo Smart Drone equipped with a GoPro Hero 4 with the intent for aerial videography/cinematography to enhance academic community

## awareness for those individuals and companies unfamiliar with the geographical layout of the Southern California area, and augment real estate listing videos; following exemption and approval by the FAA. Thereby enhancing their academic research experience for the Southern California area. UAS Specs Below:

Phantom 3 Aircraft**Weight (Including Battery And Propellers)**

1280 g **Diagonal Size (Including Propellers)**

590 mm **Max Ascent Speed**

5 m/s **Max Descent Speed**

3 m/s **Hover Accuracy**

• Vertical: +/- 10cm

• Horizontal: +/- 1m **Max Speed**

16 m/s (ATTI mode, no wind)

**Max Altitude Above Sea Level**

6000 m **Operating Temperature**

0°C to 40°C **Gps Mode**

GPS/GLONASS



## 3DR Solo Smart Drone Aircraft

## Cameras: Compatible with GoPro® HERO3, 3+ and 4;
optimized for HERO3+ and 4

## Streaming video quality: 720p

Flight time: 25 minutes; 20 minutes with payload*

Range: .5 miles** (.8 km)

Max speed: 55 mph (89 km/h)

Max ascent speed: 10 m/s in stabilize mode; “fly” mode spec
forthcoming

Max descent speed: ditto

Max payload: 420 g

Max altitude: 400 ft per FAA regulation, user adjustable (122 m)

Motors: 880 kV

Propellers: 10 ʺ diameter 4.5 ʺ pitch self-tightening (24 cm
diameter 144 cm pitch)

Autopilot: Pixhawk 2

Software: APM:Copter

Communication: 3DR Link secure WiFi network

Frequency: 2.4 GHz

Weight: 3.3 lbs. (1.5 kg) / 3.9 lbs. (1.8 kg) with GoPro® and

Solo Gimbal

Dimensions: 10 in. tall (25 cm), 18 in. (46 cm) motor-to-motor

Flight battery: Lithium polymer 5200 mAh 14.8 Vdc

## Battery charge time: ~1.5 hours

Controller battery: 2600 mAh 7.2 Vdc rechargeable lithium ion

Westside Drones is Committed to safety with each flight. Westside Drones exemption request would permit operation of ultra light weight, unmanned (piloted by remote control) and comparatively inexpensive UAS(s) in tightly controlled and limited
airspace. Predetermined in areas away from general public, airports, heliports and vehicular traffic for community videos, and within property boundaries for individual homeowner real estate listing videos/photos.

Granting our, Westside Drones, request comports with the Secretary of Transportation’s (FAA Administrator’s) responsibilities and authority to not only integrate UAS's into the national airspace system, but to “...establish requirements for the safe operation of such aircraft systems [UAS's] in the national airspace system” under Section 333(c) of the Reform Act specific to the use of UAS's for real estate/Realtor purposes. Further We, Westside Drones, will conduct our operations in compliance with the protocols described herein or as otherwise established by the

FAA.

For the reasons stated below, We, Westside Drones, respectfully request the grant of an exemption allowing us to operate ultra light weight, remote controlled UAS’s for academic community awareness to benefit/stimulate attraction to the Los Angeles area and to enhance real estate listing videos for homeowners who cannot afford expensive manned aircraft for the same purpose. Both of which will promote local economic growth through increased employment and increased tax base. Both with public safety in mind by keeping heavier manned aircraft containing combustible fuel that poses potential public hazard.

## I. Contact Information:

Westside Drones, Lestley Pierce 13635 Vose St. Van Nuys CA, 91405 Tele:(818) 781-0877 Email: SonnySly@gmail.com



## II. The Specific Sections of Title 14 of the Code of Federal
**Regulations from which Westside Drones, Requests**
**Exemption are:**

14 CFR 21; 14 C.F.R. 45.23(b); 14 C.F.R. 91, et seq.; 14 CFR 407 (a) (1); 14 CFR 409 (a) (2); and, 14 CFR 417 (a) & (b).



## III. The Extent of relief Westside Drones seeks and the

**Reason We Seek Such Relief:**

We, Westside Drones, submit this application in accordance with the Reform Act, 112 P.L. 95 §§ 331-334, seeking relief from any currently applicable FARs operating to prevent we, Westside Drones, contemplated commercial cinematic, academic and other flight operations within the national airspace system. The Reform Act in Section 332 provides for such integration of civil unmanned aircraft systems into our national airspace system as it is in the public’s interest to do so. Our, Westside Drones, ultra light weight
UAS meets the definition of “small unmanned aircraft” as defined in Section 331 and therefore the integration of our ultra light weight UAS is expressly contemplated by the Reform Act. We would like to operate our light weight UAS prior to the time period by which the Reform Act requires the FAA to promulgate rules governing such craft. Thereby, providing direct experience and valuable information for formal regulation that can be administered uniformly to all real estate related UAS aerial video

## and photography. The Reform Act guides the Secretary in determining the types of UAS's that may operate safely in our national airspace system. Considerations include: The weight, size, speed and overall capabilities of the UAS's; Whether the UAS will be operated near airports or heavily populated areas; and, Whether the UAS will be operated by line of sight. 112 P.L. 95 § 333 (a). Each of these items reflect in favor of an exemptionfor us, Westside Drones. Our UAS utilizes eight (4) counterrotating propellers for balance, control and stability. Our UAS is equipped with GPS and auto return safety technology. Weighing less than fifteen (20) pounds (far below the max. 55 pound limit); including camera with gimbal.

Westside Drones, considers safety as foremost with each flight.
Our small unmanned aircraft is designed to hover in place via GPS and operate in less than a 13 knot (15 mph) wind. For safety, stability and fear of financial loss we will not fly in winds exceeding 13 knot (15 mph). Built in safety systems include a GPS mode that allows our UAS to hover in place when radio controls are released. No UAS operations near airports, Hospitals nor Police heliports, and do not operate near areas where general public is within fifty to one hundred (50-100) yards depending on location, conditions and weather. We are constantly on alert for any manned aircraft (Police/Medical helicopters, etc.) and prepared to land/abort immediately to the nearest and safest ground point should a manned aircraft approach our location or we suspect manned aircraft may approach near our location. Our UAS is capable of vertical and horizontal operations, and are flown only within our line of sight of us, as the remote control pilot. Utilizing battery power rather than combustible fuels, flights generally last between ten (10) to fifteen (15) minutes, with an altitude under three hundred (300) feet. We, Westside Drones, utilize a fresh fully charged battery with each flight as a safety precaution; full flight time limit for each battery is ten (10) to fifteen (15) minutes as tested. We do not operate our UAS at or below manufacture recommend minimum charge levels for operation; preferring to

## remain well within a safe operating range to insure adequate
communication between radio control and UAS to eliminate potential for crash, loss of control or hazard. Reserve batteries are at hand with each exercise to insure replacement for sufficient safe level of operation. We do not believe in taking risk that may cause a crash, that could create hazard to the public/property/ manned aircraft, and have no desire to lose an investment. We have clocked numerous practice flights in remote areas as a hobbyist simulating flights for future commercial use to gain familiarization with the characteristics of this specific UAS's performance under different temperature and weather conditions.

We, Westside Drones, are extremely cautious when operating our UAS/ultra light weight unmanned aircraft and will not “create a hazard to users of the national airspace system or the public.” 112 P.L. 95 § 333 (b). Given the small size and weight of our UAS it falls well within Congress’s contemplated safety zone when it promulgated the Reform Act and the corresponding directive to integrate UAS's into the national airspace system. Westside Drones UAS, used in hobby flight, has a demonstrable safety record and does not pose any threat to the general public or national security.



## IV. How Westside Drones Request Will Benefit the Public As

**A Whole:**

Aerial videography for geographical awareness and for real estate marketing has been around for a long time through manned fixed wing aircraft and helicopters. For small budget real estate companies and average homeowners the expense of such aerial videography is cost prohibitive. Only large companies and high end Realtors or luxury homeowners can afford to absorb such expense. Depriving non-luxury homeowners and lower budget Realtors from a valuable marketing tool. Manned aircraft pose a threat to the public through potential catastrophic crash that the Los Angeles community has experienced in the past with military aircraft and medical helicopter crashes within the SoCal area.

## Each resulting in loss of life. Each with combustible fuel that exploded and burned on impact. Police helicopters have made emergency hard landings within city limits. Our, Westside Drones, UAS pose no such threat since size and lack of combustible fuel alleviates any potential threat to the public.

Congress has already proclaimed that it is in the public’s interest to integrate commercially flown UAS's into the national airspace system, hence the passing of the Reform Act. Granting Our, Westside Drones, exemption request furthers the public interest through academic/visual awareness of the geographical benefits in and around the Los Angeles area. Our ultra light weight UAS is battery powered and creates no emissions that can harm the environment. The consequence of my ultra light weight UAS crashing is far less than a full size helicopter or fixed wing aircraft; which are heavy, contain combustible fuel and can cause catastrophic devastation to the public.The public’s interest is furthered by minimizing ecological and crash threat by permitting aerial video/photo capture through our battery operated ultra light weight UAS's. Permitting us, Westside Drones, to immediately fly within national air space furthers economic growth. Granting our exemption request substantially furthers the economic impact for the Los Angeles community for companies looking to relocate or build in the SoCal area as well as individuals looking to relocate for career advancement through academic and geographical awareness. Both of which serve as a stimulus to the community.



## V. Reasons Why Westside Drones Exemption Will Not **Adversely Affect Safety Or How The Exemption Will Provide a Level of Safety At Least Equal To Existing Rule:** 

Our, Westside Drones, exemption will not adversely affect safety. Quite the contrary, for the reasons stated permitting us, Westside Drones, to log more flight time in FAA controlled airspace, with communication with the FAA, will allow us to contribute to the innovation and implementation of new and novel, as of yet

## undiscovered safety protocols for Realtors that can be embraced by the National Association of Realtors and California Association of Realtors, for development in cooperation with the FAA. In addition We, Westside Drones, submit the following representations of enhancements to current aerial videography and photography for real estate:

Our UAS weighs less than 20 pounds complete with gimbal and high resolution Cameras; We only operate our UAS below 300 feet (well within the 400 foot permissible ceiling set by the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012);

Our UAS only operate for 10-15 minutes per flight; We land our UAS prior to manufacturer recommended minimum level of battery power; We pilot our UAS through remote control only by line of sight; Our UAS has GPS a flight safety feature whereby it hovers and then slowly lands if communication with the remote control pilot is lost; We actively analyze flight data and other sources of information to constantly update and enhance safety protocols; We only operate in reasonably safe environment that are strictly controlled, are away from power lines, elevated lights, airports and actively populated areas; We conduct extensive pre-flight inspections and protocol, during which safety carries primary importance; and We always obtain all necessary permissions prior to operation.

Our, Westside Drone, safety protocols provide a level of safety equal to or exceeding existing rules. It is important to note that absent the integration of commercial UAS into our national airspace system, helicopters are the primary means of aerial video and photography for community awareness and real estate. While the safety record of such helicopters is remarkably astounding, there has been local incident involving loss of life as well as extensive property damage; it is far safer to operate a

## battery powered ultra light weight UAS.

First, the potential loss of life is diminished because UAS's carry no people on board and we only operate our UAS in specific areas away from mass populations.

Second, there is no fuel on board a UAS and thus the potential for fire or explosions is greatly diminished.

Third, the small size and extreme maneuverability of our UAS allows us to remotely pilot away from and avoid hazards quickly and safely.

Lastly, given its small size and weight, even when close enough to capture amazing images, our UAS need not be so close to the objects they are focused on through the technology and use of post editing software allowing pan and zoom.

Accordingly, our UAS has been experimentally operated for familiarization/competency and will continue to operate at and above current safety levels.



## VI. A Summary The FAA May Publish in the Federal
**Register:**

A. 14 C.F.R. 21 and 14 C.F.R. 91: Airworthiness Certificates,

Manuals and The Like.

14 C.F.R. 21, Subpart H, entitled Airworthiness Certificates, sets forth requirements for procurement of necessary airworthiness certificates in relation to FAR § 91.203(a)(1). The size, weight and enclosed operational area of our, Westside Drones, UAS permits exemption from Part 21 because our UAS meets (and exceeds) an equivalent level of safety pursuant to Section 333 of the Reform Act. The FAA is authorized to exempt aircraft from the airworthiness certificate requirement under both the Act (49 U.S.C. § 44701 (f)) and Section 333 of the Reform Act. Both

## pieces of legislation permit the FAA to exempt UAS's from the airworthiness certificate requirement in consideration of the weight, size, speed, maneuverability and proximity to areas such as airports and dense populations. Our, Westside Drones, current and projected UAS's meet or exceed each of the elements.

14 C.F.R. 91.7(a) prohibits the operation of an aircraft without an airworthiness certificate. As no such certificate will be applicable in the form contemplated by the FARs, this Regulation is inapplicable.

14 C.F.R. § 91.9 (b) (2) requires an aircraft flight manual in the aircraft. As there are no on board pilots or passengers, and given the size of the UAS's, this Regulation is inapplicable. An equivalent level of safety will be achieved by maintaining our,
Westside Drones, safety protocols. The FAA has previously issued exemptions to this regulation in Exemption Nos. 8607, 8737, 8738, 9299, 9299A, 9565, 9565B, 10167, 10167A, 10602,
10700 and 32827.

14 C.F.R. § 91.121 regarding altimeter settings is inapplicable insofar as our UAS utilizes electronic global positioning systems with a

barometric sensor.

14 C.F.R. § 91.203 (a) and (b) provides for the carrying of civil aircraft certifications and registrations. They are inapplicable for the same reasons described above. The equivalent level of safety will be achieved by maintaining any such required certifications and registrations by us, Westside Drones.

14 C.F.R. § 45.23: Marking of The Aircraft.

Applicable Codes of Federal Regulation require aircraft to be marked according to certain specifications. Our UAS are, by definition, unmanned. They therefore do not have a cabin, cockpit or pilot station on which to mark certain words or phrases. Further, two-inch lettering is difficult to place on such small aircraft with dimensions smaller that minimal lettering requirement. Regardless, We will mark our UAS in the largest possible lettering by placing the word “EXPERIMENTAL”

### on its fuselage as required by 14 C.F.R. §45.29 (f) so that we the pilot, or anyone assisting me as a spotter with the UAV will see the markings. The FAA has previously issued exemptions to this regulation through Exemptions Nos. 8738, 10167, 10167A and 10700.

14 C.F.R. 91.119: Minimum Safe Altitudes.

14 C.F.R. § 91.119 prescribes safe altitudes for the operation of civil aircraft. It allows helicopters to be operated at lower altitudes in certain conditions. Our UAS will never operate at an altitude greater than 300 AGL; safely below the standard of 400 AGL. We, Westside Drones, will however operate our UAS in safe areas away from public and traffic, providing a level of safety at least equivalent to or below those in relation to minimum safe altitudes. Given the size, weight, maneuverability and speed of our UAS, an equivalent or higher level of safety will be achieved.

14 C.F.R. 91.405 (a); 407 (a) (1); 409 (a) (2); 417(a) & (b): Maintenance Inspections.

The above-cited Regulations require, amongst other things, aircraft owners and operators to “have [the] aircraft inspected as prescribed in subpart E of this part and shall between required inspections, except as provided in paragraph (c) of this section, have discrepancies repaired as prescribed in part 43 of this chapter. . . .”

These Regulations only apply to aircraft with an airworthiness certificate. They will not, therefore, apply to our, Westside Drones,UAS. However, as a safety precaution we inspect our UAS before and after each flight as well as maintaining a maintenance log.



## A Summary The FAA May Publish in the Federal Register:

A. 14 C.F.R. 21 and 14 C.F.R. 91: Airworthiness Certificates, Manuals and The Like. 14 C.F.R. 21, Subpart H, entitled Airworthiness Certificates, sets forth requirements for procurement of necessary airworthiness certificates in relation to FAR § 91.203(a)(1). The size, weight and enclosed operational area of our UAS permits exemption from Part 21 because our, Westside Drones, UAS meets an equivalent level of safety

## pursuant to Section 333 of the Reform Act. The FAA is authorized to exempt aircraft from the airworthiness certificate requirement under both the Act (49 U.S.C. § 44701 (f)) and Section 333 of the Reform Act. Both pieces of legislation permit the FAA to exempt UAS's from the airworthiness certificate requirement in consideration of the weight, size, speed, maneuverability and proximity to areas such as airports and dense populations. Our UAS meets or exceeds each of the elements. 14 C.F.R. 91.7(a) prohibits the operation of an aircraft without an airworthiness certificate. As no such certificate will be applicable in the form contemplated by the FARs, this Regulation is inapplicable. 14 C.F.R. § 91.9 (b) (2) requires an aircraft flight manual in the aircraft. As there are no pilots or passengers, and given the size of the UAS's, this Regulation is inapplicable. An equivalent level of safety will be achieved by maintaining a manual. The FAA has previously issued exemptions to this regulation in Exemption Nos. 8607, 8737, 8738, 9299, 9299A, 9565, 9565B, 10167, maintenance program that involves regular software updates and curative measures for any damaged hardware. Therefore, an equivalent level of safety will be achieved.



## In summary, Westside Drones seeks an exemption from the
**following Regulations:**

14 C.F.R. 21, subpart H; 14 C.F.R. 45.23(b); 14 C.F.R. § 91.7 (a); 14 C.F.R. § 91.9 (b)(2); 14 C.F.R. § 91.103(b); 14 C.F.R. § 91.109; 14 C.F.R. § 91.119; 14 C.F.R. § 91.121; 14 C.F.R. § 91.151(a); 14 C.F.R. §§ 91.203(a) and (b); 14 C.F.R. § 91.405 (a); 14 C.F.R. § 91.407 (a)(1); 14 C.F.R. § 91.409 (a)(2); 14 C.F.R. § 91.409 (a ) (2); and, 14 C.F.R. §§ 91.417 (a) & (b) to commercially operate our, Westside Drones, small unmanned vehicle/lightweight unmanned aircraft vehicle in community awareness and real estate operations, and to develop economic platforms for real estate to enhance the experience of those seeking to relocate to the Los Angeles area. Currently, area awareness and real estate aerial videography/photography relies primarily on the use of

## larger aircraft running on combustible fuel. Posing potential risk to the public. Granting our, Westside Drones, request for exemption will reduce current risk levels and thereby enhance safety. Our UAS craft do not contain potentially explosive fuel, is smaller, lighter and more maneuverable than conventional real estate video and photographic aircraft with less flight time. Further, We operate at lower altitudes and in controlled airspace eliminating potential public risk flying to and from established air fields. We, Westside Drones have been informally analyzing flight information and will compile safety protocols and the implementation of a flight operations manual for real estate usage that exceeds currently accepted means and methods for safe flight. Formal
collection of information shared with the FAA will enhance the FAA's internal efforts to establish protocols for complying with the
FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012. There are no personnel on board our, Westside Drones, UAS and therefore the likelihood of death or serious bodily injury is significantly diminished. our, Westside Drones, operation of our UAS, weighing less than 20 pounds and traveling at lower speeds within limited areas will provide an equivalent level of safety as that achieved under current FARs. Accordingly We, Westside Drones, respectfully request that the FAA grant our exemption request and are willing

to cooperate in sharing information to benefit the FAA, safety of manned aircraft, and the general public at large.

Respectfully submitted,

Westside Drones, Lestley Pierce 13635 Vose St. Van Nuys CA, 91405