October 1 5

, 2014

U.S. Department of Transportation

Docket Management System

1200 New Jersey Ave., SE
Washington, DC 20590

R e : Exemption Request Under Section

333 of the FAA Reform Act and

Part 11 of the Federal Aviation Regulations

Dear Sir or Madam:

Pursuant to Section 333 of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 (the “Reform Act”) and 14

C.F.R. Part 11, Commonwealth Edison Company ( “ ComEd ” )

, a northern Illinois

- based electric utility that delivers reliable electricity for 3.8 million customers throughout more than 400 municipalities and

25 counties

, seeks exemption s from the Federal Aviation Regulations (“FARs”) so that it may test utility

system monitoring by small Unmanned Aircraft System s (sUAS s ) in a remote area of Cook and Will

Counties , Illinois

. ComEd’s limited proposed use of sUAS s does not create a hazard to users of the national air space (NAS) or the public or threaten national security due to their small size, low weight and speed, safety features, and operating distance from airports and populated areas. A s detailed in Appendix A , ComEd’s proposed use of sUAS s thoroughly addresses all of the safety criteria found in

the FAA ’s grants of e xemption t o Astraeus Aerial, Aerial MOB, LLC, Pictorvision Inc., HeliVideo Productions LLC, Snaproll Media LLC, and RC Pro Production Consulting LLC dba Vortex Aeri al (the “Production Companies”).

The requested exemptions would permit ComEd and the Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT) to conduct trial op erations of the DJI Inno vations S900 ( “the DJI S900” or the “sUAS” ) for the limited purposes of electric transmission and distribution utility system (“ ComEd System”) monitoring and university

resea rch. In particular, the requested exemption would authorize operation of the DJI S900 to gather

information on the condition of the ComEd System in hard

- to

- access areas, including the assessment of storm damage

. sUAS technolog y has the potential to enhance ComEd ’s ability to assess the condition of

the ComEd System safely and efficiently. It would allow ComEd to survey more territory faster, safer, and more fuel efficiently than it can using existing methods on foot or using h elicopters or other low flying aircraft

, resulting in improv ed reliability of electrical service s for our customers. IIT, as part of their Engineering Department’s Robotics Lab, seeks to evaluate the performance of this technology in real

world conditions

.
As described more fully within this petition

, the DJI S900’s operations under the exemption will be
subject to strict operating requirements and conditions to ensure at least an equivalent level of safety to
currently authorized operations using manned aircraft and under conditions as may be modified by the

F AA as required by Section 333. The DJI S900 will be operated under controlled conditions by qualified
operators. It will be flown at low altitudes in airspace that is limited in scope, as described more fully

herein

, and detailed in the Certificate of Authoriz ation application. DJI S900 operations will not be
conducted in a way that violates reasonable expectations of privacy.

1CHARACTERISTICS OF THE DJI INNOVATIONS S900

The DJI S900 consists of a graphical, touch

- screen control station, an aerial vehicle, and a radio repeater

station. The aerial vehicle consists of a small hexrotor, a type of rotorcraft, which is lifted a nd propelled by six rotors. It is electrically powered by lit hium polymer batteries and therefore presents no fuel spill

risk

. To further increase safety, IIT researchers have designed a cage structure that encloses the aerial

vehicle , allowing it to roll on the ground to prevent damaging crashes. Previous experim ents with other similar systems indicate that the cage structure has no detrimental impact on the flight capabilities of the

system.

The radio repeater station is use d to extend the control station’ s transmission range. The radio repeater

station and co ntrol station comply with all FCC requirements. The aerial vehicle itself performs all actions necessary to hold a fixed position or to travel to a destination . All system components monitor

their own “health” and battery capacity. A fail safe system takes appropriate, pre

- programmed actions when error conditions are detected, including hovering in p lace for ten seconds and returning to the take

o ff point. For further details regarding the DJI Innovations S900 see Appendix B

.

Com Ed respectfully submits that because this small, unmanned aircraft system will be used in lieu of comparatively hazardous operations now conducted with conventional rotary aircraft and inspections on foot in areas with downed power lines

, the FAA can have confidence that the proposed operations will achieve at least an equivalent or greater level of safety. Additionally, ComEd employs many procedures

that demonstrate a commitment to the safety of employees and the public. Many of these procedures

r elate to overhead work, including an extensive safety rule book and protocols pr eventing ‘line of fire

from above’ events

. Approval of this exemption would thereby enhance safety and fulfill the Secretary of Transportation’s (the FAA Administrator’s) responsibi lities under Section 333(c) of the Reform Act to “establish requirements for the safe operation of such aircraft systems in the national airspace system.”

The name and address of the applicant is as follows :

Commonwealth Edison Company

Attn: Linda G. Rhodes , CSP (Certified Safety Professional)

Ph: 630

- 576

- 7623

Fax: 630

- 652

- 6857

Email: linda.rhodes@comed.com

Address: 2 Lincoln Centre Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181

2EXEMPTIONS SOUGHT

The regulations from which the exemption is requested are as follows (see Appendix C for exemption

request r easons and equivalent level of safety) :

14 CFR Part 21 , specifically Subpart H (Certification procedures for products and parts; Airworthiness Certificates)

14CFR 43.7

14 CFR 43.11
14 CFR 45.11
14 CFR 45.23(b)
14 CFR 45.25
14 CFR 45. 29 14 CFR 47.3(b)(2) 14 CFR 47.31(c)
14 CFR 91.9(b)(2)
14 CFR 91.9 c 14 CFR 91.103(b)(2)
14 CFR 91.105

14 CFR 91.109 14 CFR 91.113(b)
14 CFR 91.115

14 CFR 91.119 (b)(c)

14 CFR 91.121

14 CFR 91.151 14 CFR 91.203(a)(1) 14 CFR 91.203(a)(2)

14 CFR 91.215 14CFR 91.319(a)(1)

14 CFR 91.403

14 CFR 91.405

14 CFR 91.407

14 CFR 91.409

14 CFR 91.417

3THE APPLICABLE LEGAL STANDARD UNDER SECTION 333

ComEd submits that grant of this exemption application for use of the DJI S900 in Utility System inspections and damage assessments will advance the Congressional mandate in Section 333 of the

Reform Act to accelerate the introduction of sUAS s into the national airspace system (NAS) if it can be accomplished safely. This law directs the Secretary of Transportation to consider whether certain

sUAS s may operate safely in the NAS before completion of the rulemaking required under Section 332

of t he Reform Act. In making this determination, the Secretary is required to determine which types of

sUAS s do not create a hazard to users of the NAS or the public or pose a threat to national security in light of the following:

• The s UAS ’ size, weight, spee d, and operational capability;

• Operation of the s UAS in close proximity to airports and populated areas; and

• Operation of the s UAS within visual line of sight of the operator.

The Federal Aviation Act expressly grants the FAA the authority to issue exemptions. This statutory authority, by its terms, includes exempting civil aircraft, as the term is defined under §40101 of the Act, from the requirement that all civil aircraft must have a current airworthiness certificate and those regulations requirin g commercial pilots to operate aircraft in commercial service:

The Administrator may grant an exemption from a requirement of a regulation prescribed under subsection (a) or (b) of this section or any of sections or any of sections 44702

- 44716 of this title if the Administrator finds the exemption is in the public interest.

Applicant submits that this provision places a duty on the Administrator to not only process applications for exemptions under Section 333, bu t for the Administrator, if he deems the conditions proposed herein require modification in order to allow approval, to supply conditions for the safe operation of the s UAS

. ComEd welcomes the opportunity to consult with FAA staff in order to address any i ssues or concerns that this proposal may raise that they believe may require modification.

The grant of the requested exemption is in the public interest based on the clear direction in Section 333 of the Reform Act; the additional authority in the Federal Aviation Act, as amended; the strong equivalent level of safety surrounding the proposed operations; and the significant public benefit, including enhanced safety and cost savings associated with transitioning to s UASs for inspections and

research . Accor dingly, the applicant respectfully requests that the FAA grant the requested exemption without delay

.

4MANDATORY OPERATING REQUIREMENTS

Grant of t he exemption s to ComEd will be subject to the following mandatory conditions, which provide

at least an equivalent or higher level of safety than under the current operations.

1. The sUAS must weigh less than 18 pounds, including energy source(s) and equipment. Operations authorized by the grant will be limited to the following aircraft as described in the

op erator’s manual: the DJI Innovations S900. Proposed operations of any other aircraft will require a new petition or a petition to amend.

2. The sUAS may not be flown at a ground speed exceeding 50 knots

. 3. Flights must be operated at an altitude of no more than 400 feet above ground level (AGL), as indicated by the procedures specified in the operator’s manual. All altitudes reported to ATC

must be in feet AGL.

4. The UA (Unmanned Aircraft) must be operated within visual line of sight (VLOS) of the PIC (Pilot in Command) 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 medical certificate.

5. All operations must utilize a visual observer (VO). The VO m ay be used to satisfy the VLOS requirement as long as the VO and PIC always maintains VLOS capability. The VO and PIC must be able to communicate verbally at all times.

6. The operator’s manual and this grant of exemption must be maintained and made available to the Administrator upon request. If a discrepancy exists between the conditions and limitations in this exemption and the procedures outlined in the operator’s manual, the conditions and limitations herein take precedence and must be followed. Otherwise , the operator must follow the procedures as outlined in its operator’s manual. The operator may update or revise its operator’s manual. It is the operator’s responsibility to track such revisions and present updated and revised documents to

the Administr ator upon request. The operator must also present updated and revised documents if it petitions for extension or amendment. If the operator determines that any update or revision would affect the basis for which the FAA granted this exemption, then the ope rator must petition for amendment to their exemption. The FAA’s s UAS Integration Office (AFS

- 80) may be contacted if questions arise regarding updates or revisions to the operator’s manual.

7. Prior to each flight, the DJI S900 must perform automatic pre

- fli ght checks as outlined in the

operator ’ s manual and failure of any check must prevent take

- off. In addition, prior to each flight the PIC must inspect the sUAS to ensure it is in a condition for safe flight. If the inspection reveals

a condition that affe cts the safe operation of the sUAS, the aircraft is prohibited from operating until the necessary maintenance has been performed and the sUAS is found to be in a condition for safe flight. The Ground Control Station, if utilized, must be included in the pr eflight inspection. All maintenance and alterations must be properly documented in the aircraft records.

8. Any sUAS that has undergone maintenance or alterations that affect the sUAS operation or flight characteristics, e.g. replacement of a flight critical component, must undergo a functional test flight in accordance with the operator’s manual. The PIC who conducts the functional test flight must make an entry in the sUAS aircraft records of the flight. The requirements and procedures for

a functional test flight and aircraft record entry must be added to the operator’s manual.

9. The operator must follow the manufacturer’s sUAS aircraft/component, maintenance, overhaul, replacement, inspection, and life limit requirements. When unavailable, aircraft

maintenanc e/component/overhaul, replacement, and inspection/maintenance requirements must be established and identified in the operator’s manual. At a minimum, requirements for the following must be included in the operator’s manual: Actuators / Servos; Transmission (single rotor); Powerplant (motors); Propellers; Electronic speed controller; Batteries; Mechanical dynamic components (single rotor);Remote command and control; Ground control station (if used); and any other components as determined by the operator.

510. The Pilot In Command (PIC) must possess at least an FAA approved private pilot’s license and

current third

- class medical certificate and flight review. Currency requirements are not relevant to sUASs because they do not carry passengers.

11. Prior to operations , the PIC must successfully complete a DJI factory certified pilot training program, designed for proficient operation and maintenance of the DJI S900.

12. Prior to Utility System monitoring operations (or similar operations), a flight demonstration,

administe red by an operator

- approved and

- qualified pilot must be successfully completed and documented. This documentation must be available for review upon request by the Administrator. Because the knowledge and airmanship test qualifications have been developed by the operator, and there are no established practical test standards that support a jurisdictional FAA FSDO evaluation and approval of company designated examiners, the petitioner will conduct these tests in accordance with the operator’s manual.

13. The s UAS may not be operated directly over any person, except authorized and consenting utility personnel, below an altitude that is hazardous to pers ons or property on the surface in the event of an sUAS failure or emergency.

14. Regarding the distance from partic ipating persons, the operator’s manual has safety mitigations for authorized and consenting personnel. At all times, those persons must be essential to the utility operations and wear hardhats. Because these procedures are specific to participating persons , no further FSDO or aviation safety inspector approval is necessary for reductions to the distances specified in the petitioner’s manuals.

15. The pre

- job brief will verify control of the flight area and further ensure the safety of test participants followi ng guidance provided in Appendix D (Job Briefing and Job Turnover). Note that one requirement of the briefing process is to make sure proper personal protective equipment is worn by all par ticipants. As required in the “Personal Protective Equipment” pro gram attached in Appendix E, decisions about equipment required will be based on exposure risks (such as head protection, foot protection and eye protection).

16. All operations must be conducted over property that is owned or controlled by ComEd or is utility right

- of

- way. The pre

- job brief must verify control of the flight area, including the absence of members of the public in the flight area. Operations must be stopped if unauthorized persons enter the flight area , consistent with the “Time Out for Safety Process” detailed in Appendix F. Work performed on the ComEd S ystem is governed by rigorous operational safety procedures , including protocols to protect the public from ‘line

- of

- fire from above’ events

. 17. If the sUAS loses communications or loses the GPS signal, the sUAS will hover in place for 10

seconds and then must return to the take

- off point or be recovered in accordance with the operator’s

manual

. 18. The sUAS must abort the flight in the event of unpredicted obstacles or emergencies in accordance with the operator’s manual.

19. Each sUAS operation must be completed within 30 minutes flight time or with 20 % battery power remaining, whichever occurs first. The fail

- safe and countdown timer on the sUAS will be used to alert the operator when 20% of the battery power is remaining so a controlled landing can be

facilitated. The fail

- safe feature results in a first level warning light. A second level warning follows with flashing lights. The countdown timer acts as a third level warning with an audible alarm, alerting the operator so they have adequate time to return to base.

20. The operator must obtain an Air Traffic Organization (ATO) issued Certificate of Waiver or Authorization (COA) prior to conducting any operation s under this grant of exemption.

21. ComEd must fulfill any reasonable request by the FAA related to the identification and registration marking of the sUAS.

22. The operator must develop procedures to document and maintain a record of the sUAS maintenance, preven tative maintenance, alterations, status of replacement/overhaul component parts, and the total time in service of the sUAS. These procedures must be added to the operator’s

manual.

623. Each sUAS operated under this exemption must comply with all manufacturer S afety Bulletins.

24. The operator must develop s UAS technician qualification criteria. These criteria must be added to the operator’s manual.

25. The preflight inspection section in the operator’s manual must be amended to include the following requirement: The p reflight inspection must account for all discrepancies, i.e. inoperable components, items, or equipment, not covered in the relevant preflight inspection sections of the operator’s manual.

26. Before conducting operations, the radio frequency spectrum used for operation and control of the UA must comply with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) or other appropriate government oversight agency requirements.

27. The following agencies/departments will be notified in advance about all sUAS flights: Within Municipalities (so municipality officials can proactively communicate sUAS operations to residents and respond to public inquiries) : Mayor’s Office, Illinois Department of Transportation, Sheriff’s Office/Police Department. Within ComEd (so department leaders can proactively communicate sUAS operations to the public and respond to public inquiries) : Communications, External Affairs, Customer Care Center (Customer Service Agents), EChannels (Social Media Department), Corporate Relations, and Public Relat ions. Notifications will include the following information: Dates and times for all flights, Name and phone number of the person responsible for the onsite operation of the sUAS, Make, model and serial number of the sUAS to be used, Name

and certificate nu mber of the sUAS person

- in

- charge, signature of exemption holder or representative, and a description of the flight activity, including maps or diagrams of any area over which inspections will be conducted and the altitudes essential to accomplish the oper ation

. 28. The documents required under 14 CFR §§ 91.9 and 91.203 must be available to the PIC at the Ground Control Station of the sUAS any time the aircraft is operating. These documents must be made available to the Administrator or any law enforcement offi cial upon request.

29. The UA must remain clear and yield the right of way to all other manned operations and activities at all times (including, but not limited to, ultralight vehicles, parachute activities, parasailing activities, hang gliders, etc.).

30. sUAS o perations 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 visual flight rules (SVFR) are not authorized.

31. The sUAS may not be operated by the PIC from any moving device or vehicle.

32. 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.

33. The sUAS may not operate in Class B, C, or D airspac e without written approval from the FAA. The sUAS may not operate within five nautical miles of the geographic center of a non

- towered airport unless a letter of agreement with that airport’s management is obtained . When reasonable and practical, ComEd w ill initiate a NOTAM. However, in the event of an emergency, such as a power outage caused by a storm, it is not practicable for ComEd to initiate a NOTAM because of the advanced notification requirement . ComEd will follow any reasonable and practicable notice requirements mandated by the FAA.

34. Any incident, accident, or flight operation that transgresses the lateral or vertical boundaries of the operational area as defined by the applicable COA must be reported to the FAA’s sUAS 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. Further flight operations may not be conducted until the incident, accident, or transgression is reviewed by AFS

- 80 and authorization to resume operations is provided.

735. The sUASs must operate at a safe distance from power lines

. Operation of the sUAS to be allowed by trained pilot s using approved protocols only. T he pre

- job brief will communic ate approved clearances and operation of the sUAS will be closely monitored. T he job will be stopped if clearances are breached. The DJI S900 must be equipped with a digital zoom lens camera that will be used to increase visibility of components being in spected so there will be no operational need to fly close enough to lines to risk electromagnetic interference. sUAS operating rules establish minimum powe r line spacing for each voltage. Operators will evaluate how to safely fly around power lines witho ut bridging phases before each flight (for example, power line spacing must be confirmed as greater than the minimum before the sUAS would be allo wed to fly between power lines). Also, flying between lines must be avoided when possible

. 36. The sUASs must provide visual warnings to the pilot for all systems, alarm condition and out

- of

range sensor values.

37. C onsistent with other ComEd jobs performed in the field, compliance with a briefing process will be required before, during and after operations of the sU AS for increased safety (see Appendix G for the ComEd sUAS Aerial Inspections Flight Briefing Sheet).

38. sUAS o perations will not be conducted in a way that violates reasonable expectations of privacy. Operations will follow the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International Code of Conduct for Unmanned Aircraft System Operations and affected municipalities will be notified in advance about sUAS flights.

CONCLUSION

The planned used of the DJI S900 satisfies the criteria set forth in Section 333 of the Reform Act. ComEd’s proposed sUAS operations, subject to the conditions listed above, do not create a hazard to users of the national air space (NAS) or the public or threaten national security due to its small size, low weight and speed, safety features, and operatin g distance from airports and populated areas.

The operation of the sUAS for inspections and research in accordance with the strict conditions outlined herein will provide more than an equivalent level of safety, supporting the gr ant of the exemptions req uested

. Appr oval of the exemption allowing operations of the DJI S900 for inspections

and research w ill enhance safety by reducing the risk s inherent in ComEd’s present operations

. C urrent
aerial inspection operations of the ComEd System using convention al rotary aircraft, present risks

associated with vehicles tha t often weigh in excess of 5,000 to 7,000 lbs. and carry large quantities of fuel, passengers, and cargo. Such aircraft must fly to and from the inspection location s , often over

residential properties

. The DJI S900 will operate at similar speeds and altitudes of conventional aircraft, but only weigh s approximately 18 lbs. ( less than half the weight approved for s UAS use by the Production Companies ) , is powered by batteries

, and will be carri ed to the inspection location

. The DJI

S900 will n ot fly over residences like conventional aircraft. Further, t he DJI S900 will carry no passengers or crew and, therefore, will not expose any individuals to the risks associated with manned aircraft flights. All of these factors greatly reduce the risks associated with conventional operations.

Given its size, speed, load c apacity, and lack of fuel spill risk , the DJI S900 poses no threat to national security. Further, the operating capabilities, lack of proximity to airports and populated areas, avoidance of airspace used by other aircraft, operation within visual line of sight, and use of licensed pilots provide more than adequate justification to grant the requested exemptions.

Yours in Safety

, Linda G. Rhodes, CSP (Certified Safety Professional)

Commonwealth Edison

8APPENDIX A

Exelon Section 333 Exemption Application Compared with Granted Applications

ComEd Petition Conditions resulting from 6 identical approved applications

-- Film Producers

1 The sUAS must weigh less than 18 pounds, including energy source(s) and equipment. Operations authorized by the grant will be limited to the following aircraft as described in the operator’s manual: the DJI Innovations S900. Proposed operations of any other aircraft will require a new petition or a petition to amend. The unmanned aircraft (UA) must weigh less than 55 poun ds (25 Kg), including energy source(s) and equipment. Operations authorized by this grant of exemption are limited to the following aircraft described in the operator’s manual: Astraeus Aerial Cinema System V.3CS UAS aircraft variant, serial #001 onward ( V.3). Proposed operations of any other aircraft will require a new petition or a petition to amend this grant.

2 The sUAS may not be flown at a ground speed exceeding 50 knots . Same parameters

3 Flights must be operated at an altitude of no

more than 400 feet above ground level (AGL), as indicated by the procedures specified in the operator’s manual. All altitudes reported to

ATC must be in feet AGL. Same parameters

4 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

medical certificate. Same par ameters

5 All operations must utilize a visual observer (VO). The VO may be used to satisfy the VLOS requirement as long as the VO and PIC always maintains VLOS capability. The VO and PIC must be able to communicate verbally at all

times. Same parameters

6. The operator’s manual and this grant of exemption must be maintained and made available to the Administrator upon request. If a discrepancy exists between the conditions and limitations in this exemption and the procedures outlined in the operator’s m anual, the conditions and limitations herein take precedence and must be followed. Otherwise, the operator must follow the procedures as outlined in its operator’s

manual. The operator may update or revise its operator’s manual. It is the operator’s respon sibility to track S ame parameters

9such revisions and present updated and revised documents to the Administrator upon request. The operator must also present updated and revised documents if it petitions for extension or amendment. If the operator determines that any updat e or revision would affect the basis for which the FAA granted this exemption, then the operator must petition for amendment to their exemption. The FAA’s sUAS Integration Office (AFS

- 80) may be contacted if questions arise regarding updates or revisions t o the operator’s

manual.

7 Prior to each flight, the DJI S900 must perform automatic pre

- flight checks as outlined in the operators manual and failure of any check must prevent take

- off. In addition, prior to each flight

the PIC must inspect the sUAS to ensure it is in a condition for safe flight. If the inspection reveals a condition that affects the safe operation of the sUAS, the aircraft is prohibited from operating until the necessary maintenance has been performed and the sUAS is found to be in a condition for safe flight. The Ground Control Station, if utilized, must be included in the preflight inspection. All maintenance and alterations must be properly documented in the

aircraft records. Prior to each flight the PIC must inspe ct the UAS to ensure it is in a condition for safe flight. 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 t o be in a condition for safe flight. The Ground Control Station, if utilized, must be included in the preflight inspection. All maintenance and alterations must be properly

documented in the aircraft records.

8 Any sUAS that has undergone maintenance or

a lterations that affect the sUAS operation or flight characteristics, e.g. replacement of a flight critical component, must undergo a functional test flight in accordance with the operator’s

manual. The PIC who conducts the functional test flight must make an entry in the sUAS aircraft records of the flight. The requirements and procedures for a functional test flight and aircraft record entry must be added to the operator’s manual. S ame parameters

9 The operator must follow the manufacturer’s

sUAS aircraft /component, maintenance, overhaul, replacement, inspection, and life limit requirements. When unavailable, aircraft maintenance/component/overhaul, replacement, and inspection/maintenance requirements must be established and identified in the operator’s

ma nual. At a minimum, requirements for the following must be included in the operator’s manual: Actuators / Servos; Transmission (single rotor); Powerplant (motors); Propellers; Electronic speed controller; Batteries; Mechanical dynamic components (single ro tor); The operator must follow the manufacturer’s UAS aircraft/component, maintenance, overhaul, replacement, inspection, and life limit requirements. When unavailable, aircraft maintenance/component/overhaul, replacement, and inspection/maintenance requirements must be established and identified in the operator’s manual. At a minimum, requirements for the following must be included in the operator’s manual: Actuators / Servos; Transmission (single rotor); Powerplant (motors); Propellers; Electronic speed controller; Batteries; Same

parameters

10Remote command and control; Ground control station (if used); and any other components as determined by the operator.

10 The Pilot In Command (PIC) must possess at least an FAA approved private pilot’s license

and current third

- class medical certificate and flight review. Currency requirements are not relevant to sUASs because they do not carry

passengers. The Pilot In Com mand (PIC) must possess at least a private pilot certificate and at least a

current third

- class medical certificate. The PIC must also meet the flight review requirements specified in 14 CFR § 61.56 in an aircraft in which the PIC is rated on his or her pi lot

certificate.

11 Prior to flight operations, the PIC must successfully complete a DJI factory certified pilot training program, designed for proficient operation and maintenance of the DJI S900.

The PIC must have accumulated and logged, in a

manner consistent with 14 CFR 61.51(b), a minimum of twelve hours as a sUAS pilot operating the DJI S900 to be used for operations under the exemption: three hours of flight over an open area, three hours inspecting distribution structures, three hours inspecting transmission structures, and three hours inspecting substations.

The twelve hour operating time may be satisfied by training using the DJI Operating Manual as a training guide. The training must also include

three take

- offs, three landings, and emergenc y procedures

– all conducted under this grant of exemption.

Training will take place at a ComEd training facility (such as the Rockford Training Facility, Rockford, IL, where there’s 85,000 square feet of secure outdoor training space). Prior to operati ons conducted for the purpose of motion picture filming (or similar operations), the PIC must have accumulated and logged, in a manner consistent with 14 CFR § 61.51(b), a minimum of 200 flight cycles and 25 hours of total time as a UAS rotorcraft pilot an d at least ten hours logged as a UAS pilot with a similar UAS type (single blade or multirotor). Prior documented flight experience that was obtained in compliance with applicable regulations may satisfy this requirement. Training, proficiency, and experie nce

- building flights can also be conducted under this grant of exemption to accomplish the required flight cycles and flight time. During training, proficiency, and experience building flights, all persons not essential for flight operations are considere d nonparticipants, and the PIC must operate the UA with appropriate distance from nonparticipants in accordance with 14 CFR §

91.119.

12 Prior to flight operations, the PIC must successfully complete a DJI factory certified pilot training program, designed for proficient operation and maintenance of the DJI S900.

T he PIC must have accumulated and logged, in a manner consistent with 14 CFR 61.51(b), a

minimum of twelve hours as a sUAS pilot operating the DJI S900 to be used for operations

under the exemption: three hours of flight over an open area, three hours inspecting distribution structures, three hours inspecting transmission structures, and three hours inspecting substations.

The twelve hour operating time may be satisfied by training using t he DJI Operating Manual as a Prior to operations conducted for the purpose of motion picture filming (or similar operations), the PIC must have accumulated and logged, in a manner consistent with14 CFR § 61.51(b), a minimum of five hours as UAS pilot operating

the make and model of UAS to be utilized for operations under the exemption and three take

offs and three landings in the preceding 90 days. Training, proficiency, expe rience

- building, and

take

- off and landing currency flights can be conducted under this grant of exemption to accomplish the required flight time and 90 day currency. During training, proficiency, experience

- building, and take

- off and landing currency flig hts all persons not essential for flight operations are considered nonparticipants,

11training guide The training must also include

three take

- offs, three landings, and emergency procedures

– all conducted under this grant of exemption.

Training will take place at a ComEd training facility ( such as the Rockford Training Facility, Rockford, IL

, where there’s 85,000 square feet of secure outdoor training space )

. and the PIC must operate the UA with appropriate distance from nonparticipants in accordance with 14 CFR §91.119.

13 Prior to any flight operations by this grant of

exempt ion, the PIC and VO must have successfully completed a qualification process. The test must be developed and implemented by a qualified person designated at the sole discretion of the operator and must include training, proficiency and experience

- building flights.

The DJI S900 Operating Manual must be used as the foundation for a qualification process guide. The qualification process must include take

- offs, landings, and emergency procedures

– all conducted under this grant of exemption.

A record of completion of this qualification process must be documented and made available to the Administrator upon request. Prior to any flight operations authorized by this grant of exemption, the PIC and VO must have successfully completed a qualification proces s, as outlined in the operator’s manual. As this is a requirement stipulated by the operator, the test must be developed and implemented by a qualified person designated at the sole discretion of the operator. A record of completion of this qualification p rocess must be documented and made available to the Administrator upon

request.

14 Prior to ComEd System monitoring operations (or similar operations), a flight demonstration, administered by an operator

- approved and

- qualified pilot must be successfull y completed

and documented. This documentation must be available for review upon request by the Administrator. Because the knowledge and airmanship test qualifications have been developed by the operator, and there are no established practical test standar ds that support a jurisdictional FAA FSDO evaluation and approval of company designated examiners, the petitioner will conduct these tests in accordance with the operator’s manual. Same parameters

15 The sUAS may not be operated directly over any person, except authorized and consenting utility personnel, below an altitude that is hazardous to persons or property on the surface in the event of

an sUAS failure or emergency. S ame parameters

1216 Regarding the distance from participating persons, the operator’s manual has safety mitigations for authorized and consenting personnel. At all times, those persons must be essential to the utility operations and wear hardhats. Because these procedures are specific to participating persons, no further FSDO or aviation safety inspector approval is necessary for reductions to the distances specified in the petitioner’s manuals. Regarding the distance from participating persons, the operator’s manual has safety

miti gations for authorized and consenting production personnel. At all times, those persons

must be essential to the closed

- set film operations. Because these procedures are specific to participating persons, no further FSDO or aviation safety inspector approv al is necessary for reductions to the distances specified in the petitioner’s manuals. This is consistent with the manned aircraft procedures described in FAA Order 8900.1, V3, C8, S1

Issue a Certificate of Waiver for Motion Picture and Television Filming.

17 All operations must be conducted over property that is owned or controlled by ComEd or is utility right

- of

- way. The pre

- job brief must verify control of the flight area, including the absence of members of the public in the flight area. Operations must be stopped if unauthorized persons enter the flight area, consistent with the “Time Out for Safety Process” deta iled in Appendix F. Work performed on ComEd’s system is governed by rigorous protocols, including the extensive work performed overhead. Work Area Protection protocols, for example, include protecting the public from work being performed and from the asso ciated

conditions

. Regarding distance from nonparticipating persons, the operator must ensure that no persons are allowed within 500 feet of the area except those consenting to be involved and necessary for the filming production. This provision may

be red uced to no less than 200 feet if it would not adversely affect safety and the Administrator has approved it. For example, an equivalent level of safety may be determined by an aviation safety inspector’s evaluation of the filming production area to note te rrain features, obstructions, buildings, safety barriers, etc. Such barriers may protect nonparticipating persons (observers, the public, news media, etc.) from

debris in the event of an accident. This is also consistent with the same FAA Order 8900.1, V3,
C8, S1.

18 If the sUAS loses communications or loses the GPS signal, the sUAS will hover in place for 10

seconds and then must return to the take

- off point

or in accordance with the operator’s manual

. If the UAS loses communications or loses GPS signal, the UA must return to a pre

- determined location within the security perimeter and land

or be recovered in accordance with the operator’s manual.

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

accordance with the operator’s manual

. S ame parameters

20 Each sUAS operation must be completed within 30 minutes flight time or with 20 % battery power remaining, which ever occurs first. The

fail

- safe and countdown timer on the sUAS will be used to alert the operator when 20% of the battery power is remaining so a controlled landing can be facilitated. The fail

- safe feature results in a first level warning light. A se cond level warning follows with flashing lights. The countdown timer acts as a third level warning Each UAS operation must be completed within 30 minutes flight t ime or with 25% battery power remaining, whichever occurs first.

13with an audible alarm, alerting the operator so they have adequate time to return to base.

21 The operator must obtain an Air Traffic Organization (ATO) issued Certificate of Waiver or Authorization (COA) prior to conducting any operations under this grant of exemption. The operator must obtain an Air Traffic Organization (ATO) issued Certificate of Waiver or Authorization (COA) prior to conducting any operations under this grant of exemption. This COA will also require the operator to request a Notice to Airman (NOTAM) not m ore than 72 hours in advance, but not less than 48 hours prior to the operation.

22 ComEd must fulfill any reasonable request by

the FAA related to the identification and registration marking of the sUAS. All aircraft 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 The operator must develop procedures to

document and maintain a record o f the sUAS maintenance, preventative maintenance, alterations, status of replacement/overhaul component parts, and the total time in service of the sUAS. These procedures must be added to

the operator’s manual. S ame parameters

24 The sUAS operated under this exemption must comply with all manufacturer Safety Bulletins. S ame parameters

25 The operator must develop UAS technician qualification criteria. These criteria must be added to the operator’s manual. S ame parameters

26 The pre flight inspection section in the operator’s

manual must be amended to include the following requirement: The preflight inspection must account for all discrepancies, i.e. inoperable components, items, or equipment, not covered in the relevant preflight ins pection sections of the operator’s manual. S ame parameters

27 Before conducting operations, the radio frequency spectrum used for operation and control of the UA must comply with the Federal S ame parameters

14Communications Commission (FCC) or other appropriate government oversight agency requirements.

28 The following agencies/departments will be notified in advance about all sUAS flights:

Within Municipalities (so municipality officials can proactively communicate sUAS operations

to residents and re spond to public inquiries) Mayor’s Office Illinois Department of Transportation Sheriff’s Office/Police Department

Within ComEd (so department leaders can proactively communicate sUAS operations to the public and respond to public inquiries)

Communications

External Affairs Customer Care Center (Customer Service Agents) EChannels (Social Media Department) Corporate Relations

Public Relations Notifications will include the following

information: 1) Dates and times for all flights

. 2) Name and phone nu mber of the person responsible for the onsite operation of the

sUAS

. 3) Make

, model and serial number of the

sUAS to be used

. 4) Name and certificate number of the sUAS person

- in

- charge

. 5) Signature of exemption holder or representative

. 6) A description of the fligh t activity, including maps or diagrams of any area over which inspections will be conducted and the altitudes essential to accomplish the operation. Must submit a written Plan of Activities to the local FSDO including at least the following:

a. Dates and t imes for all flights b. Name and phone number of the operator for the UAS filming production conducted under this grant of exemption c. Name and phone number of the person responsible for the on

- scene operation of the

UAS d. Make, model, and serial or N

- n umber of UAS

to be used

e. Name and certificate number of UAS PICs involved in the filming production event f. A statement that the operator has obtained permission from property owners and/or local officials to conduct the filming production event;

the li st of those who gave permission must be made available to the inspector upon request. g. Signature of exemption

- holder or representative 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 essential to accomplish the operation;

29 The documents required under 14 CFR §§ 91.9

and 91.203 must be available to the PIC at the Ground Control Station of the sUAS any time

the aircraft is operating. These documents must be made available to the Administrator or any law enforcement official upon request. S ame parameters

30 The UA must remain clear and yield the right of way to all other manned operations and activities at all times (includi ng, but not limited to, ultralight vehicles, parachute activities, S ame parameters

15parasailing activities, hang gliders, etc.).

31 sUAS operations may not be conducted during

the night, as defined in 14 CFR § 1.1. All operations must be conducted under v isual meteorological conditions (VMC). Flights under special visual flight rules (SVFR) are not

authorized. S ame parameters

32 The sUAS may not be operated by the PIC from any moving device or vehicle. S ame parameters

33 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. S ame parameters

34 The sUAS may not operate in Class B, C, or D airspace without written approval from the FAA.

The s UAS may not operate within five nautical miles of the geographic center of a non

- towered airport unless a letter of agreement with that airport’s management is obtained. When reasonable and practical, ComEd will initiate a NOTAM. However, in the event of an emergency, such as a power outage caused by a storm, it is not practicable for ComEd to initiate

a NOTAM because of the advanced notification requirement. ComEd will follow any reasonable and practicable notice requirements mandated by

the FAA. The UA may not operate in Class B, C, or D airspace without written approval from the FAA. The UA may not operate within 5 nautical miles of the geographic center of a non

- towered airport

as denoted on a current FAA

- published

aeronautical chart unless a letter of agreement with that airport’s management is obtained, and the operation is conducted in accordance with a NOTAM as required by the operator’s COA. The letter of agreement with the airport management must be made available to the Administrator upon requ est.

35 Any incident, accident, or flight operation that transgresses the lateral or vertical boundaries of the operational area as defined by the applicable COA must be reported to the FAA’s sUAS 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. Further flight operations may not be conducted until the incident, accident, or transgression is reviewed by AFS

- 80 and

autho rization to resume operations is provided. S ame parameters

16APPENDIX B

SMALL UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEM DESCRIPTION & SPECIFICATIONS

DJI Innovations

– DJI S900

The DJI S900 consists of a graphical, touch

- screen control station, an aerial vehicle, and a radio repeater station. The aerial vehicle consists of a small hexrotor, a type of rotorcraft, which is lifted and propelled by six rotors. It is electrically powered by lithium polymer batteries and therefore presents no fuel spill risk. To further inc rease safety, IIT researchers have designed a cage structure that encloses the aerial vehicle, allowing it to roll on the ground to prevent damaging crashes. Previous experiments with other similar systems indicate that the cage

structure has no detriment al impact on the fli ght capabilities of the system.

The radio repeater station is used to extend the control station’s transmission range. The radio repeater station and control station comply with all FCC requirements. The aerial vehicle itself perfor ms all actions necessary to hold a fixed position or to travel to a destination. All system components monitor their own “health” and battery capacity. A fail safe system takes appropriate, pre

- programmed actions when error conditions are detected, inclu ding hovering in place for ten seconds and returning to the take

- off point.

DJI Innovations

6F, Hkust Sz IER Bldg. No.9 Yuexing 1st Rd.

Hi

- Tech Park (South),

Nanshan Dist. Shenzhen, Guangdong, China, 518057.

Phone: +86 755 26656677

Email: info@dji.com

DJI Innovations Authorized Dealer

– UAV Direct

14365 W. State Highway 29 Liberty Hill, TX 78642

Phone: 1

- 855

- 778

- 6363 Email: ops@uavdirect.com

17Frame Diagonal Wheelbase

900mm

Frame Arm Length

358mm

Frame Arm (Including Motor, ESC, Propeller ) 316g

Center Frame Diameter

272mm

Center Frame Weight (With Landing Gear Mounting Base, Servos) 1185g

Landing Gear Size 460mm(Length)×450mm(Width)×360mm(Height)

Motor Stator Size

41×14mm

KV 400rpm/V

Max Power

500W

Weight(With Cooling Fan) 158g

ESC Working Current

40A

Working Voltage

6S LiPo

Signal Frequency

30Hz ~ 450Hz

Drive PWM Frequency

8KHz

Weight(With Radiators) 35g

18Foldable Propeller (1552/1552R) Material High strength performance engineered plastics

Size

15×5.2inch

Weight 13g

Flight Parameters Takeoff Weight 4.7Kg ~ 8.2Kg

Total Weight 3.3Kg

Power Battery
LiPo (6S

、 10000mAh~15000mAh

、 15C(Min))

Max Power Consumption

3000W

Hover Power Consumption 1000W (@6.8Kg Takeoff Weight)

Hover Time

18min (@12000mAh& 6.8Kg Takeoff Weight)

Working Environment Temperature

- 10 °C ~ +40 °C

Gain Value Settings For A2 Flight Controller Basic: Roll 110%, Pitch

Attitude: Roll 220%, Pitch 220%, Vertical 120%

For WooKong

- M Flight Controller

Basic: Roll 160%, Pitch

Attitude: Roll 190%, Pitch 190%, Vertical 100%

FRAME Diagonal

Wheelbase Frame Arm Length Frame Arm Weight
(Including Motor,
ESC, Propeller) Center

Frame

Diameter

800mm 350mm 356g 240mm

19Center Frame
Weight Landing Gear Size Retractable Landing
Gear Weight
(Including Battery
Tray)

550g 460mm(Length)×425mm(Wi
dth)×320mm(Height)
(Top width: 155mm) 1050g

FLGHT

PARAMETE

RS Takeoff Weight Total Weight Power Battery Max Power
Consumpti

on

6.0Kg ~ 8.0Kg 3.7Kg LiPo (6S

、 10000mAh~15000mA

h

、 15C(Min)) 3000W

Hover Power
Consumption Hover Time

800W(@ Takeoff
Weight 6.7Kg) Max: 20 min
(@15000mAh&6.7Kg
Takeoff Weight)

MOTOR Stator Size KV Max Power Weight (w/
Cooling
Fan)

41×14mm 400rpm/V 500W 158g

ESC Current Voltage Signal Frequency Drive

PWM
Frequency

40A OPTO 6S LiPo 30Hz ~ 450Hz 8KHz

Weight(with
Radiators)

35g

20PROPELLER
(FOLDABLE) Material Size Weight

Carbon Fiber 15×04in 10g

21APPENDIX C

EXEMPTION REQUESTS WITH REASONS FOR REQUESTS AND EQUIVALENT LEVEL OF SAFETY

ComEd requests an exemption from the following regulations as well as any additional regulations that
may technically apply to the operation of the DJI S900:

Part 21 Airworthiness Certification

14 CFR Part 21, Subpart H Airworth iness Certificates and 14 CFR 91.203(a)(1) Civil aircraft.
Certifications required.

Section 91.203(a)(1) requires all civil aircraft to have a certificate of airworthiness. Part 21, Subpart H,
entitled Airworthiness Certificates, establishes the procedural requirements for the issuance of
airworthiness certificates as required by FAR § 91.203(a)(1). Given the size of the aircraft (8.2 kg; 18 lbs)
and the limited operating area associated with its utilization, it is unnecessary to go through the certificate
of airworthiness process under Part 21 Subpart H to achieve or exceed current safety levels.

Such an exemption meets the requirements of an equivalent level of safety under Part 11 and Section 333

of the Reform Act. The Federal Aviation Act and Section 333 of the Reform Act both authorize the FAA
to exempt aircraft from the requirement for an airworthiness certificate, upon consideration of the size,
weight, speed, operational capability, and proximity to airports and populated areas of the sUAS involved.

I n this case, an analysis of these criteria demonstrates that the DJI S900 operated without an airworthiness
certificate, under the conditions proposed herein, will be at least as safe, or safer, than a conventional
aircraft (fixed wing or rotorcraft) with an airworthiness certificate. The DJI S900 weighs 8.2 kg (18 lbs) It
will not carry a pilot or passenger, will not carry flammable fuel, and will operate exclusively within an

area pre

- disclosed (and detailed on ComEd’s Certificate of Authorization) and in compliance with
conditions set forth herein. Operations under this exemption will be tightly controlled and monitored by
both the operator, pursuant to the conditions set forth above, and by local public safety requirements.

Notification of affected mun icipalities, the size of the aircraft, the lack of flammable fuel, and the fact that
the aircraft is carried to the location and not flown there all establish the equivalent level of safety. The
DJI S900 provides at least an equivalent, and most likely exc eeds, level of safety to that of such
operations being conducted with conventional aircraft that would be orders of magnitude larger and
would be carrying passengers, cargo, and flammable fuel.

The automated safety features highlight the design intentions towards safety and reliability on the DJI

S900.

22Part 43 Maintenance

14 CFR 43.7 Persons authorized to approve aircraft, airframes, aircraft engines, propellers,
appliances, or component parts for return to service after maintenance, preventive maintena nce, rebuilding, or alteration.

This section lists seven different persons who may sign return

- to

- service documentation, approving
aircraft and affected components for service after maintenance, preventive maintenance, rebuilding or

alteration:

1) Certified m echanic or holder of an inspection authorization. 2) Holder of a repair station certificate. 3) Manufacturer. 4) Holder of an air carrier certificate. 5) Certificated private pilot. 6) Repairman certificated with a maintenance rating for light sport aircraft only. 7) Certif icated sport pilot for preventive maintenance on an aircraft owned and or operated by him or

her.

Besides the DJI S900 being nearly maintenance free, the nature of sUAS technology (such as inherent
safety features) provides for decisions about return

- to

- s ervice following maintenance and/or related
activities to be made with minimal risk by persons well trained in the technology (whether any of the
above seven criteria exist or not).

The DJI S900 performs automatic pre

- flight checks and the failure of any c heck will prevent take

- off.
Checks that cannot be performed by the system will be performed by a qualified person prior to each
flight and include the following:

• A full visual inspection of the airframe.

• Visual inspection of rotor integrity.

• Charge of all batteries ( s UAS, command station and radio repeater station)

14 CFR 43.11 Content, form and disposition of records for inspections conducted under parts 91
and 125 and 135.411(a)(1) and 135.419 of this chapter.

This section deals with inspection record entries for aircraft, including a requirement that these records
contain the following information:

• Certificate numbers for the inspectors.

• Kind of certificates for the persons approving or disapproving the return to service.

As referenced in the exemption request for 14 CFR 43.7, the DJI S900 is nearly maintenance free. The
nature of sUAS technology (such as inherent safety features) provides for decisions about return

- to

service following maintenance and/or related activities to be made with min imal risk by persons well
trained in the technology (whether the person making decisions about return

- to

- service hold a certificate

or not).

23Likewise, all persons inspecting the sUAS will have successfully completed training for such activity,
making them at least as proficient as certificated inspectors.

Part 45 Identification and Registration Marking

14 CFR 45.11 Marking of products.

This section requires the securing of a fireproof marker on the aircraft fuselage exterior so it is legible to

persons on t he ground. Also, the requirement continues that propellers, propeller blades and hubs must

receive markers.

While the sUAS will involve flight at only 400 feet AGL and within line of site of the pilot, it is not

feasible that markers described in this sec tion will be legible from the ground given the sUAS and sUAS
component sizes:

• sUAS width = 900 mm (35.4 in.)

• sUAS height = 460 mm (18.1 in.)

• Propeller length = 381 mm (15 in.)

Further, marker required locations are in some cases non

- existent on the batter y

- powered DJI S900 (i.e.,
aircraft fuselage). Additional specifica tions are detailed on Appendix B (S900 Specifications). ComEd
will fulfill any reasonable request by the FAA related to the identification and registration marking of the

sUAS.

14 CFR 45. 23(b) Display of marks; general and

91.9(c) Civil aircraft flight manual, marking, and placard requirements.

Regulation 45.23(b) provides:

(b) When marks include only the Roman capital letter “N” and the registration number is displayed on
limited, restricted or light

- sport category aircraft or experimental or provisionally certificated aircraft, the
operator must also display on that aircra ft near each entrance to the cabin, cockpit, or pilot station, in
letters not less than 2 inches nor more than 6 inches high, the words “limited,” “restricted,” “light

- sport,”
“experimental,” or “provisional,” as applicable.

Regulation 91.9(c) provides:

No person may operate a U.S.

- registered civil aircraft unless that aircraft is identified in accordance with
part 45 of this chapter.

The DJI S900 has no entrance to the cabin, cockpit, or pilot station on which the markings can be placed.

Given the size of the sUAS, two inch lettering will be impossible. Official marking systems for sUASs
have not yet been established for operations inside the NAS. ComEd is prepared to fulfill any request by
the FAA related to identification and registration marking in accor dance with 45.29(f) where the pilot,
observer, and others working with the sUAS will see the identification of the sUAS.

The FAA has issued the following exemptions to this regulation: Exemption Numbers 8738, 10167,

10167A and 10700.

2414 CFR 45.25 Location of marks on fixed wing aircraft.

This section requires that operators display marks “...on either the vertical tail surfaces or the sides of the
fuselage.” As referenced in the exemption request for 14 CFR 45.11, this marking requirement is not

feasible given the size of sUAS s . Also note that the DJI S900 does not contain a fuselage.

14 CFR 45.29 Size of marks.

This section provides requirements for the size of aircraft markings; however, marking requirements for
sUASs are not specifically listed. Inste ad, aircraft types referenced in this section include fixed

- wing,
gliders, exhibition, antique, airships, spherical balloons, powered parachutes, etc.

As referenced in the exemption request for 14 CFR 45.23(b) and 91.9(c), ComEd is prepared to fulfill any
request by the FAA related to identification and registration marking of the sUAS.

Part 47 Aircraft Registration

14 CFR 47.3(b)(2) Registration required.

This section prohibits the operation of aircraft that is eligible for registration unless 1) the aircr aft has
been registered by its owner; 2) the aircraft is carrying aboard the temporary authorization required by
47.31(c); or 3) the aircraft is an aircraft of the Armed Forces.

Unless the sUAS ground control station is considered part of the sUAS, ComEd r equests exemption from
requirement number two above. While it is feasible to maintain the aircraft registration document at the
ground control station, it is not feasible for the sUAS to carry the registration document ‘on board’ (given

the size of the sU AS, as summarized in exemption request 14 CFR 45.11).

14 CFR 47.31(c) Application.

This section requires that each applicant for a Certificate of Aircraft Registration, after completing and
submitting the application, submitting the aircraft bill of sale a nd paying the required fee

– must comply
with paragraph c:

“...the applicant for registration of an aircraft last previously registered in the United States must carry
the second copy of the Aircraft Registration Application in the aircraft as temporary aut hority to operate
without registration.”

ComEd does not possess an aircraft that was previously registered in the United States, making the
referenced requirement in this section infeasible.

Part 91 General Operating and Flight Rules

14 CFR 91.9(b)(2) Civi l aircraft flight manual, marking and placard requirements.

This section prohibits operation of a U.S.

- registered civil aircraft for which a flight manual is not
required

, unless there is “...available in the aircraft a current approved Airplane or Rotocraft Flight
Manual, approved manual material, markings, and placards, or any combination thereof.”

As per the size of the sUAS, provided in exemption request 14 CFR 45.11, it is not feasible to make a

manual and associated materials available in the aircraft.

2514 CFR 91.9(c) Civil aircraft flight manual, marking and placard requirements.

This section prohibits operation of U.S

. - registered civil aircraft without identification specified in part 45.

As stated in the exemption requests specific to part 45:

• It is no t feasible that markers described in this part will be legible from the ground.

• Marker required locations are in some cases non

- existent on the battery

- powered DJI S900 (i.e., aircraft fuselage, cabin, cockpit, etc.).

ComEd is prepared to fulfill any requ est by the FAA related to identification and registration marking of

the sUAS.

14 CFR 91.103(b)(2) Preflight action.

This regulation requires each pilot in command to take certain actions before flight to insure the safety of
flight. As FAA approved rotorc raft flight manuals will not be provided for the aircraft an exemption will
be needed. An equivalent level of safety will be provided as set forth in the DJI S900 Operating Manual

( Appendix H ). The person

- in

- charge will take all actions including reviewing weather, flight battery
requirements, landing and takeoff distances and aircraft performance data before initiation of flight.

The Aerial Inspection Flight Briefing Sheet in Appendix G provides additional required pre

- flight actions.

14 CFR 91.105 Flight crewmembers at stations.

This section contains requirements for crewmembers during takeoff and landing of aircraft. Specifically:

(a) During takeoff and landing, and while en route, each required flight crewmember shall

—

(1) Be at the crewmember station unless the absence is necessary to perform duties in connection with the operation of the aircraft or in connection with physiological needs; and

(2) Keep the safety belt fastened while at the crewmember station.

(b) Each r equired flight crewmember of a U.S.

- registered civil aircraft shall, during takeoff and landing, keep his or her shoulder harness fastened while at his or her assigned duty station. This paragraph does not apply if

—

(1) The seat at the crewmember's statio n is not equipped with a shoulder harness; or

(2) The crewmember would be unable to perform required duties with the shoulder harness

fastened.

In any sUAS, the ‘crewmember station’ is separate from the actual aircraft (such as a station established

on the ground). Therefore, compliance with the seat belt and shoulder harness requirements are not
feasible. Also, members of the crew (such as operators and observers) may reside in separate
crewmember stations during takeoff and landing of the aircraft (f or purposes of safely navigating the
aircraft). Therefore, compliance with ‘a(1)’ may involve identification of multiple crewmember stations.

2614 CFR 91.109 Flight instruction; Simulated instrument flight and certain flight tests and
91.319(a)(1) Aircraft having experimental certificates: Operating limitations.

These regulations provide that no person may operate a civil aircraft (except a manned free balloon) that
is being used for flight instruction unless that aircraft has fully functioning dual controls

.

The DJI S900 is a remotely piloted aircraft and by design, does not have fully functional dual controls.
Flight control is accomplished through the use of a control box that communicates with the aircraft via
radio communications. The flight plan is manu ally controlled through point

- and

- click navigation. The
FAA has approved exemptions for flight training without fully 11 of 20 functional dual controls for a
number of aircraft and for flight instruction in experimental aircraft. See Exemption Nos. 5778K &

9862A.

The equivalent level of safety will be achieved through prudent use of manufacturer training materials and
through the use of licensed and qualified pilots familiar with the DJI S900.

14 CFR 91.113(b) Right of way rules: Except water operations.

This section addresses the vigilance required during aircraft operations to see and avoid other aircraft by
prohibiting aircraft from “...passing over, under, or ahead of...” aircraft that has the right

- of

- way (until
the area is clear), weather permitting.

sU ASs are not specifically listed in this section to clarify the right

- of

- way priority for this type of aircraft.
Also, while sUASs may technically pass under or ahead of other aircraft, safety protocols have been
established to mitigate risks associated wi th contacting other aircraft and they include the following:

• Notification to impacted municipalities about flight plans (as shown in the Mandatory Operating Requirements (#2 7 )

.

• Operation of the sUAS may not be in Class B, C, or D airspace without written a pproval from the

FAA , and must be below 400 feet AGL at all times.

• Operation of the sUAS during daylight hours, within visual line of sight and during Visual Flight Rules Meteorological Conditions.

Additional precautions designed to help ensure safe oper ation of the sUAS can be found in the Mandatory
Operating Conditions section of this document and in the Certificate of Authorization application.

14 CFR 91.115 Right of way rules: Water operations.

This section provides requirements for operating aircraft on the water (to keep clear of and to avoid
impeding the navigation of any vessel).

ComEd does not intend to operate aircraft on any body of water as part of this petition.

14 CFR 91.119(b)(c) Min imum safe altitudes: General.

Section 91.119 establishes safe altitudes for operation of civil aircraft. Specifically, 91.119(c) limits
aircraft flying over areas other than congested areas to an altitude of 500 feet above the surface, except

over open wat er or sparsely populated areas. In those cases, the aircraft may not be operated closer than
500 feet to any person, vessel, vehicle, or structure.

27As set forth herein, the DJI S900 will not operate at higher than 400 feet AGL. It will, however, be

operat ed to avoid congested or populated areas that are detailed on ComEd’s Certificate of Authorization
application. Because many electric utility system condition inspections must be accomplished at relatively

low altitudes and at altitudes less than 400 feet AGL, an exemption from Section 91.119(c) is needed.

The equivalent level of safety will be achieved given the size, weight, speed, and material with which the
DJI S900 is built. Also, no flight will be taken without notification to affected municipalities . Because of
the advance notice, all affected individuals will be aware of the flights. Compared to aerial inspection
operations conducted with aircraft or rotorcraft weighing far more than 8.2 kg (18 lbs) and carrying
flammable fuel, any risk associated with these operations will be far less than those currently allowed
with conventional aircraft operating at or below 400 AGL. The low altitude operations of the sUAS will
maintain separation between sUAS operations and the operations of conventional airc raft that must
comply with Section 91.119.

14 CFR 91.121 Altimeter settings.

This section requires that each person operating an aircraft maintain cruising altitude by reference to an
altimeter that is set “to the elevation of the departure airport or an a ppropriate altimeter setting available
before departure.”

As the DJI S900 does not have an altimeter, ComEd requests an exemption from this requirement. An
equivalent level of safety will be achieved according to guidelines outlined in the Operating Manua l

( Attachment H ) and will include confirmation of GPS signals, the Moving Map Indicator and tracking
capability from the ground control station. Also, because all operations are within 400 feet AGL of the
ground and clear of the airspace used by most airc raft, this procedure ensures an increased level of safety.

14 CFR 91.151 Fuel requirements for flights in VFR conditions.

This regulation prohibits an individual from beginning “a flight in an airplane under VFR conditions
unless (considering wind and for ecast weather conditions) there is enough fuel to fly to the first point of
intended landing and, assuming normal cruising speed

– (1) During the day, to fly after that for at least

30 minutes ; or (2) At night, to fly after that for at least 45 minutes.”

The DJI S900 batteries provide approximately 18 minutes of powered flight, and the enclosed cage to be
tested around the sUAS by the Illinois Institute of Technology may prove to effectively extend sUAS
battery life. Without an exemption from 14 CFR 91.15 1, the sUAS’ flights would be limited to
approximately 20 minutes in length. Given the limitations on its proposed operations and the location of
those proposed operations, a longer time frame for flight in daylight VFR conditions is reasonable.

ComEd bel ieves that an exemption from 14 CFR 91.151 is safe and within the scope of a prior
exemption. See Exemption 10673 (allowing Lockheed Martin Corporation to operate without compliance
with 91.151(a)). Operating the sUAS, without 30 minutes of reserve fuel does not engender the type of
risks that Section 91.151 was meant to prevent given the size and speed at which the sUAS operates. The
fact that it carries no pilot, passenger, or cargo also enhances its safety. Additionally, limiting DJI S900
flights to 2 0 minutes would greatly reduce their utility. In the unlikely event that the DJI S900 should run
out of fuel (battery power), it would land. Given its weight and construction material, the risks are less
than contemplated by the current regulation.

28ComEd believes that an equivalent level of safety can be achieved by maintaining reserve battery power
to return the sUAS to its planned landing zone from anywhere in its prescribed and controlled operating

area.

The FAA has granted similar exemptions to others, including Exemptions 2689F, 5745, 10673 and 10808.

14 CFR 91.203 (a)(1) and 91.203(a)(2) Civil aircraft: Certifications required.

This regulation provides as follows:

(a) ... no person may operate a civil aircraft unless it has ... an appropriate and curren t airworthiness

certificate.

(b) No person may operate a civil aircraft unless the airworthiness certificate required by paragraph (a) of
this section or a special flight authorization issued under §91.715 is displayed at the cabin or cockpit

entrance so t hat it is legible to passengers or crew.

The DJI S900 weighs approximately 8.2 kg (18 lbs) As such, there is no ability or place to carry
certification and registration documents or to display them on the sUAS. In addition, there is no pilot on

board th e aircraft.

An equivalent level of safety will be achieved by keeping these documents at the ground control point
where the pilot flying the sUAS will have immediate access to them. The FAA has issued numerous
exemptions to this regulation. A representativ e sample of other exceptions includes the following
Exemption Numbers: 9565, 9665, 9789, 9789A, 9797, 9797A, 9816A, and 10700.

And it is ComEd’s understanding that the ground control point may be considered part of the sUAS;
thereby anything displayed at this location is technically consistent with this requirement and possibly not
necessary from which to seek exemption.

14 CFR 91.215 ATC transponder and altitude reporting equipment and use.

This section prohibits operation of aircraft without a transpond er in certain airspace.

Exceptions are provided for aircraft “...not originally certificated with an engine

- driven electrical system
or which has not subsequently been certified with such a system installed, balloon, or glider....” The DJI

S900 does not have an “engine

- driven electrical system,” so these exemptions apply.

Operational safety will be further improved because, in lieu of being equipped with a transponder, the DJI
S900 will comply with all mandatory operating conditions specified in this document (and the Cer tificate

of Authorization application ), including the following:

• Operation of the sUAS may not be in Class B, C, or D airspace without written approval from the

FAA , and must be below 400 feet AGL at all times.

• Operation of the sUAS during daylight hours, within visual line of sight and during Visual Flight Rules Meteorological Conditions.

• See and Avoid coverage by both the qualified pilot and the qualified observer throughout operations.

2914 CFR 91.403 General.

This section provides requ irements for maintenance in reference to several parts including part 39
(Airworthiness Directives), part 43 (Maintenance) and part 121 (Altimeter settings).

Given that the following requirement: “(a) The owner or operator of an aircraft is primarily resp onsible
for maintaining that aircraft in an airworthy condition, including compliance with part 39 of this chapter”
appears to only apply to aircraft with airworthiness certificates, the requirement does not apply to the
operation of the DJI S900.

Given th at the following requirement: “(b) No person may perform maintenance, preventive maintenance,
or alterations on an aircraft other than as prescribed in this subpart and other applicable regulations,
including part 43 of this chapter” appears to apply to ai rcraft with complicated maintenance needs, the
requirement does not apply to the maintenance of the DJI S900 (which is nearly maintenance free).

Appendix H (the Operating Manual) contains maintenance instructions for the DJI S900 and it illustrates

some of the safety features inherent to this technology and how they provide for decisions about return to
service following maintenance and/or related activities.

14 CFR 91.405 Maintenance required, 91.407 Operation after maintenance, preventive
maintenance, or alteration, 91.409 Inspections, and 91.417 Maintenance records.

Section 91.405(a) requires that an aircraft operator or owner “shall have that aircraft inspected as
prescribed in subpart E of this part and shall between required inspections, except as p rovided in
paragraph (c) of this section, have discrepancies repaired as prescribed in part 43 of this chapter ...”

Section 91.407 similarly makes reference to requirements in Part 43 ; Section 91.409(a)(2) requires an
annual inspec tion for the issuance of an airw orthiness certificate. Section 91.417(a) requires the owner or
operator to keep records showing certain maintenance work that has been accomplished by certificated
mechanics, under Part 43, or licensed pilots and records of approval of the aircraft for return to service.

The DJI S900 is nearly maintenance free, it performs automatic pre

- flight checks and the failure of any
check will prevent take

- off. Checks which cannot be done by the system will be performed by a qualified
person prior to each flig ht and at predefined intervals as part of the maintenance schedule in the Operating
Manual (see Appendix H ).

Pre

- flight checklist includes:

1. Visual inspection of the airframe

2. Visual inspections of rotor integrity

3. Check charge of all batteries (a erial vehicle, command station, radio repeater station)

An equivalent level of safety will be achieved because the sUAS is small in size, will carry no external
payload, will operate only in restricted pre

- selected areas and is not a complex mechanical dev ice. As
provided in the attached Operating Manual ( Appendix H ), the operator of DJI S900 will ensure that the
sUAS is in working order prior to initiating flight, perform required maintenance, and keep a log of any

30maintenance that is performed. Moreover, the operator is the person most familiar with the aircraft and is
best suited to maintain the aircraft in an airworthy condition and to ensure an equivalent level of safety.

The DJI S900’s maintenance instructions ( Appendix H ) ensure an equivalent level of safety to the
maintenance requirements in Part 91. In addition, any component failure detectable by the system will be
reported to the control station and will cause the s UAS to perform a Fatal Condition Response (FCR) or

Nonfatal C onditioned Response (NFCR), depending on the type of failure.

31APPENDIX D

‘ComEd Job Briefing and Job Turnover Process’

Consistent with exemption applications already granted, and in the best interest of promoting
public safety, we are submitting this document confidentially

32APPENDIX E

‘Personal Protective Equipment Program’

Consistent with exemption applications already granted, and in the best interest of promoting
public safety, we are submitting this document confidentially

33APPENDIX F

‘Time Out for Safety Process’

Consistent with exemption applications already granted, and in the best interest of promoting
public safety, we are submitting this document confidentially

34APPENDIX G

STAR

– Stop

– Think

– Act

– Review 

## C OM 

## E D 

## UAV A ERIAL 

## I NSPECTION 

## F LIGHT 

## B RIEFING 

## S HEET

**STAR**

**– Stop** 

**– Think** 

**– Act** 

**– Review** 

Work Order#:

______________________ Date:

____________________

Obsr

__________________________ Ph # (___)

________________ Email

___________________ TSO Approval Received P RE flight Notifications made P OST flight Notifications made

Pilot:

______________________ Ph # (___)

_________________ Preflight Inspection Comp Crew briefed on safely

Checked Weather Checked for TFRS in flight path Safe to fly FAA Waiver Received N/A

Insp:

______________________ Data Rec:

___________________ Launch Site: Elevation (MSL):

___ Crew Chief

Ph # (___)

_________________ Crew Chief

Ph # (___)

_________________ Lat: __________ Long: ____________
Max Expected Alt. (AGL):

__________ Flight Descr./ Overview:

________________________________ ________________________________ ___________________

________________________________ ________________________________ ________________________________ ________ Inspection Type Codes : ST andard C omprehensive SP ecial E mergency

L INE I NSP
T YPE C RITICAL
F ND / R EP L INE I NSP
T YPE C RITICAL
F ND / R EP L INE I NSP
T YPE C RITICAL
F ND / R EP L INE I NSP
T YPE C RITICAL
F ND / R EP

Nearest Airports: Miles: _____ Code:

____ Name:

____________ Contact:

___________ Phone #:

__________ Briefed:

Miles: _____ Code:

____ Name:

____________ Contact:

___________ Phone #:

__________ Briefed:

Miles: _____ Code:

____ Name:

____________ Contact:

___________ Phone #:

__________ Briefed:

Police Notification : Community:

__________ Department:

_______ Contact:

___________ Phone #:

__________ Briefed:

Weather: In area of Inspection

________________________________ ________________________________ ________________________________ ___

Crew: Understand Crew Resource Management UAV Safety Rules Understand Flight duties Equipment

Equipment checked and determined to be in safe, working condition

UAV Flight Controls Camera Systems Batteries

____________ ______________

M

APS : Line and SM Current Structure Lists Work Package Structure List for Comprehensive Inspections

Discussed: Inflight special precautions

__________________________ Communication

________________________________ ________ Flight obstructions

________________________________ __ Job assignments

________________________________ ______
Situational awareness

_______________________________ Line

- of

- fire control

________________________________ _____ Post Flight: Reports completed and submitted Equipment cleaned, checked and properly stored

A CTION R EQUIRED : **Every** Crew Member is expected to be able to explain the details of the Flight Briefing

POST FLIGHT DEBRIEFING: Yes CONDITION / SCOPE CHANGE: Yes N/A

Completed at the end of each shift! **Job Scope Change necessitates conducting a NEW Job Brief!**

Comments GIVE DETAILS :

________________________________ ________________________________ ____________

________________________________ ________________________________ ______________________________ Supervisor Quality Review of Job Brief (Initials) Date: L EGIBLE E MPLOYEE I NITIALS

1 ST B RIEF 2 ND B RIEF

35APPENDIX H

‘DJI Innovations S900 Specifications’

See link for online manual and operating videos:

http://www.troybuiltmodels.com/items/DJI

- S900.html



# PILO T OPERATIN G HANDBOOK

DJ I S

‐ 900/Zenmuse

Author: Gene Payson Revised: 9/02/2014
http://www.troybuiltmodels.com



# PILOT OPERATION HANDBOOK

DJI S

- 900/Zenmuse

This book is offered in a fo r m at so that pilots can custo m ize the checklists to their exac t needs

. Pleas e print

ou t thi s handbook

, m a k e note s whil e w atching the video regarding the che cklist

, the n chang e th e wording

and order to suit your needs. Then p r int out the revised form a nd la m inate it in plastic. Use it every ti m e you operate your aircraft. Keep the lo g book s regardin g th e following:

• Pilot f lig h t ti m e

• Aircra f t f li g ht ti m e

• Aircraft m aintenance and updates

• Battery u sa g e, date p u t into service, voltage, m ah vs ti m e

Print out a n d m ake rea d ily av a ila b le the e r ror m essage legen d o f variou s flashin g lights. Know what to do

withou t hesitatio n shoul d yo u observ e warnings.

Insurance is a m ust! Not only will it be expensi v e to re p air y our aircr a ft in the eve n t of an incident, if you injure bystanders or da m age other people’s property you are liable for da m ages wh i ch could run into the

m illions of doll a rs. One insurance c o mpany which curre n tly writes p o li c ies on sUAS is

www.Tran s portrisk.com

Errors & O m issions should be sent to custo m er s ervi c e@tro y built m odels

. co m

. We w i ll pro m ptly update the POH for everyone to have the lates t update s available.

• © 201 4 Tro y Buil t Models

, Inc

. Al l Right s Re s erved.

36

# DJI S900 KEY PARAMETERS

Max Takeoff W eight: 18 lbs. Approved Ca m eras: Sony Nex5/7, Panasonic G H 3/4, Black m agic Cine m a

--- No Gimbal

13.5lb s = S90 0 N O G i mba l an d TBM 21000

12.3lb s = S90 0 N O G i mba l an d TBM 15000

--- Nex

- 7 Gimb a l

17.2lbs = S900 with Nex

- 7 and TBM 21000

16lb s = S90 0 wit h Nex

- 7 an d TBM 15000

--- GH 3 /GH4 Gimbal

17.68lbs = S 900 with GH3/GH4 and TBM 21000

16.48lbs = S 900 with GH3/GH4 and TBM 15000

--- BMPCC Gimbal

17.3lbs = S900 and TBM 21000

16.1lbs = S900 and TBM 15000

--- 5D Gimbal

22.5lbs = S900 and TBM 21000

- OVER W E I GHT!

21.3lbs = S900 and TBM 15000

- OVER W E I GHT!

Flight Ti m es using 90% of battery: 15,000 m ah battery with gi m bal and ca m era: 15+ m in
21,000 m ah battery with gi m bal and ca m era: 20+ m in

These ti m es are averages in our tests. Individual flight ti m es m ay differ based on weight and flying style.

• © 201 4 Tro y Buil t Models

, Inc

. Al l Right s Re s erved. 

# DJI S

- 900/Zenmuse

CHECKLISTS

• DJI S

- 900 BENCH SET UP & TESTS

o All screw s / b olts a re tight

o Ti m er alarm for flight ti m e to not exceed 80% battery ca p acity set properly

o Batterie s ar e secure

o Antennas are secure

o Props balanced

o Prop s aligned

o Prop s no t chipped

o Check blades, a r m s
, etc. f o r cracks/damage

• W iring Tight

• No excessive flexing of motors or boo m s

• Boo m s/ m otors will n o t twist

• Cente r o f gravit y i s correct

• W arning li g hts set f or l o w battery if used

• Batteries charged. Replace any battery whi c h cycle s belo w 80 % o f rate d capacity

• Lapto p Battery

• Flight Battery

• Handheld Rx Battery

• RC Tx Battery

37• Video Rx Battery

• Spare Lapt o p Battery

• DJI S

- 900 INVENTORY CHEC K LIST

o Loa d Fligh t plan

o Aircraft

o C a m e r a wit h S D card

o Spar e parts/tools

o Spare batteries

o Two RC trans m itters

o Laptop

o Batter y Charger

o Fligh t Controlle r Cable

o Video m onitor, stand, battery, antennas

o Goggles

o Datalink & cable

o Battery Y

- h arness

• © 201 4 Tro y Buil t Models

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• DJI S

- 900 PREFLIGHT CHEC K LIST

o Position: GCS, S900

o E mergency LZ

o Wind

o Are a s ecure

o Antennas

o GCS

o Len s cap

o Camer a On

o S D card

o Flight batte r y: voltage

– in stall

- CG

o C2 Tx: Swi t ches

– On

- Model Selection

- 5

. 4V+

o Photo T x

– Sw itches

– On

- Model Selection

- 5

. 4V+

o Copter On

o Calibrate?

- C y cle

o Copter Voltage on GCS

o GPS Mode

– Double Purp le /Single Pur p le

o Course Lock Mode

- Green

o Camera/G i mbal tests

o Upload m is s i on

o Zero altitude

• TAKEOFF CHECKLIST

o Ti m er

o GP S m od e ( Cours e lock?)

o Motor s tart u p/checks

o Takeoff

o Landing Gear

• LANDING CHECKL I S T

o LZ clear

o Landing Gear

o Land

o Flight Ti m e

o Copter/Camera Power d own

38o Adjust Para m s

o Power Down batteries

o Motor Te m ps

o Logbooks

• © 201 4 Tro y Buil t Models

, Inc

. Al l Right s Re s erved.

• ERROR M ESSAGES

o W hite f lash e s

• IMU m alfunction. Land and det e r m i ne cause. Possibilities:

• GPS/Co m p a ss not pointing forward

• IM U no t pointin g forward

• Set up of X, Y, Z for location of IMU and Co m p ass is incorrect

o Excessive r o cking/insta b ility possible causes:

• Weak m otor

• Structure flexing from f a tigu e o r cracks

• Motor m ount

• Main fra m e

• Bo o m s

• Loose Bolts causing flexing or m isalign m ent

• Props

• Mounts

• Prop s ou t o f balance

• Props m isaligned

• Excessive w ind speeds or gusts

• Excessive G ains

• Excessive m otor power. Max m otor power m u st a little m ore than ty p ical ascent

power.

o Red Flashes (1, 2 or 3 flashes with pauses)

– G PS loss (3 is more serious). Land if loss lasts

for m ore than 30 seconds. Possible causes:

• Clouds

• Struct u res

• GPS m al

- f u nction

• GPS too close to electrical co mponents

• GP S vibration

• © 201 4 Tro y Buil t Models

, Inc

. Al l Right s Re s erved.



### TABLE OF C O NTENTS

• Sectio n 1 : General

• Section 2: Li m itations

• Section 3: E m ergency Procedures

• Section 4: Nor m al Procedures

• Section 5: Perfor m ance

• Section 6: Weight and Balance/Eq u ip m ent List

• Section 7: Air Vehicle and Syste m s Description

• Sectio n 8 : Handling

, Servic e an d Maintenance

• Section 9: S upple m ents

• © 201 4 Tro y Buil t Models

, Inc

. Al l Right s Re s erved.

39

### SECTION 1

GENERAL

NOTE: In an effort to mini m ize costs and m ax i mize sp a re p ar ts av a ila b ility, m any COTS (commercial off the shelf) components have been util i zed. So m e m ay have slight m odificat i ons to better suit this application. Most COTS products have separate data sheets, asse m bly manuals and instruction m anuals. They are

re f erence in this docu m ent, with key factors being e mphasized.

As with all high technology products u tilizing constantly evolving softwar e
, it is i mportant to periodically check for online upgrades to the COTS co mponents, including har d ware, firmware and software.

WARNING : Grea t car e mus t be taken with the batteries. Much of this manual and supple m ental info r m ation

is devoted to the use and care of the b atteries, es p ec ia lly t h e fl ight b a tt e ri e s. They are less volatile than gasoli n e, th o ugh they sh o uld be treated with the sa m e respect. Beco m e ve r y f a m iliar w ith pro p er techniques

of their use.

• GEN E RAL CHARA C T ERISTICS

• Pri m arily for ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance)

• Econo m ical due to extensi v e us e o f COT S products

• Lo w Visua l Signature

• Lo w Aura l Signature

• Quic k Launc h an d Recovery

• Short Training Period

• Si mple Operation

• Waypoin t Navigation

• Backpacka b le

• VTOL

• Quic k Repairs

• Redundan t Fligh t Syste m s

• Safety Return to Ho m e duri n g los t lin k o r lo w battery

• High Degree of Mission Success

• GP S navigatio n aid

• Variou s sensors

• 18 lb m ax takeoff weight

• Operating T e m p Range:

- 5°C to +60°C

• Fligh t Modes : Manua l an d GP S aide d waypoin t navigation

• Maxi m u m Operating A ltitude: 1000 m eters

• Maxi m u m Operation W ind Conditions: 10 m /s

• Propulsion Syste m : LiPoly batteries

• Takeoff: Manual or Auto m atic

• Landing: Manual or Auto m atic

• Takeoff/Recovery Area: 5m square

• © 201 4 Tro y Buil t Models

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• IMPORTANT DIMENSIONS

o Distance rotor to r o tor across t h e center: 35”

o Height with GPS/Co m p a ss folded down: 21”

o Height with GPS/Co mp a ss up: 25”

o Length of landing gear skids: 17”

o Distance between landing gear skids: 18”

o Collapsed size: 22” x 19”

40• IMPORTANT WEIGHTS

o

--- No Gi m b al

o 13.5lb s = S90 0 N O G i mba l an d TB M 21000

o 12.3lb s = S90 0 N O G i mba l an d TB M 15000

o

--- Nex

- 7 Gimbal

o 17.2lbs = S900 with Nex

- 7 and TBM 21000

o 16lb s = S90 0 wit h Nex

- 7 an d TB M 15000

o

--- GH3/GH4 G i m bal

o 17.68lbs = S 900 with GH3/GH4 and TBM 21000

o 16.48lbs = S 900 with GH3/GH4 and TBM 15000

o

-- - BMPC C G i m b al

o 17.3lbs = S900 and TBM 21000

o 16.1lbs = S900 and TBM 15000

o

--- 5D Gi m b al

o 22.5lbs = S900 and TBM 21000

- OVER W E I GHT!

o 21.3lbs = S900 and TBM 15000

- OVER W E I GHT!

• MOTORS

o Manufacturer: DJI

- Innovations

o Nu m ber of motors: 8

o Motor type: 41mm x 14mm

o Motor Model Nu m ber: 4114

- 11

o Motor KV/RPM: 400

o Motor m ax @ 25.2V: 10,000 rpm

o Motor Max Power: 500 Watts

o Power rating: 3000 W a t ts m ax i m u m power consu m ption for all 6 m otors

o Current Max: 100 a m ps

o A m p Draw Typical Average: 55 amps

• PROPELLERS

o Manufacturer: DJI

- Innovations

o Mate r i a l: C o mposite

o Nu m ber of propellers: 6

o Propeller model nu m ber: DJI 15 x 5.2

o Nu m ber of blades: 2

- folding

o Propeller Dia m eter: 15”

o Propelle r Pitc h (fixed) : 5.2”

o Max rp m : 10,000 rpm

• © 201 4 Tro y Buil t Models

, Inc

. Al l Right s Re s erved.

• ELECTRONIC SPEED CONTROLS

o Manufacturer: DJI

- Innovations

o Nu m b e r o f s p ee d controls : 6

o Speed control m odel number: DJI 40A Opto

o Rating in amps: 40 Amps continuous

o Signal Frequency: 30

- 450 Hz

o Driv e P W M Frequency : 8 KHz

• AUTOPILOT

o Manufacturer: DJI

- Innovations

o Autopilot M odel Nu m ber: DJI A2

o Co mponents: GPS/Co m p ass, IM U

, Maste r Controller

, Pow er Distribution Syste m
, LED Indicator Lighting System, Data Transceiver, GCS Software

41o Power Consu m ption: 5W

o Operating T e m p Range:

- 5°C to +60°C

o Software Compatible: Windows XP sp3 / W indows 7

o Hovering Accurac y : Vertical : ± 0.5 m ; Horizontal: ± 2m

• ANA L OG W I RELE SS LINKS

o Distributor: DJI

- Innovations

o Frequencies:

• 2.4 Ghz datalink with W iFi

• 2.4 Ghz Command & Control

• 5.8 Ghz Video

o Power Consu m ption: <1 watt

o Usable Range: <2 k m

.

• DIGITAL W I RELESS LINKS (Lightbridge)

o Distributor: DJI

- Innovations

o Frequencies:

• 2.4 Ghz (C2 & Video)

o Power Consu m ption: <1 watt

o Usable Range: <2 k m

.

• FLIGHT BATTERY

o Manufacturers : Variou s COT S supp l iers

o Battery ch e m istry rec o mmended: Lithium Poly m er

o Battery Capacity: up to 21,000 m ah or greater depending on m ax gross weight

o Battery cell count required: 6S (6 cells in series)

o Battery Voltage: 21V m i ni m u m during hover, 22.2V no m inal, 25.2V m axi m u m

o Battery Mi n i m u m Rated Discharge Rate: 20C mini m u m

o Batter y Mini m u m Charg e R a te : 1 C (3 C preferable)

o Battery Rest Ti m e betw e en disch a rging and charging: 0

- 30 m inutes

o Batte r ies u s ed si m ultan e ously: ty p i c ally 1

o Recommended Battery Discharge Amount: 80

- 90%

• © 201 4 Tro y Buil t Models

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. Al l Right s Re s erved.

• FLIGHT PA RAMET E RS

o Flight Ti m e: 20+ m inutes typical

o Payload Max: 9.5 lbs for battery, sensor and gi m bal

• WARNINGS

o Never power a video trans m itter or receiver wit h out an ante n na connected or overl o a d failure

will occ u r.

o Read all in f or m ation r e garding b a tteries contained in this manual and supple m ents.

o Batteries are highly flam m able and can explode, especially w hen fully charged. I m proper charging, vibration, i m pact, high discharge, etc. can lead to exp l osion and fire. Batteries m ust be charged under constant super v ision and using proper precautions.

o Batteries fully char g ed must be ha n dled with e x tre m e care.

o Batteries m ust not be stored above 60% charged state.

o Store batteries between 20%

- 60% charged state. Fully charge just before use.

o Fully charged batteries which are not to be used w ithin 24 hours should be discharged to 20%

- 50% charged state.

o Dischargin g LiPol y batterie s i n exces s o f 80 % o f their r a ted c apacity can cause harm t o the

batteries.

42o Using m ore than one battery at a time requires the proper wiring harness so that the v oltage is

no m ore than 25.2V. Over voltage w ill cause s erious da m age to electrical equip m ent.

o Using m ore than one battery at a time requ i res w eight and balance checks. Proper CG is

critic a l to p e r f or m ance. Air f ra m e must not be overloaded.

o GPS/Co m p a ss m ust be facing forward.

o Do not use GPS Mode without GPS lock.

o Us e lo w strengt h threa d lockin g compoun d o n al l screws.

o W ireless Video and Data ranges vary consi d erably on m any factors including weather, equip m ent, and obstructions. Be prepared for com failures.

• © 201 4 Tro y Buil t Models

, Inc

. Al l Right s Re s erved.



### SECTION 2

LIMITATIONS

• AIRSPEE D LIMITATIONS

o Vne

– Velocity to Never Exceed: 15 m /s

o Va

– Typical Maneuvering Speed

– 5 m /s

• POWE R & POWERP L AN T LIMITATIONS

o 40 A m ps m a x per m otor

o 40 A m ps m a x per speed control

o 320 A m ps m ax total

o Do not exceed 80

- 90% dischar g e of rated battery capacity

o Do not charge batteries which a r e w ar m er than air te mperature

o Allow batt er ies to cool af ter use before charging

o Leave an air gap betwe e n batt e ri e s when m ultiple batt e ri e s are used si m ultaneously

• WE I G HT L I M I TS

o Takeof f W e i gh t Max : 1 8 lbs

• Must be checked prior to takeoff if any change in equip m ent is m ade

• CENT E R O F GRAVI T Y LIMITS

o 3mm from the center of any of the t h ree pairs of ar m s

• Must be checked before every flight to e n sure batteries were installed in the proper location.

• Check all 4 pairs of ar m s before flight

• MANEUVER LIMITS

o This aircraft is intended for non

- aerobatic operations

o G

- loading m axi m u m : 2G

• TEMPERATUR E LIMITS

o Operating T e m p Range:

- 10°C to +40°C

o In cold te mp erat u res

• Keep IMU at room te m p erat u re i f possibl e befor e th e flight

• Keep Batteries above 5°C before flight

• Do not fly with any fro s t or ice on the propellers

o In warm temperat u res

• Batteries heat up when discharged

• The higher the discharge rate the higher the te mp erat u re i n crease during u se

• At te mperatures above 45°C, use of 2 or m ore batteries is required to lo w er the load on any one battery pack to keep it cooler.

43• WEATHER LIMITS

o Light dust and light rain require the use of a shield for the ele c tronics in the center section.

o Light dust and light rain are acceptable for the u nshiel d ed motor and E S C.

• © 201 4 Tro y Buil t Models

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. Al l Right s Re s erved.

• RANG E L I MITS

o FUEL

• Fuel capacity is a pri m ary li m iting factor.

• Flying into the wind will use m ore battery power to travel the sa m e ground distance. Higher air speeds will be required to pen e trate the wind which used m ore battery power. Take this into account when flying a m ission.

• Where possible, fly upwind at the start of a m ission and downwind at the end to avoid depleting the battery be f ore returning to base. H ave alt e rn a tive landing sites av a ila b le

in case of e m ergency landing.

o W I RELESS LINK

• W ireless li n ks will be st able in LOS (li n e of sight) in m ost conditions

• W ireless links are always susceptible to shorter ranges due to

• A t m o spheri c conditions

• Other tran s m ission devices in the area

• Jam m ing

• Antennas not aligned properly

• I m proper voltage

• Antenna bl o ckage f rom AV in cert a in positio n s

• Multi p ath

– reflection off buildings o r ground which cau s e multi p le s ignals to

arri v e at d ifferent ti m es and/or phase.

• © 201 4 Tro y Buil t Models

, Inc

. Al l Right s Re s erved.



### SECTION 3

EMERGENCY PROCEDURES

• MOTO R FAILURE

o Operation is possible with one m otor/ESC/propeller failure

• The two adjacent m otors/ESCs w ill be increased in thru s t a u to m atically b y the flight

controller to ov e rco m e the loss

• In cases where the airfra m e is highly loa d ed the m ax i m u m rating of 40 amps m ay be

exceeded by these two motors/ESCs

• Operation s hould be ter m inated as soon as possible to reduce the pos s ibility of da m age

to the re m aining m otors

• COMMUN I CATIO N F AILURE

o Video link f ailure

• 5.8 Ghz being the shortest wavelength in general AV use has the least ability to penetrate. T h is link should be the fi r s t to be lost.

• It is best to lose video f i r st! I t is the least lik e ly to cause a c ra s h when it f ails.

• 5.8 Ghz can lose link with little warning.

• Ensure that the GCS station antennas are p e rpendicular to the AV. Do not point the

antenna at the AV.

• Yaw the AV to change the antenna p osition

• Other links s hould still b e good. Ret u rn b ack to t h e GCS until link is re s tored.

44• Trans m itters produce heat when in o p eration. W h en overheated they m ay have

ther m al protection which interrupts use te mpo r arily. Use of a heat sink or fan m ay be required especially with high a m bient te mperatures.

• Higher gain antennas m ay be used, but do so with caution. H igh gain antennas are

directional.

• Multi p le a n tennas using “diver s it y ” c an be used. Diversity is a device which

deter m ines the best signal, and uses that.

• 5.8 Ghz even at high wattages theoretically has less range than lower frequencies. Changing to 1.3 Ghz is an option, though the r e are other issues to be considered.

o R C lin k failure

• 2.4 Ghz antennas can lose link with little warning.

• Anything in between the two antennas can cause te m porary signal loss especially a

person.

• Hold the tr a ns m itter up in the air and walk in the gener a l di re ction of the AV (aeri a l vehicle).

• Ensure that the antenna is vertical. Do not point the antenna at the AV.

• The failsafes on the RC link should be set so that the AV returns to home. Should this require a heading change, the antenna m ay move into a m ore desirable position and

link will be restored.

• The onboard equip m ent m ay block the signal. Yaw the AV so that the antennas point

towards the GCS.

• A LRS (long range syste m ) can be used as a per m anent solution. This is higher in

wattage and usually on 433 Mhz.

o Data Link F ail u re

• 900 Mhz do not lose link without so m e w a rning. W hen drop outs are noticed to

increase in f requency that is the li m it of the ran g e.

• © 201 4 Tro y Buil t Models

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. Al l Right s Re s erved.

• If using 900 Mhz, this is on cell phone fr e quency. If a cell t o wer is nearby it can

sw a mp the signal. 900 Mhz m ay not be usable in that area. Change to a different freq.

or re m ain closer to the AV

o LOW BATTERY POWER

 Fail

- s a f es c a n be set su c h that in the event of low battery power, e i ther d u e to a f ail u re

or too long of a flight, the warning light on t h e AV will constantly flash a m ber. This is the first level of warning.

 The second warning level i s re d flashin g lights

 Auto landi n g will occ u r when batt er y power is low. It m ay land in a tree or a la k e, so this is not desirable.

 Landing with 80

- 90% of battery depleted is best. Therefore landing with 17,000 m ah used and 3,000 m ah remaining o f a 20,00 0 m ah batter y i s d esirable. Batteries should

be drawn down equally when in use if they are both charged equally and both in

rel a tiv e ly t h e sa m e conditio n /age.

 Do not m ix partially charged batteries. Only use co mpletely charged b a tteries.

 Over discharging a battery below 19.8V can per m anently da m age the battery.

o GC S F AILURE

 Takeover by the external pilot should happen ASAP using the RC link.

 Most often happens due to a low battery.

 Keep a spare 3 cell LiP o ly battery with t h e appropriate plug to plug into the charge jack for e m ergency use. Most chargers are 19V output which is roughly equivalent to
a 4

- cell battery. 3

- cell batteries m ay work.

45o COMPAS S CALIBRA T IO N ERROR

 If the co m pass is out of c ali b ration t h e warning light will f l as h red. This is the sa m e signal as low voltage. If the voltage is correct, t h ere is a cali b ration error.

 Recali b rate the co m pass foll o wing t h e instruction m anual

o FIRE

 Fires can occur due to a short c irc u it or battery fa ilu r e.

 Disconnect the battery A S AP unless there is dange r i n doin g s o if there is any electrical is s ue.

 It is not possible to put out a battery f ire.

 Do not attempt to put out a battery f ire. Use a fire extinguisher to put out fires surrounding the battery. A CO2 fire extinguisher is better than the powder or che m ical

type. CO2 does not leave a residue. Water can be used though it m ay cause other

electrica l componen t failures.

o FOR C E D L ANDINGS

 If alternate e m ergency landing zones should be chosen ahead of ti m e.

 Be sure th a t the LZ is c l e ar of people to avoid any incidents.

 Land in the nearest LZ which is clear of people.

 Announce your intenti o ns of landi n g as l oud as necessary to alert people of the

inco m ing AV.

• © 201 4 Tro y Buil t Models

, Inc

. Al l Right s Re s erved.



### SECTION 4

SET UP SUG G ESTIONS

• ELECTRONIC S BUR N IN

o We recommend that you put weights onto the l a nding skids to keep the copter on the ground

and run the copter at about 70% throttle for about 2 hours to burn in the electronics. Most

electronic failures occur in t h e first 2 hours of operation.

• GPS/COMPAS S MAS T LENG T H

o We found that the higher the m ast, the better the GPS reception

• Nex5N vs. Nex7 vs. Panasonic GH3

o These ca m eras are excellent for stills, and v e ry good for video. The best for video is the

Panasonic G H 4 with 4k capabilities.

o We found that the Nex 5N takes except i onal quality stills a nd video, though m ost professionals use the Nex 7.

o Use the Panasonic GH4 if you pri m a rily shoot video

• RADI O S E T UP

o Follow the instru c tions in the m anual

o We prefer the switch assign m ent as shown in the checklists abov e thoug h fee l fre e t o modify to your liking

• COPT E R C OMMAN D AN D CONTROL

o We recommend the use of a dual rate switch for m ain copter operation.

• High rate

– used to i n itiali z e the m otors. T h e f light controll e r will n o t e n gage unless it

sees f ull d o wn throttle, f ull le f t rud d er, f ull le f t c yclic and f ull back cy c li c . However,

these m ay be too high for nor m al flying. On high rate it is helpful to utilize fairly high exponential to m ake the stick feel soft aroun d center

. Adjus t t o you r preference.



###  Low rate

– used for typical flying. Set the end point adjust m e nts such that full stick

deflection o f fers the m axi m u m speed required in n or m al flying. If conditi o ns require higher flight speeds, switch to high rate. On low rate it is a l so help f ul to utilize a s m all

46a m ount of e xponential to m ake the stick fee l sof t aroun d cen t er. Adjust to your preference.

• ZENMUS E COMMAN D AN D CO NTROL

o We recommend the use of a dual r a te switch for gi m bal operation.

• High rate

– used to i n itiali z e the g imbal. T h e gimbal m ay not engage unless it sees full motion. However, these m ay be too high for shooting video s m oothly. This is best for still photography so as to put the ca m era on tar g et quickly. On high rate it is helpful to utilize fairly high exponential to m ake the stick feel soft around center. Adjust to your preference.



###  Low rate

– used for videography. Set the end point adjust m e nts such that full stick

de f lection o f f

ers the m axi m u m speed requi r ed f or videograph y . If conditi o ns require higher gi m b al speeds, switch to high rate. On l o w rate it is a lso help f ul to utilize a

s m all a m ount of exponential to m ake the sti c k feel soft around center. Adjust to your preference.



### • TIMERS



### o Use of the countdown ti m er is a good backup m e t hod to ensure landing with battery power.



###  Set the ti m er for 20 m inutes (or what you deem appropriate) and have it start when the

throttle is o v er 1⁄4. Then adjust t h e timer upwards until the a m ount of battery used is

about 80

- 90% of the total available. If using 20,000 m ah batteries, a total of 17,000

m ah would be the target. Set the timer such that you have a m inute o r s o t o lan d after

• © 201 4 Tro y Buil t Models

, Inc

. Al l Right s Re s erved.



### • BATTERIES

the alarm sounds so that you have adequate ti m e to return to base. Adjust to your preference.



### o Replace t h e trans m itter s tandard b attery with a L ipoly battery to extend u s e ti m es to 8 hours. Supplied batteries often last about 2 hours.

• © 201 4 Tro y Buil t Models

, Inc

. Al l Right s Re s erved.



### NORMAL PROCEDURES

• PREFLIGHT CHECKLIST

o Confi r m all communication radios are operational

 Radio with ATC

 Radios with others in the group

o Set a peri m e ter of 100 meters

 Area m ust be clear of people to avoid collision

o Check for overhead p o wer lines and other obstacles to avoid

o Check stru ct ural inte g rity

 In event of prior crash, ins p ect all boo m s, props and m otor m o unts for excessive flex indicating structural f atigue/ f ail u re

o Have a m anual flight plan avoiding obstacles.

o Load auto flight plan if using one

 Be sure th a t the t o tal f li g ht ti m e is u n der 10 m inutes to av o id low battery

o Clean lens

 R e m ov e len s cap

o Ensure ca m era has SD card in s talled

 Many flights have been wasted due to this!

o Inst a ll b a tt er ies

 Ensur e tha t th e strap s ar e tigh t an d th e V e lcro keeps the batteries from m o ving which

47will av o id a shi f t in t h e CG (Center of Gravity

– or th a t it b alances eve n ly)

o Check CG (Center of Gravit y )

 Lift the copter on each o f the 3 pairs of a r m s. The copter sho u ld bala n ce p roperly. If

not, do not fly. Rearrange the equip m ent such that the CG is

o IMU pointing forward

 The Inertial Measure m ent Unit is s e t so that it m ust face forward

o GPS/Co mpass installed, li m ited free play, pointing forward

 This device must be installed with a screw to hold it in place. It cannot vibrate easily.

If it does n o t point f orward, the c o rr e ctions in ATTI and GPS mode will b e inco r re c t
and it will cr ash. The FC will pro v ide a war n ing with con s tant f lashing white lights.

o Level copter using a bubble level with front poin t ing in correct direct i on for course lock

– do

not turn on

 Keep in m ind the best angle for pointing t h e landing gear in the direction that will keep the landing gear out of the shot when flying.

o Turn on Pilot Tx

o If using the rate gyro, s e t it at t h e co rrect po s itio n

. This is us u ally a sli d er switch. Gai n s should have the range set from 200

– 350. Use the highest gain possible which does not cause oscillation.

o Check Model Selection on Tx to be S900

o Throttle on Tx Down

o Return to H o m e switch Off

o Adjust gain to corr ect p o sition (if re q uired)

o Manual Flight Mode Switch to m anua l (no t ATT I o r GP S m o de)

o Flight Path Switch Off

– Not Course or Ho m e or POI

o Check Tx battery voltage (above 7.5v)

 Thes e setting s abov e ar e require d t o initial i ze the copter properly. If the switches are in the inco rr ect po s ition, it will not initialize properly which m ay cause so m e of the

function s lik e cours e loc k o r G P S mod e t o no t operat e properly.

• © 201 4 Tro y Buil t Models

, Inc

. Al l Right s Re s erved.

• If the copter does not function properly aft e r takeoff, land i m m ediately and disconnect the copter power. Then put all the switch e s in the proper position f or initiali z ation a n d

turn the power back on to the copter.

o Count down ti m er should be set correctly depen d ing on battery capacity. This can be adjusted

to your flying style. The ti m er should engage at 1⁄4 throttle and trigger an alarm at the proper ti m e. This is a backup alarm in case the ind i cator lights on the copter ar e no t visible.

o Turn on Photography Tx

o Check Model Selection on Tx

– should read Zenmuse

o Check Tx battery voltage (above 5.4v for Futaba 14ch)

o HDMI swit c h Off

o Freest y le s w itch O f f (FPV On)

 These settings above are required to ini t ialize the Zen m use p r operly. If the switches

are in the incorrect position, it will not in i tialize properly which m ay cause so m e of

the functions like live video or gi m bal operation to not operate properly.

 If the ca m era or gi m bal do not function properly, disconnect the copter power. Then put all the sw itches in t h e p r oper position for initialization a n d turn the power back on to the co p ter.

o Engage power to copter

 Plug in the 2 battery packs. Typically the b a ttery packs use red T

- st y le connectors in a parallel wire harness. This Y

- harness has a yellow connector. It is preferable to

connect the batteries to the Y

- harness firs t

, the n plu g i n th e yello w connector

. This

reduces (but does not eli m inate) electrical arcing.

48 6 quick chirps should be heard confir m ing 6S LiPoly batteries are recognized by the

ESCs.

• Hearing less than 6 chirps indicat e s f ewer cell battery packs are being recognize d whic h i s incorrect

. Chec k f o r i m proper or da m aged batteries.

o Do not m ove or vibrate the Squadcopter u n til 30 seconds after full GPS Lock

 Initial 3 red blinks is nor m al m eaning no G PS lock. No red f lashes in d ic a tes f ull GPS

lock.

 Continue with checklist as you are w aiting for full GPS lock, but do not move the

copter.

 If the GPS takes m ore than 5 m inutes to lock, the r e is a pro b l e m with the a rea. I t is n o t

rec e iving t h e proper s i g nals f rom the sat e llit es

. GP S signal s ar e weak

, s o trees

, people, buildings

, terrain

, weather

, hav e a n effec t . Move the copter into a m ore open area where it can m ore easily see the s at e llites.

o Check Copter Volta g e f rom both Tx’s (t r ans m itt e rs)

 The trans m itters receive a signal from the corresponding r e ceivers. The voltages are regulated to about 5v. If the voltage is below 4.4v or above 6v do not fly. There m ay be power regulation issues. The receivers cannot work outside this voltage consistently. Also there is so m e issue if the voltag e i s outsid e t hat range which should

b e resolve d befor e flying.

o Engage Attitude Mode

– M u st achieve double a m ber flash

o Engage GPS Mode

– Must achieve double purple flash

o Engage course cock m ode

– Must achieve double green flash

o Disengage c ourse lock mode. Must achieve do u ble purp le fl ash. Stay in this m ode until just prior to ta k e o ff

, a f ter ta k eo f f at any ti m e, or do not use.

o Do not engage m otors. Set throttle to cent e r position

. Mus t achiev e s ingle purple flash when

i n GP S m o d e.

 To verify that the sticks are all ce n t e red properly:

• © 201 4 Tro y Buil t Models

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• W ith throttle in the center position, use the trim buttons on the trans m itter to check

that the stic k s are c ent e r e d. Trim the roll (the stick located on the right side of the

trans m itt e r when m oved to the rig h t and le ft ) to the r ight, c o unting t h e n u m ber of

clicks until a double flash occurs. Then center the tri m . Then move the trim to the left, counting the nu m ber of clicks until a double flash occurs. An equal nu m ber of clicks

should be c o unted each side of center.

• Do this check for the 3 stick m ov e m e nts other than throttle.

• Center t h e trim such that when the stick is in the n eutr a l posit i on that there are equ a l

nu m bers of clicks in each direction. This e nsure s tha t whe n th e stick s ar e neutralized

that the flig h t control l er will recognize this sign a l and engage GPS m ode.

o Calibrate G PS/Co mpass before the first flight eac h da y o r i f receiv i n g continuou s re d blinks

o r continuou s whit e blinks.

 Flip the G P S m ode switch 7 ti m es very qu i c k ly f rom m anual to GPS. End with the

switch in the m anual position. The i n dicat o r light will be b lue. Rotate t h e copter abo u t
1.5 turns in a horizo n tal position. A green flas h i ng light indicates that this is co mplete. Then hold the copter vertically and rotate abou t 1. 5 turns

. A whit e flashin g light

indic a tes th a t this is co m plete. Rep ea t if neces s ary until this is co mpleted.

o After calibration, res e t the copter by cycling battery with c o pter pointed in the correct heading

for course lock.

o Engage Ca m era

o HDM I switc h On

 This will st o p video f rom playing o n the back o f the ca m era and will s e n d the video signal to the video tran s m itter via t h e HDMI connection.

49o Freest y le s w itch On (F P V Of f

)

 This allows the ca m era to be operated freely t h r o ugh the tra n s m itter

o Verify ca m era operation

 Operate the shutter

 Set the f oc u s to auto o r m anual. Manual s e tting is usually s e t to in f i n ity to stop

consta n t focusing of the ca m era.

o Verify data link if installed

 Roll the copter about 45 degrees on its side by liftin g on e sid e o f th e copter and resting one side of the landing gear on the ground

 A corresponding roll should be seen on the gauge.

 If the copt e r is rolled to the rig h t, it w ill appear on the gauge that the h o ri z on rolls to
the left

– not the right because the view from inside the c op t e r is t h at the horizon r o lls

the opposite direction of the copter.

o Verify altitude is about 0 via gauge on co mputer

 If it is not about 0, the altitude settings for the waypoints will be off by this a m ount.
This could ca use the copter to fly at 10 m eters or 30 m eters if the waypoint is set for

20 m eters and the altitude is off by 10 m eters one way or another. If the copter thinks

it is at 10 m eters when it is on the g r ound, then it will only ri s e 10 m eters above the ground to achieve what it believes it to be 20 m eters above the ground.

 The altitude can be reset using the ground c ontrol software by going to altitude offset.

o Alternate Em ergency Landing Sites Established

• NOR M A L TAK E OFF

o Confi r m clear for takeo f f with ATC

 Necessary if within 5 m ile s o f a n airport

• © 201 4 Tro y Buil t Models

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. Al l Right s Re s erved.

• AT C clearanc e i s require d day s or w eeks before flying.

o Engage GPS m ode

– Double purple flash when the throttle is down.

o Switch to C ourse Lock flight m ode if required. P urple flas h es are replaced with green f lashes. Flying in course lock is not req u ired, but helpful in m any instances.

o Announce loudly: “C L E AR PROP”

o Move both of the sticks to the bottom left c o rners to engage the m otors

. W ithin 1 s eco n d

move the throttle up 1/8

– 1/4. The copter sho u ld not lift off until about 1⁄2 stick is reached.

o Verif y dat a an d vide o link s bef o re lifting off. If anything is not working properly, m ove the

throttle stick to low to disengage t h e motors and deter m ine a solution.

o If all flight checks are pass e d

, announc e loudly : “TAKIN G OFF”

o Advance throttle to about 3/4. C opter m u st ju m p off of the ground to avoid one skid co m ing up before the other skid, and the skid on the ground getting caught and flipping the copter over sideways.

o Ascend to 3 m eters. Then decrease thr o ttle to 1⁄2 to engage the GPS hold.

o Veri f y links, GPS, Attitude, etc. Sh o uld be sin g le purple f las h

.

o Verify that the copter is holdin g positio n withi n

. 5 m in all di r ectio n s.

o Verify ca m era operation

o Verify course lock is operational by rotati n g 9 0 degree s an d pushin g forwar d o n stick.

o Verify copter stability. If unstable, land and r e s e t gains, r e calibrate, o r retest as necessary.

o Proceed with m anual m i ssion or

o For autopil o t oper a tion

 Ascend to 10 m eters

 C o m m an d AV O t o procee d wit h m i ssion.

• Pilo t shoul d sa y “It’ s yours”

• Response from AVO “I have it”

50o Manual p il o t/obs e rver m ust m onitor the in f or m ational LED and be ready to take over in

m anual m ode when necessary.

 White flashes indicates fligh t controlle r issue

 A m ber flashes indicates low battery

 Re d flashe s indicat e los s o f GP S o r s e ver e batter y condition

• Quick decisions are required w he n re d flashe s ar e indicated

• 1 0 second s o r m o r e o f l o s s o f GP S si gnal will stop waypoint guidance and any
GPS hold and put into m anual m ode.

• Red indicator light battery war n ing requires im m e diate landing

o Manual pilot to request copter fligh t batter y voltag e rea dout from AVO periodically.

 Reset the first and second indicat o r lights as required for your set up.

 When recharging the batteries, the goal is to put 4,000 m ah into a 5,000 m ah battery
pack. Adjust the voltage warnings to your style of flying.

 Also use the countdown ti m er on the trans m itter. This gives a good indication of
battery le v el because the curre n t used is f a irly c o nstant from flight to fli g ht.

• POST L A NDING

o Note flight ti m e from trans m itt e r. W r ite this do w n in the log book.

o Not e batter y powe r use d durin g th e f light. W rite this down in the log book.

o ALWAYS disconnect t h e m ain pow e r to t h e AV first, then turn off the trans m itter.

• © 201 4 Tro y Buil t Models

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o Check m otor te mperatures by touching them with your fingers. Any m o t ors which are excessively hot should be further inspected and possibly replaced.

o Check battery te m peratures by touching them w ith your fingers. Battery te m peratures should

not be hot to the touch. B attery te mperatures should be slightly above a m bient.

o Inspect all co mponents especia ll y th e propeller s f or wear.

o Note in logbook which batteries were used to calculate life cycle.

• AIRCRAFT FLIGHT LOG BOOK (Can be purchased inexpensively)

o Keep a log of all flights.

 Date

 T i m e of D ay

 Ti m e in Op e ration (in hours)

 Battery serial nu m bers

 Mah used in flight

 Location

 Pilot, Observer, Sensor Operator Na m es

 Flight Obj ec tive

 R e m a rks

• AIRC R AF T MAINTENANC E LO G BOO K (Ca n be purchased inexpensively)

o Keep a log of significant inspections, tests, repairs

, alterations

, equip m en t changes.

 Date m aintenance is p er f or m ed

 Accu m ulated hours of operation

 R e m a rks

• PILO T LO G BOO K (Ca n b e pu r chased inexpe n sivel y )

o Keep a log of all fligh t s. Include the following:

 Aircraft fl o w n

51 Aircraft s erial nu m ber

 Date

 T i m e of D ay

 Ti m e in Op e ration (in hours)

 Location

 Flight Obj ec tive

 R e m a rks

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### SECTION 5

PERFORMANCE

• FLIGH T T I MES

o The AV is designed to hover at high efficiency. Hovering is much less efficient than flying on a wing, thus flight ti m es are low co m pared to fixed wing aircraft.

o All the weight of the AV is supported by power from the batteries. As the batteries are used in

a flight, the a m ount of power a v ailable decreases. Therefore the powe r reserv e i s constantly decreasing as the ba ttery is b e ing used. Thus loading a rot o rcraft above its li m it is not

recom m ended. W hile t h e AV m ay have enough power to lift off initially on a full charge, the

power res er ve at p a rtial charge m ay be too l o w to allow f or m aneuvering and will r e sult in a crash.

o High lat e ral speeds will add li f t to slightly i m p r ove efficiency. The rotors act si m ilar to fixed wings at hi g her speeds. This increa s e in efficiency m ay be negated by t h e increased power

consu mption of forward flight.

o High winds or gusts decrease effic i e n cy/ f light ti m e. The m otors w o rk harder to hold position.

o As weight i n crea s es flig h t ti m es decrease.

• W I RELESS TRANSMISSION

o Refer to the specific m anuals for per f or m ance ratings.

o W ireless c o mmunicati o ns utilized p rov i de acce p table communication for LOS.

o In general:

 LO S i s required

 The higher the GCS antennas, the better the range

 Any f req. at m ay have severe de g ra d ation due to location to o ther ad m itt e rs such as

cell towers

 RSSI (Received Signal S tren g th Indicatio n ) sho u ld be m onitored for indication of communication drop out.

• © 201 4 Tro y Buil t Models

, Inc

. Al l Right s Re s erved.



### SECTION 6

WEIGHT AND BALAN C E E Q UIP M ENT LIST

o CG is critical to the efficient operation of any AV

o W hen co mp onents a r e s hi f ted, the C G will be altered.

o The m ain components which are m o ved on a regul a r basis are the sensors and the batteries.

o The sensors are ty p ically in the front of the AV, a nd the batte r ies are located in the correct position to offset all the co m ponents on the AV.

o The CG m u s t be tested a f ter any change to the components or their place m ent.

o The CG should be t e sted by li f ting t h e UV with fingers on the bottom of t he ar m s. Check all 3 pairs of ar m s. The CG should be no more than 2m m of f i n a n y o n th e 3 checks. The closer the

CG is to the cent e rli n es o f the ar m s the m ore ef f icient and t h e more stable the AV will be.

52• WE I G HT

o W eight is cr itical to the operation of any aircraft

o W eight is e s peci a lly c ritical to a rot o r wing air c ra f t. At f ull t h r ottle the m otors have a fi nite

a m ount of thrust. All the weight is lifted by the battery power, there is no wing to assist in providing li f t.

o As the batteries are operated, they lose powe r

. At full charge they have about 25v. At 20%

re m aining capacity they have about 21v. This is a loss of 8% of the power available w hich is significant.

o Do not overload the a ir cr a f t or th e re will not b e s u ff icient re s erve power to m aneuver at low

batt e ry le v els.

• © 201 4 Tro y Buil t Models

, Inc

. Al l Right s Re s erved.



### SECTION 7

AIR VEHICLE AND SYSTEMS DE S CRIPTION

• FLIGHT BATTERY REQUIRED

o Manufacturers : Variou s COT S supp l iers

o Battery ch e m istry rec o mmended: Lithium Poly m er

o Battery Capacity: up to 21,000 m ah or greater depending on m ax gross weight

o Battery cell count required: 6S (6 cells in series)

o Battery Voltage: 21V m i ni m u m during hover, 22.2V no m inal, 25.2V m axi m u m

o Battery Mi n i m u m Rated Discharge Rate: 20C mini m u m

o Batter y Mini m u m Charg e R a te : 1 C (3 C preferable)

o Battery Rest Ti m e betw e en disch a rging and charging: 0

- 30 m inutes

o Batte r ies u s ed si m ultan e ously: ty p i c ally 1

o Recommended Battery Discharge Amount: 80

- 90%

• WER E LE SS COMMUNICATIONS

o Refer to the specific m anuals for per f or m ance ratings.

o Never power a video trans m itter or receiver wit h out an ante n na connected or overl o a d failure
will occ u r.

o W ireless c o mmunicati o ns utilized p rov i de acce p table communication for LOS.

o In general:

o LOS is required.

o Lower frequencies penetrate objects such as trees better than higher freqs.

o Lower freqs have longer range than high freqs

o Higher freqs can transfer m ore data than lower freqs

o Higher freqs use s m aller/shorter antennas

o The higher the GCS antennas, the better the ran g e and rece p tion

o Any f req at m ay have severe de g ra d ation due to location to o ther ad m itt e rs such as c e ll tow e rs

o Range m ust be constantly m onitored.

o Altern a te a n tenna ty p es m ay be utilized to i m prove lin k /ran g e. Patch, h e lical, o m ni, etc. can

b e substituted

. The y m u s t b e verifie d befor e use.

o Altern a te f r e qs m ay be utilized to i mprove link/ ra nge.

• © 201 4 Tro y Buil t Models

, Inc

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### SECTION 8 HANDLING, SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE

• PROP E LL E R CARE

o Propellers m ust be chec k ed each fli g ht for nicks or cracks

53o Propellers are designed to last indefinitely if they do not i m pact dust, dirt or m ore.

• BATT E RY CARE AND USE

o Re f er to instruction she e t in c luded fr o m the battery m anufacturer. Typical infor m ation

f

ollows.

o Batteries are highly flam m able and can explode, especially w hen fully charged. I mproper charging, vibration, i m pact, high discharge, etc. can lead to exp l osion and fire. Batteries m ust be charged under constant super v ision and using proper precautions.

o Batteries fully char g ed must be ha n dled with e x tre m e care.

o Any battery which puffs up is considered da m aged and m ust not be used. It is in a dangerou s

state. Never charge a pu f fed up battery.

o Any battery which holds less than 80% of its r a ted capacity should be discarded.

o Cycle te s t each battery a f ter e v ery 50 cycles o r i f a batter y i s suspe cted to have lost as significant amount of its capacity to deter m ine the current capacity.

o Properly dispose of batteries. Fir s t d i scharge the batt e ry f ully us i ng a battery cycler. Bring to a recycler such as a ho m e i m prov e m ent store.

o Always charge flight bat t eries un d er “balance” m o de.

o Fligh t Batter y Recomm e nde d Charg e Rate : 1 C which takes approxi m ately 1 hour to charge

o Flight Batte r y Maxi m u m Charge Rate: May e x c e ed 5C. Charge rates hig h er than 1C will decrease life cycles. Maxi m u m charge rating per the m anufacturer will provide 300+ cycles.

Use the lo w est ch a rge ra te which is p ractic a l.

o Battery Rest Ti m e betw e en discharging and charging: 30 m inutes m ini m u m, 1 hour

m ax i m u m.

o Do not charge if the battery is m ore than 2°C war m er than a m bient, especially if the

te mperature is above 20 ° C. The outer surface is c ooler than t h e inner c o re after use. Da m age will occ u r when char g i n g a warm batt e ry.

o Recommended Battery Discharge Amount: 80%. U s ing m ore of the capacity of the battery

will de c rea s e the li f e c y cles

o As battery temperature appr o aches freezing the capacity of Lithium Poly m er batteries decrease. Keep war m er than 5°C before installing into the UV (un m anned vehicle).

o Battery capacity decrea s es at higher discharge rates. Using more batteries decreases t h e dischar g e rate of each battery thereby e x tending individual battery capacity slightly.

o Lower disc h arge rates improve the life cycles.

o Batteries are rated at greater than 300 life cycles. 1,000+ life c y cles are possible.

o Batteries m ust not be stored above 60% charged state for extended periods.

o Batteries should be stored below 25°C for extended periods

o Store batteries between 40%

- 60% charged state. Fully charge just before use.

o Fully charged batteries which are not to be used w ithin 24 hours should be discharged to 40%

- 60% charged state using th e batter y discharger.

o Using m ore than one battery at a time requires the proper wiring harness so that the v oltage is

no m ore than 25.2V. Over voltage w ill cause s erious da m age to electrical equip m ent.

• © 201 4 Tro y Buil t Models

, Inc

. Al l Right s Re s erved.

54• PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE

o ANNUA L I NSPE C TIO N (SUGG E STED)

 If the airfra m e has in excess of 300 hours in a one year period, an annual inspection

mus t b e complete d b y a n approve d technician.

 An approved technician should disasse m ble the AV and inspect all co m ponents for

wear and replace any c o mponents as required.

 Test all batteries for ca p acity.

 Upgrad e firmwar e an d softw are to l a test revisio n s

o 50 0 HOU R P M (SUGGESTED)

 An approved technician should disasse m b l e the AV and inspect all co mponents for

wear and replace any c o mponents as required.

 Replace all motors.

 Test all batteries for ca p acity.

 Upgrad e firmwar e an d softw are to latest revisions.

© 201 4 Tro y Buil t Models

, Inc

. Al l Right s Re s erved

.

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