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8130.34B/Apendix C

Program Letter for Y6-Scout UAS for an Experimental Certificate

Registered Owner Name:

Thomas Davis

Registered Owner Address:

4813 Enterprise Way, Suite H

Modesto, California, 95355

Aircraft Description:

Multi-rotor vertical take-off and landing 

UAS

Aircraft Registration:

N9536T

Aircraft Builder:

Drone For Hire

Year Manufactured:

2014

Aircraft Serial Number:

003

Aircraft Model Designation:

Y6 Scout

Engine Model:

2212 KV920 electric motor

Propeller Model:

APC 10”x4.5, 10”x3.8

1. Overview of Project. The applicant must provide a general explanation and overview 

of the project, indicating any past flight history or experience for consideration. The 

applicant must provide enough detail for the FAA to understand the program’s purpose 

and need for an experimental certificate and/or a special flight permit.

a. Definition of the Experimental Purpose. Provide a definition of the experimental 

purpose(s) under which the aircraft is to be operated (14 CFR 21.191, Experimental 

certificates).

The Y6 Scout was designed and built to address the emerging market of Unmanned 

Aircraft Systems, (UAS). Ease of use and line of sight, LOS, operations makes the Y6-

Scout an ideal remote sensing platforms for agricultural applications, emergency 

services operation, and aerial inspections. The Y6 Scout UAS activity is in support of 

validating operating capabilities, verification of design, hardware, and software for 

operating the Y6-Scout. The Y6-Scout UAS will also be used for crew and flight training 

of personnel. This training will involve operation and checkout of personnel for currency 

requirements on operating the Y6-Scout UAS as well as training additional personnel in 

the operation of the UAS while under the supervision of trained operators. The Y6-Scout 

will also be used in support of Market Research in performing demonstrations of 

capabilities for potential customers in support of determining fit of the Y6-Scout or for 

identifying enhancement opportunities to meet potential customer needs.

b. Description of the Purpose/Scope of the Experimental Program. Provide a 

description of the purpose/scope of the experimental program for each experimental 

purpose sought (§ 21.193(b) and (d), Experimental certificates: general).
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The scope of the test activity associated with the build of the Y6-Scout is to perform 

operational verification checks associated with the UAS. Weekly test flight, for a 52 week 

period, are planned to support verification and testing of system functionality. These test 

flights verify the proper operation of the UAS including installation and operation of the 

autopilot, communication system, propulsion, and payload interfaces. Specifically, the 

testing is geared toward verifying the following items:

 Ability to properly load and execute an autonomous flight plan

 Ability to accommodate different payload modules.

 Verify dynamic performance of installed GPS receiver to acquire and track 

satellites

 Verify the ability to establish and maintain an orbit, hover...

 Verify communication data link performance

 Verify takeoff and landing performance

 Observe flight characteristics during the test flight

 Crew Training

c. Description of the Purpose/Scope of the Special Flight Permit Program. Provide 

the purpose of the flight. Include all information required by § 21.199(a), Issue of special 

flight permits. N/A

d. Description of past flight history. Provide the aircraft’s past flight history.

From January 2010 through January 2013 Drone for Hire conducted research on multi 

rotor propulsion systems and airframes for applications on small Unmanned Aircraft 

Systems. Information obtained during this 3 year period provided the design concept for 

the current version of Y6-Scout. In March 2013 version S1 of the Y6-Scout was built and 

test flown. The aircraft performance exceed design expectations. In April 2013 two more 

version of the Y6-Scout were built, versions V2 and V3. Version V2 incorporate failsafe 

features such as a return to home function. Version V3 avionics were upgraded to 

provide in-flight telemetry to the PIC and autonomous flight capabilities. Version V3 

also included a multi payload gimbal system. Version V3 is represented in this 

application. Version V3 of the Y6-Scout has been in operation since April 2013 and has 

approximately 30 hours total flight time.

 

2. Definition of Flight Areas. Provide a definition of the area(s) in which the 

experimental flights and, if applicable, production flight testing will be conducted. 

Indicate whether or not the same flight test area will be used for both purposes. Include 

the following:

a. The areas over which the flights are requested to be conducted and the address of base 

operation (§ 21.193(d)(3)).

The area of operation is defined by the flight areas shown in section 2b. This area 

includes a base of operations on private property to support launch and recovery 
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operations at approximately 37° 42' 30.9996'' N,120° 27' 36.7236'' W. This area will be 

used for experimental testing.

b. The proposed flight test area using latitude and longitude on an aeronautical chart or 

aerial photograph. For example, if the perimeter of the proposed flight test area is in the 

shape of a rectangle, the latitude and longitude of the corners must be stated. The distance 

of each leg of the perimeter must be stated.

The proposed operating area for the Y6-Scout test flights is identified as follows: 

The proposed operating area for the Y6-Scout is circular area with a radius of .5 nautical 

miles extending from 37° 42' 30.9996'' N,120° 27' 36.7236'' W. While test flights will be 

restricted to this base Of operations.

c. Airspeed, altitude, number of flight hours, number of flights, and program duration.

The Y6-Scout has a maximum airspeed of 19.4 knots, and cruise airspeed of 9.7 knots. 

Test flights will be at or below 400 feet AGL. The maximum flight endurance of the Y6-

Scout is approximately 15 minutes. Experimental flights will vary in duration but 

typically would not exceed 10 minutes. The quantity and frequency of experimental flights 

will be dependent on the nature of the testing being done. However, in general one test 

flight will be scheduled each week for 52 weeks

d. Class of airspace to be used.

Class G.

e. Whether minimum fuel requirements of 14 CFR 91.151, Fuel requirements for flight in

VFR conditions will be met.
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The Y6-Scout is an electrically driven UAS based on an installed battery, minimum fuel is 

not applicable.

f. Whether flight testing will include payload testing. If so, describe the payload and its 

operation.

Flight testing may involve the verification of installed payload modules for the Y6-Scout. 

The data stream for these modules is separate from data telemetry stream associated with 

UAS control and monitoring. The payloads for Y6-Scout are electro-optical or infrared 

sensor units that provide video feedback . The ground station has the ability to steer the 

on board sensor camera to maintain video on an area of interest. Several different 

payload modules are currently available, with potential for future payloads to be part of 

the experimental test configuration.

g. Considerations that need to be taken into account regarding payloads.

Y6-Scout’s payloads function independently from the flight control systems. Payloads are 

self contained and have separate data link support for transmitting data from the payload 

to a ground station.

h. Whether the aircraft will perform any aerobatic maneuvers as defined by § 91.303.

Aerobatic maneuvers are not part of the planned testing for the Y6-Scout UAS.

i. Flight rules and weather conditions, for example, VFR and visual meteorological 

conditions (VMC).

Y6-scout flight testing will be conducted under VFR and VMC conditions, and will 

maintain LOS communication and operation of the UAS.

3. Aircraft Configuration. Attach three-view drawings or three-view dimensioned 

photographs of the aircraft (see § 21.193(d)(4)). Describe any ground support equipment 

(power carts, air carts, towing equipment, etc.) required for aircraft operations. Include a 

description of aircraft/system performance characteristics including the following:

a. Wing span: 19.5in

b. Length: 18.5in

c. Powerplant: 6x(2212 KV920 electric DC Brushless Motors)

d. Maximum gross takeoff weight: 8.5lb

e. Fuel capacity: N/A

f. Payload capacity: 2lb

g. Maximum altitude: 400 ft

h. Endurance: 15 minutes

i. Maximum airspeed: 19.4 knots

j. Control/data frequencies: 2.4Ghz,

k. Guidance and navigation control;

Y6-Scout UAS incorporates an advanced autopilot system with integrated
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GPS which provides precise navigation, station keeping and easy aircraft re-tasking.

The autopilot and embedded navigation system integrated with the intuitive and easily 

operated and lightweight GCS allow operators without flight experience to easily plan 

and execute autonomous missions. The Y6-Scout UAS contains a GPS receiver module 

and three rate gyros to support guidance and navigation control. Altitude and airspeed 

are provided by autopilot barometric sensor system. The aircraft relies on its advanced 

auto pilot for both the per-programmed and real-time changes to its flight path. In the 

event of lost link with the aircraft, the aircraft will fly a per-programmed flight path and 

recovery route while attempts to re-establish link are made. If link is not re-established, 

the aircraft will recover autonomously in accordance with its programmed lost link 

procedures at a preselected lost link landing site.

The Y6-Scout UAS Description

Y6-Scout airframe and subsystems weighs 4 pounds, and constructed from 1/8” thick 3⁄4” 

square 7073 aluminum tubing. It is capable of carrying a 2-pound payload. The Y6-Scout 

is a multi-rotor take off and landing unmanned aircraft powered by 6 quiet electric 

motors and can remain airborne, on a heading and/or hovering for up to 15 minutes. 

The Y6-Scout can be transported in a small transport case. The system is completely man 

portable and offers modular multi-mission imaging sensors. The system can be operated 

by one person, through a two-person team is suggested for moderate to complex flight 

plans. The air vehicle is aided by GPS and accurately recovers by means of verticallanding. The Y6-Scout UAS provides a real-time video feed via an RF link to the Ground 

Control Station (GCS). The portable Ground Control Station (GCS) consists of five 

primary components: 1) a DC Power supply, 2) Laptop computer, 3) Digital Video 

Recorder (DVR), 4) In-flight, (FPV), video display, 5) Omani-directional up-link and 

downlink antennas. A single operator has the ability to control the air vehicle operation 

(fully autonomous or manual control) and imager payloads. 

4. Inspection and Maintenance (14 CFR part 91 – General Operating and Flight 

Rules, Subpart E – Maintenance, Preventive Maintenance, and Alterations).

a. Description of the Program. Describe the inspection and maintenance program that 

will be used to maintain the aircraft and related systems, including ground stations and/or 

other support systems.

See document “Inspection and Maintenance program Y6-Scout.pdf"

b. Required Documentation. Provide a copy of the flight manual, if applicable; current 

weight and balance report; and equipment list.

See document “Y6-Scout flight Manual .pdf”

5. Pilot Qualification (14 CFR 61.3, Requirement for certificates, ratings, and 

authorizations, and 14 CFR 61.5, Certificates and ratings issued under this part).

a. Pilot Qualifications. Describe the qualifications for each pilot.
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The Pilot in Command, PIC, will hold a commercial pilots certificate for fixed wing or 

rotor aircraft. PIC and observers will have completed required hours of UAS simulator 

training for the Y6-Scout. Pilots and observers have met or exceeded Drone for Hire 

standards for solo flight requirements. Pilot and Observer will be familiar with the Y6 -

Scout flight manual in addition to completing training regarding the operation of the Y6-

Scout UAS and training related to operation within the defined test area. Please note the 

applicant has submitted a petition for exemption via section 333 for commercial 

operations. the petition tracking number is; 1JZ-8HYH-GML6.

b. Pilot Certifications. PIC must be qualified/certificated in the appropriate category of 

aircraft, that is, rotorcraft, powered lift, and airplane.

Pilots will have a FAA issued pilot certificate. Pilots and observers for the Y6-Scout UAS 

will be qualified/certified in the Airplane Category. 

c. Pilot Training. Describe the internal training program to qualify pilots.

All Drone for Hire pilots and observers complete a training program to support 

operating and testing of the Y6-Scout UAS. This training includes the following;

• Min 6 hours of simulated flight time

• Overview of System Setup and Tear-down, Major Component Details

• Simulated Flight Plan , launch/land Procedures

• 3 hours of supervised flight with an instructor.

• Demonstrate knowledge of System Operation, Software & Flight Planning

• 30 min solo to demonstrate competency

Students demonstrate proficiency in the following elements as part of the training for 

Drone for Hire flight certification:

• AVACS - ensures users can operationally set up and check the UAS for airworthiness

• Users can properly prepare the UAS for flight

• Proper Flight Planning - ensure correct software execution, ensure safe flight plans are 

prepared, situational awareness is maintained for the flying area, identify proper launch 

and recovery areas

• Ability to edit a mission in flight -proficiency demonstrated in re-tasking

• Recovery Proficiency - demonstrates competency to land the UAS within specified 

landing zone 

• Properly Operate Payload - demonstrates understanding capability of different modes 

and usage, recording payload imagery

• Unplanned Event Correction - handling of contingencies

• Range Awareness - understanding the operational concept (CONOPS) for operating in 

the test area.

d. Supplemental Pilots. Describe whether supplemental pilots will be used for the 

operation. Describe how supplemental pilots will be used. Describe the company’s 

internal training program for supplemental pilots. Describe company procedures and 
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requirements for maintaining currency and conducting a flight review for supplemental 

pilots.

Supplemental pilots will receive the same training as described above for pilots. 

Supplemental pilots will maintain currency by flying the Y6-Scout a minimum of 1 hours 

each 30 days

e. Qualifications and Training of Observers. Describe the qualifications and training of 

observers. Observer training is required for observers to communicate to the pilot any 

instructions required to remain clear of conflicting traffic. Acceptable observer training as 

a minimum must include, but is not limited to, knowledge about the following—

(1) The rules and responsibilities described in §§ 91.111 (Operating near other aircraft),

91.113 (Right-of-way rules: Except water operations), and 91.155 (Basic VFR weather 

minimums);

(2) Air traffic and radio communications, including the use of approved ATC/pilot 

phraseology; and

(3) Appropriate sections of the Aeronautical Information Manual.

Observers will receive the same UAS training as described above for pilots. 

6. Identification and Registration Marking (14 CFR part 45). All UAS and OPA are 

required to be registered and identified with the registration number. Aircraft must be 

marked in accordance with part 45 or alternative marking approval issued by AIR-200.

Marking in accordance with part 45 is not supported by the nature of the UAS but will be 

marked in a manner agreed with AIR-200.

7. ATC Transponder and Altitude Reporting Equipment and Use (§ 91.215). 

Describe the aircraft altitude reporting system.

The Y6-scout UAS does not include a Transponder and Altitude Reporting System.

8. Method for See-and-Avoid (§ 91.113). Describe in what manner, or by what means, 

the requirement to see-and-avoid other aircraft will be met. Describe the expected 

performance of the chase plane. N/A

9. Safety Risk Management. Provide a safety checklist that identifies and analyzes the 

hazards of UAS or OPA operations described in the program letter. (See a sample safety 

checklist in appendix D to this order.) Additional information is available by contacting 

the FAA Aviation Safety Inspector.

Refer to the Y6-Scout UAS Checklist. Contained in the flight manual

10. System Configuration. Provide a description of the ground and airborne equipment 

used to allow direct or indirect control of the UAS or OPA.
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Equipment used for direct and indirect control of Y6-Scout are; The portable Ground 

Control Station, and the flight control transmitter. The ground Station (GCS) consists of 

five primary components: 1) a DC Power supply, 2) computer, 3) Digital Video Recorder 

(DVR), 4) In-flight, (FPV), video display, 5) Omni-directional up-link and down-link 

antennas.. UAS system status, and flight telemetry are displayed and recorded on the 

GCS computer and DVR. The GCS contains a primary and secondary flight control 

transmitters. The pilot in charge maintains control of the air craft with the GCS’s 

primary flight control transmitter. If necessary the co-pilot/observer can assume control, 

with PIC permission, of the craft via the GCS secondary flight control computer. Flight 

plans can be uploaded to the Y6-Scout prior to completion of take-off cycle enabling 

autonomous flight. When the Y6-Scout is operated in autonomous mode the operator can 

alter the flight plan via the GCS computer or manually control the craft via the GCS 

primary or secondary flight control transmitter.

The Y6-scout is equipped with a 2.4GHz flight control receiver with 3 satellite antennas. 

The multi antenna array limits RF interference resulting from airframe orientation 

during flight. The receiver is bound to the primary flight control transmitter. The PIC 

operates the primary flight control transmitter. The PIC, via the flight control 

transmitter, can pass/take control to/from GCS. The CGS communicates with the UAS at 

2.4GHz. Using a separate Tx/Rx.

11. System Safety—Flight Termination and Lost Link. Describe/explain the 

expectation of aircraft flight if fuel is starved. Describe/explain aircraft lost link and 

emergency recovery procedures. Provide an explanation of the flight termination system 

in detail.

The Y6-Scout motors are battery powered. Battery power is monitored by the GCS and 

provides the operator alerts as the battery becomes depleted. Status LED mounted on 

UAS also provides power warning status.

Loss of Communication in Flight;

Indications of lost or intermittent communications are identified by pop-up warnings.

Other indicators of weak up link are slow response to user inputs and failure to sync 

missions. Link signal strength is indicated on the GCS. Sustained loss of signal will 

activate the Return to Home autopilot.

Return to Home autopilot

During the launch sequence the craft stores its present location in memory. The Return 

to Home autopilot instructs the craft to climb/descend to an altitude of 20m AGL then 

proceed on a heading to the location stored in memory. Upon returning to origin the 

craft will orbit over the launch point for 10 seconds then lands at the launch point. 

Restoring the communications at any time will allow the pilot to choose between 

autopilot landing and manual control.

Flight Termination
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The Y6-Scout does not include a flight termination system. However the operator can 

terminate the flight at any point by commanding an immediate power shutdown landing.

12. Command and Control. Provide a description of the system and/or procedures for 

command and control of the UAS or OPA.

The Y6-scout UAS utilizes a fully autonomous flight system. Y6-Scout UAS incorporates 

an advanced autopilot system with integrated GPS, which provides precise navigation, 

station keeping and easy aircraft re-tasking. The autopilot and embedded navigation 

system integrate with the intuitive and easily operated lightweight GCS that allows 

operators without flight experience to easily plan and execute autonomous missions. 

Prior to launching the Y6-scout UAS, the planned operational mission is loaded to the 

UAS via data link communications. Following launch the UAS will execute the planned 

mission unless the ground station operator uploads a new mission, or takes direct control 

of the UAS operation via input control commands.

13. Control Stations. Provide a description of the ground/airborne stations used to 

control the UAS or OPA.

The GCS consists of five primary components:1) a DC Power supply, 2) Laptop 

computer, 3) Digital Video Recorder (DVR), 4) In-flight video display, 5).

1). The ground station is powered by a 11.1v lithium polymer battery.

2). The GCS laptop provides one of two control screen to support the operation and 

monitoring of the Y6-Scout UAS. This screen supports a map overlay of terrain data, 

depicts flight route plan information, and provides the UAS operator situation awareness 

of the UAS condition and flight state. The control screen also provides user controls to 

allow the operator to provide command inputs to the UAS to change altitude, airspeed, 

and heading. 

The GCS application on the laptop computer utilizes the graphical user interface (GUI) 

including flight route planning and UAS monitors, telemetry calculations, and 2-way 

communication with the aircraft, and also controls the video processor and the 

communications system. 

3). The digital video recorder records video and flight telemetry transmitted from the 

UAS and supports post flight playback.

4). The in-flight video display provides a first person view of the UAS position. Flight 

telemetry is overplayed to assist the observer to see and avoid hazards.

5). Omni-directional up-link and downlink antennas

14. Control Frequencies. Provide a description/listing of the frequencies used to control 

the UAS or OPA.

The Y6-Scout’s GCS transmits and receives operate at 2.4Ghz at 130mW.