Petition for Exemption 14CFR § 11.81

Exemption Petition under Section 333

(format of petition example used from http://dronelawsblog.com/wpcontent/uploads/2015/01/Kade_Curry_-_Exemption_Rulemaking.pdf)

Name & Mailing Address:

Name: Kevin Leiss

Address: 20 Orchard Rd. Hummelstown, PA 17036

Email: kleiss33@gmail.com 

Specific Section of 14 CFR from which you seek exemption:

Petition for Exemption under Section 333

The extent of relief you seek and the reason you seek the relief:

Section 333 prohibits the use of unmanned aerial drones on private property that is being used for commercial purposes. As 

an owner of a computer design and repair company, and a pilot of these devices for approximately 2 years, I am seeking a 

petition for exemption to be able to capture aerial video and photographs for real estate, construction, and other business 

services and accept payment for the capture of this material and editing of this material.

How your request would benefit the public as a whole:

By allowing this service as an option for customers and businesses owners, I would be benefiting small businesses and large 

businesses in the local area and allow for their customers to be able to sell homes quicker, or even generate new customers 

by allowing them to view material that was provided by me and my device that was captured in a safe manner. 

Reasons why exemption would not adversely affect safety or how the exemption would provide a level of safety at 

least equal to the existing rule:

In addition to owning a small business for computer design and repair in Pennsylvania, I also am a full time Police Officer. 

Safety is paramount in everything and especially needs to be noted when these devices are being used. I have also had 

experience in flying, maintaining, and researching these devices for the last two years. The safety of air space and the 

general public is extremely important. This is another reason why the specific device that I am using (The DJI Phantom 2 

Vision +), has many safety features as well as fail safe and flying features that increase safety for the user and the general 

public and decrease risks of crashes or catastrophic failures. Some of these features include GPS navigation and stability 

control, return to home with lost receiver connections or range problems, warnings and automatic stability at specific height 

limits that are pre-set by the pilot, and the ability for first person view to monitor the flight via cell phone or tablet. I intend 

to fly this device no higher than 90 meters. Specific customers that have requested these types of flights are those owning 

local farm land or real estate in the area that cover several acres. Prior to each and every customer requesting this type of 

service a check would be performed to ensure that the device would not be flying near airports, high population areas to 

include cities or parks containing active events, emergency or disaster areas to include wildfires, military/police operations, 

etc., and ensuring that the unit is only being used during clear days with clear weather, so that the device can be viewed at 

all times by eye while in operation.

The device is intended to ONLY be flown in the following mode: GPS Mode

-Solid red lights (2) in the front, slow blinking green lights (2) in the rear

 During the use of this mode, the device is paired with GPS satellites allowing for stability (placing the control 

sticks in their neutral position the device will hover in the exact position without drifting). It also allows for 

stability control while flying, lessening the chance for drift, and allowing the unit to return to the take-off position 
automatically if the connection is lost, or if it is manually initiated with the controller. While in GPS Mode the 

device is unable to flip, or become completely vertical, making the unit safe and level within the air during the 

entire flight.

General Suggested Safety Regulations:

-Always ensure the aircraft, controller, and the wifi receiver are completely charged

-Keep the device and its moving components clean, dry, and the props in good condition

-Never fly out of eye sight

-Never fly the aircraft in highly populated areas, or in disaster or emergency areas

-Never fly the aircraft with known damaged components

-Never touch the props or other moving parts of the aircraft

-When the aircraft is not in use, remove the batteries for safety and safe keeping

-Never fly directly over people, vehicles, boats, etc.

-Always ensure the latest software/firmware is installed on the aircraft and the controller/receiver

A summary for the Federal Register:

I, Kevin Leiss, am petitioning for an exemption of the FAA's Section 333 rules for the prohibited use of unmanned aircraft 

for commercial purposes. This petition was generated because in addition to being a Police Officer I am also an owner of a 

computer design and repair company in the local area. With the use of this specific aircraft, the DJI Phantom 2 Vision+, I 

would be able to capture aerial photographs and video footage on private land for real estate, construction, and other 

businesses. This would allow these companies to gain new customers in the local area, and also allow them to increase their 

marketing techniques to be able to sell their services quicker. For this service I am intending on making a profit for the 

capture of these photographs and video on private property, as well as the editing of these photographs and video on private 

property. The device would never be flown more than 90-meters high, to allow for real estate agents and the like to capture 

large amounts of farm land etc. that they would like to sell. I would be the only pilot for this aircraft in these circumstances. 

Concerns for safety are paramount and all precautions to include the general setting in which the aircraft would be flown, 

distances to local airports, overviews and pre-flight checks of the aircraft, and weather conditions would all be taken into 

account. The aircraft would never be flown in emergency areas or disaster areas. The aircraft would also never be flown 

out of sight, and would only be flown for a maximum of 20 minutes at a time. I thank the FAA for the consideration in this 

petition for an exemption in reference to Section 333.

Additional information, views, or arguments to support request:

I am aware of the safety risks and concerns involved in this type of situation, and would ensure that I follow the general 

suggested safety rules listed above, the proper use of the device per the manufacturers manual, and would abide by all local,

state, and federal laws that are implemented or would be changed in the future. Prior to each customers request for a 

private property flight for commercial purposes, a copy of this petition would be provided to them so that they are aware of 

all of the requirements as well. No other pilot of the aircraft would be used at any time. I appreciate your time in looking 

into this petition for an exemption, and the specifications of the aircraft are listed below per the DJI Phantom 2 Vision + 

users manual, which can also be directly accessed at the following link: http://download.djiinnovations.com/downloads/phantom_2_vision_plus/en/Phantom_2_Vision_Plus_User_Manual_v1.6_en.pdf