APPLICATION/PETITION FOR EXEMPTION (Drone “UAV” Use) 

DCE IT Services

2211 Dogwood Lane

Westbury, NY 11590

David.Erath@dceitservices.com

Tel: (516) 350-8323

STATED SECTION(S) FOR RELIEF SOUGHT 

DCE IT Services does hereby submit and request exemptions to FAA Rules for drone (UAV) usage, and 

seeks an exemption Filed under Section 333 to grant relief from and an airworthiness Certificate under 

the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012, Public Law 112-95 FEB 14,2012, Section 333. DCE IT 

Services is a IT consultant company seeking to expand its business into aerial photography. DCE IT 

Services has NEVER operated a UAV at any time, prior to this application being filed. Our use of the DJI 

Phantom 2 is less than 3.3kg and does not fly over 35 mph and does not operate in proximity to airports 

and populated areas, and operation is within a visual line of sight does not create a hazard to users in 

the national airspace system or the public or pose a threat to national security.

Exemption under the Requirements of 14CFR 11.81

DCE IT Services will conduct UAV operations safely to minimize risk to the NAS or to persons and 

property on the ground. DCE IT Services will use its UAV to offer aerial photography as one of its 

services. The cost incurred by obtaining a helicopter is excessive and using a UAV is an economic 

advantage to all parties concerned. 

We have included in this submission a copy of the DJI Phantom 2 a commercially available UAV that has 

been used extensively in the United States with an excellent safety record.

Prior to any flight a complete pre-flight is conducted, weekly operational inspections and an annual 

inspection by an authorized DJI service center to insure that all operational components are in proper 

factory specifications. (See Attached manual)

The Radio Frequency spectrum that is used for control and its associated equipment is in the 2.4 giga 

hertz range and complies with the Federal Communications Commission requirements.

Pilot in Command

The UAV for DCE IT Services will only be operated by Mr. David C Erath, owner of DCE IT Services. 

Mr. Erath knows the safety threat these vehicles can pose to air traffic, the general public and others, 

and as such, since he has a working, and real world knowledge, his operation of a UAV is far superior 

than that of an operator that merely buys a UAV and then operates it outside the confines and 

guidelines/regulations of the FAA. 
Proposed Operations:

The UAV will be operated at altitudes not to exceed 300 feet and a forward speed of less than 25 mph. 

Minimum flight visibly will be set at 3 miles. The UAV is not intended to be flow over persons but only 

to monitor traffic operations. If winds exceed 25 mph the UAV will not be used. Safety measures in 

place for the UAV are contained in the operations manual of the DJI Phantom 2. All flights by the DCE IT 

Services UAV will be line of sight with an observer and the pilot, during daylight conditions, inside Class 

G (uncontrolled) airspace and more than five miles from any airport or other location with aviation 

activities. 

Operational Area

Prior to any operational use a complete risk assessment is done to determine any obstructions to the 

proposed flight paths that would be involved. 

The UAV will not be operated within 5 miles of any airport. 

Visual line of site will be accomplished by the Pilot and his observer watching the aircraft at all times. 

Information is relayed to local law enforcement officials via 2 way radio. In addition DCE IT Services 

operates with the cooperation of Federal, State and Local Law Enforcement officials and Incident 

Command Post (ICP). All flight operations are cleared with the ICP prior to departure and prior to 

landing. This is in accordance with Section 333 (b)(1)

Pre-Flight Safety Risk Assessment:

A pre-flight a safety risk assessment is done in accordance with 14CFR 91.7(b). This information is 

contained in the DJ Phantom 2 operations manual. In addition to this DCE IT Services conducts a total 

assessment of all flight paths, take off locations and landing zones. The DCE IT Services has 

meteorologist on site at all times to insure the weather conditions are proper for the safe UAV flight 

operations. No operation of the UAV can occur till such time as the on-site meteorologist has approved 

the flight based on local conditions. , shall at all times, and as a minimum, observe all applicable 

regulations of 14 CFR parts 61 and 91. This document is intended to identify alternate methods of 

compliance with the regulations when evaluating proposed UAS operations. 

SUMMARY 

WHEREFORE, the applicant, DCE IT Services respectfully requests a (24) month exemption to lawfully, 

within the stated regulations of the FAA and others, and as stated, operate a UAV for the sole purpose 

of aerial photography services. FURTHER, it is stated and affirmed here, DCE IT Services has made 

application for the required COA.