January 9, 2016
**U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Aviation Administration**  **800 Independence Avenue, SW Washington, DC 20591**  Re: Exemption request pursuant to section 333 of the FAA reform act and part 11 of the Federal Aviation Regulations from: 14 CF R 61.113(a) & (b); 91.7 (a); 91. 103; 91.119(c); 91.121; 91.151; 91.405(a) 91.407(a) (1) and (2); 91.417(a) & (b)

Dear Sir or Madam: Pursuant to Section333 of the FAA Modernization Reform Act, I, Herb Van Cleve, Operator of an Unmanned Aircraft Sy stem (UAS), hereb y apply , on behalf of Solstice Air Media, for an exemption from the listed Federal Aviation Regulations (FARS) to allow commercial 

# Herb Van Cleve , dba Solstice Air Media 18137 SE Tillstrom Rd. Damascus, OR 97089
503 519 6479 solsticeair@gmail.com2

operation of its UAS, so long as such operations are conducted within and under the conditions outlined herein or as may be established by

the FAA as required by

Sect ion 333.

I would like to request an exemption from part 21, subpart H; and sections 45.23(b), 91.7(a), 91.9(b)(2), 91.119, 91,121, 91,151(a), 91.203(a) and(b), 91.405(a ) , 91. 407(a)(1), 91.409(a)(2), and 91.417(a) and (b) of Title 14, Code of Federal Regul ations (14 CFR). This proposed exemption would allow for the operation of UAS for the purpose of aerial videograph y and photography for marketing purposes for various clients in Real Estate, Construction, Auto sales, etc.

Commercial operation of UAS(s) wo uld operate for the following purpose and manner : Aerial photograph y and video for public and/or private use purposes for various clients in Real Estate, Construction, Auto sales, etc. The requested exemption would permit the operation of a UAS under controlled conditions in the NAS that would be limited, controlled, planned and will provide safety enhancements the already s afe operations in the industry using conventional aircraft. Approval of this exemption would thereby enhance safety and fulfill the Secretary

of Transportation’s responsibilities to (establish requirements for the safe operation of such aircraft s ys tems in the NAS). As found in Exemption No. 11138 (Trudeau), the FAA recently approved similar use of a PHANTOM 2 UAS. We will operate a UAS, the DJIPhantom 3 Standard , Model W323, which is comprised of an unmanned aircraft (UA or Phantom), an attached 2.7 K camera and a transportable ground station. The PHANTOM 3 is a quad

- copter with a gross weight of 2.8 pounds. It is equipped with f our rotors that are driven by electric motors powered b y batteries. The UA has a maximum airspeed of 16 m/s. It will be operated over various metropolitan areas, primarily around3

Portland, OR Greater Metro Area , to augment real estate listing videos, cap ture event areal video and photograph y, and other marketing operations. UAS Operating Parameters We will abide by

the following additional conditions under this exemption, which ensures a level of safety

at least equal to existing rules:

 Operate UAS below 4 00 feet and within a radius distance of 1000 feet from the controller to aid in direct line of sight visual observation;

 Obtain permission from the owner/controller of any vessels, vehicles and structures when operations may

be conducted closer than 500 f eet to an y such vessels, vehicles or structures; we will conduct a safety assessment of the risk of operating closer to those objects and determine that it does not present an undue hazard;

 Operate the UAS for 5

- 10 minutes per flight;

 Land UAS prior to the manufacturer’s recommended minimum level of battery power;

 Operate UAS during daylight hours only within visual line of sight (VLOS);

 Use the UAS’ global positioning sy stem (GPS) flight safet y feature whereby it hovers and then slowly

lands if communicati on with the remote control pilot is lost;

 Conduct all operations under the flight safety protocols (including posting a warning sign reading : “Attention Aerial Photography in Progress

– Remain Back 150 feet”) contained in the operating documents and will a ctively anal yz e flight data and other sources of information to constantly update and enhance safety protocols;

 Contact respective airports if operations will be within 5 miles to advise them of his estimated flight time, flight duration, elevation of flight and other pertinent information;

 Alway s obtain all necessary permissions prior to operation; have procedures in place to abort flights in the event of safety breaches or potential danger;

 Only operate in safe environments that are strictl y controlled, are away from power lines, elevated lights, airports and densel y populated areas (defined b y areas depicted in “yellow” on VFR charts and through obtaining information regarding congested areas from the local Flight Standards District Office (FSDO);4  Conduct extensive preflight inspections and protocols, during which safety carries primary importance (reference PHANTOM Flying Flow Chart and User Manual).

Regarding UAS operational training, we have flown numerous practice flights in remote areas as hobb yi sts simulating flights for future commercial use to gain familiarization with the characteristics of the UAS’ performance under different temperature and weather conditions. Any PIC operating our UAS will have accumulated and logged, in a manner consistent with 14 CFR 61.51 (b), 25 hours of total time as a UAS rotorcraft pilot including at least 10 hours logged as a UAS pilot with a multi

- rotor UAS. The PI C will also have accumulated and logged a minimum of 5 hours as a UAS pilot operating the same make and mo del of UAS to be used for operations. In addition to the hour requirements, the PI C will accomplish 3 take

offs and landings in the preceding 90 day s (for currency purposes) prior to any

flight. Specific Exemptions Requested Given the size, weight, speed, and limited operating area associated with the UA, we feel an exemption from 14 CFR part 21, Subpart H (Airworthiness Certificates) and § 91.203 (a) and (b) (Certifications required), subject to certain conditions and limitations, is warranted and meets the requirements for an equivalent level of safety under 14 CFR part 11 and Section 333 of P.L . 112

- 95 (Section 333). We request an exemption from § 45.23 Marking of the aircraft because the UA will not have a cabin, cockpit or pilot station on which to mar k certain words or phrases. Further, the two

inch lettering is difficult to place on such a small aircraft with dimensions smaller than the minimal lettering requirement. Regardless of this, we can mark the UAS in the largest possible lettering b y placin g the word “Experimental” on its fuselage as required by § 45.29(f) so that an yone will see the markings. We request an exemption from § 91.7(a) which prohibits the operation of an aircraft without an airworthiness certificate, since there is currently no certificate applicable to our operation, this regulation is inapplicable.5

We request an exemption from §§ 91.405(a), 91.407(a)(1), 91.409(a)(2) and 91.417(a) and (b) maintenance inspections since they only appl y to aircraft with an airworthiness certificat e. However, as a safet y precaution we will perform a preflight inspection of the UAS before each flight as outlined in the attached operating documents. We request an exemption from § 91.9(b)(2) which requires an aircraft flight manual in the aircraft, ho wever since there are no pilots or passengers on board the aircraft and given its size, this regulation is inapplicable. We believe an equivalent level of safety will be achieved by maintaining a safety/ flight manual with the UAS ground station.
We request an exemption from § 91.119 which prescribes safe altitudes for the operation of civil aircraft, but it allows helicopters to be operated at lower altitudes in certain conditions. We will not operate our UAS above the altitude of 300 feet above gro und level (AGL) and will also only

operate in safe areas away from the public and traffic, thus “providing a level of safet y at least equivalent to or below those in relation to minimum safe altitudes.” Given the size, weight, maneuverability , and speed o f the UAS, an equivalent or higher level of safet y will be achieved. We request an exemption from § 91.121 Altimeter settings as it is inapplicable since the UAS utilizes electronic GPS with a barometric sensor. We request an exemption from § 91.151(a) Fue l requirements for flight in VFR conditions. The UAV is 100% electric and two low battery alerts are issued

– per the operating documents, the UAV will be landed at the first alert. Also, our flights will last only 5

- 10 minutes each, and the UAS has an a utomated function, which results in immediate landing when a low battery

is detected. The PIC will not begin a flight unless (considering wind and forecast weather conditions) there is enough power to fly to the first point of intended landing and, assumi ng normal cruising speed, land the UA with 30% battery power remaining. Public Interest Aerial photograph y and videograph y for real estate and events are proven strategies to enhance marketing efforts and increase business success. The industry is not new . However,6

until recently

it was conducted through the use of costly manned aircraft, a prohibitive business activity

for small companies. By granting this exemption Iwould be able to provide affordable services. Further, the small UAS will pose no thre at to the public given its small size and lack of combustible fuel when compared to larger manned aircraft. Additionally, the operation of our UAS will minimize harm to the environment economic growth b y providing information to companies and the public l ooking to relocate or build in the metro areas we service. Public and private events serviced b y our business enhance vibrancy and add culture to the community

and its citizens. Summary We will comply

with all of the following conditions and limitations s hould this exemption be provided: 1) Operations will be limited to the following aircraft described in the operating documents, which is a quad

- rotor aircraft weighing 2.8 pounds: Phantom 3 Unmanned Aircraft Sy stem. 2) The UA will not be flown at an indicated a irspeed exceeding 50 knots. 3) The UA will be operated at an altitude of no more than 400 feet above ground level (AGL), All altitudes reported to ATC must be in feet AGL. 4) The UA will be operated within visual line of sight (VLOS) of the Pilot In Command (PI C) at all times. 5) All operations will utilize a visual observer (VO). The UA will be operated within the visual line of sight (VLOS) of the VO at all times. The VO and PIC will be able to communicate verbally

at all times. The PI C will be designated b efore the flight and will not transfer his or her designation for the duration of the flight. The PI C will ensure that the VO can perform the functions prescribed in the operating documents. 6) The operating documents will be accessible during UAS operations and made available to the Administrator upon request. An y revisions to the operating documents will be presented to the Administrator upon request.7 7) Prior to each flight, the PIC will inspect 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 UAS will not be operated until the necessary maintenance has been performed and the UAS is found to be in a condition for safe flight. The Ground Control Station will be inclu ded in the preflight inspection. All maintenance and alterations will be properl y documented in the aircraft records. 8) Any UAS maintenance or alterations that affect the UAS operation or flight characteristics, e.g. replacement of a flight critical compone nt, will undergo a functional test flight. The PI C who conducts the functional test flight will make an entry in the aircraft records. 9) The pre

- flight inspection section in the operating documents will account for all discrepancies, i.e. inoperable compone nts, items, or equipment, not already covered in the relevant sections of the operating documents. 10) We will follow the UAS manufacturer’s aircraft/component, maintenance, overhaul, replacement, inspection, and life limit requirements. 11) We will carry

out maintenance, inspections, and record keeping requirements, in
accordance with the operating documents. Maintenance, inspection, and alterations wil l be noted in the aircraft records, including total flight hours, des cription of work accomplished, and the sign ature of the authorized person returning the UAS to service. 12) Each UAS operated will comply with all manufacturer Safet y Bulletins. 13) An authorized person will make an entry in the aircraft record of the corrective action taken against discrepancies discovere d between inspections. 14) UAS operations will be conducted b y a PIC possessing at least a private pilot certificate and at lease a current third

- class medical certificate. The PIC will also meet the flight review requirements specified in 14 CFR 61.56 in an aircraft in which the PI C is rated on his or her pilot certificate. 15) Prior to operations conducted for the purpose of aerial videograph y/ photography

and for real estate listing videos and public and private events and similar operations, the PI C will have a ccumulated and logged, in a manner consistent with 14 CFR 61.51(b), a minimum of 25 hours of total time as a UAS rotorcraft pilot including at least 10 hours logged as a UAS pilot with a multi

- rotor UAS.8 16) Prior to operations conducted for the purpose of aerial videograph y/ photography

and for real estate listing videos and public and private events and similar operations, the PI C will have accumulated and logged, in a manner consistent with 14 CFR 61.51 (b), a minimum of 5 hours as UAS pilot operating the mak e and model of the UAS to be used in operations. The PI C will accomplish 3 take

- offs and landings in the preceding 90 day s. 17) The PI C will not operate the UAS for the purpose of aerial videography /photograph y and for real estate listing videos and public an d private events and similar operations, unless the PI C has demonstrated and logged in a manner consistent with 14 CFR 61.51(b), the ability

to safely operate the UAS in a manner consistent with the operating documents, including evasive and emergency maneuvers and maintaining appropriate distances from people, vessels, vehicles and structures. 18) UAS operations will not be conducted during night, as defined in 14 CFR 1.1. All operations will be conducted under visual meteorological conditions (VMC). 19) The UA wi ll not operate within 5 nautical miles of an airport reference point as denoted on a current FAA

- published aeronautical chart. 20) The UA will 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 PI C. 21) If a UA loses communications or loses its GPS signal, it will return to a predetermined location within the planned operating area and land or be recovered in accordance with the operating documents. 22) The PI C will abort a flight in the event of unpredicted obstacles or emergencies in accordance with the operating documents. 23) The PI C will not begin a flight unless (considering wind and forecast weather conditions) there is enough power to fl y at normal cruising speed to the intended landing point and land the UA with 30% battery power remaining. 24) We will obtain an Air Traffic Organization (ATO) issued Certificate of Waiver or Authorization (COA) prior to conducting an y operations, and also request a Notice to Air

- man (NOTAM) n ot more than 72 hours in advance, but not less than 48 hours prior to the operation.9 25) Before conducting operations, the radio frequency spectrum used for operation and control of the UA will comply with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) or other a ppropriate government oversight agency requirements. 26) The documents required under 14 CFR 91.9 and 91.203 will be available to the PI C at the Ground Control Station of the UAS an y time the UAS is operating. These documents will be made available to the Administrator or an y l aw enforcement official upon request. 27) The UA will remain clear and yi eld the right of way to all manned aviation operations and activities at all times. 28) The UAS will not be operated b y the PIC from any moving device or vehicle. 29) The UA w ill not be operated over congested or densely populated areas. 30) Flight operations will be conducted at least 500 feet from all nonparticipating persons, vessels, vehicles, and structures unless:
a. Barriers or structures are present that sufficiently protect nonparticipating persons from the UA and/or debris in the event of an accident. We will ensure that nonparticipating persons remain under such protection. If a situation arises where nonparticipating persons leave such protection and are within 500 feet of the UA, flight operations must cease immediatel y and/or; b. The aircraft is operated near vessels, vehicles or structures where the owner/controller of such vessels, vehicles or structures has granted permission and the PI C has made a safet y assessment of the risk of operating closer to those objects and determined that it does not present an undue hazard, and;
c. Operations nearer to the PI C, VO, operator trainees or essential persons do not present an undue hazard to those persons per § 91.119(a). 31) All operations will be conducted over private or controlled

- access propert y with permission from the land owner/controller or authorized representative. Permission from lan d owner/controller or authorized representative will be obtained for each flight to be conducted. 32) Any incident, accident, or flight operation that transgresses the lateral or vertical boundaries of the operational area as defined b y the applicable COA will be reported10 to the FAA’s UAS Integration Office (AFS

- 80) within 24 hours. Accidents will be reported to the National Transportation Safety Board (BTSB) per instructions contained on the NTSB Web site: www.ntsb.gov

. If you have an y questions or need additional information, please contact me at solsticeair@gmail.com or (503)519

- 6479. User manual and various downloads. http://www.dji.com/product/phantom

- 3

- standard/info #downloads

FAA Registration # FA3YFMEANN Respectfully

Submitted,

Herbert G. Van Cleve, Owner Solstice Air Media