May 12, 2015

Exemption No. 11556

Regulatory Docket No. FAA–2015–0380

Mr. Anthony Sydor

CEO

Sydor Aerial Photography, LLC

1046 Autumn Lakes Circle, 3B

Mishawaka, IN 46544

Dear Mr. Sydor:

This letter is to inform you that we have granted your request for exemption. It transmits our 

decision, explains its basis, and gives you the conditions and limitations of the exemption, 

including the date it ends.

The Basis for Our Decision

By letter dated February 13, 2015, you petitioned the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) 

on behalf of Sydor Aerial Photography, LLC (hereinafter petitioner or operator) for an 

exemption. The petitioner requested to operate an unmanned aircraft system (UAS) to 

conduct aerial image data collection on leased federally owned land in support of the "New 

Energy Frontier" initiative.

See Appendix A for the petition submitted to the FAA describing the proposed operations and 

the regulations that the petitioner seeks an exemption.

The FAA has determined that good cause exists for not publishing a summary of the petition 

in the Federal Register because the requested exemption would not set a precedent, and any 

delay in acting on this petition would be detrimental to the petitioner. However, the FAA 

received one individual comment in opposition to the petition. In granting this exemption, the 

FAA has determined that the proposed operations can safely be conducted under the 

conditions and limitations of this exemption. As with exemptions issued to Aeryon Labs, 

Astraeus Aerial, Clayco, Inc., and VDOS Global, LLC, failure to comply with the document’s 
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conditions and limitations is grounds for immediate suspension or rescission of the 

exemption.

Airworthiness Certification

The UAS proposed by the petitioner is a DJI Phantom 2 Vision.

In accordance with the statutory criteria provided in Section 333 of Public Law 112−95 in 

reference to 49 U.S.C. § 44704, and in consideration of the size, weight, speed, and limited 

operating area associated with the aircraft and its operation, the Secretary of Transportation 

has determined that this aircraft meets the conditions of Section 333. Therefore, the FAA 

finds that the relief from 14 CFR part 21, Certification procedures for products and parts, 

Subpart H—Airworthiness Certificates, and any associated noise certification and testing 

requirements of part 36, is not necessary.

The Basis for Our Decision

You have requested to use a UAS for aerial data collection. The FAA has issued grants of 

exemption in circumstances similar in all material respects to those presented in your petition. 

In Grants of Exemption Nos. 11062 to Astraeus Aerial (see Docket No. FAA−2014−0352), 

11109 to Clayco, Inc. (see Docket No. FAA−2014−0507), 11112 to VDOS Global, LLC (see

Docket No. FAA−2014−0382), and 11213 to Aeryon Labs, Inc. (see Docket No. 

FAA−2014−0642), the FAA found that the enhanced safety achieved using an unmanned 

aircraft (UA) with the specifications described by the petitioner and carrying no passengers or 

crew, rather than a manned aircraft of significantly greater proportions, carrying crew in 

addition to flammable fuel, gives the FAA good cause to find that the UAS operation enabled 

by this exemption is in the public interest.

Having reviewed your reasons for requesting an exemption, I find that—

 They are similar in all material respects to relief previously requested in Grant of 

Exemption Nos. 11062, 11109, 11112, and 11213;

 The reasons stated by the FAA for granting Exemption Nos. 11062, 11109, 11112, and 

11213 also apply to the situation you present; and 

 A grant of exemption is in the public interest.

Our Decision

In consideration of the foregoing, I find that a grant of exemption is in the public interest. 

Therefore, pursuant to the authority contained in 49 U.S.C. 106(f), 40113, and 44701, 

delegated to me by the Administrator, Sydor Aerial Photography, LLC is granted an 

exemption from 14 CFR §§ 61.23(a) and (c), 61.101(e)(4) and (5), 61.113(a), 61.315(a), 

91.7(a), 91.119(c), 91.121, 91.151(a)(1), 91.405(a), 91.407(a)(1), 91.409(a)(1) and (2), and 

91.417(a) and (b), to the extent necessary to allow the petitioner to operate a UAS to perform 
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aerial data collection. This exemption is subject to the conditions and limitations listed 

below.

Conditions and Limitations

In this grant of exemption, Sydor Aerial Photography, LLC is hereafter referred to as 

the operator.

Failure to comply with any of the conditions and limitations of this grant of exemption will be 

grounds for the immediate suspension or rescission of this exemption.

1. Operations authorized by this grant of exemption are limited to the DJI Phantom 2 

Vision when weighing less than 55 pounds including payload. Proposed operations of 

any other aircraft will require a new petition or a petition to amend this exemption.

2. Operations for the purpose of closed-set motion picture and television filming are 

not permitted. 

3. The UA may not be operated at a speed exceeding 87 knots (100 miles per hour). The 

exemption holder may use either groundspeed or calibrated airspeed to determine 

compliance with the 87 knot speed restriction. In no case will the UA be operated at 

airspeeds greater than the maximum UA operating airspeed recommended by the 

aircraft manufacturer.

4. The UA must be operated at an altitude of no more than 400 feet above ground level 

(AGL). Altitude must be reported in feet AGL.

5. 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 airman medical certificate or

U.S. driver’s license.

6. All operations must utilize a visual observer (VO). The UA must be operated within 

the visual line of sight (VLOS) of the PIC and VO at all times. The VO may be used 

to satisfy the VLOS requirement as long as the PIC always maintains VLOS 

capability. The VO and PIC must be able to communicate verbally at all times;

electronic messaging or texting is not permitted during flight operations. The PIC 

must be designated before the flight and cannot transfer his or her designation for the 

duration of the flight. The PIC must ensure that the VO can perform the duties 

required of the VO.

7. This exemption and all documents needed to operate the UAS and conduct its 

operations in accordance with the conditions and limitations stated in this grant of 

exemption, are hereinafter referred to as the operating documents. The operating 
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documents must be accessible during UAS operations 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 operating documents, 

the conditions and limitations herein take precedence and must be followed. 

Otherwise, the operator must follow the procedures as outlined in its operating 

documents. The operator may update or revise its operating documents. It is the 

operator’s responsibility to track such revisions and present updated and revised 

documents to the Administrator or any law enforcement official upon request. The 

operator must also present updated and revised documents if it petitions for extension 

or amendment to this grant of exemption. If the operator determines that any update 

or revision would affect the basis upon which the FAA granted this exemption, then 

the operator must petition for an amendment to its grant of exemption. The FAA’s 

UAS Integration Office (AFS−80) may be contacted if questions arise regarding 

updates or revisions to the operating documents.

8. Any UAS that has undergone maintenance or alterations that affect the UAS operation 

or flight characteristics, e.g., replacement of a flight critical component, must undergo 

a functional test flight prior to conducting further operations under this exemption. 

Functional test flights may only be conducted by a PIC with a VO and must remain at 

least 500 feet from other people. The functional test flight must be conducted in such 

a manner so as to not pose an undue hazard to persons and property.

9. The operator is responsible for maintaining and inspecting the UAS to ensure that it is 

in a condition for safe operation.

10. Prior to each flight, the PIC must conduct a pre-flight inspection and determine the 

UAS is in a condition for safe flight. The pre-flight inspection must account for all 

potential discrepancies, e.g., inoperable components, items, or equipment. 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 to be in a condition for safe flight.

11. The operator must follow the UAS manufacturer’s maintenance, overhaul, 

replacement, inspection, and life limit requirements for the aircraft and 

aircraft components.

12. Each UAS operated under this exemption must comply with all manufacturer 

safety bulletins.

13. Under this grant of exemption, a PIC must hold either an airline transport, 

commercial, private, recreational, or sport pilot certificate. The PIC must also hold a 

current FAA airman medical certificate or a valid U.S. driver’s license issued by a 

state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, a territory, a possession, or the Federal 
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government. 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 pilot certificate.

14. The operator may not permit any PIC to operate unless the PIC demonstrates the 

ability to safely operate the UAS in a manner consistent with how the UAS will be 

operated under this exemption, including evasive and emergency maneuvers and 

maintaining appropriate distances from persons, vessels, vehicles and structures. PIC 

qualification flight hours and currency must be logged in a manner consistent with 

14 CFR § 61.51(b). Flights for the purposes of training the operator’s PICs and VOs 

(training, proficiency, and experience-building) and determining the PIC’s ability to 

safely operate the UAS in a manner consistent with how the UAS will be operated 

under this exemption are permitted under the terms of this exemption. However, 

training operations may only be conducted during dedicated training sessions. During 

training, proficiency, and experience-building flights, all persons not essential for 

flight operations are considered nonparticipants, and the PIC must operate the UA 

with appropriate distance from nonparticipants in accordance with 14 CFR § 91.119.

15. UAS operations 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.

16. The UA may not operate within 5 nautical miles of an airport reference point (ARP) as 

denoted in the current FAA Airport/Facility Directory (AFD) or for airports not 

denoted with an ARP, the center of the airport symbol as denoted on the current 

FAA-published aeronautical chart, unless a letter of agreement with that airport’s 

management is obtained or otherwise permitted by a COA issued to the exemption 

holder. The letter of agreement with the airport management must be made available 

to the Administrator or any law enforcement official upon request.

17. 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.

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

pre-determined location within the private or controlled-access property.

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

20. The PIC is prohibited from beginning a flight unless (considering wind and forecast 

weather conditions) there is enough available power for the UA to conduct the 

intended operation and to operate after that for at least five minutes or with the reserve 

power recommended by the manufacturer if greater.

21. Air Traffic Organization (ATO) Certificate of Waiver or Authorization (COA). All 

operations shall be conducted in accordance with an ATO-issued COA. The 
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exemption holder may apply for a new or amended COA if it intends to conduct 

operations that cannot be conducted under the terms of the attached COA.

22. All aircraft operated in accordance with this exemption 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. Documents used by the operator to ensure the safe operation and flight of the UAS and 

any documents required under 14 CFR §§ 91.9 and 91.203 must be available to the 

PIC at the Ground Control Station of the UAS any time the aircraft is operating. 

These documents must be made available to the Administrator or any law enforcement 

official upon request.

24. The UA must remain clear and give way to all manned aviation operations and 

activities at all times. 

25. The UAS may not be operated by the PIC from any moving device or vehicle. 

26. All Flight operations must 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. The operator must 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 immediately in a manner ensuring the safety 

of nonparticipating persons; and

b. The owner/controller of any vessels, vehicles or structures has granted permission 

for operating closer to those objects and the PIC has made a safety assessment of 

the risk of operating closer to those objects and determined that it does not 

present an undue hazard.

The PIC, VO, operator trainees or essential persons are not considered 

nonparticipating persons under this exemption.

27. All operations shall be conducted over private or controlled-access property with 

permission from the property owner/controller or authorized representative. 

Permission from property owner/controller or authorized representative will be 

obtained for each flight to be conducted.

28. 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 UAS Integration Office (AFS−80) within 24 hours. Accidents must be 
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reported to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) per instructions 

contained on the NTSB Web site: www.ntsb.gov.

If this exemption permits operations for the purpose of closed-set motion picture and 

television filming and production, the following additional conditions and limitations apply.

29. The operator must have a motion picture and television operations manual (MPTOM) 

as documented in this grant of exemption.

30. At least 3 days before aerial filming, the operator of the UAS affected by this 

exemption must submit a written Plan of Activities to the local Flight Standards 

District Office (FSDO) with jurisdiction over the area of proposed filming. The 3-day 

notification may be waived with the concurrence of the FSDO. The plan of activities 

must include at least the following:

a. Dates and times for all flights;

b. Name and phone number of the operator for the UAS aerial filming 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−Number of UAS to be used;

e. Name and certificate number of UAS PICs involved in the aerial filming;

f. A statement that the operator has obtained permission from property owners 

and/or local officials to conduct the filming production event; the list of those 

who gave permission must be made available to the inspector upon request;

g. Signature of exemption holder or representative; and

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.

31. Flight operations may be conducted closer than 500 feet from participating persons 

consenting to be involved and necessary for the filming production, as specified in the 

exemption holder’s MPTOM.

Unless otherwise specified in this grant of exemption, the UAS, the UAS PIC, and the UAS 

operations must comply with all applicable parts of 14 CFR including, but not limited to, 

parts 45, 47, 61, and 91.
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This exemption terminates on May 31, 2017, unless sooner superseded or rescinded.

Sincerely,

/s/

John S. Duncan

Director, Flight Standards Service
February 13, 2015

U. S. Department of Transportation Docket Management System

1200 New Jersey Ave., SE Washington, DC 20590

Re: Exemption Request Pursuant to Section 333 of the FAA Reform

Act and Part 11 of the Federal Aviation Regulations from 14 C.F.R.

61.113(a) & (b); 91.119(c); 91.151(a); 91.405(a); 91.407(a)(1);

91.409(a)(2);91.417(a) & (b).

Dear Sir or Madam:

The "New Energy Frontier: Balancing Energy Development On

Federal Lands", is an initiative managed by the Department of the

Interior (DOI). The purpose of the initiative is to responsible develope

conventional and renewable energy resources on public lands. The

New Energy Frontier initiative also serves to reduce our energy

dependence from foreign states. The initiative serves the public

interest as it reduced our energy dependence from foreign states and

creates employment opportunities.

Sydor Aerial Photography LLC Petitions the Federal Aviation

Administration to conduct sUAS flights over federally owned land in

support of the New Energy Frontier initiative. Flights will be restricted

to federally leased lands set aside for conventional and renewable

energy development. UAS flights will be used to capture aerial photos

for the purpose of creating orthomosaics (image maps). Processed

image maps will be used to compute volume, 3D models, DSM’s,

DTM’s, profile and contour lines. The final product, generated by aerial

photos from sUAS, will be used to assist renters, of federally owned

lands, in developing conventional and renewable energy sites.

Post flight editing of image maps will ensure that images

captured are only of the federally leased lands.
Why use sUAS's for conventional and renewable energy

development on federally owned property and what is the the benefit

to the public?

1) sUAS can quickly and cost effectively gather project critical

aerial images.

2) sUAS can aid in the New Energy Frontier: Balancing Energy

Development on Federal Lands, legislated goal of reducing our energy

dependence, from foreign states, and creating employment

opportunities. Both reasons are in the public interest.

Sydor Aerial Photography LLC is a 100% veteran owned UAV

company that specializes in aerial photogrammetry with sUAV. Our

experience in sUAS operations gives us the expertise to conduct

safe­flight sUAS operations. Sydor Aerial Photography LLC takes a

planned tactical approach to data gathering by optimizing and

reviewing the most efficient flight plan. This knowledge base has come

through years of piloting, maintaining, and repairing sUAS.

Pursuant to Section 333 of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act

of 2012 (the “Reform Act”) and 14 C.F.R. Part 11, Sydor Aerial

Photography LLC petitions the FAA to allow safe flight operation of its

sUAS for the purpose of providing renters, of federally owned land,

project critical aerial images of convention and renewable energy

project sites. Sydor Aerial Photography LLC hereby applies for an

exemption from the listed Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs) to

allow commercial operation of its sUASs, so long as such operations

are conducted within and under the conditions outlined herein or as

may be established by the FAA in an exemption granted under either

Section 333 or Section 49 U.S.C. § 44701(f).

Sydor Aerial Photography LLC has set forth conditions that are

consistent with the equivalent level of safety set forth in Exemption

11062 and the related exemptions issued to sUAS companies for

scripted closed set filming for the motion picture and television

industry.
As described more fully below, the requested exemption would

permit the operation of small, unmanned and relatively inexpensive

sUAS under controlled conditions in airspace that is 1) limited, 2)

predetermined, 3) controlled as to access, and 4) would provide safety

enhancements to the already safe operations in the fields in which it

will operate, presently using manned aircraft or ground inspection

survey teams. Approval of this exemption would thereby enhance

safety and fulfill the Secretary of Transportation’s (the FAA

Administrator’s) responsibilities to “...establish requirements for the

safe operation of such aircraft systems in the national airspace

system.” Section 333(c) of the Reform Act.

The name and address of the applicant is:

Sydor Aerial Photography, LLC

1046 Autumn Lakes Circle, 3B

Mishawaka, IN 46544

Attn: Anthony Sydor, CEO

Regulations from which the exemption is requested:

14 C.F.R. 61.113(a) & (b) 14 C.F.R. 91.119(c)

14 C.F.R. 91.151(a)

14 C.F.R. 91.405(a)14 C.F.R. 407(a)(1) 14 C.F.R. 409(a)(2)

14 C.F.R. 417(a) & (b)

This exemption application is expressly submitted to fulfill

Congress’ goal in passing Section 333(a) through (c) of the Reform

Act. This law directs the Secretary of Transportation to consider

whether certain unmanned aircraft systems may operate safely in the

national airspace system (NAS) before completion of the rulemaking

required under Section 332 of the Reform Act. In making this
determination, the Secretary is required to determine which types of

UASs 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 UAS’s size, weight, speed, and operational capability;

Operation of the UAS in close proximity to airports and

populated areas; and operation of the UAS within visual line of

sight of the operator.

Reform Act § 333(b). Lastly, if the Secretary determines that such

vehicles “may operate safely in the national airspace system, the

Secretary shall establish requirements for the safe operation of such

aircraft in the national airspace system.” Id. at § 333(c)

The Federal Aviation Act, in addition to the authority granted by

Section 333 of Reform 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 Section 40101 of

the Act, which includes sUASs, from the requirement that all civil

aircraft must have a current airworthiness certificate.

The Administrator may grant an exemption from a requirement of a

regulation prescribed under subsection (a) or (b) of Section 333 or any

Sections 44702­44716 of the Transportation Act if the Administrator

finds the exemption in the public interest. 49 U.S.C. § 44701(f). See

also 49 U.S.C. § 44711(a); 49 U.S.C. § 44704; 14 C.F.R. §

91.203(a)(1). This authority to grant exemptions reaches such issues

as authorization of commercial operation of aircraft without a pilot’s

license.

Based upon the spirit of Section 333, and the continuing integration

of small UAS's into the NAS, Sydor Aerial Photography LLC submits

this petition for review and approval.

Sydor Aerial Photography LLC operates a DJI Phantom 2 Vision

(quadcopter). Maximum manufacturer’s safe flight speed is less than
15 m/s. Sydor Aerial Photography LLC will not exceed 10 m/s during

UAS operation.

UA will not exceed 400 ft (AGL) and will only be operated within line

of sight of the PIC and VO.

UAS flights will only be performed over leased federally owned land

in support of the New Energy Frontier initiative.

Sydor Aerial Photography LLC submits “UAS safe flight operations

manual”, as it pertains to leased federally owned property as Exhibit

A.

Sydor Aerial Photography LLC submits the “UAS manufacturer

flight and operational manual” as Exhibit B.

Operational compliance of Exhibit A and B shall insure safe flight

operations within the leased federally owned lands set aside for

conventional and renewable energy site development. Compliance

outlined in Exhibit A and B shall also insure safe flight UAS operations

within the NAS.

AIRCRAFT AND EQUIVALENT LEVEL OF SAFETY

Sydor Aerial Photography LLC proposes that the exemption requested

herein apply to civil aircraft that have the characteristics and that

operate with the limitations listed herein. These limitations provide for

an equivalent or even higher level of safety to operations under the

current regulatory structure because the proposed operations

represent a safety enhancement to the operations normally conducted

with manned aircraft.

These limitations and conditions to which Sydor Aerial Photography

LLC agrees to be bound when conducting commercial operations

under an FAA issued exemption include:
1. The UAS must weigh less than 25 lbs., including battery and

camera. Operations will be limited to the aircraft described in

Exhibit B

2. The UA may not be flown faster than recommended by the

manufacturer. Sydor Aerial Photography LLC will not operate the

UA faster than 10m/s.

3. UAS operations will be conducted below 400 ft above ground

level (AGL). The height of the UA will not exceed 400 ft (AGL).

4. UAS operations will only be conducted in class G airspace,

unless otherwise approved by the FAA.

5. The UAS will 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 third­class medical

certificate.

6. All operations must utilize a visual observer (VO). The VO may

be used to satisfy the VLOS requirement, as long as the PIC

always maintains VLOS capability. The VO and PIC must be

able to communicate verbally at all times.

7. The operator will be bound by and follow Exhibits A & B. Any

additional requirements identified in the final conditions for this

exemption will be added to Exhibits A & B . Exhibits A & B will be

maintained and made available to the Administrator upon

request. If a discrepancy exists between the conditions and

limitations in the final exemption and the procedures outlined in

Exhibits A & B, the conditions and limitations of the exception will

take precedence and will be followed. Otherwise, the operator

will follow the procedures as outlined in Exhibits A & B.

8. The operator will update or revise its Exhibits A & B. It will be

the operator’s responsibility to track such revisions and present
updated and revised documents to the Administrator upon

request. The operator will 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

operator will petition for amendment to their exemption. The

operator will contact the FAA’s UAS Integration Office (AFS­80)

with questions that may arise regarding updates or revisions to

Exhibits A & B.

9. Prior to each flight the PIC will inspect the UAS to ensure it is

in safe flight condition. The procedures for pre­flight inspection

and functional viability of all UAS components is outlined in

Exhibit A & B

10. Any UAS that has undergone maintenance or alterations that

affect the UAS operation or flight characteristics, e.g.,

replacement of a flight critical component, must undergo two

functional tests outlined in Exhibit C. The PIC who conducts the

functional tests will make an entry into the sUAS maintenance

record. Specific procedures for the sUAS functional tests is

submitted as Exhibit C.

11. The operator will comply with the manufacturer's

recommendations pertaining to maintenance, inspection and

replacement of UAS components. The maintenance manual,

submitted as Exhibit C, outlines these components.

12. The PIC will have at least a current private pilot certificate and

a current third­class medical certificate. The PIC will also meet

the flight review requirements specified in 14 C.F.R. § 61.56 in

an aircraft in which the PIC is rated on his/her pilot certificate.

13. Prior to operations conducted for the purpose of gathering

aerial data, the PIC will have accumulated and logged, in a

manner consistent with 14 C.F.R. § 61.51(b), a minimum of 300
flight cycles and 30 hours of total time as a UAS multirotor

aircraft pilot and at least 20 hours logged as a UAS pilot with a

similar UAS type. Prior documented flight experience that was

obtained in compliance with applicable regulations will be used

to satisfy this requirement. Training, proficiency, and

experience­building flights may also be conducted under this

grant of exemption to accomplish the required flight cycles and

flight time. During training, proficiency, and experience­building

flights, all persons not essential for flight operations will be

considered non­participants, and the PIC will operate the UA

with appropriate distance from non­participants in accordance

with 14 C.F.R. § 91.119.

14. Prior to any UAS operations by a grant of exemption the PIC

and VO will have completed a qualification process outlined in

Exhibit D. Exhibit D includes basic flight maneuvers, skilled flight

maneuvers, advanced flight maneuvers, and emergency

procedures. The qualifying process outlined in Exhibit D will be

implemented by a qualified person designated by the operator.

Upon request the record of qualifying completion will be made

available to the administrator.

15. Prior to operations conducted for the purpose of gathering

aerial data, a flight demonstration, administered by an

operator­approved and qualified pilot will be successfully

completed and documented. This documentation will be

available for review upon request by the Administrator. Because

the knowledge and airmanship test qualifications will be

developed by the operator, and there are no established

practical test standards that support a jurisdictional FAA Flight

Standards District Office (FSDO) evaluation and approval of

company designated examiners, the Operator will conduct these

tests In accordance with Exhibit D.

16. The UAS will not be operated directly over any person,

except authorized and consenting personnel necessary for the
purpose, below an altitude that is hazardous to persons or

property on the surface in the event of a UAS failure or

emergency.

17. Regarding the distance from participating persons, Exhibit A

establishes safety mitigations for authorized and consenting

personnel. At all times, those persons must be essential to the

sUAS operation.

18. Regarding distance from non­participating persons, the

operator will ensure that no persons are allowed within 500 ft of

the area except those consenting to be involved and necessary

for the sUAS operation.

19. If the UAS loses communications or loses its Global

Positioning System (GPS) signal, the UAS will be programmed

to return to a pre­determined location within the security

perimeter and land or be recovered in accordance with the

Exhibit A&B.

20. The UAS will abort the flight in the event of unpredicted

obstacles or emergencies in accordance with the Exhibit A&B

21. Each UAS operation will be completed within 20 minutes of

flight time or with 30% battery power remaining, whichever

occurs first.

22. The operator will obtain an Air Traffic Organization (ATO)

issued Certificate of Waiver or Authorization (COA) prior to

conducting any operations under an exemption. The operator will

request a Notice to Airman not more than 72 hours in advance,

but not less than 48 hours prior to the operation.

23. All aircraft operated in accordance with this exemption will be

identified by serial number, registered in accordance with 14

C.F.R. Part 47, and have identification (N­ Number) markings in
accordance with 14 C.F.R. Part 45, subpt.C. Markings will be as

large as practicable.

24. The operator will develop procedures to document and

maintain a record of the UAS maintenance, preventative

maintenance, alterations, status of replacement/overhaul

component parts, and the total time in service of the UAS. These

procedures will be added to Exhibit C.

25. Each UAS operated under this exemption will comply with all

manufacturer safety bulletins, firmware, software updates and

will be documented and updated in Exhibit A & B.

26. Before conducting operations, the radio frequency spectrum

used for operation and control of the UA will comply with the

Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

27. The documents required under 14 C.F.R. §§ 91.9 and 91.203

will be available to the PIC at the ground control station of the

UAS any time the aircraft is operating. These documents will be

made available to the administrator, or governing body upon

request.

28. The UAS will 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.).

29. UAS operations will not be conducted during night, as defined

in 14 C.F.R. § 1.1. Operations will only be conducted under

visual meteorological conditions (VMC).

30. The UAS will not be operated by the PIC from any moving

device or vehicle.
31. The UA will not be operated less than 500 ft below or less

than 2,000 ft horizontally from a cloud or when visibility is less

than 3 statute miles.

32. The UA will not operate in Class B, C, or D airspace without

written approval from the FAA. The UA will not operate within 5

nautical miles of the geographic center of a non­towered airport

as denoted on a current FAA­published 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 will be made available to the Administrator

upon request.

33. Incidents, accidents or flight operation that transgresses the

lateral or vertical boundaries of the operational area as defined

by the applicable COA will be reported to the Federal Aviation

Administration’s (FAA) UAS Integration Office (AFS­80) within 24

hours. Accidents will be reported to the National Transportation

Safety Board (NTSB) per instructions contained on the NTSB

web site: www.ntsb.gov. Further flight operations will not be

conducted until the incident or accident is reviewed by AFS­80

and authorization to resume operations is provided.

14 C.F.R. § ​61.113(a) & (b): Private Pilot Privileges and Limitations:

Pilot in Command

Sections 61.113(a) & (b) limit private pilots to non­commercial

operations. Because the UAS will not carry a pilot or passengers, the

proposed operations can achieve the same level of safety of current

operations by requiring the PIC operating the aircraft to have a private

pilot’s license rather than a commercial pilot’s license in order to

safely operate sUAS. As outlined in Exhibit A, all sUAS operations are

carefully pre­planned flights and prior to each flight written approval

from the property owner, or property owner agent, will be obtained.

The level of safety provided by the requirements included in Exhibits A
& B exceeds that provided by a single person holding a commercial

pilot’s certificate operating a manned aircraft. The risks associated

with the sUAS operation within the operational area are so diminished

from the level of risk associated with commercial operations

contemplated by Part 61 that allowing operations of the sUAS as

requested with a private pilot as the PIC meets and exceeds the

present level of safety achieved by 14 C.F.R. § 61.113(a) & (b).

The FAA has granted exemptions for private pilots to conduct similar

operations in Exemptions 11062 through 11067 and 11080.

14 C.F.R. § ​91.119: Minimum Safe Altitudes

Section 91.119 sets forth safe altitudes for operation of civil aircraft.

Section 91.119(c) allows helicopters to be operated at less than the

minimums prescribed, providing that the person operating the

helicopter complies with any route or altitudes prescribed for

helicopters by the FAA. As this exemption is for a sUAS that is similar

to a helicopter, and the exemption requests authority to operate at

altitudes up to 400 ft AGL, an exemption will be needed to allow

operations. Because the aerial data sets do not require flights greater

than 400 ft (AGL), Sydor Aerial Photography LLC will not operate the

UA at or greater than 400 ft (AGL).

The FAA has previously granted exemptions to conduct similar

operations in Exemptions 11062 through 11067 and 11080.

14 C.F.R. § ​91.151(a): Fuel Requirements for Flight in VFR Conditions

Section 91.151(a) prohibits an individual from beginning “a flight in an

airplane under VFR conditions unless (considering wind and forecast

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 5200mAh lithium polymer smart battery powering the sUAS

provides approximately 25 minutes of flight. In order to meet the
30­minute reserve requirement in 14 C.F.R. § 91.151, the sUAS

flights would not be able to operate. Given the powered flight

limitations of the sUAS, within the restricted flight area a longer time

frame for flight is reasonable.

Sydor Aerial Photography LLC believes that an exemption from 14

C.F.R. § 91.151(a) falls within the scope of prior approved

exemptions. Ex. Exemption 10673. Flight operations via the sUAS

within the confines of leased federally owned lands with less than 30

minutes of reserve fuel, does not apply to the original intent of Section

91.151 (a), given the sUAS size and speed.

Sydor Aerial Photography LLC believes that an equal level of safety

can be achieved by limiting flights to 20 minutes or 30% of battery

power whichever occurs first. Limiting sUAS flights to 20 minutes or

30% battery power allows the PIC adequate time to return the UA to

its pre­determined home landing position.

Similar exemptions have been approved for other sUAS operations,

including Exemptions 2689F, 5745, 10673, 10808 and Exemptions

11062 through 11067 and 11080.

14 C.F.R. § ​91.405 (a); 407(a)(1); 409(a)(2); 417(a) & (b):

Maintenance Inspections

These regulations require 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 provided in paragraph

(c) of this section, have discrepancies repaired as prescribed in Part

43 of this chapter...,” and others shall inspect or maintain the aircraft

in compliance with Part 43.

The above mentioned sections and Part 43 apply only to aircraft with

an airworthiness certificate, therefore these sections do not apply to

Sydor Aerial Photography LLC. Operational maintenance will be

performed as outlined in Exhibit C. Due to the size of the UA and its

camera an equal level of safety will be achieved. In the event of

mechanical issues, during flight operations, the UA can be safely
landed. Refer to Exhibit B failsafe procedures. As provided in Exhibits

A and B the operator will ensure that the sUAS is in working order

before the start of any sUAS operations. In addition, the PIC will

perform required maintenance, and keep a log of any maintenance

performed. Since the operator is the person most familiar with the

entire sUAS best suited to maintain the aircraft in an airworthy

condition to provide the equivalent level of safety. As outlined in

Exhibit C annual inspection, maintenance will be performed by an

independent third party not affiliated with Sydor Aerial Photography

LLC.

The FAA has granted exemptions for similar operations in Exemptions

11062 through 11067 and 11080.

To satisfy 14 C.F.R. Part 11, the following summary is provided for

publication in the Federal Register.

Sydor Aerial Photography LLC seeks an exemption from the following

rules:

14 C.F.R. §§ 61.113(a) & (b); 91.119(c); 91.151(a); 91.405(a);

91.407(a) (1); 91.409(a)(2); and 91.417(a) & (b)

Sydor Aerial Photography LLC seeks approval, of the before

mentioned exceptions, in order to commercially operate sUAS for the

purpose of aerial image data collecting on leased federally owned land

in support of the "New Energy Frontier" initiative.

Sydor Aerial Photography LLC believes it's petition for exception

satisfies the criteria provided in Section 333 of the Reform Act of 2012

(size, weight, speed, operating capabilities, proximity to airports and

populated areas, operation within visual line of sight, and national

security) provide adequate justification for the grant of the requested

exemptions.

Sydor Aerial Photography LLC further believes that it's petition for

exception exceeds the level of safety established in the exemptions
already granted, including Exemptions 11062 through 11067 and

11080.

Sincerely,

Anthony Sydor