Feburary 18, 2016

U. S. Department of Transportation Docket Management System 

1200 New Jersey Ave, SE Washington, DC 20590 

Re: Exemption Request Section 333 of the FAA Reform Act of the Federal Aviation Regulations from 14 

C.F.R. 45.23(b); 14 C.F.R. Part 21; 14 C.F.R. 61.113(a)&(b); 91.7(a); 91.9(b) (2); 91.103(b); 91.109; 

119.121; 91.151(a); 91.203(a)&(b); 91.405(a); 91.407(a) (1); 91.409(a) (2); 91.417(a)&(b) 

Dear Sir or Madam, 

James C. McCoy, hereby petitions the Secretary of Transportation and Federal Aviation Administration 

for exemption to the above referenced and below more fully described Federal Aviation Regulations 

(“FARs”), that currently may or may not apply to the recreational/business operations of model aircraft 

including small unmanned aerial systems (“UASs). 

Pursuant to Section 333 of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 and the procedures contained 

within 14 C.F.R. 11, Petition that I, James C. McCoy, an owner and operator of small unmanned aircraft, 

be exempted from the Federal Aviation Regulations (“FARs”) listed below so that I, James C. McCoy, 

may operate my small ultra lightweight unmanned aircraft system (“UAS”) commercially in airspace 

regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration (“FAA”). 

As described herein I, James C. McCoy, am a licensed Texas journeyman electrician (TDLR#271091) as 

well as part of the North Texas Drone User Group, avid compitition 3D team pilot for Aero Hobbies 

(Lewisville, TX) and business owner of JC AeroTech; experienced in flying hobby mutlirotor UAS for 

recreational purposes since 2011, and traditional rotor craft platforms since 2004. I have added a hobby 

grade DJI Phantom 3 UAS to my inventory with intent to conduct aerial photography/Inspection/ 

included but not limited to the following; Business Operations: over land, waterways, and oceans; 

operations over/in nonrestricted National Parks, National Forests, flight in non-navigable airspace, using 

nonintrusive recording devices, operation in otherwise unrestricted U.S. States/Territories for aerial 

videography/cinematography for commercial operation and to enhance academic community awareness 

for those individuals and companies unfamiliar with the geographical layout of such areas. 

With exemption I, James C. McCoy, will pilot the ultra light UAS within the scope of my business 

practices. Being licensed by the Texas Department of Licenseing and Regulation, and being held 

responsible by the Board, I James C. McCoy, Herein attest to holding accountability and good faith for 

public interest and commitment to my clients.

As described more fully below, the requested exemption would permit the operation of UAS under 

controlled conditions in airspace that is 1) limited; 2) predetermined in areas away from general public, 

airports, heliports and vehicular traffic for community videos, and within property boundaries for 

individual homeowner real estate listing videos/photos; and 3) controlled as to access. The exemption 

would also provide safety enhancements to the already safe operations within the aerial photography, film 

and television industry presently using conventional aircraft and small, unmanned and relatively 

inexpensive UASs. 
Currently, similar lightweight, remote controlled UAS's are legally operated by unmonitored amateur 

hobbyists with no safety plan or controls in place to prevent catastrophe. I operate my UAS within all 

safety protocols and controls to avoid and prevent public hazard, as well as manned aircraft 

hazards/catastrophe. This will act to further safety protocols exclusive to lightweight UAS's specific to 

aerial video and photography usage as I record flight data and other information gained through permitted 

flight operations to share with the FAA through any required FAA reports to assist with future protocol 

and safety regulation. 

Granting my request comports with the Secretary of Transportation’s (FAA Administrator’s) 

responsibilities and authority to not only integrate UAS's into the national airspace system, but to 

“...establish requirements for the safe operation of such aircraft systems [UAS's] in the national airspace 

system” under Section 333(c) of the Reform Act specific to the use of UAS's for commercial purposes. 

Further I will conduct my operations in compliance with the protocols described herein or as otherwise 

established by the FAA.

For the reasons stated below I respectfully request the grant of an exemption allowing me to operate ultra 

lightweight, remote controlled UAS’s for academic community awareness, highlight enhances with local 

search and rescue efforts, general aerial photography, and to enhance utility inspections, all of which will 

promote local economic growth through increased employment and increased tax base. Both with public 

safety in mind by keeping heavier manned aircraft containing combustible fuel that that poses potential 

public hazard. 

• Contact Information: 

James C. McCoy

2729 Meadow Green

Bedford, TX 76021

Mobile: (940) 600-8212

Email: Jay_mccoy44@yahoo.com 

• The Specific Sections of Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations From Which 

James C. McCoy Requests Exemption are: 

• 14 CFR 21; 

• 14 C.F.R. 45.23(b);

• 14 CFR 61.113 (a) & (b);

• 14 C.F.R. 91.7 (a); 14 C.F.R. 91.9 (b) (2);

• 14 C.F.R. 91.103;
• 14 C.F.R. 91.109;

• 14 C.F.R. 91.119;

• 14 C.F.R. 91.121;

• 14 C.F.R. 91.151 (a);

• 14 C.F.R. 91.203 (a) & (b);

• 14 C.F.R. 91.405 (a);

• 14 CFR 407 (a) (1);

• 14 CFR 409 (a) (2);

• and, 14 CFR 417 (a) & (b).

• The Extent of relief James C. McCoy seeks and the Reason He Seeks Such Relief:

I, James C. McCoy, submit this application in accordance with the Reform Act, 112 P.L. 

95 §§ 331334, seeking relief from any currently applicable FARs operating to prevent 

me, James C. McCoy, contemplated commercial cinematic, inspectiom and other flight 

operations within the national airspace system. The Reform Act in Section 332 provides 

for such integration of civil unmanned aircraft systems into our national airspace system 

as it is in the public’s interest to do so. My ultra light weight UAS meets the definition of 

“small unmanned aircraft” as defined in Section 331 and therefore the integration of my 

ultra light weight UAS is expressly contemplated by the Reform Act. I would like to 

operate my ultra lightweight UAS prior to the time period by which the Reform Act 

requires the FAA to promulgate rules governing such craft. Thereby, providing direct 

experience and valuable information for formal regulation that can be administered 

uniformly to all UAS aerial video and photography. The Reform Act guides the Secretary 

in determining the types of UASs that may operate safely in our national airspace system. 

Considerations include: The weight, size, speed and overall capabilities of the UAS's; 

Whether the UAS will be operated near airports or heavily populated areas; and, Whether 

the UAS will be operated by line of sight. 112 P.L. 95 § 333 (a). Each of these items 

reflect in favor of an exemption for me, James C. McCoy. My UAS utilizes four (4) 

counter rotating propellers for balance, control and stability. My UAS is equipped with 

GPS and auto return safety technology. Weighing less than seven (3) pounds (far below 

the maximum 55 pound limit); including camera with gimbal. 

I consider safety as foremost with each flight. My small unmanned aircraft is designed to 

hover in place via GPS and operate in less than a 10 m/s wind knot (approx 22 mph) 

wind. For safety, stability and fear of financial loss I will not fly in winds exceeding 7 
m/s (15 mph). Built in safety systems include a GPS mode that allows my UAS to hover 

in place when radio controls are lost. With three modes to choose from, I utilize the 

Positioning Mode for aerial videography/photography. This is the safest, most reliable 

and stable mode to prevent accident and hazard. When pilot communication is lost UAS 

is designed slowly descend to point of takeoff , or near the control transmitter when 

utilizing Dynamic Mode. I do not operate my UAS near airports, Hospitals nor Police 

heliports, and do not operate near areas where general public is within fifty to one 

hundred (50-100) yards depending on location, conditions and weather. I am constantly 

on alert for any manned aircraft (Police/Medical helicopters, etc.) and prepared to 

land/abort immediately to the nearest and safest ground point should a manned aircraft 

approach my location or I suspect manned aircraft may approach near my location. My 

UAS is capable of vertical and horizontal operations, and are flown only within my line 

of sight, as the remote control pilot. Utilizing battery power rather than combustible fuels, 

flights generally last between eight (8) to twelve (12) minutes, with an altitude under two 

hundred fifty (250) feet. 

I utilize a fresh fully charged battery with each flight as a safety precaution; full flight 

time limit for each battery is eighteen (18) to twenty-two (22) minutes as tested. I do not 

operate my UAS at or below manufacture recommend minimum charge levels for 

operation; preferring to remain well within a safe operating range to insure adequate 

communication between radio control and UAS to eliminate potential for crash, loss of 

control or hazard. Reserve batteries are at hand with each exercise to insure replacement 

for sufficient safe level of operation. I do not believe in taking risk that may cause a 

crash, that could create hazard to the public/property/manned aircraft, and have no desire 

to lose an investment. I have clocked numerous practice flights in remote areas as a 

hobbyist simulating flights for future commercial use to gain familiarization with the 

characteristics of this specific UAS's performance under different temperature and 

weather conditions. I also practice computerized simulated flights to maintain adequate 

skills and response reflex time. All for the sake of safety. 

I am extremely cautious when operating of my UAS/ultra lightweight unmanned aircraft 

and will not “create a hazard to users of the national airspace system or the public.” 112 

P.L. 95 § 333 (b). Given the small size and weight of my UAS it falls well within 

Congress’s contemplated safety zone when it promulgated the Reform Act and the 

corresponding directive to integrate UAS's into the national 3 Positing Mode includes 

GPS, Vision Positioning Sensors, and Barometer for position hold, self leveling, altitude 

command, GPS, return home and dynamic return to home feature, and safety control to 

return home or land in the event of communication interruption between RC transmitter 

and UAS. See “Flight Mode” in DJI Phantom 3 User airspace system. My UAS, the DJI 

Phantom 3, used in hobby flight, has a demonstrable safety record and does not pose any 

threat to the general public or national security. 
• How James C. McCoy's Request Will Benefit the Public As A Whole: 

Aerial videography for geographical awareness, search and rescue, and utility inspection 

has been around for a long time through manned fixed wing aircraft and helicopters. For 

small munincipal budgets and average homeowners the expense of such aerial 

videography is cost prohibitive. Only large companies and affluant communities can 

afford to absorb such expense, depriving average homeowners and lower budget 

municipalities from a valuable tool. 

The public’s interest is additionally furthered by allowing small businesses in the tourism 

industry to afford the currently cost prohibitive aerial photography used by large 

international corporations. 

Congress has already proclaimed that it is in the public’s interest to integrate 

commercially flown UAS's into the national airspace system, hence the passing of the 

Reform Act. Granting my exemption request furthers the public interest through 

academic/visual awareness of the geographical benefits in and around the State of Texas. 

My ultra light weight UAS is battery powered and creates no emissions that can harm the 

environment. The consequence of my ultra light weight UAS crashing is far less than a 

full size helicopter or fixed wing aircraft; which are heavy, contain combustible fuel and 

can cause catastrophic devastation to the public. Manned aircraft can pose a threat to the 

public through potential catastrophic crash that many local communities have 

experienced in the past with military aircraft and medical/police helicopter crashes. These 

have resulted in a loss of life and endangered the public with combustible fuel that 

burned on impact. My UAS poses no such threat since size and lack of combustible fuel 

alleviates any potential threat to the public. Additionally, this actually furthers the 

public’s interest by making it safer for business to conduct aerial photography 

videography without such risks. The public’s interest is furthered by minimizing 

ecological and crash threat by permitting aerial video/photo capture through my battery 

operated ultra light weight UAS's. Permitting me to immediately fly within national air 

space furthers economic growth. Granting my exemption request substantially furthers 

the economic impact within the State of Texas for companies looking to relocate or build 

in Texas as well as individuals looking to relocate for career advancement through 

academic and geographical awareness. Both of which serve as a stimulus to the 

community. 
• Reasons Why James C. McCoy's Exemption Will Not Adversely Affect Safety Or 

How The Exemption Will Provide a Level of Safety At Least Equal To Existing 

Rule:

My exemption will not adversely affect safety. Quite the contrary, for the reasons stated 

permitting me to log more flight time in FAA controlled airspace, with communication 

with the FAA, will allow me to contribute to the innovation and implementation of new 

and novel, as of yet undiscovered safety protocols for development in cooperation with 

the FAA. In addition I submit the following representations of enhancements to current 

aerial videography and photography: 

A. My UAS weighs less than 3 pounds complete with a small ultra light weight 

high quality camera; 

B. I only operate my UAS below 300 feet (well within the 400 foot permissible 

ceiling set by the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012); 

C. My UAS only operates for 1822 minutes per flight; 

D. I land my UAS prior to 20% Battery Remaining; 

E. I pilot my UAS through remote control only by line of sight; 

F. I pilot my UAS only with a visual observer; 

G. My UAS has Failsafe RTH , a flight safety feature whereby it hovers and then 

slowly lands if communication with the remote control pilot is lost for 3 

seconds; 

H. My UAS has GPS and a Vision Positioning System utilizing two sonar 

sensors and one monocular camera for positioning and to identify the current 

aircraft’s position; 

I. My UAS has a flight recorder and I actively analyze flight data and other 

sources of information to constantly update and enhance safety

J. I only operate in reasonably safe environment that are strictly controlled, are 

away from power lines, elevated lights, airports and actively populated areas; 

K. I conduct extensive preflight inspections and protocol per the Phantom 3 User 

Manual; 

L. I always obtain all necessary permissions prior to operation; 
M. I immediately abort flights in the event of potential danger; 

N. I only operate my UAS well within “flight environment requirements” & 

visual meteorological conditions (VMC) 

O. I follow the UAS manufacturer’s aircraft/component, maintenance; overhaul, 

replacement, inspection, and life limit requirements. 

P. The operating documents/manual will be accessible during UAS operations 

and made available upon request. 

My safety protocols provide a level of safety equal to or exceeding existing 6 rules. It is 

important to note that absent the integration of commercial UAS into our national 

airspace system, helicopters are the primary means of aerial video and photography for 

community awareness, real estate, and marketing purposes. While the safety record of 

such helicopters is remarkably astounding, there have been incidents involving loss of 

life as well as extensive property damage; it is far safer to operate a battery powered ultra 

light weight UAS. 

● First, the potential loss of life is diminished because UAS's carry no people on 

board and I only operate my UAS in specific areas away from mass populations. 

● Second, there is no fuel on board a UAS and thus the potential for fire or 

explosions is greatly diminished. 

● Third, the small size and extreme maneuverability of my UAS allow me to 

remotely pilot away from and avoid hazards quickly and safely. 

● Fourth, given its small size and weight, even when close enough to capture 

amazing images, my UAS need not be so close to the objects they are focused on 

through the technology and use of post editing software allowing pan and zoom. 

Accordingly, my UAS has been experimentally operated for familiarization competency 

and will continue to operate at and above current safety levels. 

• A Summary The FAA May Publish in the Federal Register:

• 14 C.F.R. 21 and 14 C.F.R. 91: Airworthiness Certificates, Manuals and The 

Like. 
14 C.F.R. 21, Subpart H, entitled Airworthiness Certificates, sets forth 

requirements for procurement of necessary airworthiness certificates in relation 

to FAR § 91.203(a)(1). The size, weight and enclosed operational area of my 

UAS permits exemption from Part 21 because my UAS meets (and exceeds) an 

equivalent level of safety pursuant to Section 333 of the Reform Act. The FAA is 

authorized to exempt aircraft from the airworthiness certificate requirement 

under both the Act (49 U.S.C. § 44701 (f)) and Section 333 of the Reform Act. 

Both pieces of legislation permit the FAA to exempt UAS's from the 

airworthiness certificate requirement in consideration of the weight, size, speed, 

maneuverability and proximity to areas such as airports and dense populations. 

My current and projected UAS's meet or exceed each of the elements. 

14 C.F.R. 91.7(a) prohibits the operation of an aircraft without an airworthiness 

certificate. As no such certificate will be applicable in the form contemplated by 

the FARs, this Regulation is inapplicable. 

14 C.F.R. § 91.9 (b) (2) requires an aircraft flight manual in the aircraft. As there 

are no on board pilots or passengers, and given the size of the UAS's, this 

Regulation is inapplicable. An equivalent level of safety will be achieved by 

maintaining a safety/flight manual delineating areas of where safety can be 

defined. 10 The FAA has previously issued exemptions to this regulation in 

Exemption Nos. 8607, 8737, 8738, 9299, 9299A, 9565, 9565B, 10167, 10167A, 

10602, 10700 and 32827. 

14 C.F.R. § 91.121 regarding altimeter settings is inapplicable in so far as my 

UAS utilizes electronic global positioning systems with a barometric sensor. 

14 C.F.R. § 91.203 (a) and (b) provides for the carrying of civil aircraft 

certifications and registrations. They are inapplicable for the same reasons 

described above. 

• 14 C.F.R. § 45.23: Marking of The Aircraft 

Applicable Codes of Federal Regulation require aircraft to be marked according 

to certain specifications. My UAS are, by definition, unmanned. They therefore 

do not have a cabin, cockpit or pilot station on which to mark certain words or 

phrases. Further, twoinch lettering is difficult to place on such small aircraft with 

dimensions smaller that minimal lettering requirement. The FAA has previously 

issued exemptions to this regulation through Exemptions Nos. 8738, 10167, 

10167A and 10700. 

• 14 C.F.R. § 61.113: Private Pilot Privileges and Limitations: PIC. 
Pursuant to 14 C.F.R. §§ 61.113 (a) & (b), private pilots are limited to 

noncommercial operations. I, James C. McCoy, can achieve an equivalent level 

of safety as achieved by current Regulations because my UAS does not carry any 

pilots or passengers. The risks attended to the operation of my UAS is far less 

than the risk levels inherent in the commercial activities outlined in 14 C.F.R. § 

61, et seq. Regarding UAS operational training, I have flown numerous practice 

flights in remote areas as a hobbyist simulating flights for future commercial use 

to gain familiarization with the characteristics of his UAS’ performance under 

different temperature and weather conditions. I further states that I practice 

computerized simulated flights daily to maintain adequate skills and response 

reflex time. In a supplemental request to the FAA, I request consideration of a 

120 day temporary airman certificate in accordance with § 63.13, to allow myself 

time to obtain a private pilot certificate or to allow the FAA time to establish 

minimum UAS airman certification standards.Thus, allowing me to operate my 

UAS meet and exceed current safety levels in relation to 14 C.F.R. §61.113 (a) & 

(b). In addition, Grant of Exemption No. 11062 to Astraeus Aerial (Astraeus), the 

FAA determined that a PIC with a private pilot certificate operating the Astraeus 

UAS would not adversely affect operations in the NAS or present a hazard to 

persons or property on the ground.

• 14 C.F.R. 91.119: Minimum Safe Altitudes. 

14 C.F.R. § 91.119 prescribes safe altitudes for the operation of civil aircraft. It 

allows helicopters to be operated at lower altitudes in certain conditions. My 

UAS will never operate at an altitude greater than 300 AGL; safely below the 

standard of 400 AGL. I will however operate my UAS in safe areas away from 

public and traffic, providing a level of safety at least equivalent to or below those 

in relation to minimum safe altitudes. Given the size, weight, maneuverability 

and speed of my UAS, an equivalent or higher level of safety will be achieved. 

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

Inspections. 

“The above-cited Regulations require, amongst other things, aircraft owners and 

operators to “have [the] 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. . 

. .”

These Regulations only apply to aircraft with an airworthiness certificate. They 

will not, therefore, apply to my UAS. However, as a safety precaution I inspect 
my UAS before and after each flight and maintained per the manufacturer’s 

aircraft/component, maintenance, overhaul, replacement, inspection, and life 

limit requirements. In summary, James C. McCoy seeks an exemption from the 

following Regulations: 14 C.F.R. 21, subpart H; 14 C.F.R. 45.23(b); 14 C.F.R. 

§§ 61.113 (a) & (b); 14 C.F.R. § 91.7 (a); 14 C.F.R. § 91.9 (b)(2); 14 C.F.R. § 

91.103(b); 14 C.F.R. § 91.109; 14 C.F.R. § 91.119; 14 C.F.R. § 91.121; 14 

C.F.R. § 91.151(a); 14 C.F.R. §§ 91.203(a) and (b); 14 C.F.R. § 91.405 (a); 14 

C.F.R. § 91.407 (a)(1); 14 C.F.R. § 91.409 (a)(2); 14 C.F.R. § 91.409 (a ) (2); 

and, 14 C.F.R. §§ 91.417 (a) & (b) to commercially operate my lightweight 

unmanned aircraft system for aerial photography/Inspection/ included but not 

limited to the following; Business Operations: over land, waterways, and oceans; 

operation over/in nonrestricted National Parks, National Forests, flight in 

nonnavigable airspace, using nonintrusive recording devices, operation in 

otherwise unrestricted U.S. States/Territories for aerial 

videography/cinematography for commercial operation and to enhance academic 

community awareness for those individuals and companies unfamiliar with the 

geographical layout of such areas. Currently, area awareness and real estate aerial 

videography/photography relies primarily on the use of larger aircraft running on 

combustible fuel, posing potential risk to the public. Granting my request for 

exemption will reduce current risk levels and thereby enhance safety. My UAS 

does not contain potentially explosive fuel, is smaller, lighter and more 

maneuverable than conventional photographic aircraft with much less flight time. 

Further, I operate at lower altitudes and in controlled airspace eliminating 

potential public risk flying to and from established airfields. I have been 

analyzing flight information and will compile safety protocols and the 

implementation of a flight operations manual that exceeds currently accepted 

means and methods for safe flight. Formal collection of information shared with 

the FAA will enhance the FAA's internal efforts to establish protocols for 

complying with the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012. There are no 

personnel on board my UAS and therefore the likelihood of death or serious 

bodily injury is significantly diminished. The operation of my UAS, weighing 

less than 7 pounds and travelling at lower speeds within limited areas will 

provide an equivalent level of safety as that achieved under current FARs. 

Accordingly I respectfully request that the FAA grant my exemption request and 

am willing to cooperate in sharing information to benefit the FAA, safety of 

manned aircraft, and the general public large. 

Respectfully Submitted, 

James C. Mccoy

UAS# FA333RX74C

AMA# 954705
2729 Meadow Green

Bedford, TX 76021

Mobile: (940) 600-8212

Email: Jay_mccoy44@yahoo.com