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Petition for Exemption 14 CFR 

### § 11.81 -Exemption Petition under§ 333 

### 1. Yourname and mailing address. You may includeothercontact information such as afax number, telephone number, oremail address. Name: Dave von Fintel Address: 6326 Morningside Drive, Kansas City, Missouri 64113 Phone: (816) 868-8116 Email: dave@davevonfintel.com 

### 2. The specific section orsections of14 CFRfromwhichyou seek**an,J~:X:emption,** Petition for Exemption underSec 333. 

### 3, The extentofreliefyou seekand the reason you seekthe relief. Sec 333 prohibits the use of a UAS for commercial purposes. I am petitioning for an exemption to provide a commercial service to companies who wish to obtain and capture Aerial photos and videos for a variety of purposes including real estate 1 insurance property claims, infrastructure inspections and marketing. I would like to be able to accept paymentforthese services therefore making this a commercial use ofa UAS. 

### 4. 

### Howyour request**wou~d** 

### benefitthe public as awhole. My request benefits various industries by providing a safer, more economical and efficient solution to traditional challenges. I am an experienced, certified and fully insured 

### RC Pilot in command that t.tnderstands how to safely operate such technology. I also teach a class on UAS's to kids at an after school program_ This. allows me to educate people at a grassroots level about the risks of using a UAS and howto manage one responsibly while adhering to any guidelines and rules.


### 5. Reasonswhytheexemptionwould notadverselyaffectsafety, or howthe exemptionwould providea level ofsafety atleastequaltothe existing rule. l understand the importance of different uses and safety concerns regarding FAA regulated airspace. I would be a good candidate for exemption of Sec 333 while not putting Air Safety in any accelerated risk. The specific UAS (Phantom 2 & 3DR Solo) I am seeking exemption with are equipped with many safety and failsa·fe programs including geofencing not allowing me to fly within 5 miles of airports or elevating past 140ft Into the sky. My general knowledge ofthe aviation safety systems implemented by the FAA would be used to ensure that safety would not be affected by my operations. I would not be flying near disaster areas, national parks, sporting events, or high traffic areas including airports, and I would pay attention to NOTAMS, Furthermore, I always 'fly in GPS mode ensuring that the UAS will navigate to the exact location I dictate and in a controlled manner. Filming ·for cinematography means that all flight is very steady and slow.
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6. Iintendtofollowthesesuggested safety regulations.

• Always keep aircraft in sight and under control. • Always keep people and pets at least 35 feet (1 0 meters) away when the battery is connected. • Keep children out ofthe vicinity O'fthis product at all times. • Always use fully charged batteries. • Always keep transmitter powered onwhile aircraft is powered. • Always remove batteries before disassembly. • Always keep moving parts clean. • Always keep parts dry. • Always let parts cool a·fter use beforetouching. • Always remove batteries after use. • Always have 

### a first aid kit with you. • Always have an appropriatefire extinguisherwith you. • Never operate aircraftwith damaged wiring. · • Nevertouch moving parts. 

### 7. Asummarywecan publish in the Federal Register Federal Register. I, Dave von Fintel, am seeking an exemption ofthe FANs Sec 333 rules that does not allowthe use ofan Unmanned Aircraftto be used for Commercial purposes in regards to NationalAirspace Safety. 

### I am petitioning for an exemption to provide a commercial service to companies who wish to .obtain and capture Aerial photos and videos for 

### a variety of purposes including real estate, insurance property claims, infrastrLicture inspections and marketing. 

### Iwould like to beable to accept payment·forthese services therefore making this 

### a commercial use of a UAS. Being an a certified RC Pilot and therefore understanding the importance of different uses and safety concerns regarding FAA regulated airspace, I would be a good candidate for exemption of Sec 333 while not putting Air Safety in any accelerated risk. The specific UAS I am seeking exemption with are equipped with many safety programs, Including SAFE technology and GPS navigating. When flying for this commercial purpose I would be 'flying at 

### a maximum altitude of

### 40 meters and flying mostly vertically for the purposes oftaking

· photos, decreasing the ·rlsk of any interference. My general knowledge ofthe aviation

safety systems implemented by the FAA WOLlld be used to enSLire that safety would not be affected by niy operations. I would not be flying near disaster areas, sporting events, or high traffic areas including airports, and I would pay attention to NOTAMS. 

### Iappreciatethe FAA's consideration ofthis petition forexemption. · 

### 8. Anyadditional information,views, or

### argumentsavailable to

### supportyour request. I am fully aware of the preflight safety checks and procedures implicated in the operation manual for my UAS platforms and intend to implement preflight safety checks and utilize the-safety technology provided with these units. I intend 

### to onlyfly in

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non-populated, residential or rural areas and stay clear ofall utility lines etc. I intend to be fully aware of my surroundings at all times and to only fly the unmanned sircraft within a visual line of sight and only in Visual Flight Conditions. Being that I teach a class on "Drones" to kids at an afterschool program, it would allow them to see that following proper guidelines is very important and give me more credibility. I'm also an active member of DroneU, an organization that keeps its members current on all things drone and provides frequent drone skills classes allowing us to become better and safer pilots. Finally, I'm a fully insured UAS pilot. This is something nat attained without proof of proper skill and training. I understand and will comply with all the health and safety regulations for PIC's and will be the only operator under this exemption. 9, General Safety Precautions and Warnings I intend to follow.

. . 

### •Always keep a safe distance in all directions around your model to avoid collisions or injury. This model is controlled by a radio signal subjectto interference · from many sources outsideyour control. Interference can cause momentary loss ofcontroL • Always operate your model in open spaces.awayfrom full-size vehicles, traffic and people. • Always carefullyfollowthe directions and wsrnings forthis and any optional support equipment (chargers, rechargeable battery packs, etc.). • Always keep all chemicals, small parts and anything electrical out ofthe reach of children. • Always avoid waterexposureto all equipment notspecifically designed and protected forthis purpose. Moisturecauses damageto electronics. · • Never place any portion ofthe model in your mouth as it could cause serious injuryoreven death. • Neveroperate your model with lowtransmitter batteries. •Always keep aircraft in sight and under control. •Always movethe throttle fully down at rotor strike. • Always use fully charged batteries. • Always keep transmitter powered on while aircraft is powered. • Always remove batteries before disassembly •Always keep moving parts clean. • Always keep parts dry. •Always let parts cool after use before touching. •Always remove batteries after use. • Never operate aircraftwith damaged wiring. • Nevertouch moving parts. •Always fly in good weather (no rainj no fog, no high winds, only daytime) 1

O.lfyou wantto exercise the privileges ofyourexemption outsidethe United
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States, you muststatethe reason. I have no intention ofoperating outside ofthe United States.



### 11.Additional Comments tosupport my application. Regarding the Unmanned AircraftSystem 12.Petitioners should describe how the proposed UAS operation 

### will be**s~fely** 

### conducted to minimize risk to the NAS or to persons and property on the ground, Specifically, petitioners should describethe design and operational characteristics for the type(s) of UAS they intend to operate, e.g. aircraft performance and pell'formance limitations, operating procedures, and aircraft loading information in as much detail as possible. This could be provided inthe petition or in an Aircraft FlightManual orsimilardocument.
I understand the importance of different uses and safety concerns regarding FAA regulated airspace. Iwould be a good candidate for exemption o'f Sec 333 while not putting Air Safety in any acceleratedrisk. The specific UA$ (Phantom 2 

### &30R Solo) I am seeking exemption with. are equipped with many safety and failsafe programs Including geofenclng not allowing me to fly within 5 miles of airports or elevating past 140 ft into the sky. My general knowledge ofthe aviation safety systems implemented by the FAA would be used to ensure that safety would not be affected by my operations. I would not be flying near disaster areas, national parks, sporting events, or high traffic areas including airports, and Iwould pay attention to NOTAMS. Further more, I always fly in GPS mode ensuring that the UAS will navigate to the exact location I dictate and in a controlled manner. Filming for cinematography means that all flight is very steady and slow. I fly a DJI Phantom 2 and 3DR Solo. They're equipped with a gimbal and GoPro camera. Both my UAS plat·forms are quad copters weighing under 51bs. They're diagonal measurement is under 2ft. Both have a number of safety features. They fly only after at least 6 satellite signals are locked in on which keeps the drones in the exact location you determine, without dri'fting. I have a constant readout ofthe battery levels and voltage and 

### if the levels drop below 20% an alarm will alert me to start bringing it home. If, for some reason, Ifly longer and the battery levels reach 10%, the UAS will come home automatically. It is programmed to fly to 60ft, avoiding any obstacles, in this fail safe mode, then return to the starting position and land safely. The UAS are have a max speed of 1Omph. The status lights on the plane signal in a certain color code to let me know ifthere's something not normal. I always fly keeping the UAS in line of sight. I also have prop guards to avoid any harm to person or property. 

### Iwear a safety vest when flying so people are aware ofwho's operating the UAS. I always ask property owners and local security for permission to fly before doing so. My drones are equipped with upgraded, stronger motors and transmitters to keep it steady if a sudden wind gust should occur and eliminate any potential
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interference. I have telemetry data sent to my screen on my controller so I'm always aware of the exact position, height, speed, battery levels, etc. I'm operating with a hlgh end multi-spectrum controller (Futaba SG14) which gives me a more secure connection to the UAS and allows me to setup specific alerts for timing myflights and keeping them under 15 minutes, well in advance ofany battery drainage. 

### 13.Petitionersshould describeanyprocedures theywould implement, such as pre
...flight inspections, maintenance, and repair, to ensurethatthe UAS is in a condition forsafeflight. This could be provided in the petition, an ·Aircraft FlightManual, a Maintenance and Inspection Manual, orsimilar document.

Prior to any flight I ensure all battery levels are at a maximum level. I Inspect the UAS for cracks or abnormalities in the frame and components. At the flight location I go through a detailed pre-flight checklist, which I have printed out and with me. Amongst other items, 

### I ensure I'm not in a no-fly zone referenced with a pre-flight app on my phone. I ensure the weather is ideal, wind under'12mph, no rainj snow orfog. Inspect that nothing is In the way to obstruct a safe flight and transmission like power lines, buildings and people/pets. I wear a safety vest so anyone knows that I'm operating a UAS. I ensure that I have permission ·from local security and property owners ahead of my flight and always fly in daylight.


### 14.The petitionershould describe the Radio Frequency (RF) spectrum used for control of the UAS 

### and associated equipment that is part of the UAS**(i.e.~** 

### sensors, cameras, etc,), and whether it 

### complies with Federal Communications Commission (FCC) or other appropriate government

. oversightagency requirements.
All equipment complies with the Federal Communications Commission. The UAS's operate on a 2.4GHz Band. Thetelemetry data and image from the GoPro is sentvia a 5.8GHz Band using a Flysight Black Mamba transmitter.



### 15.Petitionersshould describethe qualifications required ofany PIC(s) who

### will be directly responsible for the operation of the UAS, 

### including information such as: the level of airman certificate held; any applicable training related to the operation; and any minimum hours of flightexperience required by the**PIC(s)~** 

### both total flight time and the time with the particular UAS. Ifthe operation would use visual observers, petitioners should describe their roles and qualifications.

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I'm an active member of the DroneU which is a club dedicated to the safe use of a UAS. Part ofthat membership requires its members

## to pass flighttest both fortraining and ensuring competence in flying a quad copter in a controlled and safe manner. We stay up to date on al! regulations from local government to 

### FAA. I have over 

### 200 sorties under my belt and am flying almost daily. Total flight time equals almost

### 4000 total hours. Itake regular CPR classes. My proficiency in flying has qualified meto be ·fully insured fordamageto myequipment and property/liability. 

## 16.Petitioners should describe the medical standards and certification of the PIC(s) directly respon$ibleforthe operation ofthe UAS.
Itake a an p.nnual.CPR class and carry afirst aid kitwith mewhen flying.


### 17.Petitionersshould fully describetheir intended UAS 

### operation(s). Petitioners should describe how the proposed operation(s) would not adversely affect safety, or howtheywould provide a level ofsafetyat leastequivalentto that provided by the rule from which exemption is sought. Petitioners should address any plans to implement clearly defined operational borders and procedures to ensure public safety, which includes persons and property both in the airand onthe ground. This can be described in the petition, in an Operations Manual, orsimilar document. 

### I am petitioning for an exemption to provide 

### a commercial service to companies who wish to obtain and capture Aerial photos and videos for a variety ofpurposes including real estate, insurance property claims, infrastructure inspections and marketing. My service would decrease. any risk to life and property for uses where 

### I can directly replace people 

### in a helicopter, airplane, cherry picker or ladder trying to accomplish the same task. There are numerous reports on the number of accidents and even deaths resulting from people in those situations. The responsible use of a UAS takes the risk for 

### ]i·fe and property out of the equation. My safety measures outlined above describe a meticulous pre-flight check as well as many safety features once the UAS is in the air. 

### 18.Petitioners should specify the proposed maximum operating speed and altitude, and describe minimum flightvisibilityand distancefrom clouds for their intended operation(s). Petitioners should describe potential hazards and safety mitigations associated with these proposed conditions. These issues can be addressed in the petition, an Operations Manual 1 

### or similar document.
Maximum operating speed is 15mph. Maximum ascent and descentspeed is 1Omph. Maximum altitude ofoperation is 1OOft. Idon 1t fly in bad weather, which includes fog or
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low clouds. I ensure that the UAS is always in line of sight ·for any of myflights. Wind speed has to be ator below 12mph.


### 19.Petitioners should 

### describe the characteristics 

### of the area 

### of intended operation(s) and the associated potential hazards, in accordancewith the statutory 

### mandate under Section 333! regarding 

### proximity to populated areas. These 

### issues can 

### be addressed in 

### the petition, 

### an Operations Manual! or

### similardocument.

I plan to use the 

### UAS for 

### a variety of industries including real estate, insurance property claims, infrastructure. inspections and marketing. The area of intended operations therefore is quite varied for the different uses. Some areas might involve shooting on a closed studio set for a production company. Others include still photos of company buildings or surveying a country road in preparation ·for asphalt or inspecting wind turbines. In all cases, Iensurethat my operations are in a regulated environment with little to no peopl.e. The weather has to be good and everyone) including local authorities, are aware ofmyoperations. 

### 20, Petitioners should describe 

### ifthey,intend to operate in 

### the proximityof any airports! 

### in accordancewith the

### statutory mandate under Section 333 regarding 

### proximityto 

### airports.
I will not operate in any no-fly zonesj including airports, national parks, military bases, stadiums 

### or other highly populated areas. I'll adhere to the FAA regulations and online maps outlining the safe perimeteraround some ofthose areas.
21.The UAS must be 

### operated within visual line-of-sight (VLOS), 

### in accordancewith the 

### statutory mandate under Section 333(b)(1). Petitioners 

### should describe howthey intend to complywith 

### his mandate. Ialways operate a UAS using visual line ofsight. I have a monitorto frame myshots but the UAS is always at a location where I can distinctly see it, its status lights and which way it's pointing.



### 22.Petitioners 

### should describe any 

### procedures they would implement 

### for conducting a preflightsafety risk 

### assessmentto determine

### thatthe UAS is in a condition 

### for safe flight (14 CFR 

### § 91,7(b)) 

### and that the planned operation 

### can be completed safely. These procedures 

### can be addressed in the petition, 

### an Aircraft Flight Manual! Operations Manual, or similar 

### document.

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ENVIRONMENTAL

..checkfor people, animals, property in theflight vicinity. •Notify any bystanders or nearby property owner ofyour intentions. •Ifflying FPV, discussflight plan with your check-pilot. •l'fflying in controlled airspace, notify airspace authority ofyour intentions. •FirstAid 

### I Safety Kit on hand, stocked, readily accessible, and visible to anyone in the area

HARDWARE 

### I EQUIPMENT •Cracks (especially in high stress areas likejoints). VISUALLY INSPECTTHE AIRFRAME:

. •Loose ordamaged screws 

### Ifasteners 

### I bands 

### I straps 

### Ities

•Loose ordamaged wiring. •Loose ordamaged connections (solder, plugs, etc). •Inspect prop mounts & screws & applyslight counter pressure on armsto checkfor loosened construction. · •For FPV, inspect/clean FPVand/or Gopro camera lens and ensurethat cameras are secured. •Battery/batteries 'fully charged> properly seated & secured. •Remove props and testfail-safe behavior (ifapplicable)_ •Props are smooth and free ofdamage/defect (check blade, surface, & hub). •Tighten prop adapters (careful not to overtighten which maydamage prop). •Ensure voltage alarm is connected.

. •Ensure arming/idletimeout is properly configured**(6~15** seconds is generally acceptable). ·Checkwhetherthe right model 

### is selected in thetransmitter (ifapplicable). •Check your RC transmittershows the right range and centering forall sticks. •Ifdesired, performrange test**PRE~FLIGHT** •Batteries charged 

### &secured. POWER UP/PRETAKEOFF •Position quad in a level, safe location fortakeoff. •For FPV, power up ground station, video receiver, goggles, etc. •If using onboard video recorder (i.e., Gopro); turn on camera_ •All transmitter controls movefreely in all direCtions.· •All transmittertrims in its neutral position. •All transmittersvvitches in correct position (typically away). •Transmitterthrottle to zero. ·Radiotransmitteron. •Connect/poweron battery to airframe. •Ensure led indicators & audible tones are all correct •Timeron (ifapplicable).


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•For FPV, checkvideo in goggles. •Scan for nearby people oranimals. •Stand clear
- audibly, loudly announce the word 11

### CLEAR!" •Arm flight controller. •Increase throttle slightly listening for any abnormalities. •Short 20-30 second hover at3-5 feet (listen for anyweird vibrations or anything that sounds loose).

23.1f petitioners intend to conduct ·operations which have existing requirements to notify Flight Standards District Offices (FSDOs) prior to operations -such as motion picture and television filmingj or pipeline and powerline patrol
- petitioners should describe their intended coordination in this regard for their proposed operation(s). If

### confronted with this situation, I'd 

### call the FSDO 

### offices and ask 'for permission to 

### conduct ourflight In other situations, Ialways contactthe local authorities and 

### property owners to get permission to fly. An exact plan is outlined to the specific authorities asto our intended ·flight path.
*End ofAdditional Comments to supportthe application o'f Dave Von Fintel.

Submittedthis zgth day ofSeptember, ?015, to Docket Operations: (202) 493w225:J. (fax).
/s/ David von 

### Fintel

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