August 20, 2015

Exemption No. 12544

Regulatory Docket No. FAA−2015-2335

Mr. Thomas Morton and Ms. Caitlin Morton

Windtrap Digital Media, LLC

14564 Coles Creek Road

Atlantic Mine, MI 49905

Dear Mr. Morton and Ms. Morton:

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.

By letter dated May 29, 2015, you petitioned the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on 

behalf of Windtrap Digital Media, LLC (hereinafter petitioner or operator) for an exemption. 

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

photography and video, inspection, surveying, search and rescue, and training1.

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.

 

1 The petitioner also requested authority to conduct UAS training. At this time, the FAA is unable to authorize 

UAS operations for training until a further assessment is completed. When the FAA completes its review, we 

will proceed accordingly and no further action will be required by the petitioner. However, the petitioner is 

permitted to train its own pilot in commands and visual observers in accordance with condition no. 14 and the 

other conditions and limitations in this exemption.
2

Airworthiness Certification

The UAS proposed by the petitioner are the DJI Phantom 3, DJI Inspire 1, 3D Robotics Iris 

Plus, and 3D Robotics Solo.

The petitioner requested relief from 14 CFR part 21, Certification procedures for products 

and parts, Subpart H—Airworthiness Certificates. 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 requested 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 collection2. 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.

 

2 Aerial data collection includes any remote sensing and measuring by an instrument(s) aboard the UA. 

Examples include imagery (photography, video, infrared, etc.), electronic measurement (precision surveying, RF 

analysis, etc.), chemical measurement (particulate measurement, etc.), or any other gathering of data by 

instruments aboard the UA.
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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, Windtrap Digital Media, 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 aerial data 

collection. This exemption is subject to the conditions and limitations listed below.

Conditions and Limitations

In this grant of exemption, Windtrap Digital Media, 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 3, 

DJI Inspire 1, 3D Robotics Iris Plus, and 3D Robotics Solo 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; 
4

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 

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.
5

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 

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.
6

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 

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. 
7

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 

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.
8

This exemption terminates on August 31, 2017, unless sooner superseded or rescinded.

Sincerely,

/s/

John S. Duncan

Director, Flight Standards Service

Enclosures
May 29, 2015

U.S. Department of Transportation 

Docket Management System 

1200 New Jersey Ave., 

SE Washington, DC 20590 

Re: Exemption Request under Section 333 of the FAA Reform Act and Part 11 of the Federal Aviation 

Regulations 

Dear Sir or Madam: 

Pursuant to Section 333 of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 (the “Reform Act”) and 14 

CFR Part 11, , Thomas and Caitlin Morton dba Windtrap Digital Media, LLC., operator of Unmanned 

Aircraft Systems (UASs), hereby applies for an exemption from the listed Federal Aviation Regulations 

(“FARs”) to allow commercial operation of its UASs, 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 Section 333.

Commercial operation of an UAS, as described herein, which are equipped with camera(s) and sensors, 

would operate in the following manner: 

- Aerial photography and/or video for public and/or private use including real estate, 

architecture, land surveying, engineering and other related professional activities. 

- Aerial video and/or photography for public and/or private use including television, public 

events, cinematography and news gathering. 

- Aerial inspection/photography of residential/commercial structures under contract with the 

owners or local government authority. 

- Aerial inspection/photography of residential/commercial utility infrastructure including but not 

limited to electrical power lines, wind turbines and cell towers. 

- Aerial video/photography or providing live video feed to assist with search and rescue 

operations in cases of an emergency or natural disaster only when the local authorities or 

government has requested it by contract or donation. 

- The ability to offer training to persons individually or belonging to both private and/or public 

organizations that have interests in the use and application of a UAS for the purpose of the safe 

operation of a UAS to enhance the safety of the National Airspace System (NAS) as well as for 

the protection of the persons and property. 

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

controlled conditions in the NAS that would be a) limited b) controlled c) predetermined and d) will 

provide safety enhancements to the already safe operations in the industry presently using conventional 

aircraft. 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.”
The name and address of the applicant is: 

Windtrap Digital Media, LLC

EIN: 47-4110546

Attn: Thomas Morton and Caitlin Morton, 

Phone: 989-573-2761

Email: windtrapdigital@gmail.com

Address: 14564 Coles Creek Rd, Atlantic Mine, MI 49905

The regulations from which the exemption is requested are as follows: 

14 C.F.R. Part 21; 

14 C.F.R. 45.23(b); 

14 C.F.R. 61.113(a) & (b); 

14 C.F.R. 61.133 (a);

14 C.F.R. 91.7(b); 

14 C.F.R. 91.9(b)(2); 

14 CFR 91.103;

14C.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 C.F.R. 91.407(a)(1); 

14 C.F.R. 91.409(a)(2};

14 C.F.R. 91.417(a) & (b). 

Equipment List

Windtrap Digital Media, LLC, seeks an exemption to legally operate the following UASs for compensation 

or hire: (Manuals available)

- DJI Phantom 3 Professional

o Total weight: 1280g 

o Diagonal Size (Including Propellers): 590mm

o Max Ascent Speed: 5 m/s

o Max Descent Speed: 3 m/s

o Under still air the maximum speed is about 16 m/s (about 36 mph)

o Max altitude above sea level: 6000 m

o Operating Temperature: 00C to 400C

o Max flight time: approximately 23 minutes

o GPS Mode: GPS/GLONASS
o The DJI Phantom 3 has the ability to hover and move along a vertical and horizontal 

plane simultaneously. 

o Four motors, four propellers

o Intelligent Flight Battery: PH3-4480 mAh-15.2 V, Lithium Polymer 4S battery. 

o The DJI Phantom 3 remote controller has an operating frequency of 2.400 GHz-2.483 

GHz including live video downlink and telemetry data.

o Maximum transmission distance: 2000m (outdoors and unobstructed)

o User Manual: http://download.djiinnovations.com/downloads/phantom_3/en/Phantom_3_Professional_User_Manual_v

1.0_en.pdf

- 3DR Iris Plus

o Total weight(with battery): 1282 g

o Dimensions: Height 100mm, Motor-to-motor 550mm

o Under still air the maximum speed is about 40mph (17.9 m/s)

o Max flight time: 16-22 minutes* (*depending on payload)

o Payload max capacity: 400g (.8 lbs)

o GPS Mode: 3DR uBlox GPS with compass (LEA-6H module, 5 Hz update)

o The 3DR Iris+ has the ability to hover and move along a vertical and horizontal plane 

simultaneously. 

o Four 950 kV motors, four 9.5 x 4.5 T-Motor multirotor self-tightening propellers 

o Intelligent Flight Battery: 3S 5.1 Ah 8C lithium polymer

o The 3DR Iris+ remote controller has an operating frequency of 915 mHz for telemetry, 

2.4 GHz for control.

o Maximum transmission distance: up to 1 km (.6 miles) (outdoors and unobstructed)

o User Manual: http://3drobotics.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/IRIS-Plus-OperationManual-vH-web.pdf

- DJI Inspire 1 (Model T600)

o Total weight (including battery): 2935g 

o Diagonal Size (Including Propellers): 559 to 581 mm

o Dimensions: 438x451x301 mm

o Max Ascent Speed: 5 m/s

o Max Descent Speed: 4 m/s

o Under still air the maximum speed is about 22 m/s (about 49 mph)

o Max altitude above sea level: 4500 m

o Operating Temperature: -100C to 400C

o Max flight time: approximately 18 minutes

o The DJI Inspire 1 has the ability to hover and move along a vertical and horizontal plane 

simultaneously. 

o Four DJI 3510 motors, four DJI 1345 propellers 

o Intelligent Flight Battery: LiPo 6S High voltage battery, model TB47, 4500mAh, 22.2 V

o The DJI Inspire C1 remote controller has an operating frequency of 5.725~5.825

GHz;2.400~2.483 GHz including live video downlink and telemetry data.

o Maximum transmission distance: 2000m (outdoors and unobstructed)
o User Manual: http://download.djiinnovations.com/downloads/inspire_1/en/Inspire_1_User_Manual_v1.2_en.pdf

- 3DR Solo

o Total weight(with battery): 3.3 lbs

o Dimensions: Height 10.2 in, Motor-to-motor 18.1 in

o Max Ascent Speed: 5 m/s (11 mph)

o Max Descent Speed: 2.5 m/s (5 mph)

o Under still air the maximum speed is about 55 mph (24.5 m/s)

o Max altitude: 400 ft

o Max altitude above sea level: 10,000 ft

o Operating Temperature: 320F to 1130F

o Max flight time: 25 minutes

o Payload max capacity: 1.1 lbs

o GPS Mode: 3DR uBlox GPS with compass (LEA-6H module, 5 Hz update)

o The 3DR Iris+ has the ability to hover and move along a vertical and horizontal plane 

simultaneously. 

o Four 880 kV motors, four 10 x 4.5in self-tightening propellers 

o Intelligent Flight Battery: lithium polymer, 5200 mAh, 14.8 Vdc

o The 3DR Solo remote controller has an operating frequency of 2.4 GHz for telemetry and

control.

o Maximum transmission distance: up to 2,500 ft (outdoors and unobstructed)

o User Manual Location: 

https://www.dropbox.com/s/8bpxea9a615otkk/Users%20Manual.pdf?dl=0

Given the small size of the UAS and the controlled environment provided the proposed operations will 

adhere to the Reform Act’s safety requirements. The approval of this application presents no national 

security issues. Regarding the level of safety surrounding the proposed operations and the public 

benefit, reduction in environmental impacts, including but not limited to reduced emissions and noise, 

the grant of the requested exemption is in the public interest. Accordingly the applicant requests that 

the FAA grant the requested exemption with minimum delay. 

AIRCRAFT AND EQUIVALENT LEVEL OF SAFETY

The operation limitations proposed for an equivalent or higher level of safety because operations will 

further enhance the safety of the persons and/or property using conventional aircraft. These limitations 

and conditions to which the applicant agrees to adhere to when conducting commercial operations 

under the FAA issued exemption as set forth in the Flight Operations Manual (FOM) include: 

 The UAS will weigh less than 55 lbs.

 The UAS will have a maximum operating speed of no more than 87 knots or 100mph, or the 

maximum airspeed recommended by the manufacturer (whichever is lowest).

 Flights will be operated within line of sight of the Pilot in Command (PIC) and/or Visual Observer 

(VO). 

 Maximum flight time for each operational flight will be 30 minutes. 

 Flights will be terminated at 20% battery power reserve or 30 minutes of flight time whichever 

occurs first. 
 Flights will be operated at an altitude of no more than 500 feet Above Ground Level (AGL) and 

not more than 200 feet above the highest point on the structure being filmed. 

 Minimum crew for each operation will consist of the UAS Pilot, the Visual Observer (VO) and 

may include but not limited to a Camera Operator. 

 The UAS pilot/operator will have been trained in operation of sUAS generally and received upto-date information on the particular sUAS to be operated.

 The UAS pilot/operator will have at least a class 2 medical certificate.

 If the PIC feels another operator to be qualified with the necessary skills to be PIC, that person 

may be designated PIC provided they have a minimum of 20 hours of flight time with the UAS. 

 A briefing will be performed regarding the planned UAS operations prior to each day’s flight 

consisting of all the days’ production activities. All flights will occur under Visual Flight Rules 

Meteorological Conditions (VFR) only. 

 The flights will occur no closer than a 5 mile radius of the geographic center/Airport Reference 

Point (ARP) of a tower controlled or uncontrolled airport. 

 If operations will be within a 5 mile radius of the geographic center/Airport Reference Point 

(ARP) of a tower controlled or uncontrolled airport the respective airports will be contacted 

advising them of the estimated flight time, flight duration, elevation of flight and other pertinent 

information. 

 The operator will obtain verbal/written consent of all persons involved with the planned 

operation and ensure that only consenting persons will be allowed within 100 feet of the flight 

operation, and the radius may be reduced to 30 feet based upon an equivalent level of safety 

determination, as required under the FOM. With the advanced permission of the FSDO, 

operations at closer range may be approved. 

 The PIC and VO will have been trained in operation of UAS and receive up-to-date information 

for the particular UAS to be operated. 

 The PIC and VO will be able to communicate by voice, radio, and/or text at all times. 

 Written and/or verbal permission and permits will be obtained from territorial, state, county or 

city jurisdictions, including law enforcement, fire or other appropriate governmental agencies. 

 If the UAS loses communications with the remote controller or loses GPS signal, the UAS will 

have the capability to return to a pre-determined location within a designated location and land 

autonomously. 

 The UAS will have the capability to abort a flight in case of unpredicted obstacles, weather, or

emergencies.

14 C.F.R. Part 21, Subpart H: Airworthiness Certificates 14 C.F.R. §91.203 (a) (1) 

The Federal Aviation Act (49 U.S.C.§44701 (f)) and Section 333 of the Reform Act both authorize the FAA 

to exempt aircraft from the requirement for an airworthiness certificate, upon consideration of the size, 

weight, speed, operational capability, and proximity to airports and populated areas of the particular 

UAS. In all cases, an analysis of these criteria demonstrates that the UAS operated without an 

airworthiness certificate, in the restricted environment and under the conditions proposed will be at 

least as safe, or safer, than a conventional aircraft (fixed wing or rotorcraft) operating with an 

airworthiness certificate without the restrictions and conditions proposed. The UAS to be operated 

hereunder is less than 55 lbs. fully loaded, carries neither a pilot nor passenger, carries no explosive 
materials or flammable liquid fuels, and operates exclusively within a secured and designated area. 

Unlike other civil aircraft, operations under this exemption will be tightly controlled and monitored by 

both the operator and under the requirements and in compliance with local public safety requirements. 

These safety enhancements provide a greater degree of safety to the public and property owners than 

conventional operations conducted with airworthiness certificates issued under 14 C.F.R. Part 21, 

Subpart H. Lastly, application of these same criteria demonstrates that there is no credible threat to 

national security posed by the UAS, due to its size, speed of operation, location of operation, lack of 

explosive materials or flammable liquid fuels, and inability to carry a substantial external load.

14 C.F.R. § 45.23 (b). Marking of the Aircraft

The regulation requires: 

When marks include only the Roman capital letter "N" and the registration number is displayed on 

limited, restricted or light-sport category aircraft or experimental or provisionally certificated aircraft, 

the operator must also display on that aircraft near each entrance to the cabin, cockpit, or pilot station, 

in letters not less than 2 inches nor more than 6 inches high, the words "limited," "restricted," "lightsport," "experimental," or "provisional," as applicable. Even though the UAS will have no airworthiness 

certificate, an exemption may be needed as the UAS will have no entrance to the cabin, cockpit or pilot 

station on which the word “Experimental” can be placed. Given the size of the UAS, two-inch lettering 

will be impossible. The word “Experimental” will be placed on the fuselage in compliance with §45.29 

(f). The equivalent level of safety will be provided by having the UAS marked on its fuselage as required 

by §45.29 (f) where the pilot, observer and others working with the UAS will see the identification of the 

UAS as “Experimental.”

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

Pursuant to 14 CFR 61.113 (a) & (b), no person who holds a private pilot certificate may act as a pilot in 

command of an aircraft that is carrying passengers or property for compensation or hire. The FAA has 

found in previous grants of exemption that a PIC with a private pilot certificate operating a sUAS would 

not adversely affect operations in the NAS or present a hazard to persons or property on the ground. 

Request relief with limitations and conditions specified in this petition.

14 C.F.R. § 61.133 (b): Commercial pilot privileges and limitations.

The FAA has found in previous grants of exemption that a PIC with a private pilot certificate operating a 

sUAS would not adversely affect operations in the NAS or present a hazard to persons or property on 

the ground. Request relief with limitations and conditions specified in this petition.

14 C.F.R. §91.7(a): Civil Aircraft Airworthiness.

The regulation requires that no person may operate a civil aircraft unless it is in airworthy condition. As 

there will be no airworthiness certificate issued for the aircraft, should this exemption be granted, no 

FAA regulatory standard will exist for determining airworthiness. Given the size of the aircraft for 

maintenance and use of safety check lists prior to each flight an equivalent level of safety will be 

provided.
14 C.F.R. § 91.9 (b) (2): Civil Aircraft Flight Manual in the Aircraft. 

Section 91.9 (b) (2) provides: No person may operate a U.S.-registered civil aircraft ... (2) For which an 

Airplane or Rotorcraft Flight Manual is not required by §21.5 of this chapter, unless there is available in 

the aircraft a current approved airplane or Rotorcraft Flight Manual, approved manual material, 

markings, and placards, or any combination thereof. The UAS, given its size and configuration has no 

ability or place to carry such a flight manual on the aircraft, not only because there is no pilot on board, 

but because there is no room or capacity to carry such an item on the aircraft. The equivalent level of 

safety will be maintained by keeping the flight manual at the ground control point where the pilot flying 

the UAS will have immediate access to it.

14 C.F.R. § 91.103: Preflight Action.

This regulation requires each pilot in command to take certain actions before flight to insure the safety 

of flight. As FAA approved rotorcraft flight manuals will not be provided for the aircraft an exemption 

will be needed. The PIC will take all actions as stated in the FOM in Section 4 under Normal Procedures 

including but not limited to reviewing weather, flight battery requirements, landing and takeoff 

distances and aircraft performance data before initiation of flight.

14 C.F.R. §91.109: Flight Instruction. 

Section 91.103 provides that no person may operate a civil aircraft (except a manned free balloon) that 

is being used for flight instruction unless that aircraft has fully functioning dual controls. UAS and 

remotely piloted aircraft, by their design do not have fully functional dual controls. Flight control is 

accomplished through the use of a control box that communicates with the aircraft via radio 

communications. The FAA has approved exemptions for flight training without fully functional dual 

controls for a number of aircraft and for flight instruction in experimental aircraft. The equivalent level 

of safety provided by the fact that neither a pilot nor passengers will be carried in the aircraft and by the 

size and speed of the aircraft. Windtrap Digital Media, LLC will conduct all flight training through 

procedures specified in Training Instruction during dedicated training sessions. Based on previous 

decisions made by the FAA for sUAS petitions regarding this regulation, relief is not necessary.

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

As set forth herein, the UAS will never operate at higher than 400 AGL with the exception that in 

circumstances where the UAS is used to survey or photograph a structure whose height exceeds 400 

feet AGL, the UAS will not be operated more than 200 feet above the highest point on the structure. It 

will however be operated in a restricted area with security perimeter, where buildings and people will 

not be exposed to operations without their pre-obtained consent. No flight will be taken without the 

permission of the property owner or local officials. Because of the advance notice to the property owner 

and participants in the filming activity, all affected individuals will be aware of the planned flight 

operations. Compared to flight operations with aircraft or rotorcraft weighting far more than the 

maximum 55lbs. proposed herein and the lack of flammable fuel, any risk associated with these 

operations is far less than those presently presented with conventional aircraft operating at or below 

400 ft AGL. In addition, the low-altitude operations of the UAS will ensure separation between these 

UAS operations and the operations of conventional aircraft that must comply with Section 91.119.
14 C.F.R. §91.121 Altimeter Settings. 

This regulation requires each person operating an aircraft to maintain cruising altitude by reference to 

an altimeter that is set “...to the elevation of the departure airport or an appropriate altimeter setting 

available before departure.” As the UAS may not have a barometric altimeter, but instead a GPS altitude 

read out, an exemption may be needed. An equivalent level of safety will be achieved by the operator, 

pursuant to the safety check list and live flight data monitoring, confirming the altitude of the launch 

site shown on the GPS altitude indicator before flight.

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 battery powering the UAS 

provides approximately 30 minutes of powered flight. To meet the 30 minute reserve requirement in 14 

CFR §91.151, UAS flights would be limited to approximately 10 minutes in length. Given the limitations 

on the UAS’s proposed flight area and the location of its proposed operations within a predetermined 

area, a longer time frame for flight in daylight or twilight VFR conditions is reasonable. Applicant 

believes that an exemption from 14 CFR §91.151(a) falls within the scope of prior exemptions. Operating 

the UAS, in a controlled area where only people and property owners or official representatives who 

have signed waivers will be allowed, with less than 30 minutes of reserve fuel, does not engender the 

type of risks that Section 91.151(a) was intended to alleviate given the size and speed of the small UAS. 

Additionally, limiting UAS flights to 10 minutes would greatly reduce the utility for which the exemption 

will be granted. Applicant believes that an equivalent level of safety can be achieved by limiting flights to 

30 minutes or 20% of battery power— whichever happens first. This restriction would be more than 

adequate to return the UAS to its planned landing zone from anywhere in its limited operating area.

14 C.F.R. §91.203 (a) and (b): Carrying Civil Aircraft Certification and Registration 

The regulation provides in pertinent part: (a) Except as provided in § 91.715, no person may operate a 

civil aircraft unless it has within it the following: (1) An appropriate and current airworthiness certificate. 

. . . (b) No person may operate a civil aircraft unless the airworthiness certificate required by paragraph 

(a) of this section or a special flight authorization issued under §91.715 is displayed at the cabin or 

cockpit entrance so that it is legible to passengers or crew. The UAS fully loaded weighs no more than 55 

lbs. and is operated without an onboard pilot. As such, there is no ability or place to carry certification 

and registration documents or to display them on the UAS. An equivalent level of safety will be achieved 

by keeping these documents at the ground control point where the pilot flying the UAS will have 

immediate access to them, to the extent they are applicable to the UAS.

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. Given that these section and 
Part 43 apply only to aircraft with an airworthiness certificate, these sections will not apply to the 

applicant. 

Maintenance will be accomplished by the operator pursuant to the flight manual and operating 

handbook. An equivalent level of safety will be achieved because the UAS is very limited in size and will 

carry a small payload and operate only in restricted areas for a limited period of time. If mechanical 

issues arise the UAS can land immediately and will be operating from no higher than 400 feet AGL. The 

operator will ensure that the UAS is in working order prior to initiating flight, perform required 

maintenance, and keep a log of any maintenance performed. Moreover, the operator is the person most 

familiar with the aircraft and best suited to maintain the aircraft in an airworthy condition to provide the 

equivalent level of safety. An equivalent level of safety will be achieved because maintenance and 

inspections will be performed in accordance with the UAS Manufacturer's User Manual. As provided in 

the FOM, the operator will ensure that the UAS is in working order prior to initiating flight and perform 

required maintenance needed.

Additional Information 

The primary applicant, Thomas Morton , has been involved in the building and piloting of remote 

controlled aircraft for more than 3 years. Also the primary pilot, Thomas Morton has been flying UASs as 

a hobbyist during that time and has logged well over 40 hours of flight time. Thomas Morton has an indepth understanding of the capabilities and safety concerns involved in using this technology as an asset 

to the community. Additionally, Thomas has flown ultra-lite aircraft for the past 4 years with over 100 

flight hours. 

Satisfaction of criteria provided in Section 333 of the Reform Act of 2012 provide more than adequate 

justification for the grant of the requested exemptions allowing the commercial operation of the 

applicant’s UAS.

Sincerely,

Thomas & Caitlin Morton

Windtrap Digital Media, LLC