May 5, 2015

Exemption No. 11468

Regulatory Docket No. FAA

– 20 15

– 0259

Mr. Brandon Schulz

Manager

United Dynamics AT Technologies Corp.

2681 Coral Ridge R oa d

Brooks, KY 40109

Dear Mr. Schulz :

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 January 30, 2015 , you petitioned the Federal Aviation Administration for an

exemption

. The exemption would all ow the petitioner to operate an unmanned ai rcraft system

(UAS) to conduct aerial videography/cinematography to enhance safety and reliability of

power generation utilities

.

See Appendix A for the petition submitted to the FAA des cribing 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

.

Airworthiness Certification

The UAS proposed by the petitioner is a DJI S800 Hex

- rotor

.2

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

and parts, Subpart H

— Airworthiness Certificates . In accordance with the statutory criteria

provided in Section 333 of P ublic 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

, C ertification proc edures 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 No s

. 11062 to Astraeus Aerial ( see Docket No. FAA−2014−0352),

11109 to Clayco, Inc. ( see Docket No. FAA

− 2014

− 05 07), 11112 to VDOS Global, LLC ( see Docket No. FAA−2014−0382), and 11213 to Aeryon Lab s , 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 petitione r 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 intere st.

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 Exem ption 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, Mr. Brandon Schulz 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 list ed below.3

Conditions and Limitations

In this grant of exemption, Mr. Brandon Schulz 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 S800 Hex

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

any other aircraft will require a new petition o r 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 g roundspeed 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 P IC 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 ;

e lectronic messaging or texting is not permitted during flig ht 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 o perate 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 mad e 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 follow ed.4

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

documen ts 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

revisio n 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 FA A’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 pers ons 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 sa fe 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. T he 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 Col u mbia , Puerto Rico, a territory, a possession, or the Federal

government. The PIC must also meet the flight revi ew requir ements 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 t he UAS will be5

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

(traini ng, 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

traini ng, proficiency, and experience

- building flights, all persons not essential for

fli ght 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/F acility Directory (AFD) or for airports not

denoted with an ARP, the center of the airport symbo l 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 sign al, the UA must return to a

pre

- determined location within the pr ivate 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 operatio n 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 cond ucted 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 ser ial

number, registered in accordance with 14 CFR part 47, and have identification6

(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 f light 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 enf orcement

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 l east 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 nonpartic ipating 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 d oes 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 control led

- access property with

permission from the p roperty 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 ve rtical

boundaries of the operational area as defined by the applicable COA must be reported

to the FA A's UAS Integration Office (AFS− 80) within 24 hours. Accidents must be

reported to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) per instructions

contain ed 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.7

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 a rea 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 fo r 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 th e 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 a nd 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.

U nless 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.

This exemption terminates on April, 30, 2017 , unles s sooner superseded or rescinded.

Sincerely,

/s/

John S. Duncan

Director, Flight Standards ServiceBrandon Schulz, Private Pilot/UAS Pilot/Inspector

- S e c t i o n 3 33 E

e x e m p t ion P e t i t i o n

P a g e 1 o f 9 Brandon Schulz, Private Pilot/UAS Pilot/Inspector

- Sec t i o n 3 3 3 E x e m p t i on Pe t i t i o n

January 30, 2015

U

. S. D e pa r t m en t o f T r an s po r t a t i o n

D o ck e t M anage m en t Sy s t e m

120 0 N e w J e r s e y A v e

, SE

W a s h i n g t o n

, D C 2 05 9 0

R e : E x e m p t i o n R e que s t S e c t i o n 33 3 o f th e F A A R e f o r m A ct o f t h e F ede r a l A vi a t i o n R egu l at i on s f r o m 1 4

C

. F

. R

. 4 5 .23 ( b ) ; 1 4 C

. F

. R

. P a r t 21 ; 1 4 C

. F

. R

. 61. 1 13 ( a ) & ( b ) ; 91

. 7 ( a ) ; 9 1.9 ( b ) ( 2 ) ; 91

. 103 ( b ) ; 91.10 9 ;

119

. 121 ; 91

. 151 ( a ) ; 91

. 203 ( a ) & ( b ) ; 91.4 0 5 ( a ) ; 91.40 7 ( a ) ( 1 ) ; 9 1

. 409 ( a ) ( 2 ) ; 9 1 .417 ( a ) & ( b )

D e a r S i r o r M ada m

,

I

, Brandon Schulz, a m w r i t i n g p u rs ua n t t o t h e F AA M ode r n i z a t i o n an d R e f o rm Act o f

201 2 a n d t h e p r o c e du r e s c on t a i ne d w i t h i n 1 4 C

. F

. R

. 11

, t o r equ e st t ha t I

, Brandon Schulz

, a n o w ne r an d op e r a t o r o f s m a l l u n m a nne d a i r c r a f t

, b e e x e m p t e d

f r o m t h e F ed e r a l A v i a t i o n R e gu l a t i on s ( “ F A R s ” ) li s t e d be l o w so t ha t I

, Brandon Schulz,

m a y ope r a t e m y s m a l l u l t ra li g h t w e i gh t un m anne d a i rcr a f t sys t e m ( “ U A S”)

c o m m e r c i a l l y i n a i r s p a ce r eg u l a t e d b y t h e F e de r a l A v i a t i o n A d m i n i s t r a t i o n ( “ F A A ” ).

As d e sc r i b e d he r e i n I

, Brandon Schulz, a m a Private Pilot, UAS Pilot , and inspector for

Fossil and Renewable Power Generation Facilities (read: no Nuclear Power Plants)

. I

have built, maintained, and flown remote control helicopters for 15 years and served as

a flight instructor in multiple recreational flying clubs. I ha v e add e d a ho b b y g r ad e hex

rotor helicopter 1 U A S t o m y i n v en t o ry e qu i ppe d w i t h a Sony c a m e ra w i t h i n t e n t f o r

ae r i a l v i d e o g r a p h y / c i ne m a t o g r a ph y t o e nhan ce safety and reliability of Power

Generation Utilities ; f o ll o w i n g e x e m p t i o n a n d a pp r o v a l b y t h e F A A

. T he r eb y

enhan c i n g t h e i r safety and reducing costs and environmental impacts caused by

lack of inspection and maintenance.

I ha ve f l o w n R C h e li c op t e rs f o r o v e r fifteen ( 15 ) y e a rs w i t h o u t i n c i d en t

. I have logged

over 3 years of experience with this specific model 1. C o m m i t t e d t o s a f e t y w i t h ea ch

f l i gh t

. M y, Brandon Schulz's

, e x e m p t i o n r eq u e st w ou l d pe r m i t ope r a t i o n o f u l t ra l i gh t

w e i gh t

, un m anne d ( p il o t e d b y r e m o t e c o n t r o l ) a n d c o m pa r a t i v e l y i ne x pe n s i ve U AS(s)

i n li m i t e d a i rs p a c e

. 2

The inherent regulated safety culture within Fossil and Renewable Power Generation

Utilities provides an ideal ground for preplanned, safe, and controlled UAS inspections

. C u r r en t l y

, s i m i l a r li gh t w e i gh t

, r e m o t e c on t r o l l e d U A S ' s a re l eg a ll y o p e r a t e d b y a m a t e u r

hobb y i s t s under FAA and AMA guidelines with a high level of safety

. I

, Brandon Schulz

, h a v e pe r s on a ll y i n s t i l l e d s a f e t y

1 A p p en d i x A

- DJI S800 O p e r a t o r M a nu a l

2 A p p en d i x B

- Airspace Example

Brandon Schulz, Private Pilot/UAS Pilot/Inspector

- Sec t i o n 3 3 3 E x e m p t i on Pe t i t i o nBrandon Schulz, Private Pilot/UAS Pilot/Inspector

- S e c t i o n 3 33 E

e x e m p t ion P e t i t i o n

P a g e 2 o f 9 p r o t o c o l s a n d c on t r o l s 3 t o a v o i d an d p r e v en t pub l i c h a z a r d

, a s w e l l a s m anne d a i rcr a f t

ha z a r d s / c a t a s t r o ph e

. T h i s wi l l a ct t o f u r t he r s a f e t y p r o t o c o l s e x c l u s i ve t o li g h t w e i g h t

U A S ' s s pe c i f i c to Fossil and Renewable Power Generation Utility inspection u s a g e a s

I

, Brandon Schulz, r e c o rd f l i gh t da t a an d o t h e r i n f o r m a t i o n g a i n e d t h r o u g h p e r m i t t e d

f l i g h t ope r a t i on s t o s ha re w i t h t h e F AA t h r o u g h an y r eq u i r e d F A A r epo r t s t o a s s i st w i t h

f u t u re p r o t o c o l a n d s a f e t y r e gu l a t i o n

.

G r a n t i n g m y, Brandon Schulz's

, r e qu e st c o m po r t s w i t h t h e S e cr e t a ry o f T r an s p o r t a t i o n ’ s

( F AA A d m i n i s t r a t o r ’ s ) r e s po n s i bi li t i e s an d a u t h o r i t y t o n o t o n l y i n t eg r a t e U A S ' s i n t o t h e

na t i on a l a i rs p a ce sys t e m

, bu t t o “

. . . e s t a b li sh r e q u i r e m en t s f o r t h e s a f e ope r a t i o n o f

s u c h a i r c r a f t sy s t e m s [ U A S ' s] i n t h e na t i on a l a i r s pa ce sys t e m ” unde r S e c t i o n

33 3 (c) o f t h e R e f o r m Act s pe c i f i c t o t h e u s e o f U A S ' s f o r safety and inspection

pu r po s e s. F u r t h e r I

, Brandon Schulz, w il l c ondu ct m y ope r a t i o n s i n c o m p l i an c e w i t h

t h e p r o t o c o l s de s cr i be d h e r e i n o r a s o t he r w i se e s t a bl i s he d b y t h e F A A.

F o r t h e r ea s o n s s t a t e d b e l o w I

, Brandon Schulz, r e s p e c t f u ll y r eq ue st t h e g r a n t o f a n

e x e m p t i o n a ll ow i n g m e t o ope r a t e u l t ra l i gh t w e i gh t , r e m o t e c o n t r o l l e d U AS ’ s f o r the

inspection of Fossil and Renewable Power Generation Utilities to enhance public safety

and the safety of Fossil and Renewable Power Generation Utility emp loyees. This

exemption, if grant ed, will benefit the public through increased safety, lower

Environmental impacts, and lower energy costs

.

I

. C o n t ac t I n f o r ma t i o n :

Brandon Schulz, Manager

United Dynamics AT Technologies Corp.

2681 Coral Ridge Rd.

Brooks, KY 40109

Cell: 414

- 587

- 4547

Office: 502

- 957

- 7525

II

. T h e S p ec i f i c S ec t i on s o f T i t l e 1 4 o f t h e C od e o f F e d e r a l R e g u l a t i on s F r o m

Wh i c h Brandon Schulz R e q u es ts E xe m p t i o n a r e :

1 4 C FR 2 1 ;

1 4 C

. F

. R

. 45

. 2 3 ( b ) ;

1 4 C FR 6 1

. 1 1 3 ( a ) & ( b ) ;

1 4 C

. F

. R

. 91

, e t s e q

. ;

1 4 C FR 4 0 7 ( a ) ( 1 ) ;

1 4 C FR 4 0 9 ( a ) ( 2 ) ; an d

, 1 4 C FR 4 1 7 ( a ) & ( b )

.

3 A p p en d i x C

- P e r s o n a l P r o t o c o l s an d C on t r o lsBrandon Schulz, Private Pilot/UAS Pilot/Inspector

- S e c t i o n 3 33 E

e x e m p t ion P e t i t i o n

P a g e 3 o f 9 Brandon Schulz, Private Pilot/UAS Pilot/Inspector

- Sec t i o n 3 3 3 E x e m p t i on Pe t i t i o n

I I I

. T h e E x t e n t o f r e l i e f Brandon Schulz seek s a n d t h e R ea s o n H e S eek s S u c h

R e l i e f:

I

, Brandon Schulz, s ub m i t t h i s a p p li c a t i o n i n a cc o r dan c e w i t h t h e R e f o r m Ac t

, 11 2 P

. L

. 9 5 § § 33 1

- 33 4

, s ee k i n g r el i e f f r o m an y c u rr en t l y ap p li c a b l e F A R s op e r a t i n g t o p r e v en t

m e

, Brandon Schulz, c on t e m p l a t e d c o mm e rc i a l inspection

, safety a n d o t h e r f l i gh t

ope r a t i o n s w i t h i n t h e NAS

. T h e R e f o rm Act i n S e c t i o n 33 2 p r o v i d e s f o r s u ch i n t eg r a t i o n

o f c i v i l un m ann e d a i r cr a f t sys t e m s i n t o ou r n a t i on a l a i r s p a ce sys t e m a s i t i s i n t h e

p ub l i c ’ s i n t e r e st t o d o s o

. M y, Brandon Schulz's

, u l t ra li g h t we i gh t U A S m ee t s t h e

de f i n i t i o n o f “s m a l l un m anne d a i r c r a f t ” a s de f i n e d i n S e c t i o n 3 3 1 a n d

t he r e f o re t h e i n t e g r a t i o n o f m y u l t ra li gh t w e i gh t U A S i s e x p r e s s l y c o n t e m p l a t e d b y t h e

R e f o rm A c t

. I w o u l d li ke t o o p e r a t e m y u l t ra li g h t w e i gh t U A S p r i o r t o t h e t i m e p e r i o d b y

w h i ch t h e R e f o rm Act r eq u i r e s t h e F A A t o p r o m u l ga t e r u l e s go v e r n i n g s u c h cr a f t

. T he r e b y, p r o v i d i n g d i r e ct e x pe r i e n ce an d v a l u a b l e i n f o r m a t i o n f o r f o r m a l r e g u l a t i o n t ha t

c a n b e a d m i n i s t e r e d un i f o r m l y t o al l inspections r e l a t e d to U A S a e r i a l v i de o a n d

pho t og r aph y. T h e R e f o rm Act g u i d e s t h e S e cr e t a r y i n de t e r m i n i n g t h e t y pe s o f U A S ' s

t ha t m a y ope r a t e s a f e l y i n ou r n a t i on a l a i r s p a ce sy s t e m

. C on s i d e r a t i on s i n c l ude : T h e

w e i gh t

, s i z e

, s pe e d an d o v e r a l l c apa b i l i t i e s o f t h e U A S ' s; W h e t h e r t h e U AS w il l b e

ope r a t e d n e a r a i r po r t s o r h e a v i l y po p u l a t e d a r e a s; a n d

, W he t h e r t h e U AS w i l l b e

ope r a t e d b y l i n e o f s i gh t

. 1 1 2 P

. L

. 9 5 § 33 3 ( a )

. E a ch o f t he s e i t e m s r e f l e c t i n f a v o r o f a n

e x e m p t i o n f o r m e

, Brandon Schulz

. M y U A S u t i l i z e s six ( 6 ) c oun t e r

- r o t a t i n g p r o pe ll e rs

f o r b a l an c e

, c o n t r o l an d s t a b ili t y. M y U A S i s equ i ppe d w i t h G PS an d au t o r e t u r n s a f e t y

t e c hn o l og y. W e i g h i n g l e ss t h a n fifteen ( 15 ) po u n d s ( f a r b e l o w t h e m a x i m u m 5 5 poun d

li m i t ) ; i n c l u d i n g c a m e ra w i t h g i m ba l

.

I

, Brandon Schulz, c on s i d e rs s a f e t y a s f o r e m o st w i t h ea ch f li gh t

. Every flight is

carefully planned for the specific task before any operations take place. This

planning identifis any risks and take in account the airspace to be operated in, flight

path, public safety, personal safety, maintenance records, and a preflight check of

the UAS. M y s m a l l un m a n ne d a i r c r a f t i s de s i g n e d t o h o v e r i n p l a ce v i a G PS an d

op e r a t e i n l e ss t ha n a 2 4 k no t w i n d

. F o r s a f e t y, s t a b i l i t y an d f ea r o f f i na n c i a l l o ss I wi l l

n o t f l y i n w i nd s e x c eed i n g my personal safety maximums and aircraft design )

. B u i l t i n

s a f e t y s y s t e m s i n c l ud e a G P S m o d e t ha t a l l o w s m y U A S t o ho v e r i n p l a ce w h e n r a di o

c o n t r o l s a re r e l e a s ed

. W i t h t h r e e m ode s t o c ho o se f r o m

. T h is provides t h e s a f e s t

, m o st

r e l i a b l e an d s t a b l e platform t o p r e v e n t a c c i d e n t an d h a z a r d

. W h e n p il o t c o m m un i c a t i o n

i s l o st the U A S has an integrated failsafe that allows it to s l o w l y de s c en d t o po i n t o f t a ke

o f f

. I d o no t o p e r a t e m y U A S nea r a i r po r t s, H o s p i t a l s

, n o r P o li ce h e li po r t s, a n d d o no t

op e r a t e ne a r a r ea s w h e r e g e ne r a l

pub l i c i s w i t h i n f i f t y t o on e h un d r e d (5 0

- 1 00 ) y a r d s depe nd i n g o n l o c a t i o n

, c on d i t i on s

an d w ea t her

. Every flight is preplanned and run through a safety check to ensure the

general public and other aircraft would not be a risk factor. I a m c on s t an t l y o n a l e rt

f o r an y m anne d a i rc r a f t ( P o li c e / M ed i c a l he l i c o p t e rs, GA, AG, Commercial e t c

. ) an d

p r ep a r e d t o l a n d / ab o r t i m m ed i a t e l y t o t h e nea r e st a n d s a f e st g r oun d p o i n t s ho ul d a

m anne d a i rc r a f t a p p r oa ch m y l o c a t i o n o r I s u s p e ct m an n e d a i r c r a f t m a y app r oa ch

n ea r m y l o c a t i o n

. In addition, I always fly with a "spotter" for an addition level of safety.

The spotter supplements my (the PIC) situational awareness by constantly scanning for

other aircraft as well as people. M y U A S i s c apa b l e o f v e r t i c a l an d ho r i z o n t a l o pe r a t i o ns

,Brandon Schulz, Private Pilot/UAS Pilot/Inspector

- S e c t i o n 3 33 E

e x e m p t ion P e t i t i o n

P a g e 4 o f 9 a n d a re f l o w n o n l y w i t h i n m y l i n e o f s i gh t o f m e

, a s t h e r e m o t e c on t r o l p il o t

. U t i l i z i n g

ba t t e ry p o w e r r a t h e r t h a n c o m bu s t i bl e f ue l s, f l i gh t s gene r a ll y l a st b e t w ee n five ( 5 ) t o

fifteen ( 15 ) m i nu t e s

, w i t h a n a l t i t u d e un d e r on e hun d r e d f i f t y ( 1 50 ) f ee t AGL, or nor

more than 50ft above the structure of inspection

. I

, Brandon

Brandon Schulz, Private Pilot/UAS Pilot/Inspector

- Sec t i o n 3 3 3 E x e m p t i on Pe t i t i o n

Schulz

, u t i l i z e a f r e sh f u ll y c h a r g e d ba t t e ry w i t h e a ch f l i gh t

. A s a s a f e t y p r e c a u t i o n ; every battery is charged and tested utilizing a Battery Management System that tracks

battery condition such as capacity, internal resistance, and voltage . An y battery that

does not meet it s specification after a charge cycle is complete is marked as "not

airworthy" and discarded. F u l l f l i g h t t i m e l i m i t f o r ea c h ba t t e ry i s fifteen ( 15 ) t o twenty

( 20 ) m i nu t e s a s t e s t e d . I d o no t ope r a t e m y U A S a t o r be l o w m anu f a c t u re

r e c o mm en d m i n i m u m c ha r g e l e v e l s f o r ope r a t i o n ; p r e f e r r i n g t o r e m a i n w e l l w i t h i n a

s a f e o pe r a t i n g r ang e t o i n s u re adeq u a t e c o m m u n i c a t i o n b e t w ee n r a d i o c on t r o l an d U A S

t o e l i m i na t e p o t en t i a l f o r c r a s h

, l o ss o f c on t r o l o r ha z a r d

. R e s e r v e ba t t e r i e s a re a t han d

w i t h ea ch e x e rc i se t o i n s u r e r e p l a c e m en t f o r s u f f i c i e n t s a f e l e v e l o f o pe r a t i on

. I d o no t

be li e ve i n t a k i n g r i sk t h a t m a y c au se a cr a s h

, t h a t c o u l d cr ea t e ha z a rd t o t h e

pu bl i c / p r o p e r t y / m an n e d a i rcr a f t

, an d ha ve n o de s i r e t o l o se a n i n v e s t m en t

. I h a ve

c l o ck e d nu m e r ou s p r a c t i c e f li gh t s i n r e m o t e a r e a s a s a hobb y i st s i m u l a t i n g f l i gh t s f o r

f u t u re c o m m e rc i a l u se t o g a i n f a m i l i a r i z a t i o n w i t h t h e c h a r a c t e r i s t i cs o f t h i s s p e c i f i c

U A S ' s pe r f o r m an ce unde r d i ff e r en t t e m p e r a t u re an d we a t he r c on d i t i on s. I a l so p r a c t i ce

c o m pu t e r i z e d s i m u l a t e d f li gh t s t o m a i n t a i n a d e qua t e s k i l l s an d r e s pon s e r e f l e x t i m e

. A l l

f o r t h e s a k e o f s a f e t y.

I

, Brandon Schulz

, a m e x t r e m e l y c au t i ou s w h e n ope r a t i n g o f m y U AS / u l t ra l i gh t w e i gh t

un m anne d a i r c r a f t an d w il l n o t “ c r e a t e a ha z a rd t o u s e rs o f t h e n a t i o na l a i r s pa c e sys t e m

o r t h e pub l i c

. ” 11 2 P

. L

. 9 5 § 33 3 ( b ). G i v e n t h e s m a l l s i ze a n d w e i gh t o f m y U A S i t f a ll s

w e l l w i t h i n C o n g r e ss ’ s c o n t e m p l a t e d s a f e t y z o n e w h e n i t p r o m u l ga t e d t h e R e f o rm Act

an d t h e c o r r e s po n d i n g d i r e c t i ve t o i n t eg r a t e U A S ' s i n t o t h e n a t i on a l a i r s pa ce

sys t e m

. D oug l a s T r u deau ’ s U A S, u s e d i n ho b b y f l i g h t

, h a s a d e m on s t r ab l e s a f e t y

r e c o rd a n d d o e s no t p o se a n y t h r e a t t o t h e ge ne r a l p u b li c o r n a t i on a l s e c u r i t y

.

I V

. H o w Brandon Schulz's R e q u es t W i l l B e n e f i t t h e P ub l i c A s A Who l e :

Fossil and Renewable Power Generation Utilities own and operate thousands of

components that require periodic inspections to meet industry standards. These

components are often hazardous in nature due to their location or the materials an d

compounds that they contain. Historically the only way to visually inspect these

componen ts was by means of putting a human, with a camera, in harm's way.

Dangerous man lifts, buggies, suspended scaffolding, and commercial manned

helicopters are often used. In many cases the inspections are limited or delayed due to

safety and cost. My ultra l ight UAS provides the utilities with an inspection that does not

put humans in harm ' s way. It allows the components to be inspected withoutBrandon Schulz, Private Pilot/UAS Pilot/Inspector

- S e c t i o n 3 33 E

e x e m p t ion P e t i t i o n

P a g e 5 o f 9 combustible fuels or putting human life at risk . In addition, the public benefits from my

UAS inspecting Power Gener ation Utilities due to the inherit safety that is required on all

plant sites. These locations utilize safety measure from OSHA, NFP, and the NSC by

training all personal on site before work is conducted. All plant sites are security

controlled locations with limited access. Safety training is required for every individual on

site as well as Personal Protective Equipment such as hard hats, safety glasses, proper

clothing, and steel toed boots. Inspections of components are isolated from the

personnel on site by means of a "sterile area". Barricades with appropriate signage

restricts any person from entering the inspection area. This provides a safety blanketed

environment to integrate UAS operations. As an added measure of safety, Fossil and

Renewable Power Generation Facilities are also marked on Sectional Charts to provide

a blanketed level of awareness to all aircraft operating in that airspace in addition to the

COA and NOTA M that would be required befor e UAS operations.

C o ng r e ss ha s a l r ead y p r o c l a i m e d t ha t i t i s i n t h e pub l i c ’ s i n t e r e s t t o i n t eg r a t e

c o m m e r c i a ll y f l o w n U A S ' s i n t o t h e n a t i on a l a i r s p a ce s y s t e m

, he n ce t h e pa s s i n g o f t h e

R e f o rm Ac t

. G r a n t i n g m y, Brandon Schulz's

, e x e m p t i o n r eque s t f u r t h e rs t h e pu b li c

i n t e r e st t h r ou g h safety inspections, environmental inspections, and preventive

maintenance inspections o f Fossil and Renewable Power Generation Utilities. M y

u l t ra l i gh t w e i g h t U A S i s ba t t e ry po w e r e d an d cr e a t e s n o e m i ss i on s t ha t c a n ha r m t h e

en v i r o n m en t

. T h e c o n s equ en ce o f m y u l t ra l i gh t w e i gh t U A S cr a s h i n g i s f a r l e s s

t ha n a f ul l s i ze h e l i c op t e r o r f i x e d w i n g a i r cr a f t ; w h i c h a r e hea vy, c o n t a i n

c o m bu s t i b l e f u e l an d c a n c a u se c a t a s t r op h i c de v a s t a t i o n t o t h e pu bl i c

.Brandon Schulz, Private Pilot/UAS Pilot/Inspector

- S e c t i o n 3 33 E

e x e m p t ion P e t i t i o n

P a g e 6 o f 9 Brandon Schulz, Private Pilot/UAS Pilot/Inspector

- Sec t i o n 3 3 3 E x e m p t i on Pe t i t i o n

T h e pu bl i c ’ s i n t e r e s t i s f u r t h e r e d b y m i n i m i z i n g e c o l o g i c a l a n d c r a sh t h r e a t b y pe r m i t t i n g

ae r i a l v i de o / p ho t o c a p t u re t h r o u g h m y ba tt e r y ope r a t e d u l t ra li gh t w e i gh t U A S ' s.

P e r m i t t i n g m e

, Brandon Schulz, t o i m m ed i a t e l y f l y w i t h i n na t i o na l a i r s pa ce f u r t he rs

e c on o m i c g r o w t h

. G r an t i n g m y e x e m p t i o n r e que st s ub s t an t i a ll y f u r t he rs t h e e c o no m i c

i m pa ct f o r t h e entire United States of America

.

V. R eas o n s Wh y Brandon Schulz's E x em p t io n W i l l N o t A d v e r se l y A ff ec t S a f e t y

O r H o w T h e E xe m p t i o n W i l l P r o v i d e a L eve l o f S a f e ty A t L eas t E q u a l T o E x i s t i n g

R u l e :

M y, Brandon Schulz's

, e x e m p t i o n w i l l no t a d v e r s e l y a f f e ct s a f e t y

. Q u i t e t h e c on t r a ry,

f o r t h e r e a s on s s t a t e d p e r m i t t i n g m e

, Brandon Schulz, t o l o g m o r e f li gh t t i m e i n the

NAS

, in c o m m un i c a t i o n w i t h t h e F A A, w il l a ll o w m e t o c on t r i bu t e t o t h e i nno v a t i o n an d

i m p l e m en t a t i o n o f ne w a n d no v e l

, a s o f y e t un d i sc o v e r e d s a f e t y p r o t o c o l s f o r

UAS t ha t c a n embraced by the FAA for development cooperation. I n ad d i t i o n I

, Brandon Schulz, s ub m i t t h e f o ll o w i n g r e p r e s e n t a t i on s o f e n ha n c e m e n t s t o c u rr en t

Fossil and Renewable Power Generation Utilities inspections.

M y U A S operations would only be performed in secured and sterile locations for

safety

. M y U A S operations would prevent any person (except for myself and the spotter)

from entering the sterile flight area.

Anyone inside or outside the sterile flight area would be wearing full Personal

Protective Equipment

M y U A S w e i g h s l e ss t ha n 15 poun d s c o m p l e t e w i t h a s m a l l u l t ra li g h t w e i g h t

h i g h qua l i t y Sony c a m e r a ;

I o n l y o pe r a t e m y U A S be l o w 200 ft AGL or less than 50ft above the highest

structure ;

m y U A S on l y o pe r a t e f o r 5

- 15 m i nu t e s pe r f li gh t ;

I l an d m y U A S p r i o r t o m a n u f a c t u r e r r e c o m m ende d m i n i m u m l e v e l o f ba t t e ry

po w e r ;

I p i l o t m y U AS t h r oug h r e m o t e c on t r o l o n l y b y li n e o f s i gh t with additional help from

a spotter ;

M y U A S h a s G PS a f l i g h t s a f e t y f e a t u r e w h e r eb y i t ho v e rs a n d t he n s l o w l y l an d s

i f c o m m un i c a t i o n w i t h t h e r e m o t e c on t r o l p i l o t i s l o s t ;

I a c t i v e l y a n a l y z e f l i g h t d a t a an d o t h e r s o u rc e s o f i n f o r m a t i o n t o c o n s t an t l y

upda t e a n d en h an ce s a f e t y p r o t o c o l s;

I o n l y o p e r a t e i n r ea s o n a b l y s a f e en v i r o n m en t t ha t a r e s t r i c t l y c on t r o l l ed and

are not near a i r p o r t s (unless permission is given) an d a c t i v e l y p op u l a t e d a r e a s;

I c ondu ct e x t en s i v e p r e

- f l i g h t i n s p e c t i on s a n d p r o t o c o l

, du r i n g w h i ch s a f e t y

c a r r i e s p r i m a r y i m po r t an c e ;

I a l w a ys ob t a i n s a l l ne c e s s a r y p e r m i ss i o n s p r i o r t o o p e r a t i o n ; an d

, I h a ve p r o c ed u r e s i n p l a ce t o a bo rt f l i gh t s i n t h e e v en t o f s a f e t y b r e a c he s o r

po t en t i a l d a n g e r.

Brandon Schulz, Private Pilot/UAS Pilot/Inspector

- Sec t i o n 3 3 3 E x e m p t i on Pe t i t i o nBrandon Schulz, Private Pilot/UAS Pilot/Inspector

- S e c t i o n 3 33 E

e x e m p t ion P e t i t i o n

P a g e 7 o f 9 M y, Brandon Schulz's

, s a f e t y p r o t o c o l s p r o v i d e a l e v e l o f s a f e t y eq u a l t o o r e x c eed i n g

e x i s t i n g r u l e s. I t i s i m p o r t an t t o no t e t ha t a b s en t to t h e i n t eg r a t i o n o f c o m m e rc i a l U A S

i n t o ou r na t i on a l a i r s pa ce sy s t e m

, h e li c o p t e rs and aerial man lifts a r e t h e p r i m a ry m ea n s

o f inspection

. W hi l e t h e s a f e t y r e c o rd o f these procedures r e m a rk ab l y strong

, t h e r e h a s

bee n injuries and loss of life due to humans being subjected to these calculated risks ;

i t i s f a r s a f e r t o o p e r a t e a ba tt e r y po w e r e d u l t ra li gh t w e i gh t U A S.

F i r s t

, t h e p o t en t i a l l o ss o f l i f e i s d i m i n i s h e d be c au se U A S ' s c a rry n o peo p l e o n

boa rd a n d I o n l y op e r a t e s m y U A S i n s p e c i f i c a r e a s a w a y f r o m m a ss popu l a t i o n s.

S e c o nd

, t he re i s n o liquid f u e l o n bo a rd a U AS an d t h u s t h e po t e n t i a l f o r

f i r e o r e x p l o s i o n s i s g r ea t l y d i m i n i s hed

. T h i r d

, t h e s m a l l s i z e an d e x t r e m e m a neu v e r a b i l i t y o f m y U A S a l l o w m e t o

r e m o t e l y p il o t a w a y f r o m an d a v o i d h a z a r d s q u i c k l y a n d s a f e l y.

Forth , the safety blanketed environment of Fossil and Renewable Power

Generation Utilities (Required safety training, barricades, hard hats, proper

clothing, secure sites, limited access) is a perfect environment to integrate UAS

safety into the NAS.

La s t l y

, g i v e n i t s s m a l l s i ze a n d w e i gh t

, e v e n w he n c l o se eno ug h t o c ap t u re

a m a z i n g i m age s, m y U AS nee d no t b e so c l o se t o t h e ob j e c t s t he y a re f o c u s e d

o n t h r o u g h t h e t e c hn o l o g y an d u se o f po st ed i t i n g s o f t w a re a l l o w i n g pa n a n d

z oo m

. Acc o r d i ng l y, m y U A S h a s bee n e x pe r i m en t a ll y o pe r a t e d f o r f a m ili a r i z a t i o n / c o m pe t e n cy

an d w il l c o n t i nu e t o o p e r a t e a t a n d ab o ve c u r r en t s a f e t y l e v e l s.

V I

. A S u m m ar y T h e F A A M a y P ub l i s h i n t h e F e d e r a l R e g i s t e r :

A. 1 4 C

. F

. R

. 2 1 an d 1 4 C

. F

. R

. 9 1 : A i r w o r t h i ne ss C e r t i f i c a t e s, M a n u a l s an d T h e L i k e

.

1 4 C

. F

. R

. 2 1

, S u b p a r t H

, en t i t l e d A i r w o r t h i n e ss C e r t i f i c a t e s, s e t s f o r t h r equ i r e m en t s

f o r p r o c u r e m e n t o f ne c e ss a ry a i r w o r t h i ne s s c e r t i f i c a t e s i n r e l a t i o n t o F AR §

91

. 203 ( a )( 1 ). T h e s i z e

, w e i gh t a n d en c l o s e d o pe r a t i on a l a r e a o f m y, Brandon

Schulz's, U A S pe r m i t s e x e m p t i o n f r o m P a r t 2 1 b e c au s e m y U A S m ee t s ( an d

e x c eed s ) a n eq u i v a l e n t l e v e l o f s a f e t y pu rs u an t t o S e c t i o n 33 3 o f t h e R e f o rm A c t

. T h e F A A i s a u t ho r i z e d t o e x e m p t a i rcr a f t f r o m t h e a i r w o r t h i n e ss c e r t i f i c a t e

r eq u i r e m en t und e r bo t h t h e Act ( 4 9 U

. S

. C

. § 44 7 0 1 ( f )) an d S e c t i o n 33 3 o f t h e

R e f o rm Ac t

. B o t h p i e c e s o f l eg i s l a t i o n p e r m i t t h e F AA t o e x e m p t U AS ' s f r o m t h e

a i r w o r t h i ne ss c e r t i f i c a t e r e qu i r e m en t i n c o n s i d e r a t i o n o f t h e w e i gh t

, s i z e

, s p eed

,

m aneu v e r ab i li t y an d p r o x i m i t y t o a r ea s s u ch a s a i r po r t s an d d e n se p op u l a t i o n s. M y,

Brandon Schulz's

, c u rr e n t an d p r o j e c t e d U A S ' s m ee t o r e x c ee d ea ch o f t h e

e l e m e n t s.

1 4 C

. F

. R

. 91

. 7 ( a ) p r o h i b i t s t h e op e r a t i o n o f a n a i r c r a f t w i t h ou t a n a i r wo r t h i n e ss

c e r t i f i c a t e

. As n o s u ch c e r t i f i c a t e w i l l b e ap pl i c ab l e i n t h e f o rm c on t e m p l a t e d b y t h e

F A R s, t h i s R e gu l a t i o n i s i n ap p li c a b l e

.

1 4 C

. F

. R

. § 91

. 9 ( b ) ( 2 ) r eq u i r e s a n a i r c r a f t f li gh t m anu a l i n t h e a i r c r a ft

. As t h e re a re

n o o n bo a rd p il o t s o r pa ss e n ge rs, a n d g i v e n t h e s i ze o f t h e U A S ' s

, t h i s R eg u l a t i o n i s

i na pp l i c a b l e

. A n eq u i v a l en t l e v e l o f s a f e t y w il l b e a c h i e v e d b y m a i n t a in i n g aBrandon Schulz, Private Pilot/UAS Pilot/Inspector

- S e c t i o n 3 33 E

e x e m p t ion P e t i t i o n

P a g e 8 o f 9 Brandon Schulz, Private Pilot/UAS Pilot/Inspector

- Sec t i o n 3 3 3 E x e m p t i on Pe t i t i o n

s a f e t y / f l i g h t m anua l d el i nea t i n g a r e a s o f w he re s a f e t y c a n b e d e f i ne d

. 4 T h e F AA

ha s p r e v i o u s l y i s s ue d e x e m p t i on s t o t h i s r e g u l a t i o n i n E x e m p t i o n N o s. 86 0 7

, 8 7 37

, 8738

, 9 2 99

, 9 29 9 A, 956 5

, 9565 B, 10167

, 10 1 6 7 A, 1060 2

, 1070 0 an d 3 2827

.

1 4 C

. F

. R

. § 9 1

. 1 2 1 r e g a r d i n g a l t i m e t e r s e t t i n g s i s i n a p p li c ab l e i n s o f a r a s m y U A S u t il i z e s

e l e c t r o n i c g l o b a l po s i t i on i n g s y s t e m s w i t h a ba r o m e t r i c s e n s o r

.

1 4 C

. F

. R

. § 9 1

. 2 0 3 ( a ) a n d ( b ) p r o v i de s f o r t h e c a r r y i n g o f c i v i l a i r c r a f t c e r t i f i c a t i on s a n d

r eg i s t r a t i on s

. T he y a r e i n a p p li c ab l e f o r t h e s a m e r ea s o n s d e sc r i b e d a bo v e

. T h e e q u i v a l en t

l e v e l o f s a f e t y w i l l b e a c h i e v e d b y m a i n t a i n i n g an y s u c h r e qu i r e d c e r t i f i c a t i on s a n d

r eg i s t r a t i on s b y m e

, Brandon Schulz

.

B

. 1 4 C

. F

. R

. § 4 5

. 2 3 : M a r k i n g o f T h e A i r c r a f t

.

App l i c ab l e C o de s o f F e d e r a l R e g u l a t i o n r e q u i r e a i r c r a f t t o b e m a r k e d a c c o r d i n g t o

c e r t a i n s pe c i f i c a t i o n s. M y U A S a r e

, b y d e f i n i t i o n

, un m a n n e d . T he y t h e r e f o r e d o n o t

ha v e a c a b i n

, c o c k p i t o r p i l o t s t a t i o n o n w h i c h t o m a r k c e r t a i n w o r d s o r p h r a s e s

. F u r t h e r

, t w o

- i n ch l e tt e r i n g i s d i f f i c u l t t o p l a c e o n s u c h s m a l l a i r c r a f t w i t h d i m e n s i o n s s m a ll e r t h a t

m i n i m a l l e tt e r i n g r e q u i r e m e n t

. R e ga r d l e ss, I w i l l m a r k i t s U AS s i n t h e l a r ge s t p o ss i b l e

l e t t e r i n g b y p l a c i n g t h e w o r d “ E X P E R I M E N T A L ” o n i t s f u s e l a g e a s r e q u i r e d b y 1 4 C

. F

. R

. § 4 5

. 2 9 ( f ) so t h a t I t h e p i l o t

, o r an y o n e a ss i s t i n g m e a s a s p o tt e r w i t h t h e U A V w i l l s e e

t h e m a r k i n g s . T h e F A A h a s p r e v i ou s l y i s s u e d e x e m p t i on s t o t h i s r egu l a t i o n t h r o u g h

E x e m p t i o n s N o s

. 8 7 3 8

, 1 0 1 67

, 1 0 1 6 7 A a n d 1 0 70 0

.

C

. 1 4 C

. F

. R

. § 6 1

. 11 3 : P r i v a t e P il o t P r i v i l ege s an d L i m i t a t i o n s: P I C

.

Pu r s u a n t t o 1 4 C

. F

. R

. § § 61

. 1 1 3 ( a ) & ( b )

, p r i v a t e p i l o t s a r e l i m i t e d t o n on

- c o m m e r c i a l

o p e r a t i o n s. I

, Brandon Schulz, c a n a c h i e ve a n e qu i v a l e n t l e v e l o f s a f e t y a s a c h i e v e d b y

c u r r en t R e gu l a t i o n s be c au s e m y U A S do e s n o t c a r r y a n y p i l o t s o r pa s s e n ge r s.

F u r t h e r more

, my Private Pilot License and associated NAS knowledge have given me

the means to understand the NAS and FAR's associated with all operations in the NAS

and hold my operations to an equal, or higher, safety standard

. T h e r i sks a tt e n d e d t o

t h e o p e r a t i o n o f m y U A S i s f a r l e s s t h a n t h e r i sk l e v e l s i n he r e n t i n t h e c o m m e r c i a l

a c t i v i t i e s o u t li n e d i n 1 4 C

. F

. R

. § 61

, e t s e q

. T h u s, a l l o w i n g m e

, Brandon Schulz, t o

o pe r a t e m y U A S m e e t a n d e xc ee d c u r r en t s a f e t y l e v e l s i n r e l a t i o n t o 1 4

C

. F

. R

. § 6 1

. 1 1 3 ( a ) & ( b )

.

D

. 1 4 C

. F

. R

. 91

. 1 1 9 : M i n i m u m S a f e A l t i t u de s.

1 4 C

. F

. R

. § 9 1

. 1 1 9 p r e sc r i b e s s a f e a l t i t u d e s f o r t h e o p e r a t i o n o f c i v i l a i r c r a f t

. I t a l l o w s

he l i c o p t e r s t o b e o pe r a t e d a t l o w e r a l t i t u d e s i n c e r t a i n c o nd i t i on s. M y U A S w i l l ne v e r

o p e r a t e a t a n a l t i t u d e g r e a t e r t h a n 200 ft A G L or 50ft above the tallest structure

. I

, Brandon Schulz, w i l l o pe r a t e m y U A S i n s a f e a r e a s a w a y f r o m congested areas, the

p u b l i c

, a n d t r a f f i c ; p r o v i d i n g a l e v e l o f s a f e t y a t l e a st e q u i v a l e n t t o o r b e l o w t h o se i n

r e l a t i o n t o m i n i m u m s a f e a l t i t u de s. G i v e n t h e s i z e

, w e i gh t

, m an e u v e r ab i li t y a n d s p e e d o f

m y U A S

, a n e q u i v a l en t o r h i g h e r l e v e l o f s a f e t y w i l l b e a c h i e v e d

.

E

. 1 4 C

. F

. R

. 9 1

. 40 5 ( a ) ; 4 0 7 ( a ) ( 1 ) ; 4 0 9 ( a ) ( 2 ) ; 4 1 7 ( a ) & ( b ) : M a i n t ena n ce I n s p e c t i o n s.

4 A p p en d i x E

- S a f e

t y

/ F li gh t M a nu a lBrandon Schulz, Private Pilot/UAS Pilot/Inspector

- S e c t i o n 3 33 E

e x e m p t ion P e t i t i o n

P a g e 9 o f 9 Brandon Schulz, Private Pilot/UAS Pilot/Inspector

- Sec t i o n 3 3 3 E x e m p t i on Pe t i t i o n

T h e a b o v e

- c i t e d R e gu l a t i o n s r e qu i r e

, a m o ng st o t h e r t h i ng s

, a i r c r a f t o w n e r s a n d

o p e r a t o r s t o “ h a ve [ t h e ] a i r c r a f t i n s pe c t e d a s p r e sc r i b e d i n s u b pa r t E o f t h i s p a r t a n d

s ha l l b e t w e e n r e q u i r e d i n s p e c t i o n s, e x c e p t a s p r o v i d e d i n pa r ag r a p h ( c) o f t h i s s e c t i o n

, ha v e d i sc r e p an c i e s r e pa i r e d a s p r e sc r i b e d i n p a r t 4 3 o f t h i s c h a p t e r

. . . . ”

T he s e R e g u l a t i on s o n l y a pp l y t o a i r c r a f t w i t h a n a i r w o r t h i n e ss c e r t i f i c a t e

. T he y w i l l no t

, t he r e f o r e

, a p p l y t o m y

, Brandon Schulz's

, U A S

. H o w e v e r

, a s a s a f e t y p r e c a u t i o n I i n s pe ct m y

U A S b e f o r e a n d a f t e r e a ch f li g h t

. Maintenance logs and flights logs will be kept on record and

with the aircraft.

A S u m m a r y T h e F AA M a y P ub li sh i n t h e F e d e r a l R eg i s t e r : A. 1 4 C

. F

. R

. 2 1 an d 1 4

C

. F

. R

. 91 : A i r w o r t h i n e ss C e r t i f i c a t e s, M anu al s an d T h e L i k e

. 1 4 C

. F

. R

. 2 1

, S ubp a rt H

,

en t i t l e d A i r w o r t h i ne ss C e r t i f i c a t e s, s e t s f o r t h r equ i r e m en t s f o r p r o c u r e m e n t o f n e c e ss a ry

a i r w o r t h i ne ss c e r t i f i c a t e s i n r e l a t i o n t o F AR § 91

. 2 03 ( a ) ( 1 ). T h e s i z e

, we i gh t a n d

en c l o s e d op e r a t i on a l a r e a o f m y U A S pe r m i t s e x e m p t i o n f r o m P a rt 2 1 be c au se m y

, Brandon Schulz's

, U A S m ee t s a n e q u i v a l en t l e v e l o f s a f e t y p u rs ua n t t o S e c t i o n 3 3 3 o f

t h e R e f o rm Ac t

. T h e F A A i s au t h o r i z e d t o e x e m p t a i r c r a f t f r o m t h e a i r w o r t h i ne ss

c e r t i f i c a t e r e qu i r e m e n t und e r b o t h t h e A ct ( 4 9 U

. S

. C

. § 4 4 7 0 1 ( f )) an d S e c t i o n 3 3 3 o f

t h e R e f o rm Ac t

. B o t h p i e c e s o f l eg i s l a t i o n p e r m i t t h e F AA t o e x e m p t U AS ' s f r o m t h e

a i r w o r t h i ne ss c e r t i f i c a t e r eq ui r e m e n t i n c o n s i d e r a t i o n o f t h e w e i g h t

, s i z e

, s pee d

,

m aneu v e r ab i li t y an d p r o x i m i t y t o a r ea s s u c h a s a i r p o r t s an d de n se p o p u l a t i on s. M y

U A S m ee t s o r e x c ee d s ea ch o f t h e e l e m e n t s. 1 4 C

. F

. R

. 91

. 7 ( a ) p r o h i b i t s t h e ope r a t i o n

o f a n a i rcr a f t w i t hou t a n a i r w o r t h i ne ss c e r t i f i c a t e

. A s n o s u ch c e r t i f i c a t e w il l b e

app l i c a b l e i n t h e f o rm c on t e m p l a t e d b y t h e F A R s, t h i s R eg u l a t i o n i s i nap pl i c ab l e

. 1 4

C

. F

. R

. § 91

. 9 ( b ) ( 2 ) r eq u i r e s a n ai r cr a f t f li g h t m anua l i n t h e a i r c r a f t

. As t he re a r e n o

p i l o t s o r pa ss eng e rs, a n d g i v e n t h e s i ze o f t h e U A S ' s

, t h i s R e gu l a t i o n i s i n ap p li c a b l e

. An

equ i v a l e n t l e v e l o f s a f e t y w il l b e a c h i e v e d b y m a i n t a i n i n g a m a nua l

. T h e F AA ha s

p r e v i o u s l y i ss ue d e x e m p t i on s t o t h i s r e g u l a t i o n i n E x e m p t i o n N o s. 8 6 07

, 87 3 7

, 873 8

, 9299

, 9 2 99 A, 956 5

, 95 6 5 B, 101 67

, m a i n t en a n ce p r o g r a m t ha t i n v o l v e s r e g u l a r s o f t w a r e upda t e s a n d c u r a t i v e m ea s u r e s f o r a n y d a m age d h a r d w a r e

. T h e r e f o r e

, a n e q u i v a l e n t

l e v e l o f s a f e t y wi l l b e a c h i e v e d

.

I n s u m m ar y

, Brandon Schulz seek s a n e xe m p t i o n f r o m t h e f o ll o wi n g

R e g u l a t i o n s :

1 4 C

. F

. R

. 2 1

, s u b pa rt H ; 1 4 C

. F

. R

. 45

. 2 3 ( b ) ; 1 4 C

. F

. R

. § § 61

. 11 3 ( a ) & ( b ) ; 1 4 C

. F

. R

. §

91

. 7 ( a ); 1 4 C

. F

. R

. § 91

. 9 ( b ) ( 2 ) ; 1 4 C

. F

. R

. § 9 1

. 10 3 ( b ); 1 4 C

. F

. R

. § 9 1

. 109 ; 1 4 C .F

. R

. §

91

. 119 ; 1 4 C

. F

. R

. § 9 1

. 121 ; 1 4 C

. F

. R

. § 91

. 1 5 1 ( a ); 1 4 C .F

. R

. § § 91

. 2 03 ( a ) an d ( b ) ; 1 4

C

. F

. R

. § 91

. 4 0 5 ( a ) ; 1 4 C

. F. R

. § 9 1

. 40 7 ( a ) ( 1 ); 1 4 C

. F

. R

. § 91

. 40 9 ( a )( 2 ) ; 1 4 C

. F. R

. §

91

. 40 9 ( a ) ( 2 ); an d

, 1 4 C

. F

. R

. § § 91

. 41 7 ( a ) & ( b ) t o c o m m e r c i a ll y o p e r a t e m y, Brandon

Schulz's, s m a l l un m anne d v e h i c l e / li gh t w e i g h t un m anne d a i r c r a f t v e h i c l e in Power

Generation Utility inspection op e r a t i on s at an equal or higher level of safety congruent

to these regulations.

C u rr e n t l y, Fossil and Renewable Power Generation Utility inspections require u se o f

l a r g e r a i r c r a f t r un n i n g o n c o m bu s t i b l e f u e l or aerial man lifts

. G r an t i n g m y, Brandon

Schulz's

, r eque st f o r e x e m p t i o n w i l l r e d u ce c u r r en t r i sk l e v e l s an d t h e r eb y enh an ce

s a f e t y. M y U AS cr a f t d o no t c on t a i n po t e n t i a ll yBrandon Schulz, Private Pilot/UAS Pilot/Inspector

- S e c t i o n 3 33 E

e x e m p t ion P e t i t i o n

P a g e 10 o f 9 Brandon Schulz, Private Pilot/UAS Pilot/Inspector

- Sec t i o n 3 3 3 E x e m p t i on Pe t i t i o n

e x p l o s i v e f u e l

, i s s m a l l e r

, l i gh t e r an d m o r e m aneu v e r a b l e t ha n c on v e n t i o n a l manned

helicopters

. F u r t he r, I o p e r a t e a t l o w e r a l t i t u de s a n d in limited a i r s pa ce e li m i na t i n g

p o t en t i a l pu bl i c r i sk f l y i n g t o a n d f r o m e s t a b l i s he d a i r f i e l d s. I

, Brandon Schulz, h a ve

be e n i n f o r m a l l y a n a l y z i n g f l i g h t i n f o r m a t i o n an d wi l l c o m p i l e s a f e t y p r o t o c o l s an d

t h e i m p l e m en t a t i o n o f a f l i g h t ope r a t i o n s m anua l for Fossil and Renewable Power

Generation Utility inspection u s ag e t ha t e x c e e d s c u r r e n t l y a c c ep t e d m ean s a n d m e t h o d s

f o r s a f e f l i g h t

. F o r m a l c ol l e c t i o n o f i n f o r m a t i o n s h a r e d w i t h t h e F AA wi l l enha n ce

t h e F AA ' s i n t e r n a l e ff o r t s t o e s t ab li sh p r o t o c o l s f o r c o m p l y i n g w i t h t h e F A A

M ode r n i z a t i o n a n d R e f o r m A ct o f 2012

. T he r e a re n o p e r s onn e l o n b o a rd m y, Brandon

Schulz's

, U A S an d t h e r e f o re t h e li k e li h o o d o f dea t h o r s e r i ou s b o d il y i n j u ry i s

s i g n i f i c a n t l y d i m i n i s h e d

. M y, Brandon Schulz's

, ope r a t i o n o f m y U A S, w e i g h i n g l e ss

t ha n 15 poun d s an d t r a v e l l i n g a t l o w e r s pee d s w i t h i n li m i t e d a r ea s w il l p r o v i d e

a n equ i v a l e n t l e v e l o f s a f e t y a s t ha t a c h i e v e d un de r c u rr en t F A R s. Acc o r d i n g l y I

, Brandon Schulz, r e s pe c tf u l l y r e q ue st t h a t t h e F A A g r a n t m y e x e m p t i o n r eque st an d a m

w i l li n g t o c oop e r a t e i n s ha r i n g i n f o r m a t i o n t o b ene f i t t h e F A A

, s a f e t y o f m anne d

a i r c r a f t

, an d t h e g en e r a l p u b li c a t l a r g e

.

R e s pe c t f u ll y s ub m i tt ed

,

Brandon Schulz, Manager

United Dynamics and AT Corp.

2681 Coral Ridge Rd.

Brooks, KY 40109

# A p p e nd i x A

DJI S800 Hex

- rotor

O p er a t o r Ma n u a l

URL Below

http://download.dji

- innovations.com/downloads/s800/S800_User_Manual_en.pdf



### Hyper Link Below

S800 ManualBrandon Schulz , Private Pilot/UAS Pilot/Inspector, UDC Brooks, KY 

# A p p e nd i x B

Airspace

ExampleBrandon Schulz , Private Pilot/UAS Pilot/Inspector, UDC Brooks, KY 

# Fossil Power Generation Utility

Airspace Example *

* This example is intended as a theoretical sample only and does not identify all hazards and risks but

rather points out a select few that may be considered before a UAS flight is considered. Educational

purposes only. Do not use for navigation.



### Identifier Consideration

Fossil Power Generation Facility

-- Use to Identify exact location for NOTAM

Victor Airway 234

------ - ---- Be aware of aircraft on Victory Airway 234

Transition Area

--------- - Be aware of aircraft on long final for RWY 18

Public Airport KSAR

----- Notify Airport /Distance >5sm

DO NOT USE FOR NAVIGATION

# A p p e nd i x C

Brandon Schulz

P er s ona l P ro t o c o l s a n d C o n t r o l sPage 1 Brandon Schulz, Private Pilot/UAS Pilot/ Inspector, United Dynamics and AT

Corporation Brooks, KY P ro t o c o l s a nd C on t ro l s

Fossil and Renewable Power Generation Facilities

S a f e t y f o r pub l ic o n t he g r o und as w ell as m a n ned ai r c r a f t ab o v e is an e ss en t ial and u t m os t

c o n s ide r a t i o n f o r ae r i a l v i de o s and ph o t o g r aphy. A s s u c h, s a f e t y p r o t o c o l s and c o n t r o ls m u s t be

i m p l e m en t ed t h r o u g h p r e

- f li g ht p r epa r a t i o n a nd du r i ng f l i g h t

.

P r e

- F l i g h t P ro t o c o l :

Obtain any NOTAMs, TFR's, etc before flight

.

C he c k ba t t e r i es w i t h Battery Management System t o i n s u r e f ul l y c ha r g e.

I n s pe c t ba t t e r ies f o r da m a g e o r l eaka g e t hat m ay a f f e c t p r o p er o pe r a t i o n.

I n sp e c t p r o p el l e r s f o r c r a c k s

, c hips o r da m a g e t h a t m a y c au s e s udden l o s s o f p r o p ul s i o n o r

un m ana g eable/un c o n t r o l l ed f li g h t

.

C o n s u l t Sectional Charts to identify airspace and location

.

Obtain a weather briefing for the f l i g h t area

.

o C o n t a c t any local a i r p o r t s t o advi s e o f e s t i m a t ed f l i g ht t i m e, e s t i m a t ed f l i g h t du r a t i o n,

e s t i m a t ed e l eva t i o n o f f l i g h t in addition to filing for a NOTAM

.

I n s pe c t f l i g ht a r ea f o r

o v i c i n i t y o f pub li c s a f e t y h e l i pad s /h e l i p o r t s

o v i c i n i t y o f m edi c al h e l ipad s / h elip o r t s

o v i c i n i t y o f l i g ht p o les

o v i c i n i t y o r u t i l i t y w i r es

o v i c i n i t y o f t r ees

o f l o c ks o f b i r ds t hat m ay c a u s e in t e rf e r en c e and p o t en t i al f li g ht i m pa c t

o v i c i n i t y o f any e l eva t ed o b s t r u c t i o ns t hat m ay p os e p o t en t i al f li g ht ha z a r d

o v i c i n i t y o f r o a d w ays w i t h m o de r a t e t o heavy t r a f f ic t h a t c an b e d i s t r a c t ed

o pub l ic g a t he r i n g s t hat m ay a t t r a c t v i e w e r s

o o p t i o nal p o int o f c o n t r o l f o r be s t v i s ual s i t e o f U A S w h i l e i n f l i g ht

T ake o f f and la n ding

o i n s pe c t a r e a f o r be s t and s a f e s t p o i n t o f t a ke o f f and l a nd i ng

o Erect a barricade that is consistent with plant site restricted space and post signage.

F l i g h t P ro t o c o l :

t a ke o f f and l and f r o m s a m e l o c a t i o n

r e m a i n a l e r t t o b i r d s

, so und o r a i r c r a f t

, c u r i o us pub li c , and app r o a c h i ng veh i c l es

do n o t al l o w an y o ne t o en g a g e i n c o nve r s a t i o n o r d i s t r a c t t he r e mo t e c o n t r o l p i l o t

r e s t r i c t f l i g ht t o m in i m al eleva t i o n s u f f i c ient t o a c qu i r e de s i r ed r e s u l t s

r e m a i ned p r e p a r e d f o r e m e r g en c y l a nding at a l l t i m es

pay a t t en t i o n t o f l i g ht t i m e

o Programmed alarm on the pilot's remote and UAS will signal battery levels

l and U A S and s hut d o w n p r o p ul s i o n i mm e dia t e l y f o l l o w i ng lan d i ngPage 2 Brandon Schulz, Private Pilot/UAS Pilot/ Inspector, United Dynamics and AT

Corporation Brooks, KY P ro t o c o l s a nd C on t ro l s

Fossil and Renewable Power Generation Facilities

P o s t f l ig h t :

a. d i s c o nne c t ba t t e r y t o p r event a c c i den t al a c t i va t i o n o f p r o pu l s i o n s y s t em

b. s e c u r e U A S i n a s a f e l o c a t i o n

c

. r e m o ve a l l barricades and signage in accordance with plant site procedures

E m e r g e n c y o r S usp e c te d Ha z a rd :

I mm e d ia t e l and U A S at s a f e s t a nd c l os et g r o und l o c a t i o n i n t he event

o m a nned a i r c r a f t is hea r d o r s een i n v i c i ni t y o f f l i g ht

o t h e r e is a publ i c g a t he r ing w i t hin e s t abli s hed s a f e t y b o u nda r y w an t i ng t o o b s e r ve f li g ht

o p i l o t i s being d i s t r a c t ed f r o m f o c u s i ng o n f l i g ht and s a f e t y

o s udden c h a n g e i n w ea t her

o s udden i n c r ea s e i n vehi c ular t r a f f i c i n vi c in i t y o f f l i g ht

o b i r ds en t er i n t o p r o xi m i t y o f f l i g ht

o any s udden un s a f e event t h a t c an c au s e c o l li s i o n, di s t r a c t i o n o r i n t e r r u p t i o n o f c o n t r o l

# A p p e nd i x E

Brandon Schulz

S a f e t y / F li g h t M a nua lPage 1 Brandon Schulz, Private Pilot/UAS Pilot/ Inspector, United Dynamics and

AT Corp. Brooks, KY Sa f e t y F l i ght M a nu a l

Fossil and Renewable Power Generation Facilities

S a f e t

y f o r p u b l i c o n t h e g r o un d a s w e l l a s m a nn ed a i r c r a ft a b ov e i s a n e s s e n t i a l a n d u tm o s t c on s i d e r a t i o n f o r a e r i a l v i d e o s a n d p h o t og r a p h y

inspections . M a i n t a i n i n g a r e c o r d o f s a fe f l i g h t f o r F A A r e qu e s t a n d f o r d e te r m i n i n g f u t u r e U A S sa f e t

y p r o t o c o l s i s i m p e r a t i v e

.

Da t e : L o c a t i o n:

P r e

- f l i g ht In s pe c t i o n: Y es N o C o m m en t :

E l e m en t s ( c i r c l e) ( c i r c l e) C o m m ent

Ceilings Go No Go

V i s ibi l i t y G o No Go

W i nd S peed Go No Go

P r o x i m i t y t o a i r p o r t : ( s ee a t t a c hed m ap pinp o i n t i ng app r o xi m a t e l o c a t i o n o f f l i g h t )

A i r p o r t n o t i f i ed Y es N o Da t e : T i m e :

P h o ne N u m be r : C o n t a c t N a m e:

N ea r e s t m a j o r structure :

P r o x i m i t y t o m ed i um t r a f f ic r o a d :

P r o x i m i t y t o heavi l y t r aveled r o ad w ay r o a d:

P r o x i m i t y t o c o n g e s t ed p o p u l a t i o n:

A pp r o x

. T ake o f f T i m e

A pp r o x

. L and i ng T i m e

E s t i m a t ed E l eva t i o n

S a f e t y C o n c e r n s :

A dd i t i o nal C o m m en t s :

U ned i t e d f l i g ht v i d e o / pho t os a v ai l a b l e f or F A A u p on w r i t t en reque s t w i t h i n 18 0 d ay s of f l i g h t : Y es N o