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Section 333 Petition for Jesse Werle

2 July 2015
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TABLE OF CONTENTS

ABBREVIATIONS........................................................................................................2

SUMMARY...........................................................................................................................3

INTRODUCTION AND INTERESTS OF PETITIONER....................................................3

BACKGROUND....................................................................................................................3

BASIS FOR PETITION.........................................................................................................3

CONCULSION.........................................................................................12

APPENDICES......................................................................................... 13
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GLOSSARY OF ABBREVIATIONS

AGL Above Ground Level

AOI Area of Interest

ATC Air Traffic Control

ATO Air Traffic Organization

AV Aerial Vehicle

CFR Code of Federal Regulations

COA Certificate of Authorization

FAA Federal Aviation Administration

FAR Federal Aviation Regulation 

GCS Ground Control Station 

GPS Global Positioning System

LOL Loss of Link 

LiPo Lithium Polymer 

NAS National Airspace System

NOTAM Notice to Airman

PIC Pilot In Command

Section 333 FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 (FMRA) 

SO Safety Observer

SOP Standard Operating Procedures

UA Unmanned Aircraft

UAS Unmanned Aircraft System

VFR Visual Flight Rules

VLOS Visual Line of Site

VMC Visual Meteorological Conditions

VTOL Vertical Takeoff and Landing
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SUMMARY

Jesse Werle seeks exemption from the requirements of 14 C.F.R §§ 61.113(a) & (b), 91.7(a), 

91.121, 91.151(b), 91.405(a), 91.407(a)(1), 91.409(a)(1) & (a)(2), and 91.417(a) & (b), to operate 

an Unmanned Aircraft System (DJI F550) pursuant to Section 333 of the FAA Modernization and 

Reform Act of 2012 (FMRA). This exemption will permit Jesse Werle to operate an Unmanned 

Aircraft System (UAS) for the commercial purpose of conducting aerial video and photography of 

construction sites, residential and commercial real estate, civil landscapes and events over certain 

areas of the United States. 

INTRODUCTION AND INTERESTS OF THE PETITIONER

Jesse Werle has operated in the Remote Control industry for more than ten years. The petitioner 

specified is interested in conducting commercial operation is the following areas: 

• Real-estate marketing

• Special event coverage

• Private and governmental operations 

• Construction site development 

Jesse Werle has safely flown 550mm RC electric quadcopters, and fixed wing aircraft without 

incident for two years. The petitioner has also earned a private pilots certificate as well as a third 

class medical. 

BACKGROUND

Unmanned Aircraft Systems: DJI F550, UAS

Jesse Werle seeks an exemption to operate DJI F550 system for compensation or hire within the 

NAS. The DJI F550 is vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) Unmanned Aircraft (UA) with a 

Ground Control Station (GCS) remote monitor system. The DJI F550 has a maximum gross weight 

of approximately 5 lb. while having a diagonal dimension of 550 mm, a maximum speed of 

approximately 16.4’fps and a maximum flying height of 400'. The DJI F550 is equipped with six

main rotors; driven by Lithium Polymer battery powered electric motors. 

The DJI F550 that will be operated by Jesse Werle will be registered in accordance with 49 U.S.C. 

44103, Registration of Aircraft, as well as 14 C.F.R Part 47, Aircraft Registration, and marked in 

accordance with 14 C.F.R. Part 45, Identification and Registration Marking.

BASIS FOR PETITION
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Petitioner, Jesse Werle, pursuant to the provisions of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 C.F.R. 

§ 11.61) and the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 (FMRA), Section 333, Special Rules 

for Certain Unmanned Aircraft Systems, hereby petitions the Administrator to commercially 

operate the DJI F550, UAS in the National Airspace System (NAS), and for an exemption from 

the requirements of 14 C.F.R §§ 61.113(a) & (b), 91.7(a), 91.121, 91.151(b), 91.405(a), 

91.407(a)(1), 91.409(a)(1) & (a)(2), and 91.417(a) & (b). 

In consideration of the speed, weight, size, and limited operating area associated with the 

unmanned aircraft and its operation, Jesse Werle’s operation of DJI F550 UAS meets the 

conditions of FMRA Section 333 and therefore, will not require an airworthiness certificate in 

accordance with 14 C.F.R. Part 21, Subpart H. 

Accordingly, Jesse Werle requests relief from Sections 91.405(a), 91.407(a)(1), 91.409(a)(1) & 

(a)(2), and 91.417(a) & (b), as these sections set forth requirements for maintenance that only 

apply to aircraft with an airworthiness certificate. 

Jesse Werle submits that the requested relief is proper since an equivalent level of safety will be 

ensured. Jesse Werle will use experienced personnel or technicians to perform maintenance, 

alterations, or preventive maintenance on the UAS using the methods, techniques, and practices 

prescribed in the operating documents (i.e., Monthly Maintenance Log, and DJI F550 Instruction 

Manual). Furthermore, Jesse Werle will document and maintain all maintenance records for the 

DJI F550 UAS. 

Relief from certain requirements of Section 61.113(a) and (b), entitled Private pilot privileges and 

limitations: Pilot in command, is requested by Jesse Werle to the extent necessary to allow a Pilot 

in Command (PIC) holding a private pilot or higher level certificate, as well as an airman medical 

certificate, and who has demonstrated, by meeting minimum flight- hour and currency 

requirements, that the PIC is able to safely operate the Flamewheel UAS in a manner consistent 

with this exemption, including evasive and emergency maneuvers and maintaining appropriate 

distances from people, vessels, vehicles and structures.

Jesse Werle seeks relief from Section 91.7(a), entitled Civil aircraft airworthiness, because the 

DJI F550 UAS do not require an airworthiness certificate in accordance with 14 C.F.R. Part 21, 

Subpart H. As such, Jesse Werle submits that they will ensure that the DJI F550 UAS is in an 

airworthy condition, prior to every flight, by determining that the UAS are in compliance with the 

operating documents (i.e., Monthly Maintenance Log, and DJI F550 Instruction Manual), and that 

the aircraft are in a condition for safe flight. 

Jesse Werle also seeks an exemption from the requirements of Section 91.121, entitled Altimeter 

Settings, as the DJI F550 UAS will not have a typical barometric altimeter onboard. However, 

altitude information of the DJI F550 UAS will be provided to the PIC via Global Positioning 

System (GPS) equipment and radio communications telemetry data link, which downlinks from 

the UA to the GCS for active monitoring of the flight path. This altitude information, combined 

with Jesse Werle operation of the DJI F550 UAS within visual line of sight, at or below 400 feet 

AGL, will ensure a level of safety equivalent to Section 91.121. 
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Additionally, Jesse Werle seeks an exemption from the requirements of Section 91.151(b), entitled 

Fuel requirements for flight in VFR conditions. Jesse Werle submits that safety will not be affected 

by operation of the DJI F550 UAS during daylight hours in visual meteorological conditions 

(VMC) under visual flight rules (VFR), with enough battery power to fly for a total duration of 

approximately 15 minutes. Battery power indicators are also able to show exactly how much 

battery power is left, as well as how much time is needed to return safely back to point of takeoff.

In accordance with 14 C.F.R. § 11.81, Jesse Werle provides the following information in support 

of its petition for exemption:
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A. The Specific Sections Of 14 C.F.R. From Which Jesse Werle Seeks Exemption. 

1. Jesse Werle Seeks Exemption From 61.113(a) And (b). 

Section 61.113, entitled Private pilot privileges and limitations: Pilot in command, 

subsections (a) and (b) prescribe the following, in relevant part: 

(a) No person who holds a private pilot certificate may act as a pilot in command (PIC) 

of an aircraft that is carrying passengers or property for compensation or hire; nor may 

that person, for compensation or hire, act as PIC of an aircraft. 

(b) A private pilot may, for compensation or hire, act as PIC of an aircraft in connection 

with any business or employment if—

(1) The flight is only incidental to that business or employment; and 

(2) The aircraft does not carry passengers or property for compensation or hire. 

2. Jesse Werle Seeks Exemption From 91.7(a).

Section 91.7, entitled Civil aircraft airworthiness, subsection (a), states the following: 

(a) No person may operate a civil aircraft unless it is in an airworthy condition. 

3. Jesse Werle Seeks Exemption From 91.121. 

Section 91.121, entitled Altimeter settings, subsection (a), states the following, in part: 

(a) Each person operating an aircraft shall maintain the cruising altitude or flight level 

of that aircraft, as the case may be, by reference to an altimeter that is set, when 

operating--

(1) Below 18,000 feet MSL, to--

(i) The current reported altimeter setting of a station along the route and within 

100 nautical miles of the aircraft; 

(ii) If there is no station within the area prescribed in paragraph (a)(1)(i) of this 

section, the current reported altimeter setting of an appropriate available station; 

or 
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(iii) In the case of an aircraft not equipped with a radio, the elevation of the 

departure airport or an appropriate altimeter setting available before departure. 

4. Jesse Werle Seeks Exemption From 91.151(b).

Section 91.151, entitled Fuel requirements for flight in VFR conditions, subsection

(b), states the following: 

(b) No person may begin a flight in a rotorcraft 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, to fly after that 

for at least 20 minutes. 

5. Jesse Werle Seeks Exemption 91.405(a).

Section 91.405, entitled Maintenance required, subsection (a), states the following: Each 

owner or operator of an aircraft—

(a) 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[.] 

6. Jesse Werle Seeks Exemption From 91.407(a)(1) 

Section 91.407, entitled Operation after maintenance, preventive maintenance, rebuilding, 

or alteration, subsection (a)(1), states the following: 

(a) No person may operate any aircraft that has undergone maintenance, preventive 

maintenance, rebuilding, or alteration unless--

(1) It has been approved for return to service by a person authorized under § 43.7 

of this chapter[.] 

7. Jesse Werle Seeks Exemption From 91.409(a)(1) And 91.409(a)(2). 

Section 91.409, entitled Inspections, subsection (a), states the following:

(a) Except as provided in paragraph (c) of this section, no person may operate an aircraft 

unless, within the preceding 12 calendar months, it has had --

(1) An annual inspection in accordance with part 43 of this chapter and has been 

approved for return to service by a person authorized by § 43.7 of this chapter; or 

(2) An inspection for the issuance of an airworthiness certificate in accordance with 

part 21 of this chapter. 
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8. Jesse Werle Seeks Exemption From 91.417(a) And 91.417(b). 

Section 91.417, entitled Maintenance records, subsections (a) and (b), state the following: 

(a) Except for work performed in accordance with §§ 91.411 and 91.413, each 

registered owner or operator shall keep the following records for the periods specified 

in paragraph (b) of this section: 

(1) Records of the maintenance, preventive maintenance, and alteration and records 

of the 100-hour, annual, progressive, and other required or approved inspections, 

as appropriate, for each aircraft (including the airframe) and each engine, propeller, 

rotor, and appliance of an aircraft. The records must include--

(i) A description (or reference to data acceptable to the Administrator) of the 

work performed; and 

(ii) The date of completion of the work performed; and 

(iii) The signature, and certificate number of the person approving the aircraft 

for return to service. 

(2) Records containing the following information: 

(i) The total time in service of the airframe, each engine, each propeller, and each 

rotor. 

(ii) The current status of life-limited parts of each airframe, engine, propeller, 

rotor, and appliance. 

(iii) The time since last overhaul of all items installed on the aircraft which are 

required to be overhauled on a specified time basis. 

(iv) The current inspection status of the aircraft, including the time since the 

last inspection required by the inspection program under which the aircraft and 

its appliances are maintained. 

(v) The current status of applicable airworthiness directives (AD) and safety 

directives including, for each, the method of compliance, the AD or safety

directive number and revision date. If the AD or safety directive involves 

recurring action, the time and date when the next action is required. 

(vi) Copies of the forms prescribed by § 43.9(d) of this chapter for each major 

alteration to the airframe and currently installed engines, rotors, propellers, and 

appliances. 

(b) The owner or operator shall retain the following records for the periods prescribed: 
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(1) The records specified in paragraph (a)(1) of this section shall be retained until 

the work is repeated or superseded by other work or for 1 year after the work is

performed. 

(2) The records specified in paragraph (a)(2) of this section shall be retained and 

transferred with the aircraft at the time the aircraft is sold. 

(3) A list of defects furnished to a registered owner or operator under § 43.11 of 

this chapter shall be retained until the defects are repaired and the aircraft is 

approved for return to service. 

C. The Extent Of Relief And The Reason Jesse Werle Seeks The Relief. 

1. Relief From Section 61.113(a) And (b) Reasoning. 

Relief from Section 61.113(a) and (b) entitled Private pilot privileges and limitations: Pilot in 

command, is requested to the extent necessary to allow a PIC holding a private pilot or higher level 

certificate, as well as a current and valid airman medical certificate, and who has met certain flighthour and currency requirements, to conduct the proposed UAS flight operations for compensation 

or hire. 

This relief is requested since the limitations set forth in Section 61.113(a) and (b) state that a private 

pilot may, for compensation or hire, act as PIC of an aircraft in connection with any business or 

employment if: (1) The flight is only incidental to that business or employment; and (2) The aircraft 

does not carry passengers or property for compensation or hire. 

As set forth more fully below, Jesse Werle submits that an equivalent level of safety will be 

maintained because no PIC will be allowed to operate the DJI F550 UAS unless that PIC has met 

certain flight-hour and currency requirements, demonstrating that the PIC is able to safely operate 

either the DJI F550 UAS in a manner consistent with the operations specifications as described in 

this exemption, including evasive and emergency maneuvers, as well as maintaining appropriate 

distances from people, vessels, vehicles and structures.

Further, Jesse Werle submits that all flights of the DJI F550 UAS, conducted by the PIC pursuant 

to the grant of this Petition: (1) will be incidental to Jesse Werlebusiness; and (2) will not carry 

passengers or property for compensation or hire. 

2. Relief From Section 91.7(a) Reasoning. 

Relief from Section 91.7(a) entitled Civil aircraft airworthiness, is requested to the extent required 

to allow Jesse Werle to determine that the DJI F550 UAS are in airworthy condition prior to every 

flight by ensuring that the UAS is in compliance with the operating documents (i.e., Jesse Werle 

Aerial Operations Manual, Monthly Maintenance Log, and DJI F550 Instruction Manual). 
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Jesse Werle seeks the requested relief because the DJI F550 UAS do not require an airworthiness 

certificate in accordance with 14 C.F.R. Part 21, Subpart H. Therefore, Jesse Werle will ensure 

that the DJI F550 UAS are in airworthy condition based upon its compliance with the operating 

documents (i.e., Monthly Maintenance Log, and DJI F550) prior to every flight, and further, 

determine that the aircraft are in condition for safe flight, as stated in the conditions and limitations 

below.

3. Relief From Section 91.121 Reasoning. 

Relief from Section 91.121, entitled Altimeter settings, may be required to allow flight operations 

of the DJI F550 UAS, which utilize a barometric pressure sensor, GPS equipment, and a radio 

communications telemetry data link to downlink altitude information from the UA to the PIC at 

the ground control station (GCS). Since the FAA requires that any altitude information concerning 

UAS operations be reported to air traffic control (ATC) in feet above ground level (AGL), Jesse 

Werle seeks the requested relief because the DJI F550 UA’s altimeter may be set on the ground to 

zero feet AGL, rather than the local barometric pressure or field altitude, before each flight. 

Considering the limited altitude of the proposed operations, relief from 14 CFR 91.121 is sought 

to the extent necessary to comply with the applicable conditions and limitations stated below. As 

more fully set forth herein, an equivalent level of safety will be maintained since the DJI F550

UAS are equipped with a barometric pressure sensor and GPS equipment, which automatically 

ensures that a ground level pressure setting will be established prior to each flight, and provides 

the PIC with altitude information of the UA on the heads-up display of the GCS. 

4. Relief From Section 91.151(b) Reasoning. 

Relief from Section 91.151(b) entitled Fuel requirements for flight in VFR conditions, is requested 

to the extent required to allow flights of the battery powered DJI F550 UAS during daylight hours 

in visual meteorological conditions (VMC), under visual flight rules (VFR), for a total duration of 

15 minutes. Jesse Werle seeks the requested relief because without an exemption from Section 

91.151(b), the flight time duration of the battery powered DJI F550 UAS will severely constrain 

the practicality of any aerial video or still photo flight operations that Jesse Werle proposes to 

conduct pursuant to this Petition. 

Significantly, as set forth below, the technical specifications of the DJI F550 UAS, the DJI F550

operating documents, and Jesse Werle proposed operating limitations, ensure that Jesse Werle will 

safely operate the battery powered DJI F550 UAS during daylight hours in visual meteorological 

conditions (VMC), under visual flight rules (VFR), with enough battery power to fly for a total 

duration of 23 minutes.
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5. Relief From Sections 91.405(a), 91.407(a)(1), 91.409(a)(1) & (a)(2), And 91.417(a) & (b). 

Since Sections 91.405(a), 91.407(a)(1), 91.409(a)(1) & (a)(2), and 91.417(a) & (b) only apply to 

aircraft with an airworthiness certificate, Jesse Werle requests relief from these Sections because 

the DJI F550 UAS do not require airworthiness certificates. As set forth more fully below, the DJI 

F550 UAS meet the conditions of FMRA Section 333 for operation without an airworthiness 

certificate. Accordingly, Jesse Werle will use trained technicians to perform maintenance, 

alterations, or preventive maintenance on the UAS using the methods, techniques, and practices 

prescribed in the UAS operating documents (i.e., the Jesse Werle Aerial Operations Manual, 

Monthly Maintenance Log, and DJI F550 Instruction Manual). Furthermore, Jesse Werle will 

document and maintain all maintenance records for the DJI F550 UAS. 

2. The Safety and Efficiency of The DJI F550.

Conducting aerial acquisitions with the DJI F550 UAS, instead of manned aircraft, will greatly 

benefit the public by drastically reducing the levels of air and noise pollution generated during 

traditional aerial video and still photography flight operations. By using battery power and electric 

motors, the DJI F550 UAS produce no air pollution, and is the most viable environmentally 

conscious alternative to the cabin class, six cylinder internal combustion engine aircraft that are 

typically utilized for aerial video and photography, while burning approximately 20-30 gallons per 

hour of leaded aviation fuel. The DJI F550 UAS, while reducing the carbon footprint of aerial 

acquisitions, also eliminates noise pollution, as the UAS are propelled by battery powered electric 

motors, rather than an internal combustion engine. 

By using the DJI F550 UAS to perform aerial acquisitions, the substantial risk to life and property 

in the air and on the ground, which is usually associated with traditional manned aircraft flight 

operations, will be substantially reduced or completely eliminated. Aside from the lack of flight 

crew members located onboard the aircraft, the DJI F550 UAS (weighing approximately 2400

grams at their maximum gross weight with diagonal dimension of 550 millimeters, and with no 

fuel on board), has less physical potential for collateral damage to life and property on the ground, 

and in the air, compared to the manned aircraft that typically conduct similar operations (weighing 

approximately 6,000 pounds with a wingspan of approximately 42 feet, a length of 34 feet, and a 

fuel capacity of 180 gallons).

3. Performing Aerial Video and Photography Operations With The DJI F550 UAS 

In addition to being safe and efficient, the DJI F550 UAS are also an economical alternative to 

using manned aircraft to conduct similar aerial operations. As such, operation of the DJI F550

UAS will allow United States based companies, like Jesse Werle, to remain competitive and 

contribute to growth of the U.S. economy. 
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4. There Are No Privacy Issues. 

Similar to the manned aerial acquisition flight operations that have been conducted for decades, 

Jesse Werle proposed operation of the DJI F550 UAS will not implicate any privacy issues. 

Specifically, the DJI F550 UAS will be operated only in compliance with operating documents 

(i.e., Jesse Werle Aerial Operations Manual, Monthly Maintenance Log, and DJI F550 Instruction 

Manual) which requires property owner involvement as well as local law enforcement notification, 

and in accordance with the Federal Aviation Regulations, including the minimum altitude 

requirements of 14 C.F.R. § 91.119. 

E. The Reasons Why Granting The Exemption Would Not Adversely Affect Safety, Or How 

The Exemption Would Provide A Level Of Safety At Least Equal To That Provided By The 

Rule From Which Jesse Werle Seeks Exemption. 

1. Reasons Why The DJI F550 UAS Meet The Conditions Of The FAA Modernization and 

Reform Act of 2012 (FMRA) Section 333. 

In consideration of the size, weight, speed, and limited operating area associated with the 

unmanned aircraft and its operation, Jesse Werle operation of the DJI F550 UAS meet the 

conditions of FMRA Section 333, and will not require an airworthiness certificate in accordance 

with 14 C.F.R. Part 21, Subpart H. 

Conclusion

Attached are documents that help aid in the support of the UAS operation ran by Jesse Werle. 

The petitioner has checklists and manuals created to help create a safe environment to integrate 

Jesse Werle’s UAS into the NAS. Jesse Werle seeks the stated exemptions above to begin 

utilizing UAS technology into business ventures, and create a safe working environment for 

manned and unmanned aerial vehicles. 

Attachments : DJI Flamewheel Manual 

Lipo Safety Manual

Operation Manual

(Please request Pilot Certificate and medical) 
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DJI FLAMEWHEEL MANUAL

The manual for the DJI Flamewheel is located here:

• http://download.djiinnovations.com/downloads/flamewheel/en/f550_user_manual_v1.3_en.p

df

Summary:

The DJI Flamewheel manual has information on the UAS assembly, as well as the recommended 

specifications for parts. It includes a blown-up image of how the actual UAS is assembled and 

the tools needed to maintain the craft. It also has a before you fly check list similar to the one 

included in the Operators Manual below. 
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OPERATIONS MANUAL 

1. Introduction................................................................................................Page 15

2. Battery Pack information..........................................................................Page 16

3. Safe operation of UAV aircraft.................................................................Page 22
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INTRODUCTION

This is the operations manual for the DJI F550. This is a basic check list that Jesse Werle 

will cover before taking flight with the UAS. The manual includes information about the NAS, as 

well as safe flying procedures. It also covers information regarding battery safety and preflight 

procedures. 
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Important Safety Instructions for 

Lithium-Polymer Battery Pack (LiPo)
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It is important that you read through this material. Handling Lipo Batteries can be 

potentially dangerous if you do not take care of them properly. Take caution when 

charging for the first couple cycles, and follow the chargers instructions. 

WARNING: Improper charging of Li-Po 

batteries is extremely 

dangerous. Failure to follow 

these instructions can result in 

serious fire hazard and injury. It 

is recommended that a fire 

extinguisher or bucket of sand 

be kept nearby in case of fire.

IMPORTANT! Do not leave battery 

pack unattended while charging. Only 

charge in a well-ventilated, safe 

environment such as:

●A ventilated fire safe

●A Pyrex container with sand at the bottom

●A fireplace

●LiPo safe bag
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●A plant pot

1.Before use, check the voltage levels of each 

cell in order to prevent an explosion. All cells 

should read 4.2 volts and be within a maximum 

of 0.1 volts of each other in order to maintain 

proper balance within the battery pack. 

Continue to check voltage levels of each cell after 

every tenth recharge cycle. If an imbalance is 

read after each discharge, the battery pack must 

be replaced.

2. Only use an approved charger 

specifically for Lithium-Polymer batteries. 

In order to ensure a proper charge, use a 

Lithium-Ion or Lithium-Polymer compatible 

charger set to the proper voltage for your 

battery(3s,4s,5s,6s settings).
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3.Do not allow a cell on the battery pack to 

become punctured. If ballooning of a cell 

occurs, set battery pack in a fire safe area and 

monitor for 2 hours and then slowly discharge 

battery pack by connecting to a battery charger 

that allows for the battery to discharge. Make 

sure you are using a quality battery for this 

operation. If the battery is punctured, please 

recycle the battery, as it is no longer serviceable.

4. In the event of a crash to your drone: 

carefully remove the battery pack and watch for 

20 minutes to monitor for signs of damage to the 

cells. Note: cells may be damaged in the event 

of a crash and should be watched closely 

regardless of physical appearance.

5. Battery pack should not exceed 140 F/ 

60 C. Damage can occur if battery pack exceeds 

temperature level.
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6. Do not charge battery at more than 1C.

This is the recommended charge rate and 

increasing beyond this level can reduce the 

lifespan of the battery pack.

7. Do not charge if battery is partially full. 

Use until it is at the low voltage cutoff level 

before recharging the pack. 

8. Do not store a battery that is over 

charged or under charged.

Make sure the cells in the battery are around 

3.6-3.7 volts. Do not store a battery over 3.8 

volts or less then 3.3 volts. Please take 

appropriate action when they are (charge or 

discharge.)
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The following is a chart that shows the 

voltages for each battery:

Battery Min voltage Max voltage 

2s 7 8.4

3s 10.5 12.6

4s 14 16.8

5s 17.5 21

6s 21 25.2
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How to Safely Fly Your Multirotor Aircraft

Introduction to safety 

Drones have become a great innovation, and integrating them into 

the current airspace environment has become an ever increasing challenge. We 

have come up with a few rules call “rules to fly by”. These sets of rules should be 

followed to insure safe operation of your aircraft.

Rules to Fly By

1. Make sure the flying area is clear of obstructions, and is at least 100 

ft by 100 ft In area .

 

(GOOD Field, notice all the space) (BAD Field, notice all the trees)

 Insure that the flying area is more than 5 nautical miles away 

from any airports. A good way of finding out if your area is in the 

clear is by using a sectional chart. Pilots used these maps as a 

tool with vital navigational aids. Here is what a sectional chart 

looks like: (On next page)
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The hazed magenta, solid blue, solid magenta, and doted blue all represent 

certain types of airspace. If your operations are under a hazed magenta line (1) your 

operational area might be with in a 5 nm radius of an airport. Solid blue (2) lines 

represent class B airspace and are major airports. These lines might extend out to 

50 nm away from the airport itself, so making sure you’re a reasonable distance 

from the active airport is imperative. 

Airspace can start at certain altitudes. The following is a picture that 

describes just that:
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It is suggested that you receive some person to person instruction 

regarding the national airspace system. If personal instruction is not an option, 

here is a PDF document that describe airspace and its use greatly:

 http://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/handbooks_manuals/a

viation/pilot_handbook/media/PHAK%20-%20Chapter%2014.pdf

Here are a few general points to follow when choosing a flying location. If you 

follow these rules, you will have a greater chance of success flying your 

multirotor. 

 Never fly with in 5 nautical miles of an airport. EVER!

 Stay below 400 ft Above Ground Level (agl)

 Do not fly around buildings without the owner’s consent. 

 Make sure you always have a spotter on hand (can be anyone)

2.Make sure your Lipo Batteries are charged. Please see page 3

 Insure that they are at the proper charge voltage. (Please see 

the “voltage chart” on page 8.

 Make sure that they have not been damaged during 

transportation. Look for puffed cells, and any cuts on the pack.

(STEPS 3- 4 ARE ONE NEXT PAGE)
26

3.Over-look your aircraft for loose screws, and other flight hindering 

attributes.

 Wiggle all the arms and make sure that they are securely in 

place. (Above)

 
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 Wiggle the motors and make sure that they are securely in 

place. (Above) If they move tighten the four screws with a 

number 2 hex key.

 Check to make sure that all the exposed wiring is not cut, or 

damaged.(Above) Also make sure the three bullet connectors 

are plugged in.
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 Make sure all exposed hardware is secured to the frame of 

the craft (Above) They white box, with red wire protectors, is 

the only component you need to check.

4. Make sure that anyone around your flying area is aware of your 

operation.

 Alert them of the dangers of multirotor aircraft

 If you have to fly over them, make sure they understand the 

risks involved.

 Make sure they know what your mission is.

 Make sure that they feel safe with you operating in the area. 
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Before Flight Checklist:

Slide this into a see through paper protector, and with a dry erase marker, check off each box as 

your perform the step next to it. Make sure you have everything checked off before you 

attempt to fly!

1. □ inspect the airframe of the mutirotor, check for cracks in arms and 

propellers. 

2. □ Check all the screws that secure the arms and motors to the arm.

3. □ Wiggle the arms. If they move around a lot, then tighten the arms 

screws, if they bend a significant amount, replace the arm. 

4. □ Wiggle the motors, if they move, tighten the screw underneath the 

motors.

5. □ Flip the multirotor over and inspect the wires, if something is cut, DO 

NOT PLUG IN A BATTERY, AND DO NOT FLY!

6. □ insure your batteries are charges, and not damaged.

7. □ Check to see if any components on the airframe look like they are about 

to fall off. If they are, secure them with double sided tape.

8. □ make sure the flying area is safe enough for you and the aircraft!