May 12, 2015

Exemption No. 11563

Regulatory Docket No. FAA–2015–0418

Mr. Mark Wages

Broker/Realtor

Remax Executive Realty

121 Rolling Hill Road

Mooresville, NC 28117

Dear Mr. Wages:

This letter is to inform you that we have granted your request for exemption. It transmits our 

decision, explains its basis, and gives you the conditions and limitations of the exemption, 

including the date it ends.

By letter dated February 19, 2015, you petitioned the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) 

for an exemption. The exemption would allow the petitioner to operate an unmanned aircraft 

system (UAS) to conduct aerial videography and cinematography.

See Appendix A for the petition submitted to the FAA describing the proposed operations and 

the regulations that the petitioner seeks an exemption.

The FAA has determined that good cause exists for not publishing a summary of the petition 

in the Federal Register because the requested exemption would not set a precedent, and any 

delay in acting on this petition would be detrimental to the petitioner.

Airworthiness Certification

The UAS proposed by the petitioner is a DJI Phantom Vision 2+.

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

and parts, Subpart H—Airworthiness Certificates. In accordance with the statutory criteria 

provided in Section 333 of Public Law 112−95 in reference to 49 U.S.C. § 44704, and in 

consideration of the size, weight, speed, and limited operating area associated with the 
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aircraft and its operation, the Secretary of Transportation has determined that this aircraft 

meets the conditions of Section 333. Therefore, the FAA finds that the requested relief from 

14 CFR part 21, Certification procedures for products and parts, Subpart H—Airworthiness 

Certificates, and any associated noise certification and testing requirements of part 36, is 

not necessary.

The Basis for Our Decision

You have requested to use a UAS for aerial data 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 Nos. 11062 to Astraeus Aerial (see Docket No. FAA−2014−0352), 

11109 to Clayco, Inc. (see Docket No. FAA−2014−0507), 11112 to VDOS Global, LLC (see

Docket No. FAA−2014−0382), and 11213 to Aeryon Labs, Inc. (see Docket No. 

FAA−2014−0642), the FAA found that the enhanced safety achieved using an unmanned 

aircraft (UA) with the specifications described by the petitioner and carrying no passengers or 

crew, rather than a manned aircraft of significantly greater proportions, carrying crew in 

addition to flammable fuel, gives the FAA good cause to find that the UAS operation enabled 

by this exemption is in the public interest.

Having reviewed your reasons for requesting an exemption, I find that—

• They are similar in all material respects to relief previously requested in Grant of 

Exemption Nos. 11062, 11109, 11112, and 11213;

• The reasons stated by the FAA for granting Exemption Nos. 11062, 11109, 11112, and 

11213 also apply to the situation you present; and 

• A grant of exemption is in the public interest.

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. Mark Wages is granted an exemption from 14 CFR 

§§ 61.23(a) and (c), 61.101(e)(4) and (5), 61.113(a), 61.315(a), 91.7(a), 91.119(c), 91.121, 

91.151(a)(1), 91.405(a), 91.407(a)(1), 91.409(a)(1) and (2), and 91.417(a) and (b), to the 

extent necessary to allow the petitioner to operate a UAS to perform aerial data collection.

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

Conditions and Limitations

In this grant of exemption, Mr. Mark Wages 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.
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1. Operations authorized by this grant of exemption are limited to the DJI Phantom 2 

Vision+ when weighing less than 55 pounds including payload. Proposed operations 

of any other aircraft will require a new petition or a petition to amend this exemption.

2. Operations for the purpose of closed-set motion picture and television filming are 

not permitted. 

3. The UA may not be operated at a speed exceeding 87 knots (100 miles per hour). The 

exemption holder may use either groundspeed or calibrated airspeed to determine 

compliance with the 87 knot speed restriction. In no case will the UA be operated at 

airspeeds greater than the maximum UA operating airspeed recommended by the 

aircraft manufacturer.

4. The UA must be operated at an altitude of no more than 400 feet above ground level 

(AGL). Altitude must be reported in feet AGL.

5. The UA must be operated within visual line of sight (VLOS) of the PIC at all times. 

This requires the PIC to be able to use human vision unaided by any device other than 

corrective lenses, as specified on the PIC’s FAA-issued airman medical certificate or 

U.S. driver’s license.

6. All operations must utilize a visual observer (VO). The UA must be operated within 

the visual line of sight (VLOS) of the PIC and VO at all times. The VO may be used 

to satisfy the VLOS requirement as long as the PIC always maintains VLOS 

capability. The VO and PIC must be able to communicate verbally at all times; 

electronic messaging or texting is not permitted during flight operations. The PIC 

must be designated before the flight and cannot transfer his or her designation for the 

duration of the flight. The PIC must ensure that the VO can perform the duties 

required of the VO.

7. This exemption and all documents needed to operate the UAS and conduct its 

operations in accordance with the conditions and limitations stated in this grant of 

exemption, are hereinafter referred to as the operating documents. The operating 

documents must be accessible during UAS operations and made available to the 

Administrator upon request. If a discrepancy exists between the conditions and 

limitations in this exemption and the procedures outlined in the operating documents, 

the conditions and limitations herein take precedence and must be followed. 

Otherwise, the operator must follow the procedures as outlined in its operating 

documents. The operator may update or revise its operating documents. It is the 

operator’s responsibility to track such revisions and present updated and revised 

documents to the Administrator or any law enforcement official upon request. The 

operator must also present updated and revised documents if it petitions for extension 

or amendment to this grant of exemption. If the operator determines that any update 

or revision would affect the basis upon which the FAA granted this exemption, then 
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the operator must petition for an amendment to its grant of exemption. The FAA’s 

UAS Integration Office (AFS−80) may be contacted if questions arise regarding 

updates or revisions to the operating documents.

8. Any UAS that has undergone maintenance or alterations that affect the UAS operation 

or flight characteristics, e.g., replacement of a flight critical component, must undergo 

a functional test flight prior to conducting further operations under this exemption. 

Functional test flights may only be conducted by a PIC with a VO and must remain at 

least 500 feet from other people. The functional test flight must be conducted in such 

a manner so as to not pose an undue hazard to persons and property.

9. The operator is responsible for maintaining and inspecting the UAS to ensure that it is 

in a condition for safe operation.

10. Prior to each flight, the PIC must conduct a pre-flight inspection and determine the 

UAS is in a condition for safe flight. The pre-flight inspection must account for all 

potential discrepancies, e.g., inoperable components, items, or equipment. If the 

inspection reveals a condition that affects the safe operation of the UAS, the aircraft is 

prohibited from operating until the necessary maintenance has been performed and the 

UAS is found to be in a condition for safe flight.

11. The operator must follow the UAS manufacturer’s maintenance, overhaul, 

replacement, inspection, and life limit requirements for the aircraft and 

aircraft components.

12. Each UAS operated under this exemption must comply with all manufacturer 

safety bulletins.

13. Under this grant of exemption, a PIC must hold either an airline transport, 

commercial, private, recreational, or sport pilot certificate. The PIC must also hold a 

current FAA airman medical certificate or a valid U.S. driver’s license issued by a 

state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, a territory, a possession, or the Federal 

government. The PIC must also meet the flight review requirements specified in 

14 CFR § 61.56 in an aircraft in which the PIC is rated on his or her pilot certificate.

14. The operator may not permit any PIC to operate unless the PIC demonstrates the 

ability to safely operate the UAS in a manner consistent with how the UAS will be 

operated under this exemption, including evasive and emergency maneuvers and 

maintaining appropriate distances from persons, vessels, vehicles and structures. PIC 

qualification flight hours and currency must be logged in a manner consistent with 

14 CFR § 61.51(b). Flights for the purposes of training the operator’s PICs and VOs 

(training, proficiency, and experience-building) and determining the PIC’s ability to 

safely operate the UAS in a manner consistent with how the UAS will be operated 

under this exemption are permitted under the terms of this exemption. However, 
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training operations may only be conducted during dedicated training sessions. During 

training, proficiency, and experience-building flights, all persons not essential for 

flight operations are considered nonparticipants, and the PIC must operate the UA 

with appropriate distance from nonparticipants in accordance with 14 CFR § 91.119.

15. UAS operations may not be conducted during night, as defined in 14 CFR § 1.1. All 

operations must be conducted under visual meteorological conditions (VMC). Flights 

under special visual flight rules (SVFR) are not authorized.

16. The UA may not operate within 5 nautical miles of an airport reference point (ARP) as 

denoted in the current FAA Airport/Facility Directory (AFD) or for airports not 

denoted with an ARP, the center of the airport symbol as denoted on the current 

FAA-published aeronautical chart, unless a letter of agreement with that airport’s 

management is obtained or otherwise permitted by a COA issued to the exemption 

holder. The letter of agreement with the airport management must be made available 

to the Administrator or any law enforcement official upon request.

17. The UA may not be operated less than 500 feet below or less than 2,000 feet 

horizontally from a cloud or when visibility is less than 3 statute miles from the PIC.

18. If the UAS loses communications or loses its GPS signal, the UA must return to a 

pre-determined location within the private or controlled-access property.

19. The PIC must abort the flight in the event of unpredicted obstacles or emergencies.

20. The PIC is prohibited from beginning a flight unless (considering wind and forecast 

weather conditions) there is enough available power for the UA to conduct the 

intended operation and to operate after that for at least five minutes or with the reserve 

power recommended by the manufacturer if greater.

21. Air Traffic Organization (ATO) Certificate of Waiver or Authorization (COA). All 

operations shall be conducted in accordance with an ATO-issued COA. The 

exemption holder may apply for a new or amended COA if it intends to conduct 

operations that cannot be conducted under the terms of the attached COA.

22. All aircraft operated in accordance with this exemption must be identified by serial 

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

(N−Number) markings in accordance with 14 CFR part 45, Subpart C. Markings must 

be as large as practicable.

23. Documents used by the operator to ensure the safe operation and flight of the UAS and 

any documents required under 14 CFR §§ 91.9 and 91.203 must be available to the 

PIC at the Ground Control Station of the UAS any time the aircraft is operating. 
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These documents must be made available to the Administrator or any law enforcement 

official upon request.

24. The UA must remain clear and give way to all manned aviation operations and 

activities at all times. 

25. The UAS may not be operated by the PIC from any moving device or vehicle. 

26. All Flight operations must be conducted at least 500 feet from all nonparticipating 

persons, vessels, vehicles, and structures unless:

a. Barriers or structures are present that sufficiently protect nonparticipating persons 

from the UA and/or debris in the event of an accident. The operator must ensure 

that nonparticipating persons remain under such protection. If a situation arises 

where nonparticipating persons leave such protection and are within 500 feet of 

the UA, flight operations must cease immediately in a manner ensuring the safety 

of nonparticipating persons; and

b. The owner/controller of any vessels, vehicles or structures has granted permission 

for operating closer to those objects and the PIC has made a safety assessment of 

the risk of operating closer to those objects and determined that it does not 

present an undue hazard.

The PIC, VO, operator trainees or essential persons are not considered 

nonparticipating persons under this exemption.

27. All operations shall be conducted over private or controlled-access property with 

permission from the property owner/controller or authorized representative. 

Permission from property owner/controller or authorized representative will be 

obtained for each flight to be conducted.

28. Any incident, accident, or flight operation that transgresses the lateral or vertical 

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

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

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

contained on the NTSB Web site: www.ntsb.gov.

If this exemption permits operations for the purpose of closed-set motion picture and 

television filming and production, the following additional conditions and limitations apply.

29. The operator must have a motion picture and television operations manual (MPTOM) 

as documented in this grant of exemption.

30. At least 3 days before aerial filming, the operator of the UAS affected by this 

exemption must submit a written Plan of Activities to the local Flight Standards 

District Office (FSDO) with jurisdiction over the area of proposed filming. The 3-day 
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notification may be waived with the concurrence of the FSDO. The plan of activities 

must include at least the following:

a. Dates and times for all flights;

b. Name and phone number of the operator for the UAS aerial filming conducted 

under this grant of exemption;

c. Name and phone number of the person responsible for the on-scene operation of 

the UAS;

d. Make, model, and serial or N−Number of UAS to be used;

e. Name and certificate number of UAS PICs involved in the aerial filming;

f. A statement that the operator has obtained permission from property owners 

and/or local officials to conduct the filming production event; the list of those 

who gave permission must be made available to the inspector upon request;

g. Signature of exemption holder or representative; and

h. A description of the flight activity, including maps or diagrams of any area, city, 

town, county, and/or state over which filming will be conducted and the altitudes 

essential to accomplish the operation.

31. Flight operations may be conducted closer than 500 feet from participating persons 

consenting to be involved and necessary for the filming production, as specified in the 

exemption holder’s MPTOM.

Unless otherwise specified in this grant of exemption, the UAS, the UAS PIC, and the UAS 

operations must comply with all applicable parts of 14 CFR including, but not limited to, 

parts 45, 47, 61, and 91.

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

Sincerely,

/s/

John S. Duncan

Director, Flight Standards Service

Enclosures
Mark Wages, Realtor®, Mooresville, NC - Section 333 Exemption Petition

Page 1 of 9

February 19, 2015

U. S. Department of Transportation

Docket Management System

1200 New Jersey Ave, SE

Washington, DC 20590

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

Regulations from 14

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

91.103(b); 91.109;

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

91.417(a)&(b)

Dear Sir or Madam,

I, Mark Wages, am writing pursuant to the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of

2012 and the procedures contained within 14 C.F.R. 11, to request that I, Mark Wages, an 

owner and operator of small unmanned aircraft, be exempted from the

Federal Aviation Regulations (“FARs”) listed below so that I, Mark Wages, may

operate my small ultra light weight unmanned aircraft system (“UAS”) commercially in

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

As described herein I, Mark Wages, am a licensed Realtor within the State of

North Carolina as well a commercial rated Pilot Certificate # 3209397 CFI. I have added

a hobby grade quad-copter1 UAS to my inventory equipped with a built in

camera with intent for aerial videography/cinematography to enhance academic

community awareness for those individuals and companies unfamiliar with the

geographical layout of the metro Charlotte area, and augment real estate listing videos;

following exemption and approval by the FAA. Thereby enhancing their academic

research experience for the metro Charlotte area. I plan to add a second quad-copter to

my inventory in the future with comparable safety capabilities.

My, Mark Wages’s, exemption request would permit operation of ultra light weight, 

unmanned (piloted by remote control) and comparatively inexpensive UAS(s) in tightly 

controlled and limited airspace. Predetermined in areas away from general public, 

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

boundaries for individual homeowner real estate listing videos/photos. Currently, similar 

lightweight, remote controlled UAS's are legally operated by unmonitored amateur 

hobbyists with no safety plan or controls in place to prevent catastrophe. I, Mark Wages, 

have personally instilled safety

1 Appendix A - Phantom quad-copter Operator Manual
Mark Wages, Realtor®, Mooresville NC - Section 333 Exemption Petition

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protocols and controls2 to avoid and prevent public hazard, as well as manned aircraft

hazards/catastrophe. This will act to further safety protocols exclusive to lightweight

UAS's specific to real estate video and photography usage as I, Mark Wages,

record flight data and other information gained through permitted flight operations to

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

safety regulation.

Granting my, Mark Wages’s, request comports with the Secretary of

Transportation’s (FAA Administrator’s) responsibilities and authority to not only 

integrate UAS's into the national airspace system, but to “...establish requirements for the 

safeo peration of such aircraft systems [UAS's] in the national airspace system” under

Section 333(c) of the Reform Act specific to the use of UAS's for real estate/Realtor

purposes. Further I, Mark Wages, will conduct my operations in compliance with

the protocols described herein or as otherwise established by the FAA.

For the reasons stated below I, Mark Wages, respectfully request the grant of an

exemption allowing me to operate ultra light weight, remote controlled UAS’s for

academic community awareness to benefit/stimulate attraction to the metro Charlotte

area and to enhance real estate listing videos for homeowners who cannot afford

expensive manned aircraft for the same purpose. Both of which will promote local

economic growth through increased employment and increased tax base. Both with

public safety in mind by keeping heavier manned aircraft containing combustible fuel

that that poses potential public hazard.

I. Contact Information:

Mark Wages, Broker/ Realtor

Remax Executive Realty

121 Rolling Hill Rd

Mooresville, NC 28117

Office: (704) 662-0095

Mobile: (704) 793-8731

Email: mark@wagesrealestate.com

II. The Specific Sections of Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations From

Which Mark Wages Requests Exemption are:

14 CFR 21;

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

14 CFR 61.113 (a) & (b);

14 C.F.R. 91, et seq.;

14 CFR 407 (a) (1);

14 CFR 409 (a) (2); and,

14 CFR 417 (a) & (b).

2 Appendix B - Personal Protocols and Controls
Mark Wages, Realtor®, Mooresville NC - Section 333 Exemption Petition

III. The Extent of relief Mark Wages seeks and the Reason He Seeks Such

Relief:

I, Mark Wages, submit this application in accordance with the Reform Act, 112 P.L.

95 §§ 331-334, seeking relief from any currently applicable FARs operating to prevent

me, Mark Wages, contemplated commercial cinematic, academic and other flight

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

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

as it is in the public’s interest to do so. My, Mark Wages’s, ultra light weight UAS

meets the definition of “small unmanned aircraft” as defined in Section 331 and

therefore the integration of my ultra light weight UAS is expressly contemplated by the

Reform Act. I would like to operate my ultra light weight UAS prior to the time period by

which the Reform Act requires the FAA to promulgate rules governing such craft.

Thereby, providing direct experience and valuable information for formal regulation that

can be administered uniformly to all real estate related UAS aerial video and

photography. The Reform Act guides the Secretary in determining the types of UAS's

that may operate safely in our national airspace system. Considerations include: The

weight, size, speed and overall capabilities of the UAS's; Whether the UAS will be

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

operated by line of sight. 112 P.L. 95 § 333 (a). Each of these items reflect in favor of an

exemption for me, Mark Wages. My UAS utilizes four (4) counter-rotating propellers

for balance, control and stability. My UAS is equipped with GPS and auto return safety

technology. Weighing less than five (5) pounds (far below the maximum 55 pound limit);

including camera with gimbal.

I, Mark Wages, consider safety as foremost with each flight. My small unmanned

aircraft is designed to hover in place via GPS and operate in less than a 24 knot (15

mph) wind. For safety, stability and fear of financial loss I will not fly in winds exceeding

16 kph (10 mph). Built in safety systems include a GPS mode that allows my UAS to

hover in place when radio controls are released. When pilot communication is lost UAS 

is designed slowly descend to point of take off. I do not operate my UAS near airports, 

Hospitals nor Police heliports, and do not operate near areas where general public is 

within fifty to one hundred (50-100) yards depending on location, conditions and 

weather. I am constantly on alert for any manned aircraft (Police/Medical helicopters, 

etc.) and prepared to land/abort immediately to the nearest and safest ground point should 

a manned aircraft approach my location or I suspect manned aircraft may approach near 

my location. My UAS is capable of vertical and horizontal operations, and are flown only 

within my line of sight of me, as the remote control pilot. Utilizing battery power rather 

than combustible fuels, flights generally last between 15-20 minutes, with an altitude 

under four hundred (400) feet. I, Mark Wages state that the Phantom Vision 2.0 + 

includes safe circle for operation, position hold, self-leveling, altitude command, GPS, 

return home feature, and safety control to return home or land in the event of 

communication interruption between RC transmitter and UAS. 

See Appendix A for Phantom Vision 2+ User manual Safe circle, position hold, and the 

other safety features.
Mark Wages, Realtor®, Mooresville NC - Section 333 Exemption Petition

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I, Mark Wages, utilize a fresh fully charged battery with each flight as a safety 

precaution; full flight time limit for each battery is twenty five (25) to thirty (30) minutes 

as tested. I do not operate my UAS at or below manufacture recommend minimum 

charge levels for operation; preferring to remain well within a safe operating range to 

insure adequate communication between radio control and UAS to eliminate potential for 

crash, loss of a control or hazard. Reserve batteries are at hand with each exercise to 

insure replacement for sufficient safe level of operation. I do not believe in taking risk 

that may cause a crash, that could create hazard to the public/property/manned aircraft, 

and have no desire to lose an investment. I have clocked numerous practice flights in

remote areas as a hobbyist simulating flights for future commercial use to gain

familiarization with the characteristics of this specific UAS's performance under different

temperature and weather conditions. I also practice computerized simulated flights to

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

I, Mark Wages, am extremely cautious when operating of my UAS/ultra light

weight unmanned aircraft and will not “create a hazard to users of the national airspace

system or the public.” 112 P.L. 95 § 333 (b). Given the small size and weight of my UAS

it falls well within Congress’s contemplated safety zone when it promulgated the Reform

Act and the corresponding directive to integrate UAS's into the national airspace

system. Mark Wages’s UAS, used in hobby flight, has a demonstrable safety

record and does not pose any threat to the general public or national security.

IV. How Mark Wages’s Request Will Benefit the Public As A Whole:

Aerial videography for geographical awareness and for real estate marketing has been

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

budget real estate companies and average homeowners the expense of such aerial

videography is cost prohibitive. Only large companies and high end Realtors or luxury

homeowners can afford to absorb such expense. Depriving non-luxury homeowners

and lower budget Realtors from a valuable marketing tool. Manned aircraft pose a threat

to the public through potential catastrophic crash that the Charlotte community has

experienced in the past with aircraft and medical helicopter crashes within the

city of Charlotte My, Mark Wages’s, UAS pose no such threat since size and lack of

combustible fuel alleviates any potential threat to the public. Congress has already 

proclaimed that it is in the public’s interest to integrate commercially flown UAS's into 

the national airspace system, hence the passing of the Reform Act. Granting my, Mark 

Wages’s, exemption request furthers the public interest through academic/visual 

awareness of the geographical benefits in and around the metro Charlotte area. My ultra 

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

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

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

can cause catastrophic devastation to the public
Mark Wages, Realtor®, Mooresville NC - Section 333 Exemption Petition

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The public’s interest is furthered by minimizing ecological and crash threat by permitting

aerial video/photo capture through my battery operated ultra light weight UAS's.

Permitting me, Mark Wages, to immediately fly within national air space furthers

economic growth. Granting my exemption request substantially furthers the economic

impact for the metro Charlotte community for companies looking to relocate or build in 

the Charlotte metro area as well as individuals looking to relocate for career advancement

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

the community.

V. Reasons Why Mark Wages’s Exemption Will Not Adversely Affect Safety

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

Rule:

My, Mark Wages’s, exemption will not adversely affect safety. Quite the contrary,

for the reasons stated permitting me, Mark Wages, to log more flight time in FAA

controlled airspace, with communication with the FAA, will allow me to contribute to the

innovation and implementation of new and novel, as of yet undiscovered safety

protocols for Realtors that can be embraced by the NAR6 and NCAR7 for

development in cooperation with the FAA. In addition I, Mark Wages, submit the

following representations of enhancements to current aerial videography and

photography for real estate:

-My UAS weighs less than 5 pounds complete with a small ultra light weight high

quality built in Camera;

-I only operate my UAS below 400 feet 9 (well within the 400 foot permissible

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

-my UAS only operate for 15-20 minutes per flight;

-I land my UAS prior to manufacturer recommended minimum level of battery

power;

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

-My UAS has GPS a flight safety feature whereby it hovers and then slowly lands

if communication with the remote control pilot is lost;

-I actively analyze flight data and other sources of information to constantly

update and enhance safety protocols;

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

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

-I conduct extensive pre-flight inspections and protocol, during which safety

carries primary importance;

-I always obtains all necessary permissions prior to operation; and,

-I have procedures in place to abort flights in the event of safety breaches or

potential danger.

6 National Association of Realtors, http://www.realtor.org/

7 North Carolina Association of Realtors, http://www.ncrealtors.org/

9 Phantom Vision2+ software limits height to 400’ AGL (see Appendix A Operator 

Manual)
Mark Wages, Realtor®, Mooresville NC - Section 333 Exemption Petition

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My, Mark Wages’s, safety protocols provide a level of safety equal to or exceeding

existing rules. It is important to note that absent the integration of commercial UAS into

our national airspace system, helicopters are the primary means of aerial video and

photography for community awareness and real estate. While the safety record of such

helicopters is remarkably astounding, there has been local incident involving loss of life

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

light weight UAS. 

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

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

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

explosions is greatly diminished. Third, the small size and extreme 

maneuverability of my UAS allow me to remotely pilot away from and avoid 

hazards quickly and safely.

-Lastly, given its small size and weight, even when close enough to capture

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

on through the technology and use of post editing software allowing pan and

zoom. 

Accordingly, my UAS has been experimentally operated for familiarization/competency

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

VI. A Summary The FAA May Publish in the Federal Register:

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

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

requirements for procurement of necessary airworthiness certificates in relation to 

FAR §

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

Wages’s , UAS permits exemption from Part 21 because my UAS meets (and

exceeds) an equivalent level of safety pursuant to Section 333 of the Reform Act.

The FAA is authorized to exempt aircraft from the airworthiness certificate

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

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

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

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

My, Mark Wages’s, current and projected UAS's meet or exceed each of the

elements. 

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

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

the FARs, this Regulation is inapplicable.14 C.F.R. § 91.9 (b) (2) requires an 

aircraft flight manual in the aircraft. As there are no on board pilots or passengers, 

and given the size of the UAS's, this Regulation is inapplicable. An equivalent 

level of safety will be achieved by maintaining a
Mark Wages, Realtor®, Mooresville NC - Section 333 Exemption Petition

Page 7 of 9

safety/flight manual delineating areas of where safety can be defined.10 The FAA

has previously issued exemptions to this regulation in Exemption Nos. 8607, 

8737,8738, 9299, 9299A, 9565, 9565B, 10167, 10167A, 10602, 10700 and 

32827.

14 C.F.R. § 91.121 regarding altimeter settings is inapplicable insofar as my UAS 

utilizes

electronic global positioning systems with a barometric sensor.

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

certifications and registrations. They are inapplicable for the same reasons 

described above. The equivalent level of safety will be achieved by maintaining 

any such required certifications and registrations by me, Mark Wages.

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

Applicable Codes of Federal Regulation require aircraft to be marked according 

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

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

phrases. Further, two-inch lettering is difficult to place on such small aircraft with 

dimensions smaller that minimal lettering requirement. Regardless, I will mark its 

UASs in the largest possible lettering by placing the word “EXPERIMENTAL” 

on its fuselage as required by 14 C.F.R. §45.29 (f) so that I the pilot, or anyone 

assisting me as a spotter with the UAV will see the markings. The FAA has 

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

10167, 10167A and 10700.

C. 14 C.F.R. § 61.113: Private Pilot Privileges and Limitations: PIC.

Pursuant to 14 C.F.R. §§ 61.113 (a) & (b), private pilots are limited to noncommercial operations. I, Mark Wages, can achieve an equivalent level of safety 

as achieved by current Regulations because my UAS does not carry any pilots or 

passengers. Further, while helpful, a pilot license will not ensure remote control 

piloting skills. The risks attended to the operation of my UAS is far less than the 

risk levels inherent in the commercial activities outlined in 14 C.F.R. § 61, et seq. 

Thus, allowing me, Mark Wages, to operate my UAS meet and exceed current 

safety levels in relation to 14 C.F.R. §61.113 (a) & (b).

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

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

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

will never operate at an altitude greater than 400 AGL; Equal the standard of 400 

AGL. I, Mark Wages, will however operate my UAS in safe areas away 

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

those in relation to

minimum safe altitudes. Given the size, weight, maneuverability and speed of my 

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

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

10 Appendix C Safety/Flight Manual
Mark Wages, Realtor®, Mooresville NC - Section 333 Exemption Petition

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

operators to “have [the] aircraft inspected as prescribed in subpart E of this part 

and shall between required inspections, except as provided in paragraph (c) of this 

section, have discrepancies repaired as prescribed in part 43 of this chapter. . . .”

These Regulations only apply to aircraft with an airworthiness certificate. They will not,

therefore, apply to my, Mark Wages’s, UAS. However, as a safety precaution I inspect 

myUAS before and after each flight.

A Summary The FAA May Publish in the Federal Register: A. 14 C.F.R. 21 and 14

C.F.R. 91: Airworthiness Certificates, Manuals and The Like. 14 C.F.R. 21, Subpart H,

entitled Airworthiness Certificates, sets forth requirements for procurement of necessary

airworthiness certificates in relation to FAR § 91.203(a)(1). The size, weight and

enclosed operational area of my UAS permits exemption from Part 21 because my,

Mark Wages’s, UAS meets an equivalent level of safety pursuant to Section 333 of

the Reform Act. The FAA is authorized to exempt aircraft from the airworthiness

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

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

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

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

UAS meets or exceeds each of the elements. 14 C.F.R. 91.7(a) prohibits the operation

of an aircraft without an airworthiness certificate. As no such certificate will be

applicable in the form contemplated by the FARs, this Regulation is inapplicable. 14

C.F.R. § 91.9 (b) (2) requires an aircraft flight manual in the aircraft. As there are no

pilots or passengers, and given the size of the UAS's, this Regulation is inapplicable. An

equivalent level of safety will be achieved by maintaining a manual. The FAA has

previously issued exemptions to this regulation in Exemption Nos. 8607, 8737, 8738,

9299, 9299A, 9565, 9565B, 10167, maintenance program that involves regular software

updates and curative measures for any damaged hardware. Therefore, an equivalent

level of safety will be achieved.

In summary, Mark Wages seeks an exemption from the following

Regulations:

14 C.F.R. 21, subpart H; 14 C.F.R. 45.23(b); 14 C.F.R. §§ 61.113 (a) & (b); 14 C.F.R. §

91.7 (a); 14 C.F.R. § 91.9 (b)(2); 14 C.F.R. § 91.103(b); 14 C.F.R. § 91.109; 14 C.F.R. §

91.119; 14 C.F.R. § 91.121; 14 C.F.R. § 91.151(a); 14 C.F.R. §§ 91.203(a) and (b); 14

C.F.R. § 91.405 (a); 14 C.F.R. § 91.407 (a)(1); 14 C.F.R. § 91.409 (a)(2); 14 C.F.R. §

91.409 (a ) (2); and, 14 C.F.R. §§ 91.417 (a) & (b) to commercially operate my, Mark 

Wages’s, small unmanned vehicle/lightweight unmanned aircraft vehicle in community

awareness and real estate operations, and to develop economic platforms for real

estate to enhance the experience of those seeking to relocate to the metro Charlotte

area. Currently, area awareness and real estate aerial videography/photography relies

primarily on the use of larger aircraft running on combustible fuel. Posing potential risk

to the public. Granting my, Mark Wages’s, request for exemption will reduce current

risk levels and thereby enhance safety. My UAS craft do not contain potentially
Mark Wages, Realtor®, Mooresville NC - Section 333 Exemption Petition

Page 9 of 9

explosive fuel, is smaller, lighter and more maneuverable than conventional real estate

video and photographic aircraft with much less flight time. Further, I operate at lower

altitudes and in controlled airspace eliminating potential public risk flying to and from

established air fields. I, Mark Wages, have been informally analyzing flight

information and will compile safety protocols and the implementation of a flight

operations manual for real estate usage that exceeds currently accepted means and

methods for safe flight. Formal collection of information shared with the FAA will

enhance the FAA's internal efforts to establish protocols for complying with the FAA

Modernization and Reform Act of 2012. There are no personnel on board my, Mark 

Wages, UAS and therefore the likelihood of death or serious bodily injury is

significantly diminished. My, Mark Wages’s, operation of my UAS, weighing less

than 5 pounds and travelling at lower speeds within limited areas will provide an

equivalent level of safety as that achieved under current FARs. Accordingly I, Mark 

Wages, respectfully request that the FAA grant my exemption request and am willing

to cooperate in sharing information to benefit the FAA, safety of manned aircraft, and

the general public at large.

Respectfully submitted,

Mark Wages Broker/ Realtor

Remax Executive Realty

121 Rolling Hill Rd

Mooresville, NC 28117

Mark Wages, Realtor®, Mooresville NC - Section 333 Exemption Petition
Appendix A

Phantom Quad Copter

Operator Manual

(see 

http://download.djiinnovations.com/downloads/phantom2vision/en/Phantom_2_Vision_User_

Manual_v1.8_en.pdf)
Appendix B

Mark Wages

Personal Protocols and Controls
Protocols and Controls

Aerial Community and Real Estate Videos

Mark Wages, Realtor®, Remax Executive Realty, Mooresville NC Page 1

Safety for public on the ground as well as manned aircraft above is an essential and 

utmost consideration for aerial videos and photography. As such, safety protocols and 

controls must be implemented through pre-flight preparation and during flight.

Pre-Flight Protocol:

-Check batteries with voltage meter to insure fully charged and ready for use.

-Inspect batteries for damage or leakage that may affect proper operation.

-Inspect propellers for cracks, chips or damage that may cause sudden loss of propulsion 

or unmanageable/uncontrolled flight.

-Check weather forecasts for wind advisory or other conditions that my impact flight.

-Consult five (5) mile radius map for airport vicinity.

o Contact respective airport to advise of estimated flight time, estimated flight 

duration, estimated elevation of flight, and any other pertinent information.

-Inspect flight area for

o vicinity of public safety helipads/heliports

o vicinity of medical helipads/heliports

o vicinity of light poles

o vicinity or utility wires

o vicinity of trees

o flocks of birds that may cause interference and potential flight impact

o vicinity of any elevated obstructions that may pose potential flight hazard

o vicinity of roadways with moderate to heavy traffic that can be distracted

o public gatherings that may attract viewers

o optional point of control for best visual site of UAS while in flight

-Takeoff and landing

o inspect area for best and safest point of takeoff and landing

o if in a subdivision or area that is within 150 feet of a residential street, post 

warning sign(s)/stand(s) "Attention Aerial Photography In Progress - Remain 

Back 150 Feet "

Flight Protocol:

-takeoff and land from same location

-remain alert to birds, sound or aircraft, curious public, and approaching vehicles

do not allow anyone to engage in conversation or distract the remote control pilot

-restrict flight to minimal elevation sufficient to acquire desired results

-remained prepared for emergency landing at all times
-pay attention to flight time

o if possible set a timer as a safety alert

-land UAS and shut down propulsion immediately following landing

Protocols and Controls

Aerial Community and Real Estate Videos

Mark Wages, Realtor®, Remax Executive Realty, Mooresville NC Page 2

Post flight:

a. disconnect battery to prevent accidental activation of propulsion system

b. secure UAS in a safe location

c. remove all warning signs from public access areas

Emergency or Suspected Hazard:

Immediate land UAS at safest and closet ground location in the event

o manned aircraft is heard or seen in vicinity of flight

o there is a public gathering within established safety boundary wanting to 

observe flight

o pilot is being distracted from focusing on flight and safety

o sudden change in weather (wind bursts)

o sudden increase in vehicular traffic in vicinity of flight

o birds enter into proximity of flight

o any sudden unsafe event that can cause collision, distraction or interruption of 

control
Mark Wages, Realtor®, Remax Executive Realty - Section 333 Exemption Petition

Appendix C

Mark Wages

Safety/Flight Manual
Safety Flight Manual

Aerial Community and Real Estate Videos

Mark Wages , Realtor®, Remax Executive Realty, Mooresville NC Page 1

Safety for public on the ground as well as manned aircraft above is an essential and 

utmost consideration for aerial videos and photography.

Maintaining a record of safe flight for FAA request and for determining future UAS 

safety protocols is imperative.

Date:____________________ Location: 

___________________________________________________

Pre-flight Inspection: Yes No Comment: 

_________________________________________________

Elements (circle) (circle) Comment

Weather Good Fair

Visibility Good Fair

Wind Speed Low Medium

Proximity to airport: _________________ (see attached map pinpointing approximate 

location of flight)

Airport notified Yes No Date:_______________ Time: ______________

Phone Number: _______________________ Contact Name: 

___________________________________

Nearest major intersection: 

______________________________________________________________

Proximity to medium traffic road: 

_________________________________________________________

Proximity to heavily traveled roadway road: 

_________________________________________________

Proximity to congested population: 

________________________________________________________

Approx. Takeoff Time

Approx. Landing Time

Estimated Elevation

Safety Concerns:

Additional Comments:

Unedited flight video/photos available for FAA upon written request within 180 

days of flight: Yes No