1

February, 19 2016

Attn:

U. S. Department of Transportation Docket Operations 

West Building Ground Floor, Room w12-140 

1200 New Jersey Ave, SE Washington, DC 20590

RE: AERIAL OPTIC

REQUEST AN EXEMPTION FROM THE REQUIREMENTS OF TITLE 14 OF THE CODE 

OF FEDERAL REGULATIONS

SECTIONS 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) CONCERNING COMMERCIAL OPERATION OF DJI Phantom 

3 Professional, DJI Inspire 1, Yuneec Typhoon Q500 4K, and Yuneec Tornado H920 

UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS PURSUANT TO SECTION 333 OF

THE FAA MODERNIZATION AND REFORM ACT OF 2012 (PUBLIC LAW 112-95)

Matthew Poole Boykin

Chief Executive Officer 

AERIAL OPTIC

4092 TPC Parkway Apt 1032

San Antonio, TX 78261

407-978-3350 

AerialOptic7@gmail.com
2

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page 

GLOSSARY OF ABBREVIATIONS...................................................................................3 

SUMMARY...........................................................................................................................4 

INTRODUCTION AND INTERESTS OF PETITIONER....................................................4 

BACKGROUND....................................................................................................................5

BASIS FOR PETITION.........................................................................................................6

NAME AND ADDRESS OF PETITIONER.........................................................................8

THE SPECIFIC SECTIONS OF 14 C.F.R. FROM WHICH AERIAL OPTIC SEEKS 

EXEMPTION............................................................................................................9

THE EXTENT OF RELIEF AERIAL OPTIC SEEKS AND THE REASON AERIAL OPTIC

SEEKS THE RELIEF..............................................................12

THE REASONS WHY GRANTING AERIAL OPTIC’S REQUEST WOULD BE IN THE 

PUBLIC INTEREST ............................................................................................15

THE REASONS WHY GRANTING THE EXEMPTION TO AERIAL OPTIC WOULD NOT 

ADVERSELY AFFECT SAFETY..............................................................26

SUMMARY THAT CAN BE PUBLISHED IN THE FEDERAL REGISTER...................27

ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, VIEWS, OR ARGUMENTS AVAILABLE TO 

SUPPORT THE AERIAL OPTIC’S REQUEST..................................................28

CONCLUSION.....................................................................................................................29

APPENDICES......................................................................................... 30
3

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 

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
4

SUMMARY

AERIAL OPTIC 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 Phantom 3 Professional, DJI Inspire 1, Yuneec 

Typhoon Q500 4K, and Yuneec Tornado H920) pursuant to Section 333 of the FAA 

Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 (FMRA). This exemption will permit AERIAL OPTIC

to operate an Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) for the commercial purpose of assist Law 

Enforcement and/or Military in Search & Rescue and Emergency Services in coordination with 

local authorities over certain areas of the United States, private and government training, 

environmental monitoring and wildlife conservation, aerial surveying and mapping, inspections, 

monitoring, surveillance, residential and commercial real estate activities, aerial inspection of 

utilities and infrastructure, news gathering, public events, inspection of residential and 

commercial structures, public safety, power-line inspections, pipe-line inspections, research and 

public service missions, student instruction and education, closed set filming, aerial videography 

and photography, bridges and structure inspection, aerial video and photography of construction 

sites, civil landscapes and events over certain areas of the United States. 

INTRODUCTION AND INTERESTS OF THE PETITIONER

AERIAL OPTIC is a new firm with ambitious goals. AERIAL OPTIC will provide their clients 

(which will include private sector businesses and non-profits, along with local state and federal 

agencies) with expertise and knowledge in video and multimedia marketing, advertising, public 

relations and training using advanced technologies and solutions. The objective of AERIAL 

OPTIC and our Unmanned Aircraft System (DJI Phantom 3 Professional, DJI Inspire 1, Yuneec 

Typhoon Q500 4K, and Yuneec Tornado H920) aerial operations is to provide a more affordable,

high-quality production system for a variety of governmental, commercial, public, and 

residential uses, specifically targeting

• Private and government training

• Appraisals

• Real-estate marketing

• Economic development

• Civic landmarks

• Construction sites before and after

• Civil disasters

• Border/Coastal Patrol

• Law Enforcement and other protection industries 

• Military

• Search and Rescue and Emergency Services

• Private and government training

I have safely flown small RC electric quadcopters recreationally for approximately 2 years without 

incident.
5

BACKGROUND

Unmanned Aircraft Systems: 

AERIAL OPTIC seeks an exemption to operate the following UAS’s for compensation or hire 

within the NAS:

Description of Type, Make and Models of sUAV/UAS Requested:

The petitioner is seeking an exemption to commercially operate sUAVs makes and models as 

follows:

1. Yuneec Tornado H920: The Yuneec Typhoon Q500 is vertical takeoff and landing 

(VTOL) Unmanned Aircraft (UA) with a Ground Control Station (GCS) system at 2.4 

GHz using Android application. The Yuneec Typhoon Q500 has a flight time of 25mins 

per battery usage; a control Transmission Distance/Range of FCC Compliance up to 

800M (2624.67ft.) / CE Compliance up to 200M (1312.34ft.); adjustable Maximum 

Flying Altitude of 13,000ft.

2. Yuneec Typhoon Q500 4K: The Yuneec Typhoon Q500 4K is vertical takeoff and 

landing (VTOL) Unmanned Aircraft (UA) with a Ground Control Station (GCS) system 

at 2.4 GHz using Android application. The Yuneec Typhoon Q500 has a flight time of 

25mins per battery usage; a control Transmission Distance/Range of FCC Compliance up 

to 800M (2624.67ft.) / CE Compliance up to 200M (1312.34ft.); adjustable Maximum 

Flying Altitude of 200ft.

3. DJI Inspire 1: The DJI Inspire 1 is a vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) Unmanned 

Aircraft (UA) with a Ground Control Station (GCS) system at 2.4 GHz using Android 

application. The DJI Inspire 1 has a flight time of 18 minutes per battery usage; a control 

Transmission Distance/Range of FCC Compliance up to 800M (2624.67ft.) / CE 

Compliance up to 200M (1312.34ft.); adjustable Maximum Flying Altitude of 

(14763.78 ft)

4. DJI Phantom 3 Professional, DJI Inspire 1, Yuneec Typhoon Q500 4K, and Yuneec 

Tornado H920 Professional: The DJI Phantom 3 Professional, DJI Inspire 1, Yuneec 

Typhoon Q500 4K, and Yuneec Tornado H920 Professional is a vertical takeoff and 

landing (VTOL) Unmanned Aircraft (UA) with a Ground Control Station (GCS) system 

at 2.4 GHz using Android application. The DJI Phantom 3 Professional, DJI Inspire 1, 

Yuneec Typhoon Q500 4K, and Yuneec Tornado H920 Professional has a flight time of 

23 minutes per battery usage; a control Transmission Distance/Range of FCC 

Compliance up to 800M (2624.67ft.) / CE Compliance up to 200M (1312.34ft.);

adjustable Maximum Flying Altitude of (19685.04 ft)

Each UAV/UAS separately weighs 55 lbs. or less, with imaging payload and applicable 

equipment.

The HSE Yuneec Tornado H920, Yuneec Typhoon Q500, DJI Inspire 1, and DJI 

Processional 3 that will be operated by AERIAL OPTIC will be registered in accordance 
6

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

AERIAL OPTIC seeks an exemption to operate DJI Phantom 3 Professional, DJI Inspire 1, 

Yuneec Typhoon Q500 4K, and Yuneec Tornado H920 systems for compensation or hire within 

the NAS. This exemption request, once granted would allow the petitioner to operate a small 

unmanned aerial vehicle (sUAV), unmanned aircraft system (UAS) to conduct bridge 

Inspections, flare stack inspection, utility-power generation system inspections and patrolling, 

aerial inspection, photography and videography of residential and commercial real estate, 

weddings, aerial inspection, photography and videography of utility infrastructure including but 

not limited to electrical power lines, wind turbines and cell towers, pipeline inspection and 

patrolling, filmmaking, cinematography, and videography, precision agriculture with on board 

sensors, wildlife and forestry monitoring and mosquito and insect control, aerial surveying, 

construction site inspection and monitoring, public entity support operations, Aerial imaging for 

safety, monitoring and comparing work efforts and completion percentages, and security of 

controlled environment of various sites, aerial video and live video feed to assist with search and 

rescue operations under the authority and support of local authority officials, aerial video and 

photography for public and private use including television, public events, and cinematography 

live feed and live newsgathering, training to persons individually or belonging to both private 

and public organizations to increase awareness and improve safety for current and future UAS 

operations within the NAS, special events: including high schools, colleges, professional sports, 

open air events and fairs, research, risk management and assessment, motion picture production , 

surface mining, closed set filming , disaster and catastrophe events.

The DJI Phantom 3 Professional, DJI Inspire 1, Yuneec Typhoon Q500 4K, and Yuneec Tornado

H920 will be operated by AERIAL OPTIC 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

Petitioner, AERIAL OPTIC, 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 Phantom 3 Professional, DJI Inspire 1, Yuneec Typhoon Q500 4K, 

and Yuneec Tornado H920 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, AERIAL OPTIC operation of DJI Phantom 3 Professional, 
7

DJI Inspire 1, Yuneec Typhoon Q500 4K, and Yuneec Tornado H920 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, AERIAL OPTIC 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. 

AERIAL OPTIC submits that the requested relief is proper since an equivalent level of safety 

will be ensured. AERIAL OPTIC 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 

Phantom 3 Professional, DJI Inspire 1, Yuneec Typhoon Q500 4K, and Yuneec Tornado H920

Instruction Manuals). Furthermore, AERIAL OPTIC will document and maintain all 

maintenance records for the DJI Phantom 3 Professional, DJI Inspire 1, Yuneec Typhoon Q500 

4K, and Yuneec Tornado H920 UAS. 

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

and limitations: Pilot in command, is requested by AERIAL OPTIC 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 DJI Phantom 3 Professional, DJI 

Inspire 1, Yuneec Typhoon Q500 4K, and Yuneec Tornado H920 UAS in a manner consistent 

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

distances from people, vessels, vehicles and structures.

AERIAL OPTIC seeks relief from Section 91.7(a), entitled Civil aircraft airworthiness, because 

the DJI Phantom 3 Professional, DJI Inspire 1, Yuneec Typhoon Q500 4K, and Yuneec Tornado 

H920 UAS do not require an airworthiness certificate in accordance with 14 C.F.R. Part 21, 

Subpart H. As such, AERIAL OPTIC submits that they will ensure that the DJI Phantom 3 

Professional, DJI Inspire 1, Yuneec Typhoon Q500 4K, and Yuneec Tornado H920 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 Phantom 3 Professional, DJI 

Inspire 1, Yuneec Typhoon Q500 4K, and Yuneec Tornado H920), and that the aircraft are in a 

condition for safe flight. 

AERIAL OPTIC also seeks an exemption from the requirements of Section 91.121, entitled 

Altimeter Settings, as the DJI Phantom 3 Professional, DJI Inspire 1, Yuneec Typhoon Q500 4K, 

and Yuneec Tornado H920 UAS will not have a typical barometric altimeter onboard. However, 

altitude information of the DJI Phantom 3 Professional, DJI Inspire 1, Yuneec Typhoon Q500 

4K, and Yuneec Tornado H920 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 The 

AERIAL OPTIC’s operation of the DJI Phantom 3 Professional, DJI Inspire 1, Yuneec Typhoon 
8

Q500 4K, and Yuneec Tornado H920 UAS within visual line of sight, at or below 400 feet AGL, 

will ensure a level of safety equivalent to Section 91.121. 

Additionally, AERIAL OPTIC seeks an exemption from the requirements of Section 91.151(b), 

entitled Fuel requirements for flight in VFR conditions. AERIAL OPTIC submits that safety will 

not be affected by operation of the DJI Phantom 3 Professional, DJI Inspire 1, Yuneec Typhoon 

Q500 4K, and Yuneec Tornado UAS during daylight hours in visual meteorological conditions 

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

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, AERIAL OPTIC provides the following information in 

support of its petition for exemption:

A. Name And Address Of The Petitioner.

The name and address of the Petitioner and point of contact is:

Matthew Poole Boykin

Chief Executive Officer

AERIAL OPTIC

4092 TPC Parkway Apt 1032

San Antonio TX 78261

407-978-3350 

AerialOptic7@gmail.com

B. The Specific Sections Of 14 C.F.R. From Which The AERIAL OPTIC Seeks Exemption. 

1. The AERIAL OPTIC Seeks Exemption From The Requirements Of Section 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: 
9

(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. AERIAL OPTIC Seeks Exemption From The Requirements Of Section 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. The AERIAL OPTIC Seeks Exemption From The Requirements Of Section 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 

(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. The AERIAL OPTIC Seeks Exemption From The Requirements Of Section 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. The AERIAL OPTIC Seeks Exemption From The Requirement Of Section 91.405(a).
10

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. The AERIAL OPTIC Seeks Exemption From The Requirements Of Section 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. The AERIAL OPTIC Seeks Exemption From The Requirements Of Sections 

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. 

8. AERIAL OPTIC Seeks Exemption From The Requirements Of Sections 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--
11

(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: 

(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. 
12

C. The Extent Of Relief AERIAL OPTIC Seeks And The Reason AERIAL OPTIC Seeks 

The Relief. 

1. Extent Of Relief AERIAL OPTIC Seeks And The Reason AERIAL OPTIC Seeks Relief 

From Section 61.113(a) And (b). 

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 flight-hour 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, AERIAL OPTIC submits that an equivalent level of safety will be 

maintained because no PIC will be allowed to operate the DJI Phantom 3 Professional, DJI 

Inspire 1, Yuneec Typhoon Q500 4K, and Yuneec Tornado H920 UAS unless that PIC has met 

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

operate either the DJI Phantom 3 Professional, DJI Inspire 1, Yuneec Typhoon Q500 4K, and 

Yuneec Tornado H920 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, AERIAL OPTIC submits that all flights of the DJI Phantom 3 Professional, DJI Inspire 

1, Yuneec Typhoon Q500 4K, and Yuneec Tornado H920 Professional, DJI Inspire 1, Yuneec 

Typhoon Q500 4K, and Yuneec Tornado H920 UAS, conducted by the PIC pursuant to the grant 

of this Petition: (1) will be incidental to AERIAL OPTIC’s business; and (2) will not carry 

passengers or property for compensation or hire. 

2. Extent Of Relief AERIAL OPTIC Seeks And The Reason AERIAL OPTIC Seeks Relief 

From Section 91.7(a). 

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

required to allow AERIAL OPTIC to determine that the DJI Phantom 3 Professional, DJI Inspire 

1, Yuneec Typhoon Q500 4K, and Yuneec Tornado H920 UAS are in airworthy condition prior 

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

AERIAL OPTIC Aerial Operations Manual, Monthly Maintenance Log, and DJI Phantom 3 

Professional, DJI Inspire 1, Yuneec Typhoon Q500 4K, and Yuneec Tornado H920 Instruction 

Manuals). 
13

AERIAL OPTIC seeks the requested relief because the DJI Phantom 3 Professional, DJI Inspire 

1, Yuneec Typhoon Q500 4K, and Yuneec Tornado UAS do not require an airworthiness 

certificate in accordance with 14 C.F.R. Part 21, Subpart H. Therefore, AERIAL OPTIC will 

ensure that the DJI Phantom 3 Professional, DJI Inspire 1, Yuneec Typhoon Q500 4K, and 

Yuneec Tornado H920 UAS are in airworthy condition based upon its compliance with the 

operating documents (i.e., Monthly Maintenance Logs, and DJI Phantom 3 Professional, DJI 

Inspire 1, Yuneec Typhoon Q500 4K, and Yuneec Tornado H920) 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. Extent Of Relief AERIAL OPTIC Seeks And The Reason AERIAL OPTIC Seeks Relief 

From Section 91.121. 

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

operations of the DJI Phantom 3 Professional, DJI Inspire 1, Yuneec Typhoon Q500 4K, and 

Yuneec Tornado H920 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), AERIAL OPTIC seeks the requested relief because the DJI Phantom 3 Professional, DJI 

Inspire 1, Yuneec Typhoon Q500 4K, and Yuneec Tornado H920 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 

Phantom 3 Professional, DJI Inspire 1, Yuneec Typhoon Q500 4K, and Yuneec Tornado H920 

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. Extent Of Relief AERIAL OPTIC Seeks And The Reason AERIAL OPTIC Seeks Relief 

From Section 91.151(b). 

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 Phantom 3 

Professional, DJI Inspire 1, Yuneec Typhoon Q500 4K, and Yuneec Tornado H920 UAS during 

daylight hours in visual meteorological conditions (VMC), under visual flight rules (VFR), for a 

total duration between 15-23 minutes. AERIAL OPTIC seeks the requested relief because 

without an exemption from Section 91.151(b), the flight time duration of the battery powered 

DJI Phantom 3 Professional, DJI Inspire 1, Yuneec Typhoon Q500 4K, and Yuneec Tornado 
14

H920 UAS will severely constrain the practicality of any aerial video or still photo flight 

operations that AERIAL OPTIC proposes to conduct pursuant to this Petition. 

Significantly, as set forth below, the technical specifications of the DJI Phantom 3 Professional, 

DJI Inspire 1, Yuneec Typhoon Q500 4K, and Yuneec Tornado H920 UAS, operating 

documents, and AERIAL OPTIC’s proposed operating limitations, ensure that AERIAL OPTIC

will safely operate the battery powered DJI Phantom 3 Professional, DJI Inspire 1, Yuneec 

Typhoon Q500 4K, and Yuneec Tornado H920 UAS during daylight hours in visual 

meteorological conditions (VMC), under visual flight rules (VFR), with enough battery power to 

fly.

5. Extent Of Relief AERIAL OPTIC Seeks And The Reason AERIAL OPTIC Seeks 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, AERIAL OPTIC requests relief from these Sections 

because the DJI Phantom 3 Professional, DJI Inspire 1, Yuneec Typhoon Q500 4K, and Yuneec 

Tornado H920 UAS do not require airworthiness certificates. As set forth more fully below, the 

DJI Phantom 3 Professional, DJI Inspire 1, Yuneec Typhoon Q500 4K, and Yuneec Tornado 

H920 UAS meet the conditions of FMRA Section 333 for operation without an airworthiness 

certificate. Accordingly, AERIAL OPTIC 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 AERIAL OPTIC Aerial Operations 

Manual, Monthly Maintenance Log, and DJI Phantom 3 Professional, DJI Inspire 1, Yuneec 

Typhoon Q500 4K, and Yuneec Tornado H920 Instruction Manual). Furthermore, AERIAL 

OPTIC will document and maintain all maintenance records for the DJI Phantom 3 Professional, 

DJI Inspire 1, Yuneec Typhoon Q500 4K, and Yuneec Tornado H920 UAS. 

D. The Reasons Why Granting AERIAL OPTIC Request Would Be In The Public Interest; 

That Is, How It Would Benefit The Public As A Whole. 

Granting the present Petition will further the public interest by allowing AERIAL OPTIC to 

safely, efficiently, and economically perform aerial video and photography of construction sites, 

real estate, events and civic landscape over certain areas of the United States. 

Additionally, use of the DJI Phantom 3 Professional, DJI Inspire 1, Yuneec Typhoon Q500 4K, 

and Yuneec Tornado H920 UAS will decrease congestion of the NAS, reduce pollution, and

provide significant benefits to the economy. Notably, the benefits of AERIAL OPTIC’s proposed 

operation of the DJI Phantom 3 Professional, DJI Inspire 1, Yuneec Typhoon Q500 4K, and 

Yuneec Tornado H920 UAS will be realized without implicating any privacy issues. 
15

1. The Public Will Benefit From Decreased Congestion Of The NAS. 

The DJI Phantom 3 Professional, DJI Inspire 1, Yuneec Typhoon Q500 4K, and Yuneec Tornado

H920 UAS are battery powered and serve as a safe, efficient, and economical alternative to the 

manned aircraft traditionally utilized to obtain aerial imagery. By reducing the amount of 

manned aircraft needed to perform aerial acquisitions, an exemption allowing the use of a DJI 

Phantom 3 Professional, DJI Inspire 1, Yuneec Typhoon Q500 4K, and Yuneec Tornado H920

UAS would reduce the amount of manned aircraft in the NAS, reduce noise and air pollution, as 

well as increase the safety of life and property in the air and on the ground. 

Furthermore, by reducing the number of manned aircraft operating in the NAS, congestion 

around airports caused by arriving and departing aircraft will be reduced. The DJI Phantom 3 

Professional, DJI Inspire 1, Yuneec Typhoon Q500 4K, and Yuneec Tornado H920 UAS do not 

require an airport to takeoff or land. Likewise, a reduction of manned aircraft conducting aerial 

video and photography missions would result in fewer aircraft that must be handled by air traffic 

control during the ground, takeoff, departure, arrival, and landing phases of flight operations.

2. The Public Will Benefit From The Safety And Efficiency Of The DJI Phantom 3 

Professional, DJI Inspire 1, Yuneec Typhoon Q500 4K, and Yuneec Tornado H920 UAS. 

Conducting aerial acquisitions with the DJI Phantom 3 Professional, DJI Inspire 1, Yuneec 

Typhoon Q500 4K, and Yuneec Tornado H920 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 Phantom 3 Professional, DJI Inspire 1, Yuneec Typhoon Q500 4K, and 

Yuneec Tornado H920 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 Phantom 3 Professional, DJI Inspire 1, Yuneec 

Typhoon Q500 4K, and Yuneec Tornado H920 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 Phantom 3 Professional, DJI Inspire 1, Yuneec Typhoon Q500 4K, and Yuneec 

Tornado H920 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 Phantom 3 Professional, DJI Inspire 1, 

Yuneec Typhoon Q500 4K, and Yuneec Tornado H920 UAS (weighing between approximately 

2.8 pounds and 11 pounds at their maximum gross weight with diagonal dimension between 23.2 

inches and 36 inches 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).
16

3. Performing Aerial Video and Photography Operations With The DJI Phantom 3 

Professional, DJI Inspire 1, Yuneec Typhoon Q500 4K, and Yuneec Tornado H920 UAS

Will Benefit The Economy. 

In addition to being safe and efficient, the DJI Phantom 3 Professional, DJI Inspire 1, Yuneec 

Typhoon Q500 4K, and Yuneec Tornado H920 UAS are also an economical alternative to using 

manned aircraft to conduct similar aerial operations. As such, operation of the DJI Phantom 3 

Professional, DJI Inspire 1, Yuneec Typhoon Q500 4K, and Yuneec Tornado H920 UAS will 

allow United States based companies, like AERIAL OPTIC, to remain competitive and 

contribute to growth of the U.S. economy. Specifically, with the rising cost of aviation fuel and 

the Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) regulatory actions phasing out leaded aviation 

fuels, U.S. owned and operated companies must adopt new and alternative technology in order to 

remain competitive. Operating the battery powered DJI Phantom 3 Professional, DJI Inspire 1, 

Yuneec Typhoon Q500 4K, and Yuneec Tornado H920 UAS is one such technology that not 

only allows companies greater operational flexibility compared to manned aircraft, but provides 

such flexibility without the high operational cost of a traditional manned aircraft. 

By operating the DJI Phantom 3 Professional, DJI Inspire 1, Yuneec Typhoon Q500 4K, and 

Yuneec Tornado H920 UAS, companies such as AERIAL OPTIC, can remain competitive and 

profitable, and therefore, provide greater job stability to employees and contractors, which will 

ultimately contribute to growth of the U.S. economy. Improved financial performance of U.S. 

companies, through commercial use of the DJI Phantom 3 Professional, DJI Inspire 1, Yuneec 

Typhoon Q500 4K, and Yuneec Tornado H920 UAS, provides a stable workforce that increases 

consumer spending; improves local, state, and federal tax revenues; and allows companies to 

invest in research and development in order to remain competitive both in the United States and 

abroad. 

4. There Are No Privacy Issues. 

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

AERIAL OPTIC’s proposed operation of the DJI Phantom 3 Professional, DJI Inspire 1, Yuneec 

Typhoon Q500 4K, and Yuneec Tornado H920 UAS will not implicate any privacy issues. 

Specifically, the DJI Phantom 3 Professional, DJI Inspire 1, Yuneec Typhoon Q500 4K, and 

Yuneec Tornado H920 UAS will be operated only in compliance with operating documents (i.e., 

AERIAL OPTIC Aerial Operations Manual, Monthly Maintenance Log, and DJI Phantom 3 

Professional, DJI Inspire 1, Yuneec Typhoon Q500 4K, and Yuneec Tornado H920 Instruction 

Manuals) 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 AERIAL OPTIC Seeks Exemption. 
17

1. Reasons Why The DJI Phantom 3 Professional, DJI Inspire 1, Yuneec Typhoon Q500 

4K, and Yuneec Tornado H920 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, AERIAL OPTIC’s operation of the DJI Phantom 3 

Professional, DJI Inspire 1, Yuneec Typhoon Q500 4K, and Yuneec H920 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. 

Section 333 provides authority for a UAS to operate without airworthiness certification and sets 

forth requirements for considering whether a UAS will create a hazard to users of the NAS or the 

public, or otherwise pose a threat to national security. Specifically, FMRA Section 333 states the 

following, in part: 

(a) In General.--Notwithstanding any other requirement of this subtitle, and not later 

than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Transportation 

shall determine if certain unmanned aircraft systems may operate safely in the 

national airspace system before completion of the plan and rulemaking required by 

section 332 of this Act or the guidance required by section 334 of this Act. 

(b) Assessment of Unmanned Aircraft Systems.--In making the determination under 

subsection (a), the Secretary shall determine, at a minimum--

(1) which types of unmanned aircraft systems, if any, as a result of their size, 

weight, speed, operational capability, proximity to airports and populated 

areas, and operation within visual line of sight do not create a hazard to users 

of the national airspace system or the public or pose a threat to national 

security; and

(2) whether a certificate of waiver, certificate of authorization, or 

airworthiness certification under section 44704 of title 49, United States 

Code, is required for the operation of unmanned aircraft systems identified 

under paragraph (1). 

(c) Requirements for Safe Operation.--If the Secretary determines under this section 

that certain unmanned aircraft systems may operate safely in the national airspace 

system, the Secretary shall establish requirements for the safe operation of such 

aircraft systems in the national airspace system. 

In seeking this exemption, AERIAL OPTIC submits that the DJI Phantom 3 Professional, DJI

Inspire 1, Yuneec Typhoon Q500 4K, and Yuneec Tornado H920 UAS can operate safely in the 

NAS pursuant to FMRA Section 333, as demonstrated by: (a) the characteristics of the DJI 

Phantom 3 Professional, DJI Inspire 1, Yuneec Typhoon Q500 4K, and Yuneec Tornado H920 

UAS; (b) the pilot certification requirement; and (c) the specific operating limitations. 
18

a. The Specifications Of The DJI Phantom 3 Professional, DJI Inspire 1, Yuneec Typhoon 

Q500 4K, and Yuneec Tornado H920 UAS Demonstrate Its Safe Characteristics.

The DJI Phantom 3 Professional, DJI Inspire 1, Yuneec Typhoon Q500 4K, and Yuneec Tornado 

H920 UAS does not create a hazard to users of the NAS or the public, or otherwise pose a threat 

to national security considering its size, weight, speed, and operational capability. 

i. Technical Specifications Of The DJI Phantom 3 Professional, DJI Inspire 1, Yuneec Typhoon 

Q500 4K, and Yuneec Tornado H920 UAS. 

The technical specifications of the DJI Phantom 3 Professional, DJI Inspire 1, Yuneec Typhoon 

Q500 4K, and Yuneec Tornado H920 UAS are set forth by the DJI Phantom 3 Professional, DJI 

Inspire 1, Yuneec Typhoon Q500 4K, and Yuneec Tornado H920 User Manuals, attached hereto 

as Appendix A. 

ii. The DJI Phantom 3 Professional, DJI Inspire 1, Yuneec Typhoon Q500 4K, and 

Yuneec Tornado H920 UAS Global Positioning Modes Enable The UAS To Remain 

Within A Defined Operational Area. 

The DJI Phantom 3 Professional, DJI Inspire 1, Yuneec Typhoon Q500 4K, and Yuneec Tornado 

H920 UAS may be operated in both manual and global positioning flight modes. A complete 

description of the flight and navigational modes of the DJI Phantom 3 Professional, DJI Inspire

1, Yuneec Typhoon Q500 4K, and Yuneec Tornado H920 UAS is provided in the User Manuals

attached hereto as Appendix A.

iii. The DJI Phantom 3 Professional, DJI Inspire 1, Yuneec Typhoon Q500 4K, and 

Yuneec Tornado H920 UAS Are Designed For Automatic Return To Home Point Or 

Hover In The Event Of Loss Of The Control Link Or Navigation. 

When the Control Link is lost, the DJI Phantom 3 Professional, DJI Inspire 1, Yuneec Typhoon 

Q500 4K, and Yuneec Tornado H920 UAS will remain stationary, in flight, for 3 seconds or 

more. If, after 3 seconds, the DJI Phantom 3 Professional, DJI Inspire 1, Yuneec Typhoon Q500 

4K, and Yuneec Tornado H920 UAS does not reacquire control link data from the GCS, the 

UAS will assume that the Control Link is lost and the will return to the home position (i.e., 

failsafe mode) via GPS, and will descend to the takeoff position and shutdown. 

A complete description of the Failsafe Functions of the DJI Phantom 3 Professional, DJI Inspire 

1, Yuneec Typhoon Q500 4K, and Yuneec Tornado H920 UAS are set forth in the User 

Manuals, attached hereto as Appendix A. 

iv. The DJI Phantom 3 Professional, DJI Inspire 1, Yuneec Typhoon Q500 4K, and 

Yuneec Tornado H920 GCS And Its Operation.

A complete description of the operation and specifications of the DJI Phantom 3 Professional, 

DJI Inspire 1, Yuneec Typhoon Q500 4K, and Yuneec Tornado H920 GCS and flight control 

software is provided in the User Manuals. The DJI Phantom 3 Professional, DJI Inspire 1, 

Yuneec Typhoon Q500 4K, and Yuneec Tornado H920 User Manuals is attached hereto as 

Appendix A. 
19

b. Flight Operations Of DJI Phantom 3 Professional, DJI Inspire 1, Yuneec Typhoon Q500 

4K, and Yuneec Tornado H920 UAS Is Limited To The Line Of Sight Of A Certificated 

Pilot in Command With A Safety Observer. 

AERIAL OPTIC video production staff will be the only persons to act as a pilot in command 

(PIC) of the DJI Phantom 3 Professional, DJI Inspire 1, Yuneec Typhoon Q500 4K, and Yuneec 

Tornado H920 UAS. Additionally, a safety observer will assist him at all times during flight 

time. 

c. Flights Of DJI Phantom 3 Professional, DJI Inspire 1, Yuneec Typhoon Q500 4K, and 

Yuneec Tornado UAS Will Be Conducted Pursuant To Specific Operating Limitations. 

In seeking this exemption, AERIAL OPTIC proposes to commercially operate DJI Phantom 3 

Professional, DJI Inspire 1, Yuneec Typhoon Q500 4K, and Yuneec Tornado H920 UAS for the 

special purpose of conducting aerial video and photography over certain areas of United States, 

pursuant to the following specific operating limitations.

1. Operations authorized by this grant of exemption will be limited to the following 

aircraft described in the operating documents, rotorcraft UAS weighing less than 55 

pounds maximum gross weight: DJI Phantom 3 Professional, DJI Inspire 1, Yuneec 

Typhoon Q500 4K, and Yuneec Tornado H920 Unmanned Aircraft Systems. Proposed 

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

grant. 

2. UAS operations under this exemption will be limited to conducting operations for 

the purpose of aerial video and photography. 

 3. The UAS may not be flown at an indicated airspeed exceeding 20 knots.

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

(AGL), as indicated by the procedures specified in the operating documents unless a 

special request is made and approved by ATC. All altitudes reported to ATC must be 

in feet AGL. 

5. The UAS 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. 

6. The use of first person view (FPV) by the PIC or safety observer (SO) is not 

permitted. 

7. All operations must utilize a safety observer (SO). The SO may be used to satisfy 

the VLOS requirement as long as the PIC always maintains VLOS capability. The SO 

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 
20

PIC must ensure that the SO can perform the functions prescribed in the operating 

documents. 

8. The SO must not perform any other duties beyond assisting the PIC with seeing and 

avoiding other air traffic and other ground based obstacles/obstructions and is not 

permitted to operate the camera or other instruments. 

9. The operating documents and the grant of exemption must be accessible during 

UAS operations and made available to the Administrator upon request. If a 

discrepancy exists between the conditions and limitations contained in the grant of 

exemption and the procedures outlined in the operating documents, the conditions and 

limitations contained in the grant of exemption 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 upon request. The operator must also present updated 

and revised documents if it petitions for extension or amendment to the grant of 

exemption. If the operator determines that any update or revision would affect the 

basis upon which the FAA granted the exemption, then the operator must petition for 

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. 

10. Prior to each flight the PIC must inspect the UAS to ensure that it is in a condition 

for safe flight. 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. The Ground 

Control Station must be included in the preflight inspection. All maintenance and 

alterations must be properly documented in the aircraft records.

11. 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. The PIC who conducts the functional test flight 

must make an entry in the aircraft records. 

12. The pre-flight inspection must account for all potential discrepancies, e.g. 

inoperable components, items, or equipment, not already covered in the relevant 

sections of the operating documents. 

13. The operator must follow the UAS manufacturer’s aircraft/component, 

maintenance, overhaul, replacement, inspection, and life limit requirements. 

14. The operator must carry out its maintenance, inspections, and record keeping 

requirements, in accordance with the operating documents. Maintenance, inspection, 

alterations, and status of replacement/overhaul component parts must be noted in the 
21

aircraft records, including total time in service, description of work accomplished, 

and the signature of the authorized person returning the UAS to service. 

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

Safety Bulletins. 

16. The authorized person must make an entry in the aircraft record of the corrective 

action taken against discrepancies discovered between inspections. 

17. The PIC must possess at least a private pilot certificate and at least a current thirdclass medical certificate.

18. The operator may not permit any PIC to operate unless the PIC meets the 

operator’s qualification criteria and demonstrates the ability to safely operate the 

UAS in a manner consistent with how the UAS will be operated under the exemption, 

including evasive and emergency maneuvers and maintaining appropriate distances 

from persons, vessels, vehicles and structures. PIC qualification flight hours must be 

logged in a manner consistent with 14 C.F.R. § 61.51(b). Flights for the purposes of 

training the operator’s PICs are permitted under the terms of the exemption. 

However, training operations may only be conducted during dedicated training 

sessions. During training, proficiency, and experience-building flights, all persons not 

essential for flight operations are considered nonparticipants, and the PIC must 

operate the UA with appropriate distance from nonparticipants in accordance with 14 

C.F.R. § 91.119. 

19. UAS operations may not be conducted during night, as defined in 14 C.F.R. § 1.1. 

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

flight at night is required, a special request will be made at the FAA office closest to 

proposed area of operations. Flights under special visual flight rules (SVFR) are not 

authorized. 

20. The UA may not operate within 5 nautical miles of an airport reference point as 

denoted on a current FAA-published aeronautical chart unless a letter of agreement 

with that airport’s management is obtained, and the operation is conducted in 

accordance with a NOTAM as required by the operator’s COA. The letter of 

agreement with the airport management must be made available to the Administrator 

upon request. 

21. 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. 

22. If the UA loses communications or loses its GPS signal, it must return to a predetermined location within the planned operating area and land or be recovered in 

accordance with the operating documents. 

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

in accordance with the operating documents. 
22

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

forecast weather conditions) there is enough power to fly at normal cruising speed to 

the intended landing point and land the UA with 25% battery power remaining. 

25. The operator must obtain an Air Traffic Organization (ATO) issued Certificate of 

Waiver or Authorization (COA) prior to conducting any operations under the grant of 

exemption. This COA will also require the operator to request a Notice to Airman 

(NOTAM) not more than 72 hours in advance, but not less than 48 hours prior to the 

operation. All operations shall be conducted in accordance with airspace requirements 

in the ATO issued COA including class of airspace, altitude level and potential 

transponder requirements. 

26. All aircraft operated in accordance with the exemption must be identified by serial 

number, registered in accordance with 14 C.F.R. part 47, and have identification (NNumber) markings in accordance with 14 C.F.R. part 45, Subpart C. Markings must 

be as large as practicable. 

27. Before conducting operations, the radio frequency spectrum used for operation 

and control of the UA must comply with the Federal Communications Commission 

(FCC) or other appropriate government oversight agency requirements. 

28. The documents required fewer than 14 C.F.R. 91.9 and 91.203 must be available 

to the PIC at the Ground Control Station of the UAS any time the UAS is operating. 

These documents must be made available to the Administrator or any law 

enforcement official upon request. 

29. The UA must remain clear and yield the right of way to all manned aviation 

operations and activities at all times. 

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

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

persons (persons other than the PIC, SO, operator trainees or essential 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 and/or; 

b. The aircraft is operated near vessels, vehicles or structures where the 

owner/controller of such vessels, vehicles or structures has granted permission 

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, and; 

c. Operations nearer to the PIC, SO, operator trainees or essential persons do 

not present an undue hazard to those persons per § 91.119(a). 
23

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

permission from the land owner/controller or authorized representative. Permission 

from land owner/controller or authorized representative will be obtained for each 

flight to be conducted.

33. 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. 

2. Reasons Why An Exemption From The Requirements Of Section 61.113(a) And (b) 

Would Not Adversely Affect Safety.

AERIAL OPTIC submits that the equivalent level of safety established by Section 61.113(a) and 

(b) will be maintained because no PIC will be allowed to operate the DJI Phantom 3 

Professional, DJI Inspire 1, Yuneec Typhoon Q500 4K, and Yuneec Tornado H920 UAS unless 

that PIC has demonstrated, by meeting minimum flight-hour and currency requirements, that the 

PIC is able to safely operate the DJI Phantom 3 Professional, DJI Inspire 1, Yuneec Typhoon 

Q500 4K, and Yuneec Tornado H920 UAS in a manner consistent with the exemption, including 

evasive and emergency maneuvers and maintaining appropriate distances from people, vessels, 

vehicles and structures. 

Considering AERIAL OPTIC’s proposed area of operations, and the operating limitations set 

forth-above; the parallel nature of private pilot aeronautical knowledge requirements to those of 

commercial pilot requirements (See Exemption No. 11062); and the airmanship skills necessary 

to safely operate the DJI Phantom 3 Professional, DJI Inspire 1, Yuneec Typhoon Q500 4K, and 

Yuneec Tornado H920 UAS, AERIAL OPTIC submits that the additional manned airmanship 

experience of a commercially certificated pilot would not correlate to the airmanship skills 

necessary for AERIAL OPTIC’s specific proposed flight operations. 

The FAA has previously granted relief from Section 61.113(a) and (b) specific to UAS, in 

circumstances similar, in all material respects, to those presented herein (e.g. Exemption Nos. 

11062, 11063, 11064, 11065, 11066, 11067, 11080, 11109, 11110, 11112, 11136, 11138, 11150, 

11153, 11156, 11158, 11159, 11160, 11161). 

AERIAL OPTIC will not allow any PIC to operate the DJI Phantom 3 Professional, DJI Inspire 

1, Yuneec Typhoon Q500 4K, and Yuneec Tornado H920 UAS unless that PIC has 

demonstrated, by meeting minimum flight-hour requirements or the DJI Phantom 3 Professional, 

DJI Inspire 1, Yuneec Typhoon Q500 4K, and Yuneec Tornado H920 UAS training and currency 

requirements, that the PIC is able to safely operate the DJI Phantom 3 Professional, DJI Inspire 

1, Yuneec Typhoon Q500 4K, and Yuneec Tornado H920 UAS in a manner consistent with this 

exemption, including evasive and emergency maneuvers and maintaining appropriate distances 

from people, vessels, vehicles and structures. 
24

Specifically, the PIC must have accumulated and logged, in a manner consistent with 14 C.F.R. § 

61.51(b), 25 hours of total time as a UAS rotorcraft pilot (with a minimum of 5 hours of those 

hours as a UAS pilot operating the same make and model of UAS to be used for operations under 

the exemption). In addition to the hour requirements, the PIC must accomplish 3 takeoffs and 

landings in the preceding 90 days (for currency purposes). 

As in Exemption Nos. 11062, 11138, and 11153, prior documented flight experience that was 

obtained in compliance with applicable regulations will ensure an equivalent level of safety 

during AERIAL OPTIC’s proposed operations. The Administrator has held that prior 

documented flight experience that was obtained in compliance with applicable regulations would 

ensure safe operations, stating as follows: 

In Exemption No. 11062, the FAA required that prior to conducting operations for the 

purpose of motion picture filming (or similar operations), the PIC must have accumulated 

and logged, in a manner consistent with 14 CFR 61.51(b), 25 hours of total time as a 

UAS rotorcraft pilot including at least 10 hours logged as a UAS pilot with a multi-rotor 

UAS. Prior to operations under Exemption No. 11062, the PIC must also have 

accumulated and logged a minimum of 5 hours as a UAS pilot operating the same make 

and model of UAS to be used for operations under the exemption. For clarification, the 

FAA considers these minimum hour requirements to be inclusive rather than additive; i.e. 

5 hours make and model time may be included in the 10 hours of multi-rotor time and the 

10 hours may be included in the total 25 hours of UAS rotorcraft time. In addition to the 

hour requirements, the PIC must accomplish 3 takeoffs and landings in the preceding 90 

days (for currency purposes). The FAA finds that at a minimum, the flight-hour 

requirements in Exemption No. 11062 are appropriate to practice and build proficiency in 

the skills necessary to safely conduct the petitioner’s proposed operations. The FAA also 

finds that prior documented flight experience that was obtained in compliance with 

applicable regulations would satisfy this requirement. Training, proficiency, and 

experience-building flights can also be conducted under the grant of exemption to 

accomplish the required flight time. During training, proficiency, and experience-building 

flights the PIC is required to operate the UA with appropriate distances in accordance 

with 14 C.F.R 91.119. 

Exemption No. 11138 at page 15. 

Accordingly, AERIAL OPTIC will ensure safe operations by not allowing any PIC to operate the 

DJI Phantom 3 Professional, DJI Inspire 1, Yuneec Typhoon Q500 4K, and Yuneec Tornado 

H920 UAS unless that PIC has demonstrated, by meeting minimum flight-hour and currency 

requirements, that the PIC is able to safely operate the DJI Phantom 3 Professional, DJI Inspire 

1, Yuneec Typhoon Q500 4K, and Yuneec Tornado H920 UAS in a manner consistent with the 

exemption, including evasive and emergency maneuvers and maintaining appropriate distances 

from people, vessels, vehicles and structures. 
25

3. Reasons Why An Exemption From The Requirements Of Section 91.7(a) Would Not 

Adversely Affect Safety. 

The equivalent level of safety established by Section 91.7(a) will be maintained because prior to 

every flight, AERIAL OPTIC will ensure that the DJI Phantom 3 Professional, DJI Inspire 1, 

Yuneec Typhoon Q500 4K, and Yuneec Tornado H920 UAS is in an airworthy condition based 

upon the UAS’s compliance with its operating documents and as stated in the conditions and 

limitations herein. 

Additionally, the FAA has previously granted relief from Section 91.7(a) specific to UAS, in 

circumstances similar, in all material respects, to those presented herein (e.g. Exemption Nos. 

11062, 11063, 11064, 11065, 11066, 11067, 11080, 11109, 11110, 11112, 11136, 11138, 11150, 

11153, 11156, 11157, 11158, 11159, 11160, 11161). 

4. Reasons Why An Exemption From The Requirements Of Section 91.121 Would Not 

Adversely Affect Safety.

The equivalent level of safety established by Section 91.121 will be maintained because the 

altitude information of the DJI Phantom 3 Professional, DJI Inspire 1, Yuneec Typhoon Q500 

4K, and Yuneec Tornado H920 UAS will be provided to the PIC via GPS equipment and a radio 

communications telemetry data link, which downlinks from the UA to the GCS for active 

monitoring of the flight path and altitude. This altitude information, combined with AERIAL 

OPTIC’s operation of the DJI Phantom 3 Professional, DJI Inspire 1, Yuneec Typhoon Q500 4K, 

and Yuneec Tornado H920 UAS within visual line of sight, at or below 500 feet AGL, will 

ensure a level of safety equivalent to Section 91.121. The altitude information will be generated 

by GPS equipment installed onboard the aircraft. Prior to each flight, a zero altitude initiation 

point is automatically established by the UAS at ground level. 

The FAA has previously granted relief from Section 91.121 specific to UAS, in circumstances 

similar, in all material respects, to those presented herein (e.g. Exemption Nos. 11062, 11063, 

11064, 11065, 11066, 11067, 11080, 11109, 11112, 11136, 11138, 11150, 11153, 11156, 11157, 

11158, 11159, 11160, 11161). 

5. Reasons Why An Exemption From The Requirements Of Section 91.151(b) Would Not 

Adversely Affect Safety.

A grant of this exemption would ensure an equivalent level of safety established by 14 C.F.R. 

Section 91.151(b) as a result of (1) the technical specifications of the DJI Phantom 3 

Professional, DJI Inspire 1, Yuneec Typhoon Q500 4K, and Yuneec Tornado H920 UAS; (2) the 

limitations on the proposed flight operations; and (3) the location of the proposed flight 

operations. Accordingly, AERIAL OPTIC will ensure that it will safely operate the battery 

powered DJI Phantom 3 Professional, DJI Inspire 1, Yuneec Typhoon Q500 4K, and Yuneec 
26

Tornado H920 UAS during daylight hours in VFR conditions, with enough battery power to fly 

for a total duration. 

Here, as in Exemption No. 11109, the technical specifications of the DJI Phantom 3 Professional, 

DJI Inspire 1, Yuneec Typhoon Q500 4K, and Yuneec Tornado H920 UAS; the limitations on 

the proposed flight operations; and the location of the proposed operations, will ensure an 

equivalent level of safety established by 14 C.F.R. Section 91.151(b). Furthermore, safety will be 

ensured as the DJI Phantom 3 Professional, DJI Inspire 1, Yuneec Typhoon Q500 4K, and 

Yuneec Tornado H920 UAS provide audible and visual warnings to the PIC at the GCS when the 

UAS experiences low battery voltage, the first warning occurring at approximately 33% 

remaining battery power, and again at approximately 10% remaining battery power. At the 

critically low battery level, the DJI Phantom 3 Professional, DJI Inspire 1, Yuneec Typhoon 

Q500 4K, and Yuneec Tornado H920 UAS will descend and land automatically. 

Significantly, previous exemptions granted by the FAA concerning Section 91.151 establish that 

safety is not adversely affected when the technical characteristics and operating limitations of the 

UAS are considered. Relief has been granted for manned aircraft to operate at less than the 

minimums prescribed in Section 91.151, including Exemption Nos. 2689, 5745, and 10650. 

Moreover, the FAA has previously granted relief from Section 91.151 specific to UAS, in 

circumstances similar, in all material respects, to those presented herein (e.g. Exemption Nos. 

8811, 10808, 10673, 11042, 11062, 11063, 11064, 11065, 11066, 11067, 11080, 11109, 11110, 

11136, 11138, 11150, 11153, 11156, 11157, 11158, 11159, 11160, 11161). 

6. Reasons Why An Exemption From The Requirements Of Sections

91.405(a), 91.407(a)(1), 91.409(a)(1) & (a)(2), And 91.417(a) & (b) Would Not Adversely 

Affect Safety. 

In seeking this exemption, AERIAL OPTIC submits that the equivalent level of safety with 

regard to the regulatory maintenance and alteration requirements established by Sections 

91.405(a), 91.407(a)(1), 91.409(a)(1) & (a)(2), and 91.417(a) & (b) will be met because 

AERIAL OPTIC will use trained technicians to perform maintenance, alterations, or preventive 

maintenance on the UAS using the methods, techniques, and practices prescribed in the 

operating documents (i.e., AERIAL OPTIC Aerial Operations Manual, Monthly Maintenance 

Log, and DJI Phantom 3 Professional, DJI Inspire 1, Yuneec Typhoon Q500 4K, and Yuneec 

Tornado H920 Instruction Manuals). Furthermore, AERIAL OPTIC will document and maintain 

all maintenance records for the DJI Phantom 3 Professional, DJI Inspire 1, Yuneec Typhoon 

Q500 4K, and Yuneec Tornado H920 UAS. 

Since the DJI Phantom 3 Professional, DJI Inspire 1, Yuneec Typhoon Q500 4K, and Yuneec 

Tornado H920 UAS will be inspected as prescribed by the operating documents, AERIAL 

OPTIC will maintain the equivalent level of safety established by Sections 91.405(a), 

91.409(a)(1), and 91.409(a)(2). A copy of the DJI Phantom 3 Professional, DJI Inspire 1, Yuneec

Typhoon Q500 4K, and Yuneec Tornado H920 User Manuals are attached hereto as Appendix A 
27

Likewise, the exemption sought will not adversely affect safety because AERIAL OPTIC will 

use trained technicians to perform maintenance, alterations or preventive maintenance on the 

UAS using the methods, techniques, and practices prescribed by the operating documents. 

Furthermore, the exemption sought would maintain an equivalent level of safety established by 

Sections 91.407, 91.417(a) and 91.417(b), because all maintenance of the DJI Phantom 3 

Professional, DJI Inspire 1, Yuneec Typhoon Q500 4K, and Yuneec Tornado H920 UAS will be 

performed by trained technicians. Maintenance will be documented and maintained utilizing the 

monthly maintenance log. 

Significantly, previous exemptions granted by the FAA concerning Sections 91.405(a), 

91.407(a)(1), 91.409(a)(1) & (a)(2), and 91.417(a) & (b) establish that safety is not adversely 

affected when the technical characteristics and operating limitations of the UAS are considered. 

In consideration of AERIAL OPTIC’s proposed operating limitations, the operating documents, 

and the technical aspects of the DJI Phantom 3 Professional, DJI Inspire 1, Yuneec Typhoon 

Q500 4K, and Yuneec Tornado H920 UAS, AERIAL OPTIC submits that safety will not be 

adversely affected by granting exemption from 14 C.F.R. Sections 91.405(a), 91.407(a)(1) and 

(a)(2), 91.409(a)(2), and 91.417(a) and (b). The FAA has previously granted relief specific to 

UAS in circumstances similar, in all material respects, to those presented herein (e.g. Exemption 

Nos. 11062, 11063, 11064, 11065, 11066, 11067, 11080, 11109, 11110, 11112, 11136, 11138, 

11150, 11153, 11156, 11157, 11158, 11159, 11160, 11161). 

7. The FAA May Prescribe Any Other Conditions For Safe Operation. 

In accordance with Section 333 of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 (FMRA) 

and 14 C.F.R. § 21.16 entitled Special Conditions, AERIAL OPTIC requests that the FAA 

prescribe special conditions for the intended operation of the DJI Phantom 3 Professional, DJI 

Inspire 1, Yuneec Typhoon Q500 4K, and Yuneec Tornado H920 UAS, which contain such 

safety standards that the Administrator finds necessary to establish a level of safety equivalent to 

that established by 14 C.F.R. Part 21, Subpart H, and 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). Such 

special conditions will permit safe operation of the UAS for the limited purpose of conducting 

aerial video and photography over certain areas of the United States for compensation or hire. 

FMRA Section 333 sets forth the requirements for considering whether a UAS will create a 

hazard to users of the NAS or the public, or otherwise pose a threat to national security; and 

further, provides the authority for such UAS to operate without airworthiness certification in 

accordance with any requirements that must be established for the safe operation of the UAS in 

the NAS. 

Likewise, the Administrator may prescribe special conditions pursuant to 14 C.F.R.

§ 21.16, for operation of the DJI Phantom 3 Professional, DJI Inspire 1, Yuneec Typhoon Q500 

4K, and Yuneec Tornado H920 UAS, since the airworthiness regulations of 14 C.F.R. Part 21 do 

not contain adequate or appropriate safety standards, due to the novel or unusual design features 

of the aircraft. Section 21.16, entitled Special Conditions, states the following: 
28

If the FAA finds that the airworthiness regulations of this subchapter do not contain 

adequate or appropriate safety standards for an aircraft, aircraft engine, or propeller 

because of a novel or unusual design feature of the aircraft, aircraft engine or propeller, 

he prescribes special conditions and amendments thereto for the product. The special 

conditions are issued in accordance with Part 11 of this chapter and contain such safety 

standards for the aircraft, aircraft engine or propeller as the FAA finds necessary to 

establish a level of safety equivalent to that established in the regulations. 

See 14 C.F.R. § 21.16.

Therefore, in accordance with FMRA Section 333 and 14 C.F.R. § 21.16, the FAA may 

prescribe special conditions for Leading Edge’s intended operation of the DJI Phantom 3 

Professional, DJI Inspire 1, Yuneec Typhoon Q500 4K, and Yuneec Tornado H920 UAS, which 

contain such safety standards that the Administrator finds necessary to establish a level of safety 

equivalent to that established by 14 C.F.R. Part 21, Subpart H, and 14 C.F.R Sections 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).

• A Summary That Can Be Published In The Federal Register, stating: The 

Rules From Which AERIAL OPTIC Seeks Exemption: 

AERIAL OPTIC seeks exemption from the requirements of 14 C.F.R Sections 

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). 

A Brief Description Of The Nature Of The Exemption AERIAL OPTIC Seeks: 

This exemption will permit AERIAL OPTIC to commercially operate an Unmanned 

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

certain areas of the United States.

• Any Additional Information, Views, Or Arguments Available To Support 

AERIAL OPTIC’s Request. 

This Petition is made pursuant to the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 

(FMRA) Section 333, which directs the Secretary of Transportation to determine if certain UAS 

may operate safely in the NAS. As such, AERIAL OPTIC’s request for exemption may be 

granted pursuant to the authority of FMRA Section 333 and 14 C.F.R. Part 11, as set forth above. 

FMRA Section 333 sets forth the requirements for considering whether a UAS will create a 

hazard to users of the NAS or the public, or otherwise pose a threat to national security; and 

further, provides the authority for such UAS to operate without airworthiness certification. 
29

As discussed in detail above, AERIAL OPTIC will operate the DJI Phantom 3 Professional, DJI 

Inspire 1, Yuneec Typhoon Q500 4K, and Yuneec Tornado H920 UAS safely in the NAS, 

without creating a hazard to users of the NAS, or the public, or otherwise pose a threat to 

national security. 

CONCLUSION

As set forth herein, AERIAL OPTIC seeks an exemption pursuant to 14 C.F.R. § 11.61 and 

Section 333 of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 (FMRA), which will permit safe 

operation of the DJI Phantom 3 Professional, DJI Inspire 1, Yuneec Typhoon Q500 4K, and 

Yuneec Tornado H920 UAS commercially, without an airworthiness certificate, for the limited 

purpose of conducting aerial video and photography over certain areas of the United States. By 

granting this Petition, the FAA Administrator will be fulfilling the Congressional mandate of the 

FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012, while also advancing the interests of the public, by 

allowing AERIAL OPTIC to safely, efficiently, and economically operate the DJI Phantom 3 

Professional, DJI Inspire 1, Yuneec Typhoon Q500 4K, and Yuneec Tornado H920 UAS

commercially within the NAS. 

WHEREFORE, in accordance with the Federal Aviation Regulations and the FAA 

Modernization and Reform Act of 2012, Section 333, AERIAL OPTIC respectfully requests that 

the Administrator grant this Petition for an exemption from the requirements of 14 C.F.R 

Sections 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), and permit Aerial Optic to operate the DJI Phantom 3 Professional, 

DJI Inspire 1, Yuneec Typhoon Q500 4K, and Yuneec Tornado H920 UAS commercially for the 

purpose of conducting aerial video and photography of construction sites, residential and 

commercial real estate, civil landscapes and events as a service to the public/business interests, 

assist Law Enforcement and/or Military in Search & Rescue and Emergency Services in 

coordination with local authorities over certain areas of the United States.

Dated: February 19, 2016

Respectfully submitted,

Matthew Poole Boykin

Chief Executive Officer

AERIAL OPTIC

4092 TPC Parkway Apt 1032

San Antonio, TX 78261

407-978-3350

AerialOptic7@gmail.com
30

Appendices:

A – Link to DJI Phantom 3 Professional, DJI Inspire 1, Yuneec Typhoon Q500 4K, and Yuneec 

Tornado H920 Manual: Click on link below

http://download.djiinnovations.com/downloads/phantom_3/en/Phantom_3_Professional_User_Manual_v1.2_en.pdf

http://download.dji-innovations.com/downloads/inspire_1/en/Inspire_1_User_Manual_v1.0_en.pdf

http://download.dji-innovations.com/downloads/inspire_1/en/Inspire_1_User_Manual_v1.0_en.pdf

https://www.yuneec.com/download/manuals/TORNADO-H920-User-Manual-A5-(NO-SONY7)-

20151019.pdf