July 17, 2015

Exemption No. 12073

Regulatory Docket No. FAA–2015–1367

Mr. Kevin Adkins

President

Crossview Concepts Corporation, Inc.

1986 James Gaynor Street

Fallbrook, CA 92028

Dear Mr. Adkins:

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 April 19, 2015, you petitioned the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on 

behalf of Crossview Concepts Corporation, Inc. (hereinafter petitioner or operator) for an 

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

conduct on-demand commercial sUAS operations.

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 are the DJI Inspire 1, DJI Spreading Wings S1000, DJI 

Phantom 2, DJI Phantom 3, Aeryon Sky Ranger, 3D Robotics X8-M.
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 

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 collection1. 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, Crossview Concepts Corporation, Inc. 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 

 

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

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

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

instruments aboard the UA.
3

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

below.

Conditions and Limitations

In this grant of exemption, Crossview Concepts Corporation, Inc. is hereafter referred to as 

the operator.

Failure to comply with any of the conditions and limitations of this grant of exemption will be 

grounds for the immediate suspension or rescission of this exemption.

1. Operations authorized by this grant of exemption are limited to the DJI Inspire 1, DJI 

Spreading Wings S1000, DJI Phantom 2, DJI Phantom 3, Aeryon Sky Ranger, 3D 

Robotics X8-M 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.
4

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

or revision would affect the basis upon which the FAA granted this exemption, then 

the operator must petition for an amendment to its grant of exemption. The FAA’s 

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

updates or revisions to the operating documents.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

in a condition for safe operation.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

aircraft components.

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 
5

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

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

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

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

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

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

operated under this exemption, including evasive and emergency maneuvers and 

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

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

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

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

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

under this exemption are permitted under the terms of this exemption. However, 

training operations may only be conducted during dedicated training sessions. During 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

to the Administrator or any law enforcement official upon request.

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

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

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

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

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

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.
6

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

be as large as practicable.

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

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

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

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

official upon request.

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

activities at all times. 

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

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

persons, vessels, vehicles, and structures unless:

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

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

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

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

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

of nonparticipating persons; and

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

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

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

present an undue hazard.

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

nonparticipating persons under this exemption.

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

permission from the property owner/controller or authorized representative. 

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 
7

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

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

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

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

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

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

as documented in this grant of exemption.

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

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

District Office (FSDO) with jurisdiction over the area of proposed filming. The 3-day 

notification may be waived with the concurrence of the FSDO. The plan of activities 

must include at least the following:

a. Dates and times for all flights;

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

under this grant of exemption;

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

the UAS;

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

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

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

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

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

g. Signature of exemption holder or representative; and

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

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

essential to accomplish the operation.

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

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

exemption holder’s MPTOM.

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

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

parts 45, 47, 61, and 91.
8

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

Sincerely,

/s/

John S. Duncan

Director, Flight Standards Service

Enclosures
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19 Apr 2015

MSgt Kevin Adkins USMC (Ret)

President

Crossview Concepts Corporation, Inc.

1986 James Gaynor Street

Fallbrook, CA 92028

C: (760)645-5215

kadkins@crossview-concepts.com

U. S. Department of Transportation

Docket Operations

1200 New Jersey Ave., SE

Washington, DC 20590

Subj: CROSSVIEW CONCEPTS CORPORATION, INC. SECTION 333 SUBMISSION TO FAA FOR APPLICATIONS/ 

 PETITIONS/EXEMPTIONS AND ANY OTHER ITEMS FOR WHICH A DOCKET DOES NOT EXIST.

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

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

 91.103(b); 91.109; 91.119; 91.121; 91.151(a); 91.203(a) & (b); 91.405 (a); 91.407(a) (1); 91.409 (a) 

 (2);91.417 (a) & (b).

Sir or Madam,

Pursuant to Section 333 of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 (the Reform

Act) and 14 C.F.R. Part 11, Crossview Concepts Corporation, Inc., an operator of Small Unmanned 

Aircraft Systems (“sUAS”) equipped to offer on-demand commercial sUAS operations for a host of 

industries and applications. These include:

• Aerial search and rescue operational support

• Infrastructure inspection

• Agricultural monitoring and support

• Industrial refinery and manufacturer plant inspection

• Accident/Incident survey and investigative support

• Flare stack inspection

• Private security monitoring

• Utility-power generation system inspections and patrolling

• Pipeline inspection and patrolling

• Filmmaking, cinematography, and videography

• Wildlife and forestry monitoring

• Aerial surveying and mapping

• Construction site inspection and monitoring

• Public Entity Support Operations

• Maritime aerial operations
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• Reality and wedding videography and imagery

• sUAS consulting

Crossview Concepts Corporation, Inc. hereby applies for an exemption from the listed Federal Aviation 

Regulations (“FARs”) to allow commercial operation of its sUASs, so long as such operations are 

conducted within and under the conditions outlined herein or as may be established by the FAA as

required by Section 333. To include, FAA Certificate of Waiver or Authorization (COA) that are issued to 

Crossview Concepts Corporation, Inc.

As described below, the requested exemption would permit the operation of green minded sUASs

relatively inexpensively under controlled conditions in the National Airspace System (NAS) that is 1) 

limited, 2) predetermined, 3) controlled sUAS access and operation, and 4) would provide safety 

enhancements to the already safe operations using conventional aircraft. Approval of this exemption 

would thereby enhance safety and fulfill the Secretary of Transportation’s (the FAA Administrator’s) 

responsibilities to “...establish requirements for the safe operation of such aircraft systems in the 

national airspace system.” Section 333(c) of the Reform Act.

The name and address of the applicant is:

Crossview Concepts Corporation, Inc.

Attn: Kevin Adkins

1986 James Gaynor Street

Fallbrook, California 92028

Ph: (252) 626-6335

Email: kadkins@crossview-concepts.com

Regulations from which the exemption is requested:

14 CFR Part 21

14 C.F.R. 45.23(b)

14 CFR 61.113 (a) & (b)

14 C.F.R. 91.7 (a)

14 CFR 91.9 (b) (2)

14 C.F.R. 91.103

14 C.F.R. 91.109

14 C.F. R. 91.119

14 C.F.R. 91.121

14 CFR 91.151 (a)

14 CFR 91.203 (a) & (b)

14 CFR 91.405 (a)

14 CFR 407 (a) (1)

14 CFR 409 (a) (2)

14 CFR 417 (a) & (b)

This exemption application is expressly submitted to fulfill Congress’ goal in passing Section 333(a) 

through (c) of the Reform Act. This law directs the Secretary of Transportation to consider whether 

certain unmanned aircraft systems may operate safely in the national airspace system (NAS) before 

completion of the rulemaking required under Section 332 of the Reform Act. In making this 
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determination, the Secretary is required to determine which types of UASs do not create a hazard to 

users of the NAS or the public or pose a threat to national security in light of the following:

• The UAS’s size, weight, speed, and operational capability

• Operation of the UAS in close proximity to airports and populated areas

• Operation of the UAS within visual line of sight of the operator

Reform Act Section 333 (a). Lastly, if the Secretary determines that such vehicles “may operate safely in 

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

aircraft in the national airspace system.” Id. Section 333(c) (emphasis added)

Applicant interprets this provision to place the duty on the Administrator to not only process 

applications for exemptions under Section 333, but for the Administrator to craft conditions for the safe 

operation of the UAS, if it should be determined that the conditions set forth herein do not fulfill the 

statutory requirements for approval. The Federal Aviation Act expressly grants the FAA the authority to

issue exemptions. This statutory authority by its terms includes exempting civil aircraft, as the term is

defined under §40101 of the Act that includes SUASs, from the requirement that all civil aircraft must 

have a current airworthiness certificate.

The Administrator may grant an exemption from a requirement of a regulation prescribed under 

subsection (a) or (b) of this section or any sections 44702-44716 of this title if the Administrator finds 

the exemption in the public interest. 49 U.S.C. §44701(f) See also 49 USC §44711(a); 49 USC §44704; 14 

CFR §91.203 (a) (1).

Crossview Concepts Corporation, Inc. request that an exemption be granted to any requirement for 

SUAS operators to hold either an airline transport, commercial, private, recreational, or sport pilot 

certificate. This request is in concert with the FAA 14 CFR Parts 21, 43, 45 Operation and Certification of 

Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems: Proposed Rule dated 23 Feb 2015. To add, model aircraft operators 

operate unmanned aircraft that are comparable in size, weight, and speed, but the operator is not 

required to hold a manned pilot certificate. If this exemption is granted, the requestor shall ensure that 

operators pass an aeronautical knowledge test and recertify annually as proposed by the FAA Rule 

Making Committee. The aeronautical knowledge test shall be similar to current military knowledge 

standards until the FAA establishes the FAA aeronautical knowledge test for sUAS operators. All 

operators shall be a minimum age of 17 years old and be a U.S. citizen with a valid FAA Class II Medical 

Certificate and state issued driver’s license. 

The applicant request that the members of the sUAS aircrew shall not be required to hold a pilot’s 

license or certificate beyond the FAA Class II Flight Medical Certificate or commercial driver’s license. 

Due to the lack of identified UAS Pilot in Command (PIC) FAA Certificate requirement that are not 

outlined in Section 336 of Public Law 112-95 (the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012), Section 334 

“PUBLIC UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS”, or Section 336 “SPECIAL RULE FOR MODEL AIRCRAFT”. 

Therefore, the applicant is requesting an exemption from Pilot In Command (PIC), also identified as the 

Vehicle Operator (VO) throughout this document, not to be required to hold “...an airline transport, 

commercial, private, recreational, or sport pilot certificate” as annotated in previous Section 333 

Exceptions authorized. Each vehicle operator shall be certified on each sUAS type before designation as 

a vehicle operator (VO) for each sUAS type. Before Crossview Concepts Corporation, Inc. sUAS assets 

are authorized for autonomous aircrew operational flights; currency and designations shall be 

maintained and authorized by Crossview Concepts Corporation, Inc. All records for personnel and sUAS

shall be made available upon request by an FAA Administrator or law enforcement agency or 
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representative. Preflight and post flight inspections shall be conducted as Standard Operating 

Procedure (SOP) within Crossview Concepts Corporation, Inc. Incidents/mishaps that involve injury or 

damage shall be reported to the FAA within 10 business days of the incident/mishap. A safety mind 

frame of each operator is critical to the success of the Crossview Concepts Corporation, Inc. and shall be 

grounds for termination when Safety of Flight (SOF) and overall ground safety is not applied.

Crossview Concepts Corporation, Inc. sUASs are vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) rotary-winged air 

vehicles (AV) and fixed-wing AV, weighting 55 lbs or less including payload. They operate, under normal 

conditions at a speed of no more than 87 knots (100 MPH), operation not to exceed manufacturer 

recommended airspeed, and have the capability to hover and move in the vertical and horizontal plane 

simultaneously. The sUAS assets will operate only in line of sight and will operate only within a sterile 

area. Such operations will insure that the sUAS will “not create a hazard to users of the national

airspace system or the public.”

Reform Act Section 333 (b). Given the small size of the sUASs involved and the restricted sterile 

environment within which they will operate, the applicant falls squarely within the zone of safety (an

equivalent level of safety) in which Congress envisioned that the FAA must, by exemption, allow 

commercial operations of UASs to commence immediately. Also, due to the size of the UASs and the 

restricted areas in which the relevant sUASs will operate, approval of the application presents no 

national security issue. Given the clear direction in Section 333 of the Reform Act, the authority 

contained in the Federal Aviation Act, as amended; the strong equivalent level of safety surrounding the 

proposed operations, and the significant public benefit, including enhanced safety, reduction in 

environmental impacts, including reduced emissions associated with allowing UASs, the grant of the

requested exemptions is in the public interest. 

In regards to the Section 336 of Public Law 112-95 (the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012), Section 

334 “PUBLIC UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS”, or Section 336 “SPECIAL RULE FOR MODEL AIRCRAFT”, 

extract: “...when flown within 5 miles of an airport, the operator of the aircraft provides the airport 

operator/ manager and the airport air traffic control tower (when an air traffic facility is located at the 

airport) with prior notice of the operation (model aircraft operators flying from a permanent location 

within 5 miles of an airport should establish a mutually-agreed upon operating procedure with the 

airport operator and the airport air traffic control tower (when an air traffic facility is located at the 

airport)).” The applicant request that the same consideration, that is outlined in Section 336 of Public 

Law 112-95 (the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012), Section 334 “PUBLIC UNMANNED AIRCRAFT 

SYSTEMS”, or Section 336 “SPECIAL RULE FOR MODEL AIRCRAFT”, be equally applied to the Crossview 

Concepts Corporation, Inc. commercial sUAS operations within five miles of an airport as given to the 

model aircraft operators. The commercial sUAS operations conducted and experience by the applicant 

shall far exceed the model aircraft operations safety measures, expertise, and practices at any given 

time and shall mirror current sUAS safety practices conducted by NAVAIR PMA-263 Group 1 UAS 

operations as applied in the Training and Logistics Support Activity (TALSA) schoolhouses located at MCB 

Camp Lejeune, NC and MCB Camp Pendleton, CA. The following information is provided to support the 

aforementioned statement. The owner, a retired U.S. Marine after 24 years of service, of Crossview 

Concepts Corporation, Inc. holds the distinct pleasure of establishing the TALSA procedures, imposed 

airspace control measures, policies, authoring all schoolhouse document templates, maintaining and 

authoring sUAS curricula, and assessing the safety and overall performance of each TALSA region 

schoolhouse. In addition, the owner of Crossview Concepts Corporation, Inc. has performed the duties 

as a RQ-11B Raven, RQ-12A WASP AE, and RQ-20A PUMA AE sUAS-Operator, sUAS-Evaluator, sUAS 
Page 5 of 11

Initial Qualification Training Instructor (IQT-I), sUAS-Program Manager, sUAS Test Flight Lead, 

schoolhouse Site Lead at both locations, and served as the TALSA Manager. 

This exemption would be in concert with the current FAA Rule making Committee’s Small UAS Rules 

Proposal and the Modernization Act. The FAA decision to grant this exemption would eliminate the 

exemption request of 14 C.F.R. § 1.113 (a) & (b): Private Pilot Privileges and Limitations: Pilot in 

Command. Accordingly, the applicant respectfully requests that the FAA grant the requested exemption 

without delay.

AIRCRAFT AND EQUIVALENT LEVEL OF SAFETY

The applicant will operate the following aircraft:

1. DJI Inspire 1

2. DJI Spreading Wings S1000

3. DJI Phantom 2 

4. DJI Phantom 3

5. Aeryon Sky Ranger

6. 3DR X8-M

The applicant proposes that the exemption requested herein apply to civil aircraft that have the 

characteristics and that operate with the limitations listed herein. These limitations provide for at least 

an equivalent or even higher level of safety to operations under the current regulatory structure 

because the proposed operations represent a safety enhancement to the already safe operations 

conducted with conventional aircraft. These limitations and conditions to which Crossview Concepts 

Corporation, Inc. agrees to be bound when conducting commercial operations under an FAA issued 

exemption include:

1. The sUAS will weigh less than 55 lbs.

2. Flights will be operated within line of sight of a vehicle operator (VO) and/or observer.

3. Maximum total flight time for each operational flight will not exceed the capabilities and limitations 

of the sUAS type operated per manufacture specifications and recommendations. Flights will be

terminated at no less than 15% battery power reserve during any flight to ensure Safety of Flight (SOF).

4. Day flights will be operated at an altitude of no more than 400 feet AGL.

5. Range of operation and altitude shall be decreased when operating in close vicinity of airfields that 

are not controlled by air traffic control (ATC) in Class G airspace. Where airfields are controlled by ATC 

or other forms, coordination and permissive operations shall be coordinated with the appropriate 

airspace control authority (ACA), i.e. Class B, Class C, Class, D, and Class E airspace. Class A airspace shall 

be avoided. Operation under Class E airspace and imposing a self-imposed safety buffer below the Class 

E airspace shall only be conducted after proper coordination with the Class E airspace ACA. Safety 

buffers shall be reasonable and flights shall be cancelled if Safety of Flight (SOF) is ever a concern by the 

ACA or of the sUAS VO.

6. Minimum crew for each operation will consist of the sUAS vehicle operator (VO). If line-of-sight (LOS) 

is an issue during sUAS flight operations, an observer shall be utilized. When operating specific sUAS air 

vehicles during specific missions, a Payload Operator (PO) shall be a part of the aircrew.

7. sUAS VO shall be trained and certified in the sUAS type operating and have visual acuity, correctable 

by glasses or contacts, of 20/20 and not be color blind. 
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8. sUAS VO shall perform as the Pilot in Command (PIC) duties and be responsible for the sUAS SOF. 

Consideration to obstacles, safe launch/recovery area, LOS, sUAS capabilities and limitations, sUAS

Operational Brief, pre/post flight operations, and Crossview Concepts Corporation, Inc. imposed 

airspace control measures and procedures shall be adhered to, i.e. mandatory ascending/descending 

Elevator Points, Emergency Holding Points, etc.

9. A sUAS flight path shall never be programmed to fly over another sUAS launch/recovery site and/or 

Ground Control Station (GCS).

10. Multiple sUAS launch/recovery sites shall ensure that sUAS VOs coordinate through positive 

communication during sUAS operations and shall stagger AV launches and landings to ensure SOF.

11. The sUAS will only operate within an identified confined “Sterile Area” of the flight operations area. 

Area shall be surveyed by the aircrew prior to sUAS operational flight commencement. sUAS operations 

within the aforementioned operations area shall not commence unless, if applicable, required ACA 

coordination has been completed, agreed upon, and authorized.

12. A sUAS brief shall be conducted in regard to the day’s planned sUAS operations. sUAS Brief shall be 

conducted before sUAS flight operations commence. The sUAS Brief is mandatory and all participating 

personnel who will be performing duties within the boundaries of the safety perimeter shall be present 

for this briefing.

13. The operator shall obtain the consent of all persons involved and ensure that only consenting 

persons will be allowed within 75 feet (25 meters) radius of the SUAS launch/recovery site (GCS); the

radius may be reduced to 30 feet (10 meters) based upon an equivalent level of safety and environment 

conditions and restrictions determination by the sUAS VO (PIC).

14. sUAS VO shall maintain current proficiency in all sUAS type that they are certified with.

15. During all sUAS operations, where an observer is utilized, positive communication shall be 

maintained between the sUAS VO and the observer.

16. Written and/or oral permission from the relevant property holders shall be obtained.

17. All required permissions and permits will be obtained from territorial, state, county or city 

jurisdictions, including local law enforcement, fire, or other appropriate governmental agencies when 

applicable.

18. If the sUAS is the subject of a Loss of Link (LOL) emergency or a GPS Loss emergency, the sUAS will 

have the capability to return to a pre-determined location within the operating area, i.e. manual control,

and/or land safely, i.e. “land immediately” feature or similar.

19. The sUAS will have the capability to abort a flight in case of emergencies and the VO shall conduct 

established Crossview Concepts Corporation, Inc. Emergency Procedures and manufacturer established 

emergency procedures.

20. All sUAS incidents that involve death, injury, damage to equipment (other than the company owned 

sUAS), and damage to property (other than company owned) shall be reported appropriately.

21. “Right of way” shall always be given to all other manned and unmanned air vehicles in every 

scenario and event without exception. Special consideration shall always be granted in every event that 

requires actions that would prevent death of injury of any person.

22. Crossview Concepts corporation, Inc., on the behalf of the sUAS VO, shall submit a written Plan of 

Activities to the local Flight Standards District Office (FSDO) with jurisdiction over the area of proposed 

sUAS operations. It is understood that the 3-day notification may be waived with the concurrence of the 

FSDO. The plan of activities shall include at least the following:

a. Dates and times for all flights.

b. Name and phone number of the vehicle operator (VO) for the sUAS conducting the sUAS operation

under this grant of exemption.

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

d. Make, model, and serial or N-Number of sUAS to be used
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e. Name and certificate number of sUAS vehicle operator (VO)/pilot in command (PIC) involved in the 

sUAS operation.

f. A statement that the VO has obtained permission from property owners and/or, if applicable, 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.

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.

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

Subpart H, entitled Airworthiness Certificates, establishes the procedural requirements for the issuance 

of airworthiness certificates as required by FAR §91.203 (a) (1). Given the size and limited operating area 

associated with the aircraft to be utilized by the Applicant, an exemption from Part 21 Subpart H meets 

the requirements of an equivalent level of safety under Part 11 and Section 333 of the Reform Act. The 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

hereunder is less than 55 lbs. fully loaded, carries neither a pilot nor passenger, carries no explosive 

materials or flammable liquid fuels, and operates exclusively within a safe area as set out in the Manual. 

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

both the operator, pursuant to the Manual’s requirements, and under the requirements and in

compliance with local public safety requirements, to provide security for the area of operation as is now 

done with conventional filming during filming services. In regard to motion picture and television 

production, security of the filming location adds to and provides a greater degree of safety to the public 

and property owners than conventional operations conducted with airworthiness certificates issued 

under 14 C.F.R. Part 21, Subpart H. This type of local operations area security is also found within the 

industrial and manufacturing areas, specific national, state, local, and privately controlled areas, and 

during local emergencies that are supported. Lastly, application of these same criteria demonstrates 

that there is no credible threat to national security posed by the sUAS, due to its size, speed of 

operation, location of operation, lack of explosive materials or flammable liquid fuels, and inability to 

carry a substantial external load.

14 C.F.R. §45.23 (b). Marking of the Aircraft. The regulation requires: When marks include only the 

Roman capital letter "N" and the registration number is displayed on limited, restricted or light-sport 

category aircraft or experimental or provisionally certificated aircraft, the operator must also display on 

that aircraft near each entrance to the cabin, cockpit, or pilot station, in letters not less than 2 inches 

nor more than 6 inches high, the words "limited," "restricted," "light-sport," "experimental," or

"provisional," as applicable. Even though the SUAS will have no airworthiness certificate, an exemption 

may be needed as the sUAS will have no entrance to the cabin, cockpit or pilot station on which the 

word “Experimental” can be placed. Given the size of the sUAV, two-inch lettering will be impossible. 

The word “Experimental” will be placed on the fuselage in compliance with §45.29 (f). The equivalent 

level of safety will be provided by having the SUAV marked on its fuselage as required by §45.29 (f) 

where the sUAS air vehicle (AV) vehicle operator (VO), AV visual observer, and others working with the

sUAS will see the identification of the sUAS as marked appropriately with registered aircraft markings. 
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Each Crossview Concepts Corporations, Inc. sUAS air vehicle shall be registered with the FAA and the 

FAA aircraft registration number shall be placed on the air vehicle in the largest practicable manner. The 

FAA has issued the following exemptions to this regulation to Exemptions Nos. 10700, 8738, 10167 and

10167A.

14 C.F.R. §1.113 (a) & (b): Private Pilot Privileges and Limitations: Pilot in Command. Section 61.113 

(a) & (b) limit private pilots to non-commercial operations. Because the UAS will not carry a pilot or 

passengers, the proposed operations can achieve the equivalent level of safety of current operations by 

requiring the PIC operating the aircraft to have a private pilot’s license rather than a commercial pilot’s 

license to operate this sUAS. Unlike a conventional aircraft that carries the pilot and passengers, the 

sUAS is remotely controlled with no living thing on board. The area of operation is controlled and 

restricted, and all flights are planned and coordinated in advance. The level of safety provided by the 

requirements included in the Manual exceeds that provided by a single individual holding a commercial 

pilot’s certificate operating a conventional aircraft. The risks associated with the operation of the sUAS

are so diminished from the level of risk associated with commercial operations contemplated by Part 61 

when drafted, that allowing operations of the sUAS as requested with a private pilot as the PIC exceeds 

the present level of safety achieved by 14 C.F.R. §61.113 (a) & (b).

14 C.F.R. §91.7(a): Civil aircraft airworthiness. The regulation requires that no person may operate a 

civil aircraft unless it is in airworthy condition. As there will be no airworthiness certificate issued for the 

aircraft, should this exemption be granted, no FAA regulatory standard will exist for determining

airworthiness. Given the size of the aircraft and the requirements contained in the Manual for 

maintenance and use of safety check lists prior to each flight, as set forth in Sections (j), (l) and (q), an 

equivalent level of safety will be provided.

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

“No person may operate a U.S.-registered civil aircraft...” (2) For which an Airplane or Rotorcraft Flight 

Manual is not required by §21.5 of this chapter, unless it is available in the aircraft, a current approved 

airplane or Rotorcraft Flight Manual, approved manual material, markings, and placards, or any 

combination thereof. The sUAS, given its size and configuration, has no ability or place to carry such a

flight manual on the aircraft, not only because there is no pilot on board, but because there is no room 

or capacity to carry such an item on the aircraft. The equivalent level of safety will be maintained by 

keeping the flight manual at the GCS within the reach of the sUAS vehicle operator for immediate 

access. The FAA has issued the following exemptions to this regulation: Exemption Nos. 8607, 8737, 

8738, 9299, 9299A, 9565, 9565B, 10167, 10167A, 10602, 32827, and 10700.

14 C.F.R. §91.103: Preflight action. This regulation requires each pilot in command to take certain 

actions before flight to insure the safety of flight. As FAA approved rotorcraft flight manuals will not be 

provided for the aircraft an exemption will be needed. The sUAS vehicle operator will take all actions 

including reviewing weather, flight battery requirements, launch paths and landing approaches, and 

aircraft pre-flight check parameters and data before committing to a AV Launch.

14 C.F.R. §91.109: Flight instruction. Section 91.103 provides that no person may operate a civil aircraft 

(except a manned free balloon) that is being used for flight instruction unless that aircraft has fully

functioning dual controls. sUASs and remotely piloted aircraft, by their design do not have fully 

functional dual controls. Flight control is accomplished through the use of the GCS Hand Controller Unit 

(HCU) that communicates with the aircraft via radio communications. The FAA has approved exemptions 

for flight training without fully functional dual controls for a number of aircraft and for flight instruction 
Page 9 of 11

in experimental aircraft. See Exemption Nos. 5778K & 9862A. The equivalent level of safety provided by 

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

aircraft.

14 C.F.R. §91.119: Minimum safe altitudes. Section 91.119 establishes safe altitudes for operation of 

civil aircraft. Section 91.119 (d) allows helicopters to be operated at less than the minimums prescribed, 

provided the person operating the helicopter complies with any route or altitudes prescribed for

helicopters by the FAA. As this exemption is for a sUAS that is for not only sUAS fixed-wing AVs, but also 

SUAS rotary-winged (helicopter) and the exemption requests authority to operate at altitudes up to400 

AGL, an exemption may be needed to allow such operations. As set forth herein, except for the limited 

conditions stated in the Manual, the sUAS will never operate at higher than 400 AGL unless authorized 

by a COA or the published FAA rules for sUAS scheduled to be published in 2015. The equivalent level of

safety will be achieved given the size, weight, and speed of the UAS as well as the location where it is 

operated. No flight will be taken without the required ACA coordination, permission of the property 

owner or local officials, and other unforeseen requirements that may arise. Due to the advance notice 

to the property owner and participants in the aerial activity, all affected individuals will be aware of the

planned sUAS flight operations. Compared to flight operations with aircraft or rotorcraft, weighting far 

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

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

below 400 AGL other industries. In addition, the low-altitude operations of the SUAS will ensure

separation between these sUAS operations and the operations of conventional aircraft that must 

comply with Section 91.119.

14 C.F.R. §91.121 Altimeter Settings. This regulation requires each person operating an aircraft to 

maintain cruising altitude by reference to an altimeter that is set “...to the elevation of the departure 

airport or an appropriate altimeter setting available before departure.” As the sUAS may not have a

barometric altimeter, but instead a GPS altitude read out, an exemption may be needed. An equivalent 

level of safety will be achieved by the sUAS vehicle operator, pursuant to the Manual and Safety Check 

list, confirming the altitude of the launch/recovery site shown on the GPS altitude indicator before flight.

14 C.F.R. §91.151(a): Fuel Requirements for Flight in VFR Conditions. Section 91.151 (a) prohibits an 

individual from beginning “a flight in an airplane under VFR conditions unless (considering wind and 

forecast weather conditions) there is enough fuel to fly to the first point of intended landing, and, 

assuming normal cruising speed – (1) During the day, to fly after that for at least 30 minutes; or (2) At 

night, to fly after that for at least 45 minutes.” The battery powering the sUAS provides set flight 

endurances for each sUAS type. To meet the 30-minute reserve requirement in 14 CFR §91.151, sUAS

flights would be extremely limited or not be able to fly at all. Given the limitations on the sUAS’s

proposed flight area and the location of its proposed operations within a predetermined area, a longer 

time frame for flight in daylight VFR conditions is reasonable. Applicant believes that an exemption 

from 14 CFR §91.151(a) falls within the scope of prior exemptions. See Exemption 10673 (allowing 

Lockheed Martin Corporation to operate without compliance with FAR 91.151 (a)). Operating the sUAS, 

in a tightly controlled area where only people and property owners or official representatives who have 

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

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

Additionally, limiting sUAS flights to extreme minimum flight time would greatly reduce the utility for 

which the exemption will be granted. Applicant believes that an equivalent level of safety can be 

achieved by limiting flights to the manufacture’s flight endurance specifications and self-imposing 

minimum reserve battery life to force a controlled landing safely without exceeding the manufacturer’s 
Page 10 of 11

maximum flight endurance specifications. This restriction would be more than adequate to return the 

sUAS to its planned launch/recovery site from anywhere within its limited operating area. Similar 

exemptions have been granted to other operations, including Exemptions 2689F, 5745, 10673, and 

10808.

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

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

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

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

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

cabin or cockpit entrance so that it is legible to passengers or crew. The sUAS, fully loaded, weighs no 

more than 55 lbs and is operated without an onboard pilot. As such, there is no ability or place to carry 

certification and registration documents or to display them on the SUAS. An equivalent level of safety 

will be achieved by keeping these documents at the GCS where the sUAS vehicle operator operating the 

AV will have immediate access to them, to the extent they are applicable to the sUAS. The FAA has 

issued numerous exemptions to this regulation. A representative sample of other exceptions includes 

Exemption Nos. 9565, 9665, 9789, 9789A, 9797, 9797A, 9816A, and 10700.

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

These regulations require that an aircraft operator or owner “shall have that aircraft inspected as 

prescribed in subpart E of this part and shall between required inspections, except as provided in 

paragraph (c) of this section, have discrepancies repaired as prescribed in part 43 of this chapter...,” and 

others shall inspect or maintain the aircraft in compliance with Part 43. Given that these sections and 

Part 43 apply only to aircraft with an airworthiness certificate, these sections will not apply to the 

applicant. The operator pursuant to the flight manual and operating handbook will accomplish 

maintenance. An equivalent level of safety will be achieved due to the nature of these sUASs based on 

their sized and will carry a small payload and operate only in observed controlled areas for limited 

periods of time. If mechanical issues arise, the SUAS can land immediately and will be operating from no

higher than 400 feet AGL unless otherwise authorized through a FAA COA. The operator will ensure that 

the sUAS is in working order prior to initiating flight and perform required operator maintenance. Major 

maintenance events beyond basic operator maintenance shall be recorded in the sUAS equipment 

record jacket maintained by the applicant. Moreover, the vehicle operator is the person most familiar

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

equivalent level of safety.

Summary

Pursuant to 14 C.F.R. Part 11, the following summary is provided for publication in the Federal Register, 

should it be determined that publication is needed: Applicant seeks an exemption from the following 

rules: 14 C.F.R. §21, subpart H; 14 C.F.R 45.23(b);14 C.F.R. §§ 61.113( a) & (b);91.7 (a); 91.9 (b) 

(2);91.103(b);91.109; 91.119; 91.121; 91.151(a);91.203(a) and (b); 91.405 (a); 91.407 (a) (1); 91.409 (a) 

(2); 91.409 (a) (2) and 91.417 (a) & (b) to operate commercially a small unmanned aircraft vehicle (SUAS) 

(55 lbs. or less). Approval of exemptions allowing commercial operations of sUASs, will enhance safety

by reducing risk while operating within the NAS. Conventional operations, using jet or piston power 

aircraft, operate at extremely low altitudes just feet from the subjects being filmed or equipment being 

inspected and in extreme proximity to people and structures and present the risks associated with 

vehicles that weigh in the neighborhood of 4,000lbs, carrying large amounts of Jet A, JP-8 or other fuel. 

Such aircraft must fly to and from the operational location. In contrast, a sUAS weighing fewer than 
Page 11 of 11

55lbs. and powered by batteries eliminates virtually all of that risk given the reduced mass and lack of 

combustible fuel carried on board. The sUAS is carried to the operation site and not flown. The SUAS

will carry no passengers or crew and, therefore, will not expose them to the risks associated with 

manned aircraft flights. The operation of sUASs, weighting less than 55 lbs., conducted in the strict

conditions aforementioned, will provide an equivalent level of safety supporting the grant of the 

exemptions requested herein, including exempting the applicant from the requirements of Part 21 and 

allowing commercial operations. These lightweight aircraft operate at slow speeds, close to the ground, 

and in a sterile environment; resulting in a far safer air vehicle flight than conventional aircraft 

operations utilizing combustible fuels and rotating blades operating within close proximity to the 

ground, personnel, and equipment during filming and inspections. Crossview Concepts Corporation, Inc. 

has every intention to adhere to and comply with established policies, rules, guidelines, and established 

laws.

Privacy

Privacy of personnel and property shall be adhered to. No person shall be surveilled unless proper 

authorization is provided by the appropriate authorizing agency or organization in accordance with 

established intelligence oversight practices and in compliance with all applicable regulations, orders, 

publications, and/or policies. All flights will occur over private or controlled access property with the 

property owner’s prior consent and knowledge, unless the area is deemed a public area. Navigational 

imagery may be used to support incident/mishap reporting as applicable. Only imagery supporting the 

purpose of the sUAS operational flight shall be utilized for the appropriate purpose. Commercial Film 

and TV filming events will be of people who have also consented to being filmed or otherwise have 

agreed to be in the area where filming will take place. All sUAS operations shall be conducted in 

consideration to the direction to government entities set forth in the Presidential Memorandum, 

Promoting Economic Competitiveness While Safeguarding Privacy, Civil Rights, and Civil Liberties in 

Domestic Use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (February 15, 2015). The grant of this exemption request 

will provide improved safety in both day and low-light operations. Satisfaction of the criteria provided in 

Section 333 of the Reform Act of 2012--size, weight, speed, operating capabilities, proximity to airports 

and populated areas and operation within visual line of sight and national security – provide more than

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

applicant’s commercial and private sUAS.

Respectfully,

Kevin Adkins

President

Crossview Concepts Corporation, Inc.

Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (SUAS) Service Provider