KOPTERCAM

100 3rd Street

Fair Haven, NJ 07704

201-874-5030

kendecker@verizon.net

www.koptercam.com

May 22, 2015

U.S. Department of Transportation

Docket Management System

1200 New Jersey Ave., SE

Washington, DC 20590

Re: Exemption Request Under Section 333 of the FAA Reform Act and Part 11 of the 

Federal Aviation Regulations for Kenneth Decker (d/b/a KopterCam)

Dear 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, Kenneth Decker (d/b/a KopterCam), seeks an exemption from Federal Aviation 

Regulations (“FARs”) to operate unmanned aerial systems (“UAS”), as described more fully below. 

The requested exemption would support an application for a commercial Certificate of Authorization to 

use the UAS to support aerial photography and videography. 

Specifically, the proposed UAS operations would include a DJ1 Inspire 1, DJI S1000, and 

DJI Phantom 2.

 DJI Inspire 1 system consists of a lightweight (6.5 lb) battery operated aircraft, a tablet-based 

ground control station and/or RC Controller, and associated communications equipment. The 

aircraft carries an onboard geo-referenced gimbaled camera that allows it to obtain photography 

and videography. The ability to gather high resolution photo and video has been requested by 

broadcasting companies. (See Attached File for Manual)

 DJI S1000 is comprised of a multi-rotor unmanned aircraft and two handheld ground control 

stations. The DJI-S1000 has a maximum gross weight of approximately 24 pounds, diagonal 

wheelbase of 41.4 inches, and height of approximately 18 inches. The DJI-S1000 is equipped 

with eight rotors driven by eight lithium polymer battery powered electric motors.

 Design and operational characteristics are provided in DJI S1000+ Operating Manual

 (See Attached File for Manual).

 DJI Phantom 2 is comprised of a quad rotor unmanned aircraft and a handheld ground control 

station. The Phantom II has a maximum gross weight of approximately 2.8 pounds, diameter 
(rotor span) 23.75 inches, width of 12.5 inches, and height of 8.1 inches. 

The Phantom II is equipped with four rotors driven by four lithium polymer battery powered 

electric motors. Design and operational characteristics are provided in DJI Phantom 2 Operating 

Manual (See Attached File for Manual).

Flight crews shall conduct pre-flight inspections as documented in Operating Manuals.

The public interest would be served by the grant of an exemption because it enables broadcasters to be 

able to conduct aerial video coverage, including for on-site reporting, such as traffic and emergencies, 

where it is critical to relay footage in real-time to provide the public with important information that also 

assists with managing emergency response to and around the scene. This will make it easier for 

broadcasters to deploy at the scene, compared with existing equipment that can be limited in their ability 

to reach the scent and/or provide overhead views of the area. 

The aircraft will be operated in the field with both a Pilot in Command (“PIC”) and a ground-based 

Visual Observer (“VO”) in accordance with FAA Policy N 8900.227 Section 14 “Operational 

Requirements for UAS” with the following additional restrictions:

 All operations will occur in Class G airspace at no more than 400 feet AGL

 Operations will only be conducted with permission from the appropriate land owner

 All required permits will be obtained from the state and local government prior to operation

 The aircraft will not be operated over populated areas as defined on FAA sectional maps

 The aircraft will not be operated at air shows or over an open-air assembly of people 

 The aircraft will not be operated over heavily trafficked roads

 The aircraft will not be operated within 5 nautical miles of a public airport or heliport

 Operations will be limited to day, visual meteorological conditions

 Aircraft will remain within Visual Line of Sight at no greater than 1⁄4 nautical miles of the PIC at 

all times

 While the aircraft is airborne, the VO will be positioned within voice distance to the PIC

 PIC will file a NOTAM providing radial/DME, radius, and a date/time group for each operation 

a minimum of 72 hours before any planned flight activity.

The PIC and VO will meet the requirement outlined in FAA Policy N 8900.327 Section 16 Personnel 

Qualifications. Additionally, the PIC and VO will perform maintenance on the system and will complete 

a course of maintenance instruction as part of their initial training. Due to the simplicity of the system, 

we do not anticipate the need for a supplemental pilot.

We submit that the combination of the aircraft’s light weight, the autopilot’s demonstrated flight 

performance, fully qualified flight crew and strict operation under the guidelines established in 8900.227, 

the FAA can have confidence that the operation will have an equivalent or greater level of safety of

manned aircraft performing the same mission. 

The name and contact information of the applicant are:

KopterCam

Attn: Ken Decker

Phone: 201-874-5030

Email: kendecker@verizon.net

The regulations from which the exemption is requested are as follows:

 14 CFR Part 21
 14 CFR 91.203

 14 CFR 45.23. 45.29

 14 CFR 91.9

 14 CFR 61.113, 61.133

 14 CFR 91.109, 91.119

 14 CFR 91.121, 91.151

 14 CFR Subpart E (91.401-91.417)

 FAA Policy 8900.227 Paragraph 16(c)(1).

Additional Information:

The applicant, Kenneth Decker, has been a radio control aircraft hobbyist for over 25 years, a member of 

the Academy of Model Aeronautics, and a Certified and Trained Graduate of Fly Safe Academy.

Kenneth Decker built his first Mikrokopter in 2008 and has been studying, researching, building and 

flying UAS ever since.

In addition, Kenneth Decker has 25 years of experience as a Camera operator for a variety of 

Entertainment, News, Sports and Music Programs. 

He has been awarded six “Emmy” Awards for achievement in exemplary camera work.

We believe that experience coupled with our knowledge of UAS could make KopterCam a leader in this 

innovative field.

We are prepared to modify or amend any part of this request to satisfy the need for an equivalent level of 

safety. We look forward to working with your office. Please contact us at any time if you require 

additional information or clarification. 

Sincerely,

Ken Decker

Kenneth Decker/KopterCam

100 Third Street

Fair Haven, NJ 07704

Attachments:

a. DJ1 Inspire 1 Manual

b. DJI S1000 Manual

c. DJI Phantom Manual