Petition for Exemption 14 CFR 11.81

June 28, 2015

Bryan J. Owens

Blue Lion Digital LLC

1040 W. Washington Street

Greenville, South Carolina 29642

864-304-9632

bryan.owens@blueliondigital.com

Specific Exemption Sections 

1.45.23(b)-

2.61.113(a) & (b);

3.91.7(a)-

4.91.9(b)(2)-

5.91.119-

6.91.121-

7.91.151(a)-

8.91.203(a) & (b)-

9.91.405(a)(1)-

10.91.407(a)(1)191.409(a)(2)-

11.91.417(a) & (b)- of Title 14, Code of Federal Regulations 

Relief Sought:

The extent of relief sought will allow for the operation of video tourism and client 

promotions via unmanned aerial system (UAS) business in the state of South Carolina.

The exemptions requested in this petition allows for Bryan Owens/Blue Lion Digital LLC 

to operation the PHANTOM 2 Vision+ quad-copter unmanned aircraft system (UAS) to 

conduct aerial videography and cinematography to enhance local tourism in the upstate of 

South Carolina.

In July 2015 the Big League Baseball World Series, an organization of the Little League 

organization, will be held in Easley, South Carolina. The week-long tournament, July 28 

– August 4, 2015, will have an estimated 16,000 people in attendance. The championship 

game will be broadcast on ESPN on August 4. I would like the opportunity to be allowed 

to cover this baseball world series with the phantom UAS for my client the Big League 

Baseball World Series.

2015 marks the 15th anniversary of the Big League Baseball World Series hosted in 

Easley, South Carolina. Over 16,000 people are expected to attend and there will be 2.1 

million television impressions. The Big League Baseball World Series has an annual 
economic impact of $730,000 in the upstate of South Carolina and this will be a great

opportunity to cover the event pending approval from the FAA.

Additionally, approval will allow for the creation of community awareness about tourism 

in Pickens County South Carolina. 

According to a study prepared for the South Carolina Dept. of Parks, Recreation & 

Tourism, by the U.S. Travel Association, “The Economic Impact of Travel on South 

Carolina Counties, 2013”, Pickens County Tourism spending generates 840 direct jobs in 

the tourism industry (restaurants, transportation, lodging, attractions, arts, entertainment). 

For every two direct jobs generated by tourist spending, one additional indirect job is 

generated through the multiplier effect on the Pickens area economy. There are a total of 

1,260 jobs (840 direct jobs + 420 indirect jobs) are generated by tourist spending in 

Pickens County.

This same study reported that tourism in Pickens County generated $95.59 million in 

direct tourist spending and produced $15.32 million in worker income & paychecks. As a 

result $3.08 million in tax revenue was generated for Pickens County and $5.85 million 

in South Carolina tax revenues.

The UAS will be a great additional marketing tool capturing images like no other tool 

available until now due to the new technology. 

Community Benefits

UAS coverage for the 15th annual Big League Baseball World Series tournament will be 

a first time event for Easley, South Carolina. Covering the Big League Baseball World 

Series will be the first time a Little League organization tournament have UAS coverage.

UAS coverage offers a unique vantage point for tourist areas in Pickens County South 

Carolina such as Hagood Mill Historic Site and Folklife Center. Video footage from 

drones offer an aesthetic value that cannot be captured in any other medium. 

The end result will drive additional economic growth and revenues to businesses in 

upstate South Carolina. The project will help create new jobs and opportunities for local 

businesses in this budding tourism district.

Finally, economic progress in tourism drives the housing market. Succession in tourism 

marketing will prompt the housing market to grow in tandem. 

The public will gain a new interest and perspective in Pickens County South Carolina. 

Granting exemption will give many individuals and business owners access to this 

service at a cost significantly lower than using a helicopter, airplane or bucket truck. The 

relatively small size and lack of combustible fuel compared to larger manned aircraft, the 
Phantom poses no threat the public. Additionally the operation of the Phantom will 

minimize ecological damage and promote economic growth by providing information to 

companies looking to relocate or build in Pickens County South Carolina and 

surrounding area. 

Reasons why the requested exemptions would not adversely affect safety:

All rules and regulations given by the FAA will be followed completely given approval 

to operate the UAS..

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- Regards,

Bryan J. Owens