UNITED S TA TES OF AMER I C A

DE P A R TMENT OF T RAN SPO R TA TIO N

FEDERAL A

VI A TION AD MI N IST R A

TIO N

W ASHING T ON, DC

IN THE M A

TTER OF THE PETITION FOR EXEMPTION OF :

Tone Images LLC

FOR AN EXEMPTION SEEKING RELIEF FROM THE REQUIREMENTS OF

TITLE 14 OF THE CODE OF FEDERAL R EG U L A TIO N S

SECTIONS 61. 1 13(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 O PER A TIO N

OF DJI Phantom 2 AND DJI Phantom 3 UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS

PURSUANT T O SECTION 333 OF

T H E F AA MO DERN IZ A TIO N AND R EFO RM AC T OF 2012

(PUBLIC L A

W 1 12

- 95)

Submitted on September 16, 2015

Karen E. Tone, Tone Images, LLC

2007 79 th Street NW

Bradenton, Florida

941.720.5636

karentoneimages@yahoo.comT ABLE OF C O N T EN TS

Page

GLOSSA R Y OF ABBREVI A TIONS...................................................................................3

SUMMA R Y

...........................................................................................................................4

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

BACKGROUND................... ................................................................................................4

BASIS FOR PETITION.........................................................................................................5

NAME AND ADDRESS OF PETITIONER.............................................................7

THE SPECIFIC SECTIONS OF 14 C. F .R. FROM WHICH TONE IMAGES,

LLC SEEKS EXEMPTION.................................................................8

THE EXTENT OF RELIEF TONE IMAGES, LL C SEEKS AND THE REASON

TONE IMAGES LLC SEEKS THE RELIEF......................... 1 1

THE REASONS WHY GRANTING TONE IMAGES, LLC REQUEST WOULD BE IN

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

THE REASONS WHY GRANTING THE EXEMPTION WOULD NOT ADVERSE L Y

AFFECT SAFET Y

..........................................................................19

SUMMA R Y TH A

T CAN BE PUBLISHED IN THE FEDERAL REGISTER......34

ANY ADDITIONAL INFORM A TION, VIEWS, OR ARGUMENTS AV AILABLE T O

SUPPO R T TONE IMAGES, LLC’S REQUEST.........34

CONCLUSION................................................................................................................35

APPENDICES........................................................................................37GLOSSA R Y OF ABBREVI A TIONS

AGL Above Ground Level

AOI Area of Interest

A TC Air T raffic Control

A T O Air T raffic Organization

A V Aerial V ehicle

CFR Code of Federal Regulations

COA Certificate of Authorization

F AA Federal A viation Administration

F AR Federal A viation Regulation

GCS Ground Control Station

GPS Global Positioning System

LOL Loss of Link

NAS National Airspace System

NO T AM Notice to Airman

PIC Pilot In Command

Section 333 F AA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 (FMRA) Section

333

SO Safety Observer

SOP Standard Operating Procedures

UA Unmanned Aircraft

UAS Unmanned Aircraft System

VFR V isual Flight Rules

VLOS V isual Line of Site

VMC V isual Meteorological Conditions

V T OL V ertical T akeo f f and LandingSUMMA R Y

Tone Images, LLC seeks exemption from the requirements of 14 C. F .R §§ 61. 1 13(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 pursuant to Section 333 of the

F AA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 (FMRA). This exemption will permit TONE

IMAGES, LLC to operate an Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) for the commercial

purpose of conducting aerial video and photography of real estate , construction sites

, and

landscape over certain areas of the United States

.

INTRODUCTION AND INTERESTS OF THE PETITIONER

Tone Images, LLC est. 1999 provides clients with photography and videography of

properties for the purpose of advertising and site development

. The objective of Tone

Images, LLC is to provide high quality imaging for a variety of commercial, public, and

residential uses, specifically targeting:

• Residential Construction

• Real

- estate marketing

• Commercial Construction

BACKGROUND

Unmanned Aircraft Systems: DJI Phantom 2, DJI Phantom 3 UASs

TONE IMAGES, LLC seeks an exemption to operate DJI systems for compensation or

hire within the NAS. The DJI Phantom 2 and DJI Phantom 3 are vertical takeo f f and

landing (V T OL) Unmanned Aircraft (UA) with a Ground Control Station (GCS) utilizing

electronic tablet or smart phone systems. The DJI Phantom 2 has a maximum gross

weight of approximately 2 pounds 1 1 ounces, while having a length of 16 inches width of

16 inches,height of 8 inches, and a maximum speed of approximately 29 knots. The DJI Phantom 3

has a maximum gross weight of 6 pounds 7.5 ounces, a length of 17.3 inches, width of

17.7 inches, height of 1 1.8 inches, and a maximum speed of approximately 42 knots. The

DJI Phantom 2 and DJI Phantom 3 UAs are equipped with four main rotors; driven by

Lithium Polymer battery powered electric motors.

BASIS FOR PETITION

Petitione r

, TONE IMAGES, LLC

, pursuant to the provisions of the Federal A viation

Regulations (14 C. F

.R. § 1 1.61) and the F

AA 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 2, DJI Phantom 3

UASs in the National Airspace System (NAS), and for an exemption from the

requirements of 14 C. F .R §§ 61. 1 13(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, TONE IMAGES, LLC operation of DJI Phantom 2

and DJI Phantom 3 UASs 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.

Accordingl y

, TONE IMAGES, LLC 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.

TONE IMAGES, LLC su bmits that the requested relief is proper since an equivalent level

of safety will be ensured. TONE IMAGES, LLC will use experienced personnel or

technicians to perform maintenance, alterations, or preventive maintenance on the UASs

using the methods, techniques, and practices prescribed in the operating documents (i.e.,

Monthly Maintenance Log, and DJI Phantom 2 and DJI Phantom 3 Instruction Manual).

Furthermore, TONE IMAGES, LLC will document and maintain all maintenance records

for the DJI Phantom 2 and DJI Phantom 3 UASs.

Relief from certain requirements of Section 61. 1 13(a) and (b), entitled Private pilot

privileges and limitations: Pilot in command

, is requested by TONE IMAGES, LLC 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 2 and DJI Phantom 3 U ASs in a manner consistent with this

exemption, including evasive and emergency maneuvers and maintaining appropriate

distances from people, vessels, vehicles and structures.TONE IMAGES, LLC seeks relief from Section 91.7(a), entitled Civil aircraft airworthiness

,

because the DJI Phantom 2 and DJI Phantom 3 UASs do not require an airworthiness

certificate in accordance with 14 C. F .R. Part 21, Subpart H. As such, TONE IMAGES, LLC

submits that he will ensure that the DJI Phantom 2 and DJI Phantom 3UASs are in an

airworthy condition, prior to every flight, by determining that the UASs are in compliance

with the operating documents (i.e., Monthly Maintenance Log, and DJI Phantom 2 and DJI

Phantom 3 Instruction Manual), and that the aircraft a re in a condition for safe flight.

TONE IMAGES, LLC also seeks an exemption from the requirements of Section 91.121,

entitled Altimeter Settings

, as the DJI Phantom 2 and DJI Phantom 3 UAs will not have a

typical barometric altimeter onboard. Howeve r

, altitude information of the DJI Phantom 2

and DJI Phantom 3UAs 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

TONE IMAGES, LLC’S operation of the DJI Phantom 2 and DJI Phantom 3 UASs within

visual line of sight, at or below 4 00 feet AGL, will ensure a level of safety equivalent to

Section 91.121.

Additionall y

, TONE IMAGES, LLC seeks an exemption from the requirements of Section

91.151(b), entitled Fuel requirements for flight in VFR conditions

. TONE IMAGES, LLC

submits that safety will not be a f fected by operation of the DJI Phantom 2 and DJI

Phantom 3 UAs during daylight hours in visual meteorological conditions (VMC) under

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

approximately 14.5 minutes to the first point of intended landing and, assuming normal

cruising speed, to fly after that for at least 4.5 minutes.

In accordance with 14 C. F .R. § 1 1.81, TONE IMAGES, LLC provides the

following information in support of its petition for exemption:

A. Name And Address Of The Petitione r

.

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

KAREN TONE

TONE IMAGES, LLC

2007 79 TH Street NW

Bradenton, Florida 34209

941.720.5636

karentoneimages@yahoo.comB. The Specific Sections Of 14 C. F .R. From Which Tone Images, LLC Seeks

Exemption.

1. TONE IMAGES, LLC Seeks Exemption From The Requirements Of

Section

61. 1 13(a) And (b).

Section 61. 1 13, entitled Private pilot privileges and limitations: Pilot in command

,

subsections (a) and (b) prescribe the following, in relevant part:

(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 ma y

, 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. TONE IMAGES, LLC 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. TONE IMAGES, LLC 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. TONE IMAGES, LLC 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. TONE IMAGES, LLC Seeks Exemption From The Requirement Of Section

91.405(a).

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. TONE IMAGES, LLC 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. TONE IMAGES, LLC 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 chapte r

.

8. TONE IMAGES, LLC 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 §§ 91.4 1 1 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

- hou r

, annual, progressive, and other required or

approved inspections, as appropriate, for each aircraft (including the

airframe) and each engine, propelle r

, roto r

, and appliance of an aircraft.

The records must include

--

(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 propelle r

,

and each roto r

.

(ii) The current status of life

- limited parts of each airframe, engine,

propelle r

, roto r

, 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 complianc e, 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. 1 1 of this chapter shall be retained until the defects are repaired and the

aircraft is approved for return to service.

C. The Extent Of Relief TONE IMAGES, LLC Seeks And The Reason

TONE IMAGES, LLC Seeks The Relief.

1. Extent Of Relief Tone Images, LLC

, S eeks And The Reason Tone

Images, LLC

, Seeks Relief From Section 61. 1 13(a) And (b).

Relief from Section 61. 1 13(a) and (b) entitled Private pilot privileges and limitations: Pilo t

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. 1 13(a) and (b) state

that a private pilot ma y

, for compensation or hire, act as PIC of an aircraft in connection

with any busin ess or employment if: (1) The flight is only incidental to that business oremployment; and (2) The aircraft does not carry passengers or property for compensation

or hire.

As set forth more fully belo w

, TONE IMAGES, LLC submits that an equivalent level of

safety will be maintained because no PIC will be allowed to operate the DJI Phantom 2

UAS or DJI Phantom 3 UAS unless that PIC has met certain flight

- hour requirements,

demonstrating that the PIC is able to safely operate either the DJI Phantom

2 or DJI Phantom 3 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.

Furthe r

, TONE IMAGES, LLC submits that all flights of the DJI Phantom 2 and DJI

Phantom

3 UASs, conducted by the PIC pursuant to the grant of this Petition: (1) will be incidental

to TONE IMAGES, LLC business; and (2) will not carry passengers or property for

compensation or hire.

2. Extent Of Relief TONE IMAGES, LLC Seeks And The Reason

TONE IMAGES, LLC 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 TONE IMAGES, LLC to determine that the DJI Phantom 2 and DJI

Phantom 3 UASs are in airworthy condition prior to every flight by ensuring that the UAS

is in compliance with the operating documents (i.e., the TONE IMAGES, LLC Aerial

Operations Manual, Monthly Maintenance Log, and DJI Phantom 2 and DJI Phantom 3

Instruction Manual).

TONE IMAGES, LLC seeks the requested relief because the DJI Phantom 2 and DJI

Phantom 3 UASs do not require an airworthiness certificate in accordance with 14 C. F .R.

Part 21, Subpart H. Therefore, TONE IMAGES, LLC will ensure that the DJI Phantom 2

and DJI Phantom 3 UASs are in airworthy condition based upon its compliance with the

operating documents (i.e., Monthly Maintenance Log, and DJI Phantom 2 and DJI

Phantom 3 Instruction Manual) prior to every flight, and furthe r

, determine that the aircraft

are in condition for safe flight, as stated in the conditions and limitations belo w

.

3. Extent Of Relief TONE IMAGES, LLC Seeks And The Reason

TONE IMAGES, LLC 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 2 and DJI Phantom 3 UASs, which utilize a barometric

pressure senso r

, 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 F

AA requires that any altitude information concerning UAS operations bereported to air traffic control ( A TC) in feet above ground level (AGL), TONE IMAGES,

LLC seeks the requested relief because the DJI Phantom 2 and DJI Phantom 3 U A ’ 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 belo w

. As more fully set forth herein, an equivalent level of safety will be maintained

since the DJI Phantom 2 and DJI Phantom 3 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 TONE IMAGES, LLC Seeks And The Reason

TONE IMAGES, LLC 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 2 and

DJI Phantom 3 UAs during daylight hours in visual meteorological conditions (VMC),

under visual flight rules (VFR), for a total duration of 14.5 minutes to the first point of

intended landing and, assuming normal cruising speed, to fly after that for at least 4.5

minutes. TONE IMAGES, LLC seeks the requested relief because without an exemption

from Section 91.151(b), the flight time duration of the battery powered DJI Phantom 2 and

DJI Phantom 3 UAs will severely constrain the practicality of any aerial video or still photo

flight operations that TONE IMAGES, LLC proposes to conduct pursuant to this Petition.

Significantl y

, as set forth belo w

, the technical specifications of the DJI Phantom 2 and DJI

Phantom 3 UASs, the DJI Phantom 2 and DJI Phantom 3 operating documents, and

TONE IMAGES, LLC proposed operating limitations, ensure that TONE IMAGES, LLC

will safely operate the battery powered DJI Phantom 2 and DJI Phantom 3 UAs during

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

with enough battery power to fly for a total duration of 14.5 minutes to the first point of

intended landing and, assuming normal cruising speed, to fly after that for at least 4.5

minutes.

5. Extent Of Relief TONE IMAGES, LLC Seeks And The Reason TONE

IMAGES, LLC 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, TONE IMAGES, LLC requests relief

from these Sections because the DJI Phantom 2 and DJI Phantom 3 UASs do not

requireairworthiness certificates. As set forth more fully belo w

, the DJI Phantom 2 and DJI

Phantom 3 UASs meet the conditions of FMRA Section 333 for operation without an

airworthiness certificate. Accordingl y

, TONE IMAGES, LLC will use trained technicians to

perform maintenance, alterations, or preventive maintenance on the UASs using the

methods, techniques, and practices prescribed in the UAS operating documents (i.e., the

TONE IMAGES, LLC Aerial Operations Manual, Monthly Maintenance Log, and DJI

Phantom

2 and DJI Phantom 3 Instruction Manual). Furthermore, TONE IMAGES, LLC will

document and maintain all maintenance records for the DJI Phantom 2 and DJI Phantom

3 UASs.

D. The Reasons Why Granting TONE IMAGES, LLC Request W ould Be In The

Public

Interest; That Is, How It W ould Benefit The Public As A Whole.

Granting the present Petition will further the public interest by allowing TONE IMAGES,

LLC to safel y

, efficientl y

, and economically perform aerial video and photography of real

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

Additionall y

, use of the DJI Phantom 2 and DJI Phantom 3 UASs will decrease congestion

of the NAS, reduce pollution, and provide significant benefits to the econom y

. Notabl y

, the

benefits of TONE IMAGES, LLC proposed operation of the DJI Phantom 2 and D JI

Phan t om 3 UASs will be realized without implicating any privacy issues.

1. The Public W ill Benefit From Decreased Congestion Of The NAS.

The DJI Phantom 2 and DJI Phantom 3 UAs are battery powered and serve as a safe,

efficient, and economical alternative to the manned aircraft traditionally utilized to obtain

aerial imager y

. By reducing the amount of manned aircraft needed to perform aerial

acquisitions, an exemption allo wing the use of a DJI Phantom 2 or DJI Phantom 3 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 2 and DJI Phantom 3 UAs do not require an airport to takeo f f 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, takeo f f,

departure, arrival, and landing phases of flight operations.

2. The Public W ill Benefit From The Safety And Efficiency Of The DJI

Phantom 2 and DJI Phantom 3 UASs.

Conducting aerial acquisitions with the DJI Phantom 2 and DJI Phantom 3 UASs, instead

of manned aircraft, will greatly benefit the public by drastically reducing the levels of airand noise pollution generated during traditional aerial video and still photography flight

operations. By using battery power and electric motors, the DJI Phantom 2 and DJI

Phantom 3 UASs 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 photograph y

, while burning approximately

20

- 30 gallons per hour of leaded aviation fuel. The DJI Pha ntom 2 and DJI Phantom 3

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 2 and DJI Phantom 3 UASs 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 2 and DJI Phantom 3 UAs (weighing approximately 2 pounds 1 1

ounces and 6 pounds 7.5 ounces respectivel y

, at their maximum gross weights with

lengths of 16 inches and 17.3 inches respectivel y

, widths of 16 inches and 17.7 inches

respectivel y

, and with no fuel on board), has less physical potential for collateral damage

to life and property on the ground, and in the ai r

, 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).

3. Performing Aerial V ideo and Photography Operations W ith The DJI

Phantom 2 and DJI Phantom 3 UASs W ill Benefit The Econom y

.

In addition to being safe and efficient, the DJI Phantom 2 and DJI Phantom 3 UASs are

also an economical alternative to using manned aircraft to conduct similar aerial

operations. As such, operation of the DJI Phantom 2 and DJI Phantom 3 UASs will allow

United States based companies, like TONE IMAGES, LLC

, to remain competitive and

contribute to growth of the U.S. econom y

. Specificall y

, with the rising cost of aviation fuel

and the Environmental Protection Agency (“E P A”) 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 2

and DJI Phantom 3 UASs 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 2 and DJI Phantom 3 UASs, companies such as TONE

IMAGES, LLC

, 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. econom y

. Improved financial performance of U.S. co mpanies, through commercial

use of the DJI Phantom 2 and DJI Phantom 3 UASs, provides a stable workforce that

increases consumer spending; improves local, state, and federal tax revenues; and allowscompanies 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, TONE IMAGES, LLC’S proposed operation of the DJI Phantom 2 and DJI

Phantom

3 UASs will not implicate any privacy issues. Specificall y

, the DJI Phantom 2 and DJI

Phantom 3 UASs will be operated only in compliance with operating documents (i.e., the

TONE IMAGES, LLC Aerial Operations Manual, Monthly Maintenance Log, and DJI

Phantom

2 and DJI Phantom 3 Instruction Manual) which requires property owner involvement as

well as local law enforcement notification, and in accordance with the Federal A viation

Regulations, including the minimum altitude requirements of 14 C. F .R. § 91. 1 19.

E. The Reasons Why Granting The Exemption W ould Not Adversely Affect Safet y

,

Or How The Exemption W ould Provide A Level Of Safety At Least Equal T o That

Provided By The Rule From Which TONE IMAGES, LLC Seeks Exemption.

1. Reasons Why The DJI Phantom 2 and DJI Phantom 3 UAs Meet The

Conditions Of The F

AA 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, TONE IMAGES, LLC’S operation of the DJI Phantom

2 and DJI Phantom 3 UASs 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 securit y

. Specificall y

, 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

T ransportation 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 an y

, as a result of their

size, weight, speed, operational capabilit y

, 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 waive r

, 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, TONE IMAGES, LLC submits that the DJI Phantom 2 and DJI

Phantom 3 UASs can operate safely in the NAS pursuant to FMRA Section 333, as

demonstrated by: (a) the characteristics of the DJI Phantom 2 and DJI Phantom 3 UASs;

(b) the pilo t certification requirement; and (c) the specific operating limitations.

a. The Specifications Of The DJI Phantom 2 and DJI Phantom 3 UASs

Demonstrate Its Safe Characteristics.

The DJI Phantom 2 and DJI Phantom 3 UASs do 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 capabilit y

.

i. T echnical Specifications Of The DJI Phantom 2 and DJI Phantom 3

UASs.

The technical specifications of the DJI Phantom 2 and DJI Phantom 3 UASs are set forth

by the DJI Phantom 2 and DJI Phantom 3 User Manuals, attached hereto as Appendix A

and B.ii. The DJI Phantom 2 and DJI Phantom 3 UASs Autonomous Flight

And Navigation Modes Enable The UASs T o Remain W ithin A

Defined Operational Area.

The DJI Phantom 2 and DJI Phantom 3 UASs may be operated in both manual and fully

autonomous flight modes. A complete description of the flight and navigational modes of

the DJI Phantom 2 and DJI Phantom 3 UASs is provided at pages 25

- 35 of the DJI

Phantom 2 and pages 12

- 16 and 45

- 50 of the DJI Phantom 3 User Manuals, attached

hereto as Appendix A and B.

iii. The DJI Phantom 2 and DJI Phantom 3 UASs Are Designed For

Automatic Return T

o Home Point Or Hover In The Event Of Loss

Of The Control Link Or Navigation.

When the Control Link is lost, the DJI Phantom 2 and DJI Phantom 3 UAs will remain

stationar y

, in flight, for 3 seconds or more. If, after 3 seconds, the DJI Phantom 2 and DJI

Phantom 3 UAs do not reacquire control link data from the GCS, the UAs will assume that

the Control Link is lost and the UAs will return to the home position (i.e., failsafe mode) via

GPS, and will descend to the takeo f f position and shutdown.

A complete description of the Failsafe Functions of the DJI Phantom 2 UAS are set forth

at pages 27 through 29 and for the DJI Phantom 3 at pages 13 through 15 of the DJI

Phantom 2 and DJI Phantom 3 User Manuals, attached hereto as Appendix A and B.

i v

. The DJI Phantom 2 and DJI Phantom 3 GCS And Its Operation.

A complete description of the operation and specifications of the DJI Phantom 2 and DJI

Phantom 3 GCS and flight control software is provided at pages 32 through 43 of the DJI

Phantom 2 User Manual and pages 40 through 47 of the DJI Phantom 3 User Manual. DJI

Phantom 2 and DJI Phantom 3 User Manuals are attached hereto as Appendix A and B.

b. Flight Operations Of DJI Phantom 2 and DJI Phantom 3 UASs Are

Limited T

o The Line Of Sight Of A Pilot in Command W ith A Safety

Observe r

.

KAREN TONE OF TONE IMAGES, LLC will be the only person to act as a pilot in

command (PIC) of the DJI Phantom 2 and DJI Phantom 3 UASs. Additionall y

, a safety

observer will assist in flights.c. Flights Of DJI Phantom 2 and DJI Phantom 3 UASs W ill Be

Conducted Pursuant T o Specific Operating Limitations.

In seeking this exemption, TONE IMAGES, LLC proposes to commercially operate DJI

Phantom 2 and DJI Phantom 3 UASs 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 UASs

weighing less than 55 pounds maximum gross weight: DJI Phantom 2 and DJI

Phantom 3 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 exemptio n will be limited to conducting operations

for the purpose of aerial video and photograph y

.

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 4 00 feet above

ground level (AGL), as indicated by the procedures specified in the operating

documents unless a special request is made and approved by A TC. All altitudes

reported to A

TC 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 F AA

- 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 VLOScapabilit y

. 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 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

outli ned in its operating documents. The operator may update or revise its

operating documents. It is the operato r ’ 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 a f fect the basis upon which the F AA granted

the exemption, then the operator must petition for amendment to its grant of

exemption. The F

A A ’ 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 a f fects 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.

1 1. Any UAS that has undergone maintenance or alterations that a f fect 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 manufacture r ’ 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 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 UASs 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 third

- class medical certificate or in accordance with current

regulations

.

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

operato r ’ 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, vessel s, 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 operato r ’ s PICs are

permitted under the terms of the exemption. Howeve r

, training operations may

only be conducted during dedicated training sessions. During training,

proficienc y

, and experience

- building flights, all persons not essential for flightoperations are considered nonparticipants, and the PIC must operate the UA

with appropriate distance from nonparticipants in accordance with 14 C. F .R. §

91. 1 19.

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 F AA

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 F AA

- published aeronautical chart unless a letter

of agreement with that airport ’ s management is obtained, and the operation is

conducted in accordance with a NO T AM as required by the operato r ’ 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

pre

- determined 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.

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 T raffic Organization ( A T O) issued

Certificate of W aiver 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 (NO T AM) 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 A T O 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 numbe r

, registered in accordance with 14 C. F .R. part 47, and have

identification (N

- Number) 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 anaccident. 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 tha t 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. 1 19(a).

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 F AA's UAS Integration Office (AFS

- 80) within 24

hours. Accidents must be reported to the National T ransportation Safety Board

(NTSB) per instructions contained on the NTSB W eb site: ww w .ntsb.go v

.

2. Reasons Why An Exemption From The Requirements Of Section

61. 1 13(a) And (b) W ould Not Adversely Affect Safet y

.

TONE IMAGES, LLC submits that the equivalent level of safety established by Section

61. 1 13(a) and (b) will be maintained because no PIC will be allowed to operate the DJI

Phantom 2 and DJI Phantom 3 UASs unless that PIC has demonstrated, by meeting

minimum flight

- hour and currency requirements, that the PIC is able to safely operate the

DJI Phantom 2 or DJI Phantom 3 UAS in a manner consistent with the exemption,including evasive and emergency maneuvers and maintaining appropriate distances from

people, vessels, vehicles and structures.

Considering TONE IMAGES, LLC’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. 1 1062); and

the airmanship skills necessary to safely operate the DJI Phantom 2 or DJI Phantom 3

UAS, TONE IMAGES, LLC submits that the additional manned airmanship experience

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

for TONE IMAGES, LLC specific proposed flight operations.

The F AA has previously granted relief from Section 61. 1 13(a) and (b) specific to UAS, in

circumstances simila r

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

Nos. 1 1062, 1 1063, 1 1064, 1 1065, 1 1066, 1 1067, 1 1080, 11 109, 111 10, 111 12, 11 136,

11 138, 11 150, 11 153, 11 156, 11 158, 11 159, 11 160, 11 161).

TONE IMAGES, LLC will not allow any PIC to operate the DJI Phantom 2 or DJI Phantom

3 UAS unless that PIC has demonstrated, by meeting minimum flight

- hour requirements or

the DJI Phantom 2 or DJI Phantom 3 UAS training and currency requirements, that the PIC

is able to safely operate the DJI Phantom 2 or DJI Phantom 3 UAS in a manner consistent

with t his exemption, including evasive and emergency maneuvers and maintaining

appropriate distances from people, vessels, vehicles and structures.

Specificall y

, 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 takeo f fs and landings in the preceding 90 days (for currency

purposes).

As in Exemption Nos. 1 1062, 11 138, and 11 153, prior documented flight experience that

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

safety during TONE IMAGES, LLC’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. 1 1062, the F AA 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. 1 1062, 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 F AA considers these minimum hour requirements

to be inclusive rather than additive; i.e. 5 hours make and model time may beincluded in the 10 hours of multi

- rotor time and the 10 hours may be included in

t he total 25 hours of UAS rotorcraft time. In addition to the hour requirements, the

PIC must accomplish 3 takeo f fs and landings in the preceding 90 days (for

currency purposes). The F AA finds that at a minimum, the flight

- hour requirements

in Exemption No. 1 1062 are appropriate to practice and build proficiency in the

skills necessary to safely conduct the petitione r ’ s proposed operations. The F AA

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

with applicable regulations would satisfy this requirement. T raining, proficienc y

, and experience

- building flights can also be conducted under the grant of

exemption to accomplish the required flight time. During training, proficienc y

, and

experience

- building flights the PIC is required to operate the UA with appropriate

distances in accordance with 14 C. F .R 91. 1 19.

Exemption No. 11 138 at page 15.

Accordingl y

, TONE IMAGES, LLC will ensure safe operations by not allowing any PIC to

operate the DJI Phantom 2 or DJI Phantom 3 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 2 or DJI Phantom 3 UAS in a manner consistent with the

exemption, including evasive and emergency maneuvers and maintaining appropriate

distances from people, vessels, vehicles and structures.

3. Reasons Why An Exemption From The Requirements Of Section 91.7(a)

W ould Not Adversely Affect Safet y

.

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

prior to every flight, TONE IMAGES, LLC will ensure that the DJI Phantom 2 or DJI

Phantom 3 UAS is in an airworthy condition based upon the UAS ’ s compliance with its

opera ting documents and as stated in the conditions and limitations herein.

Additionall y

, the F

AA has previously granted relief from Section 91.7(a) specific to UAS, in

circumstances simila r

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

Nos. 1 1062, 1 1063, 1 1064, 1 1065, 1 1066, 1 1067, 1 1080, 11 109, 111 10, 111 12, 11 136,

11 138, 11 150, 11 153, 11 156, 11 157, 11 158, 11 159, 11 160, 11 161).

4. Reasons Why A Exemption From The Requirements Of Section 91.121

W ould Not Adversely Affect Safet y

.

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

the altitude information of the DJI Phantom 2 and DJI Phantom 3 UAs will be provided tothe 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 TONE IMAGES, LLC’S operation of the DJI Phantom 2

and DJI Phantom 3 UAs within visual line of sight, at or below 4 00 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 UASs at ground level.

The F AA has previously granted relief from Section 91.121 specific to UAS, in

circumstances simila r

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

Nos. 1 1062, 1 1063, 1 1064, 1 1065, 1 1066, 1 1067, 1 1080, 11 109, 111 12, 11 136, 11 138,

11 150, 11 153, 11 156, 11 157, 11 158, 11 159, 11 160, 11 161).

5. Reasons Why An Exemption From The Requirements Of Section

91.151(b) W ould Not Adversely Affect Safet y

.

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

2 and DJI Phantom 3 UASs; (2) the limitations on the proposed flight operations; and (3)

the location of the proposed flight operations. Accordingl y

, TONE IMAGES, LLC will

ensure that it will safely operate the battery powered DJI Phantom 2 and DJI Phantom 3

UAs during daylight hours in VFR conditions, with enough battery power to fly for a total

duration of 13.5 minutes to the first point of intended landing and, assuming normal

cruising speed, to fly after that for at least 4.5 minutes.

Here, as in Exemption No. 11 109, the technical specifications of the DJI Phantom 2 and

DJI Phantom 3 UASs; 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 2 and DJI

Phantom 3 UASs 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 powe r

, and again at approximately 10% remaining battery powe r

. At the

critically low battery level, the DJI Phantom V ision+ and DJI Phantom 3 UASs will

descend and land automaticall y

.

Significantl y

, previous exemptions granted by the F AA concerning Section 91.151

establish that safety is not adversely a f fected 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. Moreove r

, the F AA has previously granted relief

from Secti on 91.151 specific to UAS, in circumstances simila r

, in all material respects, to

those presented herein (e.g. Exemption Nos. 88 1 1, 10808, 10673, 1 1042, 1 1062, 1 1063,1 1064, 1 1065, 1 1066, 1 1067, 1 1080, 11 109, 111 10, 11 136, 11 138, 11 150, 11 153, 11 156,

11 157, 11 158, 11 159, 11 160, 11 161).

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) W ould Not

Adversely Affect Safet y

.

In seeking this exemption, TONE IMAGES, LLC 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 TONE IMAGES, LLC will use trained technicians to perform maintenance,

alterations, or preventive maintenance on the UASs using the methods, techniques, and

practices prescribed in the operating documents (i.e., the TONE IMAGES, LLC Aerial

Operations Manual, Monthly Maintenance Log, and DJI Phantom 2 and DJI Phantom 3

Instruction Manual). Furthermore, TONE IMAGES, LLC will document and maintain

all maintenance records for the DJI Phantom 2 and DJI Phantom 3 UASs.

Since the DJI Phantom 2 and DJI Phantom 3 UASs will be inspected as prescribed by the

operating documents, TONE IMAGES, LLC 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 2 and DJI Phantom 3 User Manuals are attached hereto as Appendix A and B; a

copy of the DJI Phantom 2 and DJI Phantom 3 UAS Maintenance LOG is attached hereto

as Appendix C.

Likewise, the exemption sought will not adversely a f fect safety because TONE IMAGES,

LLC

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 Section s 91.407, 91.417(a) and 91.417(b), because all maintenance of the

DJI Phantom 2 and DJI Phantom 3 UASs will be performed by trained technicians.

Maintenance will be documented and maintained utilizing the monthly maintenance log.

Significantl y

, previous exemptions granted by the F AA 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 a f fected when the technical characteristics and operating limitations of the UAS

are considered.

In consideration of TONE IMAGES, LLC’S proposed operating limitations, the operating

documents, and the technical aspects of the DJI Phantom 2 and DJI Phantom 3 UASs,

TONE IMAGES, LLC submits that safety will not be adversely a f fected 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 F AA has previously granted relief specific to UAS in circumstances

simila r

, inall material respects, to those presented herein (e.g. Exemption Nos. 1 1062, 1 1063,

1 1064, 1 1065, 1 1066, 1 1067, 1 1080, 11 109, 111 10, 111 12, 11 136, 11 138, 11 150, 11 153,

11 156, 11 157, 11 158, 11 159, 11 160, 11 161).

7. The F AA May Prescribe Any Other Conditions For Safe Operation.

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

and 14 C. F

.R. § 21.16 entitled Special Conditions, TONE IMAGES, LLC requests that t he

F AA prescribe special conditions for the intended operation of the DJI Phantom 2 and DJI

Phantom 3 UASs, 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. 1 13(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 furthe r

, provides the authority for such UAS to operate without airworthiness

certificati on 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 2 and DJI Phantom 3 UASs, 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:

If the F AA 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 propelle r

, he prescribes special conditions and amendments thereto for

the product. The special conditions are issued in accordance with Part 1 1 of this

chapter and contain such safety standards for the aircraft, aircraft engine or

propeller as the F

AA 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 F

AA may

prescribe special conditions for Leading Edge ’ s intended operation of the DJI Phantom 2

and DJI Phantom 3 UASs, 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. 1 13(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 Registe r

, stating: The Rules From Which TONE IMAGES, LLC Seeks Exemption:

TONE IMAGES, LLC seeks exemption from the requirements of 14 C. F .R Sections

61. 1 13(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 TONE IMAGES,

LLC Seeks:

This exemption will permit TONE IMAGES, LLC 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, V iews, Or Arguments A vailable T

o

Support TONE IMAGES, LLC’S Request.

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

(FMRA) Section 333, which directs the Secretary of T ransportation to determine if certain

UAS may operate safely in the NAS. As such, TONE IMAGES, LLC’S request for

exemption may be granted pursuant to the authority of FMRA Section 333 and 14 C. F .R.

Part 1 1, 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 furthe r

, provides the authority for such UAS to operate without airworthiness

certification.

As discussed in detail above, TONE IMAGES, LLC will operate the DJI Phantom 2 and

DJI Phantom 3 UASs safely in the NAS, without creating a hazard to users of the NAS, or

the public, or otherwise pose a threat to national securit y

.C O NC L U SIO N

As set forth herein, TONE IMAGES,LLC seeks an exemption pursuant to 14 C. F .R. §

1 1.61 and Section 333 of the F AA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 (FMRA), which

will permit safe operation of the DJI Phantom 2 and DJI Phantom 3 UASs commerciall y

,

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 F AA

Administrator will be fulfilling the Congressional mandate of the F AA Modernization and

Reform Act of 2012, while also advancing the interests of the public, by allowing TONE

IMAGES, LLC to safel y

, efficientl y

, and economically operate the DJI Phantom 2 and DJI

Phantom 3 UASs commercially within the NAS.

WHEREFORE

, in accordance with the Federal A viation Regulations and the F AA

Modernization and Reform Act of 2012, Section 333, TONE IMAGES,LLC respectfully

requests that the Administrator grant this Petition for an exemption from the requirements

of 14 C. F

.R Sections 61. 1 13(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 Leading Edge to operate the DJI

Phantom 2 and DJI Phantom 3 UASs commercially for the purpose of conducting aerial

video and photography over certain areas of the United States.

Dated: Ap ril 20, 2015

Respectfully submitted,

KAREN TONE

TONE IMAGES, LLC

2007 79 TH Street NW

Bradenton, Florida 34209

941.720.5636Appendices :

A

– DJI Phantom 2 Manual:

B

– DJI Phantom 3 Specifications Data Sheet

APPENDIX

– A

DJI PHAN T OM 2 VISION+ TECHNICAL SPEC IFI C A TIO N S

Tone Images, LLC only utilizes safe and reliable UASs. DJI is an industry leader in small

UAS production. DJI UASs are loaded with ground breaking software enabling the user to

set parameters which will not allow flight into controlled airspace. Parameters can also be

set to limit flight to no higher than a predetermined and set altitude as well as limit flight to

a predetermined and set distance. In addition, DJI software provides real

- time altitude and

location information to the PIC via the linked monitor (smart phone/tablet devices)

1.1 DJI Phantom 2 V ision+

1.1.1 Aircra ft

1.1.1.1 Supported Battery

– DJI 5200mAH LiPo Battery

1.1.1.2 W eight (Battery & Propellers Included)

– 2lbs 1 1.810oz (1242g)

1.1.1.3 Hover Accuracy (Ready to Fly)

– V ertical: .8m; Horizontal: 2.5m

1.1.1.4 Max Y

aw Angular V elocity

- 200 0 /s

1.1.1.7 Max Descent Speed

– 2m/s

1.1.1.8 Max Flight Speed

– 15m/s (NOT RECOMMENDED)

1.1.2 G imbal1.1.2.1 W orking Current

– Static: 750mA; Dynamic: 900mA

1.1.2.2 Control Accuracy

- ±0.03 0

1.1.3 Camera

1.1.3.1 Operating T

emperature Range

- 32 0 F

- 104 0 F (0 0 C

- 40 0 C)

1.1.3.3 E f fective Pixels

– 14M

1.1.3.4 Resolution

– 4384x3288

4.1.3.5 HD V ideo Recording

– 1080p30 & 720p

4.1.3.6 Recording Field of V iew

- 1 10 0 /85 0

1.1.4 T ransmitter

1.1.4.1 Operating Frequency

– 5.728GHz

– 5.85GHz

1.1.4.2 Communication Distance (unobstructed)

– FCC Compliance: 800m

1.1.4.3 Receiver Sensitivity (1%PER)

- - 93dBm

1.1.4.4 T ransmitter Power

– FCC Compliance: 100mW

1.1.4.5 W orking V

olt age

– 120mA@3.7V

1.1.5 Range Extender

1.1.5.1 Operating Frequency

– 2412

- 2462MHz

1.1.5.2 Communication Distance (unobstructed)

– 500

- 700m

1.1.5.3 T ransmitter Power

– 20dBm

1.1.5.4 Power Consumption

– 2W

APPENDIX

– B

DJI Phantom 3 TECHNICAL SPEC IFI C A TIO N STone Images, LLC only utilizes safe and reliable UASs. DJI is an industry leader in small

UAS production. DJI UASs are loaded with ground breaking software enabling the user to

set parameters which will not allow flight into controlled airspace. Parameters can also be

set to limit flight to no higher than a predetermined and set altitude as well as limit flight to

a predetermined and set distance. In addition, DJI software provides real

- time altitude and

location information to the PIC via the linked monitor (smart phone/tablet devices)

2.2 DJI Inspire 1

2.2.1 Aircraft

2.2.1.1 Model

– Phantom 3

2.2.1.2 W eight (Battery Included)

– 1280 grams

2.2.1.3 Hovering Accuracy (GPS Mode)

– V ertical: +/

- 10cm; Horizontal:

+/

- 1m

2.2.1.4 Max Angular V elocity

– Y aw: 200 0 /s

2.2.1.7 Max Descent Speed

– 3m/s

2.2.1.8 Max Speed

– 16m/s ( A TTI mode, no wind

– NOT RECOMMENDED)

2.2.1.9 Max Flight Altitude

– 6000m

2.2.1.10 Max Flight T ime

– Approximately 23 minutes

2.2.1.12 Motor Model

– DJI 3510

2.2.1.13 Propeller Model

– DJI 1345

2.2.1.14 Operating T

emperature Range

– 14 0 F to 104 0 F (

- 10 0 C to 40 0 C)

”

2.2.2 Gimbal

2.2.2.1 Model

– ZENMUSE X3

2.2.2.2 Output Power (with camera)

– Static: 9 W ; In Motion: 1 1W

2.2.2.3 Operating Current

– Static: 750mA; In Motion: 900mA

2.2.2.4 Angular V ibration Range

- ±0.03 02.2.2.5 Mounting

– Detachable

2.2.2.6 Controllable Range

– Pitch:

- 90 0 to +30 0 ; Pan: ±320 0

2.2.3 Camera

2.2.3.1 Name

– Sony EXMOR

2.2.3.2 Model

– 12.4M Pixel

2.2.3.3 T otal Pixels

– 12.4M

2.2.3.4 E f fective Pixels

– 12.76M

2.2.3.5 Image Max Size

– 4000x3000

2.2.3.6 ISO Range

– 100

- 3200

2.2.3.7 Field of V iew

- 94 0

2.2.3.9 HD V ideo Recording

– UHD(4K): 4096x2160p24/25,

3840x2160p24/25/30; FHD: 1920x1080p24/25/30/48/50/60; HD:

1280x720p24/25/30/48/50/60

2.2.3.10 Operating T

emperature Range

- 32 0 F

- 104 0 F (0 0 C

- 40 0 C)

2.2.4 T ransmitter

2.2.4.1 Name

– C1

2.2.4.2 Operating Frequency

– 5.728

- 5.850GHz; 2.400

- 2.483GHz

2.2.4.3 Communicating Distance (unobstructed)

– 2000m

2.2.4.4 Output Power

– 9W

2.2.4.5 Operating T

emperature Range

- 14 0 F to 104 0 F (

- 10 0 C to 40 0 C)