Technologies•THEPOWEROFCOOPERATIVESOLUTIONS®4November2015U.S.DepartmentofTransportationDocketManagementSystem1200NewJerseyAve.,SEWashington,DC20590Subject:ExemptionRequestSection333oftheFAAReformActandPart11oftheFederalAviationRegulationsDearSirorMadam:PursuanttoSection333oftheFAAModernizationandReformActof2012(the"ReformAct")and14C.F.R.Part11,ProxyTechnologies,Inc.("Proxy"),theoperatorofSmallUnmannedAircraftSystems("sUASs"),includingthefollowingProxyselectedsUASplatforms:ManufacturerModelCineStarX8MKHeavyLiftRTFAerialTechnologyInternationalThorX4KespryKespryDroneSystemTrimbleUX53DRAEROPrecisionHawkLancasterTable1ProxySelectedsUASPlatformsseeksanexemptionfromtheFederalAviationRegulations("FARs")listedbelowanddiscussedin1AppendixAProxyseeksexemptionfromthelistedFARstoallowitsuseofthesUASPlatformslistedinTable1aboveincommercialoperations,developingcontrolsoftwarefortestinganduseinforprecisionaerialsurveys,includingagricultureaswellasflightdemonstrations,towerinspections,surfacemining,roofinspections,telecommunicationsandutilitystructureinspection,construction,maintenanceservices,floodcontrol,firstresponders,bridgeinspections,daminspections,specialevents,andstructuralassessments(hereaftercollectivelygroupedandknownasaerialsurveys),solongassuchoperationsareconductedwithinandundertheconditionsoutlinedhereinorasestablishedbytheFAAinanexemptiongrantedundereitherSection333orSection49U.S.C.§44701(f).2Ashighlightedinpages4-7below,ProxyiswillingtoabidebyconditionstheFAAhasrequiredinissuingrecentSection333exemptions,specificallyExemptions11109(Ciayco,Inc.),11110(TrimbleNavigationLtd.),11215(B.E.V.RoofInspections),11171(AsymmetricTechnologies),11230(MonticoInc.),and11241(PhoenixAirUnmanned).ThisagreementonProxy'spartandthestrongsimilarityofitsoperationstothoseapprovedinExemptions11109,11110,11215,11171,11230and11241shouldgivetheFAAabasisforpromptconsiderationandprocessingofthisrequest.1SeePub.Law112-95,126Stat.11,§333(2012).2Proxyreliesuponthefollowingexemptionswherespecificreferencetoanexemptionisnotprovided:Exemptions11062through11067,11080,11109through11112softwarethatidentifiesdiseaseandinsects,nutrientdeficiencies,andmaterialsforincreasingyieldswithfewerresources.Expeditedamageassessmentsandinfrastructuremaintenanceinsupportofavarietyofindustries,includingbutnotlimitedto,telecommunications,miningcompanies,localandfederalemergencyrespondersandcompaniesthatrequireaerialsurveyofproperty(s).1840MichaelFaradayDr.,Suite220,Reston,VA20190Tel:703·485-1035Fax:301-216-2852Technologies•THEOWER0COOPERATIVESOLUTIONS®Proxyisasoftware,hardware,systemintegrator,andspecializedservicescompanyprovidinginnovativesolutionsandproductsthatcaneasilybeadaptedtoawiderangeofautonomousvehicles.Proxyproposestouseasmall,lightweightUAVs(thesUASPlatformslistedinTable1above)andproprietarysoftwaretodevelopadvancedcontrolsoftwareandcollect,process,andanalyzeaerialdataprincipallyforpurposesofprecisionagriculture,precisionsurveyingaswellasflightdemonstrations,towerinspections,surfacemining,roofinspections,telecommunicationsandutilitystructureinspection,construction,maintenanceservices,floodcontrol,firstresponders,bridgeinspections,daminspections,specialevents,andstructuralassessments.Indoingso,Proxywouldoccupyarapidlyexpandingspaceinatransformativeindustrybyprovidinghighqualityandactionableinformationtousers.UseofthesUASPlatformslistedinTable1abovewouldcontributetovarioussocialgoods,fromenvironmentalprotectiontoimprovedcropyields,safetyinspections,propertydamageassessment,andsearchandrescue.Inprovidingtheseservices,Proxycouldempowercropresearchersandfarmerstomakebettermanagementdecisionsthroughsoftwarethatidentifiesdiseaseandinsects,nutrientdeficiencies,andmaterialsforincreasingyieldswithfewerresources.Additionalusesincludesexpeditedamageassessmentsandinfrastructuremaintenanceinsupportofavarietyofindustries,includingbutnotlimitedto,telecommunications,miningcompanies,localandfederalemergencyrespondersandcompaniesthatrequireaerialsurveyofproperty(s).TheuseofsUASsonaconstructionsitecansignificantlyreducetherisktoworkersoffallswhileinspecting,surveying,ormonitoringsiteprogress.sUASscaninspect,photograph,andcollectdataonhardtogettoareasthatotherwisewouldrequireworkerinspection.Fallsaretheleadingsourceofworkplacefatalityandinjuryonconstructionsites,andreducingfallsthroughsUASuseforsiteimagingcouldsaveworkerslives.Thepetitionerstatesthat,performinginfrastructureinspectionswithunmannedsystemsisabenefittothepublicforthefollowingreasons:1)theoperationsignificantlyimprovessafetyandreducesriskbyalleviatinghumanexposuretothedangersassociatedwithaerialsurveyandinspection;2)itwillnotbenecessarytoclosealaneonthebridgewhiletheinspectionisbeingconducted;thissignificantlyimprovestrafficflowandsafety;3)theUASbeingoperatedisverysmallandcontainnoflammablefuelandintheremoteeventofanaccident,willcausenodamageorinjuries;and4)giventhatthecosttoconductaninspectionusingaUASisconsiderablylessthanavailablealternatives,thisimportanttaskcanbeaccomplishedwhichwillbenefiteveryoneutilizingthisinfrastructure.OperationsundertheexemptionwillbesubjecttostrictoperatingrequirementsandconditionstoensureatleastanequivalentlevelofsafetytocurrentlyauthorizedoperationsusingmannedaircraftandunderconditionsasmaybemodifiedbytheFAAasrequiredbySection333.Asdescribedmorefullybelow,therequestedexemptionwouldauthorizecommercialoperationsofaerialsurveysusingthesUASPlatformslistedinTable1above;allofwhicharebelowamaximumtake-offweightof55lbs.insize.ThesUASPlatformslistedinTable1abovewillbeoperatedundercontrolledconditionsatlowaltitudeinairspacethatislimitedinscope,asdescribedmorefullyherein;theywillhaveautomatedcontrolfeatures,asdescribedherein.ThesUASPlatformslistedinTable1abovealsowillbeoperatedbyanindividualpossessingaminimumofaprivatepilotcertificate.Finally,theairspaceinwhichtheUASwilloperatewillbedisclosedtotheFAAinadvance.Proxyrespectfullysubmitsthatbecausethesesmall,unmannedaerialvehicles-thesUASPlatformslistedinTable1above-willbeusedinlieuofcomparativelyhazardousoperationsnowconductedwithfixedwingandrotaryconventionalaircraft,theFAAcanhaveconfidencethattheoperationswillachieveatleastanequivalentlevelorgreaterlevelofsafety.ApprovalofthisexemptionwouldtherebyenhancesafetyandfulfilltheSecretaryofTransportation's(theFAAAdministrator's)responsibilitiesunder1840MichaelFaradayDr.,Suite220,Reston,VA20190Tel:703·485-1035Fax:301-216-28522**~** Technologies

• THE POWER
OF COOPERATIVE SOLUTIONS® Section333(c)

of the Reform Act to "establish requirements

for the safe operation

of such aircraft systems

in the national airspace system

." The name and address

of the applicant are

: Pro x y Technologies,

Inc

. Attn: Robert

F. Davis, CEO 1840 Michael Faraday Drive, Suite 220 Reston

, VA 20190 Office

: 703

- 485-1035 Mobile

: 240-454-2053 Email

: rdavis@proxytechnologies

. com The regulations from which the exemption

is requested
are as follows: 14 C

. F

. R. §61

. 113(a)

& (b); 14 C

. F

. R. § 61.133(a); 14 C

. F
. R. § 91.7(a); 14 C

. F

. R. § 91

. 119(c)

; 14 C

. F

. R. § 91

. 151(a)

; 14 C

. F

. R. § 91.405(a); 14 C

. F.R.

§ 91.407(a)(1) 14 C

. F

. R. § 91.409(a)(1)(2) 14 C

. F

. R. § 91.417(a)

& (b) Appendi

x A discusses each rule listed above and

e x plains why exemptions pursuant

to the proposal set forth

i n this letter are appropriate, prov

i de an equivalent level of safety, and are
in the public interest. Appendix

B provides
the requ

i site Federal Register summary

. THE APPLICABLE LEGAL STANDARD UNDER SECTION 333 Pro x y submits that granting

of this

e x empt

i on appl

i cation for use of the sUAS Platforms listed

in Table

1 above

in precision aerial surveys

will advance the Congressional mandate

in Section 333 of the Reform Act

t o accelerate
the introduction

of UASs into the national airspace system

( " NAS

" ) if it can be accomplished safely

. This law directs the Secretary

of Transportation

to cons

i der whether certain UASs may operate safely

in the NAS before completion

of the rulemaking required under Section 332 of the Reform Act.
In making this 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

; and )> Operation

of the UAS within visual line of sight of the operator

. Reform Act §333(a)(1

) . 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.

" /d

. § 333(c) (emphasis added)

. The Federal Aviation Act expressly grants the FAA the authority

to issue

e x emptions

. This statutory authority,

by its terms

, includes

e x empting civil aircraft,
as the term
is defined under

§ 40101
of the Act, from the requirement
that all civil aircraft must have

a current airworthiness certificate and those regulations requi

r ing commercial p

i lots to operate aircraft

in commercial service

. The Administrator
may grant an exempt

i on from 1840 Michae

l Faraday
Dr

. , Suite 220, Reston, VA 20190

Tel: 703-485-1035

Fax

: 301- 216-2852

3

# ~ Technologies•



# T E POWER
OF COOPERATIVE SOLUTIONS® a requirement

of a regulation prescribed under subsection

(a) or (b) of this section

or any of sections 44702-44716

of this title

if the Administrator
finds the exemption

is in the public interest.

3 

# Applicant submits that this provision places

a duty on the Administrator

to not only process applications

for exemptions under Section 333

, but for the Administrator,

if he deems the conditions proposed herein require modification

to allow approval,

to supply conditions

for the safe operation

of the UAS. Proxy welcomes
the opportunity

to consult with FAA staff
in order to address any issues
or concerns that this proposal may raise that they believe may requ ire modification. 49 U.S.C

. 

# § 44701(f). See also 

# 49 U.S .C.


# § 44711(a);

49 U.S.C.



# § 44704;
14 C

. F .R. §91.203(a)(1). The grant of the requested exemption

is in the public interest based on the clear direction

in Sect

i on 333 of the Reform Act

; the additional authority

in the Federal
Av

i ation Act, as amended

; the strong equivalent level of safety surrounding

the proposed operations

; and the significant public benefit

, including enhanced safety and cost savings associated with transitioning

to UASs for aerial surveying

. Accordingly,

the applicant respectfully requests that the FAA grant the reques ted exemption without delay.

3 

# AIRCRAFT AND EQUIVALENT LEVEL OF SAFETY 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
und
e r the current regulatory structure because
the proposed operations represent

a safety enhancement

to operations that would
be conducted with conventional aircraft. These conditions
are drawn from

E xemptions 11062 through 11067, 11080, 11109, 11110, 11215, 11171,
11230 and 11241

. These limitations and conditions

to which Pro xy (or

" operator'') agrees

to be bound when conducting commercial operations under an FAA issued exemption include: 1. Operations

of the sUAS Platforms listed
in Table

1 above are limited
to the ai r c raft described in the attached manuals, which

is a miniature propeller airplane built by the manufacturer listed

in Table

1 above that weighs less than fifty five (55) pounds (the "UA

" or "UAS"). Proposed operations

of any additional aircraft will require

a new petition

or a petition

to amend this grant.

4 • 

# 2. Operations

of the sUAS Platforms listed

in Table

1 above are limited
to the aircraft described in the attached manuals, which

is a miniature propeller quadcopter

bui

l t by manufacturer listed

in Table

1 above that weighs less than fifty five (55) pounds (the

" UA" or

" UAS

" ). Proposed operations

of any additional aircraft will require

a new petit

i on or a petition

to amend this grant 3. The UA may not be flown
at an ind

i cated airspeed exceed

in g 100 knots. 4. The UA may be operated

at an altitude

of no more than 400 feet above ground level (AGL), 3 

# ln filing this application, Proxy also
is requesting that the FAA co mbine the grant of the Section 333 exemption with
a stand

- alone Certificate

of Operation (COA) that will allow commercial operations

of the sUAS Platf orms listed

in Table

1 above without the necessity

of filing for a COA for each flight up to 400 feet. Compliance
with the conditions agreed

to herein and that may be imposed

by the FAA

, as set forth
in prior Section 333 exemptions

, provide the separation needed from other aircraft

. Notice

to airmen and notice

to air traffic control can be provided

by the filing of a NOTAM
as set forth within the proposed condit

io ns 4 

# Proxy

is submitting under

a request for confidentiality

the flight operations manuals and
a irc raft flight manuals for the sUAS Platforms listed

in Table

1 above (manuals). 1840 Michael Faraday
Dr

. , Suite 220, Reston, VA 20190

Tel: 703-485 -1035 Fax: 301-216-2852



# 4Technologies•THEP W ROFCOOPERATIVESOLUTIONS®asindicatedbytheproceduresspecifiedintheattachedmanuals.AllaltitudesreportedtoAirTrafficControl(ATC)mustbeinfeetAGL.5.TheUAmustbeoperatedwithinvisuallineofsight(VLOS)ofthepilot-in-command(PIC)atalltimes.ThisrequiresthePICtobeabletousehumanvisionunaidedbyanydeviceotherthancorrectivelenses,asspecifiedonthePIC'sFAA-issuedairmanmedicalcertificate.6.Alloperationsmustutilizeavisualobserver(VO).TheVOmaybeusedtosatisfytheVLOSrequirementaslongasthePICalwaysmaintainsVLOScapability.TheVOandPICmustbeabletocommunicateverballyatalltimes.ThePICmustbedesignatedbeforetheflightandcannottransferhisorherdesignationforthedurationoftheflight.ThePICmustensurethattheVOcanperformthefunctionsprescribedintheoperator'smanual.7.ThemanualsmustbeamendedtoincludeallconditionsandlimitationsrequiredbytheFAA.ThemanualsmustbemaintainedandmadeavailabletotheAdministratoruponrequest.Ifadiscrepancyexistsbetweentheconditionsandlimitationsintheexemptionandtheproceduresoutlinedinthemanuals,theconditionsandlimitationsintheexemptiontakeprecedenceandmustbefollowed.Otherwise,theoperatormustfollowtheproceduresasoutlinedinthemanuals.Theoperatormayupdateorrevisethemanuals.Itistheoperator'sresponsibilitytotracksuchrevisionsandpresentupdatedandreviseddocumentstotheAdministratoruponrequest.Theoperatormustalsopresentupdatedandreviseddocumentsifitpetitionsforanextensionoramendmentofthisexemption.IftheoperatordeterminesthatanyupdateorrevisionwouldaffectthebasisuponwhichtheFAAgrantedthisexemption,thentheoperatormustpetitionforamendmenttoitsexemption.8.Priortoeachflight,thePICmustinspecttheUAStoensureitisinaconditionforsafeflight.IftheinspectionrevealsaconditionthataffectsthesafeoperationoftheUAS,theaircraftisprohibitedfromoperatinguntilthenecessarymaintenancehasbeenperformed,andtheUASisfoundtobeinaconditionforsafeflight.Thegroundcontrolstationmustbeincludedinthepreflightinspection.Allmaintenanceandalterationsmustbeproperlydocumentedintheaircraftrecords.9.AnyUASthathasundergonemaintenanceoralterationsthataffecttheUASoperationorflightcharacteristics,e.g.,replacementofaflightcriticalcomponent,mustundergoafunctionaltestflightinaccordancewiththeoperator'smanual.ThePICwhoconductsthefunctionaltestflightmustmakeanentryintheUASaircraftrecordsoftheflight.Themanualsincludethisrequirement.10.Thepreflightinspectionsectioninthemanualsincludesthefollowingrequirement:thepreflightinspectionmustaccountforalldiscrepancies,i.e.,inoperablecomponents,items,orequipment,notcoveredintherelevantpreflightinspectionsectionsoftheoperator'smanual.11.TheoperatormustfollowProxy'sUAaircraft/component,maintenance,overhaul,replacement,inspection,andlifelimitrequirements,withparticularattentiontoflightcriticalcomponentsthatmaynotbeaddressedinthemanufacturer'smanuals.12.Operatormustcarryoutitsmaintenance,inspections,andrecordkeepingrequirementsinaccordancewiththemanuals.Maintenance,inspection,andalterationsmustbenotedintheaircraftlogbook,includingtotalflighthours,descriptionofworkaccomplished,andthesignatureoftheauthorizedtechnicianreturningtheUAStoservice.1840MichaelFaradayDr.,Suite220,Reston,VA20190Tel:703-485-1035Fax:301-216-28525

# ~ Technologies•



# T POW
R OF COOPERATIVE SOLUTIONS® 13. The authorized technicians must receive and document training referenced

in the manuals. 14. Each UAS operated under the exemption must comply with all Proxy system and safety bulletins

. 15

. Operator's maintenance personnel must make

a record entry

in the UAS logbook

or equivalent document

of the corrective action taken against discrepancies discovered between inspections. 16. The PIC must possess

at least

a private pilot certifi

c ate
a n d a third-class airman medical certificate. The PIC must also meet the flight review requirements spec

i fied
in 14 C

. F

. R. 61

. 56 as to the UAS. 17. The operator may not permit any PIC to operate unless that PIC has demonstrated through Proxy

' s training and currency requirements
that the PIC is able to safely operate the UA

i n a manner consistent with how the UAS will be operated under

th

i s e x emption

, including evasive and emergency maneuvers
and maintaining appropr

i ate distances from people

, vessels, vehicles, and structures

. 18

. If the UAS loses communications

or loses
its GPS signal, the UA m u st return

to apredetermined location within the private

or controlled-access property and land or be re c overed

in accordance
with the manuals

. 19. The PIC must abort the flight

in the event
of unpredicted obstacles

or emergencies

in accordance
with the manuals

. 20. The PIC
is prohibited from beginning

a UAS flight unless (considering wind and forecas

t weather conditions) there

is enough power
to fly to the first point of intended landing and

, assuming normal cruising speed

. to fly after that for at least

1 0 minutes

. 21

. The operator will file a request for a Noti
c e to Airmen

( NOTAM

) not more than 72 hours

in advance,
but not less than 48 hours prior to the operation

. 22. All aircraft operated

in accordance
with the
e x emption must be identif

i ed by serial number, registered

in accordance
with 14 C

. F

. R. part 47, and have ident

i f
i cat io n (N- Numbe

r) markings

in accordance with 14 C

. F

. R. part 45

, Subpart

C

. Mar
k ings must be as large as practicable

. 23

. Before conducting operations

, the radio frequency spectr

u m used for operation and control of the UA must comply

w

i th the Federal Communi

c ations Commission

( FCC) or othe

r appropriate government overs

i ght agency requirements

. 24. The do c uments required under 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 air c raft is operating

. These documen

t s must be made available

to the Administrator

or any la w enforcement official upon request. 25. The UA must remain clear and yield the right of way to all o ther manned

o p erat

i ons and activities

at all times (including

, but not limited
to, ultralight vehicles

, para

c hute

a c tivities

, parasailing activities, hang gliders

, etc

. ) . 1840 Michael Faraday Dr., Suite 220, Reston, VA 20190

Tel

: 703-485-1035

Fax

: 301-216-2852



# 6Technologies•THEPOWER0COOPERATIVESOLUTIONS®26.TheUASmaynotbeoperatedbythePICfromanymovingdeviceorvehicle.27.UASoperationsmaynotbeconductedduringnight,asdefinedin14C.F.R.1.1.28.AlloperationsshallbeconductedinClassGairspace.29.Alloperationsmustbeconductedundervisualmeteorologicalconditions(VMC).TheUAmaynotbeoperatedlessthan500feetbeloworlessthan2,000feethorizontallyfromacloudorwhenvisibilityislessthan3statutemilesfromthePIC.30.DuringoperationsinClassGairspace,theUAmaynotoperatewithin5nauticalmilesofthegeographiccenterofanairportasdenotedonacurrentFAA-publishedaeronauticalchartunlessaletterofagreementwiththatairport'smanagementisobtained,andtheoperationisconductedinaccordancewithaNOTAMasrequiredbytheoperator'sCOA.TheletterofagreementwiththeairportmanagementmustbemadeavailabletotheAdministratoruponrequest.31.TheUAmaynotbeoperatedovercongestedordenselypopulatedareasunlesstheconditionssetforthin#31aresatisfied.Thesepopulatedareasinclude,butarenotlimitedto,theyellowareasdepictedonWorldAeronauticalCharts(WAC),SectionalAeronauticalCharts(Sectionals),orTerminalAreaCharts(TAC).However,aeronauticalchartsmaynotreflectpertinentlocalinformation.Ultimately,itisthePIC'sresponsibilitytomaintaintheminimumsafealtitudesrequiredby§91.119.32.Operationsmustbeconductedatleast500feetfromallnonparticipatingpersons(personsotherthanthethoseparticipatingintheexperimentsuchasthePICorVO),vessels,vehicles,andstructuresunless:a.barriersorstructuresarepresentthatsufficientlyprotectnonparticipatingpersonsfromdebrisintheeventofanaccident.Theoperatormustensurethatnonparticipatingpersonsremainundersuchprotection.Ifasituationarisesinwhichnonparticipatingpersonsleavesuchprotectionandarewithin500feetoftheUA,flightoperationsmustceaseimmediately;and/orb.theaircraftisoperatednearvessels,vehicles,orstructureswherethelandowner/controllerhasgrantedpermissionandthePIChasmadeasafetyassessmentoftheriskofoperatingclosertothoseobjects;andc.operationsnearthePICorVOdonotpresentanunduehazardtothePICorVO,per§91.119(a).33.Alloperationsshallbeconductedoverprivateorcontrolled-accesspropertywithpermissionfromthelandowner/controllerorauthorizedrepresentative.Permissionfromlandowner/controllerorauthorizedrepresentativewillbeobtainedforeachflighttobeconducted.34.IntheeventCOAsarerequired,anyincident,accident,orflightoperationthattransgressesthelateralorverticalboundariesoftheoperationalareaasdefinedbytheapplicableCOAmustbereportedtotheFAA'sUASIntegrationOffice("AFS-80")within24hours.AccidentsmustbereportedtotheNationalTransportationSafetyBoard("NTSB")perinstructionscontainedontheNTSBWebsite:www.ntsb.gov.1840MichaelFaradayDr.,Suite220,Reston,VA20190Tel:703-485-1035Fax:301-216-28527

# ~ Technologies•



# T E 

# OW R 0 COOPERATIVE SOLUTIONS® *********** 

### Privacy

: All flights will occur over private
or controlled access property with the property owner's prior consent and knowledge. Inspection
will be in areas where the owners will have consented

to the inspections

or otherwise have agreed

to allow the UAS and the operator

to be in the area where inspection
will take place. National Security:
No national security issue

is raised
by the grant of this exemption

. Given the size, load carrying capacity, speed
at which

it operates, and the fact that

it carries
no explosives

or other dangerous materials,
the sUAS Platforms listed

in Table

1 above poses no threat
to national security. ************* 

### In summary, Proxy seeks an exemption from the FARs set forth
in Appendix

A to operate commercially

a small unmanned vehicle (55 lbs. or less)
in aerial survey operations. Approval

of this exemption

for commercial aerial survey operations

w

i ll enhance safety by reduc

i ng risk. Conventional operations, using jet or piston powered aircraft

, operate

at extremely
low altitudes

j ust feet from the subject being inspected and
in extreme proximity to people and structures

. Such manned operations present the risks associated with vehicles that weigh

in excess
of 6,000 lbs

. , carrying large amounts

of jet A or other fuel. Such aircraft must fly to and from the project

l ocation

. In contrast,

a sUAS weighing fewer than fifty five pounds and powered

by batteries eliminates

v

i rtually
all of tha

t risk given the reduced mass and lack of combustible
fuel carried
on board. The sUAS

is carried
to the target area 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 small UASs, weighing less than fifty five pounds, conducted

in the strict conditions outlined above, will provide

an equivalent level of safety supporting

the grant of the exemptions requested herein. These lightweight aircraft operate

at slow speeds

, close
to the ground

, and
in areas that are under the control
of the customer

. As a result

, they are far safer than conventional operations conducted with manned aircraft operating

in close proximity

to the ground and people

. 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

v

i sual

li ne of sight and national security

- provide more than adequate justificat

i on for the grant of the requested e x emptions allowing commercial operation

of applicant's UAS for the Purposes outlined herein and are consistent with exemptions already granted

, including Exemptions 11062 through 11067

, 11080

, 11109 through 11112, and 11114

. Sincerely, Robert

F . Davis, CEO Pro x y Technologies

Inc 1840
M

i chael Faraday Dr., Suite 220, Reston, VA 20190

Tel

: 703·485·1035

Fax: 301- 216-2852

8

# ~ Technologies• 

# T E 

# OWER

0 COOPERATIVE SOLUTIONS® APPENDIX

A EXEMPTION REQUEST AND EQUIVALENT LEVEL OF SAFETY SHOWINGS UNDER APPLICABLE RULES SUBJECT
TO EXEMPTION Proxy requests

an exemption from the following regulations

as well as any additional regulations that may technically apply
to the operation

of the Hawkeye Mk-111, MD4-1000 and MD4-3000

: 14 C.F.R.



# § 61

. 113(a)

& (b); 61

. 133(a): Private Pilot Privileges and Limitations;

P

i lot in Command; Commercial Pilot Privileges and Limitations. Section

61

. 113(a)

& (b) limit private pilots to non-commercial operations

. Unlike

a conventional aircraft that carries

a pilot, passengers,
and cargo, the sUAS Platforms listed

in Tab

l e 1 above are

, in this case

, remotely controlled with no passengers

or property

of others
on board

. Sect

i on 61

. 133(a) requires
an individual with

a commercial pilot's license

to be pilot
in command

of any aircraft for compensation

or h

i re. Proxy respectfully proposes that operator requirements should take into account the characteristics

of the particular sUAS. Proxy's sUAS Platforms listed
in Table

1 above have

a h

i gh degree
of pre-programmed control and various built-in technical capabilities
that strictly limit the potential
for operation outs

i de of the operating conditions
set forth
in the exemption application

. The sUAS Platforms listed

in Table

1 above have an autonomous navigation and control system

. Fl

i ghts are pre- programmed
with precision GPS guidance and do not requ

i re human intervention

. In the case of unplanned events

, the operator can manually intervene

to take one of the following
act

i ons

: (
i ) command the aircraft

to begin
to autonomously return
to the recovery area and land; (ii) command
the aircraft

to autonomously return
to the recovery area where the pilot will assume control and land the aircraft;
or (iii) manually assume control
of the aircraft via the hand controller and return the craft to the recovery area where the operator lands

it. Additional automated safety functions and safety enhancing features

of the sUAS Platforms

li sted

i n Table 1 above include the following

: )> 

# Auto-pilot detection

of lost GPS or of insufficient satellites initiates

a stand-by loiter pattern unti

l such time as GPS

is re-established

or the PIC assumes manual control
of the aircraft

. )> 

# Low battery power on the aircraft

(1 0.4 volts) triggers the landing sequence and the craft will fly to the recovery area. )> 

# If the auto-pilot detects

a lost-link

to the ground control station for longer than 30 seconds, land

i ng procedure begins. )> 

# The aircraft, weighing fewer than 55 lbs., fully loaded,

is constructed

of foam, which

is intended

to absorb impact energy

. 

# * In the event the ground station reaches

a low power state,

it will alert the pilot. Given these safety features,
Pro x y proposes that operators

of the sUAS Platfo

r ms

l i sted

in Table

1 above should not be required

to hold

a commercial pilot certification

. Instead, operators should
be required

to hold only

a private pilot certification.
The risks assoc

i ated with the operation

of the sUAS Platforms listed

in Table

1 above (given the size, speed, operational capabilities,
and lack of combustible fuel) are so diminished from the level of risk asso

c iated with commercial operations contemplated

by Part 61 with conventional aircraft

(fi x ed wing or rotor

c raft) that allowing operations

of the UAS as set forth above meets or e x ceeds the present level of safety provided under 14 C

. F

. R
. 

# § 61

. 113(a)

& (b) and does not rise to the

l evel of requiring

a commercial pilot to operate the aircraft under



# § 61.133(a). 1840 Michael Faraday Dr., Suite 220, Reston, VA 20190

Tel: 703-485-1035

Fax

: 301- 216-2852



# 9

# ~ Technologies

• 

# T



# W R OF COOPERATIVE SOLUTIONS® Given these conditions and restrictions,

an equivalent level of safety will be prov

i ded by allowing operat

i on of the sUAS Platforms listed

in Table

1 above with

a private pilot's certificate, under the conditions

set forth in the
e x emption request. The FAA has granted exemptions

to conduct

s

i milar operations

in E x emptions 11062 through 11067

, 11080

, 11109, and 11110. 14 C

. F.R.



# § 91.7(a): Civil Aircraft Airworthiness This regulat

i on requires that no person may operate

a civil aircraft

un

l ess

it is in airworthy cond

i t
i on

. Should the exemption

be granted allowing commercial operation

of the sUAS Platforms listed

in Table

1 above without
an airworthiness certificate,

no standard will exist for airworthiness

of the sUAS Platforms listed

in Table

1 above

. Given the size of the aircraft and the requ

i reme

n ts

t h at the operator has agreed to as relates

to airworthiness

, as set forth

in the attached manuals

, an equiva

l ent level of safety will be achieved

by ensuring compliance

w

i th the Proxy manuals prior
to each flight. The FAA has granted e x emptions

to conduct similar operations

in Exemptions 11062 through 11067, 11080, 11109, and 11110. 14 C.F.R.

§ 91

. 119(c): Minimum Safe Altitudes Section 91.119 establishes safe altitudes
for operation

of civil aircraft

. Specif

i cally, 91.119(c)

l i mits aircraft flying over areas other than congested areas

to "an altitude
of 500 feet above the surface

, e x cept over open water or sparsely populated areas

. In those cases, the air c raft may not be operat

e d closer than 500 feet to any person

, vessel, vehicle

, or structure

." As set forth herein, the sUAS Platforms listed

in Table

1 above will never operate

at higher than 400 feet AGL.

It will, however

, be operated

to avoid congested

or populated areas that are depi

c ted
in yellow
on VFR sectional charts

. Because aerial survey work must be accomplished

at relatively low altit
u des and at altitudes less than 500 feet AGL, an exemption from Section

91

. 11 9 (c) is needed

. The equivalent level of safety will be achieved given the size, weight

, speed, and ma

t eria

l with w hi c h the sUAS Platforms listed

in Table

1 above are built. Also, no flight will be taken without the permissi

o n of the landowner

or those who control the land as well as local officials

. Because

of advance
not

i ce to the landowner

, all affected individuals
will be aware
of the survey flights. Compared

to aeria

l survey operations conducted with aircraft
or rotorcraft weighing

far more than

5

. 5 lbs

. and carrying flammab

l e fuel, any risk associated
with these operations

will be far less than the risks currently posed
by conventional aircraft operating

at or below 500 feet AGL. Indeed, the low-altitude operations

of the UAS will maintain separat

i on between these smaii-UAS operations
and the operat

i ons of conventional aircraft that must comply with Section

91

. 119. The FAA has granted exempt

i ons to conduct similar operat

i ons
in Exemptions 11062 through 11067

, 11080

, and 1110

. 14 C

. F.R.

§ 91.151(a): Fuel Requirements

for Flight

in VFR Conditions This regulation prohibits

an individual from beginning

" a flight

in an airplane under VFR cond

i tions unless (considering wind and forecast weather conditions) there

is enough fuel

t o fly to the first point of intended landing and, assuming normal cruising speed

- (1) During the day

, to fly after that for at

l east 30 minutes

; or (2) At night

, to fly after that for at least 45 minutes." The batteries powering
the sUAS Platforms listed

in Table

1 ab o ve provide appro

x imately 40 to60 minutes

of powered flight. Without
an exemption from§
14 C

. F

. R. 9 1

. 151, the UAS's

fl

i ghts would
be limited

to approximately

30 minutes

in length

. Given the limitations

on its proposed operations
and the location

of those proposed operations,

a longer time frame for flight

i n daylight VFR cond

i t
i ons

is reasonable. 1840
M

i chael Faraday
Dr

. , Suite 220, Reston, VA 20190

Tel

: 703-485-1035

Fax: 301-216-2852

10

# ~ Technologies

• 

# THE

POW
R 0 COOPERATIVE SOLUTIONS® Proxy believes that an exemption from 14 C

. F.R.



### § 91.151(a)

is safe and within the scope
of prior exemptions

. See Exemption 10673 (allowing Lockheed Martin Corporation

to operate without compliance with 91.151 (a)). Operating
the small UAS without
30 minutes

of reserve fuel does not engender
the type of risks that Section 91.151(a) was meant
to prevent given the size and speed
at which the UAS operates. The fact that

it carries
no pilot

, passenger,

or cargo also enhances

its safety. Limiting sUAS Platforms listed

in Table

1 above flights
to 30 minutes would greatly reduce their
ut

i lity

. In the unlikely event that the sUAS Platforms listed

in Table

1 above achieves

a low battery state (10.4 volts),

it would simply land. Given its weight and construction material, the risks are less than contemplated

by the current regulation. Proxy believes that an equivalent level of safety can be achieved

by maintaining

15 minutes

of reserve fuel, which, allowing
45 minutes

of flight time, would
be more than adequate

to return the UAS
to its planned landing zone from anywhere

in its operating area. Similar exemptions have been granted

to other operators, including Exemptions 2689F, 5745, 10673

, 10808, and Exemptions 11062 through 11067, 11080, 11109, 1110, and 11112. 14 C.F.R.



### § 91.405(a); 407(a)(1); 409(a)(2); 417(a)

& (b): Maintenance Inspections Section

91

. 405(a) requires 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

.. .. " Section 91.407 similarly makes reference

to requirements

in Part 43; Section 91.409(a)(2) requires
an annual inspection

for the issuance

of an airworthiness certificate. Section 91.417(a) requires the owner
or operator

to keep records showing certain maintenance work that has been accomplished

by certificated mechanics, under Part 43, or licensed

p

i lots and records

of approval

of the aircraft for return

to service. Maintenance

of the sUAS Platforms listed

in Table

1 above will be accomplished

by the owner/operator pursuant

to the manuals attached

as confidential exhib

i ts. An equivalent leve

l of safety will be achieved because
the UAS

is small

in size, will carry

a small payload

, will operation only

in restricted predetermined areas and is not
a complex mechanical device. As provided

in

t h e attached manuals,
the operator
will ensure that the UAS

is in working order prior
to initiating flight

, perform required maintenance,

and keep

a log of any maintenance
that

is performed; moreover,
the operator

i s the person most familiar with the aircraft and
is best suited

to maintain the aircraft

in an a

i rworthy condition and to ensure
an equivalent level of safety

. The FAA has granted exemptions

for similar operations

in Exemptions 11062 through 11067, 11080, 11109, 11110, and 11112. 1840 Michael Faraday Dr., Suite 220, Reston, VA 20190

Tel

: 703·485

- 1035 Fax: 301- 216-2852

11

# ~ Technologies

• 

# THE



# OWE

0 COOPERATIVE SOLUTIONS® APPENDIX

B SUMMARY

OF Proxy SECTION 

# 333 EXEMPTION REQUEST For publication

in the Federal Register, 

# Proxy hereby provides pursuant

to Part 11 a summary

of its exemption application

to allow commercial operation

of the sUAS Platforms listed
in Table

1 above as unmanned aircraft in precision aerial survey work

. An exemption

is requested from the following regulations: 14 C.F.R.



# § 61

. 113(a)

& 

# (b); 14 C.F.R.



# § 61.133(a);

14 C.F.R.



# § 91.7(a);

14 C

. F

. R. 

# § 91.119(c)

; 14 C.F.R.



# § 91

. 151(a);
14 C.F.R.



# § 91.405(a)

; 14 C.F

. R. 

# § 91.407(a)(1)

; 14 C

. F

. R. 

# § 91.409(a)(2)

; 14 C.F.R.



# § 91.417(a)



# & (b) 1840 Michael Faraday
Dr ., Suite 220, Reston, VA 20190

Tel: 703-485-1035

Fax: 301-216-2852

12