The aircraft mentioned above travels at a maximum speed of 49 mph and is powered by a 5200mAh

LiPo battery. It has a semi-autonomous navigation system run by the DJI Pilot Application through an Apple iPad, which is mounted on the remote controller. The Inspire 1 uses First Person Viewing (FPV) from a 10 inch monitor that is in high definition. Flights can be pre-programmed with precision GPS guidance and do not require human intervention. In the case of unplanned events, the operator may allow the aircraft to follow the pre-programmed evasive maneuvers from the controller or enable assisted steering for direct control. The pilot software is equipped with telemetry that shows altitude (AGL), airspeed, vertical ascent/decent speed, battery strength and direction of flight. In the event of a malfunction, the aircraft has a fail-safe mode that enables the machine to automatically return and land within one meter of where it took off. In addition, the aircraft is programmed to fly back to where it took off in the event of the battery level going below 20 percent strength. These features are tested on a regular basis to insure that they function properly.

I have owned and operated the Inspire 1 for three months and have logged over 50 hours of flight time. I have been piloting UAS aircraft for more than a year and have logged 250 hours of flight time as Pilot-In-Command (PIC). I have been operating radio controlled airplanes and helicopters for more than 20 years. In addition, I am an active FAA certificated private pilot with over 2000 hours of logged PIC time, which spans more than 30 years. I also have a current third-class medical certificate.

Taking advantage of being a licensed pilot, I use a programmable ICOM hand-held transceiver and report, prior to takeoff, my aircraft type, location, maximum altitude (AGL), and intended length of flight so that aircraft in my area will be informed of my presence. I keep the radio attached to my belt and monitor the appropriate frequency throughout each flight. I utilize a current Sectional Aeronautical Chart of the region where I fly to be aware of the various radio frequencies needed for my transceiver as well as my proximity to controlled airspace and all airports. I always fly in Class G airspace and do not fly within 5 miles of any tower-controlled airport. When I choose to fly within 5 miles of a smaller airport, I first contact the airport manager, explain my intentions and request authorization to fly.

I use a Visual Observer (VO) who is also an FAA licensed private pilot. We carefully review the flight plan prior to each takeoff and are in constant communication throughout the flight. The maximum altitude for any flight is 400 feet (AGL). All flights with the Inspire 1 are conducted within visual line ofsight (VLOS). Favorable weather conditions is paramount in any of my flying. I strictly adhere to daytime only flying, with surface winds being below 15 mph, clouds at a minimum of 500 feet above my maximum flying altitude as well as 2000 feet horizontal clearance.

I always perform a thorough pre-flight inspection prior to each flight, making sure that all parts of the aircraft and GCS are in good working order. I regularly change props and run periodic tests on the batteries to ensure they are in optimum condition. I carefully check each motor, making sure the props spin freely without any roughness or abnormal sound. It is my practice to review, on a regular basis, the Inspire 1 Maintenance Manual and User Manual (both of these manuals are included in my petition as attachments). I maintain two logbooks - a pilot log and a maintenance log. I have provided more details about pre-flight inspection in the section on Safety Protocols and System Controls

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