1 S lope Digital Aerial Imagery Svc, LLC

259 12 th Street

Brooklyn, New York

11215 (347) 319

- 4142

January 12

, 2016

U.S. Department of Transportation

Docket Management System

1200 New Jersey Ave., SE

Washington DC 20590

Re: Exemption Request Pursuant to Section 333 of the FAA Reform Act and

Part 11 of the Federal Aviation Regulations from: 14 CFR 45.23 (b); 14

CFR 21; 14 CFR 61.113(a) and (b); 14 CFR 61.113 (a) & (b); 91.7 (a);

91.9 (b) (2); 91.103; 91.109; 91.l 19(c); 91.121; 91.15l(a); 91.203 (a) &

(b); 91.405(a); 91.407(a)(l); 91.409 (a)(l) and (2); 91.417(a) and (b).

Dear Sir or Madam:

Pursuant to Section 333 of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 and 14 CFR Part

11, Slope Digital Aerial Imagery Svc, LLC, is ap plying for an exemption from the Federal

Aviation Regulations (F ARs ) listed below and discussed in A nnex A

. Exemption is being

sought in order to allow Slope Digital Aerial Imagery Svc, LLC to operate its small unmanned

aircraft systems (sUAS) , listed below for aerial electronic data collection, aerial photography and

filming operations for a range of business including insurance, real estate, agriculture,

infrastructure inspection, surveying, aerial 3D mapping, disaster relief assistance and emergency

services, climate change observations, travel video/photography, and motion picture, television,

Internet video production, and to include sUAS educational training in both safety, and flight

training, training

- related demonstrations,

sUAS are ideally suited for various commercial operations as m ention above because the aircraft

has the capability to deliver high quality data more efficiently and cost

- effectively than

traditional methods. Using sUAS can also be safer for workers because in many cases it will

avoid putting workers in situations with potential hazards, eliminating the risk of injuries. They

also allow the safe inspection of hard

- to

- access or environmentally sensitive areas without the

use of trucks and other utility vehicles. Overall, sUAS can provide significant benefits to workers

and customers over these traditional methods.

Slope Digital Aerial Imagery Svc, LLC proposes to use rotor aircraft s

, each crafts h as a maximum

takeoff weight of less than 55 pounds, will be operated at a speed of no more than 50 knots, and

each crafts contain built

- in safety features. Proposed operations will be conducted under controlled

conditions in airspace that is (1) limited, (2) predetermined, and (3) access controlled.

Operations under the exemption will be subject to strict operating parameters to ensure at least

an equivalent level of safety to currently authorized operations using manned aircraft.The name and mailing address of the petitioner, Slope Digital Aerial Imagery Svc, LLC

, is:

George F. Lamboy III, JD, CEM

Slope Digital Aerial Imagery Svc, LLC

259 12th Street

Brooklyn, New York

11215 (347) 319

- 4142

The regulations from which the exemption is requested are listed below. These are more fully

discussed in Appendix A.

14 CFR § 61.113 (a) and (b)

14 CFR § 61.133 (a)

14 CFR § 91.7 (a)

14 CFR § 91.119 (c)

14 CFR § 91.121

14 CFR § 91.151 (a)

14 CFR § 91.405 (a)

14 CFR § 91.407 (a) (1)

14 CFR § 91.409 (a) (1) and (2)

14 CFR § 91.417 (a) and (b)

The Unmanned Aircraft Systems. Slope Digital Aerial Imagery Svc, LLC proposes to use sUAS

that are rotorcraft ’s

, each crafts h as a maximum takeoff weight of less than 55 pounds (including

payload), will be operated at a speed of no more than 50 knots, and each crafts contain built

- in

safety features. Proposed operations will be conducted under controlled conditions in airspace that

is (1) limited, (2) predetermined, and (3) access controlled. Operations under the exem ption will

be subject to strict operating parameters to ensure at least an equivalent level of safety to currently

authorized operations using manned aircraft.

Slope Digital Aerial Imagery Svc, LLC will conduct operations with lightweight rotorcrafts

produced by industry leaders DJI, These aircraft are identified below.

DJI aircraft

• Phantom 3 Professional

• Inspire 1

• S 900

• S 1000

• S 1000+

_______________________________________________________________________Each can be operated by toggle or entirely by a touch

- screen, map

- based interface. This

means the operator only needs to command the system where to go, and the system does all

the flying for the operator. They can be operated in both semi and fully autonomous flight

modes, with the operator simply clicking on a map to create a pre

- planned flight path for a

flight. In addition, the operator can create no fly zones or maximum flight ranges and

altitudes so the system cannot enter areas deemed unsafe or unnecessary to fly over

In addition, the sUAS have built

- in intelligent fault handling capabilities which allow them to

detect a system fault while in the air and automatically fly back to its take

- off location and

land. Faults that can be detected include: loss of communication; exceeding pre

- set wind

thresholds; and low battery levels.

All flight operations are global positioning system (GPS) controlled, making the systems

easy to navigate. At any point if the operator is not explicitly commanding the rotorcraft

system to move, the system automatically holds its GPS position. The flight control system

employs not only GPS positioning but a variety of sensors including sonar, barometric

pressure, temperature, wind speed and others to ensure stability so long as wind thresholds

are not exceeded.

Industry recognized producers of sUAS of this category generally maintain online product

information portals with comprehensive downloadable operating and maintenance manuals,

user guides, flight checklists, safety information and mission planning instructions. Often

available are instructional product and training videos along with robust online blogs and

product forums.

Operating Documents. Comprehensive operation manuals/user guides for aircraft ofthis

category are always available on the internet at the manufacturers' website.

See Appendix “ 1 ”

, Operating Document

, Appendix " 2 "

, Standard Operating Procedures

, Appendix " 3 " Pre

- flight Checklist

, and Appendix " 4 "

, Post

- flight Checklist

, .The PIC (pilot in command).

The PIC will:

• hold either a current FAA sport pilot or recreational certification or higher FAA

pilot certification

• hold a valid driver's license

• ,in the case of rotorcraft, have accumulated and logged, in a manner consistent with 14

CFR 61.51(b), a minimum of 25 hours of total time as a sUAS rotorcraft pilot and at

least 10 hours logged as a sUAS pilot with a similar sUAS type

• have accumulated and logged a minimum of five hours as a sUAS pilot with the make

and model of sUAS to be utilized for operations under the exemption and three take

offs and landings in the preceding 90 days prior to an operation

• as noted below in " Operating Parameters; Conditions and Limitations "

, the operator

will not allow a PIC to operate unless the PIC has demonstrated that the PIC is able to

safely operate the sUAS in a manner consistent with how the sUAS will be operated

under the exemption, including evasive and emergency maneuvers and maintaining

appropriate distances from people, vessels, vehicles and structures.

Visual observers must have demonstrated that they understand the conditions and

limitations of flight noted below in " Operating Parameters; Conditions and

Limitations "

.

Operating Parameters; Conditions and Limitations. Grant of the exemptions will be

subject to the following conditions, which provide at least an equivalent or higher level

of safety than under the current conditions. These conditions are drawn from Exemptions

11062 through 11067, 11080, 11109 and 11110. For purposes of this listing,

Slope Digital Aerial Imagery Svc, LLC is referred to as the operator.

1. Operations authorized by the grant will be limited to the sUASs described above

and manufacturers' upgraded versions.

2. The sUAS must weigh less than 55 pounds, including energy source(s)

and equipment.

3. The sUAS may not be flown at an indicated ground speed exceeding 50 knots.

4. Flights must be operated at an altitude of no more than 400 feet above ground

level (AGL). Altitudes reported to Air Traffic Control must be in feet AGL.

5. The sUAS 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 FAA

- issued

medical certificate.6. All operations must utilize a visual observer (VO). The VO may be used to satisfy

the VLOS requirement as long as the VO and PIC always maintain VLOS

capability. The VO and PIC must be able to communicate verbally at all times. The

PIC must be designated before the flight and cannot transfer his or her designation

during the flight. The PIC must ensure that the VO can perform the functions

prescribed in the operating documents.

7. The operating documents and this grant of exemption must be made available to

the Administrator upon request. The operator may update or revise its operations

manual. It is the operator's responsibility to track such revisions and present

updated and revised documents to the Administrator upon request. I f there is a

discrepancy between the exemption conditions and limitations and the procedures

outlined in the operating documents, the conditions and limitations herein take

precedence and must be followed. If the operator determines that any update or

revision would affect the basis upon which the FAA grants this exemption the

operator must petition the FAA for amendment to the exemption.

8. Prior to each flight the PIC must inspect the sUAS to ensure it is in a condition

for safe flight. If the inspection reveals a condition that affects the safe operation

of the sUAS, the aircraft will be prohibited from operating until the necessary

maintenance has been performed and the sUAS 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.

9. Any sUAS that has undergone maintenance or alterations that affect the sUAS 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 sUAS aircraft records of the flight.

10. 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.

11. The operator must follow the sUAS manufacturer's aircraft/component, maintenance,

overhaul, replacement, inspection, and life limit requirements.

12. 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 done, discrepancies

between inspections, and the identification of the authorized person returning the sUAS

to service.

13. Each sUAS operated under this exemption must comply with all manufacturer safety

bulletins.14. The PIC must hold either a current FAA sport pilot or recreational certification or

higher FAA pilot certification and a valid driver's license The PIC must also meet the

flight review requirements specified in 14 CFR 61.56 as the sUAS.

15. sUAS flight training will include comprehensive instruction on such matters as (i) sUAS

rules, regulations, requirements and guidelines published by the FAA, (ii) manufacturers'

operation manuals/user guides for each aircraft, (iii) these operating parameters,

conditions and limitations, and (iv) flight and safety processes and procedures published

by reputable UAS organizations such as the Academy of Model Aeronautics and the

Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International. All courses will include both

classroom and hands

- on training.

16. The operator may not permit any PIC to operate unless the PIC has demonstrated that the

PIC is able to safely operate the sUAS in a manner consistent with how the sUAS will be

operated under the exemption, including evasive and emergency maneuvers and

maintaining appropriate distances from people, vessels, vehicles and structures.

17. Maximum flight time for each operational flight will be limited to the amount of time the

sUAS can be flown and still maintain a reserve battery power of no less than 20%.

18. The operator will file a request for a Notice to Airmen (NOT AM) not more than 72

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

19. The radio frequency spectrum used for operation of the sUAS must comply with the

FCC or other appropriate governmental oversight agency requirements.

20. All flights must be conducted over property that is private or controlled access

property with permission from the land owner/controller or authorized representative.

Permission will be obtained for each flight, where necessary or appropriate.

Currently flight training is being conducted at an AMA field in the Austin, Texas

area.

21. If the sUAS loses communications or loses the GPS signal, the sUAS must return to a

pre

- determined location or take

- off point or be recovered in accordance with the

operator's manual.

22. The PIC must abort the flight in the event of unpredicted obstacles or emergencies.

23. The operator must obtain an Air Traffic Organization (ATO) issued Certificate of

Waiver or Authorization (COA) prior to conducting any operations under this grant of

exemption.

24. All aircraft operated in accordance with this exemption must be identified by serial

number, registered in accordance with 14 CFR part 47, and have identification (N

number) markings in accordance with 14 CFR part 45, Subpart C. Markings must be

as large as possible.25. The documents required under 14 CFR §§ 91.9 and 91.203 must be available to the

PIC at the ground control station of the sUAS any time the aircraft is operating. These

documents must be made available to the Administrator or any law enforcement

official upon request.

26. The sUAS must remain clear and yield the right of way to manned aviation operations

and activities at all times.

27. sUAS 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. Flights

under special visual flight rules are not authorized.

28. The sUAS may not be operated by the PIC from any moving device or vehicle.

29. The sUAS 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.

30. The sUAS may not operate within 5 nautical miles of an airport reference point as

denoted on a current FAA

- published aeronautical chart unless a letter of agreement

with that airport's management is obtained, and the operation is conducted in

accordance with a NOTAM as required by the operator's COA. The letter of

agreement with the airport management must be made available to the Administrator

upon request.

31. Flight operations must be conducted at least 500 feet from all nonparticipating

persons (persons other than the PIC, VO, operator trainees or essential persons)

vessels, vehicles and structures, unless:

a. Barriers or structures are present that sufficiently protect nonparticipating persons

from the sUAS and/or debris in the event of an accident. 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 sUAS,

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 that it does not present an undue hazard, and;

c. Operations nearer to the PIC, VO, operator trainees or essential persons do not

present an undue hazard to those persons per § 91.119(a).

32. 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 Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) per instructions

contained on the NTSB Website: www.ntsb.gov.The Public Interest. The public interest in granting this exemption request is served by,

among others, the following:

• Congress has established a national policy that favors early integration of sUAS into

the NAS

- pending completion of the statutorily required rulemaking for such

integration, exemption requests such as this one by Slope Digital Aerial Imagery Svc,

LLC (and many others) are integral in developing and in moving this policy along

• The use of sUAS improves public safety and reduces risk by alleviating the public's

exposure to danger and emissions associated with traditional aerial methods (full

size aircraft) that carry passengers and flammable fuel

• Allowing the commercialization of the NAS by sUAS will provide additional job

and career opportunities for our nation's population

• Resulting ecological and environmental benefits such as precision inspections and

assessments of fuel

- laden pipelines, rights

- of

- way, energy production platforms, along

with coastal marine environment observations for conservation purposes

• Harnessing the power of new technologies and providing challenges to our nation's

entrepreneurs and developers

• Slope Digital Aerial Imagery Svc, LLC pilot and visual observer training (as noted in

operating parameter #15 above) will enhance the safety of sUAS flight and will serve

to minimize the risk to the NAS and to persons and property on the ground

Summary for publication. For publication in the Federal Register Slope Digital Aerial Imagery

Svc, LLC provides the following summary. An exemption is requested from the following

regulations in order to allowcommercial operations of its unmanned aircraft systems involving aerial applications such as

photography, inspections, surveying, and demonstrations.

14 CFR § 61.113 (a) and (b)

14 CFR § 61.133 (a)

14 CFR § 91.7 (a)

14 CFR § 91.119 (c)

14 CFR § 91.121

14 CFR § 91.151 (a)

14 CFR § 91.405 (a)

14 CFR § 91.407 (a) (1)

14 CFR § 91.409 (a) (1) and (2)

14 CFR § 91.417 (a) and (b)



### * * * * * * *** *

Conclusion. Given the small size of the sUASs involved and the restricted environment

within which they will operate, this petition falls squarely within that equivalent level of

safety in which Congress envisioned that the FAA must, by exemption, allow commercial

operations of sUASs to commence immediately.

Too, given the clear direction in Section 333 of the Reform Act, the authority contained in

the Federal Aviation Act, the strong equivalent level of safety surrounding the proposed

operations, and the significant public benefit of the various applications, including enhanced

safety, reduction in environmental impacts by fuel laden vehicles, including reduced

emissions, the public value of the unmanned aerial vehicle industry, the grant of the

requested exemption is in the public interest.

Slope Digital Aerial Imagery Svc, LLC seeks an exemption from the listed and discussed F ARs

to operate commercially the small unmanned aircraft systems in the aerial operations set forth

herein.

Thank you.

## APPENDIX A

14 CFR § 61.113(a) and (b); 61.133(a): Private Pilot Privileges and Limitations: Pilot in

Command; Commercial Pilot Privileges and Limitations

Sections 61.113(a) and (b) limit private pilots to non

- commercial operations. Section 61.133(a)

requires an individual with a commercial pilot's license to be pilot in command of an aircraft for

compensation or hire. Unlike a conventional aircraft that carries a pilot, passengers, and cargo,

the sUAS proposed for use by Slope Digital Aerial Imagery Svc, LLC are remotely controlled

with no passengers or cargo on board.

Slope Digital Aerial Imagery Svc, LLC respectfully requests exemptions from these requirements

based on the particular characteristics of the sUAS that will be used. The risks associated with

the operation of the sUAS described above (given the size, speed, operational capabilities and

lack of combustible fuel) are much lower than the risks associated with commercial operations

contemplated by Part 61 with conventional aircraft. Accordingly, sport pilot, or a recreational

adequately trained in the proper use of sUAS, possesses the requisite skills and knowledge of the

NAS and FAA regulations to assure the safe operation of the sUAS. In addition, Slope Digital

Aerial Imagery Svc, LLC will use the identified sUAS with a high degree of control and various

built

- in technical capabilities that strictly limit the potential for operation outside of the

operating conditions set forth in this Petition.

Slope Digital Aerial Imagery Svc, LLC emphasizes sUAS training and flight experience for those

PICs who will operate these aircraft in the proposed commercial applications. By requiring

extensive flight experience with these aircraft prior to conducting commercial operations, these

PICs will have a better grasp of the handling of the aircraft than they would by holding a

commercial pilot license for an entirely different type of airborne system.

Given the inherently lower

- risk nature of the sUAS and these training, experience and safety

features, Slope Digital Aerial Imagery Svc, LLC proposes that operators should not be required to

hold a commercial pilot certification. Instead operators should be required to hold only a

recreational or sport pilot certification and have the experience with the sUASs as indicated in

this Petition.

The risks associated with the operation of the sUAS identified herein (given their size, weight,

speed, operational capabilities, and lack of combustible fuel) are so diminished from the level of

risk associated with commercial operations contemplated by Part 61 with conventional aircraft

(rotorcraft or fixed wing) that allowing operations of the sUAS as set forth above meets or

exceeds the present level of safety provided under 14 CFR § 61.113(a) and (b) and does not rise

to the level of requiring a commercial pilot to operate under § 61.133(a).

Given these conditions and restrictions, an equivalent level of safety will be provided by

allowing operation of the sUAS identified herein with a private pilot's certificate, under the

conditions set forth in this Petition. The FAA has granted exemption to conduct similar

operations in Exemptions 11062 through 11067, 11080, 11109 and 11110.14 CFR § 91.7(a): Civil Aircraft Airworthiness

This regulation requires that no person may operate a civil aircraft unless it is in airworthy

condition. Should the exemption be granted allowing commercial operation of the named

aircraft without an airworthiness certificate, no standard will exist for airworthiness of the

aircraft. Given the size of the aircraft and the requirements that the operator has agreed to as

relates to airworthiness, as set forth herein and in the various operating documents, an equivalent

level of safety will be achieved by ensuring compliance with the aircraft manuals and operating

documents for each flight. The FAA has granted exemptions to conduct similar operations in

Exemptions 11062 through 11067, 11080, 11109 and 11110.

14 CFR §91.119(c): Minimum Safe Altitudes

Section 91.119 establishes safe altitudes for operation of civil aircraft. Section 91.119 (c)

prohibits operations below 500 feet above the surface, or closer than 500 feet to any person,

vessel, vehicle or structure. As this exemption requests authority to operate at altitudes up to 400

AGL, an exemption may be needed to allow such operations. The equivalent level of safety will

be achieved given the size, weight, speed of the sUAS as well as the location where it is

operated. No flight will be taken without the permission of the property owner or local officials,

where required. Because of the advance notice to the property owner and participants, all

affected individuals will be aware of the planned flight operations as set forth in the plan of

operations. Slope Digital Aerial Imagery Svc, LLC therefore requests a waiver from Section

91.119(c) for all participating persons, i.e., persons associated with the operations.

Slope Digital Aerial Imagery Svc, LLC will also ensure that non

- participating persons are kept

at least 500 feet from the operating area, or seek approval from the Administrator for less

separation if an equivalent level of safety can be achieved. Compared to flight operations with

aircraft or rotorcraft weighting far more than the maximum of less than 55 pounds proposed

herein and the lack of flammable fuel, any risk associated with these operations is far less than

those risks associated with the conventional methods. In addition, the low

- altitude operations of

the sUAS will ensure separation between these sUAS operations and the operations of any

conventional aircraft that must comply with Section 91.119.

14 CFR §91.121: Altimeter Settings

This regulation requires each person operating an aircraft to maintain cruising altitude by

reference to an altimeter that is set "... to the elevation of the departure airport or an appropriate

altimeter setting available before departure." As the sUAS may not have a barometric altimeter,

but instead a GPS altitude read out, an exemption may be needed. An equivalent level of safety

will be achieved by the operator confirming the acquisition of GPS signals and an initial ground

level altitude of zero prior to take

- off. The FAA has granted exemptions to conduct similar

operations in Exemptions 11062 through 11067 and 11080.

14 CFR § 91.lSl(a): Fuel Requirements for Flight in VFR Conditions

Section 91.151 (a) prohibits an individual from beginning "a flight in an airplane 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

- (1) During the day,

to fly after that for at least 30 minutes; or (2) At night, to fly after that for at least 45 minutes."

10 

### I P

a g e12 A ppendix “ 1 ”

Slope Digital Aerial Imagery Svc, LLC

Operating Documents

The following Operational Manuel exceed the limited allowed for uploading.

Requester Reader engage link to review the c ommon operating manual submitted by other

exemption’s requestors



## .

DJI aircraft



### • Phantom 3 Professional www.dji.com/product/phantom

- 3/download

• Inspire 1 www.dji.com/product/inspire

- 1/download

• S 900 www.dji.com/product/spreading

- wings

- S900/download

• S 1000 www.dji.com/product/spreading

- wings

- S1000/download

• S 1000+ www.dji.com/product/spreading

- wings

- 1000+/download13 App endix “ 2 ”

Slope Digital Aerial Imagery Svc, LLC

Standard Operating Procedures

For Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS)

The flight team. The flight team will consists of a pilot in command (PIC}, a visual

observer (VO), and such other members as may be desi gnated for any parti cular mi ssion.

The PIC Will

• hold either a current FAA sport pilot or recreational certification or higher FAA

pilot certification

• hold a valid driver's license

•

, i n the case of rotorcraft, have accumulated and l ogged a m i n i mum of 25 hours of

total time as a sUAS rotorcraft pilot and at least 15 hours logged as a sUAS pilot

with a similar sUAS type

• have accumulated and logged a minimum of five hours as a sUAS pilot with the

make and model of UAS to be utilized for operations under the exemption and

three take

- offs and landings in the preceding 90 days prior to an operation

• the operator will not allow a PIC to operate unless the PIC has demonstrated that

the PIC is able to safel y operate the sUAS in a manner consi stent with how the sUAS

will be operated under the exemption, including evasive and emergency maneuvers

and maintaining appropriate di stances from people, vessels, vehicles and structures

The PIC and the VO must have demonstrated that they understand the conditions and

limitations of flight noted below in "Operating Parameters; Condi tions and Limitations".

Operating Parameters; Conditions and Limitati ons. The following matters apply to all

sUAS being operated by Slope Digital Aerial Imagery Svc, LLC (referred to below as the

operator):14 1. The sUAS must weigh less than 55 pounds, i ncluding energy source(s)

and equipment.

2. The sUAS may not be flown at an indicated ground speed exceeding 50 knots.

3. Flights must be operated at an altitude of no more than 400 feet above ground

level (AGL}. Altitudes reported to Ai r Traffic Control must be i n feet AGL.

4. The sUAS must be operated within visual l ine of s i ght (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 l enses, as specified on the PIC 's FAA

- issued

medical cert i ficate.

5. All operations must utilize a visual observer (VO)

. The VO may be used to

satisfy the VLOS requirement as long as the VO and PIC always maintain VLOS

capability. The VO and PIC must be able to communicate verbally at all times.

The PIC must be designated before the flight and cannot transfer his or her

designation during the flight. The PIC must ensure that the VO can perform the

functions prescribed in the operating documents.

6. The operating documents and any grant of exemption must be made available to

the Administrator upon request. The operator may update or revise its operations

manual. It is the operator's responsibility to track such revisions and present

updated and revised documents to the Administrator upon request. If there is a

discrepancy between the exemption conditions and limitations and the

procedures outlined in the operating documents, the conditions and limitations

herein take precedence and must be followed. If the operator determines that

any update or revision would affect the basis upon which the FAA granted an

exemption the operator must petition the FAA for amendment to the

exemption.

7. Prior to each flight the PIC must inspect the sUAS to ensure it is in a condition

for safe flight. If the inspection reveals a condition that affects the safe

operation of the sUAS, the aircraft will be prohibited from operati ng until the

necessary maintenance has been performed and the sUAS is found to be in a

condition for safe flight. The ground control station must be included i n the

preflight inspection. All maintenance and alterations must be properly

documented in the aircraft records.

8. Any sUAS that has undergone maintenance or alterations that affect the sUAS15 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 sUAS aircraft records of the

flight.

9. 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.

10. The operator must follow the sUAS manufacturer's aircraft/component,

maintenance, overhaul

, replacement, inspection, and li fe limit

requirements.

11. The operator must carry out i ts maintenance, i nspect i ons, and record keep i ng

requirements i n 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 done, di screpancies between inspections, and the

identification of the a authorized person returning the sUAS to service.

12. Each sUAS operated under this exemption must comply with all manufacturer

safety bulletins.

13. The PIC must hold either a current FAA recreational or sport pilot

certification or hi gher FAA pilot certification and hold a valid driver's

license.

14. The PIC must also meet the flight review requirements specified in 14 CFR

6 1 .56 as the sUAS.

15. The operator may not permit any PIC to operate unless the PIC has demonstrated

that the PIC is able to safely operate the sUAS in a manner consistent with how

the sUAS will be operated under the exemption, including evasive and

emergency maneuvers and maintaining appropriate di stances from people,

vessels, vehicles and structures.

16. Maximum flight time for each operational flight will be limited to the

amount of time the sUAS can be flown and still maintain a reserve battery

power of no less than 20%.16 17. The operator will file a request for a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) not more

than 72 hours in advance, but not less than 48 hours prior to the operation.

18. The radio frequency spectrum used for operation of the sUAS must comply

with the FCC or other appropriate governmental oversight agency requirements.

19. All flights must be conducted over property that is private or controlled

access property with permission from the land owner/controller or

authorized representative. Permi ssion will be obtained for each flight.

20. If the sUAS l oses communications or loses the GPS s i gnal, the sUAS must return

to a pre

- determined location or take

- off point or be recovered in accordance

with the operator's manual

.

21. The PIC must abort the flight in the event of unpredicted obstacles or

emergencies.

22. The operator must obtain an Air Traffic Organization (ATO) issued Certificate

of Waiver or Authori zati on (COA) prior to conducting any operati ons under any

grant of exemption.

23. All aircraft operated i n accordance with an exemption must be identified by

serial number, registered in accordance with 1 4 CFR part 47, and have

identificat i on (N

- number) markings in accordance with 1 4 CFR part 45,

Subpart C. Markings must be as large as possible. S lope Digital Aerial Imagery

Svc, LLC sUAS registration number (FA33MLH779)

24. The documents required under 14 CFR §§ 9 1 .9 and 9 1 .203 must be available

to the PIC at the ground control station of the sUAS any time the aircraft is

operating. These documents must be made available to the Administrator or

any law enforcement official upon request.

25. The sUAS must remain clear and yield the r i ght of way to manned

aviat i on operations and activities at all times.

26. sUAS operations may not be conducted during n i ght, as defined in 14 C.F.R §

1. 1

. All operations must be conducted under visual meteorological conditions.

Fli ghts under special vi sual flight rules are not authorized.

27. The sUAS may not be operated by the PIC from any moving device or vehicle.17 28. The sUAS may not be operated less than 500 feet below or less than 2,000 feet

horizontally from a cloud or when vi si bility i s less than 3 statute miles from the

PIC.

29. The sUAS may not operate within 5 nautical miles of an airport reference point

as denoted on a current FAA

- published aeronautical chart unless a letter of

agreement with that ai rport's management i s obtained, and the operation is

conducted in accordance with a NOTAM as required by the operator's COA.

The letter of agreement with the airport management must be made available to

the Administrator upon request.

30. Flight operations must be conducted at least 500 feet from a ll

nonparticipating persons (persons other than the PIC, VO, operator trainees

or essential persons) vessels, vehicles and structures, unless:

a. Barriers or structures are present that sufficiently protect nonparticipating

persons from the sUAS and/or debris in the event of an accident. 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 sUAS, flight operations must cease immediately and/or;

b. The aircraft i s operated near vessels, vehicles or structures where the

owner/controller of such vessels, vehicles or structures has granted permi ssi on

and the PIC has made a safety assessment of the risk of operating closer to those

objects and determined that i t does not present an undue hazard, and;

c. Operations nearer to the PIC, VO, operator trainees or essential persons do

not present an undue hazard to those persons per § 9 1 .1 1 9(a).

31. Any incident, accident, or flight operation that transgresses the lateral or

vertical boundaries of the operational area as defined by the appli cable COA

must be reported to the FAA's UAS Integration Office (AFS

- 80) within 24

hours. Accidents must be reported to the National Transportation Safety Board

(NTSB) per instructions contained on the NTSB Website: www.ntsb. gov.APPENDIX “ 3 ”

Slope Digital Aerial Imagery Svc, LLC

Pre

- flight Checklist

For Small Unmanned Aerial Systems (sUAS)



## _ Flight Authority

. Obtain proper authority to fly i n the airspace of the intended flight.



## _ Documentati on

. Copies of all required documentation are available.



## _ Eye Protection

. Wear safety glasses or other suitable eye protection.



## _ Environment

. Evaluate the current weather conditions (temperature, wind speed,

humidity). Determine that they are within the capability of the sUAS and the flight team.



## _ Site Assessment

. Perform a site assessment to identi fy any hazards like power lines,

trees, cell towers, structures, and hills which could affect GPS recept i on. I f equipped,

check for Radio Frequency Interference (RFI).



## _ Ca l i brat i on

. If ( i ) your location has changed more than 200 m i l es s i nce your l ast flight,

(ii ) you are using your sUAS for the first time out of the box, (iii) you are using your

sUAS for the first time since material maintenance has been performed on your sUAS,

or (iv) you are using your sUAS for the first t i me following a hard l and i ng or drop,

calibrate the compass. Refer to manufacturers' instruction manual for details. Power off

once calibration is completed.



## _ I nspect i on of sUAS

. I nspect the sUAS from top to bottom to make sure the

frame/canopy i s free of cracks or damage. Check that the pay l oad (FPV gea r / Video

Downlink) is properly secured, all frame screws are present and secured and landing

gear i s not cracked or damaged.



## _ Motors

. W i th the sUAS not powered rotate each propeller s l ow l y by hand for at l east

one complete revolution. The feel should be slightly bumpy; al though i t is bumpy i t

should be consistently bumpy. If a magnet is missing or damaged i t may feel resistive in

that spot or move more freely. All motors should have the same feel of rotational

resistance. If there is an issue with a motor DO NOT FLY!sUAS Pre

- flight Checklist, page 2 of 2 

## _ Propellers. Inspect all propellers making sure they are installed correctly on the CW or

CCW motors. See instruction manual for details. Check propellers for damage on each

blade and at the hub. Replace any that are cracked or worn.



## _ Battery. Ensure that the sUAS flight battery i s fully charged and properly installed in the

sUAS.



## _ Command and Control. Ensure that the transm i tter i s fully charged and powered on. I f

using ground station (GS) ensure that the system is fully charged and powered. Ensure

that the flight programs are running and functioning correctly. If applicable open

preprogramed flight plan and ensure all waypoints are set to desired parameters.

Disable screen savers.



## _ Camera /

V i deo Recording System. Ensure v i deo down l i nk mon i tor i ng system i s fully

charged and powered. Remove l ens caps, power on sUAS on board camera, ensure

video downlink is transmitting to GS monitor. Start recording sUAS camera for flight.

**LAST**

**......... POWER**  **ON sUAS**  **and have**  **a safe**  **flight.**

**In the**  **event of**  **a hard**  **landing or**  **crash you**  **should perform**  **a preflight**  **calibration**

**and inspection**  **again**

.APPENDIX “4”

Slope Digital Aerial Imagery Svc, LLC

Post

- flight Checklist

For Small Unmanned Ai rcraft Systems (sUAS)



## _ Stop recording/power off camera



## _ Power OFF sUAS FIRST



## _ Power OFF transmitter SECOND



## _ Power OFF ground station



## _ Document flight in logbook