1

UNITED'STATES'OF'AMERICA'DEPARTMENT'OF'TRANSPORTATION

FEDERAL'AVIATION'ADMINISTRATION'WASHINGTON,'DC

Regulatory'Docket'No.'_______________

IN'THE'MATTER'OF'THE'PETITION'FOR'EXEMPTION'OF:'KEVIN'BRICE

FOR'AN'EXEMPTION'SEEKING'RELIEF'FROM'THE'REQUIREMENTS OF'TITLE'14'OF'THE'

CODE'OF'FEDERAL'REGULATIONS'SECTIONS'61.113(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'OPERATION'OF'DJI'PHANTOM'3,'DJI'PHANTOM'2'VISION+,'AND'DJI'

INSPIRE'1'UNMANNED'AIRCRAFT'SYSTEMS'PURSUANT'TO'SECTION'333'OF'THE'FAA'

MODERNIZATION'AND'REFORM'ACT'OF'2012'(PUBLIC'LAW'112Y95)

Submitted'on'August'19,'2015

Kevin'Brice

Red'Sky'UAV'|'Aerial'Imagery

2111'Escenico'Terrace

Carlsbad,'CA'92009

(760)'710Y1718

info@redskyuav.com

www.redskyuav.com
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TABLE OF CONTENTS

TABLE OF CONTENTS 2

GLOSSARY OF ABBREVIATIONS 3

SUMMARY 4

INTRODUCTION AND INTEREST OF THE PETITIONER 4

BACKGROUND: DJI PHANTOM 3 5

BASIS FOR PETITION 6

SUPPORT OF PETITION 8

NAME & ADDRESS OF THE PETITIONER. 8

SPECIFIC SECTION EXEMPTIONS REQUESTS 8

RECORD KEEPING 11

EXTENT OF RELIEF 11

PUBLIC INTEREST 15

SAFETY CONSIDERATION 17

CONCLUSION 29

APPENDICES 30
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Glossary of Abbreviations

AGL Above'Ground'Level

AOI Area'of'Interest

ATC Air'Traffic'Control

ATO Air'Traffic'Organization

AV Aerial'Vehicle

CFR Code'of'Federal'Regulations

COA Certificate'of'Authorization

FAA Federal'Aviation'Administration

FAR Federal'Aviation'Regulation'

GCS Ground'Control'Station'

GPS Global'Positioning'System

LOL Loss'of'Link'

NAS National'Airspace'System

NOTAM Notice'to'Airman

PIC Pilot'In'Command

Section'333 FAA'Modernization'and'Reform'Act'of'2012'(FMRA)'

SO Safety'Observer

SOP Standard'Operating'Procedures

UA Unmanned'Aircraft

UAS Unmanned'Aircraft'System

VFR Visual'Flight'Rules

VLOS Visual'Line'of'Site

VMC Visual'Meteorological'Conditions

VTOL Vertical'Takeoff'and'Landing
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Summary

Kevin'Brice'of'Red'Sky'UAV hereafter'referred'to'as'Kevin'Brice seeks'exemption'from'the'

requirements' of' 14' C.F.R' §§' 61.113(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'(DJI'Phantom'3) pursuant'to'Section'333'of'the'FAA'Modernization'and'Reform'Act'

of'2012'(FMRA).'This'exemption'will'permit'Kevin'Brice to'operate'an'Unmanned'Aircraft'

System' (UAS)' for' the'commercial'purpose'of'conducting'aerial' video'and'photography'of'

construction'sites,'residential'and'commercial'real'estate,'civil'landscapes'and'events over'

certain'areas'of the'United'States.'

Introduction and Interest of the Petitioner

Kevin' Brice with' his' part' time' staff' collectively' have over' thirtyYfive' years experience

provided clients'(which'include'private'sector'businesses'and'nonYprofits,'along'with'local'

state' and federal' agencies) with' expertise' and' knowledge' in' video' and' multimedia'

marketing, advertising, public' relations' and' training' using' advanced' technologies' and'

solutions.'Kevin'Brice has'worked'on'thousands'of'productions'over'the'past'35'years'in'all'

types of'locations with'a'perfect' client'and'employee' safety' record.' 'In' the' past we' have'

supplied our'clients'aerial'video'and'photography using'commercial'aircraft.'The'objective'

of'Kevin'Brice and'our'Unmanned'Aircraft'System'(DJI'Phantom'3) aerial'operations is'to'

provide'a more'affordable, highYquality'production' system'for'a' variety' of'governmental,'

commercial,'public,'and'residential'uses,'specifically'targeting

• Construction'sites'before'and'after

• Appraisals

• RealYestate'marketing

• Economic'development

• Civic landmarks

• Special'event'coverage

• Private'and'governmental'training'

• Live'event'video'for'concerts'and'events
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Background: DJI Phantom 3

Kevin'Brice seeks'an'exemption'to'operate'DJI'Phantom'3'system for'compensation'or'hire'

within'the'NAS.'The'DJI'Phantom'3 is vertical'takeoff'and'landing'(VTOL)'Unmanned'Aircraft'

(UA)'with'a'Ground'Control'Station'(GCS)'utilizing'electronic'tablet'or'smart'phone'systems.'

The'DJI' Phantom'3 has'a'maximum'gross'weight' of'approximately'2.8 lb. while' having'a'

diagonal'dimension'of'23.2”,'a'maximum'speed'of'approximately'16.4’fps and'a'maximum'

flying height of'400'.'The'DJI'Phantom'3'is'equipped with'four'main'rotors;'driven'by'Lithium'

Polymer'battery'powered'electric'motors.'

The'DJI'Phantom'3 that'will'be'operated'by'Kevin'Brice will'be'registered'in'accordance'with'

49'U.S.C.'44103,'Registration+of+Aircraft,'as'well'as'14'C.F.R'Part'47,'Aircraft+Registration,'and'

marked'in'accordance'with'14'C.F.R.'Part'45,'Identification+and+Registration+Marking.
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Basis for Petition

Petitioner,'Kevin'Brice,'pursuant'to'the'provisions'of'the'Federal'Aviation'Regulations'(14'

C.F.R.' §'11.61)'and' the'FAA'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'3,'UAS in'the'National'Airspace'System'(NAS),'and'for'

an' exemption' from' the' requirements' of' 14' C.F.R' §§' 61.113(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,'Kevin'Brice operation'of'DJI'Phantom'3 UAS 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.'

Accordingly,'Kevin'Brice 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.'

Kevin'Brice submits'that'the'requested'relief'is'proper'since'an'equivalent'level'of'safety'will'

be' ensured.' Kevin' Brice will' use' experienced' personnel' or' technicians' to' perform'

maintenance,' alterations,' or' preventive' maintenance' on' the' UAS' using' the' methods,'

techniques,'and'practices'prescribed'in'the'operating'documents'(i.e.,'Monthly'Maintenance'

Log,'and'DJI'Phantom'3 Instruction'Manual).'Furthermore,'Kevin'Brice will'document'and'

maintain'all'maintenance'records'for'the'DJI'Phantom'3 UAS.'

Relief'from'certain'requirements'of'Section'61.113(a)'and'(b),'entitled'Private+pilot+privileges+

and+limitations:+ Pilot+in+ command,'is' requested' by'Kevin'Brice 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'flightY hour'

and'currency'requirements,'that'the'PIC'is'able'to'safely'operate'the'DJI'Phantom'UAS'in'a'

manner'consistent'with' this'exemption,'including'evasive'and'emergency'maneuvers'and'

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

Kevin'Brice seeks'relief'from'Section'91.7(a),'entitled'Civil+aircraft+airworthiness,'because'the'

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

Part'21,'Subpart'H.'As'such,'Kevin'Brice submits'that'they will'ensure'that'the'DJI'Phantom'

3 UAS is in'an'airworthy'condition,'prior'to'every'flight,'by'determining'that'the'UAS are'in'

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

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

Kevin' Brice also' seeks' an' exemption' from' the' requirements' of' Section' 91.121,' entitled'

Altimeter+Settings,'as' the'DJI'Phantom'3 UAS will'not'have'a' typical' barometric'altimeter'

onboard.'However,'altitude'information'of'the'DJI'Phantom'3'UAS will'be'provided'to'the'PIC'

via'Global'Positioning'System'(GPS)'equipment'and'radio'communications'telemetry'data'
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link,'which'downlinks'from'the'UA'to'the'GCS'for'active'monitoring'of'the'flight'path.'This'

altitude'information,'combined'with'Kevin'Brice’s'operation'of'the'DJI'Phantom'3'UAS'within'

visual'line'of'sight,'at'or'below'400'feet'AGL,'will'ensure'a'level'of'safety'equivalent'to'Section'

91.121.'

Additionally,'Kevin'Brice seeks'an'exemption'from'the'requirements'of'Section'91.151(b),'

entitled'Fuel+requirements+for+flight+in+VFR+conditions.'Kevin'Brice submits'that'safety'will'

not' be' affected' by' operation' of' the' 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'23 minutes.''Battery'power indicators'are'also'

able'to'show'exactly'how'much'battery'power'is'left,'as'well'as'how'much'time'is'needed'to'

return'safely'back'to'point'of'take'off.
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Support of Petition

In'accordance'with'14'C.F.R.'§'11.81,'Kevin'Brice provides'the'following'information'in'

support'of'its'petition'for'exemption:

Name & Address of the Petitioner. 

Kevin'Brice

Owner

Red'Sky'UAV'|'Aerial'Imagery

2111'Escenico'Terrace

Carlsbad,'CA'92009

(760)'710Y1718

info@redskyuav.com

Specific Section Exemptions Requests 

1.!Kevin!Brice Seeks!Exemption!from The!Requirements!of Section!61.113(a)!And!

(b).!

Section' 61.113,' 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' may,' 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.!Kevin!Brice 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. Kevin!Brice Seeks!Exemption!from The!Requirements!of Section!91.121.!

Section'91.121,'entitled'Altimeter'settings,'subsection'(a),'states'the'following,'in'part:'
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(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'operatingYY

(1)'Below'18,000'feet'MSL,'toYY

(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. Kevin!Brice 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. Kevin!Brice 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.!Kevin!Brice 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'unlessYY

(1)'It'has'been'approved'for'return'to'service'by'a'person'authorized'under'§'

43.7'of'this'chapter[.]'
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7.!Kevin!Brice 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'YY

(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'chapter.'

8.!Kevin!Brice 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' §§'91.411'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'100Yhour,'annual,'progressive,'and'other'required'or'approved'

inspections,'as'appropriate,'for'each'aircraft'(including'the'airframe)'and'each'

engine,' propeller,' rotor,' and' appliance' of' an' aircraft.' The' records' must'

includeYY

(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'propeller,'and'

each'rotor.'

(ii)' The' current' status' of' lifeYlimited' parts' of' each' airframe,' engine,'

propeller,'rotor,'and'appliance.'
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(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'compliance,'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.'

Record Keeping

The' owner' or' operator' shall' retain' the' following' records' for' the' periods'

prescribed:'

1. The'records'specified'in'the'above 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'the'above 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'§'43.11'

of'this'chapter'shall'be'retained'until'the'defects'are'repaired'and'the'aircraft'

is'approved'for'return'to'service.'

Extent of Relief

1.!Extent!of Relief!Kevin!Brice Seeks!and The!Reason!Kevin!Brice Seeks!Relief!from

Section!61.113(a)!And!(b).!

Relief'from'Section'61.113(a)'and'(b)'entitled'Private+pilot+privileges+and+limitations:+Pilot+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'
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certain' flightYhour' 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'61.113(a)'and'(b)'state'that'

a'private'pilot'may,'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.'

As'set'forth'more'fully'below,'Kevin'Brice submits'that'an'equivalent'level'of'safety'will'be'

maintained'because'no'PIC'will'be'allowed'to'operate'the'DJI'Phantom'3 UAS'unless'that'PIC'

has'met'certain'flightYhour'and'currency'requirements,'demonstrating'that'the'PIC'is'able'to'

safely' operate' either' the'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.

Further,'Kevin'Brice submits'that'all'flights'of'the'DJI'Phantom'3 UAS,'conducted'by'the'PIC'

pursuant'to'the'grant'of'this'Petition:'(1)'will'be'incidental'to'Kevin'Brice’s'business;'and'(2)'

will'not'carry'passengers'or'property'for'compensation'or'hire.'

2.!Extent!of Relief!Kevin!Brice Seeks!and The!Reason!Kevin!Brice 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'Kevin'Brice to' determine' that' the'DJI'Phantom' 3'UAS are'in'airworthy'

condition'prior'to'every'flight'by'ensuring'that'the'UAS'is'in'compliance'with'the'operating'

documents'(i.e.,'the'Red'Sky'UAV Aerial'Operations'Manual,'Monthly'Maintenance'Log,'and'

DJI'Phantom'3 Instruction'Manual).'

Kevin'Brice seeks' the' requested' relief' because' the'DJI'Phantom' 3'UAS do' not' require'an'

airworthiness'certificate'in'accordance'with'14'C.F.R.'Part'21,'Subpart'H.'Therefore,'Kevin'

Brice will' ensure' that' the'DJI' Phantom' 3' UAS are'in' airworthy' condition' based' upon'its'

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

3)'prior'to'every'flight,'and'further,'determine'that'the'aircraft'are'in'condition'for'safe'flight,'

as'stated'in'the'conditions'and'limitations'below.

3.!Extent!of Relief!Kevin!Brice Seeks!and The!Reason!Kevin!Brice 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' 3 UAS,' which' utilize' a' barometric' pressure' sensor,' 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' FAA'

requires'that'any'altitude'information'concerning'UAS'operations'be'reported'to'air'traffic'
13

control' (ATC)' in' feet' above' ground' level' (AGL),' Kevin' Brice seeks' the' requested' relief'

because'the'DJI'Phantom'3'UA’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'below.'As'more'fully'set'forth'herein,'an'equivalent'level'of'safety'will'be'maintained'

since' the' 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'headsYup'display'of'the'GCS.'

4.!Extent!of Relief!Kevin!Brice Seeks!and The!Reason!Kevin!Brice 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'3'UAS

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

(VFR),' for' a' total' duration' of'23 minutes. Kevin' Brice seeks' the' requested' relief' because'

without' an' exemption' from' Section' 91.151(b),' the' flight' time' duration' of' the' battery'

powered'DJI'Phantom'3'UAS will'severely'constrain'the'practicality'of'any'aerial'video'or'

still'photo'flight'operations'that'Kevin'Brice proposes'to'conduct'pursuant'to'this'Petition.'

Significantly,'as'set'forth'below,'the'technical'specifications'of'the'DJI'Phantom'3'UAS,'the'

DJI' Phantom' 3' operating' documents,' and' Kevin' Brice’s' proposed' operating' limitations,'

ensure'that'Kevin'Brice will'safely'operate'the'battery'powered'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'23 minutes.

5.!Extent!of Relief!Kevin!Brice Seeks!and The!Reason!Kevin!Brice 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,'Kevin' Brice requests' relief' from' these'

Sections'because' the'DJI'Phantom'3'UAS do'not' require'airworthiness'certificates.'As'set'

forth'more'fully'below,'the'DJI'Phantom'3'UAS meet'the'conditions'of'FMRA'Section'333'for'

operation' without' an' airworthiness' certificate.' Accordingly,'Kevin' Brice will' use' trained'

technicians' to' perform' maintenance,' alterations,' or' preventive' maintenance' on' the' UAS

using' the'methods,' techniques,'and'practices'prescribed'in' the'UAS'operating'documents'

(i.e.,'the'Kevin'Brice Aerial'Operations'Manual,'Monthly'Maintenance'Log,'and'DJI'Phantom'

3' Instruction' Manual).' Furthermore,' Kevin' Brice will' document' and' maintain' all'

maintenance'records'for'the'DJI'Phantom'3'UAS.'
14
15

Public Interest

Granting' the' present' Petition' will' further' the' public' interest' by' allowing'Kevin' Brice to'

safely,'efficiently,'and'economically'perform'aerial'video'and'photography'of'construction'

sites,'real'estate,'events'and'civic'landscape'over'certain'areas'of'the'United'States.'

Additionally,' use' of' the'DJI' Phantom' 3' UAS will' decrease' congestion' of' the' NAS,' reduce'

pollution,' and' provide' significant' benefits' to' the' economy.'Notably,' the' benefits' of'Kevin'

Brice’s'proposed'operation'of'the'DJI'Phantom'3'UAS will'be'realized'without'implicating'

any'privacy'issues.'

1.!The!Public!Will!Benefit!from Decreased!Congestion!of The!NAS.!

The'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'imagery.'By'reducing'

the'amount'of'manned'aircraft'needed'to'perform'aerial'acquisitions,'an'exemption'allowing'

the'use'of'a'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'

3'UAS do'not'require'an'airport'to'takeoff'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,'takeoff,'departure,'arrival,'and'landing'

phases'of'flight'operations.

2.!The!Public!Will!Benefit!from The!Safety!and Efficiency!of The!DJI!Phantom!3!UAS.!

Conducting'aerial'acquisitions'with'the'DJI'Phantom'3'UAS,'instead'of'manned'aircraft,'will'

greatly' benefit' the' public' by' drastically' reducing' the' levels' of' air' and' noise' pollution'

generated'during'traditional'aerial'video'and'still'photography' flight'operations.'By'using'

battery'power'and'electric'motors,'the'DJI'Phantom'3'UAS produce'no'air'pollution,'and'is'

the' most' viable' environmentally' conscious' alternative' to' the' cabin' class,' sixYcylinder

internal' combustion' engine' aircraft' that' are' typically' utilized' for' aerial' video' and'

photography,'while'burning'approximately'20Y30'gallons'per'hour'of'leaded'aviation'fuel.'

The'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.'
16

By'using'the'DJI'Phantom'3'UAS 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' 3' UAS

(weighing' approximately' 2.8 pounds at' their' maximum' gross' weight with' diagonal'

dimension'of'23.2'inches,'and'with'no'fuel'on'board),'has'less'physical'potential'for'collateral'

damage'to'life'and'property'on'the'ground,'and'in'the'air,'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!Video!and!Photography!Operations!with The!DJI!Phantom!3!UAS

Will!Benefit!the Economy.!

In' addition' to' being' safe' and' efficient,' the' DJI' Phantom' 3' UAS are' also' an' economical'

alternative'to'using'manned'aircraft'to'conduct'similar'aerial'operations.'As'such,'operation'

of' the'DJI' Phantom' 3' UAS will' allow' United' States' based' companies,'like'Kevin' Brice,' to'

remain'competitive'and'contribute'to'growth'of'the'U.S.'economy.'Specifically,'with'the'rising'

cost'of'aviation' fuel'and' the'Environmental'Protection'Agency' (“EPA”)'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'3'UAS 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'3'UAS,'companies'such'as'Kevin'Brice,'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.' economy.' Improved' financial'

performance'of'U.S.'companies,'through'commercial'use'of'the'DJI'Phantom'3'UAS,'provides'

a'stable'workforce'that'increases'consumer'spending;'improves local,'state,'and'federal'tax'

revenues;'and'allows'companies'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,'Kevin'Brice’s'proposed'operation'of'the'DJI'Phantom'3'UAS will'not'implicate'any'

privacy'issues.'Specifically,'the'DJI'Phantom'3'UAS will'be'operated'only'in'compliance'with'

operating'documents'(i.e.,'the'Red'Sky'UAV Aerial'Operations'Manual,'Monthly'Maintenance'

Log,'and'DJI'Phantom'3'Instruction'Manual)'which'requires'property'owner'involvement'as'

well' as' local' law' enforcement' notification,' and' in' accordance' with' the' Federal' Aviation'

Regulations,'including'the'minimum'altitude'requirements'of'14'C.F.R.'§'91.119.'
17

Safety Consideration

1.!Reasons!Why!The!DJI!Phantom!3!UAS Meet!the Conditions!of The!FAA!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,'Kevin'Brice’s'operation'of'the'DJI'Phantom'3'UAS 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'security.'Specifically,'FMRA'Section'

333'states'the'following,'in'part:'

(a)+ In+General.+MMNotwithstanding+ any+ other+ requirement+ of+ this+ subtitle,+ and+ not+

later+ than+ 180+ days+ after+ the+ date+ of+ enactment+ of+ this+ Act,+ the+ Secretary+ of+

Transportation+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.+MMIn+making+the+determination+under+

subsection+(a),+the+Secretary+shall+determine,+at+a+minimumMM

(1)+which+types+of+unmanned+aircraft+systems,+if+any,+as+a+result+of+their+size,+

weight,+ speed,+ operational+capability,+ 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+ waiver,+ 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.+MMIf+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,'Kevin'Brice submits'that'the'DJI'Phantom'3'UAS can'operate'safely'

in'the'NAS'pursuant'to'FMRA'Section'333,'as'demonstrated'by:'(a)'the'characteristics'of'the'

DJI'Phantom'3'UAS;' (b)' the'pilot'certification' requirement;'and' (c)' the'specific'operating'

limitations.'
18

a.!The!Specifications!of The!DJI!Phantom!3!UAS Demonstrate!Its!Safe!Characteristics.

The' DJI' Phantom' 3' UAS does 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'capability.'

i.!Technical!Specifications!of The!DJI!Phantom!3!UAS.!

The'technical'specifications'of'the'DJI'Phantom'3'UAS are'set'forth'by'the'DJI'Phantom'3'User'

Manual,'attached'hereto'as'Appendix'A.'

ii.!The!DJI!Phantom!3!UAS Global!Positioning!Modes Enable!The!UAS to Remain!

Within!a Defined!Operational!Area.!

The'DJI'Phantom'3'UAS may'be'operated'in'both'manual'and'global'positioning'flight'modes.'

A' complete' description' of' the' flight'and' navigational'modes' of' the'DJI' Phantom' 3'UAS is'

provided'at'pages'11'of'the'DJI'Phantom'3 User'Manual attached'hereto'as'Appendix'A.'

iii.!The!DJI!Phantom!3!UAS Are!Designed!for Automatic!Return!to Home!Point!

or Hover!in The!Event!of Loss!of the Control!Link!or Navigation.!

When'the'Control'Link'is'lost,'the'DJI'Phantom'3'UAS will'remain'stationary,'in'flight,'for'3'

seconds'or'more.'If,'after'3'seconds,'the'DJI'Phantom'3'UAS does not'reacquire'control link'

data'from'the'GCS,'the'UAS will'assume'that'the'Control'Link'is'lost'and'the will'return'to'the'

home' position' (i.e.,' failsafe' mode)' via' GPS,' and' will' descend' to' the' takeoff' position' and'

shutdown.'

A'complete'description'of'the'Failsafe'Functions'of'the'DJI'Phantom'3 UAS'are'set'forth'at'

pages'12 through'14 of'the'DJI'Phantom'3'User'Manual,'attached'hereto'as'Appendix'A.'

iv.!The!DJI!Phantom!3!GCS!and Its!Operation.

A'complete'description'of' the'operation'and'specifications'of' the'DJI'Phantom'3'GCS'and'

flight'control'software'is'provided'at'pages'23 through'29'of'the'DJI'Phantom'3 User'Manual.'''

DJI'Phantom'3'User'Manual is attached'hereto'as'Appendix'A.'

b.!Flight!Operations!of DJI!Phantom!3!UAS Is Limited!to The!Line!of Sight!of a

Certificated!Pilot!in!Command!with A!Safety!Observer.!

Kevin'Brice’s video'production'staff'will'be'the'only'persons to'act'as'a'pilot'in'command'

(PIC)'of'the'DJI'Phantom'3'UAS.'Additionally,'a'safety'observer'will'assist'him'at'all'times'

during'flight'time.'

c.!Flights!of DJI!Phantom!3!UAS Will!Be!Conducted!Pursuant!to Specific!Operating!

Limitations.!

In'seeking'this'exemption,'Kevin'Brice proposes'to'commercially'operate'DJI'Phantom'3'

UAS for'the'special'purpose'of'conducting'aerial'video'and'photography'over'certain'areas'

of'United'States,'pursuant'to'the'following'specific'operating'limitations.
19

1.'Operations'authorized'by'this'grant'of'exemption'will'be'limited'to'the'following'

aircraft'described'in'the'operating'documents,'rotorcraft'UAS weighing'less'than'

55' pounds'maximum'gross'weight:'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'exemption'will'be'limited'to'conducting'operations'

for'the'purpose'of'aerial'video'and'photography.'

'''''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'400'feet'above'ground'

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

unless'a'special'request'is'made'and'approved'by'ATC.'All'altitudes'reported' to'

ATC'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'FAAYissued'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'VLOS'capability.'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'

outlined' in' its' operating' documents.' The' operator' may' update' or' revise' its'

operating'documents.'It'is'the'operator’s'responsibility'to'track'such'revisions'and'

present'updated'and'revised'documents'to'the'Administrator'upon'request.'The'
20

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' affect' the' basis' upon' which' the' FAA' granted' the'

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

exemption.' The' FAA’s' UAS' Integration' Office' (AFSY80)' 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'affects'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.

11.'Any'UAS'that'has'undergone'maintenance'or'alterations that'affect'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' preYflight' 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' manufacturer’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'UAS 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'

thirdY class'medical'certificate.'

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

operator’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'
21

appropriate' distances' from' persons,' vessels,' 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'operator’s'PICs'are'permitted'

under' the' terms' of' the' exemption.' However,' training' operations' may' only' be'

conducted' during' dedicated' training' sessions.'During' training,' proficiency,'and'

experienceYbuilding' flights,' all' persons' not' essential' for' flight' operations' are'

considered'nonparticipants,'and' the'PIC'must'operate' the'UA'with'appropriate'

distance'from'nonparticipants'in'accordance'with'14'C.F.R.'§'91.119.'

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'FAA'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' FAAYpublished' 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.'

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'preY

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'Traffic'Organization'(ATO)'issued'Certificate'

of'Waiver'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'(NOTAM)'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'ATO'issued'COA'including'class'of'airspace,'altitude'

level'and'potential'transponder'requirements.'
22

26.'All'aircraft operated'in'accordance'with'the'exemption'must'be'identified'by'

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

identification'(NY 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' 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'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'that'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'§'91.119(a).'

32.'All'operations'shall'be'conducted'over'private'or'controlledYaccess'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'
23

be' reported' to' the' FAA's' UAS' Integration' Office' (AFSY80)' within' 24' hours.'

Accidents'must'be'reported'to'the'National'Transportation'Safety'Board'(NTSB)'

per'instructions'contained'on'the'NTSB'Web'site:'www.ntsb.gov.'

2.!Reasons!Why!an Exemption!from The!Requirements!of Section!61.113(a)!And!(b)!

Would!Not!Adversely!Affect!Safety.

Kevin'Brice submits'that'the'equivalent'level'of'safety'established'by'Section'61.113(a)'and'

(b)'will'be'maintained'because'no'PIC'will'be'allowed' to'operate' the'DJI'Phantom'3'UAS

unless' that' PIC' has' demonstrated,' by' meeting' minimum' flightYhour' and' currency'

requirements,' that' the' PIC'is' able' to' safely' operate' the' 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'Kevin' Brice’s' proposed' area' of' operations,' and' the' operating' limitations' set'

forthYabove;' the' parallel' nature' of' private' pilot' aeronautical' knowledge' requirements' to'

those' of' commercial' pilot' requirements' (See'Exemption'No.' 11062);' and' the' airmanship'

skills' necessary' to' safely' operate the' DJI' Phantom' 3 UAS,' Kevin' Brice submits' that' the'

additional'manned' airmanship' experience' of' a' commercially' certificated' pilot' would' not'

correlate' to' the' airmanship' skills' necessary' for' Kevin' Brice’s' specific' proposed' flight'

operations.'

The' FAA' has' previously'granted' relief' from'Section' 61.113(a)'and' (b)' specific' to'UAS,'in'

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

Nos.' 11062,' 11063,' 11064,' 11065,' 11066,' 11067,' 11080,' 11109,' 11110,' 11112,' 11136,'

11138,'11150,'11153,'11156,'11158,'11159,'11160,'11161).'

Kevin'Brice will'not'allow'any'PIC' to' operate' the'DJI'Phantom'3 UAS'unless' that'PIC'has'

demonstrated,' by'meeting'minimum' flightYhour' requirements' or' the'DJI' Phantom'3 UAS'

training'and'currency'requirements,'that'the'PIC'is'able'to'safely'operate'the'DJI'Phantom'3

UAS' in' a' manner' consistent' with' this' exemption,' including' evasive' and' emergency'

maneuvers' and' maintaining' appropriate' distances' from' people,' vessels,' vehicles' and'

structures.'

Specifically,'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'takeoffs'and'landings'in'the'preceding'90'days'(for'currency'purposes).'

As'in'Exemption'Nos.'11062,'11138,'and'11153,'prior'documented'flight'experience'that'was'

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

during' Kevin' Brice’s' proposed' operations.' The' Administrator' has' held' that' prior'
24

documented'flight'experience'that'was'obtained'in'compliance'with'applicable'regulations'

would'ensure'safe'operations,'stating'as'follows:'

In'Exemption'No.'11062,'the'FAA'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'multiYrotor'UAS.'Prior'to'operations'under'Exemption'No.'11062,'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' FAA' considers' these'minimum' hour' requirements' to' be'inclusive'

rather' than'additive;'i.e.' 5' hours'make'and'model' time'may' be'included'in' the' 10'

hours'of'multiYrotor'time'and'the'10'hours'may'be'included'in'the'total'25'hours'of'

UAS'rotorcraft'time.'In'addition'to'the'hour'requirements,'the'PIC'must'accomplish'3'

takeoffs'and'landings'in'the'preceding'90'days'(for'currency'purposes).'The'FAA'finds'

that' at' a' minimum,' the' flightYhour' requirements' in' Exemption' No.' 11062' are'

appropriate'to'practice'and'build'proficiency'in'the'skills'necessary'to'safely'conduct'

the'petitioner’s'proposed'operations.'The'FAA'also'finds'that'prior'documented'flight'

experience'that'was'obtained'in'compliance'with'applicable'regulations'would'satisfy'

this'requirement.'Training,'proficiency,'and'experienceYbuilding' flights'can'also'be'

conducted' under' the' grant' of' exemption' to' accomplish' the' required' flight' time.'

During' training,' proficiency,' and' experienceYbuilding' flights' the' PIC'is' required' to'

operate'the'UA'with'appropriate'distances'in'accordance'with'14'C.F.R'91.119.'

Exemption'No.'11138'at'page'15.'

Accordingly,'Kevin'Brice will'ensure'safe'operations'by'not'allowing'any'PIC'to'operate'the'

DJI'Phantom'3 UAS'unless'that'PIC'has'demonstrated,'by'meeting'minimum'flightYhour'and'

currency' requirements,' that' the'PIC'is'able' to' safely' operate' the'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)!Would!Not!

Adversely!Affect!Safety.!

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

to' every' flight,' Kevin' Brice will' ensure' that' the' DJI' Phantom' 3 UAS' is' in' an' airworthy'

condition'based'upon'the'UAS’s'compliance'with'its'operating'documents'and'as'stated'in'

the'conditions'and'limitations'herein.'

Additionally,'the'FAA'has'previously'granted'relief'from'Section'91.7(a)'specific'to'UAS,'in'

circumstances' similar,'in'all'material' respects,' to' those' presented' herein' (e.g.' Exemption'
25

Nos.' 11062,' 11063,' 11064,' 11065,' 11066,' 11067,' 11080,' 11109,' 11110,' 11112,' 11136,'

11138,'11150,'11153,'11156,'11157,'11158,'11159,'11160,'11161).'

4.!Reasons!Why!an Exemption!from The!Requirements!of Section!91.121!Would!Not!

Adversely!Affect!Safety.

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

altitude'information'of'the'DJI'Phantom'3'UAS will'be'provided'to'the'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'

Kevin'Brice’s'operation'of'the'DJI'Phantom'3'UAS within'visual'line'of'sight,'at'or'below'500'

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'UAS at'ground'level.'

The'FAA'has'previously'granted'relief'from'Section'91.121'specific'to'UAS,'in'circumstances'

similar,' in' all' material' respects,' to' those' presented' herein' (e.g.' Exemption' Nos.' 11062,'

11063,'11064,'11065,'11066,'11067,'11080,'11109,'11112,'11136,'11138,'11150,'11153,'

11156,'11157,'11158,'11159,'11160,'11161).'

5.!Reasons!Why!an Exemption from The!Requirements!of Section!91.151(b)!Would!Not!

Adversely!Affect!Safety.

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'3'UAS;'(2)'

the'limitations'on'the'proposed'flight'operations;'and'(3)'the'location'of'the'proposed'flight'

operations.' Accordingly,' Kevin' Brice will' ensure' that' it' will' safely' operate' the' battery'

powered'DJI'Phantom'3'UAS during'daylight'hours'in'VFR'conditions,'with'enough'battery'

power'to'fly'for'a'total'duration'of'23 minutes.'

Here,'as'in'Exemption'No.'11109,'the'technical'specifications'of'the'DJI'Phantom'3'UAS;'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'3'UAS 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' power,' and' again' at'

approximately' 10%' remaining' battery' power.' At' the' critically' low battery' level,' the' DJI'

Phantom 3'UAS'will'descend'and'land'automatically.'

Significantly,'previous'exemptions'granted'by'the'FAA'concerning'Section'91.151'establish'

that' safety' is' not' adversely' affected' 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,'
26

5745,' and' 10650.' Moreover,' the' FAA' has' previously' granted' relief' from' Section' 91.151'

specific'to'UAS,'in'circumstances'similar,'in'all'material'respects,'to'those'presented'herein'

(e.g.' Exemption' Nos.' 8811,' 10808,' 10673,' 11042,' 11062,' 11063,' 11064,' 11065,' 11066,'

11067,'11080,'11109,'11110,'11136,'11138,'11150,'11153,'11156,'11157,'11158,'11159,'

11160,'11161).'

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)! Would! Not!

Adversely!Affect!Safety.!

In'seeking'this'exemption,'Kevin'Brice 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'

Kevin'Brice will'use'trained'technicians'to'perform'maintenance,'alterations,'or'preventive'

maintenance' on' the'UAS using' the' methods,' techniques,' and' practices' prescribed' in' the'

operating'documents'(i.e.,'the'Red'Sky'UAV Aerial'Operations'Manual,'Monthly'Maintenance'

Log,'and'DJI'Phantom'3'Instruction'Manual).'Furthermore,'Kevin'Brice will'document'and'

maintain'all'maintenance'records'for'the'DJI'Phantom'3'UAS.'

Since'the'DJI'Phantom'3'UAS will'be'inspected'as'prescribed'by'the'operating'documents,'

Kevin'Brice 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' 3'User' Manuals are' attached'

hereto'as'Appendix'A'and'B;'a'copy'of'the'DJI'Phantom'3'UAS'Maintenance'LOG'is'attached'

hereto'as'Appendix'C.'

Likewise,'the'exemption'sought'will'not'adversely'affect'safety'because'Kevin'Brice 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'Sections'91.407,'91.417(a)'and'91.417(b),'because'all'maintenance'of'the'DJI'Phantom'3'

UAS will' be' performed' by' trained' technicians.' Maintenance' will' be' documented' and'

maintained'utilizing'the'monthly'maintenance'log.'

Significantly,' previous' exemptions' granted' by' the' FAA' 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'affected'when'the'technical'characteristics'and'operating'limitations'of'the'UAS'

are'considered.'

In'consideration'of'Kevin'Brice’s'proposed'operating'limitations,'the'operating'documents,'

and'the'technical'aspects'of'the'DJI'Phantom'3'UAS,'Kevin'Brice submits'that'safety'will'not'

be'adversely'affected'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' FAA' has' previously' granted' relief'

specific'to'UAS'in'circumstances'similar,'in'all'material'respects,'to'those'presented'herein'
27

(e.g.' Exemption' Nos.' 11062,' 11063,' 11064,' 11065,' 11066,' 11067,' 11080,' 11109,' 11110,'

11112,'11136,'11138,'11150,'11153,'11156,'11157,'11158,'11159,'11160,'11161).'

7.!The!FAA!May!Prescribe!Any!Other!Conditions!for Safe!Operation.!

In'accordance'with'Section'333'of'the'FAA'Modernization'and'Reform'Act'of'2012'(FMRA)'

and'14'C.F.R.'§'21.16'entitled'Special'Conditions,'Kevin'Brice requests'that'the'FAA'prescribe'

special'conditions'for'the'intended'operation'of'the'DJI'Phantom'3'UAS,'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'§§'61.113(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' further,' provides' the' authority' for' such' UAS' to' operate'

without' airworthiness' certification' 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'3'UAS,'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'FAA'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'

propeller,'he'prescribes'special'conditions'and'amendments'thereto'for'the'product.'

The' special' conditions' are' issued' in' accordance' with' Part' 11' of this' chapter' and'

contain'such'safety'standards'for'the'aircraft,'aircraft'engine'or'propeller'as'the'FAA'

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' FAA' may'

prescribe'special'conditions'for'Leading'Edge’s'intended'operation'of'the'DJI'Phantom'3'UAS,'

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'61.113(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!Register,!stating:!The!

Rules!from Which!Kevin!Brice Seeks!Exemption:!
28

Kevin+Brice seeks+exemption+from+the+requirements+of+14+C.F.R+Sections+61.113(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!Kevin!Brice Seeks:!

This+exemption+will+permit+Kevin+Brice 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,!Views,!Or!Arguments!Available!to Support!

Kevin!Brice’s Request.!

This'Petition'is'made'pursuant'to'the'FAA'Modernization'and'Reform'Act'of'2012'

(FMRA)'Section'333,'which'directs'the'Secretary'of'Transportation'to'determine'if'certain'

UAS'may' operate' safely'in' the'NAS.'As' such,'Kevin'Brice’s' request' for'exemption'may'be'

granted'pursuant'to'the'authority'of'FMRA'Section'333'and'14'C.F.R.'Part'11,'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'

further,'provides'the'authority'for'such'UAS'to'operate'without'airworthiness'certification.'

As'discussed'in'detail'above,'Kevin'Brice will'operate'the'DJI'Phantom'3'UAS safely'in'the'

NAS,'without'creating'a'hazard'to'users'of'the'NAS,'or'the'public,'or'otherwise'pose'a'threat'

to'national'security.'
29

CONCLUSION

As'set'forth'herein,'Kevin'Brice seeks'an'exemption'pursuant'to'14'C.F.R.'§'11.61'and'Section'

333' of' the' FAA' Modernization' and' Reform' Act' of' 2012' (FMRA),' which' will' permit' safe'

operation'of'the'DJI'Phantom'3'UAS commercially,'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' FAA' Administrator' will' be' fulfilling' the'

Congressional' mandate' of' the' FAA' Modernization' and' Reform' Act' of' 2012,' while' also'

advancing' the' interests' of' the' public,' by' allowing' Kevin' Brice to' safely,' efficiently,' and'

economically'operate'the'DJI'Phantom'3'UAS commercially'within'the'NAS.'

WHEREFORE,' in' accordance' with' the' Federal' Aviation' Regulations' and' the' FAA'

Modernization'and'Reform'Act'of'2012,'Section'333,'Kevin'Brice respectfully'requests'that'

the'Administrator'grant' this'Petition' for'an'exemption' from' the'requirements'of'14'C.F.R'

Sections'61.113(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'3'UAS

commercially'for'the'purpose'of'conducting'aerial'video'and'photography'over'certain'areas'

of'the'United'States.

Dated:'August'19,'2015

Respectfully'submitted,

Kevin'Brice

Owner

Red'Sky'UAV'|'Aerial'Imagery

2111'Escenico'Terrace

Carlsbad,'CA'92009

(760)'710Y1718

info@redskyuav.com
30

Appendices

1. Link'to'DJI'Phantom'3 Manual:

http://download.djiinnovations.com/downloads/phantom_3/en/Phantom_3_Professional_

User_Manual_v1.2_en.pdf