September 25, 2015

Exemption No. 12984

Regulatory Docket No. FAA−2015−2816

Mr. Robert E. Adams

Carolina Aerial Imaging

124 Moontide Court

Lexington, SC 29072

Dear Mr. Adams:

This letter is to inform you that we have granted your request for exemption. It transmits our 

decision, explains its basis, and gives you the conditions and limitations of the exemption, 

including the date it ends.

By letter dated June 8, 2015, you petitioned the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for an 

exemption. You requested to operate an unmanned aircraft system (UAS) to conduct aerial 

videography and photography.

See Appendix A for the petition submitted to the FAA describing the proposed operations and 

the regulations that the petitioner seeks an exemption.

The FAA has determined that good cause exists for not publishing a summary of the petition 

in the Federal Register because the requested exemption would not set a precedent, and any 

delay in acting on this petition would be detrimental to the petitioner.

Airworthiness Certification

The UAS proposed by the petitioner are the 3D Robotics Solo and the DJI Inspire.

The petitioner requested relief from 14 CFR part 21, Certification procedures for products 

and parts, Subpart H—Airworthiness Certificates. In accordance with the statutory criteria 

provided in Section 333 of Public Law 112−95 in reference to 49 U.S.C. § 44704, and in 

consideration of the size, weight, speed, and limited operating area associated with the 

aircraft and its operation, the Secretary of Transportation has determined that this aircraft 
2

meets the conditions of Section 333. Therefore, the FAA finds that the requested relief from 

14 CFR part 21, Certification procedures for products and parts, Subpart H—Airworthiness 

Certificates, and any associated noise certification and testing requirements of part 36, is 

not necessary.

The Basis for Our Decision

You have requested to use a UAS for aerial data collection1. The FAA has issued grants of 

exemption in circumstances similar in all material respects to those presented in your petition. 

In Grants of Exemption Nos. 11062 to Astraeus Aerial (see Docket No. FAA−2014−0352), 

11109 to Clayco, Inc. (see Docket No. FAA−2014−0507), 11112 to VDOS Global, LLC (see

Docket No. FAA−2014−0382), and 11213 to Aeryon Labs, Inc. (see Docket No. 

FAA−2014−0642), the FAA found that the enhanced safety achieved using an unmanned 

aircraft (UA) with the specifications described by the petitioner and carrying no passengers or 

crew, rather than a manned aircraft of significantly greater proportions, carrying crew in 

addition to flammable fuel, gives the FAA good cause to find that the UAS operation enabled 

by this exemption is in the public interest.

Having reviewed your reasons for requesting an exemption, I find that—

 They are similar in all material respects to relief previously requested in Grant of 

Exemption Nos. 11062, 11109, 11112, and 11213;

 The reasons stated by the FAA for granting Exemption Nos. 11062, 11109, 11112, and 

11213 also apply to the situation you present; and 

 A grant of exemption is in the public interest.

Our Decision

In consideration of the foregoing, I find that a grant of exemption is in the public interest. 

Therefore, pursuant to the authority contained in 49 U.S.C. 106(f), 40113, and 44701, 

delegated to me by the Administrator, Mr. Robert E. Adams is granted an exemption from 

14 CFR §§ 61.23(a) and (c), 61.101(e)(4) and (5), 61.113(a), 61.315(a), 91.7(a), 91.119(c), 

91.121, 91.151(a)(1), 91.405(a), 91.407(a)(1), 91.409(a)(1) and (2), and 91.417(a) and (b), to 

the extent necessary to allow the petitioner to operate a UAS to perform aerial data collection. 

This exemption is subject to the conditions and limitations listed below.

Conditions and Limitations

In this grant of exemption, Mr. Robert E. Adams is hereafter referred to as the operator.

 

1 Aerial data collection includes any remote sensing and measuring by an instrument(s) aboard the UA. 

Examples include imagery (photography, video, infrared, etc.), electronic measurement (precision surveying, RF 

analysis, etc.), chemical measurement (particulate measurement, etc.), or any other gathering of data by 

instruments aboard the UA.
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Failure to comply with any of the conditions and limitations of this grant of exemption will be 

grounds for the immediate suspension or rescission of this exemption.

1. Operations authorized by this grant of exemption are limited to the 3D Robotics Solo 

and the DJI Inspire when weighing less than 55 pounds including payload. Proposed 

operations of any other aircraft will require a new petition or a petition to amend this 

exemption.

2. Operations for the purpose of closed-set motion picture and television filming are 

not permitted. 

3. The UA may not be operated at a speed exceeding 87 knots (100 miles per hour). The 

exemption holder may use either groundspeed or calibrated airspeed to determine 

compliance with the 87 knot speed restriction. In no case will the UA be operated at 

airspeeds greater than the maximum UA operating airspeed recommended by the 

aircraft manufacturer.

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

(AGL). Altitude must be reported in feet AGL.

5. The UA 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 airman medical certificate or 

U.S. driver’s license.

6. All operations must utilize a visual observer (VO). The UA must be operated within 

the visual line of sight (VLOS) of the PIC and VO at all times. The VO may be used 

to satisfy the VLOS requirement as long as the PIC always maintains VLOS 

capability. The VO 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 VO can perform the duties 

required of the VO.

7. This exemption and all documents needed to operate the UAS and conduct its 

operations in accordance with the conditions and limitations stated in this grant of 

exemption, are hereinafter referred to as the operating documents. The operating 

documents must be accessible during UAS operations and made available to the 

Administrator upon request. If a discrepancy exists between the conditions and 

limitations in this exemption and the procedures outlined in the operating documents, 

the conditions and limitations herein 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 
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operator’s responsibility to track such revisions and present updated and revised 

documents to the Administrator or any law enforcement official upon request. The 

operator must also present updated and revised documents if it petitions for extension 

or amendment to this grant of exemption. If the operator determines that any update 

or revision would affect the basis upon which the FAA granted this exemption, then 

the operator must petition for an amendment to its grant of exemption. The FAA’s 

UAS Integration Office (AFS−80) may be contacted if questions arise regarding 

updates or revisions to the operating documents.

8. 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 prior to conducting further operations under this exemption. 

Functional test flights may only be conducted by a PIC with a VO and must remain at 

least 500 feet from other people. The functional test flight must be conducted in such 

a manner so as to not pose an undue hazard to persons and property.

9. The operator is responsible for maintaining and inspecting the UAS to ensure that it is 

in a condition for safe operation.

10. Prior to each flight, the PIC must conduct a pre-flight inspection and determine the 

UAS is in a condition for safe flight. The pre-flight inspection must account for all 

potential discrepancies, e.g., inoperable components, items, or equipment. 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.

11. The operator must follow the UAS manufacturer’s maintenance, overhaul, 

replacement, inspection, and life limit requirements for the aircraft and 

aircraft components.

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

safety bulletins.

13. Under this grant of exemption, a PIC must hold either an airline transport, 

commercial, private, recreational, or sport pilot certificate. The PIC must also hold a 

current FAA airman medical certificate or a valid U.S. driver’s license issued by a 

state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, a territory, a possession, or the Federal 

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

14 CFR § 61.56 in an aircraft in which the PIC is rated on his or her pilot certificate.

14. The operator may not permit any PIC to operate unless the PIC demonstrates the 

ability to safely operate the UAS in a manner consistent with how the UAS will be 

operated under this exemption, including evasive and emergency maneuvers and 

maintaining appropriate distances from persons, vessels, vehicles and structures. PIC 
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qualification flight hours and currency must be logged in a manner consistent with 

14 CFR § 61.51(b). Flights for the purposes of training the operator’s PICs and VOs 

(training, proficiency, and experience-building) and determining the PIC’s ability to 

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

under this exemption are permitted under the terms of this exemption. However, 

training operations may only be conducted during dedicated training sessions. During 

training, proficiency, and experience-building 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 CFR § 91.119.

15. UAS operations may not be conducted during night, as defined in 14 CFR § 1.1. All 

operations must be conducted under visual meteorological conditions (VMC). Flights 

under special visual flight rules (SVFR) are not authorized.

16. The UA may not operate within 5 nautical miles of an airport reference point (ARP) as 

denoted in the current FAA Airport/Facility Directory (AFD) or for airports not 

denoted with an ARP, the center of the airport symbol as denoted on the current 

FAA-published aeronautical chart, unless a letter of agreement with that airport’s 

management is obtained or otherwise permitted by a COA issued to the exemption 

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

to the Administrator or any law enforcement official upon request.

17. 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.

18. If the UAS loses communications or loses its GPS signal, the UA must return to a 

pre-determined location within the private or controlled-access property.

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

20. The PIC is prohibited from beginning a flight unless (considering wind and forecast 

weather conditions) there is enough available power for the UA to conduct the 

intended operation and to operate after that for at least five minutes or with the reserve 

power recommended by the manufacturer if greater.

21. Air Traffic Organization (ATO) Certificate of Waiver or Authorization (COA). All 

operations shall be conducted in accordance with an ATO-issued COA. The 

exemption holder may apply for a new or amended COA if it intends to conduct 

operations that cannot be conducted under the terms of the attached COA.

22. 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 practicable.
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23. Documents used by the operator to ensure the safe operation and flight of the UAS and 

any documents required under 14 CFR §§ 91.9 and 91.203 must be available to the 

PIC at the Ground Control Station of the UAS any time the aircraft is operating. 

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

official upon request.

24. The UA must remain clear and give way to all manned aviation operations and 

activities at all times. 

25. The UAS may not be operated by the PIC from any moving device or vehicle. 

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

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 in a manner ensuring the safety 

of nonparticipating persons; and

b. The owner/controller of any vessels, vehicles or structures has granted permission 

for operating closer to those objects 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.

The PIC, VO, operator trainees or essential persons are not considered 

nonparticipating persons under this exemption.

27. All operations shall be conducted over private or controlled-access property with 

permission from the property owner/controller or authorized representative. 

Permission from property owner/controller or authorized representative will be 

obtained for each flight to be conducted.

28. 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 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 Web site: www.ntsb.gov.

If this exemption permits operations for the purpose of closed-set motion picture and 

television filming and production, the following additional conditions and limitations apply.

29. The operator must have a motion picture and television operations manual (MPTOM) 

as documented in this grant of exemption.
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30. At least 3 days before aerial filming, the operator of the UAS affected by this 

exemption must submit a written Plan of Activities to the local Flight Standards 

District Office (FSDO) with jurisdiction over the area of proposed filming. The 3-day 

notification may be waived with the concurrence of the FSDO. The plan of activities 

must include at least the following:

a. Dates and times for all flights;

b. Name and phone number of the operator for the UAS aerial filming conducted 

under this grant of exemption;

c. Name and phone number of the person responsible for the on-scene operation of 

the UAS;

d. Make, model, and serial or N−Number of UAS to be used;

e. Name and certificate number of UAS PICs involved in the aerial filming;

f. A statement that the operator has obtained permission from property owners 

and/or local officials to conduct the filming production event; the list of those 

who gave permission must be made available to the inspector upon request;

g. Signature of exemption holder or representative; and

h. A description of the flight activity, including maps or diagrams of any area, city, 

town, county, and/or state over which filming will be conducted and the altitudes 

essential to accomplish the operation.

31. Flight operations may be conducted closer than 500 feet from participating persons 

consenting to be involved and necessary for the filming production, as specified in the 

exemption holder’s MPTOM.

Unless otherwise specified in this grant of exemption, the UAS, the UAS PIC, and the UAS 

operations must comply with all applicable parts of 14 CFR including, but not limited to, 

parts 45, 47, 61, and 91.

This exemption terminates on September 30, 2017, unless sooner superseded or rescinded.

Sincerely,

/s/

John S. Duncan

Director, Flight Standards Service

Enclosures
Robert	Adams	Section	333	Exemption	Petition Page	1

Robert E. Adams

Carolina Aerial Imaging

124 Moontide Court

Lexington, SC 29072

June 8th, 2015 

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 21 subpart H; 14 CFR 45.23(b); 14 CFR 61.113(a); 14 CFR 91.7(a); 14 

CFR 91.9(b)(2); 14 CFR 91.103;14 CFR 91.109; 14 CFR 91.119(c); 14 CFR 91.121; 14 CFR 91.151(a); 14 CFR 

91.203 (a) and (b); 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)

To whom it may concern: Pursuant to Section 333 of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 

and 14 CFR Part 11, Robert E. Adams, operator of small Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), hereby applies 

for an exemption from the listed Federal Aviation Regulations to allow commercial operation of a small 

UAS, so long as such operations are conducted within and under the conditions outlined herein or as my 

be established by the FAA as required by Section 333. 

Commercial operation small UAS, as described herein, which are equipped with cameras and sensors, 

would operate in the following manner: 

1. Aerial photography and/or video for public and/or private use including real estate, 

architecture, land surveying, engineering and other related professional activities.

2. Aerial video and/or photography for public and/or private use including television, public 

events, and cinematography. 

3. Aerial inspection/photography of residential/commercial structures under contract with the 

owners or local government authority. 

4. Aerial video/photography or providing live video feed to assist with search and rescue 

operations in cases of an emergency or natural disaster only when the local authorities or 

government has requested it by contract or donation.

5. Aerial video/photography for agriculture activities.

As described fully below, the requested exemption would permit the operation of small UAS under 

controlled conditions in the NAS that would be a) limited b) controlled c) predetermined and d) will 

provide safety enhancements to the already safe operations in the industry presently using conventional 

aircraft. Approval of this exemption would thereby enhance safety and fulfill the Secretary of 
Robert	Adams	Section	333	Exemption	Petition Page	2

Transportation’s (the FAA Administrator’s) responsibilities to “....establish requirements for the safe 

operation of such aircraft systems in the national airspace system.” 

The name, phone, email and address of the applicant: 

Name: Robert E. Adams

Phone: (864)993-7469

Email: reajr51@gmail.com

Address: 124 Moontide Ct, Lexington, SC 29072

USA Regulations from which the exemption is requested: 14 CFR Part 21 subpart H 14 CFR 45.23 (b) 14 

CFR 61.113(a) 14 CFR 91.7 (a) 14 CFR 91.9 (b) (2) 14 CFR 91.103 14 CFR 91.109 14 CFR 91.119(c) 14 CFR 

91.121 14 CFR 91.151 (a) 14 CFR 91.203 (a) & (b) 14 CFR 91.405 (a) 14 CFR 91.407 (a) (1) 14 CFR 91.409 

(a) (2) 14 CFR 91.417 (a) & (b) 

The small UAS’s I will be using are multi-rotor craft weighing no more than 55lbs. including payload. 

Under normal conditions they operate at speeds of no more than 100 Mph or 87 Knots and have the 

ability hover and move along a vertical and horizontal plane simultaneously. They will operate in line of 

sight only and by the exempted person only obeying all other local and federal laws. 

Given the small size of the small UAS and the controlled environment provided the proposed operations 

will adhere to the Reform Act’s safety requirements. The approval of this application presents no 

national security issues. Regarding the level of safety surrounding the proposed operations and the 

public benefit, reduction in environmental impacts, including but not limited to reduced emissions and 

noise, the grant of the requested exemption is in the public interest. Accordingly the applicant requests 

that the FAA grant the requested exemption with minimum delay. 

AIRCRAFT AND EQUIVALENT LEVEL OF SAFETY 

The operation limitations proposed for an equivalent or higher level of safety because operations will 

further enhance the safety of the persons and/or property using conventional aircraft. These limitations 

and conditions to which the applicant agrees to adhere to when conducting commercial operations 

under the FAA issued exemption as set forth in the Flight Operations Manual (FOM) include: 

1. The small UAS will weigh less than 55 lbs. 

2. Flights will be operated within line of sight of a pilot and/or observer.

3. Maximum flight time for each operational flight will be 30 minutes. Flights will be 

terminated at 25% battery power reserve

4. Flights will be operated at an altitude of no more than 400 feet Above Ground Level (AGL) 

and not more than 200 feet above an elevated platform from which filming is planned. 

5. Minimum crew for each operation will consist of the small UAS Pilot in Command (PIC), the 

Visual Observer (VO) when needed and may include but not limited to a Camera Operator.

6. The small UAS pilot will be Ryan R. Smith ONLY not allowing any other person to operate the 

small UAS in a commercial capacity. 
Robert	Adams	Section	333	Exemption	Petition Page	3

7. A briefing will be performed regarding the planned small UAS operations prior to each day’s 

flight consisting of all the days’ production activities. 

8. The PIC will obtain verbal/written consent of all persons involved with the planned 

operation and ensure that only consenting persons will be allowed within 100 feet of the 

flight operation, and the radius may be reduced to 30 feet based upon an equivalent level of 

safety determination, as required under the FOM. With the advanced permission or 

direction of the FSDO, operations at closer range may be approved. 

9. The PIC and VO will have been trained in operation of small UAS and receive up-to-date 

information for the particular small UAS to be operated and will be able to show upon 

request their competent ability to operate the small UAS and/or Camera. 

10. The PIC and VO will be able to communicate by voice, radio, and/or text at all times. 

11. Written and/or verbal permission and permits will be obtained from territorial, state, county 

or city jurisdictions, including law enforcement, fire or other appropriate governmental 

agencies when needed. 

12. If the small UAS loses communications or loses GPS signal, the small UAS will have the 

capability to return to a pre-determined location within a designated location and land 

autonomously.

13. The small UAS will have the capability to abort a flight in case of unpredicted obstacles, 

weather, or emergencies. 

14 C.F.R. Part 21, Subpart H: Airworthiness Certificates 14 C.F.R. §91.203 (a) (1) 

Subpart H, entitled Airworthiness Certificates, establishes the procedural requirements for the issuance 

of airworthiness certificates as required by FAR §91.203 (a) (1). Given the size and limited operating area 

associated with the aircraft to be utilized by the Applicant, an exemption from Part 21 Subpart H meets 

the requirements of an equivalent level of safety under Part 11 and Section 333 of the Reform Act. The 

Federal Aviation Act (49 U.S.C.§44701 (f)) and Section 333 of the Reform Act both authorize the FAA to 

exempt aircraft from the requirement for an airworthiness certificate, upon consideration of the size, 

weight, speed, operational capability, and proximity to airports and populated areas of the particular 

small UAS. In all cases, an analysis of these criteria demonstrates that the small UAS operated without 

an airworthiness certificate, in the restricted environment and under the conditions proposed will be at 

least as safe, or safer, than a conventional aircraft (fixed wing or rotorcraft) operating with an 

airworthiness certificate without the restrictions and conditions proposed. 

The small UAS to be operated hereunder is less than 55 lbs. fully loaded, carries neither a pilot nor 

passenger, carries no explosive materials or flammable liquid fuels, and operates exclusively within a 

secured and designated area. Unlike other civil aircraft, operations under this exemption will be tightly 

controlled and monitored by both the operator and under the requirements and in compliance with 

local public safety requirements. These safety enhancements provide a greater degree of safety to the 

public and property owners than conventional operations conducted with airworthiness certificates 

issued under 14 C.F.R. Part 21, Subpart H. Lastly, application of these same criteria demonstrates that 

there is no credible threat to national security posed by the small UAS, due to its size, speed of 
Robert	Adams	Section	333	Exemption	Petition Page	4

operation, location of operation, lack of explosive materials or flammable liquid fuels, and inability to 

carry a substantial external load. 

14 C.F.R. § 45.23 (b). Marking of the Aircraft 

The regulation requires: When marks include only the Roman capital letter "N" and the registration 

number is displayed on limited, restricted or light-sport category aircraft or experimental or 

provisionally certificated aircraft, the operator must also display on that aircraft near each entrance to 

the cabin, cockpit, or pilot station, in letters not less than 2 inches nor more than 6 inches high, the 

words "limited," "restricted," "light-sport," "experimental," or "provisional," as applicable. 

Even though the small UAS will have no airworthiness certificate, an exemption may be needed as the 

small UAS will have no entrance to the cabin, cockpit or pilot station on which the word “Experimental” 

can be placed. Given the size of the small UAS, two-inch lettering will be impossible. The word 

“Experimental” will be placed on the fuselage in compliance with §45.29 (f). The equivalent level of 

safety will be provided by having the small UAS marked on its fuselage as required by §45.29 (f) where 

the pilot, observer and others working with the small UAS will see the identification of the small UAS as 

“Experimental.” 

14 C.F.R. § 61.113(a): Private Pilot Privileges and Limitations: Pilot in Command. 

Pursuant to 14 CFR 61.113 (a), no person who holds a private pilot certificate may act as a pilot in 

command of an aircraft that is carrying passengers or property for compensation or hire. Our small UAS 

do not carry any pilots or passengers nor property therefore I am seeking an exemption to 14 CFR 

61.113(a). Although helpful, a pilot’s license will not ensure remote control piloting skills. The risks 

attendant to the operation of small UAS is far less than the risk levels inherent in the commercial 

activities outlined in 14 CFR 61. I feel the operation and limitations set forth in the FOM will equate to 

the safe operation of the small UAS. 

14 C.F.R. §91.7(a): Civil Aircraft Airworthiness. 

The regulation requires that no person may operate a civil aircraft unless it is in airworthy condition. As 

there will be no airworthiness certificate issued for the aircraft, should this exemption be granted, no 

FAA regulatory standard will exist for determining airworthiness. Given the size of the aircraft for 

maintenance and use of safety checklists prior to each flight an equivalent level of safety will be 

provided. 

14 C.F.R. § 91.9 (b) (2): Civil Aircraft Flight Manual in the Aircraft. 

Section 91.9 (b) (2) provides: No person may operate a U.S.-registered civil aircraft ... (2) For which an 

Airplane or Rotorcraft Flight Manual is not required by §21.5 of this chapter, unless there is available in 

the aircraft a current approved airplane or Rotorcraft Flight Manual, approved manual material, 
Robert	Adams	Section	333	Exemption	Petition Page	5

markings, and placards, or any combination thereof. The small UAS, given its size and configuration has 

no ability or place to carry such a flight manual on the aircraft, not only because there is no pilot on 

board, but because there is no room or capacity to carry such an item on the aircraft. The equivalent 

level of safety will be maintained by keeping the flight manual at the ground control point where the 

pilot flying the small UAS will have immediate access to it. 

14 C.F.R. § 91.103: Preflight Action. 

This regulation requires each pilot in command to take certain actions before flight to insure the safety 

of flight. As FAA approved rotorcraft flight manuals will not be provided for the aircraft an exemption 

will be needed. The OPERATOR will take all actions including reviewing weather, flight battery 

requirements, landing and takeoff distances and aircraft performance data before initiation of flight. 

14 C.F.R. §91.109: Flight Instruction.

Section 91.103 provides that no person may operate a civil aircraft (except a manned free balloon) that 

is being used for flight instruction unless that aircraft has fully functioning dual controls. Small UAS and 

remotely piloted aircraft, by their design do not have fully functional dual controls. Flight control is

accomplished through the use of a control box that communicates with the aircraft via radio 

communications. The FAA has approved exemptions for flight training without fully functional dual 

controls for a number of aircraft and for flight instruction in experimental aircraft. The equivalent level 

of safety provided by the fact that neither a pilot nor passengers will be carried in the aircraft and by the 

size and speed of the aircraft.

14 C.F.R. §91.119: Minimum Safe Altitudes. 

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

helicopters to be operated at less than the minimums prescribed, provided the person operating the 

helicopter complies with any route or altitudes prescribed for helicopters by the FAA. As this exemption 

is for a small UAS that is a helicopter and the exemption requests authority to operate at altitudes up to 

400 AGL, or not more than 200 above an elevated platform from which filming is planned, an exemption 

may be needed to allow such operations. As set forth herein, the small UAS will never operate at higher 

than 400 AGL with the exception that in circumstances where the small UAS is used to survey or 

photograph a structure whose height exceeds 400 feet AGL, the small UAS will not be operated more 

than 100' above the highest point on the structure. It will however be operated in a restricted area with 

security perimeter, where buildings and people will not be exposed to operations without their preobtained consent. The equivalent level of safety will be achieved given the size, weight, speed of the 

small UAS as well as the location where it is operated. No flight will be taken without the permission of 

the property owner or local officials. Because of the advance notice to the property owner and 

participants in the filming activity, all affected individuals will be aware of the planned flight operations. 

Compared to flight operations with aircraft or rotorcraft weighting far more than the maximum 55lbs. 

proposed herein and the lack of flammable fuel, any risk associated with these operations is far less than 
Robert	Adams	Section	333	Exemption	Petition Page	6

those presently presented with conventional aircraft operating at or below 500 AGL. In addition, the 

low-altitude operations of the small UAS will ensure separation between these small- UAS operations 

and the operations of conventional aircraft that must comply with Section 91.119. 

14 C.F.R. §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 small UAS 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, pursuant to the safety check list and live flight data monitoring, confirming the altitude of the 

launch site shown on the GPS altitude indicator before flight. 

14 C.F.R. § 91.151(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.” The battery powering the small UAS 

provides approximately 30 minutes of powered flight. To meet the 30 minute reserve requirement in 14 

CFR §91.151, small UAS flights would be limited to approximately 10 minutes in length. Given the 

limitations on the small UAS’s proposed flight area and the location of its proposed operations within a 

predetermined area, a longer time frame for flight in daylight or twilight VFR conditions is reasonable. 

Applicant believes that an exemption from 14 CFR §91.151(a) falls within the scope of prior exemptions. 

Operating the small UAS, in a tightly controlled area where only people and property owners or official 

representatives who have signed waivers will be allowed, with less than 30 minutes of reserve fuel, does 

not engender the type of risks that Section 91.151(a) was intended to alleviate given the size and speed 

of the small UAS. Additionally, limiting small UAS flights to 10 minutes would greatly reduce the utility 

for which the exemption will be granted. Applicant believes that an equivalent level of safety can be 

achieved by limiting flights to 30 minutes or 25% of battery power— whichever happens first. This 

restriction would be more than adequate to return the small UAS to its planned landing zone from 

anywhere in its limited operating area. 

14 C.F.R. §91.203 (a) and (b): Carrying Civil Aircraft Certification and Registration

The regulation provides in pertinent part: 

(a) Except as provided in § 91.715, no person may operate a civil aircraft unless it has 

within it the following: (1) An appropriate and current airworthiness certificate. . . . 

(b) No person may operate a civil aircraft unless the airworthiness certificate required by 

paragraph (a) of this section or a special flight authorization issued under §91.715 is 

displayed at the cabin or cockpit entrance so that it is legible to passengers or crew. 
Robert	Adams	Section	333	Exemption	Petition Page	7

The small UAS fully loaded weighs no more than 55 lbs. and is operated without an onboard pilot. As 

such, there is no ability or place to carry certification and registration documents or to display them on 

the small UAS. 

An equivalent level of safety will be achieved by keeping these documents at the ground control point 

where the pilot flying the small UAS will have immediate access to them; to the extent they are 

applicable to the small UAS. 

14 C.F.R. §91.405 (a); 407 (a) (1); 409 (a) (2); 417(a) & (b): Maintenance Inspections.

These regulations require that an aircraft operator or owner “shall have that aircraft inspected as 

prescribed in subpart E of this part and shall between required inspections, except as provided in 

paragraph (c) of this section, have discrepancies repaired as prescribed in part 43 of this chapter...,” and 

others shall inspect or maintain the aircraft in compliance with Part 43. Given that these section and 

Part 43 apply only to aircraft with an airworthiness certificate, these sections will not apply to the 

applicant. Maintenance will be accomplished by the operator pursuant to the flight manual and 

operating handbook. An equivalent level of safety will be achieved because these small UASs are very 

limited in size and will carry a small payload and operate only in restricted areas for limited periods of 

time. If mechanical issues arise the small UAS can land immediately and will be operating from no higher 

than 400 feet AGL. The operator will ensure that the small UAS is in working order prior to initiating 

flight, perform required maintenance, and keep a log of any maintenance performed. Moreover, the 

operator is the person most familiar with the aircraft and best suited to maintain the aircraft in an 

airworthy condition to provide the equivalent level of safety. 

An equivalent level of safety will be achieved because maintenance and inspections will be performed in 

accordance with the small UAS Manufacturer's Manual, as referenced in the Aircraft Operations Manual 

(AOM). As provided in the FOM, the operator will ensure that the small UAS is in working order prior to 

initiating flight and perform required maintenance needed.

Small UAS Information 

Small UAS’s to be used are as follows but not limited to providing they are within the scope of the 

exemption granted by the FAA: 

1. 3D Robotics Solo

a. Weight (Battery & Propellers Included) –3.3 lbs. 

b. Hover Accuracy (Ready to Fly) – Horizontal: 16 ft 

c. Max Ascent Speed - 5 ft/s 

d. Max Descent Speed –2.5 ft/s 

e. Max Flight Speed –55 ft/s 

f. 3d Robotics Solo Battery 

 Lithium polymer, 5200 mAh, 14.8 Vdc
Robert	Adams	Section	333	Exemption	Petition Page	8

g. 3d Robotics Solo Controller 2.4 GHz

 Excerpt from 3d Robotics owner’s manual

10.3.1 U.S. - FCC (Federal Communication Commission) 

3DR Solo FCC: 2ADYD-S111A 

3DR Solo Controller FCC: 2ADYD-AT11A 

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is subject to the 

following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, 

and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference 

that may cause undesired operation. 

Changes or modifications not expressly approved by 3D Robotics could void the 

user’s authority to operate the equipment. 

Radiation Exposure Statement: The Solo system has been tested to ensure 

compliance with FCC-mandated limits for general population radio frequency 

(RF) exposure for an uncontrolled environment. These limits ensure that no 

harmful effects will result from operating Solo according to the standard 

operating procedures described in this manual. 

The body’s Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) for the Solo controller is 1.33 watts 

per kilogram (W/kg) in compliance with the FCC limit of 1.6 W/kg. To reduce 

exposure to RF energy, hold Solo at least 20 cm away from your body at all 

times during operation. Do not operate the Solo controller co-located or in 

conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter. 

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the 

condition that this device does not cause harmful interference.

2. DJI Inspire 

a. Weight (Battery Included) 6.47 lbs. 

b. Hovering Accuracy (GPS Mode) Vertical 1.5 ft, Horizontal 7.5 ft 

c. Max Angular Velocity Pitch: 300deg/s; Yaw lSOdeg/s 

d. Max Tilt Angle 30deg/s 

e. Max Ascent Speed 15 ft/s 

f. Max Decent Speed 12 ft/s 

g. Max Speed 66 ft/s 

h. Diagonal Distance 22.0 in. (Landing gear lowered), 22.9 in. (Landing gear raised) •

i. DJI Inspire Battery 

 Model (Standard) TB47 

 Voltage 22.2v 

 Capacity 4500mAh 
Robert	Adams	Section	333	Exemption	Petition Page	9

 Energy 99.9Wh 

 Net Weight 1.26 lbs. 

 DJI Inspire Gimbal 

 Operating Current - Station: 750mA, Motion: 900mA 

 Controllable Range - Pitch: -90deg to +30deg 

 Max Controllable Speed - Pitch: 120deg/s, Pan: 180deg/s 

j. DJI Inspire Remote Controller 

 Frequency 

 5.725GHr5.850GHz (Remote Controller to Remote Controller)

 2.400GHr2.483GHz (Remote Controller to Aircraft) 

 Battery Capacity 6000mAh 

 Working Current/Voltage l.2A@7.4V

Owner’s manual Hyperlinks

3dr Solo

http://3drobotics.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Solo_User_Manual_V1.pdf

(Control and Click)

DJI Inspire

http://download.dji-innovations.com/downloads/inspire_1/en/Inspire_1_User_Manual_v1.2_en.pdf

(Control and Click)

Please do not hesitate to reach out to me if you have any questions. I thank you for reviewing my 

application for a section 333 exemption and I eagerly await your response. 

Sincerely,

Eddie Adams

6/8/15