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) and (b); 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 CF R 91.417(a) and (b)

Dear Sir or Madam:

Pursuant to Section 333 of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 (the “ Reform Act ”) and 14 CFR Part 11, William Bonner owner of Higher Ground Photography LLC, operator of an Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS), hereby applies for an exemption from the listed Federal Aviation Regulations (“ FARs ”) to allow commercial operation of its UAS, so long as such operations are conducted within and under the conditions ou tlined herein or as may be established by the FAA as required by Section 333.

Commercial operation of an UAS, as described herein, which are equipped with camera(s) and sensors, would operate in the following manner:

Aerial photography and/or video for p ublic and/or private use including real estate, architecture, land surveying, engineering and other related professional activities.

Aerial video and/or photography for public and/or private use including television, public events, cinematography and news gathering.

Aerial inspection/photography of residential/commercial structures under contract with the owners or local government authority.

Aerial video/photography or providing live video feed to assist with search and rescue operations in cases of an eme rgency or natural disaster only when the local authorities or government has requested it by contract or donation.

The ability to offer training to persons individually or belonging to both private and/or public organizations that have interests in the use and application of a UAS for the purpose of the safe operation of a UAS to enhance the safety of the National Airspace System (NAS) as well as for the protection of the persons and property.

As described fully below, the requested exemption would permit t he operation of a 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 theSecretary of 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 and address of the applicant is:

William P. Bonner, Higher Ground Photography LLC

2821 Madison place drive, Powhatan Va. 23139

804

- 405

- 8487

highergroundphoto@comcast.net

Regulations from which the exemption is requested:

14 CFR Part 21 subpart H 14 CFR 45.23 (b) 14 CFR 61.113 (a) & (b) 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)

Hig her Ground Photography LLC will operate the Yuneec Typhoon Q 500 , with a total weight of 60 oz. or 3.75 lbs . The Q500 dimension s are 16.5” x16.5 ” x22.2 ” . Under still air the maximum speed is no more than 25mph. Th e Q500 has the ability to hover and move along a vertical and horizontal plane si multaneously. The Q500 has fo ur motors, p owered by a 54 00mAh 3s Lithium Polymer battery

. There are four propellers in use. The Q500 has a radio control frequency ba nd of 2.4GHz with 10 channels and a 5.8 GHz video downlink. The Q500 will be controlled with the ST10 personal ground station compliant with part 15 of FCC rules and operating frequency of 10 channels and a ndroid operating system which operates up to 800 meters

. When maximum range is reached, the Q500 stops and backs slowly until connection is made once again with the ST10. The ST10 has a capacitive multi touch 4.5” LED backlit LCD screen which displays all flight systems telemetry data. The ST10 also provides vibrating and audible feedback. The Yune ec Q500 is programmed to fly no higher than 400’ AGL and not fly within 4 miles of a ny U.S. Government “ no fly zone ” or Airport Reference Point (ARP)

. The applicant will operate the UAS in visual line of sight within a closed off and predetermined area owned and/operated by the property representative (s) under their permission with a predetermined flight plan with winds of no more than 8 mph

.Given the small size of the UAS and the controlled envi ronment 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 co nditions 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:

The UAS will weigh less than 55 lbs.

The UAS will have a maximum operating speed of no more than 50mph.

Flights will be operated within line of sight of the Pilot in Command (PIC) and/or Visual Observer (VO).

Maximum flight time for ea ch operational flight will be 20 minutes. Flights will be terminated at 25% battery power reserve or 20 minutes of flight time whichever occurs first.

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.

M inimum crew for each operation will consist of the UAS Pilot, the Visual Observer (VO) and may include but not limited to a Camera Operator.

The UAS pilot will be a de signated Pilot in Command (PIC).

A briefing will be performed regarding the planned UAS operations prior to each day ’ s flight consisting of all the days ’ production activities.

All flights will occur under Visual Flight Rules Meteorological Conditions (VMC) only.

The fligh ts will occur no closer than a 5 mile radius of the geographic center/A irport Reference Point (ARP) of a tower controlled or uncontrolled airport.

The PIC and VO will have been trained in operation of UAS and receive up

- to

- date information for the particular UAS to be operated.

The PIC and VO will be able to communic ate by vo ice or radio at all t imes.

Written and/or verbal permission and permits will be obtained from territorial, state, county orcity jurisdictions, including law enforcement, fire or other appropriate governmental agencies.

If the UAS loses communications with the remote controller or loses GPS signal, the UAS will have the capability to return to a pre

- determined location within a designated location and land autonomously. The ST10 ground station provides a “ Home ” switch for this situation.

The 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 requi rements 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 UAS. In all cases, an analysis of these criteria demonstrates that the UAS operated without an airworthiness certificat e, 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.

Th e 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, o perations 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. The FAA will have advance notice of all operations. These safety enhancements p rovide 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 c redible threat to national security posed by the UAS, due to its size, speed of 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 operat or 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 applicab le.

Even though the UAS will have no airworthiness certificate, an exemption may be needed as the UAS will have no entrance to the cabin, cockpit or pilot station on which the word “ Experimental ” can beplaced. Given the size of the UAS, two

- inch letterin g 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 UAS marked on its fuselage as required by §45.29 (f) where the pilot, observer and ot hers working with the UAS will see the identification of the UAS as “ Experimental. ”

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

Pursuant to 14 CFR 61.113 (a) & (b), no person who holds a private pilot certificate may act as a pilot in command of an aircraft that is carrying passengers or prop erty for compensation or hire. Higher Ground Photography LLC may achieve an equivalent level of safety as achieved by current Regulations because the applicant ’ s UA S do not carry any pilots or passengers nor property. The risks attendant to the operation of UAS is far less than the risk levels inherent in the commercial ac tivities outlined in 14 CFR 61

. I feel the operation and limitations set forth in the FOM will equate to the safe operation of the 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 t he 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 check lists prior to each flight an equivalent level of safety will be prov ided.

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, markings, and placards, or any combination thereof. The 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 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 approv ed rotorcraft flight manuals will not be provided for the aircraft an exemption will be needed. The PIC will take all actions a s stated in the FOM under Normal Procedures including but not limited to 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. UAS

and remotely piloted aircraft, by their design do not have fully functional d ual 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 Altitu des.

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 pr escribed for helicopters by the FAA. As this exemption is for a 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 UAS will never operate at higher than 400 AGL

. It will however be operated in a restricted area with security perimeter, where buildings and people will not be exposed to operations without their pre

- obtained consent.

The equivalent level of safety will be achieved given the size, weight, speed of the 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. Be cause 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 maxim um 55lbs. proposed herein and the lack of flammable fuel, any risk associated with these operations is far less than those presently presented with conventional aircraft operating at or below 500 AGL. In addition, the low

altitude operations of the UAS wil l ensure separation between these 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 altit ude 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 UAS may not have a barometric altimeter, but instead a GPS altitude read out, an exemption ma y 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. § 91.15 1(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 t he UAS provides approximately 25 minutes of powered flight. To meet the 30minute reserve requirement in 14 CFR §91.151, UAS flights would be limited to approximately 10

minutes in length. Given the limitations on the UAS ’ s proposed flight area and the location of its proposed operations within a p redetermined 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 UAS, in a tightly controlled are a 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 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 ac hieved by limiting flights to 20 minutes or 25 % of battery power

— whichever happens first. This restriction would be more than adequate to return the 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 R egistration

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 o perate 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.

The UA S 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 UAS.

An equivalent level of safety will be achieved by k eeping these documents at the ground control point where the pilot flying the UAS will have immediate access to them, to the extent they are applicable to the 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 repair ed 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 the UAS is very limited in size and will carry a small payload and operate only in restricted areas for alimited period of time. If mechanical issues arise the UAS can land immediately and will be operating

from no higher than 400 feet AGL. The operator will ensure that the UAS is in working order prior to initiating flight, perform req uired 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 equivalen t level of safety will be achieved because maintenance and inspections will be performed in accordance with the UAS Manufacturer's User Manual. As provided in the FOM, the operator will ensure that the UAS is in working order prior to initiating flight an d perform required maintenance needed.

Additional Information

The applicant, William P. Bonner , Higher Ground Photography LLC has an understanding of the capabilities and safety concerns involved in using this technology as an asset to the community. Satis faction of criteria provided in Section 333 of the Reform Act of 2012 provide more than adequate justification for the grant of the requested exemptions allowing the commercial operation of the applicant ’ s UAS.

Sincerely,

William P. Bonner

Second attachment: Yuneec Q500 manual