August 18, 2015

Exemption No. 12493

Regulatory Docket No. FAA–2015–0719

Mr. Jordan Schultz

Schultz ATM

10418 Shire Country

San Antonio, TX 78254

Dear Mr. Schultz:

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 March 18, 2015, you petitioned the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on 

behalf of Schultz ATM (hereinafter petitioner or operator) for an exemption. The petitioner

requested to operate an unmanned aircraft system (UAS) to conduct aerial photography and 

surveys.

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 is a 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 
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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 

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, Schultz ATM 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.

 

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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Conditions and Limitations

In this grant of exemption, Schultz ATM is hereafter referred to as the operator.

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 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, 
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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 

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.
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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 

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 5 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.
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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.

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.
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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.

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.
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This exemption terminates on August 31, 2017, unless sooner superseded or rescinded.

Sincerely,

/s/

John S. Duncan

Director, Flight Standards Service
March 18, 2015

U. S. Department of Transportation

Docket Management System

1200 New Jersey Ave., SE

Washington, DC 20590

Re: Exemption Request Section 333 of the FAA Reform Act.

Dear Sir or Madam:

Pursuant to Section 333 of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 (the Reform

Act), Schultz ATM (the operator), Jordan Schultz (the applicant), planned operator of 

Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUASs) equipped to conduct aerial photography and 

survey for various industries hereby applies for an exemption from Federal Aviation 

Regulations (FARs) to allow commercial operations of their sUASs, so long as such 

operations are conducted within and under the conditions outlined herein or as may be 

established by the FAA as required by Section 333.

As described more fully below, the requested exemption would permit the operation of

sUAS by the applicant for commercial use that would provide the following benefits:

1. Operations would be performed in an area of operation limited in size suitable to

the specific use, in advance of flight.

2. The flight would be planned in advance to minimize hazards to persons and

property in the air and on the ground.

3. The operator would reasonably limit or control access to provide safety to those

not involved in the operation.

4. Operation of a sUAS would provide significant safety, environmental and other

enhancements not possible by larger sized aircraft.

5. An FAA licensed airman with a Private grade or higher pilot certificate would

operate the sUAS or directly supervise the operation.

6. Provide a beneficial and currently unavailable service to government

organizations and the general public that would serve the public interest.

Approval of this exemption would thereby enhance safety and fulfill the Secretary of

Transportation's (the FAA Administrator’s) responsibilities to "...establish requirements

for the safe operation of such aircraft systems in the national airspace system." Section

333(c) of the Reform Act.

The applicant has logged over 4000 hours of flight time while holding FAA commercial 

certificates in fixed wing, helicopter and glider categories. The applicant is also an active 

Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) in rotorcraft and fixed wing aircraft. Utmost safety and 

professionalism will continue to be utilized at all times in full-size and unmanned aircraft.
It is possible to operate the sUASs so to not create a hazard to users of the National 

Airspace System (NAS), the public or pose a threat to national security if done so safely 

and responsibly. 

AIRCRAFT AND EQUIVALENT LEVEL OF SAFETY

The applicant proposes that the exemption requested herein apply to civil aircraft that

have the characteristics of sUAS and that operate with the limitations listed herein.

These limitations provide for at least an equivalent or higher level of safety to operations

under the current regulatory structure as the proposed operations represent a safety

enhancement to the already safe aerial commercial photography and survey operations

conducted with conventional aircraft.

The sUAS planned to be operated is a rotorcraft aircraft weighing 55 lbs or fewer 

pounds including payload. The sUAS would operate, under normal conditions, at a 

speed of no more than 30 knots. Operations will be performed by a qualified sUAS PlC, 

as outlined below, to insure that the sUAS will "not create a hazard to users of the 

national airspace system or the public." Given the small size of the sUAS involved and 

the pre-planned environment within which it will operate, the applicant believes that 

these operations fall squarely within that zone of safety (an equivalent level of safety) in 

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

operations of sUASs to commence immediately. Also, operation in a researched (to 

include applicable NOTAMs), pre-defined area will prevent the possibility of a national 

security issue. The operation of sUASs by knowledgeable professionals with experience 

in the NAS will serve to enhance safety, add to the public benefit and reduce 

environmental impacts related to current methods of aerial photography and survey.

These limitations and conditions to which the operator, or it's employees, acting as

sUAS PIC agrees to be bound when conducting commercial operations under an FAA

issued exemption:

1. Safety will be the first and foremost consideration in any sUAS operation.

2. sUAS pilot will be an FAA licensed airman with at least a Private Pilot certificate or 

the sUAS pilot will be directly supervised by an FAA licensed airman with at least a 

Private Pilot certificate.

3. The sUAS FAA licensed airman will be considered Pilot in Command (PIC), 

whether flying or supervising, and will be responsible for safe operation of the 

flight.

4. Flights will be operated within line of sight of the PIC and/or an observer.

5. The sUAS will weigh less that 55 lbs total.

6. Flights will be operated in Class G airspace whenever possible. If operation in 

other airspace is required, the relevant controlling agency will be notified at least 

24 hours prior to the operation and, if required, any necessary permission 

obtained.

7. Flights will be operated under visibility and cloud clearance requirements 

equivalent to Visual Flight Rules (VFR).

8. The sUAS will at all times give way to any aircraft carrying persons.
9. The sUAS will not operate above an altitude of 400 AGL (above ground level).

10. All operations will be required to utilize a Visual Observer (VO). The UA will be 

operated within the visual line of sight (VLOS) of the PIC and VO at all times. The 

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

11. All operations will initially establish and area of operation that will include a defined 

lateral and vertical area where the sUAS will operate. Safety procedures will be 

established for persons, property and applicable airspace within the area of 

operation.

12. Flight planning will include flight completion with at least 25% battery power 

remaining as measured by the sUAS or applicable timing methods.

13. The sUAS will utilize GPS navigation, failsafe, return-to-home (RTH) and/or flight 

abort safety features.

14. All operations will include a safety briefing with all participants being present.

15. All required permission and permits will be obtained from appropriate state, county 

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

governmental agencies.

16. Written, to include electronic, and/or oral permission from the relevant property 

owners will be obtained prior to an operation.

17. The sUAS pilot will be trained in advance for the safe operation of the sUAS to be 

operated. This will include operation of the sUAS both in normal and emergency 

modes of operation, and will include familiarization with the operation manual (or 

similar) if published by the sUAS manufacturer. Training will also include types of 

maneuvers to be performed and the safe operation in relation to persons, property 

and applicable airspace.

It is the applicant's belief that the size, speed, operating environment, limitations and 

level of applicant's experience in the NAS outlined provides an "equivalent level of

safety" or better when operating a sUAS for the public interest as outlined in Section 

333 in the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012. lt is requested that the FAA issue 

an exemption to permit safe, legal, commercial sUAS operation by the applicant as 

soon as possible.

Sincerely,

Jordan Schultz

Schultz ATM

10418 Shire Country

San Antonio, TX 78254
Appendix A

Exemption Requests and Equivalent Level of Safety

Schultz ATM requests an exemption from the following regulations as well as any 

additional regulations that may technically to apply to the operation of sUAS’s:

14 CFR Part21, Subpart H: Airworthiness Certificates

This part establishes the procedures for the issuance of an airworthiness certificate.

While the FAA continues to work to develop airworthiness standards for UAS, we

request an experimental certificate be issued for the sUAS's operated by the applicant

under either or both of the following provisions:

21 .191 Experimental certificates.

Experimental certificates are issued for the following purposes:

(a) Research and development. Testing new aircraft design concepts, new aircraft

equipment, new aircraft installations, new aircraft operating techniques, or new uses for

aircraft.

(b) Showing compliance with regulations. Conducting flight tests and other

operations to show compliance with the airworthiness regulations including flights to

show compliance for issuance of type and supplemental type certificates, flights to

substantiate major design changes, and flights to show compliance with the function 

and reliability requirements of the regulations.

Since the experimental certificate can be used for commercial purposes such as market

surveys, sales demonstrations, and customer crew training, we would expect that an

experimental certificate would permit our commercial purpose as well.

The aircraft will not carry persons or property and will only fly under strict operational

requirements. Combined with the fact that any aircraft operated would be light weight

and is constructed primarily out of foam or plastic, we propose that a sUAS will be at

least as safe, if not safer, than a conventionally certificated aircraft performing the same

function.

lf an experimental airworthiness certificate is not appropriate for this application, then 

we request an exemption of 14 CFR Part 21, Subpart H, and the requirement for an

airworthiness certificate in general, citing the equivalent level of safety outlined in the

previous paragraph.

14 CFR 91.119 Minimum safe altitudes: General.

The regulation provides that over sparsely populated areas the aircraft cannot be 

operated closer than 500 feet to any person, vessel, vehicle, or structure. Since the 

typical mission of this sUAS would be photography or survey of persons, vessels, 

vehicles or structures it would be necessary to operate closer than 500 feet to the items 

listed. Operations will only be flown over property or persons where permission has 

been obtained, and careful pre-planning has been performed. Further, sUAS aircraft 

operate at a very slow airspeed, and a low mass, and do not need as much space to 

operate safely, as outlined in 91.119. We believe the slower speed, smaller mass and 

careful pre-planning would provide an equivalent level of safety.
14 CFR 91.121 Altimeter settings.

The regulation provides that aircraft shall maintain cruising altitudes by reference to an

altimeter setting available within 100 nautical miles of the aircraft. The sUAS will

normally be flying close to the ground, and in line of sight of the PIC and VO.

This line of sight operation will provide separation from other aircraft, obstructions and

terrain, and would override the use of an altimeter for such a purpose. We feel that this

will provide an equivalent level of safety.

14 CFR 91.151 Fuel requirements for flight in VFR conditions.

The regulation provides that no person may begin a flight in an airplane under day-VFR

conditions unless there is enough fuel to fly to the first point of intended landing and to

fly after that for at least 30 minutes. We feel the intention of this paragraph is to provide 

a reasonable reserve of energy to plan for a safe landing should there be a delay in

landing. The close proximity to the ground station, the ability for rotorcraft to land in a 

very small space and the built in energy level monitoring of the sUAS we feel provide an 

equivalent level of safety if the flight is planned to be completed with 25% battery 

energy remaining. We request an exemption to the word "fuel" and ask for an equivalent 

interpretation with the word "energy".

14 CFR Subpart E (91.401 - 91.417) - Maintenance, Preventive Maintenance, and

Alterations

The regulation provides that the operator is primarily responsible for maintaining the

aircraft in an airworthy condition, including compliance with part 39 and 43. Paragraphs

91.407 and 91.409 require that the aircraft be "approved for return to service by a 

person authorized under 43.7" after maintenance and inspection. lt is our intention that 

the PIC perform maintenance and inspection of the aircraft and "be authorized to 

approve the aircraft for return to service."

Prior to every flight, the PIC will inspect the aircraft to ensure that it is in an airworthy

condition. Any general maintenance procedures or replacement of consumable items

outlined by the sUAS manufacturer, if applicable, will be complied with by the PlC. ln no

circumstance will a sUAS be operated in a condition that is deemed, or suspected to 

be, unsafe. lf such a determination is reached, and the problem cannot be remedied to 

the satisfaction of the PlC, the sUAS will not be operated until consulting with the

manufacturer or one of it's authorized dealers to complete necessary repairs. We feel

that due to the size, construction, and simplicity of the aircraft, the PIC can ensure an

equivalent level of safety.