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P.O. Box 1663 ● Idaho Falls, Idaho ● 83403-1663 http://www.snakeriversearch.org

U.S. Department of Transportation

Docket Management System

1200 New Jersey Ave., SE

Washington, DC 20590

RE: Exemption Request under Section 333 of the FAA Modernization and 

Reform Act and 14 C.F.R. Part 11

Dear Sir or Madam:

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

Reform Act) and 14 C.F.R. Part 11, Snake River Search, Inc. (a 501(c)3 non-profit 

corporation), seeks an exemption from the Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs) 

listed and discussed in Appendix A in order to allow for the operation of small 

Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) under the conditions and limitations set forth 

in this application for Petition.

Snake River Search requests the exemption to permit the operation of small 

Unmanned Aircraft Systems to support search operations for missing persons. We 

believe that the use of UAS will enhance both the success of the search and the 

safety of the searchers in the wilderness areas that we typically operate in. 

The requested exemption would authorize Snake River Search to perform 

operations with the UAS that will benefit the public as follows:

Acquire real-time aerial views of search areas that are difficult or dangerous 

to access on the ground. Real-time information can be used to direct ground 

teams to areas of interest. Water searches in river sections that are too rough 

for divers or boats, or on remote waters where the UAS can be packed in.

Acquire digital imagery which can be analyzed using computer systems, 

either on site, or utilizing crowd analysis via the web.

The use of the UAS will significantly reduce the risk to the searchers while 

increasing the likely-hood of a positive outcome.
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P.O. Box 1663 ● Idaho Falls, Idaho ● 83403-1663 http://www.snakeriversearch.org

Statement of Background and Public Benefit

Snake River Search, Inc. (a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation) traces its origins to the 

Bonneville County Jeep Patrol founded in 1958 to support wilderness searches for 

missing persons. Currently Snake River Search has six K9 search teams, mantrackers, a Fusion Center with advanced mapping and analysis capabilities, as well 

as communications capabilities. The UAS Lead is a retired USAF Navigator and 

Private Pilot who has extensive experience with airspace management and remote 

sensor operations. Other members include pilots, a PhD in Engineering and 

Applied Sciences, and many engineers. All members have passed a background 

check and most currently do or have held DOE and/or DOD security clearances. 

All members are volunteers and none receive monetary gain.

Operations will be purely for the benefit of the public and no payment will be 

requested for services provided.

The use of the UAS will significantly improve our ability to conduct searches for 

missing persons in the remote wilderness areas within our operational arena. 

All imagery collected will be utilized solely for the purpose of search operations 

and training, and none will be released without a thorough review.

The physical risk to the public is minimal and is easily off-set by the benefits of 

quickly locating missing persons and the reduced risk to the search personnel.
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P.O. Box 1663 ● Idaho Falls, Idaho ● 83403-1663 http://www.snakeriversearch.org

Qualification for Approval under Section 333 of The Reform Act

The UAS operations proposed in this application of petition for exemptions qualify 

for expedited approval under Section 333 of the Reform Act. This petition outlines 

how each statutory criteria and other potentially relevant factors are satisfied.

The proposed operations would permit the use of small UAS within the National

Airspace (NAS) under controlled operational conditions. 

Snake River Search is proposing to operate Quad-Copter rotorcraft that will weigh 

less than 5lbs in flight condition. Operations would occur under normal VFR 

conditions and at speeds less than 30mph. (the UAS that will be used is the DJI 

Phantom II Vision-Plus.) Operations will be conducted by qualified 

operator/observer teams to maximize operational success and safety. For both 

operational and safety reasons the UAS will operate at less than 400’ AGL and 

within visual sight. The systems will include fail-safe fly-home capability and 

software preventing operations in controlled/restricted airspace will be utilized.

Pertaining to the UAS:

UAS will weigh typically less than 3 lbs., and always less than 10 lbs.

UAS will operate at a maximum speed of no greater than 30mph.

UAS will operate below 400ft AGL.

UAS shall not be operated within 5 miles of an airport without prior 

approval of, and establishing a line of communication for the duration of the 

flight operations with the controlling authority of that airspace/airport.

UAS will be operated within visual line of sight (VLOS) of the PIC and 

VO(s).
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P.O. Box 1663 ● Idaho Falls, Idaho ● 83403-1663 http://www.snakeriversearch.org

UAS will follow pre-determined flight paths over the mission area 

conducted via automated navigational flight software.

UAS will be operated under visibility and cloud clearance requirements 

equivalent to Visual Flight Rules (VFR).

UAS will be equipped with an autopilot system. UAS will utilize GPS 

navigation, systematic pre-flight checks, and failover safety mechanisms 

including return-to-home (RTH), auto-land, loiter and flight abort safety 

features.

Pertaining to Pilots, Visual Observer(s) and Ground Control Station crew:

Minimum crew for each operation will consist of the UAS Pilot in 

Command (PIC), Visual Observer (VO) and/or Ground Control Station 

(GCS) crew.

The UAS pilot will be considered the Pilot in Command (PIC) and be 

responsible for conducting safe flight operations.

The UAS PIC will have an FAA aviation certification.

VO and GCS personnel will complete training equivalent to a Private Pilots 

Ground school prior to operational deployment in addition to training on the 

hardware and software being utilized, and mission oriented operational 

requirements.

PIC, VO(s) and/or GCS crew will have communications established in 

advance of any flight operations.

The UAS PIC will be trained in advance for the safe operation of the UAS 

to be operated. This will include operation of the UAS both in normal and 
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P.O. Box 1663 ● Idaho Falls, Idaho ● 83403-1663 http://www.snakeriversearch.org

emergency procedures and will include familiarization with the flight 

manual (or similar) furnished by the UAS manufacturer. Training will

include basic flight maneuvers, navigational awareness, emergency 

procedures, loss of uplink, loss of downlink, loss of GPS and safe flight 

operations in relation to persons, property and applicable airspace.

Training will include a minimum of 100 takeoff/landing cycles, 25 hours of 

total time as a UAS rotorcraft pilot and at least 10 hours logged as a UAS 

pilot with a similar UAS type. Prior to operational employment the PIC 

must have accumulated and logged a minimum of 5 hours as UAS PIC

operating the make and model of UAS to be utilized as well as 10 takeoffs 

and landings in the preceding 90 days. Specific training will include normal 

and emergency modes of operation and will include familiarization with the 

operation manual published by the UAS manufacturer. Training will also 

include types of maneuvers to be performed during operations including safe 

operation in relation to persons, property and applicable airspace.

UAS PIC will establish a working relationship with a representative at the

local Flight Standards district Office (FSDO) with which to annually review 

safety procedures and other operations to further enhance safety. 
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P.O. Box 1663 ● Idaho Falls, Idaho ● 83403-1663 http://www.snakeriversearch.org

Pertaining to Flight Operations:

Safety is paramount and risk assessment evaluations will be conducted for 

safe site operations and flight conditions before each mission.

A briefing will be conducted in regard to the planned UAS flights prior to 

operation at each new location. All personnel who will be performing duties 

within the boundaries of the area of operation will be present for this 

briefing.

Prior to a UAS flight, an area of operation will be established. This area of 

operation will include a defined lateral and vertical area, where the UAS will 

operate. Safety procedures will be established for persons, property and 

applicable airspace within the area of operation.

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

in other airspace is required, the appropriate controlling authority will be 

notified at least 24 hours prior to the operation and, if required, any 

necessary permission obtained.

See and avoid: If at any time the operator see or hears another aircraft and it 

appears that aircraft may come within one (1) mile of the UAS, or it is 

questionable whether or not it will do so, the PIC shall immediately descend 

the UAS and direct it on a heading toward the designated landing area, or an

alternate landing area if necessary, until the UAS has landed or it is 

determined the other aircraft has maintained a separation of one (1) mile.

The UAS shall operate from on-site launch/landing locations directly next to 

the PIC and GCS crew. Non-essential flight operation personnel will be at an 

appropriate distance away or a minimum of 50ft from the operation unless 

barriers or structures are in place which may sufficiently protect observers or 

other personnel in case of UAS emergency.
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P.O. Box 1663 ● Idaho Falls, Idaho ● 83403-1663 http://www.snakeriversearch.org

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

power remaining as measured by the UAS or appropriate flight time 

planning.

A Ground Control Station (GCS) will be connected by radio communication 

to the UAS during the entire flight operation. Flight information relayed to 

the PIC will include UAS GPS position, altitude, speed, compass 

heading/bearing, aircraft angle of attack, flight time, battery power 

remaining, and other telemetry information.

Written, and/or documented oral permission from property owners or land 

management agency will be obtained prior to an operation as required.

In summary, it is the Applicant's belief that the size, weight, speed, operating 

environment, and operating capabilities of each UAS will provide an "equivalent 

level of safety" or better when operating for commercial and public interest as 

outlined in Section 333 of the Reform Act. Applicant appreciates the time and

consideration given to this request for exemption to permit safe and legal UAS 

operations within the NAS.

Respectfully,

Snake River Search, Inc.

Attn: David J. Forker

Telephone: (208)589-0533

Email: DJFOR@SARDALE.COM

P.O. Box 1663, Idaho Falls, ID 83403

Attch: Glossary of Terminology

 Appendix A – Exemption Requests
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P.O. Box 1663 ● Idaho Falls, Idaho ● 83403-1663 http://www.snakeriversearch.org

GLOSSARY OF TERMINOLOGY:

COA Certificate of Authorization

FAA Federal Aviation Administration

FLIR Forward Looking Infrared

GIS Geographic Information Systems

GPS Global Positioning System

GCS Ground Control Station

NAS National Airspace

NIR Near- Infrared

NOTAM Notice to Airmen

PIC Pilot in Command

RS Remote Sensing

TIR Thermal Image Recorder

VFR Visual Flight Rules

VLOS Visual Line of Sight

VO Visual Observer

UAS Unmanned Aircraft System
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P.O. Box 1663 ● Idaho Falls, Idaho ● 83403-1663 http://www.snakeriversearch.org

APPENDIX A

EXEMPTION IS REQUESTED FROM THE FOLLOWING 

REGULATIONS:

Part 21 prescribes the procedural requirements for issuing and changing design approvals, productions 

approvals, airworthiness certificates, and airworthiness approvals. 

Exemption Requested Because: Should not apply to small UAS.

Section 45.23(b) prescribes that 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. 

Exemption Requested Because: Physically impossible to implement on a small UAS

Section 45.29(b)(iii) prescribes, in pertinent part, that marks at least 3 inches high may be displayed on 

an aircraft for which the FAA has issued an experimental certificate under §21.191(d), § 21.191 (g), or § 

21.191(i) of this chapter to operate as an exhibition aircraft, an amateur-built aircraft, or a light-sport 

aircraft when the maximum cruising speed of the aircraft does not exceed 180 knots calibrated airspeed. 

Exemption Requested Because: Physically impossible to implement on a small UAS

Section 91.9(b)(2) prohibits operation of U.S.-registered civil aircraft 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. Exemption Requested Because: Physically impossible to 

implement on a small UAS

Exemption Requested Because: Should not apply to small UAS.

Section 91.109(a) prescribes, in pertinent part, 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. 

Exemption Requested Because: Physically impossible to implement on a small UAS

Section 91.119 prescribes that, except when necessary for takeoff or landing, no person may operate an 

aircraft below the following altitudes: 
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P.O. Box 1663 ● Idaho Falls, Idaho ● 83403-1663 http://www.snakeriversearch.org

(a) Anywhere. At an altitude allowing, if a power unit fails, an emergency landing without undue hazard 

to persons or property on the surface. 

(b) Over congested areas. Over any congested area of a city, town, or settlement, or over any open air 

assembly of persons, an altitude of 1,000 feet above the highest obstacle within a horizontal radius of 

2,000 feet of the aircraft. 

(c) Over other than congested areas. An altitude of 500 feet above the surface, except over open water 

or sparsely populated areas. In those cases, the aircraft may not be operated closer than 500 feet to any 

person, vessel, vehicle, or structure. 

(d) Helicopters, powered parachutes, and weight-shift-control aircraft. If the operation is conducted 

without hazard to persons or property on the surface—

(1) A helicopter may be operated at less than the minimums prescribed in paragraph (b) or (c) of this 

section, provided each person operating the helicopter complies with any routes or altitudes specifically 

prescribed for helicopters by the FAA,

(2) A powered parachute or weight-shift-control aircraft may be operated at less than the minimums 

prescribed in paragraph (c) of this section.

Exemption Requested Because: For operational and safety reasons the UAS needs to operate below 400’ 

AGL at all times.

Section 91.121 requires, in pertinent part, 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.” 

Exemption Requested Because: The UAS will utilize GPS for altitude control.

Section 91.151(a) prescribes that no person may begin 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, during the day, to fly after that for at least 30 

minutes .

Exemption Requested Because: Flights will be within visual sight, will typically last less than 30 minutes, 

and battery level will be monitored to ensure a safe UAS recovery.

Section 91.203(a) prohibits, in pertinent part, any person from operating a civil aircraft unless it has 

within it (1) an appropriate and current airworthiness certificate; and (2) an effective U.S. registration 

certificate issued to its owner or, for operation within the United States, the second copy of the Aircraft 

registration Application as provided for in § 47.31(c). 

Exemption Requested Because: Physically impossible to implement on a small UAS
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P.O. Box 1663 ● Idaho Falls, Idaho ● 83403-1663 http://www.snakeriversearch.org

Section 91.203(b) prescribes, in pertinent part, that no person may operate a civil aircraft unless the 

airworthiness certificate 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. 

Exemption Requested Because: Physically impossible to implement on a small UAS

Section 91.405(a) requires, in pertinent part, that an aircraft operator or owner shall have that aircraft 

inspected as prescribed in subpart E of the same part and shall, between required inspections, except as 

provided in paragraph (c) of the same section, have discrepancies repaired as prescribed in part 43 of 

the chapter. 

Exemption Requested Because: Inspections of small UAS will be limited to operational checks of the 

hardware and software prior to each flight.

Section 91.407(a)(1) prohibits, in pertinent part, any person from operating an aircraft that has 

undergone maintenance, preventive maintenance, rebuilding, or alteration unless it has been approved 

for return to service by a person authorized under § 43.7 of the same chapter. 

Exemption Requested Because: Small UAS do not present the same risks as manned aircraft and require 

minimal maintenance. Alterations from manufacturer configuration will not be made.

Section 91.409(a)(2) prescribes, in pertinent part, that no person may operate an aircraft unless, within 

the preceding 12 calendar months, it has had an inspection for the issuance of an airworthiness 

certificate in accordance with part 21 of this chapter. 

Exemption Requested Because: A COA will be requested and maintained as directed/required.

Section 91.417(a) and (b) prescribes, in pertinent part, that—

(a) Each registered owner or operator shall keep the following records for the periods specified in 

paragraph (b) of this section: 

(1) Records of the maintenance, preventive maintenance, and alteration and records of the 100-hour, 

annual, progressive, and other required or approved inspections, as appropriate, for each aircraft 

(including the airframe) and each engine, propeller, rotor, and appliance of an aircraft. The records must 

include—4 

(i) A description (or reference to data acceptable to the Administrator) of the work performed; and 

(ii) The date of completion of the work performed; and 

(iii) The signature, and certificate number of the person approving the aircraft for return to service. 

(2) Records containing the following information: 
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P.O. Box 1663 ● Idaho Falls, Idaho ● 83403-1663 http://www.snakeriversearch.org

(i) The total time in service of the airframe, each engine, each propeller, and each rotor. 

(ii) The current status of life-limited parts of each airframe, engine, propeller, rotor, and appliance. 

(iii) The time since last overhaul of all items installed on the aircraft which are required to be overhauled 

on a specified time basis. 

(iv) The current inspection status of the aircraft, including the time since the last inspection required by 

the inspection program under which the aircraft and its appliances are maintained. 

(v) The current status of applicable airworthiness directives (AD) and safety directives including, for 

each, the method of compliance, the AD or safety directive number and revision date. If the AD or safety 

directive involves recurring action, the time and date when the next action is required. 

(vi) Copies of the forms prescribed by § 43.9(d) of this chapter for each major alteration to the airframe 

and currently installed engines, rotors, propellers, and appliances. 

(b) The owner or operator shall retain the following records for the periods prescribed: 

(1) The records specified in paragraph (a)(1) of this section shall be retained until the work is repeated or 

superseded by other work or for 1 year after the work is performed. 

(2) The records specified in paragraph (a)(2) of this section shall be retained and transferred with the 

aircraft at the time the aircraft is sold. 

(3) A list of defects furnished to a registered owner or operator under5 

Exemption Requested Because: These records would serve no purpose in enhancing the safe operation 

of the small UAS

§ 43.11 of this chapter shall be retained until the defects are repaired and the aircraft is approved for 

return to service. 

Exemption Requested Because: These records would serve no purpose in enhancing the safe operation 

of the small UAS

FAA Notice 8900.227, paragraph 16.c.(4), PIC Medical, states that the PIC must maintain, at a minimum, 

a valid FAA second-class medical certificate issued under 14 CFR part 67, Medical Standards and 

Certification, or the FAA-recognized equivalent. 

Exemption Requested Because: The medical certificate is predicated on manned flight.
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P.O. Box 1663 ● Idaho Falls, Idaho ● 83403-1663 http://www.snakeriversearch.org

Paragraph 16.e.(1), Medical, states that all observers must have a valid FAA second-class medical 

certificate issued under part 67; an FAA-recognized equivalent is an acceptable means of demonstrating 

compliance with this requirement. 

Exemption Requested Because: The medical certificate is predicated on manned flight.