### 1 UNITED STATES OF AMERICA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION

WASHINGTON, DC

**IN THE MA**

**TTER OF THE PETITION FOR EXEMPTION OF:**

**Fleming A**

**erials FOR A** **N EXEMPTION SEEKING RELIEF FROM THE REQUIREM ENTS OF** 

**TITLE 14 OF THE CODE OF FEDERA L REGULATIONS**  **SECTIONS 61.113(a) & (b), 91.7(a), 91.121, 91.151(b), 91.405(a), 91.407(a)(1), 91.409(a)(1) & (a)(2), A** **ND 91.417(a) & (b) CONCERNING COMMERCIA L OPERA**  **TION OF**  **DJI Phantom 3 UNMA** **NNED AI**  **RCRA FT SYSTEMS**  **PURSUA NT TO SECTION 333**  **OF THE F**  **AA MODERNIZATION A** **ND REFORM A** **CT OF 2012**

**(PUBLIC LA**

**W 112 -** **95)**

**Submitted on January**  **5, 2016** Richard O’Neill DBA Fleming Aerials 625 General W eedon Dr. We st Chester, PA 19382 484
- 947
- 8630 richaoneill @gmail.com

### 2 **TA BLE OF CONTENTS**  Page GLOSSARY OF ABBREVIATIONS



### ................................ ................................ ................... ...... 3

SUMMARY



### ................................ ................................ ................................ ............................ ... 4

INTRODUCTION AND INTERESTS OF PETITIONER



### ................................ .................... ....... 4

BACKGROUND.......................................................................................

...... ............ .............. 4

BASIS FOR PETITION.............................

.......................................................................... ..... 5

NAME AND ADDRESS OF PETITIONER.......................................

.................. ...................... 6 THE SPECIFIC SECTIONS OF 14 C.F.R. FROM W HICH FLEMING AERIAL S SEEKS EXEMPTIO N.

.............. .................................. ...... ........................................... . 7 THE EXTENT OF RELIEF FLEMING AERIALS SEEKS AND THE REASON FLEMING AERIALS , SEEKS THE RELIEF...........

...................................... ................ .... ...................................... ..........1 0 THE REASONS WH Y GRANTING FLEMING AERIAL’S REQUEST W OULD BE IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST ................................

.......... .. . ........................................... .1 3 THE REASONS WH Y GRANTING THE EXEMPTION W OULD NOT ADVERSELY AFFECT SAFETY..............................................................................................

. ........16 SUMMARY THAT CAN BE PUBLISHED IN THE FEDERAL REGISTER.................3 0 ANY ADDITIONAL INF ORMATION, VIEWS , OR ARGUMENTS AVAILABLE TO SUPPORT RICHARD O’NEILL’S REQUEST

.. ............................ ..... .............. ......3 0 CONCLUSION......................................................................................................

...... .. . . ........ 3 1 APPENDICES...............................................................

............... .........................3 2

### 3 **GLOSSA RY OF A** **BBREVIA TIONS**  AGL Above Ground Level AOI Area of Interest ATC Air Traffic Control ATO Air Traffic Organization AV Aerial Vehicle CFR Code of Federal Regulations COA Certificate of Authorization FAA Federal Aviation Administration FAR Federal Aviation Regulation GCS Ground Con trol Station GPS Global Positioning System LOL Loss of Link NAS National Airspace System NOTAM Notice to Airman PIC Pilot In Command Section 333 FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 (FMRA) Section 333 SO Safety Observer SOP Standard Operating Procedures UA Unmanned Aircraft UAS Unmanned Aircraft System VFR Visual Flight Rules VLOS Visual Line of Site VM C Visual Meteorological Conditions VTOL Vertical Takeoff and Landing

### 4 **SUMMA RY**  FLEMING AERIALS seeks exemption from the requirements of 14 C.F.R §§ 61.113(a) & (b), 91.7(a), 91.121, 91.151(b), 91.405(a), 91.407(a)(1), 91.409(a)(1) & (a)(2), and 91.417(a) & (b), to operate an Unmanned Aircraft System pursuant to Section 333 of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 (FMRA). This exemption will permit FLEMING AERIALS to operate an Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) for the commercial purpose of conducting aerial video and photography of real estate, commercial properties, weddings, and landscape over certain areas of the United States.

**INTRODUCTION A ND INTERESTS OF THE PETITIONER**  FLEMING AERIALS provides his clients with photography and video services of properties and buildings for the purpose of advertising and promotion. FLEMING AERIALS will also provide wedding videos and photograp hs for customers. The objective of FLEMING AERIALS and his aerial operations is to provide high quality imaging for a variety of commercial, public, and residential uses, specifically targeting:

• Residential Construction

• Real
- estate marketing



### • Resort prop erty marketing



### • Wedding photography

**BA CKGROUND**  Unmanned Aircraft Systems: DJI Phantom 3 UASs FLEMING AERIALS seeks an exemption to operate DJI systems for compensation or hire within the NAS. The DJI Phantom 3 is a vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) Unmanned Aircraft (UA) with a Ground Control Station (GCS) utilizing electronic tablet or smart phone systems. The DJI Phantom 3 has a maximum gross weight of 6 pounds 7.5 ounces, a length of 17.3 inches, width of 17.7 inches, height of 11.8 inches, and a maximum speed of approximately 42 knots. The DJI Phantom 3 UA is equipped with four main rotors; driven by Lithium Polymer battery powered electric motors. **BA SIS FOR PETITION**  Petitioner, FLEMING AERIALS , pursuant to the provisions of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 C.F.R. § 11.61) and the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 (FMRA), Section 333, Special Rules for Certain Unmanned Aircraft Systems , hereby

### 5 petitions the Administrator to commercially operate the DJI Phantom 3 UAS in the National Airs pace System (NAS), and for an exemption from the requirements of 14 C.F.R §§ 61.113(a) & (b), 91.7(a), 91.121, 91.151(b), 91.405(a), 91.407(a)(1), 91.409(a)(1) & (a)(2), and 91.417(a) & (b). In consideration of the speed, weight, size, and limited operati ng area associated with the unmanned aircraft and its operation, FLEMING AERIALS operation of DJI Phantom 3 UAS meets the conditions of FMRA Section 333 and therefore, will not require an airworthiness certificate in accordance with 14 C.F.R. Part 21, Subp art H. Accordingly, FLEMING AERIALS requests relief from Sections 91.405(a), 91.407(a)(1), 91.409(a)(1) & (a)(2), and 91.417(a) & (b), as these sections set forth requirements for maintenance that only apply to aircraft with an airworthiness certificate. FLEMING AERIALS submits that the requested relief is proper since an equivalent level of safety will be ensured. FLEMING AERIALS will use experienced personnel or technicians to perform maintenance, alterations, or preventive mainte nance on the UAS using the methods, techniques, and practices prescribed in the operating documents (i.e., Monthly Maintenance Log, and DJI Phantom 3 Instruction Manual). Furthermore, FLEMING AERIALS will document and maintain all maintenance records for the DJI Phantom 3 UAS

. Relief from certain requirements of Section 61.113(a) and (b), entitled Private pilot privileges and limitations: Pilot in command, is requested by FLEMING AERIALS to the extent necessary to allow a Pilot in Command (PIC) holding a private pilot or higher level certificate, as well as an airman medical certificate, and who has demonstrated, by meeting minimum flight
- hour and currency requirements, that the PIC is able to safely operate the DJI Phantom 3 UAS in a manner consistent with this exemption, incl uding evasive and emergency maneuvers and maintaining appropriate distances from people, vessels, vehicles and structure

.

### 6 FLEMING AERIALS seeks relief from Section 91.7(a), entitled Civil aircraft airworthiness , because the DJI Phantom 3 UAS do es not req uire an airworthiness certificate in accordance with 14 C.F.R. Part 21, Subpart H. As such, FLEMING AERIALS submits that he will ensure that the DJI Phantom 3 UAS is in an airworthy condition, prior to every flig ht, by determining that the UAS is in compli ance with the operating documents (i.e., Monthly Maintenance Log, and DJI Phantom 3 Instruction Ma nual), and that the aircraft is in a condition for safe flight. He will utilize the preflight instructions provided by DJI to ensure airworthiness checks prio r to each flight. FLEMING AERIALS also seeks an exemption from the requirements of Section 91.121, entitled Altimeter Settings , as the DJI Phantom 3 UA will not have a typical barometric altimeter onboard. However, altitude information of the DJI Phantom 3 UA will be provided to the PIC via Global Positioning System (GPS) equipment and radio communications telemetry data link, which downlinks from the UA to the GP S for active monitoring of the flight path. This altitude information, combined with FLEMING A ERIALS’s operation of the DJI Phantom 3 UAS within vis ual line of sight, at or below 4 00 feet AGL, will ensure a level of safety equivalent to Section 91.121. Additionally , FLEMING AERIALS seeks an exemption from the requirements of Section 91.151(b), ent itled Fuel requirements for flight in VFR conditions

. FLEMING AERIALS submits that safety will not be affected by operation of the DJI Phantom 3 UA during daylight hours in visual meteorological conditions (VMC) under visual flight rules (VFR), with enough battery power to fly for a total duration of approximately 14.5 minutes to the fi rst point of intended landing and, assuming normal cruising speed, to fly after that for at least 4.5 minutes. In accordance with 14 C.F.R. § 11.81, FLEMING AERIALS provides the following information in support of its petition for exemption:
**A. Name**  **An d A** **ddress Of The Petitioner.** The name and address of the Petitioner and point of contact is: RICHARD O’NEILL DBA FLEMING AERIALS 625 General W eedon Dr. We st Chester, PA 19382 484
- 947
- 8630 richaoneill @gmail.com
**B. The Specific Sections O f 14 C.F.R. From Which**  **FLEMING A ERI**  **AL S**  **Seeks Exemption.**  **1. FLEMING A** **ERI AL**  **S Seeks Exemption From The Requirements Of Section 61.113(a)** 

### 7 **An d (b).**  Section 61.113, entitled Private pilot privileges and limitations: Pilot in command, subsections (a) and (b) prescribe the following, in relevant part: (a) No person who holds a private pilot certificate may act as a pilot in command (PIC) of an aircraft that is carrying passengers or property for compensation or hire; nor may that person, for compensation or hire, act as PIC of an aircraft. (b) A private pilot may, for compensation or hire, act as PIC of an aircraft in connection with any business or employment if

— (1) The flight is only incidental to that business or employment; and (2) The aircraft does not carry passengers or property for compensation or hire. **2. FLEMING A** **ERI AL**  **S Seeks Exemption From The Requirements Of Section 91.7(a).**  Section 91.7, entitled Civil aircraft airworthiness , subsection (a), states the following: (a) No person may operate a civil aircraft unless i t is in an airworthy condition. **3. FLEMING A** **ERI AL**  **S Seeks Exemption From The Requirements Of Section 91.121.**  Section 91.121, entitled Altimeter settings, subsection (a), states the following, in part: (a) Each person operating an aircraft shall maintain t he cruising altitude or flight level of that aircraft, as the case may be, by reference to an altimeter that is set, when operating
-- (1) Below 18,000 feet MSL, to
--

(i) The current reported altimeter setting of a station along the route and within 100 nautical miles of the aircraft; (ii) If there is no station within the area prescribed in paragraph (a)(1)(i) of this section, the current reported altimeter setting of an appropriate available station; or (iii) In the case of an aircraft not equipped with a radio, the e levation of the departure airport or an appropriate altimeter setting available before departure.
**4. FLEMING A** **ERI AL**  **S Seeks Exemption From The Requirements Of Section**  **91.151(b).**

### 8 Section 91.151, entitled Fuel requirements for flight in VFR conditions , sub section (b), states the following:

(b) No person may begin a flight in a rotorcraft under VFR conditions unless (considering wind and forecast weather conditions) there is enough fuel to fly to the first point of intended landing and, assuming normal cr uising speed, to fly after that for at least 20 minutes.
**5. FLEMING A** **ERI AL**  **S Seeks Exemption From The Requirement Of Section 91.405(a).**  Section 91.405, entitled Maintenance required, subsection (a), states the following: Each owner or operator of an airc raft

— (a) Shall have that aircraft inspected as prescribed in subpart E of this part and shall between required inspections, except as provided in paragraph (c) of this section, have discrepancies repaired as prescribed in part 43 of this chapter[.]
**6. FLEMING A** **ERI AL**  **S Seeks Exemption From The Requirements Of Section**  **91.407(a)(1)** Section 91.407, entitled Operation after maintenance, preventive maintenance, rebuilding, or alteration , subsection (a)(1), states the following: (a) No person may operate any aircraft that has undergone maintenance, preventive maintenance, rebuilding, or alteration unless
-- (1) It has been approved for return to service by a person authorized under § 43.7 of this chapter[.] **7. FLEMING A** **ERI AL**  **S Seeks Exemption From The Requireme**  **nts Of Sections 91.409(a)(1) A** **nd 91.409(a)(2).** Section 91.409, entitled Inspections , subsection (a), states the following:
(a) Except as provided in paragraph (c) of this section, no person may operate an aircraft unless, within the preceding 12 calend ar months, it has had
-- (1) An annual inspection in accordance with part 43 of this chapter and has been approved for return to service by a person authorized by § 43.7 of this chapter; or (2) An inspection for the issuance of a n airworthiness certificate in

### 9 accordance with part 21 of this chapter. **8. FLEMING**  **AE RIA** **LS Seeks**  **Exemption From**  **The Requirements**  **Of Sections**  **91.417(a) A nd 91.417(b).**  Section 91.417, entitled Maintenance records , subsections (a) and (b), state the following: (a) Except for work performe d in accordance with §§ 91.411 and 91.413, each registered owner or operator shall keep the following records for the periods specified in paragraph (b) of this section: (1) Records of the maintenance, preventive maintenance, and alteration and records of the 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
-- (i) A description (or refere nce to data acceptable to the Administrator) of the work performed; and (ii) The date of completion of the work performed; and

(iii) The signature, and certificate number of the person approving the aircraft for return to service. (2) Records containing the following information:

(i) The total time in service of t he 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 o n the aircraft wh ich are required to be overhauled on a specified time basis. (iv) The current inspection status of t he aircraft, including the time since the last inspection required by the inspection program under wh ich the aircraft and its appliances are ma intained. (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

### 10 major alteration to the airframe and currently installed engines, rotors, propellers, and appliances. (b) The owner or operator shall retain the following records fo r 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 para graph (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 under § 43.11 of this chapter shall be retained until the defects are repaired and the aircraft is approved for return to service.
**C. The**  **Extent Of**  **Relief FLEMING**  **AE RIA** **LS Seeks**  **An d**  **The Reason**  **FLEMING A ERIA** **LS Seeks The Relief.** 
**1. Extent Of Relief FLEMING A** **ERI AL**  **S Seeks A** **nd The Reason FLEMING A** **ERI AL**  **S Seeks Relief From Section 61.113(a** **) A nd (b).**  Relief from Section 61.113(a) and (b) entitled Private pilot privileges and limitations: Pilot in command, is requested to the extent necessary to allow a PIC holding a private pilot or higher level certificate, as well as a current and valid a irman medical certificate, and who has met certain flight
- hour and currency requirements, to conduct the proposed UAS flight operations for compensation or hire. This relief is requested since the limitations set forth in Section 61.113(a) and (b) state t hat a private pilot may, for compensation or hire, act as PIC of an aircraft in connection with any business or employment if: (1) The flight is only incidental to that business or employment; and (2) The aircraft does not carry passengers or property for compensation or hire. As set forth more fully below, FLEMING AERIALS submits that an equivalent level of safety will be maintained because no PIC will be allowed to operate the DJI Phantom 3 UAS unless that PIC has met certain flight
- hour and currency req uirements, demonstrating that the PIC is able to safely operate the DJI Phantom 3 UAS in a manner consistent with the operations specifications as described in this exemption, including evasive and emergency maneuvers, as well as maintaining appropriate di stances from people, vessels, vehicles and structures. Further, FLEMING AERIALS submits that all flights of the DJI Phantom 3 UAS , conducted by the PIC pursuant to the grant of this Petition: (1) will be incidental to FLEMING

### 11 AERIALS’s business; and (2) w ill not carry passengers or property for compensation or hire.
**2. Extent Of Relief FLEMING A** **ERI AL**  **S Seeks A** **nd The Reason FLEMING**  **AE RI**  **AL S**  **Seeks Relief From Section 91.7(a).** Relief from Section 91.7(a) entitled Civil aircraft airworthiness , is requested to the extent required to allow FLEMING AERIALS to determine that the DJI Phantom 3 UAS is in airworthy condition prior to every flight by ensuring that the UAS is in compliance with the operating documents (i.e., the FLEMING AERIALS Aerial Operations Manual, Monthly Ma intenance Log, and DJI Phantom 3 Instruction Manual). FLEMING AERIALS seeks the requested relief because the DJI Phantom 3 UAS do es not require an airworthiness certificate in accordance with 14 C.F.R. Part 21, Subpart H. Therefore, FLEMING AER IALS will ensure that the DJI Phantom 3 UAS is in airworthy condition based upon its compliance with the operating documents (i.e., Monthly Ma intenance Log, and DJI Phantom 3 Instruction Manual) prior to every flight, and further, determine that the aircraft are in condition for safe flight, as stated in the conditions and limitations below.
**3. Extent Of Relief**  **FLEMING A ERI**  **AL S**  **Seeks and the**  **Reason FLEMING A** **ERIA LS**  **Seeks Relief From Section 91.121.** Relief from Section 91.121, entitled Altimeter settings, ma y be required to allow flight operations of the DJI Phantom 3 UAS , which utilize a barometric pressure sensor, GPS equipment, and a radio communications telemetry data link to downlink altitude information from the UA to the PIC at the ground control stati on (GCS). Since the FAA requires that any altitude information concerning UAS operations be reported to air traffic control (ATC) in feet above ground level (AGL), FLEMING AERIALS seeks the requested relief because the DJI Phantom 3 UA’s altimeter may be s et on the ground to zero feet AGL, rather than the local barometric pressure or field altitude, before each flight. Considering the limited altitude of the proposed operations, relief from 14 CFR 91.121 is sought to the extent necessary to comply with the applicable conditions and limitations stated below. As more fully set forth herein, an equivalent level of safety will be maintained since the DJI Phantom 3 UA is equipped with a barometric pressure sensor and GPS equipment, wh ich automatically ensures th at a ground level pressure setting will be established prior to each flight, and provides the PIC with altitude information of the UA on the heads
- up display of the GCS.
**4. Extent Of Relief FLEMING A** **ERI AL**  **S Seeks**  **and the Reason**  **FLEMING AE**  **RI AL**  **S Seeks Relie** **f from**  **Section 91.151(b).**

### 12 Relief from Section 91.151(b) entitled Fuel requirements for flight in VFR conditions, is requested to the extent required to allow flights of the battery powered DJI Phantom 3 UA during daylight hours in visual meteorological conditions (VMC), under visual flight rules (VFR), for a total duration of 14.5 minutes to the first point of intended landing and, assuming normal cruising speed, to fly after that for at least 4.5 minutes. FLEMING AERIALS seeks the requested relief becaus e without an exemption from Section 91.151(b), the flight time duration of the battery powered DJI Phantom 3 UA will severely constrain the practicality of any aerial video or still photo flight operations that FLEMING AERIALS proposes to conduct pursuant to this Petition. Significantly, as set forth below, the technical spe cifications of the DJI Phantom 3 UAS , the DJI Phantom 3 operating documents, and FLEMING AERIALS’s proposed operating limitations, ensure that FLEMING AERIALS will safely operate the b attery powered DJI Phantom 3 UA during daylight hours in visual meteorological conditions (VMC), under visual flight rules (VFR), with enough battery power to fly for a total duration of 14.5 minutes to the fi rst point of intended landing and, assuming normal cruising speed, to fly after that for at least 4.5 minutes.
**5. Extent Of Relief**  **FLEMING A ERI**  **AL S**  **Seeks A nd The Reason**  **FLEMING A ERI**  **AL S**  **Seeks Relief From Sections 91.405(a), 91.407(a)(1), 91.409(a)(1) & (a)(2), A nd 91.417(a)**  **& (b).**
Since Sections 91.40 5(a), 91.407(a)(1), 91.409(a)(1) & (a)(2), and 91.417(a) & (b) only apply to aircraft with an airworthiness certificate, FLEMI NG AERIALS requests relief from these Sections because the DJI Phantom 3 UAS do not require airworthiness certificates. As set forth more fully below, the DJI Phantom 3 UAS meet the conditions of FMRA Section 333 for operation without an airworthiness certificate. Accordingly, FLEMING AERIALS will use trained technicians to perform maintenance, alterations, or preventive maintenance on the UASs using the methods, techniques, and practices prescribed in the UAS operating documents (i.e., the FLEMING AERIALS Aerial Operations Manual, Monthly Maintenance Log, and DJI Phantom 3 Instruction Manual). Furthermore, FLEMING AERIALS will docume nt and maintain all maintenance records for the DJI Phantom 3 UAS

.

**D. The Reasons Why** 

**Granting FLEMING A** **ERIA LS**  **Request Would Be In The Public**  **Interest; That Is, Ho w It Would Benefit The Public A**  **s A Whole.**  Granting the present Petition will further the p ublic interest by allowing FLEMING AERIALS

### 13 to safely, efficiently, and economically perform aerial video and photography of real estate, people, and landscape over certain areas of the United States. Additionally, use of the DJI Phantom 3 UAS will decreas e congestion of the NAS, reduce pollution, and provide significant benefits to the economy. Notably, the benefits of FLEMING AERIALS’s proposed operation of the DJI Phantom 3 UAS will be realized without implicating any privacy issues. **1. The Public Will Benefit From Decreased Congestion Of The NA** **S.** The DJI Phantom 3 UA is battery powered and serve as a safe, efficient, and economical alternative to the manned aircraft traditionally utilized to obtain aerial imagery. By reducing the amount of manned airc raft needed to perform aerial acquisitions, an exemption allowing the use of a DJI Phantom 3 UAS would reduce the amount of manned aircraft in the NAS, reduce noise and air pollution, as well as increase the safety of life and property in the air and on th e ground. Furthermore, by reducing the number of manned aircraft operating in the NAS, congestion around airports caused by arriving and departing aircraft will be reduced. The DJI Phantom 3 UA do not require an airport to takeoff or land. Likewise, a red uction of manned aircraft conducting aerial video and photography missions would result in fewer aircraft that must be handled by air traffic control during the ground, takeoff, departure, arrival, and landing phases of flight operations.
**2. The Public W ill Benefit From The Safety**  **A nd Efficiency** 

**Of The DJI Phantom 3**  **UA S** 
**.** Conducting aerial acquisitions with the DJI Phantom 3 UAS , instead of manned aircraft, will greatly benefit the public by drastically reducing the levels of air and noise pollution genera ted during traditional aerial video and still photography flight operations. By using battery power and electric motors, the DJI Phantom 3 UAS produce no air pollution, and is the most viable environmentally conscious alternative to the cabin class, six cy linder internal combustion engine aircraft that are typically utilized for aerial video and photography, while burning approximately 20
- 30 gallons per hour of leaded aviation fuel. The DJI Phantom 3 UA , while reducing the carbon footprint of aerial acquisi tions, also eliminates noise pollution, as the UAs are propelled by battery powered electric motors, rather than an internal combustion engine. By using the DJI Phantom 3 UAS to perform aerial acquisitions, the substantial risk to life and property in the air and on the ground, which is usually associated with traditional manned aircraft flight operations, will be substantially reduced or completely eliminated. Aside from the lack of flight crew members located onboard the aircraft, the DJI Phantom 3 UA (weighing approximately 6 pounds 7.5 ounces at it’s maximum gross weight with length of

### 14 17.3 inches , widths of 17.7 inches, and with no fuel on board), has less physical potential for collateral damage to life and property on the ground, and in the air, comp ared to the manned aircraft that typically conduct similar operations (weighing approximately 6,000 pounds with a wingspan of approximately 42 feet, a length of 34 feet, and a fuel capacity of 180 gallons). **3. Performing A erial Video and Photography**  **Oper ations With The**  **DJI Phantom 3 UA** **S Will Benefit The Economy** 
**.** In addition to being safe and efficient, the DJI Phantom 3 UAS is also an economical alternative to using manned aircraft to conduct similar aerial operations. As such, operation of the DJI Phanto m 3 UAS will allow United States based companies, like FLEMING AERIALS , to remain competitive and contribute to growth of the U.S. economy. Specifically, with the rising cost of aviation fuel and the Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) regulatory actio ns phasing out leaded aviation fuels, U.S. owned and operated companies must adopt new and alternative technology in order to remain competitive. Operating the battery powered DJI Phantom 3 UAS is one such technology that not only allows companies greater operational flexibility compared to manned aircraft, but provides such flexibility without the high operational cost of a traditional manned aircraft. By operating the DJI Phantom 3 UAS , companies such as FLEMING AERIALS , can remain competitive and profitable, and therefore, provide greater job stability to employees and contractors, which will ultimately contribute to growth of the U.S. economy. Improved financial performance of U.S. companies, through commercial use of the DJI Phantom 3 UAS , provides a stable workforce that increases consumer spending; improves local, state, and federal tax revenues; and allows companies to invest in research and development in order to remain competitive both in the United States and abroad. **4. There A re No Privacy**  **Iss ues.**  Similar to the manned aerial acquisition flight operations that have been conducted for many years , FLEMING AERIALS’s proposed operation of the DJI Phantom 3 UAS will not implicate any privacy issues. Specifically, the DJI Phantom 3 UAS will be opera ted only in compliance with operating documents (i.e., Monthly Maintenance Log, and DJI Phantom 3 Instruction Manual) which requires property owner involvement and permission to videotape/photograph as well as local law enforcement notification, and in accordance with the Federal Aviation Regulations, including the minimum altitude requirements of 14 C.F.R. § 91.119. **E. The Reasons Why**

**Granting The Exemption Would Not A dversely**  **A ffect Safety** **, Or How** **The Exemption Would Provide A Level Of Safety** 

**A t Least E**  **qual To That Provided By**  **T he Rule From Which**  **FLEMING A ERI**  **AL S**  **Seeks Exemption. 1.**  **Reasons Why** 

**T he**  **DJI Phantom**  **3 UA**  **Meet The**  **Conditions Of**  **The FAA** 

### 15 **Modernization and Reform A ct of 2012 (FMRA) Section 333.**  In consideration of the size, weight, speed, and limi ted operating area associated with the unmanned aircraft and its operation, FLEMING AERIALS’s operation of the DJI Phantom 3 UAS meet the conditions of FMRA Section 333, and will not require an airworthiness certificate in accordance with 14 C.F.R. Part 21 , Subpart H. Section 333 provides authority for a UAS to operate without airworthiness certification and sets forth requirements for considering whether a UAS will create a hazard to users of the NAS or the public, or otherwise pose a threat to national s ecurity. Specifically, FMRA Section 333 states the following, in part:

(a) In General.
--Notwithstanding any other requirement of this subtitle, and not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Transportation shall determin e if certain unmanned aircraft systems may operate safely in the national airspace system before completion of the plan and rulemaking required by section 332 of this Act or the guidance required by section 334 of this Act. (b) Assessment of Unmanned Aircraft Systems. -- In making the determination under subsection (a), the Secretary shall determine, at a minimum-- (1) which types of unmanned aircraft systems, if any, as a result of their size, weight, speed, operational capability, proximity to airports and populated areas, and operation within visual line of sight do not create a hazard to users of the national airspace system or the public or pose a threat to national security; and
(2) whether a certificate of waiver, certificate of authorization, or airworthiness certification under section 44704 of title 49, United States Code, is required for the operation of unmanned aircraft systems identified under paragraph (1).
(c) Requirements for Safe Operation.
--If the Secretary determines under this section that certain unmanned aircraft systems may operate safely in the national airspace system, the Secretary shall establish requirements for the safe operation of such aircraft systems in the national airspace system.
In seeking this exemption, FLEMING AERIALS submits that the DJI Phantom 3 UAS can operate safely in the NAS pursuant to FMRA Section 333, as demonstrated by: (a) the characteristics of the DJI Phantom 3 UAS ;

### 16 (b) the pilot certification requirement; and (c) the specific operating limitations. **a. The**  **Specification s**  **Of The**  **DJI Phantom**  **3 UA** **S Demonstrate**  **Its Safe**  **Characteristics.**

The DJI Phantom 3 UAS do not create a hazard to users of the NAS or the public, or otherwise pose a threat to national security considering its size, weight, speed, and operational capabili ty. **i. Technical Specifications Of The DJI Phantom 3 UA** **S**
**.** The technical specifications of t he DJI Phantom 3 UAS is set forth by the DJI Phantom 3 User Manuals, attached hereto as Appendix A.
**ii. The DJI Phantom 3 UA** **S Au**  **tonomous Flight A nd Navigation M**  **odes Enable The UA** **Ss To Remain Within A Defined Operational A** **rea.**
The DJI Phantom 3 UAS may be operated in both manual and fully autonomous flight modes. A complete description of the flight and navigational modes of the DJI Phantom 3 UAS is provided at p ages 12
- 16 and 45
- 50 of the DJI Phantom 3 User Manuals, attached hereto as Appendix A.
**iii. The DJI Phantom 3 UA** **S is Designed For A** **utomatic Return To Home Point Or Hover In The Event Of Loss Of The Control Link Or Navigation.** 
Wh en the Control Link is lo st, the DJI Phantom 3 UA will remain stationary, in flight, for 3 seconds or more. If, after 3 seconds, the DJI Phantom 3 UA do not reacquire control link data from the GCS, the UAs will assume that the Control Link is lost and the UAs will return to the h ome position (i.e., failsafe mode) via GPS, and will descend to the takeoff position and shutdown. A complete description of the Failsaf e Functions of the DJI Phantom 3 UAS are set forth at pages 13 through 15 of the DJI Phantom 3 User Manuals, attached hereto as Appendix A. **iv. The DJI Phantom 3**  **GCS A nd Its Operation.**  A complete description of the operation and specifications of the DJI Phantom 3 GCS and flight control software is provided at pages 40 through 47 of the DJI Phantom 3 User Manual. DJ I Phantom 3 User Manuals are attached hereto as Appendix A.

### 17 **b. Flight Operations Of DJI Phantom 3 UA** **S is Limited To The Line Of Sight Of A**  **Certificated Pilot in Command With A Safety**  **Observer.** A licensed operator will be the only person to act as a pilot in command (PIC) of the DJI Phantom 3 UAS . Additionally, a safety observer will assist in flights. **c. Flights Of DJI Phantom 3 UA** **S Will Be Conducted Pursuant To Specific**  **Operating Limitations.** In seeking this exemption, FLEMING AERIALS proposes to commerc ially operate DJI Phantom 3 UAS for the special purpose of conducting aerial video and photography over certain areas of United States, pursuant to the following specific operating limitations:

1. Operations authorized by this grant of exemption will be limi ted to the following aircraft described in the operating documents, rotorcraft UASs weighing less than 55 pounds maximum gross weight: DJI Phantom 3 Unmanned Aircraft Systems. Proposed operations of any other aircraft will require a new petition or a petit ion to amend this grant.

2. UAS operations under this exemption will be limited to conducting operations for the purpose of aerial video and photography.

3. The UAs may not be flown at an indicated airspeed exceeding 20 knots.

4. The UA must be ope rated at an altitude of no more than 4 00 feet above ground level (AGL), as indicated by the procedures specified in the operating documents unless a special request is made and approved by ATC. All altitudes reported to ATC must be in feet AGL.

5. The UAs m ust 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.

6. The use of first person view (FPV) by the safety observer (SO) is not

### 18 permitted.

7. All operations must utilize a safety observer (SO). The SO may be used to satisfy the VLOS requirement as long as the PIC always maintains VLOS capability. The SO and PIC must be ab le to communicate verbally at all times. Electronic messaging or texting is not permitted during flight operations. The PIC must be designated before the flight and cannot transfer his or her designation for the duration of the flight. The PIC must ensure that the SO can perform the functions prescribed in the operating documents.

8. The SO must not perform any other duties beyond assisting the PIC with seeing and avoiding other air traffic and other ground based obstacles/ obstructions and is not permitted to operate the camera or other instruments.

9. The operating documents and the grant of exemption must be accessible during UAS operations and made available to the Administrator upon request. If a discrepancy exists between the conditions and limitations contained in the grant of exemption and the procedures outlined in the operating documents, the conditions and limitations contained in the grant of exemption take precedence and must be followed. Otherwise, the operator must follow the procedures as outlin ed in its operating documents. The operator may update or revise its operating documents. It is the operator’s responsibility to track such revisions and present updated and revised documents to the Administrator upon request. The operator must also presen t updated and revised documents if it petitions for extension or amendment to the grant of exemption. If the operator determines that any update or revision would affect the basis upon which the FAA granted the exemption, then the operator must petition fo r 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.

10. Prior to each flight the PIC must inspect the UAS to ensure that it is in a condition for safe flight. If the inspection reveals a condition that affects the safe operation of the UAS, the aircraft is prohibited from operating until the necessary maintenance has been performed and the UAS is found to be in a condition for safe flight. The Ground Control Station must be included in the preflight inspection. All maintenance and alterations must be properly documented in the aircraft

### 19 records.

11. Any UAS that has undergone maintenance or alterations that affect the UAS operation or flight characteristics, e.g. replacement of a flight critical component, must undergo a functional test flight. The PIC who conducts the functional test flight must make an entry in the aircraft records.
12. T he pre
-flight inspection must account for all potential discrepancies, e.g. inoperable components, items, or equipment, not already covered in the relevant sections of the operating documents.

13. The operator must follow the UAS manufacturer’s aircraft/component, maintenance, overhaul, replacement, ins pection, and life limit requirements.

14. The operator must carry out its maintenance, inspections, and record keeping requirements, in accordance with the operating documents. Maintenance, inspection, alterations, and status of replacement/overhaul componen t parts must be noted in the aircraft records, including total time in service, description of work accomplished, and the signature of the authorized person returning the UAS to service.

15. Each UASs operated under this exemption must comply with all manufa cturer Safety Bulletins.

16. The authorized person must make an entry in the aircraft record of the corrective action taken against discrepancies discovered between inspections.

17. The PIC must possess at least a private pilot certificate and at least a curre nt third
- class medical certificate.



### 18. The operator may not permit any PIC to operate unless the PIC meets the operator’s qualification criteria and demonstrates the ability to safely operate the UAS in a manner consistent with how the UAS will be operated under the

### 20 exemption, including evasive and emergency maneuvers and maintaining appropriate distances from persons, vessels, vehicles and structures. PIC qualification flight hours must be logged in a manner consistent with 14 C.F.R. § 61.51(b). Flights fo r the purposes of training the operator’s PICs are permitted under the terms of the exemption. However, training operations may only be conducted during dedicated training sessions. During training, proficiency, and experience
building flights, all persons not essential fo r flight operations are considered nonparticipants, and the PIC must operate the UA with appropriate distance from nonparticipants in accordance with 14 C.F.R. § 91.119.

19. UAS operations may not be conducted during night, as defined in 14 C.F.R. § 1.1. All operations must be conducted under visual meteorological conditions (VMC). If flight at night is required, a special request will be made at the FAA office closest to proposed area of operations. Flights under special visual flight rules (SVFR) are not authorized.

20. The UA may not operate within 5 nautical miles of an airport reference point as denoted on a current FAA
- published aeronautical chart unless a letter of agreement with that airport’s management is obtained, and the operation is conducted in accordance with a NOTAM as required by the operator’s COA. The letter of agreement with the airport management must be made available to the Administrator upon request.

21. The UA may not be operated less than 500 feet below or less than 2,000 feet horizontally from a cloud or when visibility is less than 3 statute miles from the PIC.

22. If the UA loses communications or loses its GPS signal, it must return to a pre - determined location within the planned operating area and land or be recovered i n accordance with the operating documents.

23. The PIC must abort the flight in the event of unpredicted obstacles or emergencies in accordance with the operating documents.

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

### 21 forecast weather conditions) there is enough power to fly at normal cruising speed to the intended landing point and land the UA with 25% battery power remaining.
25. The operator must obtain an Air Traffic Organization (ATO) issued Certificate of Wa iver or Authorization (COA) prior to conducting any operations under the grant of exemption. This COA will also require the operator to request a Notice to Airman (NOTAM) not more than 72 hours in advance, but not less than 48 hours prior to the operation. All operations shall be conducted in accordance with airspace requirements in the ATO issued COA including class of airspace, altitude level and potential transponder requirements.

26. All aircraft operated in accordance with the exemption must be identified by serial numb er, registered in accordance with 14 C.F.R. part 47, and have identification (N
- Number) markings in accordance with 14 C.F.R. part 45, Subpart C. Markings must be as large as practicable.

27. Before conducting operations, the radio frequency spectrum used for operation and control of the UA must comply with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) or other appropriate government oversight agency requirements.

28. The documents required fewer than 14 C.F.R. 91.9 and 91.203 must be available to the PIC at the Ground Control Station of the UAS any time the UAS is operating. These documents must be made available to the Administrator or any law enforcement official upon request.

29. The UA must remain clear and yield the right of wa y to all manned aviation operati ons and activities at all times.

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

31. Flight operations must be conducted at least 500 feet from all nonparticipating persons (persons other than the PIC, SO, operator trainees or es sential persons), vessels, vehicles, and structures unless:

### 22 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 person s remain under such protection. If a situation arises where nonparticipating persons leave such protection and are within 500 feet of the UA, flight operations must cease immediately and/or;

b. The aircraft is operated near vessels, vehicles or structures w here the owner/controller of such vessels, vehicles or structures has granted permission and the PIC has made a safety assessment of the risk of operating closer to those objects and determined that it does not present an undue hazard, and;

c. Operations ne arer to the PIC, SO, operator trainees or essential persons do not present an undue hazard to those persons per § 91.119(a).

32. All operations shall be conducted over private or controlled
- access property with permission from the land owner/controller or au thorized representative. Permission from land owner/controller or authorized representative will be obtained for each flight to be conducted.

33. Any incident, accident, or flight operation that transgresses the lateral or vertical boundaries of the operatio nal 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 We b site: www.ntsb .gov.

**2. Reasons**  **Why**

**A n**  **Exemption From**  **The Requirements**  **Of Section**  **61.113(a) A nd (b) Would Not A** **dversely A**  **ffect Safety**
**.**
FLEMING AERIALS submits that the equivalent level of safety established by Section

### 23 61.113(a) and (b) will be maintained because no PIC will be allowed to operate the DJI Phantom 3 UAS unless that PIC has demonstrated, by meeting minimum flight
- hour and currency requirements, that the PIC is able to safely operate the DJI Phantom 3 UAS in a manner consistent with the exemption, including evasive and emergency maneuvers and maintaining appropriate distances from people, vessels, vehicles and structures. Considering FLEMING AERIALS’s proposed area of operations, and the operating limitations set forth
- above; the parallel nature of private p ilot aeronautical knowledge requirements to those of commercial pilot requirements (See Exemption No. 11062); and the airmanship skills necessary to safely operate the DJI Phantom 3 UAS , FLEMING AERIALS submits that the additional manned airmanship experie nce of a commercially certificated pilot would not correlate to the airmanship skills necessary for FLEMING AERIALS’s specific proposed flight operations. The FAA has previously granted relief from Section 61.113(a) and (b) specific to UAS, in circumstances similar, in all material respects, to those presented herein (e.g. Exemption Nos. 11062, 11063, 11064, 11065, 11066, 11067, 11080, 11109, 11110, 11112, 11136, 11138, 11150, 11153, 11156, 11158, 11159, 11160, 11161).
FLEMING AERIALS will not allow any PIC to operate the DJI Phantom 3 UAS unless that PIC has demonstrated, by meeting minimum flight
- hour requirements or the DJI Phantom 3 UAS training and currency requirements, that the PIC is able to safely operate the DJI Phantom 3 UAS in a manner consistent with this exemption, including evasive and emergency maneuvers and maintaining appropriate distances from people, vessels, vehicles and structures. Specifically, the PIC must have accumulated and logged, in a manner consistent with 14 C.F.R. § 61.51(b ), 25 hours of total time as a UAS rotorcraft pilot (with a minimum of 5 hours of those hours as a UAS pilot operating the same make and model of UAS to be used for operations under the exemption). In addition to the hour requirements, the PIC must accompl ish 3 takeoffs and landings in the preceding 90 days (for currency purposes). As in Exemption Nos. 11062, 11138, and 11153, prior documented flight experience that was obtained in compliance with applicable regulations will ensure an equivalent level of s afety during FLEMING AERIALS’s proposed operations. The Administrator has held that prior documented flight experience that was obtained in compliance with applicable regulations would ensure safe operations, stating as follows: In Exemption No. 11062, th e FAA required that prior to conducting operations for the purpose of motion picture filming (or similar operations), the PIC must have accumulated and logged, in a manner consistent with 14 CFR 61.51(b), 25 hours of total time as a UAS rotorcraft pilot in cluding at least 10 hours logged as a UAS pilot with a multi
- rotor UAS. Prior to operations under Exemption No. 11062, the PIC must also have accumulated and logged a minimum of 5 hours as a UAS pilot operating

### 24 the same make and model of UAS to be used for operations under the exemption. For clarification, the FAA considers these minimum hour requirements to be inclusive rather than additive; i.e. 5 hours make and model time may be included in the 10 hours of multi
- rotor time and the 10 hours may be include d in the total 25 hours of UAS rotorcraft time. In addition to the hour requirements, the PIC must accomplish 3 takeoffs and landings in the preceding 90 days (for currency purposes). The FAA finds that at a minimum, the flight
- hour requirements in Exempti on No. 11062 are appropriate to practice and build proficiency in the skills necessary to safely conduct the petitioner’s proposed operations. The FAA also finds that prior documented flight experience that was obtained in compliance with applicable regula tions would satisfy this requirement. Training, proficiency, and experience
- building flights can also be conducted under the grant of exemption to accomplish the required flight time. During training, proficiency, and experience
- building flights the PIC is required to operate the UA with appropriate distances in accordance with 14 C.F.R 91.119.
Exemption No. 11138 at page 15. Accordingly, FLEMING AERIALS will ensure safe operations by not allowing any PIC to operate the DJI Phantom 3 UAS unless that PIC has demonstrated, by meeting minimum flight
- hour and currency requirements, that the PIC is able to safely operate the DJI Phantom 3 UAS in a manner consistent with the exemption, including evasive and emergency maneuvers and maintaining appropriate dista nces from people, vessels, vehicles and structures.

**3. Reasons Why**

**A n Exemption From The Requirements Of Section 91.7(a)**  **Would Not A dversely**  **A ffect Safety** 
**.** The equivalent level of safety established by Section 91.7(a) will be maintained because prior to every flight, FLEMING AERIALS will ensure that the DJI Phantom 3 UAS is in an airworthy condition based upon the UAS’s compliance with its operating documents and as stated in the conditions and limitations herein. Additionally, the FAA has previously g ranted relief from Section 91.7(a) specific to UAS, in circumstances similar, in all material respects, to those presented herein (e.g. Exemption Nos. 11062, 11063, 11064, 11065, 11066, 11067, 11080, 11109, 11110, 11112, 11136, 11138, 11150, 11153, 11156, 11157, 11158, 11159, 11160, 11161).

**4. Reasons Why**

**A n Exemption From The Requirements Of Section 91.121**  **Would Not A dversely**  **A ffect Safety** 
**.**

### 25 The equivalent level of safety established by Section 91.121 will be maintained because the altitude information of the DJI Phantom 3 UA will be provided to the PIC via GPS equipment and a radio communications telemetry data link, which downlinks from the UA to the GCS for active monitoring of the flight path and altitude. This altitude information, combined with FLE MI NG AERIALS’s operation of the DJI Phantom 3 UA within visual line of sight, at or below 500 feet AGL, will ensure a level of safety equivalent to Section 91.121. The altitude information will be generated by GPS equipment installed onboard the aircraft. Prior to each flight, a zero altitude initiation point is automatically established by the UAS at ground level. The FAA has previously granted relief from Section 91.121 specific to UAS, in circumstances similar, in all material respects, to those presented herein (e.g. Exemption Nos. 11062, 11063, 11064, 11065, 11066, 11067, 11080, 11109, 11112, 11136, 11138, 11150, 11153, 11156, 11157, 11158, 11159, 11160, 11161).

**5. Reasons Why**

**A n Exemption From The Requirements Of Section**  **91.151(b) Would Not A dversel**  **y Af**  **fect Safety**
**.** A grant of this exemption would ensure an equivalent level of safety established by 14 C.F.R. Section 91.151(b) as a result of (1) the technical specifications of the DJI Phantom 3 UAS ; (2) the limitations on the proposed flight operation s; and (3) the location of the proposed flight operations. Accordingly, FLEMING AERIALS will ensure that it will safely operate the battery powered DJI Phantom 3 UA during daylight hours in VFR conditions, with enough battery power to fly for a total durat ion of 14. 5 minutes to the first point of intended landing and, assuming normal cruising speed, to fly after that for at least 4.5 minutes. Here, as in Exemption No. 11109, the technical specifications of the DJI Phantom 3 UAS ; the limitations on the prop osed flight operations; and the location of the proposed operations, will ensure an equivalent level of safety established by 14 C.F.R. Section 91.151(b). Furthermore, safety will be ensured as the DJI Phantom 3 UAS provide audible and visual warnings to t he PIC at the GCS when the UAs experiences low battery voltage, the first warning occurring at approximately 33% remaining battery power, and again at approximately 10% remaining battery power. At the critically low battery level, the DJI Phantom Vision+ a nd DJI Phantom 3 UASs will descend and land automatically. Significantly, previous exemptions granted by the FAA concerning Section 91.151 establish that safety is not adversely affected when the technical characteristics and operating limitations of the UAS are considered. Relief has been granted for manned aircraft to operate at less than the minimums prescribed in Section 91.151, including Exemption Nos. 2689, 5745, and 10650.

### 26 Moreover, the FAA has previously granted relief from Section 91.151 specific to UAS, in circumstances similar, in all material respects, to those presented herein (e.g. Exemption Nos. 8811, 10808, 10673, 11042, 11062, 11063, 11064, 11065, 11066, 11067, 11080, 11109, 11110, 11136, 11138, 11150, 11153, 11156, 11157, 11158, 11159, 111 60, 11161).

**6. Reasons Why**

**A n Exemption From The Requirements Of Sections**  **91.405(a), 91.407(a)(1), 91.409(a)(1) & (a)(2), A nd 91.417(a) & (b) Would Not**  **Ad versely** 

**A ffect Safety** 
**.** In seeking this exemption, FLEMING AERIALS submits that the equivalent leve l of safety with regard to the regulatory maintenance and alteration requirements established by Sections 91.405(a), 91.407(a)(1), 91.409(a)(1) & (a)(2), and 91.417(a) & (b) will be met because FLEMING AERIALS will use trained technicians to perform mainte nance, alterations, or preventive maintenance on the UASs using the methods, techniques, and practices prescribed in the operating documents (i.e., Monthly Maintenance Log, and DJI Phantom 3 Instruction Manual). Furthermore, FLEMING AERIALS will document a nd maintain all maintenance records for the DJI Phantom 3 UAS

. Since the DJI Phantom 3 UAS will be inspected as prescribed by the operating documents, FLEMING AERIALS will maintain the equivalent level of safety established by Sections 91.405(a), 91.409(a )(1), and 91.409(a)(2). A copy of the DJI Phantom 3 User Manuals are attached hereto as Appendix A; a copy of the DJI Phantom 3 UA Maintenance LOG is attached hereto as Appendix C. Likewise, the exemption sought will not adversely affect safety because FL EMING AERIALS will use trained technicians to perform maintenance, alterations or preventive maintenance on the UAS using the methods, techniques, and practices prescribed by the operating documents. Furthermore, the exemption sought would maintain an equ ivalent level of safety established by Sections 91.407, 91.417(a) and 91.417(b), because all maintenance of the DJI Phantom 3 UAS will be performed by trained technicians. Maintenance will be documented and maintained utilizing the monthly maintenance log. Significantly, previous exemptions granted by the FAA concerning Sections 91.405(a), 91.407(a)(1), 91.409(a)(1) & (a)(2), and 91.417(a) & (b) establish that safety is not adversely affected when the technical characteristics and operating limitations of the UAS are considered. In consideration of FLEMING AERIALS’s proposed operating limitations, the operating documents, and the technical aspects of the DJI Phantom 3 UAS , FLEMING AERIALS submits that safety will not be adversely affected by granting exemp tion from 14 C.F.R. Sections 91.405(a), 91.407(a)(1) and (a)(2), 91.409(a)(2), and 91.417(a) and (b). The FAA has previously

### 27 granted relief specific to UAS in circumstances similar, in all material respects, to those presented herein (e.g. Exemption Nos. 1 1062, 11063, 11064, 11065, 11066, 11067, 11080, 11109, 11110, 11112, 11136, 11138, 11150, 11153, 11156, 11157, 11158, 11159, 11160, 11161).
**7. The FAA**

**May Prescribe A** **ny**

**Other Conditions For Safe Operation.** In accordance with Section 333 of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 (FMRA) and 14 C.F.R. § 21.16 entitled Special Conditions, FLEMING AERIALS requests that the FAA prescribe special conditions for the intended operation of the DJI Phantom 3 UAS , wh ich contain such safety standards that the Administrator finds necessary to establish a level of safety equivalent to that established by 14 C.F.R. Part 21, Subpart H, and 14 C.F.R §§ 61.113(a) & (b), 91.7 (a), 91.121, 91.151(b), 91.405(a), 91.407(a)(1), 91.409(a)(1) & (a)(2), and 91.417(a) & (b). S uch special conditions will permit safe operation of the UAs for the limited purpose of conducting aerial video and photography over certain areas of the United States for compensation or hire. FMRA Section 333 sets forth the requirements for considering w hether a UAS will create a hazard to users of the NAS or the public, or otherwise pose a threat to national security; and further, provides the authority for such UAS to operate without airworthiness certification in accordance with any requirements that m ust be established for the safe operation of the UAS in the NAS. Likewise, the Administrator may prescribe special conditions pursuant to 14 C.F.R. § 21.16, for operation of the DJI Phantom 3 UAS , since the airworthiness regulations of 14 C.F.R. Part 21 do not contain adequate or appropriate safety standards, due to the novel or unusual design features of the aircraft. Section 21.16, entitled Special Conditions, states the following: If the FAA finds that the airworthiness regulations of this subchapter do not contain adequate or appropriate safety standards for an aircraft, aircraft engine, or propeller because of a novel or unusual design feature of the aircraft, aircraft engine or propeller, he prescribes special conditions and amendments thereto for t he product. The special conditions are issued in accordance with Part 11 of this chapter and contain such safety standards for the aircraft, aircraft engine or propeller as the FAA finds necessary to establish a level of safety equivalent to that establish ed in the regulations.
See 14 C.F.R. § 21.16. Therefore, in accordance with FMRA Section 333 and 14 C.F.R. § 21.16, the FAA may prescribe special conditions for FLEMING AERIALS’ intended operation of the DJI Phantom 3 UAS , which contain such safety stan dards that the Administrator finds necessary to establish a level of safety equivalent to that established by 14 C.F.R.

### 28 Part 21, Subpart H, and 14 C.F.R Sections 61.113(a) & (b), 91.7(a), 91.121, 91.151(b), 91.405(a), 91.407(a)(1), 91.409(a)(1) & (a)(2), a nd 91.417(a) & (b).
**• A Summary** 

**T hat Can Be Published In The Federal Register, stating: The Rules**  **From Which FLEMING A** **ERI AL**  **S Seeks Exemption:** 

FLEMING AERIALS seeks exemption from the requirements of 14 C.F.R Sections 61.113(a)&(b), 91.7(a), 91.121, 91. 151(b), 91.405(a), 91.407(a)(1), 91.409(a)(1) & (a)(2), and 91.417(a) & (b).

**A Brief Description Of The Nature Of The**  **Exemption FLEMING A** **ERIA LS**  **Seeks:**
This exemption will permit FLEMING AERIALS to commercially operate an Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) for the purpose of conducting aerial video and photography over certain areas of the United States.

**• A ny**  **A dditional**  **Information, Vie ws**  **, Or A rguments A**  **vailable To Support FLEMING**  **AE RI**  **AL S’s**  **Request.** This Petition is made pursuant to the FAA Modernizatio n and Reform Act of 2012 (FMRA) Section 333, which directs the Secretary of Transportation to determine if certain UAS may operate safely in the NAS. As such, FLEMING AERIALS’s request for exemption may be granted pursuant to the authority of FMRA Section 333 and 14 C.F.R. Part 11, as set forth above. FMRA Section 333 sets forth the requirements for considering whether a UAS will create a hazard to users of the NAS or the public, or otherwise pose a threat to national security; and further, provides the a uthority for such UAS to operate without airworthiness certification. As discussed in detail above, FLEMING AERIALS will operate the DJI Phantom 3 UAS safely in the NAS, without creating a hazard to users of the NAS, or the public, or otherwise pose a threat to national security.

### 29 **CONCLUSION** As set forth herein, FLEMING AERIALS seeks an exemption pursuant to 14 C.F.R. § 11.61 and Section 333 of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 (FMRA), which will permit safe operation of the DJI Phantom 3 UAS commercially, without an airworthiness certificate, for the limited purpose of conducting aerial video and photography over certain areas of the United States. By granting this Petition, the FAA Administrator will be fulfilling the Congressional mandate of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012, while also advancing the interests of the public, by allowing FLEMING AERIALS to safely, efficiently, and economically operate the DJI Phantom 3 UAS commercially within the NAS. **WHEREFORE** , in accordance with t he Federal Aviation Regulations and the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012, Section 333, FLEMING AERIALS respectfully requests that the Administrator grant this Petition for an exemption from the requirements of 14 C.F.R Sections 61.113(a) & (b), 91. 7(a), 91.121, 91.151(b), 91.405(a), 91.407(a)(1), 91.409(a)(1) & (a)(2), and 91.417(a) & (b), and permit FLEMING AERIALS to operate the DJI Phantom 3 UAS commercially for the purpose of conducting aerial video and photography over certain areas of the United States. Respectfully submitted on June 14, 2015 RICHARD O’NEILL DBA FLEMING AERIALS 625 General W eedon Dr We st Chester, PA 19382 484
- 947
- 8630 richaoneill@gmail.com

### 30 Appendices :

A

– DJI Phantom Users Guide B

– DJI Phantom 3 Specificatio ns Data Sheet C

– Monthly Maintenance Log

APPENDIX

– A Attached Seprarately APPENDIX

– B **DJI Phantom 3 TECHNICA L SPECIFICA**  **TIONS** FLEMING AERIALS only utilizes safe and reliable UASs. DJI is an industry leader in small UAS production. DJI UASs are l oaded with ground breaking software enabling the user to set parameters which will not allow flight into controlled airspace. Parameters can also be set to limit flight to no higher than a predetermined and set altitude as well as limit flight to a predete rmined and set distance. In addition, DJI sof tware provides real
-time altitude and location information to the PIC via the linked monitor (smart phone/tablet devices)
2.2 DJI Phantom 3

2.2.1 Aircraft 2.2.1.1 Model

– Phantom 3 2.2.1.2 We ig ht (Battery Included)

– 1280 grams 2.2.1.3 H overing Accuracy (GPS Mode)

– Vertical: +/
- 10cm; Horizontal: +/
- 1m 2.2.1.4 Max Angular Velocity

–Yaw: 200 0/s 2.2.1.5 Max Tilt Angle
- 35 0 2.2.1.6 Max Ascent Speed

– 5m/s 2.2.1.7 Max Descent Speed

– 3m/s 2.2.1.8 Max Speed

– 16m/s (ATTI mode, no wind

– NOT RECOMMENDED) 2.2.1.9 Max Flight Altitude

– 6000m 2.2.1.10 Max Flight Time

– Approximately 23 minutes

### 31 2.2.1.12 Motor Model

– DJI 3510 2.2.1.13 Propeller Model

– DJI 1345 2.2.1.14 Operating Temperature Range

– 14 0 F to 104 0 F (
- 10 0 C to 40 0 C) 2.2.1.15 Dimensions

– 17 1⁄4” x 17 3⁄4” x 12”
2.2.2 Gimbal 2.2.2.1 Model

– ZENMUSE X3 2.2.2.2 Output Power (with camera)

– Static: 9W; In Motion: 11 W 2.2.2.3 Operating Current

– Static: 750mA; In Motion: 900mA 2.2.2.4 Angular Vibration Range
- ±0.03 0 2.2.2.5 Mounting

– Detachable 2.2.2.6 Controllable Range

– Pitch:
- 90 0 to +30 0 ; Pan: ±320 0 2.2.2.7 Mechanical Range

– Pitch:
- 125 0 to 45 0 ; Pan: ±330 0 2.2.2.8 Ma x Controllable Speed

– Pitch: 120 0/s; Pan: 180 0/s 2.2.3 Camera 2.2.3.1 Name

– Sony EXMOR 2.2.3.2 Model

– 12.4M Pixel 2.2.3.3 Total Pixels

– 12.4M 2.2.3.4 Effective Pixels

– 12.76M 2.2.3.5 Image Max Size

– 4000x3000 2.2.3.6 ISO Range

– 100
- 3200 2.2.3.7 Field of View
- 94 0 2.2.3.8 CM OS

– Sony EXMOR 1/2.3” 2.2.3.9 HD Video Recording

– UHD(4K): 4096x2160p24/25, 3840x2160p24/25/30; FHD: 1920x1080p24/25/30/48/50/60; HD: 1280x720p24/25/30/48/50/60 2.2.3.10 Operating Temperature Range
- 32 0 F
- 104 0 F (0 0 C
- 40 0 C) 2.2.4 Transmitter 2.2.4.1 Name

– C1 2.2.4.2 Operating Frequency

– 5.728
- 5.850GHz; 2.400
- 2.483GHz 2.2.4.3 Communicating Distance (unobstructed)

– 2000m 2.2.4.4 Output Power

– 9W 2.2.4.5 Operating Temperature Range
- 14 0 F to 104 0 F (
- 10 0 C to 40 0 C) 2.2.4.6 Battery

– 600mAh L iPo 2S