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Exemption Request, Section 333 of the Modernization and 

Reform Act of 2012, “Special Rules for Certain Unmanned 

Aircraft Systems.”

Date submitted: 12/18/2015

Pursuant to Section 333 of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 and 14 CFR, Part 11, 

this exemption request is being submitted in order for the applicant to commercially operate an

Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) in the continuance of a business. Specifically, the applicant 

intends to employ a UAS for videography and photography applications, including but not 

limited to, landscape and real estate surveys, inspection of buildings, structures, construction 

sites and closed set motion pictures. All required information is presented below.

Applicant Information:

Robert Theodore Wolak EE, ATP (Operator)

Sigma Technical Services, Inc

111 Beechwood Lane

Greentown, PA 18426

Email: bwolak2001@gmail.com

Phone: 570.350.2531

Airline Transport Pilot: 2228836

Airplane Multiengine Land, w/ratings BE300, C525S

Commercial Privileges Airplane Single Engine Land

Flight Instructor: 2228836CFI

Airplane SE, Instrument Airplane

Current Medical: Second Class, issued 08/26/2015
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Regulations from which the exemption is requested:

14 CFR 45.23 (b)

14 CFR 91.7 (a)

14 CFR 91.9 (b) (2)

14 CFR 91.119 (c)

14 CFR 91.121

14 CFR 91.151 (a) and (b)

14 CFR 91.405 (a)

14 CFR 91.407 (a) (1)

14 CFR 91.409 (a) (1) and (2)

14 CFR 91.417 (a) and (b)

14 CFR 45.23 (b)

Registration and Marking will be in accordance with Small Unmanned Aircraft as specified by 

the UAS Registry requirements.

14 CFR 91.7 (a)

Since the UAS will not be issued an airworthiness certificate, there are no FAA regulatory 

standards for determining airworthiness.

The UAS airworthy condition will be determined by the operator as set forth by the 

manufacturer’s user manual prior to each flight.

14 CFR 91.9

The only manual that exists is the manufacturer’s user manual which has not been evaluated 

and approved by the FAA. It is available to the operator and used during UAS operations.

14 CFR 91.119 (c) 

The operator requests relief from the Minimum Safe Altitudes in order to allow reasonable and 

responsible operations. Safety will be maintained due to the small size, weight, 

maneuverability and speed of the UAS, as well as the operator’s proficiency and pre-flight 

planning. Further, the operator will continuously insure safe operating distance from any 

persons or property.

14 CFR 91.121

The UAS does not have an altimeter. The UAS utilizes an electronic GPS with a barometric 

sensor. Visual contact with the UAS will also be maintained throughout any flight.
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14 CFR 91.151 (a) and (b)

The UAS will only be operated in VFR conditions and within visual sight of the operator. The 

UAS power is provided by electronic battery which is continuously monitored and displayed to

the operator via the control station screen. Low battery warnings are provided to the operator 

both visually and through tactile vibrations. The LiPo battery operational condition is 

maintained by the manufacturer’s specifically designed charger which assesses the condition of 

each cell as well as the balance between each cell.

14 CFR 91.404 (a); 14 CFR 91.407 (a) (1); 14 CFR 91.409 (a) (1) and (2); 14 CFR 91.417 (a) and (b)

The maintenance and inspections described in these regulations apply to aircraft with an 

airworthiness certificates.

The operator will insure that the UAS is maintained in a safe operational condition as specified 

in the manufacturer’s manual and additional web site instructions. This includes mechanical 

condition as well as firmware and software updates.

The operator is an Electrical Engineer, Pilot and Flight Instructor and has sufficient knowledge 

and skills to perform any required routine maintenance, repairs and software updates.

Public Interest and Safety

The use of a UAS contributes to improved commerce and possibly economic growth. If 

approved, the operator will provide a cost effective alternative for aerial surveys, videos and 

photos, as compared to larger manned aircraft. Efficient and timely aerial surveying and 

inspections can improve a client’s perspective and assessment of real estate property, 

worksites and safety inspections that would be otherwise unavailable. 

Employing a UAS in lieu of a manned aircraft would enhanced safety and reduces the 

environmental impact as compared to similar operations conducted with manned aircraft. The 

UAS is relatively lightweight, operates at slow speeds, augmented by GPS for position stability, 

provides continuous telemetry and system status and is under constant control of the operator. 

(The flight modes and safety features of the UAS to be used in operations, approved by this 

petition, is described below). It is battery powered as compared to traditional aircraft carrying

volatile fuel and presents a lower environmental impact. Additionally, the UAS is small and 

highly maneuverable enabling it to operate safety in reduced space while maintaining a safe 

distance from persons of property.
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Model UAS for the proposed operations

Manufacturer: Yuneec

Specifications:

Name: Typhoon

Model: Q500+

Serial Number: YU15170187B02C01

Height: 210 mm (8.3 in)

Length (without rotor blades): 420 mm (16.5 in)

Width (without rotor blades): 420 mm (16.5 in)

Diameter (without rotor blades): 565 mm (22.2 in)

Propeller/Rotor Blade Diameter: 330 mm (13.0 in)

Weight (without battery and payload): 1130 g (40.0 oz)

Takeoff Weight (with battery and CGO2-GB camera: 1700 g (60.0 oz)

Battery: 5400 mAH 3S 11.1V LiPo

Charger: DC 3S 11.1V LiPo balancing and AC adapter

Transmitter: ST10 10-Channel 2.4 GHZ with 5.8 GHZ video link

Flight Time: 20-25 minutes

Flight control:

Smart Mode: GPS augmentation, Position Hold and self leveling ,Geo-fencing, smart circle 

operator protection.

Angle (Pilot) Mode: GPS augmentation, Position Hold and self leveling (with suitable GPS 

signal/lock).

Home Mode: Auto return and land within 13-26 feet of pilot.

Status Indicators:

On aircraft LED status lights. Below each motor and Main indicator under body.

Summary

Robert Theodore Wolak (Sigma Technical Services, Inc) in order to commercially operate a UAS,

seeks exemption from the following rules: 14 CFR 45.23 (b); 14 CFR 91.7 (a); 14 CFR 91.9 (b) (2);

14 CFR 91.119 (c); 14 CFR 91.121; 14 CFR 91.151 (a) and (b); 14 CFR 91.405 (a); 

14 CFR 91.407 (a) (1); 14 CFR 91.409 (a) (1) and (2); 14 CFR 91.417 (a) and (b).

Operations include aerial videography, photography, site surveys, buildings/structures 

inspection, special events and cinematography. The UAS, exemptions and procedures will fully 

comply with Section 333 of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012, “Special Rules for 

Certain Unmanned Aircraft Systems.” Approval of exemptions will allow commercial operations 

of a UAS, serve in the public interest and promote safety by utilizing a high tech lightweight 

battery powered aerial platform in contrast to large manned aircraft.