### June 16, 2015

Exemption No. 11814 Regulatory Docket No. FAA

– 20 15

– 1142

Mr. Dan Q. Pham Principal Engineer Alert5 International, LLC 4302 Hollywood Boulevard, #303 Hollywood, FL 33021

Dear Mr. Pham :

This letter is to inform you that we have granted your request for exemption 1 

### . It transmits our decision, explains its basis, and gives you the conditions and limitations of the exemption, including the date it ends.

By letter dated January 9, 2015 2 

### , you petitioned the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)

on behalf of Alert5 International, LLC ( hereinafter petitioner or operator ) for an exemption

. The petitioner requested to operate an unmanned ai rcraft system (UAS) to conduct aerial videography, cinematography, data collection, signal analysis, and concentration

measurements

.

See Appendix A for the petition submitted to the FAA des cribing the proposed operations and

the regulations that the petit ioner seeks an exemption

.

The FAA has determined that good cause exists for not publishing a summary of the petition in the Federal Register because the requested exemption would not set a precedent, and any delay in acting on this petition would be detri mental to the petitioner

.

1 

### The petitioner f iled petitions for exemption in dockets FAA

- 2015

- 1142, FAA

- 2015

- 1143, FAA

- 2015

- 1144,

FAA

- 2015

- 1145, FAA

- 2015

- 1146, and FAA

- 2015

- 1147

. To relieve the administrative burden on the petitioner and the FAA, we have consolidated the six dockets and will address the requests in Docket No. FAA

- 2015

- 114 2. We will close the remaining dockets.

2 

### Ibid.

### 2

Airworthiness Certification

The UAS proposed by the petitioner are the DJI Inspire 1, DJI Phantom, and DJI Matrix 100

.

The petitioner requested relief from 14 CFR part 21, C ertification procedures for products and parts, Subpart H

— Airworthiness Certificates

. In accordance with the statutory criteria provided in Section 333 of P ublic Law 112

− 95 in reference to 49 U

. S

. C

. § 44704, and in consideration of the size, weight, speed, and limited operating area associated with the

aircraft and its operation, the Secretary of Transportation has determined that this aircraft

meets the conditions of Section 333. Therefore, the FAA finds that the requested relief from

14 CFR part 21

, C ertification procedures for products and parts, Sub part H

— Airworthiness Certificates , and any associated noise certification and testing requirements of part 36, is

not necessary.

The Basis for Our Decision

You have requested to use a UAS for aerial data collection 3



### . The FAA has issued grants of exemption in circumstances similar in all material respects to those presented in your petition. In Grants of Exemption No s

. 11062 to Astraeus Aerial ( see Docket No. FAA−2014−0352), 11109 to Clayco, Inc. ( see Docket No. FAA

− 20 14

− 0507), 11112 to VDOS Global, LLC ( see Docket No. FAA−2014−0382), and 11213 to Aeryon Lab s , Inc. ( see Docket No. FAA−2014−0642), the FAA found that the enhanced safety achieved using an unmanned aircraft (UA) with the specifications described by the peti tioner and carrying no passengers or crew, rather than a manned aircraft of significantly greater proportions, carrying crew in addition to flammable fuel, gives the FAA good cause to find that the UAS operation enabled by this exemption is in the public i nterest.

Having reviewed your reasons for requesting an exemption, I find that

—

• They are similar in all material respects to relief previously requested in Grant of Exemption Nos. 11062, 11109, 11112, and 11213 ;

• The reasons stated by the FAA for granting Exemption Nos. 11062, 11109, 11112, and

11213 also apply to the situation you present; and

• A grant of exemption is in the public interest.

Our Decision

In consideration of the foregoing, I find that a grant of exemption is in the public interest. Therefore, pursuant to the authority contained in 49 U.S.C. 106(f), 40113, and 44701,

3 

### Aerial data collection includes any remote sensing and measuring by an instrument(s) aboard the UA. Examples include imagery (photography, video, infrared, etc.), electronic measurement (precision survey ing, RF analysis, etc.), chemical measurement (particulate measurement, etc.), or any other gathering of data by

instruments aboard the UA.

### 3

delegated to me by the Administrator, Alert5 International, LLC is granted an exemption from

14 CFR §§ 61.23(a) and ( c ), 61.101(e)(4 ) and (5), 61.113(a), 61.315(a) , 91.7(a), 91.119(c), 91.121, 91.151(a)(1), 91.405(a), 91.407(a)(1), 91.409(a)(1) and (2), and 91.417(a) and (b), to the extent necessary to allow the petitioner to op erate a UAS to perform aerial data collection. This exemption is subject to the conditions and limitations listed below.

Conditions and Limitations

In this grant of exemption, Alert5 International, LLC is hereafter referred to as the operator.

Failure to comply with any of the conditions and limitations of this grant of exemption will be grounds for the immediate suspension or rescission of this exemption.

1. Operations authorized by this grant of exemption are limited to the DJI Inspire 1, DJI Phantom, and DJI Matrix 100 when weighing less than 55 pounds including payload. Proposed operations of any other aircraft will require a new petition or a petition to

amend this exemption

.

2. Operations for the purpose of closed

- set motion picture and television filming are

not permitted.

3. The UA may not be operated at a speed exceeding 87 knots (100 miles per hour). The exemption holder may use either groundspeed or calibrated airspeed to determine compliance with the 87 knot speed restriction. In no case will the UA be operated at airspeeds greater than the maximum UA operating airspeed recommended by the

aircraft manufacturer.

4. The UA must be operated at an altitude of no more than 400 feet above ground level (AGL). Altitude must be reported in feet AGL.

5. The UA must be operated within visual line of sight (VLOS) of the PIC at all times. This requires the PIC to be able to use human vision unaided by any device other than corrective lenses, as specified on the PIC’s FAA

- issued airman medical certificate or

U.S. driver’s license.

6. All operations must utilize a visual observer (VO). The UA must be operated within the visual line of sight (VLOS) of the PIC and VO at all times. The VO may be used to satisfy the VLOS requirement as long as the PIC always maint ains VLOS capability. The VO and PIC must be able to communicate verbally at all times ;

e lectronic messaging or texting is not permitted during flight operations. The PIC must be designated before the flight and cannot transfer his or her designation fo r the duration of the flight. The PIC must ensure that the VO can perform the duties required of the VO.

### 4

7. This exemption and all documents needed to operate the UAS and conduct its operations in accordance with the conditions and limitations stated in thi s grant of exemption, are hereinafter referred to as the operating documents. The operating

documents must be accessible during UAS operations and made available to the Administrator upon request. If a discrepancy exists between the conditions and

limita tions in this exemption and the procedures outlined in the operating documents, the conditions and limitations herein take precedence and must be followed. Otherwise, the operator must follow the procedures as outlined in its operating documents. The ope rator may update or revise its operating documents. It is the operator’s responsibility to track such revisions and present updated and revised documents to the Administrator or any law enforcement official upon request. The operator must also present up dated and revised documents if it petitions for extension or amendment to this grant of exemption. If the operator determines that any update or revision would affect the basis upon which the FAA granted this exemption, then the operator must petition for an amendment to its grant of exemption. The FA A’s UAS Integration Office (AFS− 80) may be contacted if questions arise regarding updates or revisions to the operating documents.

8. Any UAS that has undergone maintenance or alterations that affect the UAS op eration or flight characteristics, e.g.

, replacement of a flight critical component, must undergo a functional test flight prior to conducting further operations under this exemption. Functional test flights may only be conducted by a PIC with a VO and mu st remain at

least 500 feet from other people. The functional test flight must be conducted in such a manner so as to not pose an undue hazard to persons and property.

9. The operator is responsible for maintaining and inspecting the UAS to ensure that it i s in a condition for safe operation.

10. Prior to each flight, the PIC must conduct a pre

- flight inspection and determine the UAS is in a condition for safe flight. The pre

- flight inspection must account for all potential discrepancies, e.g.

, inoperable comp onents, items, or equipment. If the inspection reveals a condition that affects the safe operation of the UAS, the aircraft is prohibited from operating until the necessary maintenance has been performed and the

UAS is found to be in a condition for safe flight.

11. The operator must follow the UAS manufacturer’s maintenance, overhaul, replacement, inspection, and life limit requirements for the aircraft and

aircraft components.

12. Each UAS operated under this exemption must comply with all manufacturer safety bulletins.

13. Under this grant of exemption, a PIC must hold either an airline transport, commercial, private, recreational, or sport pilot certificate. The PIC must also hold a

### 5

current FAA airman medical certificate or a valid U.S. driver’s license issued by a state, the District of Col u mbia, Puerto Rico, a territory, a possession, or the Federal government. The PIC must also meet the flight revi ew requirements specified in

14 CFR § 61.56 in an aircraft in which the PIC is rated on his or her pilot certificate.

14. The operator may not permit any PIC to operate unless the PIC demonstrates the ability to safely operate the UAS in a manner consistent with how the UAS will be operated under this exemption, including evasive and emergency maneuvers and

main taining appropriate distances from persons, vessels, vehicles and structures. PIC qualification flight hours and currency must be logged in a manner consistent with

14 CFR § 61.51(b). Flights for the purposes of training the operator’s PICs and VOs (trai ni ng, proficiency, and experience

- building) and determining the PIC’s ability to safely operate the UAS in a manner consistent with how the UAS will be operated under this exemption are permitted under the terms of this exemption. However, training operat ions may only be conducted during dedicated training sessions. During

traini ng, proficiency, and experience

- building flights, all persons not essential for flight operations are considered nonparticipants, and the PIC must operate the UA with appropriate distance from nonparticipants in accordance with 14 CFR § 91.119.

15. UAS operations may not be conducted during night, as defined in 14 CFR § 1.1. All operations must be conducted under visual meteorological conditions (VMC). Flights under special visual f light rules (SVFR) are not authorized.

16. The UA may not operate within 5 nautical miles of an airport reference point (ARP) as denoted in the current FAA Airport/Facility Directory (AFD) or for airports not denoted with an ARP, the center of the airport sym bo l as denoted on the current

FAA

- published aeronautical chart, unless a letter of agreement with that airport’s management is obtained or otherwise permitted by a COA issued to the exemption holder. The letter of agreement with the airport management must be made available to the Administrator or any law enforcement official upon request.

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

18. If t he UAS loses communications or loses its GPS sign al, the UA must return to a

pre

- determined location within the pr ivate or controlled

- access property.

19. The PIC must abort the flight in the event of unpredicted obstacles or emergencies.

20. The PIC is prohibit ed from beginning a flight unless (considering wind and forecast weather conditions) there is enough available power for the UA to conduct the intended operation and to operate after that for at least five minutes or with the reserve power recommended by t he manufacturer if greater.

### 6

21. Air Traffic Organization (ATO) Certificate of Waiver or Authorization (COA). All operations shall be cond ucted in accordance with an ATO

- issued COA. The exemption holder may apply for a new or amended COA if it intends to con duct operations that cannot be conducted under the terms of the attached COA

.

22. All aircraft operated in accordance with this exemption must be identified by serial number, registered in accordance with 14 CFR part 47, and have identification (N− Number) mar kings in accordance with 14 CFR part 45, Subpart C. Markings must be as large as practicable.

23. Documents used by the operator to ensure the safe operation and flight of the UAS and any documents required under 14 CFR §§ 91.9 and 91.203 must be available to the PIC at the Ground Control Station of the UAS any time the aircraft is operating. These documents must be made available to the Administrator or any law enforcement official upon request.

24. The UA must remain clear and give way to all manned aviation operations and

activities at all times.

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

26. All Flight operations must be conducted at least 500 feet from all nonpartici pating persons, vessels, vehicles, and structures unless:

a. Barriers or structures are present that sufficiently protect nonparticipating persons

from the UA and/or debris in the event of an accident. The operator must ensure that nonparticipating persons r emain under such protection. If a situation arises where nonparticipating persons leave such protection and are within 500 feet of the UA, flight operations must cease immediately in a manner ensuring the safety of nonparticipating persons ; and

b. The owner/ controller of any vessels, vehicles or structures has granted permission for operating closer to those objects and the PIC has made a safety assessment of the risk of operating closer to those objects and determined that it does not present an undue hazard

.

The PIC, VO, operator trainees or essential persons are not considered nonparticipating persons under this exemption.

27. All operations shall be conducted over private or control led

- access property with permission from the property owner/controller or aut horized representative. Permission from property owner/controller or authorized representative will be obtained for each flight to be conducted.

28. Any incident, accident, or flight operation that transgresses the lateral or vertical boundaries of the opera tional area as defined by the applicable COA must be reported

### 7

to the FA A's UAS Integration Office (AFS− 80) within 24 hours. Accidents must be reported to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) per instructions

contained on the NTSB Web site: www.ntsb.gov

.

If this exemption permits operations for the purpose of closed

- set motion picture and television filming and production, the following additional conditions and limitations apply.

29. The operator must have a motion picture and television operations manual (MPTOM) as documented in this grant of exemption.

30. At least 3 days before aerial filming, the operator of the UAS affected by this exemption must submit a written Plan of Activities to the local Flight Standa rds District Office (FSDO) with jurisdiction over the a rea of proposed filming. The 3

- day notification may be waived with the concurrence of the FSDO. The plan of activities must include at least the following:

a. Dates and times for all flights;

b. Name and p hone number of the operator for the UAS aerial filming conducted under this grant of exemption;

c. Name and phone number of th e person responsible for the on

- scene operation of the UAS;

d. Make, model, and serial or N− Number of UAS to be used;

e. Name and certifica te number of UAS PICs involved in the aerial filming;

f. A statement that the operator has obtained permission from property owners and/or local officials to conduct the filming production event; the list of those who gave permission must be made available to the inspector upon request;

g. Signature of exemption holder or representative; and

h. A description of the flight activity, including maps or diagrams of any area, city, town, county, and/or state over which filming will be conducted and the altitudes

essentia l to accomplish the operation.

31. Flight operations may be conducted closer than 500 feet from participating persons consenting to be involved and necessary for the filming production, as specified in the exemption holder’s MPTOM.

Unless otherwise specified in this grant of exemption, the UAS, the UAS PIC, and the UAS operations must comply with all applicable parts of 14 CFR including, but not limited to,
parts 45, 47, 61, and 91.

### 8

This exemption terminates on June 30, 2017 , unless sooner superseded or rescinded.

Sincerely,

/s/

John S. Duncan Director, Flight Standards Service

EnclosuresJanuary	9,	2015

U.	S.	Department	of	Transportation Docket	Management	System 1200	New	Jersey	Ave.,	SE Washington,	DC	20590

Re:	Exemption	Request	Section	333	of	the	FAA	Reform	Act	and	Part	11	of	the	Federal	Aviation Regulations	from	14	C.F.R. 45.23(b);14	CFR	Part	21;14	CFR	61.113	(a)	&	(b);	91.7	(a);91.9	(b) (2);91.103(b);	91.109;91.119;	91.121;	91.151(a);91.203(a)	&	(b);91.405	(a);	91.407(a)	(1);	91.409 (a)	(2);91.417	(a)	&	(b). Application: FAA

- 2015

- 0117

To	Whom	It	May	Concern:

In	pursuant with	Section	333	of	the FAA	Modernization	and	Reform	Act	of	2012	and	14	C.F.R.	Part	11,

Alert5	International LLC	( Alert5 ),	an	operator	of	a	small	Unmanned	Aircraft	System	(sUAS) for	the motion	picture	and	television	industry ,	seeks	an	exemption	from	the	Federal	Aviation	Regulatio ns (FARs)	to	allow	commercial	operations	of	its	sUAS. Regulations	(“FARs”)	to	allow	commercial operation	of	its	sUASs,	so	long	as	such	operations	are	conducted	within	and	under	the	conditions outlined	herein	or	as	may	be	established	by	the	FAA	as	required by	Section	333.

As	described	more	fully	below,	the	requested	exemption	would	permit	the	operation	of	small, unmanned	and	relatively	inexpensive	sUAS	under	controlled	co nditions	in	airspace	that	is	limited, predeterm ined,	controlled	as	to	access	and wou ld	provide	safety	enhancements	to	the	already	safe operations	in	the	film	and	television	industry	presently	using	conventional	aircraft. Approval	of	this exemption	would	thereby	enhance	safety	and	fulfill	the	Secretary	of	Transportation’s	(the	FAA

Adminis trator’s)	responsibilities	to	“...establish	requirements	for	the	safe	operation	of	such	aircraft systems	in	the	national	airspace	system.”	Section	333(c)	of	the	Reform	Act.

Information	Supporting	this	Petition	as	Specified	in	14	C.F.R.	§11.81

(a)	You r	name	and	mailing	address	and,	if	you	wish,	other	contact	information	such	as	a	fax	number, telephone	number,	or	e

- mail	address;

Alert5	International ,	LLC. Dan	Q.	Pham,	P.E. 4302	Hollywood	Blvd,	#303 Hollywood,	FL	33021 (954) 918

- 3888
Email:	dan@ Alert5Intl .com

(b)	The	specific	section	or	sections	of	14	C.F.R.	from	which Alert5 seeks	an	exemption

• 21

– Subpart	H	Certification	procedures	for	products	and	parts,	Airworthiness

Certificates

• 45.23

– Display	of	marks;	general

• 61.113

- Private	pilo t	privileges	and	limitations:	Pilot	in	command

• 91.103

– Preflight	Actions

• 91.105

– Flight	crewmembers	at	stations

• 91.109

– Flight	instruction;	Simulated	instrument	flight	and	certain	flight	tests

• 91.119

– Minimum	safe	altitudes:	General• 91.121

– A ltimeter	settings

• 91.151

– Fuel	requirements	for	flights	in	Visual	Flight	Rules	(VFR)	conditions

• 91.203

– Civil	aircraft:	certification	required

• 91.405

– Maintenance	required

• 91.407

– Operation	after	maintenance,	preventative	maintenance,	rebuilding ,	and

alteration

• 91.409

– Inspections

• 91.417

– Maintenance	records

(c)	The	extent	of	relief Alert5 seeks,	and	the	reason Alert5 seeks	the	relief

Alert5 seeks	an	exemption	for	several	provisions	of	14	C.F.R.	Parts	21,	45,	61,	and	91	to	the	extent	t o operate	small	UASs to	record	aerial	video	for	cinematographic	purposes

.

This	exemption	application	is	expressly	submitted	to	fulfill	Congress’	goal	in	passing	Section	333(a) through	(c)	of	the	Reform	Act.	This	law	directs	the	Secretary	of	Transportation	to	consider	whether certain	unmanned	aircraft	systems	may	operate	safely	i n	the	national	airspace	system	(NAS)	before completion	of	the	rulemaking	required	under	Section	332	of	the	Reform	Act.	In	making	this determination,	the	Secretary	is	required	to	determine	which	types	of	UASs	do	not	create	a	hazard	to

users	of	the	NAS	or	th e	public	or	pose	a	threat	to	national	security	in	light	of	the	following:

• The	UAS’s	size,	weight,	speed,	and	operational	capability;

• Operation	of	the	UAS	in	close	proximity	to	airports	and	populated	areas;	and

• Operation	of	the	UAS	within	visual	line of	sight	of	the	operator.

Reform	Act	§	333	(a).	Lastly,	if	the	Secretary	determines	that	such	vehicles	“may	operate	safely	in	the national	airspace	system,	the	Secretary	shall	establish	requirements	for	the	safe operation	of	such

aircraft	in	the national	airspace	system ”

The	Federal	Aviation	Act	expressly	grants	the	FAA	the	authority	to	issue	exemptions.	This	statutory authority	by	its	terms	includes	exempting	civil	aircraft,	as	the	term	is	defined	under	§40101	of	the Act,	that	includes	sUASs, from	the	requirement	that	all	civil	aircraft	must	have	a	current

airworthiness	certificate.

The	Administrator	may	grant	an	exemption	from	a	requirement	of	a	regulation	prescribed	under subsection	(a)	or	(b)	of	this	section	or	any	sections	44702

- 44716	of this	title	if	the	Administrator finds	the	exemption	in	the	public	interest.	49	U.S.C.	§44701(f) See	also 49	USC	§44711(a);	49	USC §44704;	14	CFR	§91.203	(a)	(1).

14	C.F.R. 21

– Subpart	H	Certification	procedures	for	products	and	parts,	Airworthiness

Ce rtificates

Alert5 seeks	exemption	from 14	C.F.R.	21,	Subpart	H which	states	the	certification	procedures	for products	and	parts	as	well	as	airworthiness	certificates. The	sUAS	to	be	operated	hereunder	is	less than	55	lbs.	fully	loaded,	carries	neither	a	p ilot	nor	passenger,	carries	no	explosive	materials	or flammable	liquid	fuels,	and	operates	exclusively	within	a	secured	area	as	set	out	in	the	Manual. Unlike	other	civil	aircraft,	operations	under	this	exemption	will	be	tightly	controlled	and	monitored by both	the	operator,	pursuant	to	the	Manual’s	requirements,	and	under	the	requirements	and	in compliance	with	local	public	safety	requirements,	to	provide	security	for	the	area	of	operation	as	is now	done	with	conventional	filming.	The	FAA	will	have	advance notice	of	all	operations.	These	safety enhancements,	which	already	apply	to	civil	aircraft	operated	in	connection	with	motion	picture	and television	production,	provide	a	greater	degree	of	safety	to	the	public	and	property	owners	than conventional	operatio ns	conducted	with	airworthiness	certificates	issued	under	14	C.F.R.	Part	21, Subpart	H.	Lastly,	application	of	these	same	criteria	demonstrates	that	there	is	no	credible	threat	to national	security	posed	by	the	UAS,	due	to	its	size,	speed	of	operation,	loc ation	of	operation,	lack	of explosive	materials	or	flammable	liquid	fuels,	and	inability	to	carry	a	substantial	external	load.Alert5 has	developed	our	own	training	procedures	and	regulations	to	promote	and	provide	safe flying	experiences	for	our	PIC(s)	w hich	can	be	viewed	in	section	(e)	of	this	petition.	Unlike	other	civil aircraft,	operations	under	this	exemption	will	be	tightly	controlled	and	monitored	by	both	the operator,	pursuant	to	the	Manual’s	requirements,	and	under	the	requirements	and	in	complia nce with	local	public	safety	requirements,	to	provide	security	for	the	area	of	operation.

14	C.F.R.	§	45.23	(b).	Marking	of	the	Aircraft

Alert5 seeks	exemption	from 14	C.F.R.	45.23 ,	which	discusses	the	display	of	marks.	Specifically,

section	45.23	sta tes,	“(a)	each	operator	of	an	aircraft	must	display	on	that	aircraft	marks	consisting	of the	Roman	capital	letter	“N”	(denoting	United	States	registration)	followed	by	the	registration number	of	the	aircraft.	Each	suffix	letter	used	in	the	marks	displayed must	also	be	a	Roman	capital letter	(b)	when	marks	include	only	the	Roman	capital	letter	“N”	and	the	registration	number	is displayed	on	limited,	restricted	or	light

- sport	category	aircraft	or	experimental	or	provisionally certificated	aircraft,	the	operat or	must	also	display	on	that	aircraft	near	each	entrance	to	the	cabin, cockpit,	or	pilot	station,	in	letters	not	less	than	2	inches	nor	more	than	6	inches	high,	the	words “limited,”	“restricted,”	“light

- sport,”	“experimental,”	or	“provisional,”	as	applica ble”.

Alert5 will	need	exemption	from	this	regulation	due	to	the	small	size	of	the	aircraft	and	that	there	is no	cabin,	cockpit,	or	pilot	station	for	the	aircraft.	The	words	“Experimental” has be en placed	on	the fuselage	in	compliance	with	§45.29	(f)	where	the	pilot,	observer	and	others	working	with	the	sUAV will	see	the	identification	of	the	UAS	as	“Experimental.”	The	FAA	has	issued	the	following	exemptions to	this	regulation	to	Exemptions	Nos.	107 00,	8738,	10167	and	10167A.

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

Alert5 seeks	exemption	from	14	C.F.R.	61.113,	which	discusses	private	pilot	privileges	and limitations	for	the	Pilot	in	command	(PIC).

Alert5 is	seeking	exemption	from	this	regulation,	because Alert5 believes	that	there	is	inconclusive evidence	that	a	person	with	a	private	pilot	certificate	can	successfully	maneuver	a	sUAS	without	first hand	flight	experience	with	the	particular	sUAS. In	fact,	having	a	private	pilot	license	does	not automatically	ensure	competence	at	flying	an	sUAS	in	3 rd person	view	as	required	to	properly operate	an	sUAS within	the	required	line	of	sight.		However,	we	believe	that	the	PIC	and	our	FOVO (Field	Operation	Visual	Observer)	must	be	able	to	understand	and	correctly	interact	with	the	general aviation	community.		Therefore,	we	believe	our	own	flight	training	with the	sUAS	will	be	more	than satisfactory.		Our	PIC	and	FOVO	will	be	both	certified	in	Ground	School	training	to	be	able	to	properly interact	with	General	Aviation	protocols.		They	will	also	actively	pursue	a	private	pilot’s	license	as

well	have	the	necessar y	medical	qualifications.

14	C.F.R.	91.103

– Preflight	Actions

Alert5 seeks	exemption	from	14	C.F.R.	91.103	which	states	that	each	pilot	in	command	shall,	before beginning	a	flight,	become	familiar	with	all	available	information	concerning	that	flight.	T his information	must	include:	(a)	For	a	flight	under	IFR	or	a	flight	not	in	the	vicinity	of	an	airport, weather	reports	and	forecasts,	fuel	requirements,	alternatives	available	if	the	planned	flight	cannot be	completed,	and	any	known	traffic	delays	of	whic h	the	pilot	in	command	has	been	advised	by	ATC; actions,	including	reviewing	weather,	flight	battery	requirements,	landing	and	takeoff	distances,	and aircraft	performance	data	before	starting	a	flight.

Alert5 ’s	will	be	operating	our	sUAS	in	VFR.			Our	op erations	manual	already	includes	preflight procedures	directly	pertaining	to	our	sUAS	which	includes	equipment	checklist	as	well	a	preplanning details	regarding	weather	conditions,	review	of	any	possible	flight	path	of	general	aviation,	our mission	flight path	and	weather	conditions	amongst	other	parameters	required	to	complete	the

mission.14	C.F.R. 91.105

– Flight	crewmembers	at	stations

Alert5 seeks	exemption	from	14	C.F.R.	91.105,	which	discusses	flight	crewmembers	at	stations. Specifically,	91.105	st ates	“(a)	During	takeoff	and	landing,	and	while	en	route,	each	required	flight crewmember	shall	(1)	Be	at	the	crewmember	station	unless	the	absence	is	necessary	to	perform duties	in	connection	with	the	operation	of	the	aircraft	or	in	connection	with	physio logical	needs;	and (2)	Keep	the	safety	belt	fastened	while	at	the	crewmember	station.	(b)	Each	required	flight

crewmember	of	a	U.S.

- registered	civil	aircraft	shall,	during	takeoff	and	landing,	keep	his	or	her

shoulder	harness	fastened	while	at	his	or	her	a ssigned	duty	station.	This	paragraph	does	not	apply	if (1)	The	seat	at	the	crewmember's	station	is	not	equipped	with	a	shoulder	harness;	or	(2)	The crewmember	would	be	unable	to	perform	required	duties	with	the	shoulder	harness	fastened.

Alert5 will	need exemption	from	this	regulation	due	to	the	fact	that	the	sUAS	will	not	have	a	flight

crew	or	crew	stations	other	than	the	PIC	and	a FOVO .	The	PIC	will	also	not	have	to	be	restrained	into a	seat	via	shoulder	harness	or	safety	belt	at	the	time	of	the	flight.

14	C.F.R.	91.109

- Flight	instruction;	Simulated	instrument	flight	and	certain	flight	tests

Alert5 seeks	exemption	from	14	C.F.R.	91.109,	which	discusses	flight	instruction,	simulated instrument	flight,	and	certain	flight	tests.	Specifically,	91.109	stat es	“(a)	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.	However,	instrument	flight	instruction	may	be	given	in	an airplane	that	is	equ ipped	with	a	single,	functioning	throw	over	control	wheel	that	controls	the elevator	and	ailerons,	in	place	of	fixed,	dual	controls,	when	(1)	The	instructor	has	determined	that the	flight	can	be	conducted	safely;	and	(2)	The	person	manipulating	the	control s	has	at	least	a	private pilot	certificate	with	appropriate	category	and	class	ratings.	(b)	An	airplane	equipped	with	a	single, functioning	throw	over	control	wheel	that	controls	the	elevator	and	ailerons,	in	place	of	fixed,	dual controls	may	be	used	for	f light	instruction	to	conduct	a	flight	review	required	by	§61.56	of	this chapter,	or	to	obtain	recent	flight	experience	or	an	instrument	proficiency	check	required	by	§61.57 when	(1)	The	airplane	is	equipped	with	operable	rudder	pedals	at	both	pilot	station s;	(2)	The	pilot manipulating	the	controls	is	qualified	to	serve	and	serves	as	pilot	in	command	during	the	entire flight;	(3)	The	instructor	is	current	and	qualified	to	serve	as	pilot	in	command	of	the	airplane,	meets the	requirements	of	§61.195(b),	and	ha s	logged	at	least	25	hours	of	pilot

- in

- command	flight	time	in the	make	and	model	of	airplane;	and	(4)	The	pilot	in	command	and	the	instructor	have	determined the	flight	can	be	conducted	safely.	(c)	No	person	may	operate	a	civil	aircraft	in	simulated	instru ment flight	unless	(1)	The	other	control	seat	is	occupied	by	a	safety	pilot	who	possesses	at	least	a	private pilot	certificate	with	category	and	class	ratings	appropriate	to	the	aircraft	being	flown.	(2)	The	safety pilot	has	adequate	vision	forward	and	to each	side	of	the	aircraft,	or	a	competent	observer	in	the aircraft	adequately	supplements	the	vision	of	the	safety	pilot;	and	(3)	Except	in	the	case	of	lighter

than

- air	aircraft,	that	aircraft	is	equipped	with	fully	functioning	dual	controls.	However,	simu lated instrument	flight	may	be	conducted	in	a	single

- engine	airplane,	equipped	with	a	single,	functioning, throw	over	control	wheel,	in	place	of	fixed,	dual	controls	of	the	elevator	and	ailerons,	when	(i)	The safety	pilot	has	determined	that	the	flight	can be	conducted	safely;	and	(ii)	The	person	manipulating the	controls	has	at	least	a	private	pilot	certificate	with	appropriate	category	and	class	ratings.	(d)	No person	may	operate	a	civil	aircraft	that	is	being	used	for	a	flight	test	for	an	airline	transpo rt	pilot certificate	or	a	class	or	type	rating	on	that	certificate,	or	for	a	part	121	proficiency	flight	test,	unless the	pilot	seated	at	the	controls,	other	than	the	pilot	being	checked,	is	fully	qualified	to	act	as	pilot	in command	of	the	aircraft”.	Agai n,	Except	when	necessary	for	takeoff	or	landing,	no	person	may operate	an	aircraft	below	the	following	altitudes:	(a)	Anywhere.	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	con gested	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 parach utes,	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	withany	routes	or	altitudes	specifically	prescribed	for	helicopters	by	the	FAA;	and	(2)	A	powered parachute	or	weight

- shift

- control	aircraft	may	be	operated	at	less	than	the	minimums	prescribed	in paragraph	(c)	of	this	s ection	(a)	Each	person	operating	an	aircraft	shall	maintain	the	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	altimete r	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 elevation	of	the	departure	airport	or	an	appropriate	altimeter	setting	available	before	departure;	or (2)	At	or	above	18,000	feet	MSL,	to	29.92′′	Hg.	(b)	The	lowest	usable	flight	level	is determined	by	the atmospheric	pressure	in	the	area	of	operation	as	shown	in	the	following	table:

Alert5 believes	that	there	is	inconclusive	evidence	that	a	person	with	a	private	pilot	certificate	or license	can	successfully	maneuver	or	train	someone	to	u se	an	sUAS	without	first	hand	flight experience	with	the	particular	sUAS. Flying	in	3 rd person	orientation	requires	built

- up	experience	in that	form	of	flying	for	many	years.		Therefore,	we	believe	our	own	flight	training,	pilot	protocols	and

first	hand	e xperiences	with	the	sUAS	as	laid	out	in	our	Flight	Operations	Manual	meets	and	exceeds the	requirements	necessary	to	safely	operate	our	sUAS	for	the	tasks	we	purpose. Also,	the	sUAS	will be	operated	by	a	remote	control,	which	will	only	require	a	single	pe rson	operator	and	dual	controls will	not	be	necessary.

14	C.F.R.	91.119

– Minimum	safe	altitudes:	General

Alert5 seeks	exemption	from	14	C.F.R.	91.119,	which	discusses	minimum	safe	altitudes

. As	this exemption	is	for	a	sUAS	that	is	a	helicopter	and	the exemption	requests	authority	to	operate	at altitudes	up	to	400	AGL,	or	not	more	than	200	above	an	elevated	platform	from	which	filming	is planned,	an	exemption	may	be	needed	to	allow	such	operations.	As	set	forth	herein,	except	for	the

limited	conditions stated	in	the	Manual,	the	UAS	will	never	operate	at	higher	than	400	AGL.	It	will however	be	operated	in	a	restricted	area	with	security	perimeter,	where	buildings	and	people	will not	be	exposed	to	operations	without	their	pre

- obtained	consent.

The	equi valent	level	of	safety	will	be	achieved	given	the	size,	weight,	speed	of	the	UAS	as	well	as	the location	where	it	is	operated.	No	flight	will	be	taken	without	the	permission	of	the	property	owner	or local	officials.	Because	of	the	advance	notice	to	the	pro perty	owner	and	participants	in	the	filming activity,	all	affected	individuals	will	be	aware	of	the	planned	flight	operations	as	set	forth	in	the Manual.	Compared	to	flight	operations	with	aircraft	or	rotorcraft	weighting	far	more	than	the maximum	55lbs.	p roposed	herein	and	the	lack	of	flammable	fuel,	any	risk	associated	with	these operations	is	far	less	than	those	presently	presented	with	conventional	aircraft	operating	at	or	below 500	AGL	in	the	movie	industry.	In	addition,	the	low

- altitude	operations	of the	sUAS	will	ensure separation	between	these	small

- UAS	operations	and	the	operations	of	conventional	aircraft	that must	comply	with	Section	91.119.

14	C.F.R. 91.121

– Altimeter	settings

Alert5 seeks	exemption	from	14	C.F.R.	91.121,	which	discusses	altimeter	settings	for	lowest	usable flight	level.
C.F.R.	91.121	states, Current	altimeter	setting Lowest	usable	flight	level 29.92	(or	higher) 180 29.91	through	29.42 185 29.41	through	28 .92 190 28.91	through	28.42 195 28.41	through	27.92 200 27.91	through	27.42 205 27.41	through	26.92 210(c)	To	convert	minimum	altitude	prescribed	under	§§91.119	and	91.177	to	the	minimum	flight	level, the	pilot	shall	take	the	flight	level	equivalent	of	the	minimum	altitude	in	feet	and	add	the	appropriate number	of	feet	specified	below,	according	to	the	curr ent	reported	altimeter	setting:”

Current	altimeter	setting Adjustment	factor 29.92	(or	higher) None 29.91	through	29.42 500 29.41	through	28.92 1,000 28.91	through	28.42 1,500 28.41	through	27.92 2,000 27.91	through	27.42 2,500 27.41	through	26.92 3,000

Alert5 ’s	sUAS	uses	both	GPS	altitude	and	barometric	sensors	and	relays	that	information	to	our ground	station.		However,	this	data	is	used	help	the	sUAS	to	automatically	maintain	position	hold	at the	required	elevation	and	the refore	this	code	is	not	pertinent	the	functionality	of	this	sUAS.

14	C.F.R.	91.151

– Fuel	requirements	for	flights	in	Visual	Flight	Rules	(VFR)	conditions

Alert5 seeks	exemption	from	14	C.F.R.	91.151,	which	discusses	fuel	requirements	for	flight	in	VFR conditions.	Specifically,	91.151	states	“(a)	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

— (1)	Dur ing	the	day,	to	fly

after	that for	at	least	30	minutes;	or	(2)	At	night,	to	fly	after	that	for	at	least	45	minutes.	(b)	No person	may	begin	a	flight	in	a	rotorcraft	under	VFR	conditions	unless	(considering	wind	and	forecast

weather	c onditions)	there	is	enough	fuel	to	fly	to	the	first	point	of	intended	landing	and,	assuming normal	cruising	speed,	to	fly	after	that	for	at	least	20	minutes	”.

Alert5 ’s	sUAS	has	a	typical	mission	time	of	less	than	15	minutes	with	maximum	flight	time	of	2 5 minutes.		Since	this	amount	less	than	the	30	minute	reserve	minimum,	this	reserve	minimum	would not	even	make	sense	in	allowing	the	sUAS	a	chance	to	fly.	According	to Alert5 ’s	aircraft	flight	manual, the	PIC	is	instructed	to	maintain	flight	until	battery power	reaches	25%,	or	1 st level	warning.		At	this level,	landing	procedures	will	be	intiated.		Once	the	sUAS	reads	20%,	2 nd level	warning,	the	flight control	system	automatically	take	over	and	initiates	safe	landing	sequence	at	the	logged	in	takeoff point

. Alert5 policy	outlined	in	our Flight	Operations Manual	achieves satisfactory	safety	standards.

Alert5 believes	that	an	appropriate	and	current	airworthiness	certificate	would	not	be	necessary	to fly	a	sUAS given	the	size	of	the	aircraft	and	the	necessary	level	of	skill	needed	to	operate	the	aircraft. Before	putting	in	to	service,	each	of	our	sUAS	goes	through	our	own	airworthiness	proceedures	of miminum	test	flight	and	reliability	checks.		Also,	our	sUAS	a re	recalibrated	each	at	the	site	location before	each	flight	to	ensure	that	all	systems	functions	as	designed. Alert5 seeks	exemption	from	this regulation	because	we	believe	this	rule	was	not	meant	for	a	sUAS	and	operators.

14	C.F.R.	91.405,	91.407,	91. 409,	and	91.417

Alert5 seeks	exemption	from	14	C.F.R.	91.405,	91.407,	91.409,	and	91.417,	which	discusses	required aircraft	maintenance,	operation	after	maintenance,	preventive	maintenance,	rebuilding,	or	alteration, inspections,	and	maintenance	records. In Alert5 ’s	aircraft	flight	manual,	maintenance	and	inspection procedures	have	been	established	for	the	aircraft. Alert5 believes	these	regulations	are	meant	for manned	operated	aircrafts	and	not	unmanned	systems,	therefore	making	them	unnecessary.

Nevert heless,	we	seek	an	exemption	from	any	such	specific	provisions	to	the	extent	FAA	finds	it

ne cessary	to	grant	this	request.

(d)	The	reasons	why	granting Alert5 ’s	request	would	be	in	the	public	interest;	that	is,	how	it	would benefit	the	public	as	a	whole.Alert5 is	classified	as	an	engineering	company	by	the	U.S.	Department	of	Transportation	and provides	services	to aerial	support	for	commercial	interest

. Alert5 ’s	use	of	a	sUAS	can	assist	in making	task	safer	and	minimize	human	exposure	to	being	a t dange rous	elevations

. Alert5 ’s	sUAS usage	in	the aerial	photography	and	cinematography	will	also	reduce	the	time	required	to	captured the	needed	scenes	as	compared	to	convention	helicopters	or	airplanes .	Ultimately, the	result	is	quick completion	of	task	an	red uction	of	dangerous	elevation	perspective	needs.

(e)	The	reasons	why	granting	the	exemption	would	not	adversely	affect	safety,	or	how	the	exemption would	provide	a	level	of	safety	at	least	equal	to	that	provided	by	the	rule	from	which Alert5 seeks exemption	Our	Engineering	department	will	provide	a	level	of	safety	that	exceeds	the	level	of	safety required	by	the	FAA	for	its	use	on	sUAS.	The	following	are Alert5 ’s	safety	procedures,	features, regulations,	and	operating	specifications	for	our	s UAS:

• Our	Squadron	Leader/Chief	Pilot	in	Charge	is	an	engineer	who	has	10	years	of	RC	Model building	and	flight	experience	with	over	1000	flight	hours	in	Fixed

- wing,	Helicopter	and

Multi

- Rotor	3 rd person	flight.	He	has	been	involved	with	flight	design,	experimentation	and system	optimization	for	model	industry	since	2008	though	SAPAC,	Inc.	models.

• Our	staff	includes	an	FAA

- rated	commercial	flight	instructor	(ret)	who	coordinates	our	FOVO

team	in	in tegration	with	general	aviation.

• The	Pilot	In	Command	(PIC)	and	Field	Operations	Visual	Observer	(FOVO)	will	be	required to	wear	hard	hats,	safety	vests,	and	safety	glasses	to	protect	the	head	and	eyes	from	potential mishaps	during	given	operational	flight s	including	training	or	testing	of	sUAS.

• The	flight	area	of	the	sUAS	will	be	observed	for	best	take	off	and	landing	locations.	Desired conditions	include:	flat	and	level	surfaces	clear	of	debris,	at	least	15ft	from	power	lines	and structures,	and	a	minim um	distance	of	12ft	from	the	PIC	and	observers.

• The	sUAS	will	also	be	in	the	Visual	Line	of	Sight	(VLOS)	to	both	the	PIC	and	FOVO	during	all flights.

• Flights	must	take	place	during	good	weather	conditions	with	no	rain,	low	laying	clouds,	or heavy	winds .	All	flights	will	take	place	during	daylight	hours	with	no	evening	or	late	night flights.

• The	PIC(s)	of	the	sUAS	will	at	least	have	12	training	hours	or	24	flights	accrued	before	being designated	working	flights.

• All	batteries	must	be	charged	complete ly	before	each	flight	and	each	flight	mu st	end	when the	battery	has	a	30 %	power	level	remaining.

• A	visual	safety	inspection	will	occur	before	each	flight,	testing	propeller	tightness,	security mount	of	camera/detection	equipment,	remote	range	test,	and	p roper	safety	equipment	is

adorned	to	PIC	and	FOVO.

• The	sUAS	will	be	flown	under	a	height	of	500	ft	AGL.

• No	PIC	or	FOVO	will	engage	in,	nor	may	a	PIC	or	FOVO	permit,	any	activity	during	a	critical phase	of	flight	so	as	to	ensure	that	the	sUAS	is	in	a	co ndition	for	safe	flight	operation	and	in	a configuration	appropriate	for	the	purpose	of	the	intended	flight.

• If	there	is	more	than	just	an	operator	at	a	site	during	a	flight,	the	PIC	operator	and	observer

or	FOVO	will	maintain	two

- way	communication	with each	other	during	all	operations;	if

unable	to	maintain	two

- way	communications,	or	if	any	condition	occurs	that	may	otherwise cause	the	operation	to	be	unsafe,	the	operator	will	immediately	conclude	the	operation.

• If	the	communication	link	is	lost,	the sUAS	will	go	into	fail

- safe	mode	and	safely	descend	to its	designated	home

- point	location.	If	the	communication	link	is	reconnected	during	fail

- safe mode,	control	of	the	sUAS	can	be	regained	before	landing	occurs	at	the	home

- point	location.

• There	is	no fuel	or	payload	to	the	sUAS,	therefore	there	will	be	no	potential	explosives	or	risk of	explosion	if	a	crash	occurs	with	the	sUAS.

• The	sUAS	will	feature	a	built	in	compass	that	will	be	recalibrated	at	every	site	to	maintain accurate	directional	readings. The	compass	will	also	help	in	keeping	the	sUAS	stable	during flights.

• The	sUAS	will	record	GPS	location	data	once	Ready	to	Fly	status	h as	been	obtained.	Aminimum	of	6 satellites	will	activate	the	Ready	to	Fly	status.

• The	we ight	of	the	sUAS	is	less	tha n	20 lbs.

• The	aircrafts	vertical	and	horizontal	aspect	concerning	hovering	accuracy	is less	than 0. 5 m and 1 .5m	res pectfully.	With	a	maximum	wind	resistance	of	18mph.

• The	typical	aircraft	wheelbase	will	be	less	than 10 00mm	in	length.

• The	aircraft	runs off	a	Li

- Po	battery.

(f)	A	summary	FAA	can	publish	in	the	FEDERAL	REGISTER,	stating:	(1)	The	rule	from	which	you	seek the	exemption;	and	(2)	A	brief	description	of	the	nature	of	the	exemption	you	seek

Petitioner: Alert5	International ,	LLC.

Sections	of	14	C.F.R.	Affected:	21	Subpart	H;	45.23(b);	61.113(a)(b);	91.103;	91.105;	91.109; 91.119(c);	91.121(a)(1)(iii);	91.151(a)(1);	91.203;	91.405;	91.407;	91.409;	and	91.417

Description	of	Relief	Sought:	Petitioner	seeks	relief	from	the	requireme nts	of	14	C.F.R.	21	Subpart	H; 45.23(b);	61.113(a)(b);	91.103;	91.105;	91.109;	91.119(c);	91.121(a)(1)(iii);	91.151(a)(1);	91.203; 91.405;	91.407;	91.409;	and	91.417	to Cinematographic	filming subject	to	operating	procedures	that

meet	or	exceed	those	that FAA	requires.

(g)	Any	additional	information,	views	or	arguments	available	to	support	your	request

Please	see	the	introduction	to	this	exemption	request.

(h)	If	you	want	to	exercise	the	privileges	of	your	exemption	outside	of	the	United	States,	the	r eason why	you	need	to	do	so

The	Operations	described	in	this	exemption	request	will	be	conducted	wholly	within	the	United

States.

Attached	hereto,	and	submitted	as	a confidential document,	is our	Field	Operations	Manual . We respectfully	submit	that	good	cause	exists	so	that this	confidential	manual does	not	need	to	be published	in	the	Fe deral	Register

.

Please	do	not	hesitate	to	contact	me	via	email	at	dan@ Alert5Intl .com	if	you	have	any	questions	or

concerns.

Respectfully submitted,

Dan	Q	Pham,	P.E. Principal	Engineer

Alert5	International ,	LLC