Feb 29 16 02:58p West Michigan Home In spec 

2/18/2016 

U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations 

Ground Floor, Rm. Wl2-140 

1200 New Jersey Ave, SE 

Washington, DC 20590 

6164939400 p.1 

Stephen Brink 

3134 Chamberlain 

Grand Rapids MI 49508 

T:6164430946 

steverbrink@ gmail.com 

Regarding: FAA Exemption Rulemaking Section 333 of the FAA Reform Act and Part 11- 14 C.F.R. § 

45.23(b); 14 C.F.R. Part 21; 14 C.F.R. 61.113(a) & (b); 91.7(a); 91.9(b) (2); 91.103(b); 91.109; 119.121; 

91.151(a); 91.203(a) & (b) 91AOS(a); 91.407(a) (1); 91A09(a) (2); 91A17(a) & (b) 

Dear Sir or Madam: 

West Michigan Home Inspectors LLC, is requesting exemption from the Federal Aviation Regulations 

("'PARs") listed below and pursuant to the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 and the procedures 

contained within 14 C.P.R. 11. in order to commercially operate a small ultra light unmanned aircraft system 

("UAS"), specifically the following UAS platforms will be used: 

DTIPhantomiU 

Attachment I lists the technical specifications for each of the previously listed UAS(s). 

The Pilot In Command (PIC) will hold either an airline transport, commercial, private, recreational, or sport 

pilot certificate. The PIC will also hold a current FAA airman medical certificate or a valid U.S. driver's 

license issued by a state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, a territory, a possession, or the Federal 

government. 

West Michigan Home Inspectors LLC, would like to expand its operations, and wishes to add the followng 

photography/videography services. 

• Home Inspections 

> 

Specifically, it wishes to provide aerial imaging to its customers in need of aerial photography/videography. 

With the advancement of Internet technology and consumer adoption of shopping for properties online, the 

demand for high-resolution aerial graphics and video is unprecedented. In addition, it wishes to be able to 
Feb 29 16 02:58p West Michigan Home In spec 6164939400 p.2 

perform property (primarily root) inspections via UAS. All UAS pertinent safety and risk management 

measures as specified in the FAA's Risk Management Handbook shall be complied with. 

A grant of the exemption request, by the FAA, would permit operation of ultra lightweight and unmanned 

UAS to operate in predetermined areas away from the general public, airports, heliports and vehicular traffic, 

primarily over individual properties/communities for the purpose of recording real-estate listings 

(photo/video). 

In summary and in accordance with this request of exemption request as authorized and outlined by the FAA 

under Section 333(c) of the Reform Act specified for use of UAS' for "Real Estate" purposes, West Michigan 

Home Inspectors LLC will adhere to all FAA regulations at all times and shall conduct all flight operations in 

strict compliance and safety protocols as mandated and required by regulations and best practices. 

Respectfully, we request the grant of exemption to operate ultra light weight, remote controlled UAS 's for 

commercial purposes as described in this request and as allowable by law. This grant of exemption will allow 

the company to offer such services to private and govemement entities who have little to no experience 

piloting UAS's but have a need to get images that are only possible from a UAS in order to compete within 

an ever demanding technology driven market. West Michigan Home Inspectors LLC submits that this 

application has been prepared by Stephen Brink (owner of West Michigan Home Inspectors LLC) and not an 

attomey using his personal knowledge of existing FARs as well as utilizing excerpts from other similar 

applications and assistance from Mile High Drone Services. Consequently, if Stephen Brink has 

unintentionally omitted any relative FARs, West Michigan Home Inspectors LLC, humbly request an 

opportunity to submit to those accidental omissions. The essence of this application is to declare that, West 

Michigan Home Inspectors LLC meets and exceeds the FAA's expected competency for piloting the listed 

UASs for commercial purposes and that the UAS that we specified earlier meets and exceeds the safety 

requirements as set forth by the Secretary of Transportation thereby prompting the request for COA under 

Section 333. 

1. Contact Infonnation: 

West Michigan Home Inspectors LLC 

Attn: Stephen Brink 

3134 Chamberlain 

Grand Rapids MI 49508 

6164430946 

steverbrink@gmail.com 

2. The Specific section(s) of 14 C.F.R. seeking an exemption from are: 

14 CFR 21; 

14 C.F.R. 45.23(b); 

14 CFR 61.113 (a) & (b); 14 C.P.R. 91, et seq.; 

14 CFR 407 (a) (1); 

14 CFR 409 (a) (2); and, 14 CFR 417 (a) & (b). 

3. The extent and reason of relief: 

West Michigan Home Inspectors LLC, is seeking relief from existing FARs that currently prohibit the 

use of UASs from operating commercially for the purpose of aerial photography/videography in 

accordance with the FAA Modernization and Refom1 Act of 2012 112 P.L. 95 § 331-334. The Reform 

Act Subtitle B: Unmanned Aircraft Systems- (Sec. 332) "Requires the Secretary to develop a plan to 

accelerate safely the integration by September 30, 2015, of civil unmanned aircraft systems (UASes, or 

drones) into the national airspace system." The company humbly requests that it be allowed to 

commercially operate the listed UASs during the time period the FAA is further establishing mles and 
Feb 29 16 02:58p West Michigan Home In spec 6164939400 p.3 

regulations governing the operations of such craft. 

The Secretary of Transportation has been asked by Congress to, among other things, consider whether 

certain unmanned aircraft systems may operate safely in the national airspace system 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 National Airspace System or the 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 (VLOS) of the Pilot and VO 

Accordingly, all flights will be conducted by a PIC and aVO in accordance with FAA Policy N 

8900.227 Section 14 "Operational Requirements for UASs" and with the following restrictions: 

All aircraft will be made with a UA Gross weight of less than 55 pounds 

All flights will occur only during daylight hours. 

All flights will occur at or below 400 feet AGL 

5 nautical miles from an airport having an operational control tower; or 

3 NM from an airport with a published instrument flight procedure, but not an operational tower; or 

2 NM from an airport without a published instrument flight procedure or an operation tower; or 

2 NM from a heliport with a published instrument flight procedure. 

For safety, no flight with winds over 10 mph. 

Flight only in GPS mode that allows UAS to hover in place when radio controls are released. All 

operations to be conducted in GPS mode only. 

4. How the request will benefit the public as a whole: 

Aerial photography is becoming a critical component of the way a company docs business. Aerial 

photography via UAS allows people to get a vantage point that never used to be possible or 

economically feasible. It is much too dangerous and expensive to hire a manned aircraft to take many 

aerial images thereby making the UAS option more cost effective aud safer. There simply is not enough 

UAS Pilots to cover the demand for these images, which is leading to unlicensed UAS operators which 

ultimately results in untrained and unqualified operators. 

5. Reasons why the exemption would not adversely affect safety; or how the exemption would 

provide a level for safety at least equal to the existing rule: 

An exemption would not adversely affect safety because this application applies only to aircraft 

characteristics and applications within FAA specified limitations. These limitations provide for at least 

an equivalent safety standard. However, the experience of a certificated rated pilot allows him/her to 

utilize his/her experience in UAS operations thereby exceeding safety and improving airspace 

operations by allowing aerial imaging clients to choose an pilot that knows how to pilot an aircraft 

safely and within regulated limits. In addition, by providing unmanned services to the market place, 

there will be less of a demand for manned operations, which will provide for safer and quieter 

residential aerial photography. In addition, inspecting roofs via UAS will reduce the risk of personal 

injury because people who no longer have to walk on roofs which is inherently dangerous. 

As previously stated, ali flights will be conducted by a PIC and aVO in accordance with FAA Policy N 

8900.227 Section 14 "Operational Requirements for UASs" and with the following restrictions: 
Feb 29 16 02:59p West Michigan Home In spec 6164939400 

All aircraft will be made with a UA Gross weight of less than 55 pounds 

All ft.ights will occur only during daylight hours. 

All flights will occur at or below 400 feet AGL 

5 nautical miles from an airport having an operational control tower; or 

p.4 

3 NM from an airport with a published instrument flight procedure, but not an operational tower; or 

2 NM from an airport without a published instrument flight procedure or an operation tower; or 

2 NM from a heliport with a published instrument flight procedure. 

Extensive, pre-flight briefings are required between the PIC and the VO. 

A flight plan is required prior to each flight. 

All aircraft operations must be conducted within manufacturer recommended specifications. 

All site pennissions must be obtained prior to flight. 

6. A sununary the FAA may publish in the Federal Register: 

14 C.P.R. 21 and 14 C.P.R. 91: Airworthiness Certificates. Manuals and The Like. 

14 C.F.R. 21, Subpart H, entitled Airworthiness Certificates, sets forth requirements for procurement of 

necessary airworthiness certificates in relation to FAR §91.203(a)(l). The size, weight and enclosed 

operational area of the listed UASs permit exemption from Part 21 because the listed UASs meets (and 

exceeds) an equivalent level of safety pursuant to Section 333 of the Reform Act. The FAA is 

authorized to exempt aircraft from the airworth.iness certificate requirement under both the Act (49 

U.S.C. § 44701 (f)) and Section 333 of the Reform Act. Both pieces of legislation pennit the FAA to 

exempt U AS's from the airworthiness certificate requirement in consideration of the weight, size, 

speed, maneuverability and proximity to areas such as airports and dense populations. The current and 

projected UAS's meet or exceed each of the elements. 

14 C.P.R. 91.7(a) prohibits the operation of an aircraft without an airworthiness certificate. As no such 

certificate will be applicable in the form contemplated by the FARs, this Regulation is inapplicable. 

14 C.P.R.§ 91.9 (b) (2) requires an aircraft flight manual in the aircraft. As there are no on board pilots 

or passengers, and given the size of the UAS's, this Regulation is inapplicable. An equivalent level of 

safety will be achieved by maintaining such manuals on location with the Pilot. The FAA has 

previously issued exemptions to this regulation in Exemption Nos. 8607, 8737, 8738,9299, 9299A, 

9565, 9565B, l0167, 10167A, 10602, l0700 and 32827. 

14 C.P.R.§ 91.121 regarding altimeter settings is inapplicable insofar as all UAS utilizes electronic 

global positioning systems with a barometric sensor. 

14 C.FR. § 91.203 (a) and (b) provides for the carrying of civil aircraft certifications and registrations. 

They are inapplicable for the same reasons described above. The equ.ivalent level of safety will be 

achieved by maintaining any such required certifications and registrations with the Pilot. 

14 C.P.R.§ 45.23: Marking of The Aircraft. 

Applicable Codes of Federal Regulation require aircraft to be marked according to certain 

specifications. The listed UASs are, by definition, unmanned. They therefore do not have a cabin, 

cockoit or n11ot station em whir.h tn m ~rlr rPrt!11n nrcrd Q or phr!tcoc. Purlh<,>r~ 't"oVO inch 1vtt..:..L·iue; .i_.:, 

difficult to place on such small aircraft with dimensions smaller that minimal lettering requirement. 

The FAA has previously issued exemptions to this regulation through Exemptions Nos. 8738, 10167, 

10167Aand 10700. 

14 C.P.R.§ 61.113: Private Pilot Privileges and Limitations: PIC. 
Feb 29 16 02:59p West Michigan Home In spec 6164939400 p.5 

Pursuant to 14 C.F.R. §§ 61.113 (a) & (b), private pilots are limited to non-commercial operations. The 

PIC can achieve an equivalent level of safety as achieved by current Regulations because the listed 

UASs do not carry any pilots or passengers. Further, the PIC possess an FAA pilot certificate, which 

helps his remote control piloting skills and factors in his experience in assessing any flight risks. The 

risks attended to the operation of the listed UASs are far less than the risk levels inherent in the 

commercial activities outlined in 14 CF.R. § 61, et seq. Thus, allowing the PIC to operate the listed 

UASs and meet and exceed current safety levels in relation to 14 C.F.R. §61.113 (a) & (b). 

14 C.FR. 91.119: Minimum Safe Altitudes. 

14 C.P.R.§ 91.119 prescribes safe altitudes for the operation of civil aircraft. It allows helicopters to be 

operated at lower altitudes in certain conditions. The listed UASs will never operate at an altitude 

greater than 400ft AGL. The PIC will also operate the listed UASs in safe areas away from public and 

traffic, providing a level of safety at least equivalent to or below those in relation to minimum safe 

altitudes. Given the size, weight, maneuverability and speed of the listed UASs, an equivalent or higher 

level of safety will be achieved. 

14 C.F.R. 91.405 (a); 407 (a) (1); 409 (a) (2); 417(a) & (b): Maintenance Inspections. 

The above-cited Regulations require, amongst other things, aircraft owners and operators to "have [the] 

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 ... " 

These Regulations only apply to aircraft with an airworthiness certificate. They will not, therefore, 

apply to the listed UASs. However, as a safety precaution the UAS which will be used will be 

inspected before and after each flight. 

In Summary: 

West Michigan Home Inspectors LLC, respectfully request that the FAA grant the exemption request and 

further volunteer any information gathered during flights in the event the FAA is interested in live field data. 

West Michigan Home Inspectors LLC, agrees and attests to adhere to any further limitations the FAA 

imposes, now or in the future. Satisfaction of the current criteria provided in Section 333 of the Refonn Act 

of 2012- size, weight, speed, operating capabilities, proximity to airports and populated areas and operation 

within visual line of sight and national security- provide more than adequate justification for the gmnt of the 

requested exemptions allowing commercial operation of the listed UASs for commercial purposes. West 

Michigan Home Inspectors LLC looks forward to support the FAA and UAS community in its quest to 

establish proper regulations and protocols for the safe introduction of unmanned aircraft into the national 

airspace. 

Stephen Brink 

West Michigan Home Inspectors LLC 

3134 Chamberlain 

Grand Rapids MI 49508 
Feb 29 16 03:00p West Michigan Home In spec 6164939400 

Attachment 1 

DJI Phantom lll (http://www.dji.com/product/phantom-3-standard/info) 

Weight (including battery) 1216 g 

Max Ascent Speed 5 m/s 

Max Descent Speed 3 m/s 

Max Speed 16 m/s (ATTI mode, no wind) 

p.6 

Max Service Ceiling Above Sea Level 6000 m (Software altitude limit: 120m above takeoff point) 

Max Flight Time Approximately 25 minutes 

Operating Temperature O(C) to 40(C) 

Navigation system Built-in GPS