July 22, 2015

U.S. Dep artment of Tran sp o rtatio n, Do ck et Opera ti ons We st Building Ground

Floor, Room w1 2 -140 1200 N e w J er sey Av e., S E Washin gton, DC 20590

Re : Petition of Coleman Eng in ee ri ng Company for an Exemption Pu r su ant to S ec tion 333 of the FA A Mo d er nization and Refo rm A ct of 2012

D ea r Madam /S ir,

Pu r su ant to S ec tion 333 of the F AA Modernization and R ef o rm Act of 20 12 ( “R e fo r m Act”) and

14 C. P.R. P ar t 11, Coleman Eng in ee ri ng h ereby app lies for an exemption fr om the Fe d er al Aviation Re gulations identified

below, to allow co mmercial op erations of small unmanned aer ial v ehicl e s.
This exemption is made b ased on information out lin ed in th is petition, as we ll as the ac companying 3D Robitics X8 -M Op er ators Manu al (3DR X8-M) (Appendix B) and the Coleman En gineerin g Op er ational L imit ations ( Ap p endix C). The 3DR X8- M UAS was selected b ecau se it h as a prov en ca pability f or
co ntrolled flight as we ll a s a gyro stabilized flight mode, GPS aided nav igation, a compass, blinking L ED ’s on the bottom, and a fa ils af e mo de for returning home. Th e se d evices are o f fe red for general sale around the world and have often b ee n used as Model Ai rc raft in the USA.

The Requ ested exe mp tion would authorize commercial operations usi ng the 3DR X8-M for mapping and

su rv eying appli ca tions. The se op erations will be subj ec t to strict ope ra ting requirements defined in the

user man ual an d cond itions defined by the Safety Code of the A ca demy of Model Aeronautic s (s ee Annex B) in order to ensure a t le ast an equival ent lev el of safety to cur re ntly au thorized operations using

mann ed a ir crafts.

Sp ec ifically, the UAS is:
A lightw eight (< 7.0 lb gross weight with a ll on-bo ar d equipment), battery o p er ated rotorcraft in the fo rm of a co pter that

take s o ff and lands v er tically
, manufac tu red by 3D Roboitics, Mo de l X8 -M , with the following equipment:

 An on -bo ar d flight co mputer with GPS n avigation and location abi li ty that re ce ives signa ls for fl ight con trols from a g

ro u nd -based transmitt er

/controll er ;

 An on -bo ar d ca m era ca pable of ca

pturing imagery in the form of full color, high definition s ti l l photos and video;

 An o n -bo ard telemetry system that de liv ers flight d a ta fr om the on-bo ar d flig htcomputer to the on -b o ar d ra dio tran sm i tt er including a ltitu de AGL, horizontal and v er ti ca l spee d,

compass dir ec tion of flight and direction b ac k to its launch site;

 On-bo ar d ra dio t ra nsmitter th a t t ra nsmits live video fr om the on-bo ar d ca m er a plus a ll the f

li ght d a ta fr om the t el emetry sy st em d escribed abo ve;

 Built-in fail safes if communications are lost or if battery power gets too low, it will automatically return to a predetermined location.

Th e Gro un d Station Include s:

 A Pilot in Co mm and (PIC) in op er ation al control of a flight ope ra tion from beginning to end and who con trols the UAS while in the air;

 A r adio t ra nsmitt er

/controller o p er ated by the PIC to con trol the UAS while in f li ght;

 A ra dio r ece iv er rece iv ing live video and fl ight data fr om the on-board ca m er a and the compute r proj ec ts it a ll to gether onto a screen for the PIC to view during fligh t;

 A Visual Obs er

v er (V O) is a person who provides a second pair of eyes to visually tr ac k the U AS while in flight.

Pro posed Op er ations
Coleman Eng in ee ri ng inten ds to use UAS in two gen er a l areas. First, Coleman Eng in ee ri ng s ee ks a n exemption to pe rf

orm video filming and photographing by a ir fo r publ ic and priv ate use. The purp ose of this photograp hy will be to aid in topographic mapping of groun d based fea tu res on the earth. Second, it will employ U AS to inspect lan d, resid en tial, commercial, industrial st ru cture s and prop er ty.

Sp ec ifically, Coleman Engineering will use UA S ’s that ar e equipped wi th c am eras and senso rs in order to engage in the following commercial activities:

(a ) Taking photographs to support pro fe ssion al operations in engin eer ing, land surveying, archite ct ure, r ea l estate and other related professiona l ac tivities.

(b) Insp ec tions by air of agricultura l area s.
(c ) Insp ec tions b y a ir of in fr astruc tu re su ch as br id ge s, h igh way s, el ec trical in sta ll ations, dams, aqueducts, photo volta ic power stations, wind farms and

pipes. Th e se inspections will only be done u n der contr ac t with the owners or with any local gove rn ment authority.

(d) Insp ec tions by air of land and residential, comm er cial and industrial structures, only und er contract with the o wn ers or with any lo ca l government authority.

(e) Insp ec tions by air to det ec t sour ce s of pollu ti on and gas emi ss ions, under contr ac t with the owners in the area or with any lo cal go vernment authority.

(f ) Support provided to s ear ch and re scue o p er a ti ons and recon naissan ce in cases of n ee d, emergency or natu ral disaster s and only when go vernment authorities have requ ested it b y contr ac t or donation.Relevant Statuto ry Aut ho rity

This Petition for Exe mp tion is submitted pur su ant to S ec tion 333 (a ) thro ugh (c) of the FA A Mod er nization and R ef

orm Act of 2012 ("R ef

o rm Act"). Cong re ss has directed the F AA "to s af el y
acce lerate the integ ra tion of civil unmann ed aircraft syste ms into the n a tio n al airsp ac e system. " Pu r su ant to S ec tion 333 of the R ef o r m Act, the FAA Administrator is to permit unmanned ai rc raft sy st e ms to operate in the National Air Sp ac e ("NAS") wh er e it is s af e to do so b ased on the followi ng considerations:

- The UA S’s s iz e, weigh t, sp ee d and op er ationa l cap ability;

- Op er ation of the UAS in close pro ximity to airpo rts and populated area s; a nd

- Op er ation of the UAS within the visual line of si ght of the o perator.
Additionally, the FAA Admin istrator h as gen eral authority to g ra nt exemptions fr om the agency's safety regulations and minimum st and ards wh en the Administrator d ec ides a re qu e st e d exemption is in the pub l ic interest. See 49 U.S.C. § 106 (f ) (d efini ng the authorit y of the Administrator); 49 U. S.C. §44701 (f

) (p ermit ti ng exemptions fr om §§44701(a), (b) and §§44702-44716,et seq.). A p ar ty

re questing an exe mp tion must explain the reasons why the exemption: (1) would ben efit the pub l ic as a wh ole, and (2) would

not adv er sely affect safety (or how it would p rovide a level of

s af ety at l ea st equal to the existing ru les). See 14 C. F.R. §11.81 (p etitions for exemp tion).
Coleman Engin ee ring’s P ro posed UAS Op er ations Mee t the Re qu i re ments of S ec tion 333 of the Refo rm Act

Coleman En g in ee ri ng ’s p roposed op erations in th is Petition for Exemption qualify for exp edite d appro v a l pursuant to Section 333 of the R ef orm Ac t a s eac h o f the statutory crit er ia and

re le vant f ac tors ar e satisfied.

A pp roval is Wa rr anted Based on the UAS Si ze , We ig ht, Sp ee d, and Operat io nal Capa bility

Coleman En g in ee ri ng wi ll employ the 3DR X8-M for the o p er ations spec if ied in this Petition for exemption. The 3DR X8-M UAS’s have a ta k e-o ff weight of less than 7 pounds, the flight sp ee d will not ex cee d 35 miles p er hour, and it will not be fl o wn in controlled airsp ac e or at an altitude that ex cee ds 400 feet AGL. All flights will be flown in su ch a way that the y ca n be s af el y te rminated with a re serve b a tt ery power of 2 5% of the b a tt ery's ma ximum ch ar ge. Th e 3DR X8- M UAS do n ot

car ry any fla mm able p r op e ll ant or fue l. The 3DR X8-M UAS also ha s an integ ra ted GPS system that

ca lculates the UAS’s position and height and relays that in fo rmation via a s ec ure conn ec tion to the operator. Additionally, the 3DR X8-M UAS contain a fa ils afe mode if its conn ec tion to t h e r e m o t e

co n t r o l is l o s t , a n d

this syst em p er mi ts the UA S to re turn to a pred etermined location and land without injury or d amage.

A pp roval is Wa rr anted Based on the Op er a tional Res tr i ct io n s Set Forth in the Op er at io ns Ma nu al.

Colman En g in ee ri ng ’s Op er ations L imit ations and the 3DR X8-M o perator’s man ual contain a ll of the p ro ce du re s and

limitations n ece ss ary to su cce ss full y perfo rm the op e ra ti ons spec if ied in this Petition for Exemption (Append ices B & C).P ub lic Inte re st

The public int er est will be s er v ed by g ra nting Coleman Engineering’s Petition fo r Exemption. Congress ha s establish ed

a national policy that fa vo rs early in teg ra tion of UAS’s into the NAS in controlled, s af e work ing environments such as those proposed in this Petition. In addition, the public also has an int er est in red ucing the h a za rds associated with a lt er na te methods of condu cting simila r o p er ations. Curren tly,

o p er a ti ons ar e cond

ucted using tea ms th at phy si cally climb onto structures using ladders, us in g low flying h e li copters or aircraft, or simply not av a il able by t ra ditional m ea ns. By using UA S, exposure to p hy si ca l ha za rds will be re du ce d by condu c ti ng the operation while re maining sa fe ly on the ground.
Additionally, Coleman En g in ee ri ng ’s in tend ed uses for the UA S h a ve identif ia ble s af ety b enefits tha t in clude re du cing the danger and emissions associated with full size h e li copters. UAS h ave no fu el to ignite or explode, no cr ew, adds a greater deg re e of flexibility whi ch supp lements the cu rre nt ca pabilitie s offered by manned airc ra ft, and public in t er est for a gro und imp ac t of a small lightweight UAS is further minimized from an ec ological and safety standpoint.

Fed er al Register Su mm ary

Pur su ant to 14 C. F.R. Part 11, the following su mmary is provided for pub li ca tion in the Fe d era l Register, should it be d et er min ed that pub li ca tion is n ee d ed: Coleman En g in ee ri ng seeks an exemption from the fo llowing rules:
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 )

The exemption will enh an ce safety by re d ucing ri sk to the general pu b lic and p rop er ty own e rs from the substan tial h azards associated with pe rf or mi n g equivalent wo rk

with conv entional aircraft,

ro torcraft, or other methods.

Conclusion
Coleman Eng in ee ri ng ’s Petition for Exemption sati sf ies the crit er ia

articulated in S ec tion 333 of the R ef o r m Act of 2012 including weight sp ee d, opera ti ng ca pabilities, pro ximity to airports and populated areas, operation within visu al line of sight and national secu rity. Additionally, the Petition provides more than adequ ate justification for the g ra nt of the re qu ested exemptions to pe rm i t Coleman En gin eeri ng to ope ra te the sel ec ted UAS for the op er ations spec if ied herein.

G ra nting the exemption will benefit the public int er est as a whole in several ways, including (1 ) si gnifi ca ntly imp roving safety and redu cing risk by allev ia ti ng human expo su re to danger, and (2 ) imp roving the qua li ty of servi ce s and decrea si ng op era ti ng costs compared

with conv entional fl ight

o perations.

With the adv ent and av ailability of this t ec hnology, surveyin g and mapping functions are ch anging from a t ra ditional ground based op erations to the ae ri al platform. Colem an En g in ee ri ng will h ave th e ability to collect a tre me ndous amount of data in a small f raction of the time that would be n ee ded for ground b ased ef fo rts. As project si zes increase, the savings to both Coleman En g in ee ri ng and our Cl ients will inc rea se g re atly. The cost of purchasing our 3DR X8-M is minimal in comparison to that of a traditional

mann ed a ir craft. A major advantage of the low operationa l exp enses is that Coleman En g in ee ri ng can provide these ae ri al acquisition servi ce s at a much lowe r cost to the consume r wh ile re ma ining competitive and profitable. This will in turn l ea d to economi c gro wth and stability at a loca l, state and federa l level.

Coleman rea li zes that other surv ey and eng in ee ri ng fi rms have alr ea dy been granted an exe mp tion to use the re UAS for commercial purpo ses, as shown in F AA exe mp tion No. 11617, Docket No. FAA-2015- 0549.With the 3DR X8-M’s small and lightweight de si gn it ca n be assembled and deployed in a manner of

only a few minutes once the survey c re ws arrive on site. It will p erform its mi ss ion effectiv ely and effici ently and land dir ec tly at our feet. The data we coll ec t will be able to be processed immediately. All of the se fa ctors prove to be a h uge b enefit to the consume r, and help adv an ce the land surveyi ng profe ss ion to a whole new leve l.

Very Re sp ectful ly, James D. Blondheim 635 Circle Drive Iron Mountain, MI 498 01 jb londh eim@colem an -eng in ee ri ng. com (906) 774-3440

## Appendix A

### Appendix A

The regulations from which the exe mp tion is req uested ar e listed below. Beside ea ch regulation number is the page of the a tt ac hed Ap pendix A upon which eac h may be found toge th er with our propose d

e quivalent lev el of safety fo r e ac h regulation:

14 CFR §§ 61.23 (a) a

nd (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)

Exemptions Re qu ested

The Fe deral Aviation Act exp re ss ly grants the FAA the authority to issue exemptions. This statutory authority, by its te rms, in cludes exempting civil ai rc raft, as the term is de fined under§40101 of the Act, in cluding UA Ss, from its sa fe ty regulations and minimum standards when the Administrator d ec id es a requ ested exemption is in the pub l ic int er est.
Coleman Eng in ee ri ng seeks an exemption from sev eral interrelated provisions of 14 C. F.R. Parts 21, 27, 45, 61 and 91 for pu rposes of condu c ti ng the re q uested operations using a UA S. Listed below ar e th e sp ec ific s ec tions of 14 C.F.R. for which exemption is sought:

14 C. F. R. Part 21, Sub part H - Ai rwo r th in e ss C ert ifica te s

The F AA has stated that no exemption is n ee d ed fr om this s ec tion if a finding is made und er the R ef o rm Act that

the UAS sel ec ted provides an equivalent level of safety when compa re d to ai rc raft

n ormal ly used fo r the sa me appli ca tion ( Regu la to ry Do ck et No. F AA -2014-0352). Th e se crit er ia ar e
me t, and th erefore no exemption is n ee ded.
Equivalent Lev el of Safety

The UA S s elec te d by Co leman Engin ee ring is safe wh en taking into a cc ou nt their size, we ight, sp ee d, and op erat io nal cap ab il it y

. The UA S we ighs le ss th an 7 pounds and w il l be flo wn at les s t h an 35 miles p er h our and

completely outside con trolled airsp a ce . Add iti onally, the UA S ca rry neithe r pilots nor p a ss engers, ca rry no explosive ma teri al s and or flammable liq u id fu el s, and oper at e exclu sively w ith in the parame te rs sta

te d in the Operator’s Manual and Op er at ions Li mitati ons.
Operations und er this exemption will be cl o sely controlled and moni to red

by the op erat or

and wi ll b e condu ct ed in co mp l ia nc e w it h lo ca l pu b li c saf et y requiremen ts, to provide secur it y for the area of oper at ion. Co leman En gi neering will also, if n ecessary, provide th e FAA w it h ad vance notice of al l operations via NO T AM S and in coordination w it h the lo ca l FSDO. In al l ca ses, the UAS op erate d under the propo sed

condit io ns will be at least as safe as, or safe r than, c on ventio nal ro to rcraft operating

w ith an airwor

th in ess certificat e without the r es tri ct io ns and con d itions of the p r opo sed UAS op era ti ons

.
14 C.F. R. Part 27 Airwo rt hiness S ta nd ar ds : No rmal Category Ro torcr af t

14 C. P.R. Pa rt 27 se ts fo rt h the pro ce d ural req uire me nts for airworthiness cer ti fication of nor ma l

ca tegory ro torcraft. To the extent that Coleman E ng in ee ring UA S wo u ld o th e rw ise requ ir e ce r ti fication under Pa rt 2 7, we seek an ex em ption from Part 2 7 's airworth in ess stand a rd s for the sa me r ea sons id en tif ie d in th e requ est for exemption from 14 C. F.R. Pa rt 21, Subp a rt H.14 C. F.R. §§45.23(b ), D is play of ma rks; gen er al

Th e se regu lations provide that eac h aircraft must display "N" and the aircr af t's reg is tration number in le tt ers a t l ea st 2 inches h igh. Addition ally, the air cr aft must display the wo rd "EXPERIMENTAL " i n le tt ers a t l ea st 2 in ches high n ea r the entrance to the cabin, cockpit, or pilot st ation. The UAS do es not h ave an entrance in which the wo rd " EX PERI

ME NTAL" ca n be pla ce d, and may not have a re g is tration number assign ed to it by the F AA.

Coleman En gin eer ing p roposes to ac hieve an equivalent level of safety by including the word "EXPERIMENTAL" as large a s practi ca ble on the top of the a ir craft, wh er e the PIC, V O and others in the vicinity of the aircraft while it is p rep aring for lau nch will be able to see the de si gn ation. Finally, the ground station will disp lay a h igh contra st flag or b an ner that contains the words "Unm ann ed Aircraft Ground Station" in le tt ers 3 inch es high or great er . S in ce the ai rc raft will op era te within 3/4 NM of the ground station, the bann er should be visible to anyo ne that obs er v es the aircraft and chooses to inve st igate its point of o rigin.

In a p revious Grant of Exemption, Regula to ry Do ck et No. F AA -2014 -03 52 , the F AA det er min ed that exemption from thes e re quirements wa s w ar ranted provided that the ai rc ra ft "have identifi ca tion (NNumber) m ar

kings in acc ordance with 14 C.F.R part 45, Subpart C if the m ar kings a re a s large as prac ti ca ble."

14 C FR § 61.113 (a) and (b); 61.3 (c ,2 -v ): Pr iv a te Pilot Privileges and Limitat io ns, Me dical Certificate

In addition, Coleman E ng in ee ri ng s ee ks exemption from 14 C.F.R § 61.113, which restricts private pilot

ce rtifi ca te holders fr om flying aircraft for compensation or hire, and which would also require a second class medical certifi ca te. The purpose of this section is to ensure the skill and competency of any PIC wh er e the a ir craft is carrying p a ss engers or cargo for hire. In this c as e, while the UAS will be op er ated a s part of a comm er cial op era tio n, it carries ne ith e r pa ss engers no r cargo. In the G ra nt of Exemption in FAA Do ck et No. FAA-2 01 4 -0352, the FAA deter min ed that the unique characteristics of UAS ope ra tion outside of controlled airs p ac e did not warrant the additional cost and restrictions a tt end ant with requiring the PI C to have a commercial pilot ce rtifi ca te and cla ss II medi ca l certifi ca te. Additionally, inst ea d o f having a second or third class medi ca l, we sugge st th at the PIC ex er cise th e privileges similar to that of a sport pilot, requiring on ly a valid US driver’ s li ce nse.

S af ety Mi tigation

Co leman En gi n ee ri ng seeks to ensure s af e o peration by ensuring that any PIC is thoro ugh ly v er sed in airsp ac e and communication is su es p er taining to all ai rc raft ope ra tors but also in the unique a sp ects of UAS flight.

We b elieve the combin ation of aer on auti ca l knowledge, UAS airmanship skills, and v er ifi ca tion through remaining current is a su ff icient method to eva lu ate a pilot’s qua li fi ca tions, g iv en that op er ations will be conducted within the limitat io ns out lin ed in this petition. Like with any required skill, the more flight time the PIC ga in s, the more proficient the PIC b ec ome s.14 C. F.R. § 91.7(a ) : Civil Ai rcr aft Ai rwo r th i ne ss

Coleman Eng in ee ri ng seeks an exemption from 14 C. F.R. § 91.7(a), which requires that a civil ai rc raft be in air wo rthy condition to be op er ated. The FAA ha s stated ( Re gula to ry Dock et No. F AA -2014 -0352) that no exemption is r equired to the extent th a t the re quirements of P ar t 21 are waived or fou nd inappli ca ble.

14 C. F.R. § 91. 9(b )( 2): C iv il Ai rcr aft Flight Manual in the Ai rcr a ft

Giv en its size, configu ra tion, and load ca p ac ity, the 3DR X8-M has no ability to carry su ch a manual on the ai rc raft, not only because th er e is no pilot on boa rd, but be ca use there is si mp ly no room or cap ac ity to carry such an item on the ai rc ra ft.

S af ety Mi tigation
The safety relat ed pu rp ose of this manu al requirement ca n be equally satisfied by maintaining the 3DR X8 -M Manu al at the gro und con trol point wh er e the pilot flying the 3DR X8-M will h ave immediate

acce ss to it. Ac co rdingly, we re q uest an exemption from § 91.9(b) (2 )'s flight manu al requirements, on the cond it ion that the 3DR X8-M flight manu al be av a il ab le at the point of control during e ac h operation.

14 C. F.R. § 91.103: Pref li ght Action
Coleman Eng in ee ri ng seeks an exemption from 14 C.P.R.§ 91.103, whi ch requires a PIC to b ec ome fa mili ar with specific in fo rmation befo re e ac h flight, including information contained in the FA Aappro v ed Flight Manual on board the aircraft. While the PIC will be familiar with all info rmation

n ece ss ary to sa fe ly con du ct the f li ght, an exemption is requ e st ed to the extent that an F AA -approved Flight m an ual is required.

S af ety Mi tigation
An equivalent level of safety will be pro vided by following the Aircraft Op er ations Manual and flight

manu al provided by the manufacture r. The PIC will take a ll re qu ired p reflight actions, including p e rf or mi ng a ll required

ch ec klists and reviewing w ea ther, flight requirements, ba tt er y ch arge, landing a nd
ta keoff distan ce , aircraft pe rf ormance data, and

contingency landi ng areas b ef o re in itiation of flight. The Op erators Manu al and Op erational Li mit ations will be kept at the ground station with the op er ator at all tim e s.

14 C. F.R. § 91.109(a ) : F lig ht Inst ruction
Coleman Eng in ee ri ng seeks an exemption from 14 C. F.R. § 91.109(a), which p rovides th a t "no person may o pera

te a civ il aircraft (ex ce pt a manned fre e b alloon) that is being us ed fo r flight instru ction unless th at aircraft has ful ly fu nctioning du al controls." UAS and remotely piloted aircraft, by their design, do not have fun ction a l d

ual controls. Instead, flight control is acc omplished through the use of a device tha t

co mmunicates with the ai rc raft via ra dio communications.S af

ety Mi tigation
Given the size and sp ee d of the UAS employe d by Coleman Engin ee ri ng, an equivalent level of s afe t ra ining ca n still be performed without dua l controls be ca use no pilot or passen gers are aboard the UAS
, a nd all persons will be a safe distan ce away in t he ev ent that the UAS en counters any difficulties during flight instruction. In addition, we will co ndu ct fl ight training at our Research and Dev elopment test sites, which ar e lo cated on our own prop er ty. Th e se t ra ining fl ights will be conducted in a st erile are a and will othe rwise co mp ly with the pro visions in the Op er ator’s Manu al for flights at the R& D f ac i li ty. The FAA h as stated ( Regula to ry Do ck e t No. F AA -2014 -0352 ) th at no exemption is required.

14 C. F.R. § 91.119: Minimum Sa fe Altit ud es
Coleman Eng in ee ri ng req u ests an exemption from the minimum safe altitude re quirements of 14 C. F.R. §91.119. S ec tion 91.119 p re s cr ibes the minimum safe altitudes under which aircraft may not operate, in cluding 5 00 feet above the sur fa c e and away from any p erson, vessel, vehicl e, or stru cture in non

conge st ed ar eas. See 14 C. F.R. §91.119 (c ). Section 91.119 (d) allows f or a h e li copter to ope ra te a t less th an those minimum altitudes when it can be op er ated "without h azard to pe rs ons or pr o p er ty on the

sur f ace ," provided that " eac h person op er a ti ng the he li copter complies with any routes or altitud es sp ec ifi ca lly prescribed for helicopter by the FAA .”

S af ety Mi tigation
Compa re d to flight ope ra tions with rotorcraft weighing far more than the maximum weights propose d h erein, and given the l ac k of fla mm able fu el, any risk associat ed with th ese op er ations is f ar less than those that presently exist with conventional aircraft. An equival ent level of safety will be achieved given the si ze, weight, and sp ee d of the UAS, as w e ll as the location w here it is operated. In order to avoid any risk to aircraft, flight op er ations will be restrict ed to 40 0' AG L or b elow.

14 C. F.R. § 91.121: Altimeter Settings
This petition seeks an exemp tion from 14 C. F.R. §91.121, which requires a p erson opera ti ng a n aircraft to maintain cruising a ltitu de or fl ight lev el by reference to an a ltim eter that is set to the elevation of the d epartur e airport or barometric pr essure. An exemption is required to the extent that the UAS does not h ave a b arometric a ltim et er , but rather a GPS a ltitu de read out.

S af ety Mi tigation
The FAA has stated that an equival ent lev e l of safety ca n be ac hieved if the UAS will be op er ated at 400' AGL or below and

with in visu al line-o f- si ght in addition to GPS b ased altitude information relayed in r ea l time to the op er ator. See Gr ant of Exe mp tion to Astr aeus A er ial, Do cket No. FAA-2014 -0352. As the

a tt ached Operations Manual indicates, the cho sen UAS m ee ts th e se re quirements, and a ze ro altitude initiation point will be obtain ed prior to flight14 C. F.R. § 91.151(a ) : Fue l Re qu i re ments for Flight in VFR Co nd itions

Coleman Eng in ee ri ng req u ests an exemption from 14 C. F.R. §91.15l(a)'s fu el requirements fo r flight in VFR conditions. S ec tion 91.151 states:

(a) No person may beg in a flight in an airplane under VFR conditions unless (considering wind a nd fo reca st w ea th er conditions) there is enough fu el to fly to the first po int of intend ed landing and, assuming norma l cruising sp ee d
(1) Du ring the day, to fly after that for at l ea st 30 minutes; or
(2) At night, to fly af

ter th at for at least 45 minute s.

H er e, the t ec hnologi ca l limitations on UAS b a tt er y po wer m ea ns that no m ea ningful flight op er ations ca n be cond ucted while still maintaining a 30 minute re serve. Coleman En g in ee ri ng proposes that all flights comply with this requirement by mandating that the aircraft be s af ely landed

with no less than 25% of b attery life re maining.

S af ety Mi tigation
The FAA has stated that an equival ent lev e l of safety is provided if the UA S f li ght is t er

min ated with a t l ea st 25% re serv e b attery p ower still ava il able. See Grant of Exemption to Astr ae us A er ial, Docket No. PA A-2014-0352. The Op e rations Manu al confo r ms to this limit, providing an equivalent l ev el of s afety.

14 C FR 91.20 3 (a) & (b) Civil air cr aft: C ert ificat io ns re qu i re d.
The regulation provides that an airworthiness c er tifi ca te, with the reg is tration number a ss igned to the

a ir craft and a re g is tration ce rtifi ca te must be aboard the air cr aft. Addition ally, sub parag ra ph (b) p rovides th a t the airworthin ess certifi ca te be "displayed a t the ca

bin or cockpit entran ce so that it is leg ib le to p a ss engers or crew."
At a maximum gross we ight of le ss than 7 pounds, the UAS is too small to car ry document ation, d oes not h ave an entran ce , and is not capable of ca rrying passengers or cre w. To o btain an equival ent lev el of safety and mee t the in tent of 91.203, w e propo se that documents d ee med appropriate for this aircraft by the F AA will be co-lo ca ted with the cr e w at the ground con trol station and available for insp ec tion upon request. The F AA has stated ( Re gula to ry Dock et No. F AA -201 4-03 52) that no exemption is required.

14 C. F.R. 91.405 (a ); 91 .4 07(a )( 1); 91.409(a)(2); and 91.417(a) and (b) Maintenance Re qu i re d
Coleman Eng in ee ri ng seeks an exemption from the maintenance inspection requirements contain ed in 14 C.P.R.§91.405 (a ), 91 .407(a )( 1 ), 9 1 .409(a )( 2); 91.417 (a ) and (b ). The se regulations sp ecify maintenan ce and insp ec tion standards in reference to 14 C.P.R. Part 43. S ee , e.g., 14 C.P.R. §91.405 (a ) (stating that

ea ch owner or ope ra tor of an a ir cra ft " sh all have the ai rc raft inspected a s p re scribed in subpart E of this part and shall betw ee n required insp ec tions ...have disc re p an cies rep aire d as prescribed in part 43 of this chapter"). An exemption from these regulations is needed b eca use Part 43 and these se ctions only app ly to aircraft with an a ir

wo rthiness certifi ca te, which the UAS’s will not have.

S af ety Mi tigation
An equivalent level of safety will be ac hieved b ec ause maintenance and insp ec tions will be performed in

acc o rd ance with the Op er a to r s Man ual. As provided in the Op er ators Manual, fl ights will not be conducted unless a f

li ght operations ch ec klist is performed that include s a ll of the aircraft' s components.

## Appendix B

# X8-M Operation Manual

V.1 2014 ©3D Robotics DCT006 Thank you for purchasing an X8-M! This manual contains important information about your aerial mapping platform. Please read these instructions before your first flight.

1 Plan 1

2 Fly 19

3 Process 30

Appendix 34

Online information portal: 3DR.com/X8-M 3DR support: help@3DR.com Terms and conditions: 3DR.com/terms Pix4D instructions: support.Pix4D.com1 

## 1 Plan

Parts 2

Flight Battery 3 Charging 3 Safety 3 Powering the X8 4

Camera Setup 5 3DR EAI 5 Charging 5 Starting a Mission 5 Mounting 6

Ground Station Setup 7 Download Software 7 Connect to Radio 7 Mission Planning 8 Operating Parameters 8 Load Maps 9 Draw Polygon 10 Configure Survey 11 Save and Write Mission 182 

## Parts

RC controller and accessories batteries (2)

hex keys

propeller wrench

spare UV filter

spare mounting nut Android adapter cable

SF propellers

SFP propellers charger and accessories micro-USB cable

battery guard bag

Pixhawk micro-SD card adapter X8 ground station radio

FPV/OSD System If you selected to receive a FPV/OSD system, those components will be included with the X8’s accessories. See page 27 for parts and instructions. registration card and Pix4D license key3 1 Connect the charger to the power adapter cable and a wall outlet. Connect the red cable to the + port and the black cable to the - port.



### +

– 2 Set the charger to LiPo and 3A.

LiPo 3A

3 Connect the white connector to the 4S port, and join the two yellow connectors together.

4S 4 Secure the battery inside the guard bag, and charge until the status indicator displays green.

Charging

Complete The X8 is powered by a rechargeable lithium polymer (LiPo) battery. Charge the battery before your first flight.



# !

Flying with a low battery is a safety risk and can render the battery permanently unusable. Always fly with a fully charged battery.

Charge the battery using a designated LiPo balance charger only. Always monitor the battery while charging. Protect the battery from extreme heat, extreme cold, puncturing, and flammable surfaces. Always transport, charge, and store the battery in the guard bag.

Inspect the battery for damage before and after flying. If you observe any swelling of the package or the battery ceases to function, do not use the battery; locate your local battery recycling center, and dispose of the battery. In the US and Canada, visit call2recycle.org to find a location. Do not dispose of the battery in the trash. 

## Flight Battery

Charging Safety

Charger with power cable and split-wire charging cable
Charger settings

Flight battery charging wiring Charging in process4 2 Attach the battery to the underside of the copter using the velcro straps, and join the yellow connectors. 

## Powering the X8



# !

It is important to establish communication before powering on the X8. Always turn on the controller before connecting the battery. When powering off the X8, disconnect the battery before turning off the controller. 1 Turn on the controller. To avoid triggering the controller’s startup alarm, ensure that all switches are set back (away from you) and the throttle stick is set fully down.

RC controller Throttle stick

Switches5 

## Camera Setup

The X8 includes a Canon PowerShot SX260 HS running the 3DR EAI script.

SD card locked Load 3DR EAI

» Fly a mapping mission SD card unlocked Load default Canon software

» View images on camera
» Save images to ground station
» Update script 

## 3DR EAI (Exposure-Aperture-ISO)

3DR EAI runs on the Canon Hacker Development Kit (CHDK), a pow erful opensource tool that expands the functionality of Canon point-and-shoot cameras. 3DR EAI optimizes image exposure and integrates with the Pixhawk autopilot to enable distance-based imaging.

This software is designed to load off the camera’s SD card, leaving the original Canon programming intact. The yellow switch on the side of the SD card allows you to lock or unlock the card. Lock the SD card to run 3DR EAI; unlock the SD card to save images to your ground station or to boot the camera with its original programming.

For more information about 3DR EAI, see page 36. 

## Charging

Charge the camera battery before your first flight. Once fully charged, insert the battery into the camera.

status indicator



## Starting a Mission

To prepare the camera to fly a mapping mission, ensure that the mode dial is set to P (program) mode. Power on the camera using the silver button on the top. 3DR EAI will start automatically, and you will see the script messages on the camera display. Check to see that the last line of the script reads waiting on USB signal . The camera is now ready to map!

power button

Camera ready to map: waiting on USB signal Canon battery charger

Power off the camera before removing the SD card. 

### ! Camera running 3DR EAI Camera running Canon software mode dial6 mounting plate

latch When the camera is ready to start the mission, open the latch, and insert the camera into the mount. Close the latch, and rotate the mount so the camera faces down. Connect the mini-USB cable to the camera. 

## Mounting

The camera mount includes a cap to protect the UV filter during travel. Before you fly, remove the cap, and check that the filter contains no dirt particles or scratches that could affect image quality. If you notice any damage to the filter that could affect image quality, screw off the filter and replace with the extra filter provided with the X8.

Connect mini-USB cable here.

Camera (side) UV filter

Camera enclosure with cap Camera enclosure with cap removed

mini-USB cable7 Mission Planner

Your license key for Pix4Dmapper can be found on the registration card inside the documents package.

Visit mapper.pix4d.com/license-redeem to create an account and redeem your license key; then visit pix4d.com/download to download Pix4Dmapper Discovery. Pix4D will automatically upgrade from the Discovery edition to the LT 3DR Edition (or Pro Edition if you selected to upgrade) when you log in to the program with your Pix4D account information. Mission Planner is a full-featured ground station application for planning missions and monitoring the X8 in flight. Download Mission Planner from 3DR.com/download_software

. If you already have Mission Planner installed, make sure you’re running the most recent version: Select the Help tab and Check for Updates

.

Mission Planner: Help tab 

## Ground Station Setup

Pix4Dmapper LT 3DR Edition To connect the X8 to Mission Planner, connect the ground station radio to the laptop, and power the X8.

1 Connect the ground station radio to your laptop using the micro-USB cable. Open Mission Planner.

3 Select Flight Data to view live data from the X8. 2 Select 57600 and AUTO , then select CONNECT

. (When connecting directly to Pixhawk’s micro-USB port, set the rate to 115200.) 

## Connect to Radio Download Software Mission Planner allows you to turn a Windows laptop into a full-featured ground station for configuring and monitoring autonomous missions. You will need to take this laptop into the field when you fly the mission. As part of the mission procedure, you will use the Pix4D Rapid Check to verify the quality of the image set before leaving the field.

Ground station laptop with radio connected Mission Planner Connect tool (top-right corner))

Mission Planner Flight Dat a tab: connected to aircraft8 Operating Parameters

Camera Canon SX260

Camera Orientation Landscape (top facing forward)

Operating Altitude 50-120 m

Default Altitude 60 m

Low-Wind Conditions 0-6 m/s

High-Wind Conditions 7-10 m/s

Maximum Wind Conditions 10 m/s

Operating Speed 1-17 m/s

Default Speed 5 m/s

Estimated Maximum Flight Time 14 min

Estimated Ground Resolution 2 cm/pixel

Estimated Maximum Survey Area .1 km 2

Minimum Photo Interval 2 seconds The X8 is a complete solution for creating high-resolution visual-spectrum aerial maps.

Pixhawk autopilot system Pix4Dmapper LT 3DR Edition Canon SX260

3DR EAI

To create a map, the X8 flies an autonomous mission over the survey site, using the integration between the Pixhawk autopilot and custom-programmed camera to capture images at a consistent distance interval. Pix4Dmapper then stitches these images together into a georeferenced, orthorectified mosaic.

The accuracy of the map depends on the configuration of the mission. Planning a mission that captures high-quality images requires balancing the X8’s operating parameters with the environmental factors at the survey site. 

## Mission Planning

Operating Parameters9 1 Open Mission Planner, select Flight Plan , and zoom to your flying location. 2 Right-click on the map, select Map Tool and Prefetch , and accept the defaults prompts. Mission Planner will download the maps for the selected location to your computer.

3 Mission Planner will attempt to load the map data from the current level of zoom down to the closest level of zoom available. However, it can take hours to pre-fetch every level of zoom, and it is unlikely that the closer levels will be useful in planning the mission. To shortcut this process, check the slider on the right side of the map. The levels of zoom are represented by this slider from 0 (bottom) to 25 (top). Press the ESC key to skip levels of zoom at a greater detail than you need for mission planning. 

## Load Maps

Mission Planner allows you to plan the mission away from the mapping location; however, it is important to assess the environmental conditions on site at the time of the mission and adjust the flight plan if necessary. Alternatively, you can plan the entire mission at the mapping location. To create or alter the mission, Mission Planner requires an Internet connection to access the maps. If you’re unable to access the Internet on site, follow the instructions below to pre-fetch the maps within Mission Planner while you have Internet access.

Mission PlannerFlight Plan tab: zoom to mapping location Mission Planner Flight Plan tab: Select Prefetch10 2 Right click on the map. Select Draw Polygon and Add Polygon Point . Click and drag to add points around the area you want to map. 3 Right click on the polygon. Select Auto WP and Survey (Grid ) to open the Survey Tool.

Units

The Survey Tool uses metric units. If your Mission Planner is set to imperial units, please change the settings to use metric to plan the mission. Support for imperial units in Mission Planner is coming soon; check 3DR.com/X8-M for updates. 

## Draw Polygon

To begin planning the mapping mission, select the area you want to map using the Polygon tool. Y ou’ll be able to adjust the size and shape of the polygon later in the mission configuration process.

1 Select Flight Plan , and zoom to your mapping location.

Mission PlannerFlight Plan tab: zoom to mapping location

Mission PlannerFlight Plan tab: draw polygon Mission PlannerFlight Plan tab: open Survey tool



### !11 

## Configure Survey: Set Default Parameters

Set Camera Canon SX260-SX280

Set Camera Orientation Check the option for Camera top facing forward

.

Set Default Speed 5 m/s

Apply Survey Speed Check the option for Use speed for this mission

. If unchecked, the mission will use the X8’s default speed of 5 m/s regardless of the speed selected in the Survey Tool. Mission Planner: Survey Tool

Mission Planner: Survey Tool12 Set Angle

Wind Direction In environments with winds of less than 6 m/s, set the angle so that the X8 flies into the wind. In winds from 7-10 m/s, configure the flight path to travel perpendicular to the wind so the X8 flies cross-wind.

No. of Strips Adjust the angle so that the X8 makes as few turns as possible to complete its course. The No. of Strips parameter shows how many passes the X8 will make as you adjust the angle.

Review Wind Conditions On-Site Always assess the wind conditions at your survey site at the time of the mission and adjust the mission accordingly. Adjust Polygon Click and drag the red polygon points to adjust the size and shape of the polygon from the Survey Tool. 

## Configure Survey: Set Angle

wind

Angle in high winds (7-10 m/s) Angle in low winds (1-6 m/s)



# ! Use caution when flying in winds over 10m/s. Mapping results may degrade as a result of inability to make headway or maintain appropriate groundspeed. wind wind Mission Planner: Survey Tool13 Set Altitude Recommended altitude: 60 m Operating altitude: 50-100 m

Increasing altitude decreases flight time, allowing you to cover more area per minute. Decreasing altitude improves ground resolution. Set the altitude to get the best ground resolution while keeping the flight time under 14 min and the altitude under 120 m.

Keep altitude below 120 m, and ensure that the altitude is appropriate for your flying area and local regulations.



# !

Check Flight Time Flight Time estimates the duration of the mission. The total estimated flight time must be under 14 min for a fully charged X8 battery. To decrease flight time, increase altitude or speed.

High winds, humidity, high altitude, and extreme heat can affect power consumption and reduce flight time. Consider the environmental factors at your site when configuring flight time.

In this example, we increased speed to 8 m/s to keep flight time below 14 min while allowing for moderate wind conditions. When increasing speed, keep in mind that the increased power required to travel faster will impact flight time. Check Ground Resolution Ground Resolution is the centimeters per pixel that you will have in the map and corresponds to the amount of detail that you will see.

To improve ground resolution by decreasing the number of centimeters per pixel, decrease altitude. 

## Configure Survey: Set Altitude

Mission Planner: Survey Tool14 Check Photo Interval Photo Every must be longer than 2 seconds for the SX260

camera.

Altitude Increasing altitude increases photo interval.

Keep altitude below 120 m, and ensure that the altitude is appropriate for your flying area and local regulations.



# !

Speed Decreasing speed increases photo interval.

Ensure that the Use speed for this mission option is checked. 

# ! Configure Survey: Check Photo Interval

Mission Planner: Survey Tool15 Takeoff and Land WP’s

For automatic takeoff and landing (recommended) Check the Add Takeoff and Land WP’s option. Check the Use RTL option.

After initiating the mission, the X8 will automatically take off, climb to the survey altitude, and begin the mission. At the end of the mission, the X8 will automatically return to the launch point and land.

For manual takeoff and automatic landing Uncheck the Add Takeoff and Land WP’s option. Check the Use RTL option.

Take off manually, and initiate the mission in flight. To end the mission, the X8 will land automatically at the launch point. 

## Configure Survey: Set Takeoff and Landing

Mission Planner: Survey Tool16 Check Advanced Options to view the Survey Tool’s advanced configuration options.

Adjust Overlap and Sidelap Overlap and sidelap are set to 50% and 60%, respectively, by default. See page 35 for an in-depth discussion of these parameters. Adjust StartFrom During the mission, you will maintain contact with the X8 through the RC controller and ground station signals. If these signals are lost during flight, the X8 will respond with the assigned failsafe behaviors. See page 29. If your mission is likely to experience a loss of signal, it is best practice to start from the corner of the mission farthest from the launch point. 

## Configure Survey: Advanced Options

Camera Config The options under the Camera Config tab allow you to configure a camera other than the SX260 and won’t be used for operating the X8. Survey Tool: Grid Options (Advanced) Select Grid Options Mission Planner: Survey Tool17 Before accepting the survey, check that the mission complies with the X8’s operating parameters. Once you accept the survey, you will not be able to edit it directly by re-opening the Survey Tool. If you need to adjust the survey, clear the mission (right click, select Clear Mission), and repeat the survey configuration process.

Camera Canon SX260-SX280

Altitude 50-100 m

Camera top facing forward checked

Flying speed 1-17 m/s

Use speed for this mission checked (optional if speed set to default speed of 5 m/s)

Photo Every greater than 2 s

Flight time under 14 min depending on environmental conditions



# ! Do not accept the mission if any of the parameters exceed the X8’s operating limits. Operating Parameters 

## Configure Survey: Accept Survey

Accept Select Accept to save the mission.

If Mission Planner prompts you for a home altitude, enter the altitude that you specified in the Survey Tool.18 Select Write WPs to save the mission to the X8. Select Save WP File to save the mission file to your computer. To repeat this mapping mission, load the saved WP file from your computer. On the Flight Plan screen, save the waypoint file to your computer and write the mission to the X8. 

## Save and Write Mission19 

## 2 Fly

Safety 20

Aircraft Operation 21 Components 21 Assembly 22 Controls 23 Modes 24 Preflight Checks 25 LED Indicators and Tones 25 GPS Lock 25 Arming and Disarming 26 FPV System Operation 27

Flying Mapping Missions 28 Takeoff Checklist 28 Initiating 28 Monitoring 28 Failsafes 2920 To ensure safe and successful flying, familiarize yourself with the safety information on this page. Always fly in accordance with your location regulations and these best operating practices.

visual line of sight 400 ft (120 m)

100 ft (30 m) 5 miles (8 km) Always fly at least 100 feet (30 m) away from people, vehicles, and buildings. Make the safety of people and property your first priority! Always fly below 400 ft (120 m) and within your visual line of sight. Don’t let the X8 get too far away from you; make sure you can always see its orientation. Don’t fly in low light, heavy wind, rain, or other conditions that might impede visibility.

Always fly at least 5 miles (8 km) away from airports and other areas where pilots operate manned aircraft. visual line of sight 400 ft (120 m)

100 ft (30 m) 5 miles (8 km) visual line of sight 400 ft (120 m)

100 ft (30 m) 5 miles (8 km) Before you fly, determine the boundaries of your safe flying area. If the X8 moves outside the designated area or exhibits instability in flight, switch to altitude hold mode and land the copter manually.

The X8 will not avoid obstacles on its own, including during missions. As the operator, it’s your job to recognize and avoid obstructions while flying. Always be ready to regain manual control of the copter in the event of an unsafe situation. Spinning propellers can cause serious injury. The safety button indicates the status of the motors to help you prevent hazardous contact with the X8’s high-speed propellers.

• When the X8 is powered on, the safety button will blink red, indicating that the motors are inactive and the propellers are safe to handle.

• When you’re ready to fly, press and hold the safety button until it shows solid red. This indicates that the motors are active and the propellers can spin if armed. To make the propellers safe to handle again, press and hold the safety button until it blinks red.



# ! You can find more safety tips throughout these instructions where you see this yellow box.
visual line of sight 400 ft (120 m)

100 ft (30 m) 5 miles (8 km) visual line of sight 400 ft (120 m)

100 ft (30 m) 5 miles (8 km)



### Location Propeller 

## Safety21 

## Aircraft Operation

Components

safety button camera integration cable

status LED Pixhawk autopilot

front arms rear arms

camera mount22 Propellers Remove the nuts and washers from the motors. Add SFP propellers and SF propellers as marked below with the writing on the propellers facing towards the sky. This will be a tight fit; apply pressure and twist the propeller onto the shaft. Place the washer over the propeller, and secure the nut tightly on top using the propeller wrench. Arms Remove the bolt and nut outside each arm. Rotate the arm into position, insert the bolt through the plates and the arm, and secure the arm in place with the nut. The X8 arrives in travel configuration. Complete these steps to prepare the copter for flight.

travel position remove secure with bolt

flight position slide each arm into position

Ensure writing on all propellers faces the sky. 

# ! Assembly

Top motor: SF

Bottom motor: SFP

Bottom motor: SF Top motor: SFP Top motor: SF

Bottom motor: SFP

Bottom motor: SF

Top motor: SFP23 throttle up Increase speed and altitude.

throttle down Decrease speed and altitude.

throttle fully down

Land. yaw left

yaw right Rotate counterclockwise.

Rotate clockwise. Fly the X8 manually using the RC controller.

yaw throttle

Throttle: Move the left stick forward and backwar d to control altitude and acceleration.

Yaw : Move the left stick horizontally to rotate and contr ol orientation. Navigate by orienting the X8 with the blue arms facing forward.

Pitch : Move the right stick vertically to fly forward and backwar d.

Roll : Move the right stick horizontally to fly to the left and to the right. 

## Controls

roll pitch

roll and pitch center Automatically level. roll left

roll right Fly to the left.

Fly to the right.

pitch up

pitch down Fly forward.

Fly backward.24 Auto - fly a mission Fly an autonomous mission. This is the mode that the X8 will use to create the map.

Altitude hold - assisted manual control Altitude hold mode provides manual control of roll, pitch, and yaw, while allowing the autopilot to maintain the current altitude automatically. Set the left stick to center, and the copter will automatically maintain the current altitude. Raise the throttle stick above center to increase altitude (and to take off), and lower the throttle stick below center to decrease altitude. Adjust altitude and orientation with the left stick, and navigate with the right stick.

Loiter - hover With automatic autopilot control of altitude, position, and orientation, loiter is the easiest way to fly. Just release the sticks and the copter will hover in place.

Return to launch (RTL) - recall and land Activate RTL during the mission to end your flight automatically. RTL commands the X8 to achieve a minimum altitude of 15 meters, return to the launch point, hover for five seconds, and land. Use the right stick to adjust the position of the X8 during landing,

Stabilize - full manual control Stabilize allows full manual control of altitude, position, and orientation without autopilot assistance. GEAR/MIX selects the set of modes.

FLAP/GYRO selects the specific mode, either 0, 1, or 2. To select a flight mode:

First, set the GEAR/MIX switch to select a set of modes. Then use the FLAP/GYRO switch to 0, 1, or 2 to select a specific mode.

With GEAR/MIX set to GEAR

, set FLAP/GYRO to: 0 for Stabilize 1 for Loiter 2 for A uto

With GEAR/MIX set to MIX

, set FLAP/GYRO to: 0 for Stabilize 1 for Altitude hold 2 for RTL 

## Modes

RC controller (top)25 

## Pre-flight Checks

Visual Check
Before flying, examine the X8 to verify the following:

» All propellers are tightly attached in the correct order with the writing on each propeller facing the sky

.

» All propellers can spin without obstruction.

» The antenna is oriented vertically. Test Flight
Before flying the mission, fly a brief test flight to verify that the X8:

» Responds to controls correctly in stabilize mode.

» Holds position in loiter mode.

» Correctly executes a return-to-launch command.



## LED Indicators

Low battery, automatic landing Loss of RC signal, automatic landing

System error, see troubleshooting guide Loss of GPS signal, automatic landing Initializing, please wait
Acquiring GPS, please wait

Armed



## Tones

Visit 3DR.com/X8-M to listen to Pixhawk’s status tones. 

## GPS Lock

Auto, RTL, and loiter modes requires GPS lock. When powered, the autopilot will automatically search for GPS lock. If you plan to use auto, RTL, or loiter modes during your flight, ensure that the autopilot acquires GPS lock before takeoff, indicated by a blinking green status LED. Autopilot ready, GPS locked26 Arming and disarming are important steps that must be completed before takeoff and after landing. There are two steps to arming the X8: the safety button and the throttle stick. 

# !

The arming and disarming procedures ensure that you can safety start and stop motors without risk of injury.

The X8’s motors will spin when armed! Make sure the propellers are clear of any obstructions, including your hands, before arming.

Do not handle the propellers or pick up the copter while the safety button is active (solid red).

Arming 1 When you’re ready to fly, place the copter at a clear launch point, with the blue arms facing away from you. 2 Press and hold the safety button until it displays solid red. This indicates that the X8 is now active. Stand back!

Motors inactive, safe to handle

Motors active, deactivate before handling

3 To arm the motors, hold the left stick down/right until the motors spin. Disarming 1 To disarm the motors, hold the left stick down/left until the motors stop.

2 Press and hold the safety button until it blinks red. The motors are now inactive, and the X8 is safe to handle. 

## Arming and Disarming

Before arming, check the status LED. Before you fly, wait for the autopilot to acquire GPS lock. The LED will flash blue while the X8 acquires GPS; this can take a few minutes. Once you see the flashing green LED, the autopilot has acquired GPS lock.

Autopilot ready, GPS locked Autopilot ready, no GPS Initializing , please wait.

Pre-arm check failure, see page 39.27 

## FPV System Operation

If you selected to receive an optional FPV/OSD system, the components are pre-installed into the X8 to transmit on-board video.

AV receiver

Antenna

Batteries (1 plus 1 spare) Receiver cables Parts 2 Wire and power receiver

Attach an antenna to the receiver. Connect the AV output cable to either receiver AV OUT port. Connect the RC power cable to the receiver DC IN port, and attach a battery to the red connector.

1 Charge battery

Charge both batteries before your first flight. Set the charger to LiPo and 1A. Connect the white battery connector to the 3S port, and connect the XT60-JST charger adapter to the red battery connector and yellow charger connector.

3S port Transmitter
Camera

Remove lens cap! 3 Remove lens cap

The video transmitter is powered by the main flight battery and will automatically turn on when the X8 is powered. To turn off the transmitter, disconnect the red JST connector. Remove the lens cap from the camera before takeoff.

LiPo 1A

4 Viewing video

When using a 3DR Black Pearl Monitor to view your video, set the mode to DIV (M button changes modes), the channel to 8 (+ and - buttons), and the band to E (press the power button to access the menu).

For more information about configuring the FPV/OSD system, visit 3DR.com/X8-M

.28 

## Flying Mapping Missions

Takeoff Checklist

Before flying the mission, check the following:

» Camera is on with mission script ready and is secured into the mount with the mini-USB cable connected and the cap removed.

» X8 is powered and connected to the ground station with all pre-flight checks passed.

» The survey mission has been adjusted to account for present environmental conditions and saved to the X8. 

## Initiating

For automatic takeoff, arm the X8 in stabilize mode. Switch to auto mode, and raise the throttle to initiate the mission.

For manual takeoff, initiate the mission in flight by switching to auto mode.



## Monitoring

Mission Planner Flight Data: Attitude

1 Heading direction 2 Bank angle 3 Altitude* (black) and rate of climb (blue bar) 4 Ground speed Status

4 Distance to current waypoint > current waypoint number 5 GPS status* 6 Battery status* 1 Ground station signal* 2 GPS time 3 Currently enabled mode 1

2

3

4 1

2

3 4 5 6 Monitor the X8 closely during the mission using your line of sight and the Mission Planner Flight Data screen. Actions

1 Change waypoints or restart a mission 2 Change modes 3 Change altitude

Flight Map

1 Current heading 2 Direct path to current waypoint 3 GPS-reported direction of travel 4 Actual flight path 5 Latitude, longitude 6 Altitude 1

2

3

1 2 3 4

5
6 Full battery: 16.8 V Low battery failsafe: 14 V

End your flight at 14.1 V!



### !
*Failsafe behavior enabled29 visual line of sight 400 ft (120 m)

100 ft (30 m) 5 miles (8 km) 400 ft (120 m) 

## Failsafes

visual line of sight 400 ft (120 m)

100 ft (30 m) 5 miles (8 km) 400 ft (120 m) visual line of sight 400 ft (120 m)

100 ft (30 m) 5 miles (8 km) 400 ft (120 m) Low Battery Failsafe Environmental conditions can affect power consumption. Use the Mission Planner Flight Data display to monitor the voltage of the battery during flight.

If the battery reaches 14 V, the X8 will land automatically at the current position, indicated by a blinking yellow status LED and a quick repeating tone. The X8 is programmed with a set of failsafe behaviors to prevent a crash in the event of a loss of one of the data or communication channels required for autonomous flight. Although certain failsafes have assigned LED indicators and tones, it is unlikely that you will be able to see these at a distance. Monitor the Flight Data screen for failsafe indications. If a failsafe is triggered, the assigned behavior will activate. To override the failsafe behavior (RTL in most cases), use the controller to regain manual control.

Regaining Manual Control To regain manual control during the mission, switch to altitude hold mode using the controller. If you’re a confident operator, switch to stabilize mode for full manual control. If you observe instability in the X8’s flight behavior or it the aircraft moves outside your designated safe flying area, switch to RTL. Turning off the controller will automatically trigger an RTL and can be used in an emergency situation as a hard recall command.

Ground Station Signal Failsfe Physical obstructions and interference from nearby wireless signals can affect the X8’s connection with the ground station. Use the Mission Planner Flight Data display to monitor the ground station connection strength during flight.

If the X8 loses contact with the ground station for over five seconds, it will automatically return to the launch point and land.

RC Controller Signal Failsafe Physical obstructions and interference from nearby wireless signals can affect the X8’s connec

tion with the RC controller.

If the X8 loses contact with the RC controller, it will return to the launch point automatically and land, indicated by a blinking yellow status LED. GPS Failsafe Enclosed areas, physical obstructions, and lack of available satellites can affect GPS strength. Use the Mission Planner Flight Data display to monitor the GPS during flight.

If the X8 loses GPS lock for over five seconds, it will land automatically at the current position.

visual line of sight 400 ft (120 m)

100 ft (30 m) 5 miles (8 km)
Altitude Failsafe The X8 has a 120 m altitude geofence enabled by default. If the geofence is breached, the X8 will automatically RTL. visual line of sight 400 ft (120 m)

100 ft (30 m) 5 miles (8 km) 400 ft (120 m)30 

## 3 Process

On-Site Quality Check 31 Spot Check 31 Download Images 31 Download Log File 32 Pix4D Rapid Check 33

Full Processing 3331 

## On-Site Quality Check

Before leaving the survey site, check the images using Pix4D to ensure sufficient quality for mapping by downloading the images from the SD card, downloading the log file from the X8, and completing Rapid Check Initial Processing in Pix4D.

If you observe poor image quality or the quality report returns errors, see the Image Quality Troubleshooting section on page 38 and repeat the mission.

playback button

SD card file structure: Download images 

## Spot Check (Optional) The quickest way to see the images after a flight is to unlock the SD card and restart the camera. The camera will load the default Canon programming and you can select the playback bottom to review the images. 

## Download Images Unlock the SD card and load into your ground station. Select the DCIM folder and locate the folder for your flight. Copy the files into a project folder on the ground station and delete them from the SD card.32 Pix4D uses the GPS data from the X8’s log file to georeference the images. To download the X8’s dataflash log, power the X8 and connect to Mission Planner. The download process will be faster if you connect the micro-USB cable directly to Pixhawk’s micro-USB port instead of connecting using the ground station radio. (When connecting directly to the X8, set the rate to 115200.)

On the Flight Plan screen, select the DataFlash Logs tab under the heads-up display, and select Download DataFlash Log over Mavlink

.

The Log window shows the X8’s recent flights. Select the flight for your mission, and select Download These Logs . This will save the log file to your computer in the location displayed under the list of flights.

To retrieve the log file, access your computer’s file structure under Program Files/ Mission Planner/logs/OCTOROTOR , and select the .log file for the date of your flight. Mission Planner: Flight Data heads-up display

Mission Planner: Download Logs Program Files: Retrieve log file 

## Download Log File33 1 Open Pix4D Mapper, and create a new project. 2 Select Aerial Nadir as the project type.

After creating the project, select the Local Processing screen (Process menu). Check the option for Initial Processing and Rapid Check. Uncheck all other local processing options, and select Start. 

## Pix4Dmapper Rapid Check: Create Project

3 After adding the images, select From File to add the geolocation data from the X8’s log file. In the pop-up window, select 3D Robotics Flight Log as the file format, and upload the dataflash log file downloaded from Mission Planner.



## Pix4Dmapper Rapid Check: Initial Processing

Pix4D will generate a Quality Report that will indicate if the images are of sufficient quality to create a map.

To complete full processing for the map, visit support.pix4d.com for instructions. 

## Full Processing34 

## Appendix

Aerial Imaging Concepts 35 3DR EAI 36 Image Quality Troubleshooting 38 Operational Troubleshooting 3935 

## Aerial Imaging Concepts

Understanding key concepts in aerial images can help you understand the mission planning process and create better maps.

Distance-Based Imaging By default, the X8 captures only the images required to create the map. The autopilot monitors the distance traveled by the X8 and sends a command to the camera to capture an image at the distance interval specified by the camera trigger distance parameter (CAM_TRIGG_DIST). This parameter is set by the Mission Planner Survey Tool during survey configuration by calculating the minimum distance between images based on the parameters specified for the survey (altitude, overlap, sidelap). This distance-based imaging allows for more precise data collection, resulting in less images and data storage cost.

Once configured, the Survey Tool creates an event at the start of the mission script (after takeoff) to set the camera trigger distance to the specified interval and an event at the end of the mission (before landing) to reset the camera trigger distance to 0. Therefore, while on the ground and during landing, the camera captures no images because the camera trigger distance is set to 0 m.

Time-Based Imaging The X8 is also equipped to capture images at a consistent time interval instead of using distance. This function can be useful if you want to capture images over an area without planning a mission. This time-based imaging results in more images per area, and therefore more processing time and storage cost. See the intervalometer option on page 36 to enable time-based imaging.

Overlap and SidelapTo capture images for the map, the X8 flies a lawnmower-like pattern in strips across the survey site. The frontto-back overlap between sequential images is called overlap; the side overlaps of adjacent pictures in different strips is called sidelap. The overlap and sidelap parameters in the Survey Tool (see Advanced Options page 16) determine the distance between images and the number of images to be captured based on the projected ground area that each image will cover, called a footprint. The Survey Tool uses a default overlap of 50% and a default sidelap of 60%. Increasing overlap and sidelap improves the accuracy of the map while increasing flight time and processing time. In the Survey Tool, Distance between Images shows the specified camera trigger distance that will be assigned to the mission. You can also see the projected image footprint size and the total number of images to be captured.

Default overlap: 50% Default sidelap: 60%36 

## 3DR EAI

3DR EAI is based on KAP UAV Exposure Control Script v3.1: a great opensource project for kite and UAV aerial photography.

Start and Stop Script Ensure the camera is set to P (program) mode before powering the camera. Upon startup, 3DR EAI starts automatically and listens for commands from the autopilot, indicated by waiting for USB signal . To stop (and re-start) the script, press the shutter button. The script will display INTERRUPTED when stopped.

CHDK Menu The CHDK menu contains all the standard options provided with CHDK. To access the CHDK menu, stop the script and select the MENU button. Script Menu The script menu allows you to change the parameters associated with the script itself, including changing the trigger mode and adjusting exposure. To open the script menu, stop the script and select the FUNC. SET button. These parameters are configured for the X8 and SX260 and do not require adjustment as part of standard operation.

Trigger Type This parameter allows you to control how the camera captures images. Trigger type defaults to USB for distance-based imaging during mapping missions. For time-based imaging, select Interval and specify the length in the Shot Interval parameter.

Trigger Type default: USB (mapping) Variable intervalometer: Interval (default to 2 seconds, specified by Shot Interval ) Script start: waiting on USB signal

Script stopped: INTERRUPTED FINISHED Script menu

CHDK menu Script menu: Trigger Type37 Updating the Script 3DR EAI is an open-source project and continuously improving. To download the latest script, visit 3DR.com/X8-M and select 3DR EAI Source. You will be redirected to the GitHubt repository where you can right-click on Raw and select Save Link to download the latest script labeled 3DR_EAI_SX260.lua.

To update the script on the SD card, unlock the SD card and open it on your computer. Navigate to CHDK/Scripts and replace the existing 3DR_EAI_ SX260.lua file with the updated script file from GitHub.

Resources Visit 3DR.com/X8-M for links to resources.

3DR EAI GitHub Repository: github.com/diydrones/ar dupilot/tree/master/Tools/CHDK-Scripts KAP UAV Exposure Control Script v3.1: chdk.wikia.com/wiki/KAP_UAV_Exposur e_Control_Script CHDK v1.3: chdk.wikia.com/wiki/CHDK_1.3.0_User_Manual Download latest script from GitHub

New script file Script file on SD card Memory Reset If the battery is left out of the camera for too long, the camera will reset its memory. To re-configure the camera in this case, visit 3DR.com/X8-M for instructions.38 

## Image Quality Troubleshooting

If you observe poor image quality during the spot check or if you receive error messages during processing, use the settings below to troubleshoot the image quality.

Blurry Images To correct motion blur, adjust the shutter speed using the Target Tv parameter in the script menu.

Target Tv (shutter speed) default: 1/1250 To correct moderate motion blur: Set to 1/1600. To correct severe motion blur: Set to 1/2000.

Overexposure If the images are overexposed but do not show any motion blur, it can be due to flying in extremely bright conditions. To correct this, set the Allow use of ND filter parameter to YES in the script menu.

Allow use of ND filter default: No To correct overexposure: Set to Yes.

Processing Errors If you receive errors from Pix4Dmapper during processing, increase the overlap and sidelap during survey configuration to improve the quality of the image set.

Overlap default: 50% Sidelap default: 60% To improve processing: Set overlap to 60% and sidelap to 70%. Example image: motion blur Script menu: Target Tv

Example image: overexposure Script menu: ND filter39 

## Operational Troubleshooting

No Images Captured 1 If the camera did not capture any images during the mission, first perform a physical inspection on the X8.

Is the mini-USB cable connected to the camera’s USB port?

Are the AUX OUT 6 pins connected on Pixhawk?

AUX OUT 6: black (-), red (+), white (s)

Is the camera battery charged? Unlock the SD card to view the Canon’ s battery level indicator.

LED Error Indicator If the status LED displays blinking yellow, the X8 is failing one the pre-arm safety checks. To determine the specific failure, check the heads-up display on the Mission Planner Flight Data screen. There will be an error message specifying the failed check.

Radio Calibration Failure: Perform Radio Calibration in Mission Planner or RC controller r e-binding Accelerometer Calibration Failure: Perform Accelerometer Calibration in Mission Planner Compass Calibration Failure: Perform Compass Calibration in Mission Planner GPS Failure: Wait for impr oved GPS signal or move to a more open area 2 Take a distance-triggered test image on the ground by manually setting the camera trigger distance parameter to 1 m.

Power the X8 and connect to Mission Planner. Select Config/Tuning and Full Parameter List . Change the CAM_TRIGG_DIST parameter to 1, and select Write Params . Disconnect the X8 from Mission Planner, and carry for a few meters to see if the autopilot triggers the camera.

Mission Planner Full Parameter List: Set CAM_TRIGG_DIST to 1.

## ANN EX B

### Academy of Model Aeronautics Na tional Model Airc raft Safety Code Effective January 1, 2014 A. GENERAL : A model aircraft is a non-human-carrying aircraft capable of sustained flight in the atmosphere. It may not exceed limitation s of this code and is intended exclusively for sport, recreation

, education and/or competition. All model flights must be conducted in accordance with this safety code and any additional rules specific to the flying site. 1. Model aircraft will not be flown: (a) In a careless or reckless manner. (b) At a location where model aircraft activities are prohibited. 2. Model aircraft pilots will: (a) Yield the right of way to all human-carrying aircraft. (b) See and avoid all aircraft and a spotter must be used when appropriate. (AMA Document #540-D.) (c) Not fly higher than approximately 400 feet above ground level within three (3) miles of an airport without notifying the ai rport operator. (d) Not interfere with operations and traffic patterns at any airport, heliport or seaplane base except where there is a mixed use agreement. (e) Not exceed a takeoff weight, including fuel, of 55 pounds unless in compliance with the AMA Large Model Airplane program. ( AMA Document 520-A.) (f) Ensure the aircraft is identified with the name and address or AMA number of the owner on the inside or affixed to the outs ide of the model aircraft. (This does not apply to model aircraft flown indoors.) (g) Not operate aircraft with metal-blade propellers or with gaseous boosts except for helicopters operated under the provision s of AMA Document #555. (h) Not operate model aircraft while under the influence of alcohol or while using any drug that could adversely affect the pi lot’s ability to safely control the model. (i) Not operate model aircraft carrying pyrotechnic devices that explode or burn, or any device which propels a projectile or d rops any object that creates a hazard to persons or property. Exceptions:

 Free Flight fuses or devices that burn producing smoke and are securely attached to the model aircraft during flight.

 Rocket motors (using solid propellant) up to a G-series size may be used provided they remain attached to the model during flig ht. Model rockets may be flown in accordance with the National Model Rocketry Safety Code but may not be launched from model aircraft.

 Officially designated AMA Air Show Teams (AST) are authorized to use devices and practices as defined within the Team AMA Progr am Document. (AMA Document #718.) (j) Not operate a turbine-powered aircraft, unless in compliance with the AMA turbine regulations. (AMA Document #510-A.) 3. Model aircraft will not be flown in AMA sanctioned events, air shows or model demonstrations unless: (a) The aircraft, control system and pilot skills have successfully demonstrated all maneuvers intended or anticipated prior to the specific event. (b) An inexperienced pilot is assisted by an experienced pilot. 4. When and where required by rule, helmets must be properly worn and fastened. They must be OSHA, DOT, ANSI, SNELL or NOCSAE app roved or comply with comparable standards.
B. RADIO CONTROL (RC)

1. All pilots shall avoid flying directly over unprotected people, vessels, vehicles or structures and shall avoid endangerment of life and property of others. 2. A successful radio equipment ground-range check in accordance with manufacturer’s recommendations will be completed before the first flight of a new or repaired model aircraft. 3. At all flying sites a safety line(s) must be established in front of which all flying takes place. (AMA Document #706.) (a) Only personnel associated with flying the model aircraft are allowed at or in front of the safety line. (b) At air shows or demonstrations, a straight safety line must be established. (c) An area away from the safety line must be maintained for spectators. (d) Intentional flying behind the safety line is prohibited. 4. RC model aircraft must use the radio-control frequencies currently allowed by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Only individuals properly licensed by the FCC are authorized to operate equipment on Amateur Band frequencies. 5. RC model aircraft will not knowingly operate within three (3) miles of any pre-existing flying site without a frequency-management agreement. (AMA Documents #922 and #923.) 6. With the exception of events flown under official AMA Compet ition Regulations, excluding takeoff and landing, no powered model may be flown outdoors closer than 25 feet to any individual, except for the pilot and the pilot's helper(s) located at the flightline. 7. Under no circumstances may a pilot or other person touch an outdoor model aircraft in flight while it is still under power, exc ept to divert it from striking an individual. 8. RC night flying requires a lighting system providing the pilot with a clear view of the model’s attitude and orientation at all times. Hand-held illumination systems are inadequate for night flying operations. 9. The pilot of an RC model aircraft shall: (a) Maintain control during the entire flight, maintaining visual contact without enhancement other than by corrective lenses presc ribed for the pilot. (b) Fly using the assistance of a camera or First-Person View (F PV) only in accordance with the procedures outlined in AMA Document #550. (c) Fly using the assistance of autopilot or stabilization system only in accordance with the procedures outlined in AMA Document # 560.
C. FREE FLIGHT

1. Must be at least 100 feet downwind of spectators and automobile parking when the model aircraft is launched. 2. Launch area must be clear of all individuals except mechanics, officials, and other fliers. 3. An effective device will be used to extinguish any fuse on the model aircraft after the fuse has completed its function.
D. CONTROL LINE

1. The complete control system (including the safety thong where applicable) must have an inspection and pull test prior to fly ing. 2. The pull test will be in accordance with the current Competition Regulations for the applicable model aircraft category. 3. Model aircraft not fitting a specific category shall use those pull-test requirements as indicated for Control Line Precisio n Aerobatics. 4. The flying area must be clear of all utility wires or poles and a model aircraft will not be flown closer than 50 feet to a ny above-ground electric utility lines. 5. The flying area must be clear of all nonessential participants and spectators before the engine is started.

## Appendix C

### Appendix C Operational Limitat io ns

1. The unmann ed airc ra ft system ( UA S) will weigh le ss th an 7 pounds, inc lu ding en ergy source(s) and equipment.

2. The U AS will not be flown at a ground sp ee d ex cee ding 35 MP H.

3. Flights will be op erated at an altitude of no mo re th an 400 feet above ground level (AGL), as indi ca ted by the p ro ce dur es sp ec ified in the op er a to r ’s ma nu a l. All altitudes re p o rted to ATC must be in feet AGL.

4. The U AS will be op e ra ted with in visu al line of sight (VLOS) of the PIC a t all times. Th i s re qui re s the PIC to be able to use human vision una id e d by any d evice other th an co rrective lense s.

5. All o p er ations will u til ize a visual obs er v er (VO). The VO may be used to sa ti sfy the VLOS

re qui re ment as long as the PIC a lw ays maintains VL OS ca pability. The VO and PIC must be able to communi ca te v er

b ally a t all time s.

6. Prior to eac h f

li ght the PIC will in sp ec t the U AS to ensu re it is in a condition for s af e f li ght. If the insp ec tion re v ea ls a condition tha t affec ts the s af e op er ation of the UAS, the aircraft is prohibited fr om op er a ti ng until the n ece ss ary maintenance has b ee n performed and the U AS is found to be in a conditio n for s af e f li ght. The Ground Control Station, if ut il ized, will be included in the p reflight insp ec tion. All mainten anc e and a lt er ations will be p ro p er ly do c um ented in the aircraft reco rds.

7. If the UAS h as undergone mainten an ce or a lt era tions th a t affect the UAS op er ation or f li ght ch ar act er istics, e. g. repl ac em ent of a f li ght cr iti ca l compon ent, the UAS will un d er go a fun ctional te st f li ght in acco rd an ce with the opera to r’s manu al. The PIC who condu c ts the fun ctional test f li ght will make an entry in the UAS aircraft records of the f li g ht. The re qui re ments and pro ce du re s for a fun ctional test f li ght and aircraf

t reco rd en try will be add ed to the op era to r’ s manua l.

8. The op er ator wi ll follow the manu fac tu re r’ s UAS aircraf t/ compon ent, mainten an ce , ov er h aul,

re pl ace ment, insp ec tion, and life limit re quireme nt s. Wh en unav a il able
, aircraf t mainten an ce /componen t/ o v er haul, re pl ace ment, and insp ec tion/maintenance re qu i re ments will be

e st ablished and identified in the op er a to r’ s manual. At a minimum, re q ui re ments for the following w il l be in cluded in the op er a

to r’ s manua l:

a. Ac tu a to rs / S er

vos; b. T ra nsmission (sing le roto r) ;
c. Pow er

plant (motors); d. Prop e ll er s;
e. El ec tronic sp ee d controll er ; f. Ba tt er ie s; g. M ec hani ca l dyn a mic compon ents (sing le rotor); h. Remote command and control; i. Ground control sta ti on (if used ) ; and j. Any other components as d et er min ed by the operato r.

9. The Pilot In Command (PIC) will po sse ss at least a valid U.S. driver’s licen se.

10. Prior to op er ations the PIC will h ave acc umulated and logged, in a manner consistent with 14 CFR § 61.51(b ), a minimum of five hour s a s UAS pilot op er a ti ng of the ma ke and model of UAS to be utilize d for op er ations and th re e tak e-o ff s and th re e landings in the p receding 90 days. T ra ining, pro ficiency
, exp er ien ce -building, and take-off and landin g cu rren cy f li ghts ca n be conducted to acc omplish the re quired flight cycles and flight time.11. The UAS may not be operated d irectly ov er any p erson, ex ce pt authorized and consenting p er sonne l, b elow an altitude th at is h az ar dous to p er sons or p rop er ty on the su rfa ce in the ev ent of a UAS fa ilure or em er gency.
12. The op er ator wi ll en su re th at no p er sons are allowed with in 500 feet of the area ex ce pt th ose consenting. This p rovision may be re du ce d to no le ss than 200 feet if it wo uld not adv er sely af fec t s af ety.

13. The UAS wi ll abo r t the f li ght in the ev ent of unp re dicted obst ac les or em er gen cies in acc ordance with the Op era to r’ s Manua l.

14. E ac h U AS op er ation will be completed with in 30 minute s f li ght time or with 25% ba tt ery po we r

r em aining, whi ch ev e r o ccurs first.

15. The op er ator will obtain an Air Tra ff ic Organ ization (ATO) issued C er tifi ca te of Wa iv er or Authorization (COA ) prior to condu cting any op erations. This COA will also re qu ire the op er ator to

re quest a Notice to Airman ( NOT A M) not mo re th an 72 hour s in adv an ce , but not less than 48 hours prior to the op er ation.

16. All aircraft operated

in acc o rd an ce will be id en ti fied by s er ial numb er , re gistered in acco rd an ce with 14 CFR part 47, and have id entifi ca tion (N- Numb er ) m ar k in gs in ac co rd an ce with 14 CFR p art 45, Subp ar t C. M ar

k in gs must be as large a s prac ti cabl e.

17. E ac h UAS op er ated

will comp ly with all ma nu fac tu rer S af ety Bulle tin s.

18. The ra dio fre qu en cy sp ec trum u sed for op er ation and control of the UA will comp ly with the F eder a l Communi ca tions Commission (F CC ) or othe r app rop ria te gov er nment oversi ght agen c y requi re ments.
19. At l ea st th re e d ay

s befo re sch eduled flight, the op er ator w il l submit a wr itt en Plan of Activities to the lo ca l FSDO with jur is d iction over the ar ea of p roposed flight a re a. T he 3- d ay notifi ca tion may be waived with the con cu rre n ce of the FSDO. The plan of activities must in clude at lea st the following:

a. Date s and time s for a ll f li ghts; b. Na me and phone number of the operator c. Mak e, model, and s er ial or N-number of UAS to be used; d. Na me and ce rtificate number of UAS PIC invo lv ed e. A statement that the operator has obta in ed permission fr om prop er ty owne rs and/or lo ca l o ff icia ls to conduct the flight op eration s; the list of those who gave p ermission must be made av a il able to the insp ec tor upon re q uest; f. Sign a tu re of exemp ti on-holder or re p re sentative ; and g. A des cr iption of the f li ght ac tivity, including maps or diag ra ms of any ar ea, city, town, county
, and/or state over which fligh ts will be condu cted and the altitude s essential to acc omplish the op er atio n.

20. The documents re qu i re d und er 14 CFR §§ 91.9 and 91.203 will be av ailable to the PIC at the Ground Control Station of the UAS any time the aircraft is op er a ti ng.

21. The UA S will re ma in cl ea r and yie ld the rig ht of way to a ll other man ned op er ations and ac tiv itie s at

a ll tim e s ( in cluding, but not limit ed to, ultralight v ehicle s, p ar achute ac tiv i ti e s, p ar asailing ac tivities, hang g lid ers, etc.).

22. UAS op er ations wi ll not be condu cted du ring n ight, as d ef

in ed in 14 CFR § 1.1. All o p er ations will be conducted under visu al meteorologi ca l conditions ( VM C). Flights und er sp ec ial visua l flight rule s (SVFR)

ar e not authorized.23. The UAS will not be op erated by the PIC fr o m any mo ving d evice or v ehicle.

24. The UAS will not b e op er ated le ss th an 500 feet below or le ss th an 2, 000 feet horizontally fr om a cloud or when visibility is le ss th an 3 statute mile s from the PIC.

25. The UAS will not opera te in Class A, B, C, or D air sp ac e without wr it ten approval fr om the F AA. The UAS may not operate within 5 nauti ca l miles of the geog ra phic ce nter of a non-tow er ed airpo r t a s d enoted on a cu rr ent F AA -published aeron au ti ca l ch ar t unless a le tt er of agreement with tha t airpo rt’ s
man agement is obta in ed, and the op er ation is con du cted in acc ordance with a NOTA M a s re qui re d by the op er a to r’ s COA. The le tt er of agreement with the airpo rt man agement must be made av a il able to the Administ ra tor upon re qu est.

26. Any in c id ent, acc id ent, or f li ght op er ation that t ra nsg re ss es the lat er al or v er ti cal bound ar ies of the

o perationa l area as defined by the appli ca ble C OA will be re po rted to the F AA ’s UAS Integ ra tion O ff

ice (A FS-80) within 24 hour s.