February 8, 2016

U.S. Department of Transportation

Federal Aviation Administration 800 Independence Avenue, SW Washington, DC 20591

Re: Exemption Request Pursuant to Section 333 of the FAA Reform Act and Part 11 of the Federal Aviation Regulations from: 14 CFR 61.113{a) & (b); 91.7 (a); 91.103; 91.119 {c); 91.121; 91.151 (a); 91.407{a)(1) and {2}; 91.417{a) & (b).

To Whom it May Concern,

Pursuant to Section 333 of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act, I, Christopher Long, operator of an Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS), hereby apply for an exemption from the listed Federal Aviation Regulations (“FARs”) to allow commercial operation of it's UAS, so long as such operations are conducted within and under the conditions outlined herein or as may be established by the FAA as required by Section 333.

I would like to formally submit for an exemption from part 21, subpart H; and Sections 45.23(b), 91.7(a), 91.9(b)(2), 91.119, 91.121, 91.151(a), 91.203(a) and (b), 91.405(a), 91.407(a)(1), 91.409(a)(2), and 91.417(a) and (b) of Title 14, Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR). This proposed exemption would allow the operation of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) for the purpose of aerial videography and photography real estate purposes and events.

Applicant: Christopher Thomas Long

2981 West State Road 26 Hartford City, IN 47348 Support@SPAS-12.COM (765) 702-3357

Commercial operation of an UAS, as described herein, which are equipped with camera and sensors, would operate in the following manner: -Aerial photography and/or video for public and/or private use including real estate and other related professional activities. -Aerial video and/or photography for public and/or private use including public and private events.

As described fully below, the requested exemption would permit the operation of a UAS under controlled conditions in the NAS that would be a) limited, b) controlled, c) predetermined, and d) will provide safety enhancements to the already safe operations in the industry presently using conventional aircraft. Approval of this exemption would thereby enhance safety and fulfill the Secretary of Transportation responsibilities to “...establish requirements for the safe operation of such aircraft systems in the national airspace system.”As found in Exemption No. 11138 (Trudeau), the FAA recently approved similar use of a

Phantom 2 UAS. I will operate a UAS, the Blade Chroma which is comprised of an unmanned aircraft (UA or Chroma), an attached 4k camera and transportable ground station.

The Blade Chroma is a quad-copter with a gross weight of 2.9lbs. It is equipped with four rotors that are driven by electric motors powered by batteries. The UA has a maximum speed of 25mph. It will be operated over various metropolitan and rural areas, primarily around Bluffton, IN, to capture real estate listing videos, capture event aerial video and photography, and related business operations.

UAS Operating Parameters

I will abide by the following additional operating conditions under this exemption, which ensures a level of safety at least equal to existing rules:

– operate UAS below 300 feet and within a radius of 1000 feet from the controller to aid in direct line of sight visual observation;

– obtain permission from the owner/controller of any vessels, vehicles and structures when operation may be conducted closer than 500 feet to any such vessels, vehicles or structures; I will conduct a safety assessment of the risk of operating closer to those objects and determine that it does not present an undue hazard;

– operate the UAS for 5-10 minutes per flight;

– land UAS prior to the manufacturer's minimum level of battery power;

– operate the UAS during daylight hours and only within visual line of sight (VLOS);

– use the UAS's global positioning system (GPS) flight safety feature whereby it hovers then slowly lands if communication with the remote control pilot is lost;

– conduct all operations under the flight safety protocols (including posting a warning sign reading: “Attention, Aerial Photography in Progress -Remain Back 150 feet”) and will actively analyze flight data and other sources of information to constantly update and enhance safety protocols;

– contact respective airports if operations will be within 5 miles to advise them of my estimated flight time, flight duration, elevation of flight, and other pertinent information;

– always obtain all necessary permissions prior to operation; have procedures in place to abort flights in the event of safety breaches or potential danger;

– only operate in safe environments that are strictly controlled, away from power lines, elevated lights, airports, and densely populated areas (defined by areas depicted in “yellow” on VFR charts and through obtaining information regarding congested areas from the local Flight Standards District Office (FSDO);

– conduct extensive preflight inspections and protocols, during which safety carries primary importance (reference Chroma Flying Reference Guide and User Manual).

Regarding UAS operational training, I have flown numerous practice flights on my personalproperty as well as at the local Academy of Model Aeronautics simulating flights for future

commercial use to gain familiarization with the characteristics of the UAS's performance under varying temperature and weather conditions.

In a manner consistent with 14 CFR 61.51(b), I will have logged 25 hours of total time as a UAS rotorcraft pilot including at least 10 hours logged as a UAS pilot with multi-rotor UAS. I will also have accumulated and logged a minimum of 5 hours as a UAS pilot operating the same make and model of UAS to be used for operations. In addition to the hour requirements, I will accomplish 3 take-offs and landings in the preceding 90 days (for currency purposes) prior to any flight.

Specific Exemptions Requested

Given the size, weight, speed, and limited operating area associated with the UA, I feel an exemption from 14 CFR part 21, Subpart H (Airworthiness Certificates) and § 91.203(a) and (b) (Certification Required), subject to certain conditions and limitations, is warranted and meets the requirements for an equivalent level of safety under 14 CFR part 11 and Section 333 of P.L. 112-95 (Section 333).

I request an exemption from §45.23 Marking of the aircraft because the UA will not have a cabin, cockpit, or pilot station on which to mark certain words or phrases. Further, the two-inch lettering is difficult to place on such a small aircraft with dimensions smaller than the minimal lettering requirement. Regardless of this, I can mark the UAS in the largest possible lettering by placing the word “Experimental” on it's fuselage as required by § 45.29(f) so that anyone will be able to see the markings.

I request an exemption from §91.7(a) which prohibits operation of an aircraft without an airworthiness certificate, since there is currently no certificate applicable to my operation, this regulation is inapplicable.

I request an exemption from §§ 91.405(a), 91.407(a)(1), 91.409(a)(2) and 91.417(a) and (b) Maintenance inspections since they only apply to aircraft with an airworthiness certificate. However as a safety precaution I will perform a pre-flight inspection of the UAS before each flight as outline in the attached operating documents.

I request an exemption from §91.9(b)(2) which requires an aircraft flight manual in the aircraft, however since there are no pilots or passengers on board the aircraft and given it's size, this regulation is inapplicable. I believe an equivalent level of safety will be achieved by maintaining a safety/flight manual with the UAS ground station.

I request an exemption from §91.119 which prescribes safe altitudes for the operation of civil aircraft, but it allows helicopters to be operated at lower altitudes in certain conditions. I will not operate my UAS above the altitude of 300 feet above ground level (AGL) and will also only operate in safe areas away from the public and traffic, thus“providing a level of safety at least equivalient to or below those in relation to minimum

safe altitudes.” Given the size, weight, maneuverability, and speed of the UAS, an equivalent or higher level of safety will be achieved.

I request an exemption from §91.121 Altimeter settings as it is inapplicable since the UAS

utilizes electronic GPS with a barometric sensor.

I request an exemption from §91.151(a) Fuel requirements for flight in VFR conditions. The UAV is 100% electric and two low-battery alerts are issued – per the operating documents, the UAV will be landed at the first alert. Also my flights will only last 5-10 minutes each, and the UAS has an automated function which results in immediate landing when a low batter is detected. I will not begin a flight unless (considering wind and forecast weather conditions) there is enough power to fly to the first point of intended landing and, assuming normal cruising speed, land the UA with 30% battery power remaining.

Public Interest

Aerial photography and videography for real estate and events are proven strategies to enhance marketing efforts and increase business success. The industry is now new, however until recently it was conducted through the use of costly manned aircraft, a prohibitive business activity for small companies. By granting this exemption I would be able to provide affordable services.

Further, the small UAS will pose no threat to the public given it's small size and lack of combustible fuel when compared to larger manned aircraft. Additionally, the operation of my UAS will minimize harm to the environment economic growth by providing information to companies and the public looking to relocate or build in the rural areas I will service. Public and private events serviced by my business enhance vibrancy and add culture to the community and it's citizens.

Summary

I will comply with all of the following conditions and limitations should this exemption be provided:

1)Operations will be limited to the following aircraft described in the operating documents, which is a quad-rotor aircraft weighing 2.9 pounds: Blade Chroma 2) The UA will not be flown at an indicated airspeed exceeding 50 knots. 3) The UA will be operated at an altitude of no more than 400 feet above ground level (AGL), All altitudes reported to ATC must be in feet AGL. 4) The UA will be operated within visual line of sight (VLOS) of the Pilot in Command (PIC) at all times. 5) All operations will utilize a visual observer (VO). The UA will be operated withinthe visual line of sight (VLOS) of the VO at all times. The VO and PIC will be able to

communicate verbally at all times. The PIC will be designated before the flight and will not transfer his or her designation for the duration of the flight. The PIC will ensure that the VO can perform the functions prescribed in the operating

documents. 6) The Operating Documents will be accessible during UAS operations and made available to the Administrator upon request. Any revisions to the operating documents will be presented to the Administrator upon request. 7) Prior to each flight the PIC will inspect the UAS to ensure it is in a condition for safe flight. 8) Any UAS maintenance or alterations that affect the UAS operation or flight characteristics, e.g. replacement of a flight critical component, will undergo a functional test flight. The PIC who conducts the functional test flight will make an entry in the

aircraft records. 9) The pre-flight inspection section in the operating documents will account for all discrepancies i.e. inoperable components, items, or equipment, not already covered in the relevant sections of the operating documents. 10)I will follow the UAS manufacturer's aircraft/component, maintenance, overhaul, replacement, inspection, and life limit requirements. 11) I will carry out maintenance, inspections, and record keeping requirements, in accordance with the operating documents. Maintenance, inspection, and alterations will be noted in the aircraft records, including total flight hours, description of work accomplished, and signature of the PIC. 12) Each UAS operated will comply with all manufacturer Safety Bulletins. 13) An authorized person will make an entry in the aircraft record of the corrective action taken against discrepancies discovered between inspections. 14) Prior to operations conducted for the purpose of aerial videography/photography and for real estate listing videos and public and private events and similar operations, the PIC will have accumulated and logged, in a manner consistent with 14 CFR 61.51(b), a minimum of 25 hours of total time as a UAS rotorcraft pilot including at least 10 hours logged as a UAS pilot with multi-rotor UAS. 15) Prior to operations conducted for the purpose of aerial videography/photography and for real estate listing videos and public and private events and similar operations, the PIC will have accumulated and logged, in a manner consistent with 14 CFR 61.51(b), a minimum of 5 hours as a UAS pilot operating the make and model of the UAS to be used in operations. The PIC will accomplish 3 take-offs and landings in the preceding 90 days. 16) The PIC will not operate the UAS for the purpose of aerial videography/photography and for real estate listing videos and public and private events and similar operations, unless the PIC has demonstrated and logged in a manner consistent with 14 CFR 61.51(b), the ability to safely operate the UAS in a manner consistent with the operating documents, including evasive and emergency procedures and maintaining appropriate distance from people, vessels, vehicles, and structures. 17)UAS operations will not operate within 5 nautical miles of an airport reference point as denoted on a current FAA-published aeronautical chart.18)UAS operations will not be conducted during night, as defined in 14 CFR 1.1. All

operations will be conducted under visual meteorological conditions. (VMC). 19) The UA will not be operated less than 500 feet below or less than 2,000 feet horizontally from a cloud or when visibility is less than 3 statue miles from the PIC. 20) If a UA loses communications or loses its GPS signal, it will return to a predetermined location within the planned operating area and land or be recovered in accordance with the operating documents. 21) The PIC will abort a flight in the event of unpredictable obstacles or emergencies in accordance with the operating documents. 22) The PIC will not begin a flight unless(considering wind and forecast weather conditions) there is a enough power to fly at normal cruising speed to the intended landing point and land the UA with 30% battery power remaining. 23) I will obtain an Air Traffic Organization (ATO) issued Certificate of Waiver or Authorization (COA) prior to conducting any operations, and also request a Notice to Air-man (NOTAM) not more than 72 hours in advance, but not less than 48 hours prior to the operation. 24) Before conducting operations, the radio frequency spectrum used for operation and control of the UA will comply with the Federal Communications, Commission (FCC) or other appropriate government oversight agency requirements. 25) The documents required under 14 CFR 91.9 and 91.203 will be available to the PIC at the Ground Control Station of the UAS any time the UAS is operating. These documents will be made available to the the Administrator or any law enforcement official upon request. 26) The UA will remain clear and yield the right of way to all manned aviation operations

and activities at all times. 27) The UAS will not be operated by the PIC from any moving device or vehicle. 28) The UA will not be operated over congested or densely populated areas. 29) Flight operations will be conducted at least 500 feet from all nonparticipating persons, vessels, vehicles, and structures unless: A. Barriers or structures are present that sufficiently protect nonparticipating persons from the UA and/or debris in the event of an accident. I will ensure that nonparticipating persons remain under such protection. If a situation arises where a nonparticipating persons leave such protection and are within 500 feet of the UA, flight operations must cease immediately and/or;

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

C. Operations nearer to the PIC, VO operator trainees or essential persons do not present an undue hazard to those persons per § 91.119(a).All operations will be conducted over private or controlled-access property with permission from the land owner/controller or authorize representative. Permission from lane owner/controller or authorized representative will be obtained for eachflight to be conducted.

30)Any incident, accident, or flight operation that transgresses the lateral or vertical boundaries of the operational area as defined by the applicable COA will be reported to the FAA's UAS Integration Office (AFS-80) within 24 hours. Accidents will be reported to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) per

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

.

If you have any questions or need additional information please contact me at Support@SPAS-12.com, or (765) 702-3357

Thank you,

Christopher Long