September 24, 2015

Exemption No. 12983

Regulatory Docket No. FAA−2015−1308

Mr. Bill Palmatary

Owner

Aerial West, LLC

834 15th Place, Suite B

Hermosa Beach, CA 90254

Dear Mr. Palmatary:

This letter is to inform you that we have granted your request for exemption. It transmits our 

decision, explains its basis, and gives you the conditions and limitations of the exemption, 

including the date it ends.

By letters dated April 18 and August 4, 2015, you petitioned the Federal Aviation 

Administration (FAA) on behalf of Aerial West, LLC (hereinafter petitioner or operator) for 

an exemption. The petitioner requested to operate an unmanned aircraft system (UAS) to 

conduct agricultural surveying, 3d mapping, aerial video/photography or providing live video 

feed, closed set film cinematography, sUAS operator training1, real estate photography, 

product demonstrations, and research and development.

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

the regulations that the petitioner seeks an exemption.

The FAA has determined that good cause exists for not publishing a summary of the petition 

in the Federal Register because the requested exemption would not set a precedent, and any 

delay in acting on this petition would be detrimental to the petitioner. However, the FAA 

received three comments in support of the petition made to the docket.

 

1 The petitioner requested authority to conduct UAS training. At this time, the FAA is unable to authorize UAS 

operations for training until a further assessment is completed. When the FAA completes its review, we will 

proceed accordingly and no further action will be required by the petitioner. However, the petitioner is permitted 

to train its own pilot in commands and visual observers in accordance with condition no. 14 and the other 

conditions and limitations in this exemption.
2

Airworthiness Certification

The UAS proposed by the petitioner are the DJI Phantom 3, DJI Inspire 1, DJI S900, and DJI 

S1000.

The petitioner requested relief from 14 CFR part 21, Certification procedures for products 

and parts, Subpart H—Airworthiness Certificates. In accordance with the statutory criteria 

provided in Section 333 of Public Law 112−95 in reference to 49 U.S.C. § 44704, and in 

consideration of the size, weight, speed, and limited operating area associated with the 

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

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

14 CFR part 21, Certification procedures for products and parts, Subpart H—Airworthiness 

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

not necessary.

The Basis for Our Decision

You have requested to use a UAS for aerial data collection2and closed set motion picture and 

filming. The FAA has issued grants of exemption in circumstances similar in all material 

respects to those presented in your petition. In Grants of Exemption Nos. 11062 to Astraeus 

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

FAA−2014−0507), 11112 to VDOS Global, LLC (see Docket No. FAA−2014−0382), and 

11213 to Aeryon Labs, Inc. (see Docket No. FAA−2014−0642), the FAA found that the 

enhanced safety achieved using an unmanned aircraft (UA) with the specifications described 

by the petitioner and carrying no passengers or crew, rather than a manned aircraft of 

significantly greater proportions, carrying crew in addition to flammable fuel, gives the FAA 

good cause to find that the UAS operation enabled by this exemption is in the public interest.

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

 They are similar in all material respects to relief previously requested in Grant of 

Exemption Nos. 11062, 11109, 11112, and 11213;

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

11213 also apply to the situation you present; and 

 A grant of exemption is in the public interest.

 

2 Aerial data collection includes any remote sensing and measuring by an instrument(s) aboard the UA. 

Examples include imagery (photography, video, infrared, etc.), electronic measurement (precision surveying, RF 

analysis, etc.), chemical measurement (particulate measurement, etc.), or any other gathering of data by 

instruments aboard the UA.
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Our Decision

In consideration of the foregoing, I find that a grant of exemption is in the public interest. 

Therefore, pursuant to the authority contained in 49 U.S.C. 106(f), 40113, and 44701, 

delegated to me by the Administrator, Aerial West, LLC is granted an exemption from 

14 CFR §§ 61.23(a) and (c), 61.101(e)(4) and (5), 61.113(a), 61.315(a), 91.7(a), 91.119(c), 

91.121, 91.151(a)(1), 91.405(a), 91.407(a)(1), 91.409(a)(1) and (2), and 91.417(a) and (b), to 

the extent necessary to allow the petitioner to operate a UAS to perform aerial data collection 

and closed set motion picture and filming. This exemption is subject to the conditions and 

limitations listed below.

Conditions and Limitations

In this grant of exemption, Aerial West, LLC is hereafter referred to as the operator.

Failure to comply with any of the conditions and limitations of this grant of exemption will be 

grounds for the immediate suspension or rescission of this exemption.

1. Operations authorized by this grant of exemption are limited to the DJI Phantom 3, 

DJI Inspire 1, DJI S900, and DJI S1000 when weighing less than 55 pounds including 

payload. Proposed operations of any other aircraft will require a new petition or a 

petition to amend this exemption.

2. Operations for the purpose of closed-set motion picture and television filming are 

permitted. 

3. The UA may not be operated at a speed exceeding 87 knots (100 miles per hour). The 

exemption holder may use either groundspeed or calibrated airspeed to determine 

compliance with the 87 knot speed restriction. In no case will the UA be operated at 

airspeeds greater than the maximum UA operating airspeed recommended by the 

aircraft manufacturer.

4. The UA must be operated at an altitude of no more than 400 feet above ground level 

(AGL). Altitude must be reported in feet AGL.

5. The UA must be operated within visual line of sight (VLOS) of the PIC at all times. 

This requires the PIC to be able to use human vision unaided by any device other than 

corrective lenses, as specified on the PIC’s FAA-issued airman medical certificate or 

U.S. driver’s license.

6. All operations must utilize a visual observer (VO). The UA must be operated within 

the visual line of sight (VLOS) of the PIC and VO at all times. The VO may be used 

to satisfy the VLOS requirement as long as the PIC always maintains VLOS 

capability. The VO and PIC must be able to communicate verbally at all times; 
4

electronic messaging or texting is not permitted during flight operations. The PIC 

must be designated before the flight and cannot transfer his or her designation for the 

duration of the flight. The PIC must ensure that the VO can perform the duties 

required of the VO.

7. This exemption and all documents needed to operate the UAS and conduct its 

operations in accordance with the conditions and limitations stated in this grant of 

exemption, are hereinafter referred to as the operating documents. The operating 

documents must be accessible during UAS operations and made available to the 

Administrator upon request. If a discrepancy exists between the conditions and 

limitations in this exemption and the procedures outlined in the operating documents, 

the conditions and limitations herein take precedence and must be followed. 

Otherwise, the operator must follow the procedures as outlined in its operating 

documents. The operator may update or revise its operating documents. It is the 

operator’s responsibility to track such revisions and present updated and revised 

documents to the Administrator or any law enforcement official upon request. The 

operator must also present updated and revised documents if it petitions for extension 

or amendment to this grant of exemption. If the operator determines that any update 

or revision would affect the basis upon which the FAA granted this exemption, then 

the operator must petition for an amendment to its grant of exemption. The FAA’s 

UAS Integration Office (AFS−80) may be contacted if questions arise regarding 

updates or revisions to the operating documents.

8. Any UAS that has undergone maintenance or alterations that affect the UAS operation 

or flight characteristics, e.g., replacement of a flight critical component, must undergo 

a functional test flight prior to conducting further operations under this exemption. 

Functional test flights may only be conducted by a PIC with a VO and must remain at 

least 500 feet from other people. The functional test flight must be conducted in such 

a manner so as to not pose an undue hazard to persons and property.

9. The operator is responsible for maintaining and inspecting the UAS to ensure that it is 

in a condition for safe operation.

10. Prior to each flight, the PIC must conduct a pre-flight inspection and determine the 

UAS is in a condition for safe flight. The pre-flight inspection must account for all 

potential discrepancies, e.g., inoperable components, items, or equipment. If the 

inspection reveals a condition that affects the safe operation of the UAS, the aircraft is 

prohibited from operating until the necessary maintenance has been performed and the 

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

11. The operator must follow the UAS manufacturer’s maintenance, overhaul, 

replacement, inspection, and life limit requirements for the aircraft and 

aircraft components.
5

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

safety bulletins.

13. Under this grant of exemption, a PIC must hold either an airline transport, 

commercial, private, recreational, or sport pilot certificate. The PIC must also hold a 

current FAA airman medical certificate or a valid U.S. driver’s license issued by a 

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

government. The PIC must also meet the flight review requirements specified in 

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

14. The operator may not permit any PIC to operate unless the PIC demonstrates the 

ability to safely operate the UAS in a manner consistent with how the UAS will be 

operated under this exemption, including evasive and emergency maneuvers and 

maintaining appropriate distances from persons, vessels, vehicles and structures. PIC 

qualification flight hours and currency must be logged in a manner consistent with 

14 CFR § 61.51(b). Flights for the purposes of training the operator’s PICs and VOs 

(training, proficiency, and experience-building) and determining the PIC’s ability to 

safely operate the UAS in a manner consistent with how the UAS will be operated 

under this exemption are permitted under the terms of this exemption. However, 

training operations may only be conducted during dedicated training sessions. During 

training, proficiency, and experience-building flights, all persons not essential for 

flight operations are considered nonparticipants, and the PIC must operate the UA 

with appropriate distance from nonparticipants in accordance with 14 CFR § 91.119.

15. UAS operations may not be conducted during night, as defined in 14 CFR § 1.1. All 

operations must be conducted under visual meteorological conditions (VMC). Flights 

under special visual flight rules (SVFR) are not authorized.

16. The UA may not operate within 5 nautical miles of an airport reference point (ARP) as 

denoted in the current FAA Airport/Facility Directory (AFD) or for airports not 

denoted with an ARP, the center of the airport symbol as denoted on the current 

FAA-published aeronautical chart, unless a letter of agreement with that airport’s 

management is obtained or otherwise permitted by a COA issued to the exemption 

holder. The letter of agreement with the airport management must be made available 

to the Administrator or any law enforcement official upon request.

17. The UA may not be operated less than 500 feet below or less than 2,000 feet 

horizontally from a cloud or when visibility is less than 3 statute miles from the PIC.

18. If the UAS loses communications or loses its GPS signal, the UA must return to a 

pre-determined location within the private or controlled-access property.

19. The PIC must abort the flight in the event of unpredicted obstacles or emergencies.
6

20. The PIC is prohibited from beginning a flight unless (considering wind and forecast 

weather conditions) there is enough available power for the UA to conduct the 

intended operation and to operate after that for at least five minutes or with the reserve 

power recommended by the manufacturer if greater.

21. Air Traffic Organization (ATO) Certificate of Waiver or Authorization (COA). All 

operations shall be conducted in accordance with an ATO-issued COA. The 

exemption holder may apply for a new or amended COA if it intends to conduct 

operations that cannot be conducted under the terms of the attached COA.

22. All aircraft operated in accordance with this exemption must be identified by serial 

number, registered in accordance with 14 CFR part 47, and have identification 

(N−Number) markings in accordance with 14 CFR part 45, Subpart C. Markings must 

be as large as practicable.

23. Documents used by the operator to ensure the safe operation and flight of the UAS and 

any documents required under 14 CFR §§ 91.9 and 91.203 must be available to the 

PIC at the Ground Control Station of the UAS any time the aircraft is operating. 

These documents must be made available to the Administrator or any law enforcement 

official upon request.

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

activities at all times. 

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

26. All Flight operations must be conducted at least 500 feet from all 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. The operator must ensure 

that nonparticipating persons remain under such protection. If a situation arises 

where nonparticipating persons leave such protection and are within 500 feet of 

the UA, flight operations must cease immediately in a manner ensuring the safety 

of nonparticipating persons; and

b. The owner/controller of any vessels, vehicles or structures has granted permission 

for operating closer to those objects and the PIC has made a safety assessment of 

the risk of operating closer to those objects and determined that it does not 

present an undue hazard.

The PIC, VO, operator trainees or essential persons are not considered 

nonparticipating persons under this exemption.

27. All operations shall be conducted over private or controlled-access property with 

permission from the property owner/controller or authorized representative. 
7

Permission from property owner/controller or authorized representative will be 

obtained for each flight to be conducted.

28. Any incident, accident, or flight operation that transgresses the lateral or vertical 

boundaries of the operational area as defined by the applicable COA must be reported 

to the FAA's UAS Integration Office (AFS−80) within 24 hours. Accidents must be 

reported to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) per instructions 

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

If this exemption permits operations for the purpose of closed-set motion picture and 

television filming and production, the following additional conditions and limitations apply.

29. The operator must have a motion picture and television operations manual (MPTOM) 

as documented in this grant of exemption.

30. At least 3 days before aerial filming, the operator of the UAS affected by this 

exemption must submit a written Plan of Activities to the local Flight Standards 

District Office (FSDO) with jurisdiction over the area of proposed filming. The 3-day 

notification may be waived with the concurrence of the FSDO. The plan of activities 

must include at least the following:

a. Dates and times for all flights;

b. Name and phone number of the operator for the UAS aerial filming conducted 

under this grant of exemption;

c. Name and phone number of the person responsible for the on-scene operation of 

the UAS;

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

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

f. A statement that the operator has obtained permission from property owners 

and/or local officials to conduct the filming production event; the list of those 

who gave permission must be made available to the inspector upon request;

g. Signature of exemption holder or representative; and

h. A description of the flight activity, including maps or diagrams of any area, city, 

town, county, and/or state over which filming will be conducted and the altitudes 

essential to accomplish the operation.

31. Flight operations may be conducted closer than 500 feet from participating persons 

consenting to be involved and necessary for the filming production, as specified in the 

exemption holder’s MPTOM.

Unless otherwise specified in this grant of exemption, the UAS, the UAS PIC, and the UAS 

operations must comply with all applicable parts of 14 CFR including, but not limited to, 

parts 45, 47, 61, and 91.
8

This exemption terminates on October 31, 2017, unless sooner superseded or rescinded.

Sincerely,

/s/

John S. Duncan

Director, Flight Standards Service

Enclosures
April 18, 2015

U.S. Department of Transportation

Docket Management System

1200 New Jersey Ave. SE 

Washington, DC 20590

Re: Exemption Request Section 333 of the FAA Reform Act

Dear Sir/Madam:

This petition is being submitted on our own behalf without legal counsel or consulting services. 

Pursuant to Section 333 of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 (the “Reform Act”), and 

14 C.F.R. Part 11, Aerial West, LLC (“Aerial West”), a California based limited liability company

operating a Small Unmanned Aircraft System (“sUAS”) equipped to conduct aerial photography and 

survey for various industries, hereby applies for an exemption from the Federal Aviation Regulations 

(“FARs”) listed below to allow operation of our sUAS commercially in airspace regulated by the 

Federal Aviation Administration (“FAA”) so long as such operations are conducted with and under

the conditions outlined herein or as may be established by the FAA as required by Section 333.

The requested exemption would permit Aerial West to pursue its commercial interests in providing 

services to consumers’ interested aerial data capture using a small advanced sUAS in the following 

areas:

• Agricultural Surveying

• 3D Mapping

• Aerial video/photography or providing live video feed 

• Closed Set Film Cinematography

• sUAS Operator Training

• Real Estate Photography

• Product Demonstrations

• Research and Development

Aerial West states that all sUAS flights that will occur over private or controlled access property will do 

so with the property owner's prior consent and knowledge and that only people who have consented or

otherwise have agreed to be in the area where photography and videography will take place will be 

captured.

Aerial West understands the proper roles of an observer, communication procedures, proper visual 

scan techniques, operations at non-towered airports, and appropriate sections of the Aeronautical 

Information Manual.
Regulations from which the exemption is requested:

14 C.F.R. Part 21

14 C.F.R. 45.23 (b)

14 C.F.R. 61.113(a) and (b)

14 C.F.R. 91.7 (a)

14 C.F.R. 91.9 (b) (2)

14 C.F.R. 91.109

14 C.F.R . 91.119

14 C.F.R. 91.121

14 C.F.R. 91.151(a)

14 C.F.R. 91.203 (a) & (b)

14 C.F.R. 91.205 (b)

14 C.F.R. 91.215

14 C.F.R. (91.401 - 91.417)

Unmanned Aircraft System

sUAS are a feasible method to obtain information of agricultural cropland to determine optimum 

inputs that result in cost savings to farmers, yield security, and reduce environmental impact of 

excess fertilizers and chemicals in the soil.

We are petitioning for exemption to enable Aerial West to operate a DJI Phantom 3 multi-rotor 

equipped with a three-axis gimbaled camera, a DJI Inspire 1 multi-rotor equipped with a three-axis 

gimbaled camera, a DJI S-900 multi-rotor equipped with a three-axis gimbaled camera, and a DJI

S-1000 multi-rotor equipped with a three-axis gimbaled camera. These sUAS all weigh less than 25 

lbs., have a built-in capability to limit the height it flies above the ground, to limit the radius of the 

distance it flies from the operator and to exclude it from Class B, C and D airspace including a no 

fly zone feature. Each system also has the failsafe function of the autopilot system, which means 

when the communication between the Main Controller and the transmitter is lost; the system will 

automatically trigger Return to Home and will land safely.

The above specifications meet standards listed below, some derived in accordance with the Model

Aircraft Operating Standards:

• The petitioner will only operate its sUAS in line of sight of a pilot and/or observer and

will operate at sites that are a “sufficient distance” from populated areas within the sterile 

area described in the operators manual. Such operations will insure that the sUAS will "not 

create a hazard to users of the national airspace system or the public."

• When flying sUAV within 3 miles of an airport, airport operators will be notified and the 

operator will give the right of way to avoid flying in the proximity of full-scale aircraft.

• Maximum flight time for each operational flight will be 60 minutes.

• Flights will be terminated at 25% battery power reserve should that occur prior to the 60 

minute limit.
• The sUAV will be programmed so that it will not be operated at an altitude of no more than

400 feet AGL, and not more than 200 feet above an elevated platform from which filming 

is planned.

• The sUAS operated by the petitioner weighs less than 55 pounds, including the payload

(i.e. camera, lens, and gimbal).

• The sUAS will operate at speeds of no more than 55 knots.

• Given the small size of the sUAS and the restricted sterile environment within which they 

will operate, our sUAS operations adhere to the Reform Act's safety requirements.

Under the requested exemption Aerial West ensures that all operators have completed a small 

unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) education and training program including all applicable 

regulations and guidance documents; including aeronautical background information such as 

charts, NOTAMS and Aircraft Circulars; Radio Communications Procedures; Human Factors and 

Crew Resource Management; Basic Small UAS Aerodynamics; Weather factors; Airmanship and 

Decision-making and Safe Operating Procedures.

We respectfully request exemption under Section 333 to enable Aerial West to operate safe, lowrisk commercial sUAV operations for the activities stated. Aerial West at all times will respect the 

space and privacy of citizens and property whilst keeping our skies safe.

Sincerely,

Bill Palmatary

Owner

Aerial West, LLC

834 15th PL Suite B

Hermosa Beach, Ca 90254

323-539-8828 office

818-429-1174 cell
EXEMPTION REQUESTS AND EQUIVALENT LEVEL OF SAFETY

Aerial West requests an exemption from the following regulations as well as any 

additional regulations that may technically apply to the operation of the sUAV System:

14 CFR Part 21, Airworthiness Certificates

This part establishes the procedures for the issuance of an airworthiness certificate. While the FAA 

continues to work to develop airworthiness standards for Unmanned Aerial Systems, we request an 

experimental certificate be issued for the DJI Phantom 2 Vision plus, DJI S-900, DJI Inspire, and

RF-70 sUAS under either or both of the following provisions:

21.191 Experimental certificates.

Experimental certificates are issued for the following purposes:

(a) Research and development. Testing new aircraft design concepts, new 

aircraft equipment, new aircraft installations, new aircraft operating techniques, or 

new uses for aircraft.

(b) Showing compliance with regulations. Conducting flight tests and other 

operations to show compliance with the airworthiness regulations including flights to show 

compliance for issuance of type and supplemental type certificates, flights to substantiate 

major design changes, and flights to show compliance with the function and reliability 

requirements of the regulations. Since the experimental certificate can be used for

commercial purposes such as market surveys, sales demonstrations, and customer crew 

training, we would expect that an experimental certificate would permit our commercial 

purpose as well. The aircraft will not carry persons or property, will not carry fuel, and will 

only fly under strict operational requirements. Combined with the UA's light weight, being 

constructed primarily of foam, carbon fiber, and/or plastic, we propose that the UA will be 

at least as safe, if not safer, than a conventionally certificated aircraft performing the same

mission. If an experimental airworthiness certificate is not appropriate for this application, 

then we request an exemption of 14 CFR Part 21, Subpart H, and the requirement for an 

airworthiness certificate in general, citing the equivalent level of safety outlined in the 

previous paragraph.

14 CFR 45.23 Display of marks; general and 45.29 Size of marks.

These regulations provide that each aircraft must display "N" and the aircraft's registration number 

in letters at least 3 inches high. Additionally, the aircraft must display the word "EXPERIMENTAL" 

in letters at least 2 inches high near the entrance to the cabin, cockpit, or pilot station. The sUAV 

does not have an entrance in which the word "EXPERIMENTAL" can be placed, and may not have 

a registration number assigned to it by the FAA. We propose to achieve an equivalent level of 

safety by including the word "EXPERIMENTAL" in the placard on the top of the aircraft, as shown

above, where the PIC, VO and others in the vicinity of the aircraft while it is preparing for launch will 

be able to see the designation. Additionally, we feel that the permanent placard discussed in the 

previous paragraph will provide the aircraft's registration information at the ground station. Finally, 

we will display at the ground station a high contrast flag or banner that contains the words 

"Unmanned Aircraft Ground Station" in letters 3 inches high or greater. Since the aircraft will

operate within 3/4 NM of the ground station, the banner should be visible to anyone that observes

the aircraft and chooses to investigate its point of origin.
14 CFR 61.113 Private pilot privileges and limitations: Pilot in Command and 61.133

Commercial pilot privileges and limitations.

The regulation provides that no person that holds a Private Pilot certificate may act as pilot in 

Command of an aircraft for compensation or hire. Subparagraph (b) allows a private pilot to act as 

pilot in command of an aircraft in connection with any business or employment if: (1) The flight is 

only incidental to that business or employment; and (2) The aircraft does not carry passengers or 

property for compensation or hire. Our proposed operations require that the PIC must hold at least 

a Private Pilot Certificate issued by the FAA and since the aircraft cannot carry passengers or 

property, we feel we meet the intent of 61.113 Subparagraph (b) even though the intent of this 

application is to conduct a business.

14 CFR 91.7 Prohibits the Operation of an aircraft without an airworthiness certificate. As 

no such certificate will be applicable in the form contemplated by the FARs, this Regulation is 

inapplicable.

14 CFR 91.9 Civil aircraft flight manual, marking, and placard requirements.

This regulation provides that no person may operate an aircraft unless a current, approved flight 

manual is in the aircraft. We assume that the intent of this requirement is to ensure that flight 

manual information is available to the aircrew while operating the aircraft. We request an exemption 

to this requirement since the aircraft is not only too small to carry documentation, the 

documentation would not be available to the crew during flight operations. To obtain an equivalent 

level of safety and meet the intent of 91.9, we propose that a current, approved sUAS Flight 

Manual must be available to the crew at the ground station anytime the aircraft is in, or preparing 

for, flight.

14 CFR 91.109 Flight Instruction; Simulated instrument flight and certain flight tests The 

regulation states that "No person may operate a civil aircraft that is being used for flight instruction 

unless that aircraft has fully functioning dual controls." The sUAS System ground-based control 

station consists of a small hand-held radio transmitter and while it does not offer a second set of

"controls", both the student and instructor can, and will, operate the single set of controls 

simultaneously. With both student and instructor having "hands-on" the controls during flight, we 

feel that this technique meets the intent 91.109 and provides an equivalent level of safety.

14 CFR 91.119 Minimum safe altitudes: General.

The regulation states that over sparsely populated areas the aircraft cannot be operated closer

than 500 feet to any person, vessel, vehicle, or structure. Since the typical mission of the sUAS 

would be photography or survey of persons, vessels, vehicles or structures it would be necessary 

to operate closer than 500 feet to the items listed. Operations will only be flown over property or 

persons where permission has been obtained and careful pre-planned has been performed. The 

aircraft will be operated at a low altitude allowing, if a power unit fails, an emergency landing 

without undue hazard to persons or property on the surface. Therefore we maintain that due to the 

small size of the UAS, the hazard to persons, vehicles and structures is minimal compared to 

manned aircraft, which should be considered in granting the exemption.

14 CFR 91.121 Altimeter settings.

The regulation requires that aircraft shall maintain cruising altitudes by reference to an altimeter

setting available within 100 NM of the aircraft. The sUAS will always fly below 600 feet AGL and will 

not need to maintain cruising altitudes in order to prevent conflict with other aircraft. An Above 

Ground Level altimeter measurement above the takeoff point is transmitted via radio from the sUAS 

on-board computer to the display screen held by the PIC, providing a constantly updated AGL 

readout.

14 CFR 91.151 Fuel requirements for flight in VFR conditions.
The regulation provides that no person may begin a flight in an airplane under day-VFR conditions 

unless there is enough fuel to fly to the first point of intended landing and to fly after that for at

least

30 minutes. We feel the intention of this paragraph is to provide an energy reserve as a safety

buffer for delays to landing. The sUAS are battery operated and the maximum duration of flight

from a single battery charge is 12-45 (depending on which sUAS) minutes with a 20% reserve.

Since the aircraft will never fly more than 1/2 NM from the point of intended landing, a full battery

charge at launch will ensure that we meet the reserve energy requirement of this paragraph. We

request an exemption to the word "fuel" and ask for an equivalent interpretation with the word 

"energy". We

also request exemption from the 30 min reserve and ask that our reserve will be to fly the mission to

the point of intended landing and have at least a 20% battery reserve after that.

14 CFR 91.203(a) & (b) Civil aircraft: Certifications required.

The regulation provides that an airworthiness certificate, with the registration number assigned to 

the aircraft and a registration certificate must be aboard the aircraft. Additionally, subparagraph 

(b) provides that the airworthiness certificate be "displayed at the cabin or cockpit entrance so that

it is legible to passengers or crew." With our largest vehicle, the RF-70, at a maximum gross 

weight of

13 pounds, the sUAS is too small to carry documentation, does not have an entrance, and is not

capable of carrying passengers or crew. To obtain an equivalent level of safety and meet the 

intent of 91.203, we propose that documents deemed appropriate for this aircraft by the FAA will 

be co- located with the crew at the ground control station and available for inspection upon 

request. In order to identify the aircraft, we propose that the information found on airworthiness 

and

registration certificates be permanently affixed to the aircraft via placard containing the 

following information plus the word "EXPERIMENTAL" to satisfy the requirement of 14 CFR

45.23.

14 CFR Subpart E (91.401- 91.417) - Maintenance, Preventive Maintenance, Alterations The 

regulation provides that the operator is primarily responsible for maintaining the aircraft in an 

airworthy condition, including compliance with part 39 and 43. Paragraphs 91.407 and

91.409 require that the aircraft be "approved for return to service by a person authorized under

43.7" after maintenance and inspection. It is our intention that the PIC perform maintenance 

and inspection of the aircraft and "be authorized to approve the aircraft for return to service."

The PIC will ensure that the aircraft is in an airworthy condition prior to every flight and in 

addition, conduct detailed inspections after every two hours of flight. Maintenance performed by

the PIC is limited to repairing small cracks, replacing a propeller, checking electrical connections 

and updating software and firmware for the on-board computer. All other maintenance will be 

performed by the manufacturer or their designated repair facility. The PIC will document work 

performed in accordance with 91.417. We feel that due to the size, construction, and simplicity of 

the aircraft, the PIC can ensure an equivalent level of safety.
August 4, 2015

U.S. Department of Transportation

Docket Management System

1200 New Jersey Ave. SE 

Washington, DC 20590

Re: Exemption Request Section 333 of the FAA Reform Act

Thank you for the opportunity to give examples as to why granting Aerial West LLC the 

requested exemption would be in the public interest, and how it would benefit the public as a 

whole. Please find that following examples, as well as the attached support memos from 

professional and charitable organizations supporting this exemption. 

1. UAV use in Disaster Response

Aerial West has been disaster trained with the Red Cross as a first responder (first for Haiti), 

and has offered it services for deployment. Aerial West has helped ‘Team Rubicon’ on the 

potential development of their UAV division. Team Rubicon is a veteran based fast response 

disaster relief organization based in the United States, with international reach. Consultation

includes the safe operation of a UAV, guidelines for a safe training program, and strict 

media/disaster victim privacy rule structure. TR is currently reviewing the use of UAV’s and if 

their use is warranted. Intentions upon 333 exemption include actual flight operations to assist 

immediate disaster recovery efforts, UAV training; and UAV flight training. 

Public Good: Disaster Response

UAV’s are used in documentation and evaluation of a disaster area, to triage deployment of 

teams to areas to quickly render help. Aerial West LLC would use UAV technology to document 

damage, search for victims in difficult to access areas, locate cadavers, animals, and possibly 

render direct assistance to victims in distress.

UAV use for 3D mapping of the disaster area for use in the database to triage the areas affected 

parties is critical. Cataloging structures that are damaged is currently a large scale, difficult 

endeavor taking the time of several teams of people on the ground who often do have access 

to the best vantage point. When this function is provided by a UAV, it drastically reduces the 

time needed to deploy help, and would be virtually impossible with full sized aircraft, and 
dramatically cost prohibitive, and more dangerous.

2. UAV use as an alternative to large, manned aircraft using combustible fuel in Cinema

The UAV, powered by batteries, is smaller, lighter and more maneuverable than larger aircraft 

running on combustible fuel, it operates at lower altitudes with no people on board and will 

thereby reduce current risk levels to both the pilots aboard and people below, thereby 

enhancing safety and drastically diminishing the likelihood of death or serious bodily injury. The 

small weight and minimal payload allows for high quality aerial video at safety levels before 

unseen.

Public Good: Closed Set Cinematography

Aerial West can offer the same aerial videography a production is requesting without any of the 

danger associated with a traditional full sized manned helicopter using combustible fuel when 

flying over a set. GPS stabilized stationary angles and low altitudes, predictable flight paths with 

full coordination between people on the ground without need for complicated communication 

systems, and the ability to land safely in a comparably smaller area to a full sized aircraft all 

increase safety and public good. The costs of the production are drastically lowered and safety 

is raised. High quality aerial cinematography becomes accessible to smaller productions, 

facilitating market growth and public job creation.

3. UAV use in Aerial Photography

UAV use in photography creates dramatic versatility never before possible. The impact of this 

versatility creates immediate value to small and large businesses, charity organizations, and 

private citizens. Small businesses would never have access to the production value of an aerial 

photo without great expense, usually reserved for larger corporations. Having access ot this for 

promotion needs is a large benefit to businesses. 

Public Good examples: Charity benefits

The ability to operate as an aerial photography business would afford AERIAL WEST LLC the 

opportunity to direct more efforts to assist local charities. Aerial West LLC currently, at its own 

cost without the ability to network and do business with potential interested parties, donates 

aerial photography gallery wrapped canvases to charity auctions like 310YP 

(http://www.310yp.org ), whom donate the proceeds to organizations like ‘Toast Our Vets’ 

whom assist veteran organizations financially. AERIAL WEST LLC would like to offer these 

services to interested businesses or private parties so that they may increase their own 

business reach.

Public Good examples: Real estate and Boat/Ship Sales

The benefits of reduced cost and improved quality of presentation from the UAV will be 

valuable to and benefit many buyers and sellers of real property and marine property, 
increasing the effectiveness of that market. Low level oblique photos and video from several 

angles are far more effective than ground-based imagery for displaying the characteristics of 

large, complex properties. Sales are increased, costs are lowered, and the market benefits.

Public Good Examples: Travel and Tourism

Benefits of reduced cost and improved quality of presentation from the UAV for tourism areas 

has an immediate impact. Clients can show the beauty of their area and present this in a way 

never before fiscally or safely possible so that their city, attraction, or state will increase 

tourism, thereby helping local businesses, economy, and ultimately the families in the area.

Thank you again for the opportunity to give examples as to why granting Aerial West LLC the 

requested exemption would be in the public interest, and how it would benefit the public as a 

whole.

Sincerely,

Bill Palmatary, Owner

Aerial West, LLC

834 15th PL Suite B

Hermosa Beach, CA 90254

323-539-8828 office