Michael A. Slater (Petitioner) 

19911 Robinhood Lane #118

Plattsmouth, NE 68048

mcgator@jagwireless.net

1. Pursuant to Section 333 of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 

(FMRA), Michael A. Slater hereby petitions exemption from certain requirements of 14

CFR. The exemption will permit Michael A. Slater to operate a small professional 

Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) such as a DJI Phantom 3 Professional, Inspire 1, or 

an equivalent or smaller UAS which are well under 55 lbs. The UAS will be used for 

the commercial purpose of conducting aerial video and photography of residential and 

commercial real estate, agricultural areas, golf courses, construction sites, public 

landscapes (unless prohibited) and special events within the United States. 

2. The Sections of 14 CFR from which I am seeking exemption are as follows:

Part 21, Subpart H Airworthiness Certificates

45.23 Display of marks; general.

61.113 (a) and (b) Private pilot privileges and limitations: Pilot in command

91.7 (a) Civil aircraft airworthiness

91.9 (b) (2) Civil aircraft flight manual, marking, and placard requirements

91.103 Preflight action

91.109 Flight instruction; Simulated instrument flight and certain flight tests

91.119 Minimum safe altitudes: General

91.121 Altimeter settings

91.151 Fuel requirements for flight in VFR conditions

91.203 (a) & (b) Civil aircraft: Certifications required

91.205 (b) Powered civil aircraft with standard category U.S. airworthiness 

certificates: Instrument and equipment requirements.

91.215 ATC transponder and altitude reporting equipment and use

91.405-91.417 Maintenance & Inspections

3. In regards to the speed, size, weight as well as limited operating time spans and 

geography, the UAS meets the conditions of Section 333 (FMRA) and will not require 

an airworthiness certificate, markings, nor the maintenance and inspections associated 

with manned aircraft. As a battery powered aircraft, flight times are severely limited to 

less than 30 minutes and will only be flown within the line of sight and during stable 

weather conditions. Any repairs, upgrades or modifications to the UAS will be done by 

the manufacturer or authorized professionals only. The UAS will not only be used as 

part of my employment with great potential for economic improvement of my situation, 

but also as a volunteered service to clubs or organizations whom can benefit from the 

donation of such services. Flights will not involve the carrying of passengers or 

property.

4. An equivalent level of safety will be met by strict adherence to preflight checklists, 

regular inspections and maintenance, flight practice and safe flight techniques. Michael 

A. Slater will ensure that the aircraft is in an airworthy condition prior to every flight and 
that weather, environmental, structural, and human conditions are such that a safe 

flight can be successful. Additionally, the UAS that I intend to fly has built-in safety 

features including GPS, barometric pressure sensors, return-to-home, limits on flight 

altitude of 400 feet, real time flight video to smartphone or tablet in the app which 

includes detailed flight information and battery life indicators and warnings, on screen 

map, and flight logs. The app also includes flight training simulators to help in gaining 

confidence and experience.

5. The public interest is better served in that aerial video, photography, and surveying 

can be achieved safely, efficiently, and economically though UAS flights within 

authorized air space rather than through the use of airplane or helicopter flights. Using 

UAS flights will reduce congested air space, are much more economical, and use 

minimal amounts of energy as well as no fossil fuels. UAS flights also cause less noise 

and air pollution.

6. Privacy rights of private citizens, companies, and government agents and facilities 

will be respected. Conditions of Section 333 will be strictly observed. 

Link to user manual: http://download.djiinnovations.com/downloads/phantom_3/en/Phantom_3_Professional_User_Manual_v

1.2_en.pdf

Attachments:

Attachment1_Petition_for_Exemption_CFR14

Attachment2_Safety_Guidelines_Disclaimer_en_201509.pdf

Attachment3_DJI_Pre.pdf