June 16, 2015

Exemption No. 11829

Regulatory Docket No. FAA–2015–1108

Mr. Ben Burkett

Mr. Matt Pedonti

Site Flight, Inc.

1515 Pine Bluff Avenue

Orlando, FL 32806

Dear Mr. Burkett and Mr. Pedonti:

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 letter dated April 13, 2015, you petitioned the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on 

behalf of Site Flight, Inc. (hereinafter petitioner or operator) for an exemption. The petitioner

requested to operate an unmanned aircraft system (UAS) to conduct aerial surveying, 

photography, videography, inspections, monitoring, patrolling, public entity support 

operations, and education and research.

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.

Airworthiness Certification

The UAS proposed by the petitioner are the DJI Phantom 2, 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 
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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 collection1. 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.

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, Site Flight, Inc. 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. 

This exemption is subject to the conditions and limitations listed below.

 

1 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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Conditions and Limitations

In this grant of exemption, Site Flight, Inc. 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 2, 

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 

not 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; 

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, 
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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.

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.
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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.

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.
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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. 

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.
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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.
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This exemption terminates on June 30, 2017, unless sooner superseded or rescinded.

Sincerely,

/s/

John S. Duncan

Director, Flight Standards Service

Enclosures
April!13,!2015

U.S.!Department!of!Transportation

Docket!Management!System

1200!New!Jersey!Ave.,!SE

Washington,!DC!20590

RE:!Exemption!Request!Pursuant!to!Section!333!of!the!FAA!Modernization!and!Reform!Act of!2012

Dear!Sir!or!Madam:

Pursuant!to Section!333!of!the!FAA!Modernization!and!Reform!Act!of!2012!(the!Reform Act)!and!14!C.F.R.!

Part!11,!Site!Flight,!Inc.,!operator!of!Small!Unmanned!Aircraft Systems!("sUAS"),!hereby!applies!for!an!

exemption!from!Federal!Aviation!Regulations!identified!below,!to!allow!commercial!operations!of!sUAS.!

The!proposed!operations!include!the!following:

• Aerial!Surveying

• Agriculture

• Aerial!photography!and!videography

• Wildlife!and!forestry!monitoring

• Construction!site!inspection!and!monitoring

• Utility and!power!generation!systems!inspections!and!patrolling

• Flare!stack!inspection

• Public!Entity!Support!Operations

• Bridge!inspection

• Pipeline!inspection!and!patrolling

• Education!and!Research

As!described!more!fully!below,!the!requested!exemption!would!permit!the!operation!of sUAS!under

controlled!conditions!in airspace!that!is limited, predetermined,!and controlled!as!to!access. Approval of

this!exemption!will!create!new!benefits!to!the!industries!listed!above!as!technical!and!inherently

dangerous!operations!can!be!performed!in!a!safer and more controlled!manner!by!sUAS!and!their

operators.!Additionally,!sUAS!will!provide!economic!benefit!to!these!industries!by!improving!efficiency!and

quality,!and!virtually!eliminating!human!risk.

The!name!and!address!of!the!petitioner is:

Site!Flight,!Inc.

Attn:!Ben!Burkett!&!Matt!Pedonti

1515!Pine!Bluff!Ave.

Orlando,!FL!!32806

Ph:!(407)!497^1917

Email: bburkett@mysiteflight.com or

matt@mysiteflight.com
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Regulations!from!which!the!exemption!is!requested:

14!CFR!Part!21

14!CFR!Part!27!

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

14!CFR!61.113!(a)!&!(b)

14!C.F.R.!91.7!(a)

14!CFR!91.9!(b)(2)

14!C.F.R.!91.103

14!C.F.R.!91.109

14!C.F.!R.!91.119

14!C.F.R.!91.121

14!CFR!91.151!(a)

14!CFR!91.203!(a)!&!(b)

14!CFR!91.405!(a)

14!CFR!407!(a)!(1)

14!CFR!409!(a)!(2)

14!CFR!417!(a)!&!(b)

The!following!sUAS’s!are!submitted!for!exemption!from!the!regulations!above!for!use!in!safe!operations!listed!

above!for!the!reasons!expressed!more!fully!below:

DJI!Phantom!2

DJI!Inspire!1

DJI!S900

DJI!S1000

This!exemption!application!is!expressly!submitted!to!fulfill!Congress'!goal!in!passing Section!333(a)!

through!(c)!of!the!Reform!Act.!This!law!directs!the!Secretary!of Transportation!to!consider!whether!certain!

unmanned!aircraft!systems!may!operate safely!in!the!national!airspace!system!(NAS)!before!completion!of!

the!rulemaking required!under!Section!332!of!the!Reform!Act.!In!making!this!determination,!the Secretary!

is!required!to!determine!which!types!of!UASs!do!not!create!a!hazard!to!users of!the!NAS!or!the!public!or!

pose!a!threat!to!national!security!in!light!of!the!following:

• The!UAS's!size,!weight,!speed,!and!operational!capability;

• Operation!of!the!UAS!in!close!proximity!to!airports!and!populated!areas;!and

• Operation!of!the!UAS!within!visual!line!of!sight!of!the!operator.

Reform!Act!§!333!(a).!Lastly,!if!the!Secretary!determines!that!such!vehicles!"may operate!safely!in!the!

national!airspace!system,!the!Secretary!shall!establish requirements!for!the!safe!operation!of!such!aircraft!

in!the!national!airspace!system." Id. §333(c).

Applicant interprets!this!provision!to!place!the!duty!on!the!Administrator!to!not!only process!applications!

for!exemptions!under!section!333,!but!for!the!Administrator!to!craft conditions!for!the!safe!operation!of!

the!UAS,!if!it!should!be!determined!that!the conditions!set!forth!herein!do!not!fulfill!the!statutory!

requirements!for!approval.

The!Federal!Aviation!Act!expressly!grants!the!FAA!the!authority!to!issue!exemptions. This!statutory!

authority!by!its!terms!includes!exempting!civil!aircraft as!the!term!is defined!under!§40101!of!the!Act, that!

includes!sUASs,!from!the!requirement!that!all!civil aircraft!must!have!a!current!airworthiness!certificate.
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The!Administrator!may!grant!an!exemption!from!a!requirement!of!a!regulation!prescribed under!subsection!

(a)!or!(b) of!this!section!or!any!sections!44702^44716!of!this!title!if!the Administrator!finds!the!exemption!in!

the!public!interest.!49!U.S.C.!§44701(f)!See also 49 USC!§44711(a);!49!USC!§44704;!14!CFR!§91.203!(a)!(1).

Site!Flight’s sUASs!are!rotorcraft and!fixed!wing!aircraft,!weighting!55 lbs. or!less including!payload.!They

operate,!under!normal!conditions!at!a!speed!of!no!more!than!100!MPH.!They will!operate!only!in!line!of!sight!

and!will!operate!only!within!a!sterile!area.!Such operations!will!insure!that!the!sUAS!will!"not!create!a!hazard

to!users!of!the!national airspace!system!or!the!public."

Reform'Act'Section'333'(b).

Given!the!small!size!of!the!sUASs!involved!and!the!restricted!sterile!environment!within which!they!will!

operate,!the!applicant!falls!squarely!within!that!zone!of!safety!(an equivalent!level!of!safety)!in!which!

Congress!envisioned!that!the FAA!must,!by exemption,!allow!commercial!operations!of!UASs!to!commence!

immediately.!Also!due!to the!size!of!the!UASs!and!the!restricted!areas!in!which!the!relevant!sUASs!will!

operate, approval!of!the!application!presents!no!national!security!issue.!Given!the!clear!direction in!Section!

333!of!the!Reform!Act,!the!authority!contained!in!the!Federal!Aviation!Act,!as amended;!the!strong!equivalent!

level!of!safety!surrounding!the!proposed!operations,!and the!significant!public!benefit,!including!enhanced!

safety,!reduction!in!environmental impacts,!and reduced!emissions,!the!grant!of!the requested!exemptions!is!

in!the!public!interest. Accordingly,!the!applicant!respectfully!requests!that!the!FAA!grant!the!requested

exemption!without!delay.

AIRCRAFT'AND'EQUIVALENT'LEVEL'OF'SAFETY

The!applicant!proposes!that!the!exemption!requested!herein!apply!to!civil!aircraft!that have!the!

characteristics!and!that!operate!with!the!limitations!listed!herein.!These limitations!provide!for!at!least!an!

equivalent!or!even!higher!level!of!safety!to!operations under!the!current!regulatory!structure!because!the!

proposed!operations!represent!a safety!enhancement!to!the!already!safe!operations conducted!with!

conventional!aircraft. These!limitations!and!conditions!to!which!Site!Flight agrees!to!be!bound!when

conducting!commercial!operations!under!an!FAA!issued!exemption!include:

1. The!sUAS!will!weigh!less!than!55!lbs.

2. Flights!will!be!operated!within!line!of!sight!of!a!pilot!and/or!observer.

3. Flights!will!be terminated!at!25%!battery!power to!ensure!the!safe!return!of!the!aircraft!to!the!launch!

point.

4. Flights!will!be!operated!at!an!altitude!of!no!more!than!400!feet!AGL!or,!not!more!than 200!feet!above!an!

elevated!platform!from!which!filming!is!planned,!with!exception!of!telecommunication!towers!or!high!power!

lines,!when!altitude!shall!be!limited!to!100!feet!above!said!tower!or!line.

5. Minimum!crew!for!each!operation!will!consist!of!the!sUAS!Pilot,!the!Visual!Observer, and/or!the!Camera!

Operator.

6. sUAS!pilot!will!be!an!FAA!licensed!airman!with!at!least!a!recreation!or!sport pilot's!certificate.

7. sUAS!Pilot!will!be!Pilot!in!Command!(PIC).!If!a!pilot!certificate!holder!other!than!the sUAS!Pilot,!who!

possess!the!necessary!PIC!qualifications,!is!also!present!(i.e.!the!Visual Observer),!that!person!can!also!be!

designated!as!the!PIC.

8. The!UAS!will!only!operate!within!a!confined!"Sterile!Area"!of!the!flight!operations!area.

9. A!briefing!will!be!conducted!in!regard!to the!planned!sUAS!operations!prior!to!each day's!activities.!It!will!

be!mandatory!that!all!personnel!who!will!be!performing!duties within!the!boundaries!of!the!safety!perimeter!

be!present for!this!briefing.

10. The!operator!will!obtain!the!consent!of!all!persons!involved!and!ensure!that!only consenting!persons!

will!be!allowed!within!100!feet!of!the!flight!operation,!and!this!radius may!be!reduced!to!30!feet!based!

upon!an!equivalent!level!of!safety!determination.

11. Pilot!and!observer!will!have!been!trained!in!operation!of!UAS!generally!and!received up^to^date!

information!on!the!particular!UAS!to!be!operated.

12. Observer and!pilot!will!at!all!times!be able!to!communicate!by!voice.
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13. Written!and/or!oral!permission!from!the!relevant!property!holders!will!be!obtained.

14. All!required!permissions!and!permits!will!be!obtained!from!territorial,!state,!county!or

city!jurisdictions,!including!local!law!enforcement,!fire,!or!other!appropriate!governmental

agencies.

15. If!the!sUAS!loses!communications!or!loses!its!GPS!signal,!the!UAS!will!have capability!to!return!to!a!

pre^determined!location!within!the!Security!Perimeter!and!land.

16. The!sUAS!will!have!the!capability!to!abort!a!flight!in!case!of!unpredicted!obstacles!or

emergencies.

14'C.F.R.'Part'21,'Subpart'H:'Airworthiness'Certificates'14'C.F.R.'§91.203'(a)'(1) Subpart'H,!

establishes!the!procedural!requirements for!the!issuance!of!airworthiness!certificates!as!required!by!FAR!

§91.203!(a)!(1).!Given the!size!and!limited!operating!area!associated!with!the!aircraft!to!be!utilized!by!the

Applicant,!an!exemption!from!Part!21!Subpart!H!meets!the!requirements!of!an equivalent!level!of!safety!

under!Part!11!and!Section!333!of!the!Reform!Act.!The!Federal Aviation!Act!(49!U.S.C.§44701!(f))!and!

Section!333!of!the!Reform!Act!both!authorize!the FAA!to!exempt!aircraft!from!the!requirement!for!an!

airworthiness!certificate,!upon consideration!of!the!size,!weight,!speed,!operational!capability,!and!

proximity!to!airports and!populated!areas!of!the!particular!UAS.!In!all!cases,!an!analysis!of!these!criteria

demonstrates!that!the!UAS!operated!without!an!airworthiness!certificate,!in!the!restricted environment!

and!under!the!conditions!proposed!will!be!at!least!as!safe,!or!safer,!than!a conventional!aircraft!(fixed!wing!

or!rotorcraft)!operating!with!an!airworthiness!certificate without!the!restrictions!and!conditions!

proposed.

The!sUAS!to!be!operated!hereunder!is!less!than!55!lbs.!fully!loaded,!carries!neither!a pilot!nor!passenger,!

carries!no!explosive!materials!or!flammable!liquid!fuels,!and operates!exclusively!within!a!secured!area!as!

set!out!in!the!Manual.!Unlike!other!civil aircraft,!operations!under!this!exemption!will!be!tightly!controlled!

and!monitored!by the!operator,!pursuant!to!the!Manual's!requirements,!and!under!the!requirements!and!

in compliance!with!local!and!public!regulation. These!safety!enhancements,!which!already!apply!to!civil!

aircraft!operated in!connection!with!motion!picture!and!television!production,!provide!a!greater!degree!of

safety!to!the!public!and!property!owners!than!conventional!operations!conducted!with airworthiness!

certificates!issued!under!14!C.F.R.!Part!21,!Subpart!H.!Lastly,!application of!these!same!criteria!

demonstrates!that!there!is!no!credible!threat!to!national!security posed!by!the!UAS,!due!to!its!size,!speed!

of!operation,!location!of!operation,!lack!of explosive!materials!or!flammable!liquid!fuels,!and!inability!to!

carry!a!substantial!external load.

14'C.F.R.'§'45.23'(b).'Marking'of'the'Aircraft

The!regulation!requires:

When!marks!include!only!the!Roman!capital!letter!"N"!and!the!registration!number!is displayed!on!limited,!

restricted!or!light^sport!category!aircraft!or!experimental!or provisionally!certificated!aircraft,!the!

operator!must!also!display!on!that!aircraft!near!each entrance!to!the!cabin,!cockpit,!or!pilot!station,!in!

letters!not!less!than!2!inches!nor!more than!6!inches!high,!the!words!"limited,"!"restricted,"!"light^sport,"!

"experimental,"!or "provisional,"!as!applicable.

Even!though!the!UAS!will!have!no!airworthiness!certificate,!an!exemption!may!be needed as!the!UAS!will!

have!no!entrance!to!the!cabin,!cockpit!or!pilot!station!on!which the!word!"Experimental"!can!be!placed.!

Given!the!size!of!the!sUAS,!two^inch!lettering will!be!impossible.!The!word!"Experimental"!will!be!placed!

on!the!fuselage!in!compliance with!§45.29!(f).

The!equivalent!level!of!safety!will!be!provided!by!having!the!sUAS marked!on!its fuselage!as!required!by!

§45.29!(f)!where!the!pilot,!observer!and!others!working!with!the sUAS will!see!the!identification!of!the!

UAS!as!"Experimental."!The!FAA!has!issued!the following!exemptions!to!this!regulation!in Exemptions!Nos.!

10700,!8738,!10167!and 10167A.
5

14'C.F.R.'§'61.113'(a)'&'(b):'Private'Pilot'Privileges'and'Limitations:'Pilot'in Command.

Sections!61.113!(a)!&!(b)!limit!private!pilots!to!non^commercial!operations.!Because!the UAS!will!not!carry!

a!pilot!or!passengers,!the!proposed!operations!can!achieve!the equivalent!level!of!safety!of!current

operations!by!requiring!the!PIC!operating!the!aircraft to!have!a!recreational!or!sport!pilot’s license!rather!

than!a!commercial!pilot's!license!to!operate!this small!UAS.!Unlike!a!conventional!aircraft!that!carries!the!

pilot!and!passengers,!the!sUAS is!remotely!controlled!with!no!living!thing!on!board.!The!area!of!operation!

is!controlled and!restricted,!and all!flights!are!planned!and!coordinated!in!advance.!The!level!of!safety

provided!by!the!requirements!included!in!the!Manual!exceeds!that!provided!by!a!single individual!holding!

a!commercial!pilot's!certificate!operating!a!conventional!aircraft.!The risks!associated!with!the!operation!

of!the!sUAS!are!so!diminished!from!the!level!of!risk associated!with!commercial!operations!contemplated!

by!Part!61!when!drafted,!that allowing!operations!of!the!sUAS!as!requested!with!a!recreational!pilot!as!the!

PIC!exceeds!the present!level!of!safety!achieved!by!14!C.F.R.!§61.113!(a)!&!(b).

14'C.F.R.'§91.7(a):'Civil'aircraft'airworthiness.

The!regulation!requires!that!no!person!may!operate!a!civil!aircraft!unless!it!is!in!airworthy condition.!As!

there!will!be!no!airworthiness certificate!issued!for!the!aircraft,!should!this exemption!be!granted,!no!FAA!

regulatory!standard!will!exist!for!determining airworthiness.!Given!the!size!of!the!aircraft!and!the!

requirements!contained!in!the Manual!for!maintenance!and!use!of!safety!check lists!prior!to!each!flight,!an!

equivalent!level!of!safety!will!be!provided.

14'C.F.R.'§'91.9'(b)'(2):'Civil'Aircraft'Flight'Manual'in'the'Aircraft.

Section!91.9!(b)!(2)!provides:

No!person!may!operate!a!U.S.^registered!civil!aircraft!...

(2)!For!which!an Airplane!or!Rotorcraft!Flight!Manual!is!not!required!by!§21.5!of!this chapter,!unless!there!is!

available!in!the!aircraft!a!current!approved!airplane!or!Rotorcraft Flight!Manual,!approved!manual!material,!

markings,!and!placards,!or!any!combination thereof. The!sUAS,!given!its!size!and!configuration!has!no!ability!

or!place!to!carry!such!a flight!manual!on!the!aircraft,!not!only!because!there!is!no!pilot!on!board,!but!because

there!is!no!room!or!capacity!to!carry!such!an!item!on!the!aircraft. The!equivalent!level!of!safety!will!be!

maintained!by!keeping!the!flight!manual!at!the ground!control!point!where!the!pilot!flying!the!sUAS!will!have!

immediate!access!to!it. The!FAA!has!issued!the!following!exemptions!to!this!regulation:!Exemption!Nos.!

8607, 8737,!8738,!9299,!9299A,!9565,!9565B,!10167,!10167A,!10602,!32827,!and!10700.

14'C.F.R.'§'91.103:'Preflight'action

This!regulation!requires!each!pilot!in!command!to!take!certain!actions!before!flight!to insure!the!safety!of!

flight.!As!FAA!approved!rotorcraft!flight!manuals!will!not!be!provided for!the!aircraft!an!exemption!will!be!

needed.!The!PIC!will!take!all!actions!including reviewing!weather,!flight!battery!requirements,!landing!and!

takeoff!distances!and!aircraft performance!data!before!initiation!of!flight.

14'C.F.R.'§91.109:'Flight'instruction:

Section!91.103!provides!that!no!person!may!operate!a!civil!aircraft!(except!a!manned free!balloon)!that!is!

being!used!for!flight!instruction!unless!that!aircraft!has!fully functioning!dual!controls. sUASs!and!remotely!

piloted!aircraft,!by!their!design!do!not!have!fully!functional!dual controls.!Flight!control!is!accomplished!

through!the!use!of!a!control!box!that communicates!with!the!aircraft!via!radio!communications.!The!FAA!has!

approved exemptions!for!flight!training!without!fully!functional!dual!controls!for!a!number!of!aircraft and!for!

flight!instruction!in!experimental!aircraft.!See!Exemption!Nos.5778K!&!9862A. The!equivalent!level!of!safety

will!be provided!by!the!fact!that!neither!a!pilot!nor!passengers!will be!carried in!the!aircraft!and!by!the!size!

and!speed!of!the!aircraft.

14'C.F.R.'§91.119:'Minimum'safe'altitudes

Section!91.119!establishes!safe!altitudes!for!operation!of!civil!aircraft.!Section!91.119!(d) allows!helicopters!
6

to!be!operated!at!less!than!the!minimums prescribed,!provided!the person!operating!the!helicopter!complies!

with!any!route!or!altitudes!prescribed!for helicopters!by!the!FAA.!As!this!exemption!is!for!a!sUAS!and!the

exemption!requests!authority!to!operate!at!altitudes!up!to!400!AGL,!or!not!more!than 200!above!an!elevated!

platform!from!which!filming!is!planned,!an!exemption!may!be needed!to!allow!such operations.!An!additional!

exemption!is!also!requested!for!permission!to!operate!at!100!feet!above!a!transmission!tower,!

communication!tower,!or!bridge for!the!purpose!of!inspection.!This!will!allow!for!safe!inspection!of!the!latter!

without!potential!conflict!with!other!aircraft.!As!set!forth!herein,!except!for!the!limited!conditions stated!

previously the!UAS!will!never!operate!at!higher!than!400!AGL.!It will, however, be!operated!in!a!restricted!

area!with!security!perimeter,!where!buildings!and!people!will not!be!exposed!to!operations!without!their!

pre^obtained!consent.!The!equivalent!level!of safety!will!be!achieved!given!the!size,!weight,!and!speed!of!the!

UAS!as!well!as!the location!where!it!is!operated.!No!flight!will!be!taken!without!the!required!permission!of

the!property!owner!or!local!officials.!Because!of!the!advance!notice!to!the!property owner!and!participants!in!

the!aerial!activity,!all!affected!individuals!will!be!aware!of!the planned!flight!operations.!Compared!to!flight!

operations!with!aircraft!or!rotorcraft weighting!far!more!than!the!maximum!55lbs.!proposed!herein!and!the!

lack!of!flammable fuel,!any!risk!associated!with!these!operations!is!far!less!than!those!presently!presented

with!conventional!aircraft!operating!at!or!below!500!AGL.!In!addition,!the low^altitude!operations!of!the!

sUAS!will!ensure!separation!between!these!small^UAS operations!and!the!operations!of!conventional!aircraft!

that!must!comply!with!Section 91.119.

14'C.F.R.'§91.121'Altimeter'Settings

This!regulation!requires!each!person!operating!an!aircraft!to!maintain!cruising!altitude!by reference!to!an!

altimeter!that!is!set!"...to!the!elevation!of!the!departure!airport!or!an appropriate!altimeter!setting!

available!before!departure."!As!the!sUAS!may!not!have!a barometric!altimeter,!but!instead!a!GPS!altitude!

read!out,!an!exemption!may!be!needed. An!equivalent!level!of!safety!will!be!achieved!by!the!operator,!

pursuant!to!the!Manual and!Safety!Check!list,!confirming!the!altitude!of!the!launch!site!shown!on!the!GPS

altitude!indicator!before!flight.

14'C.F.R.'§'91.151(a):'Fuel'Requirements'for'Flight'in'VFR'Conditions

Section!91.151!(a)!prohibits!an!individual!from!beginning!"a!flight!in!an!airplane!under VFR!conditions!

unless!(considering!wind!and!forecast!weather!conditions)!there!is enough!fuel!to!fly!to!the!first!point!of!

intended!landing,!and,!assuming!normal!cruising speed!^ (1)!During!the!day,!to!fly!after!that!for!at!least!30

minutes;!or!(2)!At!night,!to!fly after!that!for!at!least!45!minutes."

Depending!on!the!sUAS,!the!battery!provides!approximately!15^60 minutes!of!powered!flight.!To

meet!the!30^minute!reserve!requirement!in!14!CFR!§91.151,!sUAS!flights!would!be extremely!limited.!

Given!the!limitations!on!the!UAS's proposed!flight!area!and!the!location!of!its!proposed!operations!within!a!

predetermined area,!a!longer!time!frame!for!flight!in!daylight!or!night!VFR!conditions!is!reasonable.

Applicant!believes!that!an!exemption from!14!CFR!§91.151(a)!falls!within!the!scope!of prior!exemptions.!

See!Exemption!10673!(allowing!Lockheed!Martin!Corporation!to operate!without!compliance!with!FAR!

91.151!(a)).!Operating!the!small!UAS,!in!a!tightly controlled!area!where!only!people!and!property!owners!

or!official!representatives!who have!signed!waivers!will!be!allowed,!with!less!than!30!minutes!of!reserve!

fuel,!does!not engender!the!type!of!risks!that!Section!91.151(a)!was!intended!to!alleviate!given!the!size

and!speed!of!the!small!UAS.!Additionally,!limiting!sUAS!flights!to!extremely!short!flights would greatly!

reduce!the!utility!for!which!the!exemption!will!be!granted.

Applicant!believes!that!an!equivalent!level!of!safety!can!be!achieved!by!limiting!flights!to 25%!of!battery!

power.!This!restriction!would!be more!than!adequate!to!return!the!sUAS!to!its!planned!landing!zone!from!

anywhere!in!its limited!operating!area. Similar!exemptions!have!been!granted!to!other!operations,!

including!Exemptions!2689F, 5745,!10673,!and!10808.
7

14'C.F.R.'§91.203'(a)'and'(b):'Carrying'Civil'Aircraft'Certification'and'Registration

The!regulation!provides!in!pertinent!part:

(a) Except!as!provided!in!§!91.715,!no!person!may!operate!a!civil!aircraft!unless!it!has within!it!the!

following:

(1)!An!appropriate!and!current airworthiness!certificate.!.!.!.

(b) No!person!may!operate!a!civil!aircraft!unless!the!airworthiness!certificate!required!by paragraph!(a)!of!

this!section!or!a!special!flight!authorization!issued!under!§91.715!is displayed!at!the!cabin!or!cockpit!

entrance!so!that!it!is!legible!to!passengers!or!crew.

The!UAS!fully!loaded!weighs!no!more!than!55!lbs!and!is!operated!without!an!onboard pilot.!As!such,!there!is!

no!ability!or!place!to!carry!certification!and!registration!documents or!to!display!them!on!the!sUAS. An!

equivalent!level!of!safety!will!be!achieved!by!keeping!these!documents!at!the!ground control!point!where!the!

pilot!flying!the!sUAS!will!have!immediate!access!to!them,!to!the extent!they!are!applicable!to!the!sUAS.!The!

FAA!has!issued!numerous!exemptions!to this!regulation.!A!representative!sample!of!other!exceptions!

includes!Exemption!Nos. 9565,!9665,!9789,!9789A,!9797,!9797A,!9816A,!and!10700.

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

These!regulations!require!that!an!aircraft!operator!or!owner!"shall!have!the aircraft inspected!as!prescribed!

in!subpart!E!of!this!part!and!shall!between!required!inspections, except!as!provided!in!paragraph!(c)!of!this!

section,!have!discrepancies!repaired!as prescribed!in!part!43!of!this!chapter...,"!and!others!shall!inspect!or!

maintain!the!aircraft!in compliance!with!Part!43.

Given!that!these!section!and!Part!43!apply!only!to!aircraft!with!an!airworthiness certificate,!these!sections!

will!not!apply!to!the!applicant.!The!operator!pursuant!to!the flight!manual!and!operating!handbook!will!

accomplish!maintenance.!An!equivalent!level of!safety!will!be!achieved!because!these!small!UASs!are!very!

limited!in!size!and!will carry!a!small!payload!and!operate!only!in!restricted!areas!for!limited!periods!of!time.!

If mechanical!issues!arise!the!UAS!can!land!immediately!and!will!be!operating!from!no higher!than!400!feet!

AGL.!As!provided!in!the!Manual,!the!operator!will!ensure!that!the UAS!is!in!working!order!prior!to!initiating!

flight,!perform!required!maintenance,!and!keep a!log!of!any!maintenance!performed.!Moreover,!the!operator!

is!the!person!most!familiar with!the!aircraft!and!best!suited!to!maintain!the!aircraft!in!an!airworthy!condition!

to provide!the!equivalent!level!of!safety.

Pursuant!to!14!C.F.R.!Part!11,!the!following!summary!is!provided!for!publication!in!the Federal!Register,

should!it!be!determined!that!publication!is!needed:

Applicant!seeks!an!exemption!from!the!following!rules:

14!C.F.R.!§21,!subpart!H;!14!C.F.R!45.23(b); 14!C.F.R.!§§!61.113(!a)!&!(b); 91.7!(a);!91.9 (b) (2);!91.103(b);

91.109;!91.119;!91.121;!91.151(a); 91.203(a)!and!(b);!91.405!(a); 91.407!(a)!(1);!91.409!(a)!(2);!91.409!(a)!

(2)!and!91.417!(a)!&!(b)!to!operate commercially!a!small!unmanned!vehicle!(55lbs!or!less).

Approval!of!exemptions!allowing!commercial!operations!of!sUASs,!will!enhance!safety by!reducing!risk.!

Conventional!aircraft!operating at!low!altitudes!near subjects!being!filmed!and!in!close proximity to!

structures!present!major risks!associated with!the!size!of!the!vehicle!carrying jet!A!or!other!fuels.!Such!

aircraft must!fly!to!and!from!the!operational!location.!In!contrast,!a!sUAS!weighing!fewer!than!55 lbs.!and!

powered!by!batteries!eliminates!virtually!all!of!that!risk!given!the!reduced!mass and!lack!of!combustible!fuel!

carried!on!board.!The!sUAS!is!carried!to!the!operation!site and!not!flown.!The!sUAS!will!carry!no!passengers!

or!crew!and,!therefore,!will!not!expose them!to!the!risks!associated!with!manned!aircraft!flights.

The!operation!of!small!UASs, weighting!less!than!55!lbs.,!conducted!in!the!strict conditions!outlined!above,!

will!provide!an!equivalent!level!of!safety!supporting!the!grant of!the!exemptions!requested!herein,

including!exempting!the!applicant!from!the requirements!of!Part!21!and!allowing!commercial!operations.!
8

These!lightweight!aircraft operate!at!slow!speeds,!close!to!the!ground,!and!in!a!sterile!environment!and,!as!

a result,!are!far!safer!than!conventional!operations!conducted!with!turbine!helicopters or!fixed!wing!

aircraft.

Conclusion

If!this!exemption!is!granted,!Site!Flight,!Inc. will!conduct!all!flights over!private!or!controlled!access

property!with!the!property!owner's prior!consent!and!knowledge.!Filming!will!be!of!people and!property

who!have!also!consented!to being!filmed!or otherwise!have!agreed!to!be!in!the!area!where!filming!will!take!

place. The!grant!of!this!exemption!request!will!provide!improved!safety!for!operations!as!stated!above,!and!

begin!to!eliminate!dangerous!jobs!and!situations!that!may!otherwise!not!be!avoidable.!

Satisfaction!of!the!criteria!provided!in!Section!333!of!the!Reform!Act!of!2012^size,!weight,!speed,!operating!

capabilities,!proximity!to!airports!and!populated!areas and!operation!within!visual!line!of!sight!and!

national!security!^ provide!more!than adequate!justification!for!the!grant!of!the!requested!exemptions!

allowing!commercial operation!of!applicant's!UAS. Site!Flight,!Inc. is!committed!to!safe!operation!and!due!

to!the!foregoing!reasons!should!be!permitted!to!conduct!small!UAS!operations!in!accordance!with!its!

manuals!and!all!other!operating!parameters!deemed!necessary!and!appropriate!by!the!FAA.

Sincerely,

Ben!Burkett Matt!Pedonti

Site!Flight,!Inc. Site!Flight,!Inc.

Enclosure: Site!Flight!Safety!Guidelines

Site!Flight!Standard!Flight!Log

DJI!Phantom!2!Operating!Manual

DJI!Inspire!1!Operating!Manual

DJI!S900!Operating!Manual

DJI!S1000!Operating!Manual
s !!!!!!!!!!!!!! 1

Site Flight Safety Guidelines

I. Flight Guidelines and Airspace

A. Currency Requirements

Pilots must maintain current flight logs either physically or digitally. Logging time is 

recommended, but not required. Pilots must log a minimum of 4 flights of five minutes or longer 

per month. Flights must utilize the class of sUAS you intent to fly and may not be done on a 

simulator.

B. Checklists

Pilots must always have their flight safety checklists when flying. Checklist includes preflight, in 

flight, and postflight information.

C. Altitude

Flying above 400 feet AGL is prohibited. It is recommended to stay at or below 200 feet AGL 

for optimal line of site.

D. Airports

No flights may take place within 3 miles of an airport without prearranged consent and 

communication with the airport operator. In no case shall a pilot fly in proximity to a runway 

(over, around, or near the ends). If flying near an airport is required, prior written permissions 

with specific time, location, and altitude must be given. A transceiver to monitor the air traffic 

frequencies of that airport is required. An airport representative supervising is ideal. When flying 

in near proximity to airport, you must have in your possession a sectional chart outlining the 

information pertaining to that airport.

E. Flight Methods

Pilot is to always have direct visual line of site with the sUAS unless using First Person View 

(FPV). The Pilot may use a flight monitor (FPV) for reference, only when a trained visual 

observer (TVO) maintains direct line of site with the sUAS. The TVO must be fully aware of the 

flight plan and surroundings without distraction. Pilot and TVO are to be in direct voice 

communication throughout entire flight.

F. Flying while Intoxicated

Participation in flight operations in any capacity under the influence of drugs or alcohol is strictly 

prohibited. 

G. Flying Over People

(Closed Production Set)

People under or near operation, must be fully aware in advance and may be required to sign an 

individual release of liability with the understanding that their activities and involvement may 

result in injury or even death. *Extreme caution must be taken at all times.

(Public Event)

Flying over or near people or crowds is to be avoided whenever possible and only permitted in 

the following circumstances:

1. Client understands and approves of all activities.

2. You have current liability insurance for personal and property damage listing the client as 

additionally insured.

3. All participants are aware of the activities and have signed a liability release form.

4. You are operating at your own discretion and accept all responsibilities that pertain to your 

activities

*Extreme caution must be taken at all times.

H. Flying Over Roadways

Avoid flying over roadways when possible, using closed roads when possible. When necessary 

to fly over a roadway, avoid actions interfering with normal activity (stopping traffic, chasing 

vehicles, landing on a roadway, or anything that would be considered distracting to drivers). 
s !!!!!!!!!!!!!! 2

Hovering over a roadway is prohibited. Operations over roads should be conducted as fast and 

effective as possible while still remaining safe.

I. FAA NOTAM’s and TFR’s

It is required that all pilots must be aware of any FAA issued NOTAM’s and/or TFRs in effect 

where flying is taking place. It is also required that the pilot abide by the FAA issued 

NOTAM/TFRs at all times.

J. Takeoff and Landing Zones

Every flight must have a designated safe zone where takeoff and landings may be conducted. 

This is defined by a space no smaller than (20) feet by (20) feet and clear of overhead and 

lateral obstructions. The Pilot/Remote Control Operator in Command is responsible for checking 

the location to determine if there are any potential radio frequencies or electrical transmissions 

that could interfere with or affect the safe operation of the aircraft. The aircraft must be checked 

for proper balance before each flight or after any alterations. The area should be free of people, 

vehicles, debris, etc . Never, under any circumstance, throw anything around the aircraft, 

whether running or not. Loose clothing, trash, or anything that may hinder the operation of the 

aircraft, shall be cleared. If there are people in the area of takeoff they are to be made aware, 

and asked to remain clear of the 20’ x 20’ area.

K. Pilot In Command

The Pilot/Remote Control Operator in Command is at all times the final authority over the 

aircraft and shall be in command over all flight operations and/or related activities. The 

Pilot/Remote Control Operator in Command shall have the final authority to abort any flight 

operation in the interest of safety. Abort signals shall be specified ahead of time. In the event of 

a power loss, signal loss, or mechanical failure, the pilot must make every attempt to keep the 

safety of people and property as the highest priority. The aircraft may be crashed, or destroyed 

in the attempt to keep the safety of people and property. The pilot has the final authority and is 

responsible for the flight of the aircraft.

II. EQUIPMENT

A. Aircraft Size

Your aircraft must be of a size that is visible during flight. Orientation must be decipherable at 

whatever distance/altitude you fly to.

B. Use of GPS

All equipment must be equipped with GPS. GPS coordinates must be attained and verified 

before takeoff and used as the fail-safe return to home location in the event of signal loss or 

other issue. GPS systems are supplemental for flight accuracy and precise aircraft positioning. 

GPS is never to be used as a substitute for visibility, flight conditions, or pilot proficiency.

C. FAIL–SAFE Requirements

All aircraft systems must be programmed for fail-safe. Fail-safe is defined as the flight computer 

taking over in the event of a signal loss from the pilot or preset function from transmitter. 

E. Flight Time

All flights must be timed according to the capacity of the power system and anticipated usage. 

This ensures landing with safe level battery reserves of at least (1:00) minute. Before takeoff, 

batteries must be verified as fully charged.

F. Voltage Monitoring

You must be able to read the voltage of your aircraft either visually or audibly at all times. This 

can be through the use of audible/visual voltage monitors, on screen display, or both.

G. Autonomous Flight

Autonomous flight may not be used as the primary form of flight control without a certified pilot 

override on standby at all times. In the event autonomous flight is used, the pilot in command is 

required to have manual override capability at all times.

H. Professional Use
s !!!!!!!!!!!!!! 3

No aircraft may be used professionally unless previously tested and proven to be in an airworthy 

state and functioning properly.

I. Indoor Flight

If the aircraft is to be used indoors, extreme caution shall be taken. Indoor conditions (e.g., 

increased heat resulting in reduced air density) could adversely affect flying characteristics. 

Additionally, interior sets, walls, ceiling beams, lighting equipment, HVAC equipment etc., can 

be a hazard. GPS is not to be used indoors.

J. Damage and Incident Reporting

In the event of damage caused to the aircraft, camera or other equipment for any reason, it is 

required that an incident report be filled out, explaining the details of the occurrence and 

recommended corrections to be made.

III. WEATHER

A. Precipitation

Fly at your own risk in precipitation. Under no circumstance may you fly in any precipitation if 

you are flying over people or property such as buildings, homes, cars, or other things that may 

become damaged in the result of an equipment failure. If you have a flight platform that has 

been tested to perform in precipitation you may fly at your discretion.

B. Wind

Good judgment should be used when determining when to fly with wind. It is suggested that you 

do not fly in wind greater than 15 kts with or gusts over 20 kts.
Location

Date TAKEOFF.CHECKLIST

Aircraft*# Install*Camera*–*All*Params

Flight*battery*# Antennas*vertical

PIC Motor*spins*free

AVO Prop*is*tight

Trained*Visual*Observer Verify*Home*point;*start*point

Payload Arm*UAS

PREFLIGHT Verify*Flight*controls

Prior*Maint.*Complete Verify*Stabilizer

Wind*Direction Verify*Throttle

Video*Transmitter IN.FLIGHT.CHECKLIST

Flight*battery*V/cell Attain*Altitude

Connect*Flight*Battery Verify*Controls

Green*Light Engage*Autopilot

Connect*Datalink Verify*WP1

Verify*Compass Monitor*V*P*25%*min

Radio*Link*% Flight*Speed*avg

Verify*OSD Amps*avg

Verify*Satelite*Connection Alt.*avg

MISSION.PLANNER LANDING.CHECKLIST

Set*home*point Flight*Battery*V

Create*Grid LZ*clear

Altitude Land

Angle POSTFLIGHT.CHECKLIST

Flying*Speed Disarm

Overshoot Camera*Off

Start*From Motor*and*speed*control*temps

Overlap Flight*Duration

Sidelap Disconnect*Flight*Battery

Area Video*Transmitter*Off

Distance Flight*battery*V/cell

Dist*between*images Verify*Camera*Operation

Ground*Resolution .tlog*file*name

Pictures Total*Time*on*Airframe

No.*of*Strips

Dist*between*lines

Flight*Time*(est):*Hours

Photo*every*(est):*sec

Acccept*Mission

Save*WPs/.txt*WP*file

Write*WPs Notes:

Maintenance.Required:

Weather:

.STANDARD.FLIGHT.LOG