12/10/2015 

tJ:S: Department of Transportation, Docket Operations 

Ground Floor, Rm. W12-140 

1200 New Jersey Ave, SE 

-.Washington, DC 20590 

Nick Alati 

6723 E Ellis street 

Mesa AZ 85205 

T:4805072775 

·Nick@ Aisllc.us 

Regarding: FAA Exemption Rulemaking Section 333 of the FAA Reform Act and Part 11- 14 C.F.R. § 

45.23(b); 14 C.F.R. Part 21; 14 C.F.R. 61.113(a) & (b); 91.7(a); 91.9(b) (2); 91.103(b); 91.109; 119.121; 

91.151(a); 91.203(a) & (b) 91.405(a); 91.407(a) (1); 91.409(a) (2); 91.417(a) & (b) 

De~r Sir or Madam: 

Alati's Inspection Service LLC, is requesting exemption from the Federal Aviation Regulations ("PARs") 

listed below and.pursuant to the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 and the procedures contained 

within 14 C.P.R. 11. in order to commercially operate a small ultra light unmanned aircraft system ("UAS"), 

specifically the following U AS platforms will be used: 

DJI Phantom II 

Yuneec Typhoon Q500 4K 

3DR Solo 

Attachment 1lists the technical specifications for each of the previously listed UAS(s). 

The Pilot In Command (PIC) will hold either an airline transport; commercial, private, recreational, or sport 

pilot certificate. The PIC will 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. 

Alati's Inspection Service LLC, would like to expand its operations, and wishes to add the followng 

photography/videography services. 

• Real Estate 

• Home Inspections· 

Specifically, it wishes to provide aerial imaging to its customers in need of aerial photography/videography. 

With the advancement of Internet technology and consumer adoption of shopping for properties online, the 

demand for high-resolution aerial graphics and video is unprecedented. In addition, it wishes to be able to 

. . . ' 1]1'-- " I ' , i ,, '•' 
perform property (primarily root) inspections via UAS. All UAS pertinent safety and risk management 

measures as specified in the FAA's Risk Management Handbook shall be complied with. 

A grant of the exemption request, by the FAA, would permit operation of ultra lightweight and unmanned 

UAS to operate in predetermined areas away from the general public, airports, heliports and vehicular traffic, 

primarily over individual properties/communities for the purpose of recording real-estate listings 

(photo/video). 

In summary and in accordance with this request of exemption request as authorized and outlined by the FAA 

under Section 333(c) of the Reform Act specified for use ofUAS' for "Real Estate" purposes, Alati's 

Inspection Service LLC will adhere to all FAA regulations at all times and shall conduct all flight operations 

in strictcompliance and safety protocols as mandated and required by regulations and best practices. 

Respectfully, we request the grant of exemption to operate ultra light weight, remote controlled UAS's for 

commercial purposes as described in this request and as allowable by law. This grant of exemption will allow 

the company to offer such services to private and govemement entities who have little to no experience 

piloting UAS's but have a need to get images that are only possible from a UAS in order to compete within 

an ever demanding technology driven market. b:lati'slnspection Service LLC submits that this application 

has been prepared by Nick Alati (owner of Alati's Inspection Service LLC) and not an attorney using his 

personal knowledge of existing FARs as well as utilizing excerpts from other similar applications and 

assistance from Mile High Drone Services. Consequently, if Nick Alati has unintentionally omitted any 

relative FARs, Alati's Inspection Service LLC, humbly request an opportunity to submit to those accidental 

omissions. The essence of this application is to declare that, Alati's Inspection Service LLC meets and 

exceeds the FAA's expected competency for piloting the listed UASs for commercial purposes and that the 

U AS that we specified earlier meets and exceeds the safety requirements as set forth by the Secretary of 

Transportation thereby prompting the request for COA under Section 333. 

1. Contact Information: 

Alati's Inspection Service LLC 

Attn: Nick Alati 

6723 E Ellis street 

Mesa AZ 85205 

4805072775 

Nick@ Aisllc.us 

2. The Specific section(s) of 14 C.F.R. seeking an exemption from are: 

14 CFR 21; 

14 C.P.R. 45.23(b); 

14 CFR 61.113 (a) & (b); 14 C.P.R. 91, et seq.; 

14 CFR 407 (a) (1); 

14 CFR 409 (a) (2); and, 14 CFR 417 (a) & (b). 

3. The extent and reason of relief: 

Alati's Inspection Service LLC, is seeking relief from existing FARs that currently prohibit the use of 

UASs from operating commercially for the purpose of aerial photography/videography in accordance 

with the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of2012 112 P.L. 95 § 331-334. The Reform Act Subtitle 

B: Unmanned Aircraft Systems- (Sec. 332) "Requires the Secretary to develop a plan to accelerate 

safely the integration by September 30,2015, of civil unmanned aircraft systems (UASes, or drones) 

into the national airspace system." The company humbly requests that it be allowed to commercially 

operate the listed UASs during the time period the FAA is further establishing rules and regulations , 

governing the operations of such craft. ~<)IL 
The Secretary of Transportation has been asked by Congress to, among other things, consider whether 

certain unmanned aircraft systems may operate safely in the national airspace system 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 

user·s of the National Airspace System 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 (VLOS) of the Pilot and VO 

Accordingly, all flights will be conducted by a PIC and aVO in accordance with FAA Policy N 

8900.227 Section 14 "Operational Requirements for UASs" and with the following restrictions: 

All aircraft will be made with a UA Gross weight of less than 55 pounds 

All flights will occur only during daylight hours. 

All flights will occur at or below 400~feetAGL 

5 nautical miles from an airport having an operational control tower; or 

3 NM from an airport with a published instrument flight procedure, but not an operational tower; or 

.· Z NM from an airport without a published instrument flight procedure or an operation tower; or 

2 NM from a heliport with a published instrument flight procedure. 

For safety, no flight with winds over 10 mph. 

Flight only in GPS mode that allows UAS to hover in place when radio controls are released. All 

operations to be conducted in GPS mode only. 

4. How the request will benefit the public as a whole: 

Aerial photography is becoming a critical component of the way a company does business. Aerial 

photography via UAS allows people to get a vantage point that never used to be possible or 

economically feasible. It is much too dangerous and expensive to hire a manned aircraft to take many 

aerial images thereby making the UAS option more cost effective and safer. There simply is not enough 

VAS Pilots to cover the demand for these images, which is leading to unlicensed UAS operators which 

ultimately results in untrained and unqualified operators. 

5. Reasons why the exemption would not adversely affect safety; or how the exemption would 

provide a level for safety at least equal to the existing rule: 

An exemption would not adversely affect safety because this application applies only to aircraft 

characteristics and applications within FAA specified limitations. These limitations provide for at least 

an equivalent safety standard. However, the experience of a certificated rated pilot allows him/her to 

utilize his/her experience in U AS operations thereby exceeding safety and improving airspace 

operations by allowing aerial imaging clients to choose an pilot that knows how to pilot an aircraft 

safely and within regulated limits. In addition, by providing unmanned services to the market place, 

there will be less of a demand for manned operations, which will provide for safer and quieter 

residential aerial photography. In addition, inspecting roofs via UAS will reduce the risk of personal 

injury because people who no longer have to walk on roofs which is inherently dangerous. 

As previously stated, all flights will be conducted by a PIC and a VO in accordance with FAA Policy N 

8900.227 Section 14 "Operational Requirements for UASs" and with the following restrictions: 

All aircraft will be made with a UA Gross weight of less than 55 pounds rf(v&-
All flights will occur only during daylight hours. 

All flights will occur at or below 400 feet AGL 

5 nautical miles from an airport having an operational control tower; or 

3 NM from an airport with a published instrument flight procedure, but not an operational tower; or 

2 NM from an airport without a published instrument flight procedure or an operation tower; or 

2 NM from a heliport with a published instrument flight procedure. 

Extensive, pre-flight briefings are required between the PIC and the VO. 

A flight plan is required prior to each flight. 

All aircraft operations must be conducted within manufacturer recommended specifications. 

All site permissions must be obtained prior to flight. 

6. A summary the FAA may publish in the Federal Register: 

14 C.P.R. 21 and 14 C.P.R. 91: Airworthiness Certificates, Manuals and The Like. 

14 C.P.R. 21, Subpart H, entitled Airworthiness Certificates, sets forth requirements for procurement of 

necessary airworthiness certificates in relation to FAR §91.203(a)(l). The size, weight and enclosed 

.. _ operational area of theJisted UASspermit exemptionfmm Part 21· because th~Hsted-U ASs meets (and 

exceeds) an equivalent level of safety pursuant to Section 333 of the Reform Act. The FAA is 

authorized to exempt aircraft from the airworthiness certificate requirement under both the Act ( 49 

U.S.C. § 44701 (f)) and Section 333 of the Reform Act. Both pieces of legislation permit the FAA to 

exempt UAS's from the airworthiness certificate requirement in consideration of the weight, size, 

speed, maneuverability and proximity to areas such as airports and dense populations. The current and 

projected UAS's meet or exceed each of the elements. 

14 C.P.R. 91.7(a) 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 C.P.R.§ 91.9 (b) (2) requires an aircraft flight manual in the aircraft. As there are no on board pilots 

or, passengers, and given the size of the UAS's, this Regulation is inapplicable. An equivalent level of 

safety will be achieved by maintaining such manuals on location with the Pilot. The FAA has 

previously issued exemptions to this regulation in Exemption Nos. 8607, 8737, 8738,9299, 9299A, 

9565, 9565B, 10167, 10167A, 10602, 10700 and 32827. 

14 C.P.R.§ 91.121 regarding altimeter settings is inapplicable insofar as all UAS utilizes electronic 

global positioning systems with a barometric sensor. 

14 C.P.R.§ 91.203 (a) and (b) provides for the carrying of civil aircraft certifications and registrations. 

They are inapplicable for the same reasons described above. The equivalent level of safety will be 

achieved by maintaining any such required certifications and registrations with the Pilot. 

14 C.P.R. § 45.23: Marking of The Aircraft. 

Applicable Codes of Federal Regulation require aircraft to be marked according to certain 

specifications. The listed UASs are, by definition, unmanned. They therefore do not have a cabin, 

, ,cockpit or pilot station on which to mark certain words or phrases. Further, two-inch lettering is 

difficult to place on such small aircraft with dimensions smaller that minimal lettering requirement. 

The FAA has previously issued exemptions to this regulation through Exemptions Nos. 8738, 10167, 

10167Aand 10700. 

14 C.P.R.§ 61.113: Private Pilot Privileges and Limitations: PIC. 

Pursuant to 14 C.P.R. §§ 61.113 (a) & (b), private pilots are limited to non-commercial operations. The 

1J<$a__ 
PIC can achieve an equivalent level of safety as achieved by current Regulations because the listed 

UASs do not carry any pilots or passengers. Further, the PIC possess an FAA pilot certificate, which 

helps his remote control piloting skills and factors in his experience in assessing any flight risks. The 

risks attended to the operation of the listed UASs are far less than the risk levels inherent in the 

commercial activities outlined in 14 C.F.R. § 61, et seq. Thus, allowing the PIC to operate the listed 

UASs and meet and exceed current safety levels in relation to 14 C.F.R. §61.113 (a) & (b). 

14 C.F.R. 91.119: Minimum Safe Altitudes. 

14 C.F.R. § 91.119 prescribes safe altitudes for the operation of civil aircraft. It allows helicopters to be 

operated at lower altitudes in certain conditions. The listed UASs will never operate at an altitude 

greater than 400ft AGL. The PIC will also operate the listed UASs in safe areas away from public and 

traffic, providing a level of safety at least equivalent to or below those in relation to minimum safe 

altitudes. Given the size, weight, maneuverability and speed of the listed UASs, an equivalent or higher 

level of safety will be achieved. 

-14C .F.R~ 91.405 ( a)t-407 (a){l); 409-(a)-(2-); 411fa)-&(b):M-aintenanre Inspectiuns; 

The above-cited Regulations require, amongst other things, aircraft owners and operators to "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 ... " 

These Regulations only apply to aircraft with an airworthiness certificate. They will not, therefore, 

apply to the listed UASs. However, as a safety precaution the UAS which will be used will be 

inspected before and after each flight. 

In Summary: 

Alati's Inspection Service LLC, respectfully request that the FAA grant the exemption request and further 

volunteer any information gathered during flights in the event the FAA is interested in live field data. Alati's 

Inspection Service LLC, agrees and attests to adhere to any further limitations the FAA imposes, now or in 

the future. Satisfaction of the current 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 the listed UASs for commercial purposes. Alati'slnspection 

Service LLC looks forward to support the FAA and UAS community in its quest to establish proper 

re(lu!atio~s. and protocols. for the s.afe introduction of unmanned aircraft into the national ain;pac1J~cl 

Sincerely, 

~;~/0~/~ Alati's Inspection Se 1ce ... , 

6723 E Ellis street 

Mesa AZ 85205 
........ ---------------Attachment 1 

DJI Phantom II (http://www .dji.com/product/phantom-2/spec?www=v 1) 

General Features: 

Ready to Fly, Multifunctional Quad-rotor System 

Customized H3-2D and H3-3D Gimbal Support 

Precision Flight and Stable Hovering 

25min Flight Time & Smart Battery 

Auto Return-to-Home & Landing 

Advanced Power Management _Intelligent Oritmtation Control (IOC) ... _- .. -· ---- - --

Easy Battery Replacement 

Self-tightening Propeller 

Video Downlink Support 

CAN-Bus Expansion Module 

Aircraft: 

Weight (Battery & Propellers Included): lOOOg 

Hover Accuracy (Ready To Fly): Vertical: 0.8m;, Horizontal: 2.5m 

Max Yaw Angular Velocity: 200 degrees/s 

Max Tilt Angle: 35 degrees 

Max Flight Speed: 15rnls(Not Recommended) 

Max Ascent I Descent Speed: Ascent: 6m/s; Descent: 2rnls 

Diagonal Length: 350mm 

Supported Battery: DJI Smart Battery 

Flight Time: 25mins 

Take..:Off Weight: less than 1300g 

Operating Temperature: -lO(C),.., 50(C) 

Yuneec Typhoon QSOO 4K (http:// www.yuneec.com/Typhoon-Specifications- Typhoon-4K) 

Flight Time: up to 25 minutes 

Weight with Battery and Payload: 60.0 oz (1700g) 

Weight without Battery and Payload: 40.0 oz (1130g) 

Batterx; 5400mAh 3S 11.1 V LiPo (included) 

Charger: 3S ll.lV LiPo DC Balancing Smart Charger wjth AC Adapter (included) 

Tra~smitter: 10-channel2.4GHz with 5.8GHz video downlink (included) 

3 Fhght Modes: Smart (Follow Me and Watch Me), Angle and Hom~~ 
Maximum Flying Height :Default 122m (400ft) above Ground Level (Adjustable via the Typhoon GUI) 

Maximum Rotation Rate: 65 degrees/s 

Maximum Roll Angle: 35 degrees 

Operating Temperature Range: ?5(C) to 80(C) 

Radio Control Frequency Band: 2.4GHz 

Max. Descent Speed: 2m/s 

Max. Flight Speed: 17mph I 27 kph (Angle Mode), 22mph I 35 kph (Follow Me/Watch Me) 

3DR Solo (https://3drobotics.com/solo-gopro- drone-specs/) 

_Cameras: Compatible with-GoPro.HER03,3-+and4;-opt-imized-for-JIER0-3+-and 4- - - --~---- -"· ---·-- ---

Streaming video quality: 720p 

Flight time: 25 minutes; 20 minutes with payload* Range: .5 miles** (.8 km) 

Max speed: 55 mph (89 km/h) 

Max ascent speed: 10m/sin stabilize mode; 5 m/s in "fly" mode 

Max descent speed: ditto 

Max payload: 420 g 

Max altitude: 400ft per FAA regulation, user adjustable (122m) 

Motors: 880 kV 

Propellers: 10?? diameter 4.5?? pitch self-tightening (24 em diameter 144 em pitch); glass-reinforced nylon 

· Autopilot: Pixhawk 2 

Software: APM:Copter 

Communication: 3DR Link secure WiFi network Frequency: 2.4 GHz 

Weight: 3.3lbs. (1.5 kg) I 3.9lbs. (1.8 kg) with GoPro+ and Solo Gimbal 

Dimensions: 10 in. tall (25 em), 18 in. (46 em) motor-to- motor 

Flight battery: Lithium polymer 5200 mAh 14.8 V de Battery charge time: ,.., 1.5 hours 

Controller battery: 2600 mAh 7.2 V de rechargeable lithi- urn ion 

App requirements: iOS 8.0 or later I Android 4.3 or later (}.__ _ 

1;-1p ,···~~~~~