September 11, 2015

Exemption No. 12829 Regulatory Docket No. FAA

– 20 15

– 1974

Mr. Mark C. Pope Site Safety Solutions LLC P

. O

. Box 1367 Hayesville, NC

. 28904
Dear Mr. Pope : 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 May 13, 2015 , you petitioned the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on behalf of Site Safety Solutions LLC ( hereinafter petitioner or operator ) for an exemption

. The petitioner requested to operate an unmanned ai rcraft system (UAS) to conduct aerial inspection

. See Appendix A for the petition submitted to the FAA des cribing 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

. The FAA received two individual comments in opposition to the petition . The petitioner addressed the concerns raised by the commenters. In granting this exemption, the FAA has determined that the proposed operations can safely be conducted under the conditio ns and limitations of this exemption. As with exemptions issued to Aeryon Lab, Astraeus Aerial, Clayco, Inc., and VDOS Global, LLC, failure to comply with the document’s conditions and limitations is grounds for immediate suspension or rescission of the e xemption.2

Airworthiness Certification
The UAS proposed by the petitioner is a n Aibot X6

. The petitioner requested relief from 14 CFR part 21, C ertification procedures for products and parts, Subpart H

— Airworthiness Certificates

. In accordance with the statutory criteria provided in Section 333 of P ublic 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 , C ertification procedures for products and parts, Subpart H

— Airworthiness Certificate s , 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 collection 1

. The FAA has issued grants of exemption in circumstances similar in all material respects to those presented in your petition. In Grants of Exemption No s
. 11062 to Astraeus Aerial ( see Docket No. FAA−2014−0352), 11109 to Clayco, Inc. ( see Docket No. FAA

− 20 14

− 0507), 11112 to VDOS Global, LLC ( see Docket No. FAA−2014−0382), and 11213 to Aeryon Lab s , 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 peti tioner 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 i nterest. 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.

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 (part iculate measurement, etc.), or any other gathering of data by instruments aboard the UA.3

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 Safety Solutions 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 op erate a UAS to perform aerial data collection

. This exemption is subject to the conditions and limitations listed below.
Conditions and Limitations
In this grant of exemption, Site Safety Solutions 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 Aibot X6 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 maint ains VLOS capability. The VO and PIC must be able to communicate verbally at all times ; e lectronic messaging or texting is not permitted during flight operations. The PIC must be designated before the flight and cannot transfer his or her designation fo r the4

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 thi s 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 limita tions 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 ope rator 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 up dated 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 FA A’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 op eration 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 mu st 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 i s 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 comp onents, 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.5

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 Col u mbia, Puerto Rico, a territory, a possession, or the Federal government. The PIC must also meet the flight revi ew requirements specified in 14 CFR § 61.56 in an aircraft in which the PIC is rated on his or her pilot certifi cate.
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 (traini ng, p roficiency, 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 ma y only be conducted during dedicated training sessions. During traini ng, proficiency, and experience

- building flights, all persons not essential for flight operations are considered nonparticipants, and the PIC must operate the UA with appropriate distanc e 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 r ules (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 symbo l 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 mad e 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 sign al, the UA must return to a pre
- determined location within the pr ivate 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 the6

intended operation and to operate after that for at least five minutes or with the reserve power recommended by the manu facturer if greater.
21. Air Traffic Organization (ATO) Certificate of Waiver or Authorization (COA). All operations shall be cond ucted in accordance with an ATO

- issued COA. The exemption holder may apply for a new or amended COA if it intends to conduct op erations 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 nonpartici pating 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 r emain 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 control led

- access property with permission from the property owner/controller or aut horized representative. Permission from property owner/controller or authorized representative will be obtained for each flight to be conducted.7

28. Any incident, accident, or flight operation that transgresses the lateral or vertical boundaries of the opera tional area as defined by the applicable COA must be reported to the FA A'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 a rea 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 th e 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 cer tificate 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 availa ble 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 es sential 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 spe cified 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 September 30 , 2017 , unless sooner super seded or rescinded. Sincerely, / s/ J ohn S. Duncan Director, Flight Standards Service
Enclosures

## Site Safety Solutions LLC A Leader in Inspection and Safety Services Since 1989 **{OASIS Corp.} Optical Aerial Survey Inspection Services**

**US Federal Contractor since 1995 Hayesvi lle, North Carolina** 

PO BOX 1367 Hayesville, NC 28904 Email: mpope@site

- safety

- solutions.com

Cellular: 850.712.6244 May 1 3, 2015 U. S. Department of Transportation Docket Management Sy stem 1200 New Jersey

Ave., SE Washington, DC 20590 Re: The Exemption Request Section 333 of the FAA Reform Act and Part 11 of the Federal Aviation Regulations from 14 CFR Part 21, Subpart H; 14 CFR § 91.203(a)(1);14 CFR Part 27: 14 CFR §§ 91.9(c), 45.23(b) and 45.27(a);14 CFR § 61.113 (a) & (b);14 CFR § 91.7(a); 91.9(b)(2); 91.103; 91.109(a); 91.119; 91.121; 91.151(a); 91.203 (a) & (b); 91.405(a); 91.407(a)(1); 91.409(a)(2); 91.417 (a) & (b)
Sirs: Pursuant to Section 333 of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 ("Reform Act") and 14 CFR Part 11, Site Safety Solutions, LLC and OASI S Corp. ("Petitioner"), a In frastructure and Utility aerial inspection service company performs telecommunications and utility

super structure inspections, construction and maintenance services, hereby applies for an exemption from Federal Aviation Regulations ("FARs") identified below, to allow commercial operation of small unmanned aerial s ys tems ( “sUAS") so long as such operations are conducted within and under the conditions outlined herein or as may be established b y the FAA as required b y Section 333. 1 This exemption is in accordance with protocols outlined in this petition for exemption, proto cols defined in the following proprietary and confidential documents:
Exhibit A

- Site Safety

Solutions LLC and OASIS Corp Air Operations of the Aibotix Aibot X6 sUAS Safet y Risk Management Document (SRMD); Exhibit B

– Site Safety

Solutions LLC and OASIS Corp. Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) Exhibit C

- Aibot X6

- V2 Manual containing Flight and Maintenance Information; Exhibit D

– Site Safety

Solutions LLC and OASIS Corp. Safet y Program; and any other requirements established by the FAA pursuant to Sec tion 333 of the Reform Act. 2

1 The conditions proposed by the applicant are drawn from Order 8900.1 CHG 0, Volume 3 2 Petitioner submits Exhibits A

- D, its Manuals, as a Confidential document s under 14 CFR § 11.35(b), as the Manuals contain confidential commercial and proprietary information that the Petitioner has not and will not share with others. The Manuals contain operating conditions and procedures that are not available to the public and are pro tected from release under the Freedom of information Act 5 U.S.C. § 552 e t .se q

.

## Site Safety Solutions LLC A Leader in Inspection and Safety Services Since 1989 **{OASIS Corp.} Optical Aerial Survey Inspection Services**

**US Federal Contractor since 1995 Hayesvi lle, North Carolina** 

PO BOX 1367 Hayesville, NC 28904 Email: mpope@site

- safety

- solutions.com

Cellular: 850.712.6244 This petition is organized as follows:
I. Petitioner's Description II. Relevant Statutory

Authority III. Qualification for Approval Under Section 333 of the Reform Act IV

. Description of Proposed Operations V. Regulations From Which Exemp tion is Requested A. 14 CFR Part 21, Subpart H

- Airworthiness Certificates & 14 CFR § 91.203(a) (1). B. 14 CFR Part 27: Airworthiness Standards: Normal Category Rotorcraft. C. Aircraft Marking and Identification Requirements: 14 CFR §§ 91.9(c), 45.23(b) and 45.27(a)

. D. 14 CFR § 61.113 (a) & (b): Private Pilot Privileges and L imitations: Pilot in Command. E. 14 CFR § 91.7(a): Civil Aircraft Airworthiness. F. 14 CFR § 91.9(b) (2): Civil Aircraft Flight Manual in the Aircraft. G. 14 CFR § 91.103: Preflight Action. H. 14 CFR § 91.109( a): Flight I nstruction. I. 14 CFR § 91.119: Minimum Safe Altitudes. J. 14 CFR § 91.121 Altimeter Settings. K. 14 CFR § 91.151(a): Fuel Requirements for Flight in VFR Conditions. L. 14 CFR § 91.203 (a) & (b): Carry ing Civil Aircraft Certification and Registration. M. 14 C FR §§ 91.405(a); 91.407(a)(1); 91.409(a)(2); 91.417 (a) & (b): Maintenance Inspections VI

. Public I nterest VII. Privacy VIII. Federal Register Summary IX

. Conclusion

## Site Safety Solutions LLC A Leader in Inspection and Safety Services Since 1989 **{OASIS Corp.} Optical Aerial Survey Inspection Services**

**US Federal Contractor since 1995 Hayesvi lle, North Carolina** 

PO BOX 1367 Hayesville, NC 28904 Email: mpope@site

- safety

- solutions.com

Cellular: 850.712.6244 

### I. **Petitioner's Description** Petitioner is supported by Aibotix the manufacturer of the Aibot X6 a small Unmann ed Aircraft Sy stem (sUAS) that is a lightweight, six bladed multi

- rotor, vertical take

- off and landing (VTOL) sUAS specificall y designed for safet y and ease of operation. The principals of Site Safety Solutions and OASI S Corp. have been in the business of telecommunications and utility structure inspection, construction and maintenance business for 25+ ye ars for the parent compan y Site Safet y Solutions in Florida and North Carolina. Through that experience, the principals have developed a strong safet y c ulture. The principal owner of the companies has over 25 years of Senior Level OSHA, NIOSH, ANSI inspector. Certifications include being a Certified Safet y Professional and Certified Hazard Safet y Technician. The owner Mr. Mark C. Pope has completed over 7 5 different contracts within CONUS and OCONUS for some of the largest Heav y Construction and Erectors in the Telecommunications and Infrastructure companies in the world. He has coordinated EHS solutions for Naval Facilities Command along with the US Army Corp of Engineers and the US Air Force. His level of expertise has included him in the Top 250 Safet y Engineers in the US along with reaching man y milestones and accomplishments with the Federal Contracting world. Mr. Pope’s leadership is hands

- on in direc ting and developing all Safety Programs within both of his companies and as CEO his leadership has impacted man y different companies in their development of Risk Management and Loss Control Programs.
To further enhance its aviation safet y competence, the petitioner engaged JDA Aviation Technology

Solutions (JDA) and CCLD Technologies out of Georgia to provide aviation safet y, certification and compliance expertise and to assist them implement a Safet y Management S ys tems (SMS). As a precursor to the intend ed Site Safety Solutions LLC and OASI S Corp. Air operation, a Safet y Risk Assessment (SRA) was completed and recorded in Exhibit A the Safet y Risk Management Document (SRMD). The SRMD assessed and mitigated potential risks of the Aibot X6 operations in pre cise confines of the tower structures that will be inspected. The SRMD will also serve as the baseline for the SMS and help ensure that the operations of the petitioner will comply with rigorous safet y operation standards and procedures. Currently , inspec tion, construction and maintenance of telecommunication and utility structures require emplo yees to climb structures or towers. Tower climbs involve the largest risk to personnel safet y to Site Safet y Solutions LLC and OASIS Corp. Air personnel. On avera ge since 2003, there have been 10 wireless telecom tower fatalities per year in the US. There have been now 13 fatalities to in 2014. Site Safety Solutions LLC and OASI S Corp. will utilize sUAS technology to reduce risks to all personnel and eliminate th e need for any emplo ye e to perform a visual inspection ’s of: commercial construction sites, telecommunication platforms / towers, oil and gas industry facilities to include flare stacks and any structure AGL, perform Search and Rescue operations in the Sou theast US, perform rooftop loss control surveys and inspections for insurance agencies, FEMA support during Disaster Declarations, Pipeline I nspections and Survey s ,

## Site Safety Solutions LLC A Leader in Inspection and Safety Services Since 1989 **{OASIS Corp.} Optical Aerial Survey Inspection Services**

**US Federal Contractor since 1995 Hayesvi lle, North Carolina** 

PO BOX 1367 Hayesville, NC 28904 Email: mpope@site

- safety

- solutions.com

Cellular: 850.712.6244 Aerial Videograph y for movie industry in USA, DOT related Inspections, Drug Interdiction S urvey s for Federal

- State

- Local Law Enforcement Agencies, Survey / Inspection for Power Generation and Distribution Companies for infrastructure and power - line rights

- of

- way s. By

utilizing our established SOP’s the Aibot X6 can pre

inspect the structure an d determine if a climb is necessary and second to identify

hazards to be mitigated before climbing. It is the ultimate intention of compan y to eliminate all future falls/injuries or deaths that have continuously

occurred in the industry

and partner with t he telecommunications industry and Provide safer means of inspection and control thusly improving business relationships and avoidance of catastrophic incidents. The petitioner intends the sUAS Pilot in Command (PI C) to have either a private pilot lice nse (PPL) or an Unmanned Aircraft S ys tem (UAS) certificate (when it is available). They also intend to use a Certified Site Safet y and Health Officer (SSHO) to act as an on

site observer for each mission. Both the PI C and the SSHO will hold Class II medic als and have unique training specific to Site Safet y Solutions LLC and OASIS Corp. Aibot X6 operations. Consistent with the requirements of 14 CFR § 11.81(a), Petitioner provides the following information in support of its petition for exemption:
The nam e and address of the Petitioner is: Mr. Mark C. Pope, President / Owner Site Safety

Solutions, LLC / OASI S Corp. PO BOX 1367 Hay esville, NC 28904

- 137 850.712.6244


### II. **Relevant Statutory Authority** This petition for exemption is submitted to fulfill Congres s' goal in passing Section 333(a) through (c) of the Reform Act. In the Reform Act, Congress directed the FAA "to safel y accelerate the integration of civil unmanned aircraft s ys tems into the national airspace sy stem" and, under Section 333 of that law, di rected the Secretary of Transportation ("FAA Administrator") to consider whether certain unmanned aircraft sy stems may

operate safely

in the National Airspace Sy stem ("NAS") before completion of the rulemaking required under Section 332 of the Reform Act. In making this determination, the Secretary shall determine, at a minimum: (1) which ty

pes of unmanned aircraft s ys tems, if an y, as a result of their size, weight, speed, and operational capability , proximity to airports and populated areas; and operation wi thin visual line of sight do not create a hazard to users of the national airspace s ys tem or the public or pose a threat to national security ; and

## Site Safety Solutions LLC A Leader in Inspection and Safety Services Since 1989 **{OASIS Corp.} Optical Aerial Survey Inspection Services**

**US Federal Contractor since 1995 Hayesvi lle, North Carolina** 

PO BOX 1367 Hayesville, NC 28904 Email: mpope@site

- safety

- solutions.com

Cellular: 850.712.6244 (2) Whether a certificate of waiver, certificate of authorization, or airworthiness certification under section 44704 of title 49, United States Code is required for the operation of unmanned aircraft sy stems identified under paragraph (1). If the Secretary

determines that such vehicles "may operate safel y in the National Airspace S ys tem, the Secretary shall establ ish requirements for the safe operation of such aircraft in the National Airspace S ys tem" (Emphasis added). 3 In addition, the FAA Administrator has general authority to grant exemptions from its safet y regulations and minimum standards when the Administra tor decides a requested exemption is in the public interest. See 49 U.S.C. § 44701(f) (authorizing the grant of exemptions from a requirement of regulations prescribed pursuant to section 44701(a)

- (b) and sections 44702

- 44716). A part y requesting an exem ption must explain the reasons why the exemption: (1) would benefit the public as a whole, and; (2) would not adversel y affect safety

(or how it would provide a level of safety at least equal to the existing rules). See 14 CFR § 11.81; FAA, Petition for Ex emptions. Site Safety

Solutions LLC and OASI S Corp. will utilize the Aibot X6 aircraft, maximum takeoff weight of 13.22 pounds with pay load (well below the upper limit of 55 or fewer lbs. including pay load). This aircraft will operate, under normal condit ions at a speed of no more than 22 Knots Indicated Air Speed (KIAS) and have the capability to hover, and move in the vertical and horizontal plane simultaneously. It will operate only in line of sight of the PIC and SO and will operate onl y within the st erile area defined by 100’ radius surrounding the telecommunications or utility structure and under 400’ AGL. The sterile area confines the aircraft to airspace that is not currentl y navigable by manned aircraft per 14 CFR 91.119. Such operations will i nsure that the sUAS will “not create a hazard to users of the NAS or the public.” 4
Given the small size of the Aibot X6 and the restricted sterile environment within which it will operate, the petitioner falls squarel y within the zone of safet y (an equivalent level of safet y) 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 Aibot X6 sUAS will operate, approval of the application presents no national securit y issue. Given the clear direction in Section 333 of the Reform Act, the authorit y contained in the Federal Aviation Act, as amended; the strong equivalent level of safet y surrounding the proposed operations and the significant public benefit of dramatically increased safety

of aviation versus non

- aviation inspection services associated with allowing sUAS technology

to support Site Safet y Solutions LLC and OASI S Corp. oper ations, the grant of the requested exemptions is in the public interest. Accordingl y, the petitioner respectfull y requests that the FAA grant the requested exemption without delay

.

3 Section 333 place s the duty on the Administrator , inter alia, to craft conditions for the safe operation of the UAS , if it should be determined that the conditions set for th herein do not fulfill the statutory requirements for approval.

## Site Safety Solutions LLC A Leader in Inspection and Safety Services Since 1989 **{OASIS Corp.} Optical Aerial Survey Inspection Services**

**US Federal Contractor since 1995 Hayesvi lle, North Carolina** 

PO BOX 1367 Hayesville, NC 28904 Email: mpope@site

- safety

- solutions.com

Cellular: 850.712.6244 

### III. **Qualification for Approval under Section 333 of the Reform Act**

 The prop osed operations in this petition for exemption qualify for expedited approval under Section 333 of the Reform Act. Each of the statutory criterial and other potentially

relevant factors are satisfied.

 The proposed operations would permit the use of small and relativel y inexpensive UAS under controlled conditions in airspace that is: (1) limited; (2) predetermined; (3) strictly

 Controlled as to access, and; (4) would provide an increased level of safet y bey ond that existing

 When Site Safety

Solutions LL C and OASI S Corp. Air personnel are used to accomplish the same purpose.
Petitioner's sUAS is a four or six bladed multi

- rotor, vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft, weighting 13.22 or fewer pounds including pay load specificall y designed for safet y and maximum ease of operation. I t operates, under normal conditions, at a speed of no more than 22 KIAS and has the capability to hover, and move in the vertical and horizontal plane simultaneously

. Petitioner's Aibot X6 sUAS will operate in line

- of

- sig ht of the PIC and S SH O and will operate onl y within a sterile area surrounding objects that are current obstructions to navigable airspace for manned aircraft. Such operations will ensure that the Aibot X6 sUAS will "not create a hazard to users of the Na tional Airspace Sy stem or the public." Given the small size of the sUAS involved and the restricted sterile flight operation environment, this petition for exemption falls squarel y within the zone of safet y i.e., an equivalent level of safet y, in which Con gress 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 sUAS will operate, approval of the application presents no national secur ity issue. Considering the clear direction in Section 333 of the Reform Act, the authority contained in the Federal Aviation Act, as amended, the equivalent level of safet y surrounding the proposed operations, and the significant public benefit, including enhanced safet y, reduction in environmental impacts, including reduced emissions associated with allowing UASs for the proposed operations, the grant of the requested exemptions is also in the public interest. Accordingl y, Petitioner respectfull y request s that the FAA grant the requested exemption without delay

.

## Site Safety Solutions LLC A Leader in Inspection and Safety Services Since 1989 **{OASIS Corp.} Optical Aerial Survey Inspection Services**

**US Federal Contractor since 1995 Hayesvi lle, North Carolina** 

PO BOX 1367 Hayesville, NC 28904 Email: mpope@site

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Cellular: 850.712.6244 

### IV. **Description of Proposed Operations** The Exhibit B Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) describes the policies and procedures for Petitioner's proposed Aibot X6 sUAS operations. To assist the FAA in its safet y assessment of Petitioner's proposed Aibot X6 sUAS operations, below is a summary of operational limitations and conditions which will ensure an equivalent or higher level of safet y to operations conducted under current regulatory guidelin es: 1. The Aibot X6 sUAS weighs less than 13.22 lbs.
2. Flights will be operated within line

- of

- sight of the PI C and S SH O.
3. Maximum total flight time for each operational flight will be 30 minutes. Flights will be terminated at 27% battery power reserve should that occur prior to the 30 minute limit.

4. Flights will be operated at an altitude of no more than 400’ feet above ground level ("AGL").
5. Minimum crew for each operation will consist of the Aibot X6 sUAS PI C and an SSHO.
6. The PI C will be an FAA licensed a irman with a private pilot's certificate or UAS certificate (when the FAA issues the criteria and procedures for a UAS license) and a second class medical certificate.
7. The Aibot X6 sUAS pilot will be the PI C. If a pilot certificate holder other than the A ibot X6 sUAS Pilot is present and possesses the necessary PIC qualifications, that person can also be designated as PI C.
8. The Aibot X6 sUAS will only operate within a confined by geo - fence to a sterile area defined b y 100’ radius surrounding the telecommun ications or utility structure and under 400’ ’ AGL.
9. A pre

- flight briefing, in accordance with the SOP (Exhibit B proprietary and confidential material) will be conducted in regard to the planned Aibot X6 sUAS operations prior to each flight mission. I t wil l be mandatory that all personnel who will be performing duties within the boundaries of the safet y perimeter be present for the flight briefing.
10. Notification of flight operations to the FAA will be consistent with the Certificate of Authorization (COA) r equirements. Petitioner will notify air traffic control or airport management at non

- towered airports prior to operating within 5 miles of an airport.

## Site Safety Solutions LLC A Leader in Inspection and Safety Services Since 1989 **{OASIS Corp.} Optical Aerial Survey Inspection Services**

**US Federal Contractor since 1995 Hayesvi lle, North Carolina** 

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Cellular: 850.712.6244 11. Site Safety

Solutions LLC and OASI S Corp. will obtain consent of the PIC and SSHO to be within 30 fee t of the flight operation.
12. The PI C and SSHO will be trained in operation of Aibot X6 sUAS and will have received up

- to

- date maintenance and flight log information on the particular Aibot X6 sUAS to be operated, as required in Section 3 of the Site Safet y Solutions LLC and OASI S Corp. Air Standard Operating Procedure.
13. The PI C and SSHO will at all times be able to communicate by voice and/or text.
14. Written and/or oral permission from the relevant propert y holders will be obtained.
15. All required permissions and permits will be obtained from territorial, state, county or cit y jurisdictions, including local law enforcement, fire, or other appropriate governmental agencies.
16. If the Aibot X6 sUAS loses communications or loses its GPS signal, the Aibot X6 sUAS is equipped with advanced safet y features that will allow the Aibot X6 sUAS to automatically

return to the launch location within the geo

- fence perimeter.
17. The Aibot X6 sUAS will have the capability to abort a flight in case of unpredicted obstacles or emerge ncies.


### V. **Petitioner Requests Exemption from the Following Regulations** The Federal Aviation Act expressly grants the FAA the authority to issue exemptions. By its terms, this statutory

authority includes exempting civil aircraft, as the term is defined unde r §40101 of the Act, including sUAS, from its safet y regulations and minimum standards when the Administrator decides a requested exemption is in the public interest.9 Petitioner seeks an exemption from several interrelated provisions of 14 CFR Parts 21, 45 and 91 for purposes of conducting aerial survey s and inspections using sUAS. L isted below are: (1) the specific sections of 14 CFR for which exemption is sought; and (2) the operating procedures and safeguards that Petitioner has established which will ensure a level of safety

equal to or better than the rules from which exemption is sought. Petitioner acknowledges that some of the below cited requests were addressed in FAA Order 11062 (Grant of Exemption to Astraeus Aerial, Docket FAA

- 2014

- 0352) and for which no action was taken by the FAA. The FAA’s analy sis did, however, recite the petitioner’s information as the basis for the no action; this Petition recites all of the previous sections for which exemptions were requested therein.

## Site Safety Solutions LLC A Leader in Inspection and Safety Services Since 1989 **{OASIS Corp.} Optical Aerial Survey Inspection Services**

**US Federal Contractor since 1995 Hayesvi lle, North Carolina** 

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Cellular: 850.712.6244 **A. 14 C. F.R.**  **Part 21, Subpart H**

**- Airworthiness Certificates & 14 C. F.R. §**  **91.203(a) (1).** This petition seeks an exemption from 14 CFR Part 21, Subpart H, which establishes the procedural requirements for the issuance of airworthiness certificates as required by 14 C FR §91.203(a)(1). Given the size, weight, speed and limited, Obstructed and unpopulated operating area associated with the Aibot X6 sUAS to be utilized by

the Petitioner, an exemption from Part 21 Subpart H meets the requirements of an equivalent level o f safet y 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 consideratio n of the size, weight, speed, operational capability , and proximity to airports and populated areas of the particular UAS. The Aibot X6 sUAS to be operated hereunder is less than 13.22 pounds fully loaded, carries neither a pilot nor passenger, carries no explosive materials or flammable liquid fuels, and operates exclusively within a sterile area adjacent to structures that are considered obstructions to manned aircraft. Unlike other civil aircraft, aircraft operations will be tightl y controlled and moni tored by the PIC and SSHO pursuant to the Site Safety

Solutions LLC and OASI S Corp. Air SOP requirements and in compliance with local public safet y requirements. Site security for the area of operation is consistent with existing requirements for maintain ing public safety . The operation has been reviewed b y a panel of subject matter experts to identify risks and safet y requirements to mitigate those risks per Exhibit A Site Safety Solutions LLC and OASI S Corp. Air Aibotix Aibot X6 Operations SRMD. **Equi valent Level of Safety**  In all cases, an anal ys is of these criteria demonstrates that the Aibot X6 sUAS 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 rotorcraft operating with an airworthiness certificate issued under 14 CFR Part 21, Subpart H. without the restrictions and conditions of the proposed Aibot X6 sUAS operations. The same criteria demonstrate that there is no credible threat to national security posed by the Aibot X6 sUAS, 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.

## Site Safety Solutions LLC A Leader in Inspection and Safety Services Since 1989 **{OASIS Corp.} Optical Aerial Survey Inspection Services**

**US Federal Contractor since 1995 Hayesvi lle, North Carolina** 

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Cellular: 850.712.6244 **B. 14 C. F.R. Part 27: Airworthiness**  **Standards: Normal Category Rotorcraft.** 14 CFR Part 27 sets forth the procedural requirements for airworthiness certification of normal category

rotorcraft. To the extent the Petitioner's Aibot X6 sUAS would otherwise require certification under Part 27, a s a rotorcraft, Petitioner requests an exemption from Part 27's airworthiness standards for the same reasons identified in the exemption request from item A. 14 CFR Part 21, Subpart H.
**C. 14 C. F.R. §§ 91.9(c), 45.23(b) and 45.27(a). Aircraft Marking and**  **Ide ntification Requirements:**  This petition seeks an exemption from the aircraft marking and identification requirements of 14 CFR §§ 91.9(c), 45.23(b) and 45.27(a). 14 CFR § 91.9(c), Civil aircraft flight manual, marking, and placard requirements, provides that: No person may

operate a U.S.

- registered civil aircraft unless that aircraft is identified in accordance with part 45 of this chapter. 14 CFR § 45.23(b), Markings of the Aircraft, states: When marks include only the Roman capital letter "N" and the registration number is display ed 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. 14 CFR § 45.27(a), Rotorcraft, states: Each operator of a rotorcraft must display on that ro torcraft horizontally on both surfaces of the cabin, fuselage, boom, or tail the marks required b y §45.23. Exemption from § 45.23(b) is warranted because the Aibot X6 sUAS has no cabin, cockpit, or pilot station or entrance of an y kind on which the word " Experimental" can be placed. Moreover, given the size of the Aibot X6 sUAS, two

- inch lettering would be impossible. The word "Experimental" will be placed on the fuselage in compliance with § 45.29(f). Given the nature of the specific relief sought b y t hi s exemption request, Petitioner requires relief from the associated marking and identification requirements of § 45.27(a) and § 91.9(c), which would require compliance with § 45.23(b).

## Site Safety Solutions LLC A Leader in Inspection and Safety Services Since 1989 **{OASIS Corp.} Optical Aerial Survey Inspection Services**

**US Federal Contractor since 1995 Hayesvi lle, North Carolina** 

PO BOX 1367 Hayesville, NC 28904 Email: mpope@site

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Cellular: 850.712.6244 **Equivalent Level of Safety** An equivalent level of safety for exempti ons to the aircraft marking and identification requirements of §§ 91.9(c), 45.23(b) and 45.27(a), will be provided by having the sUAS marked on its fuselage as required b y §45.29(f) where the pilot, observer, and others working with the sUAS will see the i dentification of the UAS as "Experimental." Additionally , Petitioner will ensure compliance with any requests of sUAS marking b y the FAA. The FAA has issued the following exemptions to the aircraft marking requirements of § 45.23(b): Exemptions Nos. 10700 , 8738, 10167 and 10167A.
**D. 14 C. F.R. § 61.113 (a) & (b): Private Pilot Privileges and Limitations: Pilot**  **in Command.** This petition seeks an exemption from the private pilot privileges and limitations of §61.113 (a) & (b), which states:

**Private pilot pr ivileges and limitations: Pilot in command.**  (a) Except as provided in paragraphs (b) through (h) of this section, no person who holds a private pilot certificate may act as pilot in command of an aircraft that is carry ing passengers or propert y for compen sation or hire; nor may that person, for compensation or hire, act as pilot in command of an aircraft. (b) A private pilot may , for compensation or hire, act as pilot in command of an aircraft in connection with any business or employment if: (1) The f light is only

incidental to that business or employ ment; and (2) The aircraft does not carry passengers or property

for compensation or hire. Private Pilot Privileges and L imitations: Pilot in Command. Except as provided in paragraphs (b) through (h) of this section, no person who holds a private pilot certificate may act as pilot in command of an aircraft that is carry ing passengers or property

for compensation or hire; nor may that person, for compensation or hire, act as pilot in command of an aircraf t. A private pilot may , for compensation or hire, act as pilot in command of an aircraft in connection with an y business or employment if: The flight is onl y incidental to that business or employment; and the aircraft does not carr y passengers or propert y for compensation or hire. Section 61.113(a) limits private pilots to being in command of non

- commercial flights. Section 61.113(b) (1) provides an exception that allows a private pilot to command an aircraft without

## Site Safety Solutions LLC A Leader in Inspection and Safety Services Since 1989 **{OASIS Corp.} Optical Aerial Survey Inspection Services**

**US Federal Contractor since 1995 Hayesvi lle, North Carolina** 

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Cellular: 850.712.6244 passengers or property , in connecti on with business or employ ment if “the flight is only incidental to that business or employ ment." That exception likely does not apply to the proposed operations under this petition for exemption, as the flights are not incidental to the proposed aerial s urvey s and inspections but rather essential to it. Accordingl y, this petition seeks an exemption to § 61.113(a)'s commercial limitation and/or § 61.113(b) (1)'s requirement that the flight be incidental to the business to benefit from the exception. **Equiv alent Level of Safety**  As required b y the SOP (Exhibit B), Petitioner's Aibot X6 sUAS operators acting as PI C will hold a private pilot license or UAS pilot certificate (when the FAA issues the regulations for appl yi ng for a UAS pilot certificate) and manu facturers flight training specific to the Aibot X6. Because the Aibot X6 sUAS will not carry a pilot or passengers, the proposed operations can achieve the equivalent level of safety to § 61.113 (a) and (b), b y requiring the PIC operating the sUAS to have a private pilot license or UAS certificate and flight training specific to the Aibot X6. Unlike a conventional aircraft that carries the pilot and passengers, the Aibot X6 sUAS is remotely

controlled with no living being on board. Moreover, the area of operation is controlled and restricted, and all flights are planned and coordinated in advance as set forth in the Site Safety Solutions LLC and OASI S Corp. SOP.
The level of safet y provided by the requirements included in the Site Safety Solutions LLC a nd OASI S Corp. SOP exceeds that provided by a single individual holding a commercial pilot's certificate operating a conventional aircraft in accordance with § 61.113 (a) & (b). The risks associated with the operation of small, lightweight UAS in an airspa ce adjacent to obstructions are diminished from the level of risk associated with commercial operations contemplated b y Part 61 when drafted, that allowing the proposed operations in this petition for exemption with a PI C holding a private pilot license or UAS pilot certificate exceeds the present level of safet y achieved by §61.113 (a) & (b).
**E. 14 C. F.R. § 91.7(a): Civil Aircraft Airworthiness.**  This petition seeks an exemption from 14 CFR § 91.7(a), which requires that a civil aircraft be in an airworthy condition to be operated. I nasmuch there will be no airworthiness certificate issued for the sUAS, should this exemption be granted, no FAA regulatory

standard will exist for determining airworthiness. **Equivalent Level of Safety**
The Aibot X6 sUAS has ove r 200 commercial operators around the world and a stellar safet y record. Given the size of the sUAS, the requirements contained in the Exhibit B Site Safety

Solutions LL C and OASIS Corp. SOP, Exhibit C Aibot X6 Manual, the training requirements of the PI C and S SHO and use of safety checklists

## Site Safety Solutions LLC A Leader in Inspection and Safety Services Since 1989 **{OASIS Corp.} Optical Aerial Survey Inspection Services**

**US Federal Contractor since 1995 Hayesvi lle, North Carolina** 

PO BOX 1367 Hayesville, NC 28904 Email: mpope@site

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Cellular: 850.712.6244 prior to each flight, an equivalent level of safet y will be provided. The FAA has issued the following exemptions to this regulation: Exemption Order 11062.
**F. 14 C. F.R. § 91.9(b) (2): Civil Aircraft Flight Manual in**  **the Aircraft.** This petition seeks an exemption from the flight manual requirements of 14 CFR § 91.9(b) (2), which states: (b) No person may

operate a U.S.

- registered civil aircraft

- (2) For which an Airplane or Rotorcraft Flight Manual is not required b y §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 an y combination thereof. Given its size, configuration, and load capacit y, the Aibot X6 sUAS has no ability to carr y such a manual on the aircraft, not onl y because there is no pilot on board, but because there is simply

no room or capacit y to carry such an item on the aircraft. **Equivalent Level of Safety**
The safet y related purpose of this manual requirement can be equall y satisfied by maintaining the Exhibit C Aibot X6 Manual at the ground control point where the pilot fly ing the Aibot X6 sUAS will have immediate access to it. Accordingly , Petitioner requests an exemption from § 91 .9(b) (2)'s flight manual requirements, on the condition that the Aibot X6 sUAS flight manual be available at the control point during each operation. The FAA has issued the following exemptions to this regulation: Exemption Order 11062.

**G. 14 C. F.R. § 91**  **.103: Preflight Action.** This petition seeks an exemption from § 91.103, which requires a PIC to become familiar with specific information before each flight, including information contained in the FAA

- approved Flight Manual on board the aircraft. Inasmuc h as an FAA approved flight manual will not be provided for the sUAS, an exemption will be needed. **Equivalent Level of Safety** An equivalent level of safety will be provided by

following the Exhibit C Aibot X6 Manual comprehensive preflight checklist and Exhibit B Site Safety Solutions LLC and OASI S Corp. Section 3 General Preflight Checklist. The PI C will take all actions, including reviewing weather and NOTAMs, flight battery requirements, landing and takeoff distances, and aircraft performance data, bef ore initiation of flight.

## Site Safety Solutions LLC A Leader in Inspection and Safety Services Since 1989 **{OASIS Corp.} Optical Aerial Survey Inspection Services**

**US Federal Contractor since 1995 Hayesvi lle, North Carolina** 

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Cellular: 850.712.6244 **H. 14 C. F.R. § 91.109(a): F light Instruction.**  This petition seeks an exemption from 14 CFR § 91.109(a), which provides that: (a) No person may

operate a civil aircraft (except a manned free balloon) that is being used for flight in struction unless that aircraft has fully functioning dual controls...
sUASs and remotel y piloted aircraft, b y their design do not have fully functional dual controls. Instead, flight control is accomplished through the use of a control box that communicate s with the sUAS via radio communications. **Equivalent Level of Safety** Given the size and speed of the Aibot X6 sUAS, an equivalent level of safe training can still be performed without dual controls because no pilot or passengers are aboard the Aibot X6 s UAS, the system is equipped with an automatic come home feature that can be triggered at any time to respond to unpredicted challenges and all persons will be a safe distance away should the Aibot X6 sUAS experience an y difficulties during flight instruc tion. Additionally , the aircraft’s light weight and slow speeds with no pilot or passengers on board create less of a danger to the public than aircraft equipped with dual controls. The FAA has approved exemptions for flight training without fully functi onal dual controls for a number of aircraft and for flight instruction in experimental aircraft (See Exemption Nos. 5778K & 9862A) and other sUASs (See FAA Order 11062).
**I. 14 C. F.R. § 91.119: Minimum Safe Altitudes.**  This petition seeks an exemption from the minimum safe altitude requirements of 14 CFR § 91.119. Section 91.119 prescribes the minimum safe altitudes under which aircraft may

not operate, including 4 00 feet above the surface and away from any person, vessel, vehicle, or structure in non

- conge sted areas. See 14 CFR § 91.119(c). Section § 91.119(d) (1) allows for a helicopter to operate at less than those minimum altitudes when it can be operated "without hazard to persons or propert y on the surface," provided that "each person operating the hel icopter complies with any routes or altitudes specifically prescribed for helicopters by the FAA." To provide the intended telecommunication and utility structure inspections, the Aibot X6 sUAS will normally need to be operated within a range of 100 feet laterally from the structure being inspected and under 4 00’ AGL . Accordingly , due to the nature of the proposed operations, the PI C and the S SH O will be less than 100 feet away from structures during the operation, and an exemption is therefore required.

## Site Safety Solutions LLC A Leader in Inspection and Safety Services Since 1989 **{OASIS Corp.} Optical Aerial Survey Inspection Services**

**US Federal Contractor since 1995 Hayesvi lle, North Carolina** 

PO BOX 1367 Hayesville, NC 28904 Email: mpope@site

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Cellular: 850.712.6244 **Equivalent Level of Safety** Compared to flight operations with rotorcraft weighting far more than the maximum 13.22 lbs. proposed herein, and the lack of flammable fuel, an y risk associated with these operations is far less than those presentl y presente d with conventional aircraft. An equivalent level of safety will be achieved given the size, weight, speed of the UAS as well as the location where it is operated. As set forth in the Exhibit B Site Safety Solutions LL C and OASI S Corp. SOP, the Aibot X6 sU AS will be operated in a geo - fenced sterile area, where buildings and people will not be exposed to operations without their pre

- obtained consent. No flight will be taken without the permission of the property owner and/or local officials. Because of the advance notice to the propert y owner and participants, all affected individuals will be aware of the planned flight operations as set forth in the SOP. Furthermore, b y operating at such lower altitudes adjacent to obstructions, the Aibot X6 sUAS will not i nterfere with other aircraft that are subject to the minimum safe altitude regulations.
**J. 14 C. F.R. § 91.121 Altimeter Settings.**  This petition seeks an exemption from 14 CFR § 91.121, which requires a person operating an aircraft to maintain cruising alti tude or flight level by reference to an altimeter that is set to the elevation of the departure airport or barometric pressure. An exemption is required because the Aibot X6 sUAS does not have a barometric altimeter, but rather a GPS altitude read out. **Equivalent Level of Safety** An equivalent level of safety will be achieved by

following the procedures set forth in the General Preflight Checklist in Exhibit B Site Safety Solutions LL C and OASI S Corp. SOP. As prescribed in the SOP, the operator will con firm the altitude of the launch site shown on the GPS altitude indicator before flight. The flight plan will be programmed to maintain appropriate altitude above ground and under 4 00’ AGL.

Moreover, the PI C will use the GPS altitude indicator to constan tly monitor the Aibot X6 sUAS’s height, thus ensuring operation at safe altitudes.
**K. 14 C. F.R. § 91.151(a): Fuel Requirements for Flight in V F R Conditions.**  This petition seeks an exemption from 14 CFR § 91.151(a)'s fuel requirements for flight in VFR co nditions. Section 91.151 states: (a) No person may

begin 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 sp eed

- (1) During the day , to fl y after that for at least 30 minutes; or (2) At night, to fl y after that for at least 45 minutes.

## Site Safety Solutions LLC A Leader in Inspection and Safety Services Since 1989 **{OASIS Corp.} Optical Aerial Survey Inspection Services**

**US Federal Contractor since 1995 Hayesvi lle, North Carolina** 

PO BOX 1367 Hayesville, NC 28904 Email: mpope@site

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Cellular: 850.712.6244 The battery

powering the Aibot X6 sUAS provides approximately 30 minutes of powered flight. An exemption from the 30 minute reserve r equirement in 14 CFR §91.151 is therefore required. **Equivalent Level of Safety** An equivalent level of safety can be achieved by

limiting flights to 30 minutes or 27% of battery

power, whichever happens first. This restriction would be more than adequate to return the Aibot X6 sUAS to its launch location from any where within its limited operating area. Operation of the Aibot X6 sUAS with less than 30 minutes of reserve fuel does not engender the t ype of risks that Section 91.151(a) was intended to alleviat e given the size and speed of the Aibot X6. Moreover, operation will be limited to controlled areas where onl y people and propert y owners, or official representatives who have signed waivers will be allowed. This request for exemption falls within the sco pe of prior exemptions. See e.g. Exemption Order 11062
**L. 14 C. F.R. § 91.203 (a) & (b): Carrying Civil Aircraft Certification and**  **Registration.**
This petition seeks an exemption from civil aircraft certification and registration requirements of 14 CFR § 91.203 (a) and (b). 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 ci vil aircraft unless the airworthiness certificate required b y paragraph (a) of this section or a special flight authorization issued under §91.715 is display ed at the cabin or cockpit entrance so that it is legible to passengers or crew.
In addition to th e fact that Petitioner is seeking an exemption from the airworthiness certificate requirements, an exemption to this regulation is necessary because: (1) The Aibot X6 load capacity and size does not allow it to carry certification and registration documents ; (2) The Aibot X6 does not have a cabin or cockpit entrance at which the documents could be display ed; and (3) There are no passengers or crew for whom the certificates need be display ed.

## Site Safety Solutions LLC A Leader in Inspection and Safety Services Since 1989 **{OASIS Corp.} Optical Aerial Survey Inspection Services**

**US Federal Contractor since 1995 Hayesvi lle, North Carolina** 

PO BOX 1367 Hayesville, NC 28904 Email: mpope@site

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Cellular: 850.712.6244 **Equivalent Level of Safety** An equivalent level of safety will be ach ieved by

keeping these documents; to the extent they

are applicable to the Aibot X6 sUAS, at the ground control point where the pilot fly ing the Aibot X6 sUAS will have immediate access to them. The FAA has issued numerous exemptions to this regulation. S ee; inter alia , Exemption Order 11062
**M. 14 C. F.R. §§ 91.405(a); 91.407(a) (1); 91.409(a) (2); 91.417 (a) & (b):**  **Maintenance Inspections.** This petition seeks an exemption from the maintenance inspection requirements of 14 CFR §§ 91.405(a); 91.407(a) (1 ); 91.409(a) (2); 91.417 (a) & (b). Which state: These regulations specify maintenance and inspection standards in reference to 14 CFR Part 43. See, e.g., 14 CFR § 91.405(a) (stating that each owner or operator of an aircraft "[s]hall have that aircraft i nspected as prescribed in subpart E of this part and shall between required inspections . . . have discrepancies repaired as prescribed in part 43 of this chapter"). An exemption to these regulations is needed because Part 43 and these sections apply onl y to aircraft with an airworthiness certificate, which the Aibot X6 sUAS will not have. **Equivalent Level of Safety**
An equivalent level of safety will be achieved because maintenance and inspections will be performed in accordance with the Exhibit C Aibot X6 V2 Manual. The operator will ensure that the Aibot X6 sUAS is in working order prior to initiating flight, perform required maintenance, and keep a log of an y m aintenance performed. The operator is most familiar with the aircraft and best suited to mai ntain the aircraft
in an airworth y condition to provide the equivalent level of safety. If mechanical issues arise, the Aibot X6 sUAS can land immediately and will be operating no higher than 400 feet AGL. Moreover, the Aibot X6 sUAS small size, carr yi n g capacity , and the fact that flight operations will only take place in restricted areas for limited periods of time, create less risk than the same factors associated with conventional fixed

- wing aircraft and rotorcraft performing the same operation.


### VI. **Pub lic Interest**  Consistent with the requirements of 14 CFR §11.81(d), Petitioner offers the following reasons wh y granting this petition for exemption is in the public interest, i.e., how granting it would benefit the public as a whole.

## Site Safety Solutions LLC A Leader in Inspection and Safety Services Since 1989 **{OASIS Corp.} Optical Aerial Survey Inspection Services**

**US Federal Contractor since 1995 Hayesvi lle, North Carolina** 

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Cellular: 850.712.6244 Approval of exempt ions allowing commercial operations of small and lightweight sUAS in the utility

aerial services industry

benefits the public as a whole in the following way s:

 It helps fulfill Congress' goal in passing Section 333(a) through (c) of the Reform Act, namel y , the FAA Administrator's assessment of whether certain UAS may operate safel y in the National Airspace System before completion of the rulemaking required under Section 332 of the Reform Act.

 The operation significantly improves safet y and reduces risk b y alleviating human exposure to danger associated with current telecommunications survey and inspection methods, namely , tower climbs. The public's interest is furthered by reducing human exposure to death or serious injury associated with personnel perfor ming telecommunications and utility structure or tower inspections and patrols.

 Petitioner's Aibot X6 sUAS is battery powered and creates no emissions. If Petitioner's Aibot X6 sUAS crashes, there is no fuel to ignite and explode. Any impact of Petitioner 's lightweight Aibot X6 sUAS is, obviously , far less than potentially

harmful emissions associated with cranes and lift equipment. The public's interest is furthered by minimizing ecological impact of an accident and by reducing human exposure to emissions

.

 Visual survey s are valuable tools for telecommunications and utility structure inspections. However, the obstructed environment with cables and power lines impede aerial survey s and inspections from conventional manned aircraft. The use of the Aibot X6 sUAS addresses these problems and is a powerful tool for performing a wide

- range of telecommunication and utility structure inspection and patrol applications. The public as a whole will benefit from the safer and more cost

- effective utility aerial servi ces that Aibot X6 sUAS operations provide.


### VII. **Privacy** All flights will occur over Petitioner's propert y or the telecommunications and utility customer's property

with the telecommunications or utility customer's prior consent and knowledge.


### VIII. **Federal Registe r Summary**  Pursuant to 14 CFR Part 11, the following summary is provided for publication in the FEDERAL REGISTER, should it be determined that publication is needed:

## Site Safety Solutions LLC A Leader in Inspection and Safety Services Since 1989 **{OASIS Corp.} Optical Aerial Survey Inspection Services**

**US Federal Contractor since 1995 Hayesvi lle, North Carolina** 

PO BOX 1367 Hayesville, NC 28904 Email: mpope@site

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- solutions.com

Cellular: 850.712.6244 Site Safety

Solutions LLC and OASI S Corp. , seeks an exemption from the following ru les: 14 CFR Part 21, Subpart H; 14 CFR § 91.203(a)(1);14 CFR Part 27: 14 CFR §§ 91.9(c), 45.23(b) and 45.27(a);14 CFR § 61.113 (a) & (b);14 CFR § 91.7(a); 91.9(b)(2); 91.103; 91.109(a); 91.119; 91.121; 91.151(a); 91.203 (a) & (b); 91.405(a); 91.407(a)(1); 91.409(a)(2); 91.417 (a) & (b) Approval of exemptions allowing commercial operations of small and lightweight unmanned aircraft ("sUAS") in the telecommunications and utility structure inspection industry will enhance safety

by reducing risk to human lif e. Conventional operations in this industry

using personnel to climb telecommunication and utility structures present the risks associated with unknown hazards that often lead to accidents, incidents and fatalities. In contrast, the Aibot X6 sUAS weighing fewer than 13.22 lbs. and powered by batteries eliminates virtually

all of that risk, given the reduced mass and lack of combustible fuel carried on board. The Aibot X6 sUAS is transported, not flown, to the designated survey area and set up. The Aibot X6 sUAS carries no passengers or crew and provides the inspection services eliminating the requirement for personnel to climb the structure and, therefore does not expose personnel to the risks associated with unknown hazards. The operation of sUASs like th e Aibot X6 , weighing less than 13.22 lbs., provides an equivalent level of safet y and thus supports the grant of the exemptions requested herein, including exempting the applicant from the requirements of Part 21 and allowing commercial operations. The li ghtweight sUASs operate at slow speeds, close to the ground, and in a sterile environment adjacent to obstructions. As a result, they are far safer than conventional aerial survey and inspection operations conducted with fixed

wing aircraft or helicopters or manned tower climbs.


### IX. **Conclusion** The Aibot X6 as a result of its size, weight, speed, operational capability , distance from airports and populated areas and operation within a contained area adjacent to obstacles within visual line of sight do not crea te a hazard to users of the national airspace s ys tem or pose a threat to national securit y. Adequate justification exists for the grant of the requested exemptions allowing commercial operation of Site Safety Solutions LLC’s and OASI S Corp. Aibot X6 sUAS in the telecommunication and utility structure services industry in accordance with Exhibit A, B, C and D appended hereto. If additional information is required, or if you have an y questions regarding this Petition for Exemption, please contact Mr. Mark C . Pope email mpope@site

- safet y - solutions.com and cell is 850.712.244

.

## Site Safety Solutions LLC A Leader in Inspection and Safety Services Since 1989 **{OASIS Corp.} Optical Aerial Survey Inspection Services**

**US Federal Contractor since 1995 Hayesvi lle, North Carolina** 

PO BOX 1367 Hayesville, NC 28904 Email: mpope@site

- safety

- solutions.com

Cellular: 850.712.6244 **Site Safety Solutions LLC and OASIS Corp. Exemption Request**  **Section 333 of the FAA Reform Act and Part 11 of the Federal Aviation**  **Regulations Exhibit**  **s A, B, C, D**

**Confidential commercial and proprietary information protected under 14 CFR § 11.35(b) and are protected from release under the Freedom of information Act 5**  **U.S.C. § 552 et.seq. The information contained in thi**  **s exhibit will be**  **submitted in the**  **form of physical copies which w**  **ill be express**  **delivered to**  **the FAA Office of Rulmaking**  **(ARM)**
**. If more copies are needed by FAA, requests made to**  **Mr. Mark C. Pope**  **will be honored**
**.**
Respectfully

Submitted, 

# Mark C. Pope

Mark C. Pope Site Safety

Solutions LLC & OASI S Corp. LLC President/Owner