Neya Systems sUAS Airworthiness

Exemption Petition

Supporting Information

January18th, 2016
Neya Systems sUAS Airworthiness Exemption 2

1 Introduction 5

2 Regulatory Analysis 5

2.1 Summary of Legal Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

2.2 Summary of 8130.34 Order Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

3 Petition Justifications 7

4 Specific Exemption Requests

4.1 §91.203 (a,b,c,d), Airworthiness Certificates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

7

7

4.1.1 Extent of Relief . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

4.1.2 Reason for Relief . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

4.1.3 Public Benefit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

4.1.4 Safety Equivalence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

4.2 §47.16, Temporary Registration Numbers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

4.2.1 Extent of Relief . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

4.2.2 Reason for Relief . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

4.2.3 Public Benefit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

4.2.4 Equivalent Level of Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

4.3 § 91.9, Manual, Marking, and Placards; Part 45 Identification and Registration Marking . . . . . 10

4.3.1 Extent of Relief . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

4.3.2 Reason for Relief . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

4.3.3 Public Benefit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

4.3.4 Equivalent Level of Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

4.4 Part 43, Inspection and Maintenance Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

4.4.1 Extent of Relief . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

4.4.2 Reason for Relief . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

4.4.3 Public Benefit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

4.4.4 Equivalent Level of Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

4.5 21 ( Subpart H) Part 21.193, Airworthiness Certificate; Experimental Certificate-General . . . . 11

4.5.1 Extent of Relief . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

4.5.2 Reason for Relief . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

4.5.3 Public Benefit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

4.5.4 Equivalent Level of Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

4.6 Part 61, Certification: Pilots, Flight Instructors, and Ground Instructors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

4.6.1 Extent of Relief . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

4.6.2 Reason for Relief . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

4.6.3 Public Benefit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

4.6.4 Equivalent Level of Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

4.7 §91.319, Aircraft having experimental certificates: Operating limitations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

4.7.1 Extent of Relief . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

4.7.2 Reason for Relief . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

4.7.3 Public Benefit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

4.7.4 Equivalent Level of Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

4.8 §91.119, Minimum safe altitudes: General. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

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Neya Systems sUAS Airworthiness Exemption 3

4.8.1 Extent of Relief . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

4.8.2 Reason for Relief . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

4.8.3 Public Benefit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

4.8.4 Equivalent Level of Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

4.9 §91.413, ATC transponder tests and inspections. §91.215, ATC transponder and altitude reporting equipment and use. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

4.9.1 Extent of Relief . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

4.9.2 Reason for Relief . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

4.9.3 Public Benefit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

4.9.4 Equivalent Level of Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

4.10 §91.121 Altimeter Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

4.10.1 Extent of Relief . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

4.10.2 Reason for Relief . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

4.10.3 Public Benefit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

4.10.4 Equivalent Level of Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

4.11 Part 67, Medical Standards and Certification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

4.11.1 Extent of Relief . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

4.11.2 Reason for Relief . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

4.11.3 Public Benefit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

4.11.4 Equivalent Level of Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

4.12 §91.109, Flight instruction; Simulated instrument flight and certain flight tests. . . . . . . . . . . 15

4.12.1 Extent of Relief . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

4.12.2 Reason for Relief . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

4.12.3 Public Benefit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

4.12.4 Equivalent Level of Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

4.13 §91.151, Fuel requirementsfor flight in VFR conditions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

4.13.1 Extent of Relief . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

4.13.2 Reason for Relief . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

4.13.3 Public Benefit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

4.13.4 Equivalent Level of Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Neya Systems sUAS Airworthiness Exemption 4

List of Tables

1 Neya Systems Operations Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. .

6

2 Legal Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

3 8130.34 Procedural Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

4 Exemption Justifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Neya Systems sUAS Airworthiness Exemption 5

January 18th, 2016

1 INTRODUCTION

In advance of the small UAS (sUAS) rule, we request exemption from airworthiness requirements for low-risk 

operations related to the research and development (R&D) and supporting commercial development needed 

for the safe integration of sUAS aircraft and supporting systems into the National Airspace System (NAS). See 

Neya Systems Operations Summary (Table 1) for an overview. As a software infrastructure provider and

ecosystem enabler of aircraft manufacturers, component manufacturers, and prospective commercial

operators, we support the FAA’s three-phased approach of accommodation, integration, and evolution outlined

in the 2013 Roadmap for Integration of Civil Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) in the National Airspace System

(NAS). As a company that is contributing to the foundation of the future sUAS market, R&D and commercial

accommodation is integral to our ability for developing safe sUAS systems and procedures. Thus, we submit the

following:

1. sUAS R&D accommodation for manufacturer and service providers is essential and needed now. 

Accommodation ofsmall to medium businesses manufacturing sUAS aircraft and components and providing 

associated services are essential to the emergence of a UAS industry that draws from aviation’s safety

heritage and the robotics industry’s innovation heritage for a safe, integrated manned and unmanned

aviation environment.

2. Public Law 112–95, § 333(b)(2) allows the Secretary of Transportation to determine if certification is 

necessary. The FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 (FMRA) allows the Secretary to determine 

“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 systems.”

3. CFR 14 § 21.191(a) provides the mechanism for sUAS R&D. In § 21.191(a), the CFR allows for “testing 

new aircraft design concepts, new aircraft equipment, new aircraft installations, new aircraft operating 

techniques, or new uses for aircraft.” We believe this mechanism recognizes the special need for

accommodation of R&D.

4. FAA Order 8130.34C implements CFR 14 § 21.191(a) but requires exemptions. The intent of FAA Order

8130.34C, which implements § 21.191(a), provides a comprehensive and safe framework for seeking special

airworthiness certificates. However, elements of the order are unnecessarily burdensome for sUAS 

manufacturers and service providers.

5. Aviation safety to manned and unmanned aviation can be maintained and R&D empowered through 

certain exemptions to requirements in FAA Order 8130.34C. In this document, we have analyzed

8130.34C and identified the major regulatory concerns, our requestsfor exemptions for our organizations,

and our plan to safely conduct sUAS R&D under these exemptions.

As a company founded by pilots, engineers, and entrepreneurs in the greatest tradition of aviation, and as 

advocates of sUAS aviation, we recognize the formidable challenge of integrating sUAS into the National Airspace 

System (NAS). We are strong advocates of responsible exemptions to current federal laws to empower the

accommodation of responsible, safe sUAS businesses for the eventual integration and evolution of the sUAS

economy.
Neya Systems sUAS Airworthiness Exemption 6

January 18th, 2016

TABLE 1: NEYA SYSTEMS OPERATIONS SUMMARY

Item Plan

Overview Neya Systems will operate LE sUAS for commercial use of

active and passive payloads and for research and

development purposes including rapid iteration and testing

of LE sUAS airframes and development of LE sUAS flight

operations software infrastructure.

Aircraft, manufacturers, descriptions, etc. Neya Systems LE sUAS, will have a maximum takeoff weight of

55 lb., a maximum speed of less than 50 kt., will be 

registered with AFS–750, and will display sUAS 

scale-appropriate identification marks.

Flight Operations All Neya Systems LE sUAS operations will be conducted under

VFR, below 400 ft. AGL, under day VFR in VMC.

Flight Areas Under this petition, Neya Systems willsafely operate LE

sUAS over private or public property that is: 1) at least 5 nm

from airports, 2) in class G airspace, and 3) only when

authorized by the owner of the property that the sUAS will

take off, land, or fly over. Operations in B,C, or D airspace

will be coordinated with and at the discretion of ATC.

Method for See-and-Avoid Airspace deconfliction will be performed by the Neya 

Systems qualified pilot in command and assisted by a

qualified observer for all operations.

Flight Recovery and Lost-Link Normal, contingency, and emergency flight procedures are outlined

in the exemption documents. In case of loss-link, LE sUAS

are programmed to return safely to the pre-designated

safe landing zone or perform a controlled landing in case of 

emergency.

Pilot Qualifications The Neya Systems pilot in command will possess a current 

private pilots license or have completed FAA ground 

instruction and passed the FAA written examination or 

equivalent. Neya Systems pilots will be qualified on the

specific sUAS platform that they intend to fly.

Inspection, Maintenance, Training, SMS Maintenance, inspection, and training will be performed 

according to each of the sUAS operations manuals.
Neya Systems sUAS Airworthiness Exemption 7

January 18th, 2016

2 REGULATORY ANALYSIS

We have analyzed FAA Order 8130.34C in a twofold manner. First, we have extracted citations to Public or

Federal Law. Second, we have analyzed the order for use of the term “must” for procedural requirements. For 

each legal reference, we have summarized our request for exemption below in Petition Justifications. For noncited, procedural requirements, we have grouped them into broader categoriesto address the concerns normally

found in the FAA Order 8130.34C program letter but tailored to these exemption requests. We believe that we

have complied with 8130.34Crequirementsfor operations through the procedures outlined in our exemption petition.

We recognize that the granting of the petition to waive airworthiness requirements under the Section 333

authorization would, as a consequence, waive 8130.34C; however, we believe that compliance to the fullest extent

possible is the responsible approach to aviation safety.

2.1 SUMMARY OF LEGAL REQUIREMENTS

The Legal requirements referenced in 8130.34 are presented in Legal Requirements (Table 2). Unless otherwise 

noted, authorities are Title 14 CFR.

2.2 SUMMARY OF 8130.34 ORDER REQUIREMENTS

Grant of the airworthiness petition waives the requirements of 8130.34C; however, Neya Systems believes

strongly that the aviation operations standards explicated in the order are, in general, reasonable for sUAS

research and development. 8130.34 Procedural Requirements (Table 3) presents items in the 8130.34C which

we have marked with either “Compliant”, “Alternative Method of Compliance”, or “Equivalent Level of Safety”. We

will apply directly to AIR–200 or appropriateFAA division with eitherthe requested information, an equivalentlevel

of safety, or other alternative method of compliance, as indicated. Items involving Neya Systems confidential or

proprietary information will be submitted (as applicable) under separate cover as supporting evidence for our

petition.

3 PETITION JUSTIFICATIONS

Exemption Justifications (Table 4), below, describes our general reasoning for each exemption request. The table

presents our considered, general explanations for why we require regulatory exemptions, the public good derived,

and why we believe our operations nonetheless provide an equivalent level of safety to the manned aviation

regulations. Detailed justifications are provided for specific requestsin Specific Justifications (section 4).
Neya Systems sUAS Airworthiness Exemption 8

January 18th, 2016

TABLE 2: LEGAL REQUIREMENTS

Citation 8130.34 Description Exemption

Requested

§ 91.203 §3.1.1 Airworthiness certificates Y

49 USC §44704(c) §2.1.1.a Aircraft registration N

§ 47.16 §2.2.d Temporary Registration numbers Y

§ 91.203(a) §2.3, §3.1.10.a Airworthiness certificate with 

registration number (within the 

aircraft)

Y

§ 91.203(b) §2.3, §3.1.10.a Display of airworthiness certificate Y

§ 91.9(b, c) §2.3 Manual, marking, and placards Y

Part 43, §91.405 §91.407;

§91.409 §91.417

§3.1.7, C.10 Inspection and maintenance programs; 

Maintenance required; Operation

after maintenance, preventive 

maintenance, rebuilding, or alteration; 

Inspections; Maintenance records

Y

Part 45., § 45.11, § 45.11,

§45.21, § 45.22(d)

§3.1.10.d, §3.2.7.b, C.5 Registration and marking special rules Y

21 ( Subpart H) §3.2.3.c Airworthiness certificate; 

Experimental certificate-General

Y

Part 61 §3.2.3.b, C.9 Certification: pilots, flight instructors, 

and ground instructors

Y

§91.319 §3.2.6 Operating limitations Y

§91.119 NA Minimum safe altitudes: General Y

§91.413 §3.2.7.b.5 ATC transponder tests and inspections Y

§91.215 C.4 ATC transponder and altitude 

reporting equipment and use

Y

§91.155 C.1 Basic VFR minimums N

§91.111, §91.113, §91.115 C.9.d; C.7 Visual observer roles and 

responsibilities. Method for see and 

avoid

N

§91.121 Altimetersettings Y

Part 67 A.6.b(2), A.6.e(2), A.6.h(2); 

D.7.a.2.b, D.7.a.3.b

Medical standards and certification Y

§91.109 D.7.a.1 Flight instruction; Simulated 

instrument flight and certain flight 

tests

Y

§91.151 C.3.a, D.3.g.9 Fuel requirements for flight in VFR

conditions

Y
Neya Systems sUAS Airworthiness Exemption 9

January 18th, 2016

TABLE 3: 8130.34 PROCEDURAL REQUIREMENTS

Citation Procedure Compliance Standard

2.1.a Aircraft Registration Compliant

2.1.b Proof of Ownership Compliant

3.1 General (Airworthiness and Certificates) Equivalent Level of Safety

3.2 Application for an Airworthiness Certificate Equivalent Level of Safety

3.3 Flight Test Area and Operating Area Compliant

3.4 Flight Test Plan(s) Compliant

3.5 Program Letter Alternative Method of Compliance

3.6 Safety Checklist Alternative Method of Compliance

TABLE 4: EXEMPTION JUSTIFICATIONS

Item Justification

Reason for Requesting Regulatory Relief Integration of sUAS into the NAS requires rapid, iterative 

testing. It is an unreasonable burden to require 

airworthiness certification for each iteration, modification,

or enhancement of each test airframe.

Public Benefit The safe and reliable operation of sUAS will provide 

economic benefits historically unparalleled since the 

invention of flight to stakeholders at every level of public 

and private enterprise. sUAS operations will be able to 

create new high-tech jobs that willstimulate city and state 

governments, create new small and large businesses, infuse 

new interest in STEM for our children, and increase the 

safety of citizens through enhanced first-responder

capabilities.

Safety Equivalence Neya Systems operates at a level of safety equivalent to

that of professional aviation. Asstated above, our safety 

procedures and flight operations standards will be

submitted directly to AIR–200 or other appropriate FAA

division upon request for evaluation (local FSDO, etc.); we

are confident that our procedures meet professional 

aviation standards. In addition, sUAS below 10 lb., 

operating at low velocity and under 400 ft. do not pose a 

probable risk of injury to persons or property.
Neya Systems sUAS Airworthiness Exemption 10

November 5, 2014

4 SPECIFIC EXEMPTION REQUESTS

Neya Systems’ reasons and explanation for requesting each exemption are presented below. In addition, we describe how we will maintain an equivalent level of safety to existing regulations, insofar as existing regulations 

apply to sUAS or sUAS operations.

4.1 §91.203 (A, B, C, D), AIRWORTHINESS CERTIFICATES

4.1.1 EXTENT OF RELIEF

Exemption from all provisions of §91.203.

4.1.2 REASON FOR RELIEF

Integration of sUAS into the NAS requires rapid, iterative testing. It is an unreasonable burden to require airworthiness certification for each iteration, modification, or enhancement of each test airframe.

4.1.3 PUBLIC BENEFIT

As described above, the public benefit includes exponential economic growth, enhanced safety, and improved 

first-responder capabilities.

4.1.4 SAFETY EQUIVALENCE

The low kinetic energy profile of this sUAS class (< 10 lb. MTOW) indicate no probable harm to persons or 

property. Furthermore, adherence to Neya Systems SOP procedures provide a professional aviation standard

that mitigates operational risk.

4.2 §47.16, TEMPORARY REGISTRATION NUMBERS

4.2.1 EXTENT OF RELIEF

Exemption from all provisions of §47.16.

4.2.2 REASON FOR RELIEF

Temporary registration numbersfor each iteration of each testsUAS will create an unreasonable burden on both 

manufacturers and the FAA.

4.2.3 PUBLIC BENEFIT

As described above, the public benefit includes exponential economic growth, enhanced safety, and improved 

first-responder capabilities.

4.2.4 EQUIVALENT LEVEL OF SAFETY

Iterations on research and development vehicles are internal to the manufacturers and will not be sold,

delivered, or otherwise move through third-party dealers.
Neya Systems sUAS Airworthiness Exemption 11

November 5, 2014

4.3 § 91.9, MANUAL, MARKING, AND PLACARDS; PART 45 IDENTIFICATION AND REGISTRATION MARKING

4.3.1 EXTENT OF RELIEF

Exemption from all provisions of §91.9 and part 45.

4.3.2 REASON FOR RELIEF

There is no space to place manuals, markings or placards of the specified sizes within or on an sUAS in this size 

and weight, specifically the Falcon 8. Markings as specified in part 45 are likewise inappropriate for a sUAS of 

this class.

4.3.3 PUBLIC BENEFIT

See Exemption Justifications (Table 4).

4.3.3 EQUIVALENT LEVEL OF SAFETY

Appropriately scaled identification labels will be firmly attached to each vehicle in a location that will be easily 

accessible if required. Manuals for each vehicle will be located in the immediate proximity of the pilot during 

operations. Registration markings will be placed on the vehicle at an appropriate scale.

4.4 PART 43, INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE PROGRAMS

4.4.1 EXTENT OF RELIEF

Part 43, Inspection and Maintenance as well as ancillary sections §91.405, Maintenance required; §91.407,

Operation after maintenance, preventive maintenance, rebuilding, or alteration; §91.409, Inspections; and

§91.417, Maintenance records.

4.4.2 REASON FOR RELIEF

Exemption from part 21 effectively obviates part 43. Additionally, the part 91 provisions are not applicable to a 

sUAS of the described weight class. Furthermore, FAA certified mechanicsfor sUAS do not at this present time 

exist, so full compliance is not possible. The sUAS flown are modular and as such entire components including 

engines and propellers are minor replacements rather than major repairs. Finally, continuous minor alterations 

and payload reconfigurations of sUAS are designed and required for the operation of sUAS and do not negatively 

impact airworthiness.

4.4.3 PUBLIC BENEFIT

See Exemption Justifications (Table 4).

4.4.4 EQUIVALENT LEVEL OF SAFETY

Neya Systems will maintain inspection and maintenance manuals to maintain their sUAS in airworthy condition. 

Each sUAS ismaintained accordingto the manufacturerstandardor higher by techniciansproficientin the building,

repair, and maintenance of the sUAS. Inspection and Maintenance manuals utilized by Neya Systems will contain

all aircraft-relevant items required to safely fly and maintain each sUAS.
Neya Systems sUAS Airworthiness Exemption 12

November 5, 2014

4.5 21 ( SUBPART H) PART 21.193, AIRWORTHINESS CERTIFICATE; EXPERIMENTAL

CERTIFICATE-GENERAL

4.5.1 EXTENT OF RELIEF

Part 21 Subpart H Airworthiness certificate.

4.5.2 REASON FOR RELIEF

See Exemption Justifications (Table 4).

4.5.3 PUBLIC BENEFIT

See Exemption Justifications (Table 4).

4.5.4 EQUIVALENT LEVEL OF SAFETY

As described above, Neya Systems follows internal operations, inspection, and maintenance manuals, as well as

manufacturer maintenance manuals, which ensure that sUAS are airworthy and pose no probable harm to

persons or property. Furthermore, given the size, weight, and maximum velocity of the sUAS operated by Neya 

Systems, it is unnecessary to go through airworthiness certification for each sUAS in order to ensure an

equivalent level of safety.

4.6 PART 61, CERTIFICATION: PILOTS, FLIGHT INSTRUCTORS, AND GROUND INSTRUCTORS

4.6.1 EXTENT OF RELIEF

Part 61, all sections.

4.6.2 REASON FOR RELIEF

Neya Systems believes that part 61as written is not applicable to sUAS. The size, weight, and maximum velocity

of sUAS ensures an equivalent level of safety with sUAS operators trained specifically on the operational

capabilities of their sUAS. In addition, the sUAS category is not a specified category in part 61, hence compliance

is not possible. Furthermore, actual control of the flight surfaces, rotors, motors, etc. is provided by the

autopilot; sUAS operatorssimply specify heading or altitude direction to the autopilot. As a result, expertise in

control of the sUAS can be obtained rapidly. The operation of a manned aircraft is fundamentally different to

that of the operation of a sUAS, and requires a skills set which is not addressed under part 61. Finally, it is the

policy of Neya Systems to require operators to have completed FAA ground instruction, passed the FAA written

examination or equivalent, and become qualified with the specific sUAS flown. Merely requiring a manned 

aviation pilot license does not ensure remote piloting skills. Manned aviation pilot certification requirements, 

particularly of the “stick and rudder” variety are neither necessary nor appropriate for LE sUAS operators. Neya 

Systems believes that the FAA has the statutory power under the FMRA to waive private pilot certification at

their discretion, as indicated by the authorization to consider which certificates, including airworthiness etc.

would “at a minimum” be required. The FAA has also been provided broad powers to grant exemptions also

granted broad powers to. The Federal Aviation Act, Subsection (t) of section 44701 providesthe Administrator

with broad authority to grant an exemptions and waivers should the exemption be in the public interest. In

addition, the FAA has waived private pilot certification for flying vehicles much larger than LE sUAS, such as

manned ultralight vehicles. Neya Systems believes that our pilot training, as well as the autopilot and failsafe

technology, including the PLS, provide a better than equivalent level of safety to as that of the manned aviation

pilot training for a private pilot certificate and therefore a part 61 exemption should be granted.
Neya Systems sUAS Airworthiness Exemption 13

November 5, 2014

4.6.3 PUBLIC BENEFIT

See Exemption Justifications(Table 4).

4.6.4 EQUIVALENT LEVEL OF SAFETY

All operations will be conducted under the supervision of a pilot in command that either possess a current private 

pilots license or has completed FAA ground instruction and passed the FAA written examination or equivalent. 

In addition, operators of Neya Systems sUAS are required to demonstrate proficiency in the normal, abnormal,

and emergency operating procedures of each sUAS flown.

4.7 §91.319, AIRCRAFT HAVING EXPERIMENTAL CERTIFICATES: OPERATING LIMITA- TIONS.

4.7.1 EXTENT OF RELIEF

All §91.319 provisions.

4.7.2 REASON FOR RELIEF

This petition specifically requests exemption from airworthiness requirements and certification.

4.7.3 PUBLIC BENEFIT

See Exemption Justifications (Table 4).

4.7.4 EQUIVALENT LEVEL OF SAFETY

Operating limitations for aircraft are intended to reduce the likelihood of injury to persons or property. sUAS of 

this size and performance characteristics pose no probable risk of injury to persons or property. Nonetheless, 

Neya Systems will: 1) operate sUAS only under the authority of a pilot in command; 2) operate sUAS only under

VFR in VMC, more than 5 nm from airports, in class G airspace and only when given authorization by the owner 

of the property the sUAS will take off, land, or fly over. These operating restrictions will provide equal or greater 

safety as those outlined §91.319.

4.8 §91.119, MINIMUM SAFE ALTITUDES: GENERAL.

4.8.1 EXTENT OF RELIEF

Section 91.119 establishes safe altitudes for operation of civil aircraft. 91.119(c) limits aircraft flying over areas 

other than congested areas to an altitude of 500 feet above the surface, except over open water or sparsely 

populated areas.

4.8.2 REASON FOR RELIEF

Neya Systems sUAS, as described above, will never be operated at greater than 400 ft. AGL and as such, §91.119

is inappropriate to apply. sUAS work in general, including aerial survey, oil and gas inspection, etc. must be done 

at low altitude to realize the benefitsthat sUAS operations may provide.

4.8.3 PUBLIC BENEFIT

See Exemption Justifications (Table 4).
Neya Systems sUAS Airworthiness Exemption 14

November 5, 2014

4.8.4 EQUIVALENT LEVEL OF SAFETY

See Exemption Justifications (Table 4).

4.9 §91.413, ATC TRANSPONDER TESTS AND INSPECTIONS. §91.215, ATC TRANSPON- DER AND

ALTITUDE REPORTING EQUIPMENT AND USE.

4.9.1 EXTENT OF RELIEF

§91.413 and §91.215.

4.9.2 REASON FOR RELIEF

ATC transponders are unnecessary for sUAS operating under 400 ft, VFR. Neya Systems sUAS will be operated

outside of Class A,B, and C airspace. In addition, the transponder adds unneeded weight to the aircraft reducing 

payload and flight performance.

4.9.3 PUBLIC BENEFIT

See Exemption Justifications (Table 4).

4.9.4 EQUIVALENT LEVEL OF SAFETY

The pilot in command and observer will deconflict airspace within VLOS. PIC will communicate with ATC if

required; however, operations will remain well outside a 5 nm radius around airports. See also Exemption

Justifications (Table 4).

4.10 §91.121 ALTIMETER SETTINGS

4.10.1 EXTENT OF RELIEF

§91.12

4.10.2 REASON FOR RELIEF

LE sUAS Ground Control Station (GCS) has a GPS altitude read out instead of a barometric altimeter.

4.10.3 PUBLIC BENEFIT

See Exemption Justifications (Table 4).

4.10.4 EQUIVALENT LEVEL OF SAFETY

The altitude information will be provided to the Le sUAS PIC through a digitally encoded telemetric data feed. 

Prior to See also Exemption Justifications (Table 4).

4.11 PART 67, MEDICAL STANDARDS AND CERTIFICATION

4.11.1 EXTENT OF RELIEF

Part 67, all provisions.
Neya Systems sUAS Airworthiness Exemption 15

November 5, 2014

4.11.2 REASON FOR RELIEF

Manned aircraft pilot medical qualifications are stringent due to the great responsibility and safety concerns of 

operating multi-ton vehicles with passengers at high speeds and altitudes. sUAS in ultralight class of less than 55 

lb. operating at low velocity and no more than 400 ft. AGL do not pose the same level of risk and therefore, may 

be operated by individuals with medical qualifications at a different standard, namely, that of a Class C driver’s 

license. Requiring individuals to possess a First, Second, or Third Class Medical certificate to operate a 5 lb. 

vehicle below 400 ft. flying at less than 33 mph places an unreasonable burden on both individuals as well as the 

FAA.

4.11.3 PUBLIC BENEFIT

See Exemption Justifications(Table 4).

4.11.4 EQUIVALENT LEVEL OF SAFETY

Class C drivers license medical requirements, verified by possession of a valid driver’s license.

4.12 §91.109, FLIGHT INSTRUCTION; SIMULATED INSTRUMENT FLIGHT AND CERTAIN FLIGHT

TESTS.

4.12.1 EXTENT OF RELIEF

§91.109, all provisions.

4.12.2 REASON FOR RELIEF

sUAS are operated from a ground station are are, by design, not operable with multiple ground station

controllers. Dual-sticks, seats, and other manned-aviation appropriate requirements are unnecessary or

impossible for sUAS. Flight instruction, therefore, is accomplished with the instructor standing next to the

operator and providing direction as needed.

4.12.3 PUBLIC BENEFIT

See Exemption Justifications(Table 4).

4.12.4 EQUIVALENT LEVEL OF SAFETY

Neya Systems sUAS operators will be trained to the standard described in each sUAS Operations Manual that they 

intend to operate. Manuals will be provided upon request for inspection by the relevant FAA divisions. An 

equivalent level of instructional rigor will be proved by instructors experienced on the Neya Systems sUAS.

4.13 §91.151, FUEL REQUIREMENTS FOR FLIGHT IN VFR CONDITIONS.

4.13.1 EXTENT OF RELIEF

§91.151, all provisions.

4.13.2 REASON FOR RELIEF

The provision requires fuel sufficient for one half hour flight beyond the destination. The model sUAS flown by 

Neya Systems are powered by a set of batteries and have a maximum flight duration ofless than 30 minutesunloaded 

under optimal flight conditions. Therefore, it is impossible to comply with this provision.
Neya Systems sUAS Airworthiness Exemption 16

November 5, 2014

4.13.3 PUBLIC BENEFIT

See Exemption Justifications (Table 4).

4.13.4 EQUIVALENT LEVEL OF SAFETY

Even in the case of low battery power insufficientto return home, the sUAS willsimply gradually land under control.

Neya Systems believes that an equivalent level of safety can be provided by reserving a minimum of 5 minutes of

battery power to return home.