Noah H. Greenlaw

Get Droned

13 Elm St E

Hampden, ME 04444

October 1st, 2015

US Department of Transportation

Docket Management System 

1200 New Jersey Ave., SE Washington DC 20590

Re: Exemption Request Pursuant to Section 333 of the FAA Reform Act and Part 11 of the Federal 

Aviation Regulations from: 14 CFR 21 subpart H; 14 CFR 45.23(b); 14 CFR 61.113(a); 14 CFR 91.7(a); 14 

CFR 91.9(b)(2); 14 CFR 91.103; 14 CFR 91.109; 14 CFR 91.119(c); 14 CFR 91.121; 14 CFR 91.151(a); 14 

CFR 91.203(a) and (b); 14 CFR 91.405(a); 14 CFR 91.407(a)(1); 14 CFR 91.409(a)(1) and (2); 14 CFR 

91.417(a) and (b)

To whom it may concern:

Pursuant to Section 333 of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 and 14 CFR Part 11, Noah H 

Greenlaw, DBA Get Droned, hereby applies for an exemption from the listed Federal Aviation 

Regulations to allow commercial operation of a small UAS, so long as such operations are conducted 

within and under the conditions outlined herein or as may be established by the FAA as required by 

Section 333, for all operators of small Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) working for WASP.

Commercial operation small UAS, as described herein, which are equipped with cameras and sensors, 

would operate in the following manner:

1. Aerial photography and/or video for public and/or private use including real estate, 

architecture, land surveying, engineering and other related professional activities.

2. Aerial video and/or photography for public and/or private use including television, public 

events, and cinematography.

3. Aerial inspection/photography of residential/commercial structures under contract with the 

owners or local government authority.

4. Ariel video/photography or providing live video feed to assist with search and rescue 

operations in cases of an emergency or natural disaster only when local authorities or 

government has requested it by contract or donation.

As described fully below, the requested exemption would permit the operation of small UAS under 

controlled conditions in the NAS that would be a) limited b)controlled c)predetermined and d) will 

provide safety enhancements to the already safe operations in the industry presently using conventional 

aircraft. Approval of the exemption would thereby enhance safety and fulfill the Secretary of 

Transportation’s (the FAA Administrator’s) responsibilities to “... establish requirements for the safe 

operation of such aircraft systems in the national airspace system.”

The name, phone, email and address of the applicant:

Name: Noah H Greenlaw

Phone: (207)319-4383

E-mail: noah.grenelaw@gmail.com
Address: 13 Elm St E, Hampden, ME 04444

Regulations from which the exemption is requested:

14 CFR 21 subpart H; 

14 CFR 45.23(b)

14 CFR 61.113(a)

14 CFR 91.7(a)

14 CFR 91.9(b)(2)

14 CFR 91.103

14 CFR 91.109

14 CFR 91.119(c)

14 CFR 91.121

14 CFR 91.151(a)

14 CFR 91.203(a) and (b)

14 CFR 91.405(a)

14 CFR 91.407(a)(1)

14 CFR 91.409(a)(1) and (2)

14 CFR 91.417(a) and (b)

The small UAS’s I will be using are multi-rotor craft weighing no more than 55lbs. including payload. 

Under normal conditions they operate at speeds of no more than 45 Mph or 39 Knots and have the 

ability to hover and move along a vertical and horizontal plane simultaneously. They will operate within 

line of sight and by the exempted persons only obeying all other local and federal laws.

Given the small size of the small UAS and the controlled environment provided the proposed operations 

will adhere to the Reform Act’s safety requirements. The approval of the application presents no 

national security issues. Regarding the level of safety surrounding the proposed operations and the 

public benefit, reduction in environmental impacts, including but not limited to reduced emission and 

noise, the grant of the requested exemption is in the public interest. Accordingly the applicant requests 

that the FAA grant the requested exemption within 120 days of submission with minimum delay 

AIRCRAFT AND EQUIVALENT LEVEL OF SAFETY

The operation limitations proposed for an equivalent or higher level of safety because operations will 

further enhance the safety of the persons and/or property using conventional aircraft.

These limitation and condition to which the applicant agrees to adhere to when conducting commercial 

operations under the FAA issued exemption as set forth in the Flight Operations Manual (FOM) include:

1. The small UAS total weight, with payload, will be less than 55lbs.

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

3. Maximum flight time for each operational flight will be 20 minutes. Flights will be 

terminated at 20% battery power reserve or 20 minutes of flight time whichever occurs first.

4. Flights will be operated at an altitude of no more than 400 feet Above Ground Level (AGL) 

and not more than 100 feet above an elevated platform from which filming is planned.

5. Minimum crew for each operation will consist of the small UAS Pilot in Command (PIC), the 

Visual Observer (VO) when needed and may include but not limited to a Camera Operator.

6. A briefing will be performed regarding the planned small UAS operations prior to each day’s 

flight consisting of all the days’ production activities.
7. The PIC will obtain verbal/written consent of all persons involved with the planned 

operation and ensure that only the consenting persons will be allowed within 100 feet of 

the flight operation, and the radius may be reduced to 30 feet based upon an equivalent 

level of safety determination, as required under the FOM. With the advanced permission or 

direction of the FSDO, operations at closer range may be approved.

8. The PIC and VO will have been trained in operation of small UAS and/or Camera.

9. The PIC and VO will be able to communicate by voice, radio and/or text at all time.

10. Written and/or verbal permission and permits will be obtained from territorial, state, county 

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

agencies when needed.

11. If the small UAS loses communications or loses GPS signal, the small UAS will have the 

capability to return to a pre-determined location within a designated location and land 

autonomously.

12. The small UAS will have the capability to abort a flight in case of unpredicted obstacles, 

weather or emergencies.

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

Subpart H, entitled Airworthiness Certificates, establishes the procedural requirement for the issuance 

of airworthiness certificates as required by FAR 91.203(a)(1). Given the size and limited operating area 

associated with the aircraft to be utilized by the Applicant, an exemption from Part 21 Subpart H meets 

the requirements of an equivalent level of safety under part 11 and Sections 333 of the Reform Act both 

authorize the FAA to exempt aircraft from the requirement for an airworthiness certificate, upon 

consideration of the size, weight, speed, operational capability, and proximity to airports and populated 

areas of the particular small UAS. In all cases, an analysis of these criteria demonstrates that the small 

UAS operated without an airworthiness certificate, in the restricted environment and under the 

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

rotorcraft) operating with an airworthiness certificate without the restriction and conditions proposed. 

The small UAS to be operated hereunder is less than 55lbs. fully loaded, carries neither a pilot nor 

passengers, carriers no explosive materials or flammable liquid fuels, and operates exclusively within a 

secured and designated area. Unlike other civil aircraft, operations under this exemption will be tightly 

controlled and monitored by both the operator and under the requirements and in compliance with 

local public safety requirements. These safety enhancement provide a greater degree of safety to the 

public and property owners than conventional operation conducted with airworthiness certificates 

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

there is no credible threat to national security posed by the small UAS, due to its size, speed of 

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

carry a substantial external load.

14 C.F.R. §45.23(b): Making of the Aircraft.

The regulation requires: When marks include the only the Roman Capital letter “N” and the registration 

number is displayed on limited, restricted or light-sport category aircraft or experimental or 

provisionally certified aircraft, the operator must also display on that aircraft near each entrance to the 

cabin, cockpit, or pilot station, in letters not less than 2 inches nor more than 6 inches high, the words 

“limited,” “restricted,” “light-sport,” “experimental,” or “provisional,” as applicable.
Even though the small UAS will have no airworthiness certificate, an exemption may be needed as the 

small UAS will have no entrance to the cabin, cockpit, or pilot station on which the word “experimental” 

can be placed. Given the size of the small UAS, two-inch lettering will be impossible. The word 

“experimental will be placed on the fuselage in compliance with 45.29 (f). The equivalent level of safety 

will be provided by having the small UAS marked on its fuselage as required by 45.29(f) where the pilot, 

observer and others working with the small UAS will see the identification of the small UAS as 

“experimental.”

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

Pursuant to 14 CFR 61.113(a), no person who holds a private pilot certificate may act as a pilot ion 

command of an aircraft that is carrying passengers or property for compensation or hire. Our small UAS 

do not carry any pilots or passengers nor property therefore I am seeking an exemption to 14 CFR 

61.113(a). Although helpful a pilot’s license will not ensure remote control piloting skills. The risks 

attendant to the operation of small UAS is far less than the risk levels inherent in the commercial 

activities outlined in 14 CFR 61. I feel the operation and limitations set forth in the FOM will equate to 

the safe operation of the small UAS.

14 C.F.R. §91.7(a): Civil Aircraft Airworthiness.

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

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

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

maintenance and use of safety checklists prior to each flight an equivalent level of safety will be 

provided. 

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

Section 91.9(b)(2) provides: No person may operate a U.S. registered civil aircraft ... (2) For which an 

Airplane or Rotorcraft Flight Manual is not required by 21.5 of this chapter, unless there is available in 

the aircraft a current approved airplane or rotorcraft flight manual, approved manual material, marking 

and placards, or any combination thereof. The small UAS, given its size and configuration has no ability 

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

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

will be maintained by keeping the flight manual at the ground control point where the pilot flying the 

small UAS will have immediate access to it.

14 C.F.R. §91.103: Preflight Action.

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

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

will be needed. The OPERATOR will take will take all actions including reviewing weather, kp-index, flight 

battery requirements, landing and takeoff distances and aircraft performance data before initiation of 

flight.

14 C.F.R. §91.109: Flight Instruction.
Section 91.103 provides that no person may operate a civil aircraft (except a manned free balloon)

that is being used for flight instruction unless that aircraft has fully functioning dual controls. Small

UAS and remotely piloted aircraft,by their design do not have fully functional dual controls. Flight

control is accomplished through the use of a control box that communicates with the aircraft via

radio communications. The FAA has approved exemptions for flight training without fully functional

dual controls for a number of aircraft and for flight instruction in experimental aircraft. An equivalent

level of safety is provided by the fact that neither a pilot nor passengers will be carried in the aircraft 

and by the size and speed of the aircraft.

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

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

helicopters to be operated at less than the minimums prescribed, provided the person operating the 

helicopter complies with any route or altitudes prescribed for helicopters by the FAA. As this exemption 

is for small UAS that is a helicopter and the exemption requests authority to operate at altitudes up to 

400 feet AGL, or not more than 100 feet above an elevated platform from which the filming is planned, 

an exemption may be needed to allow such operations. As set forth herein, the small UAS will never 

operate at higher than 400 feet AGL with the exception that in some circumstances where the small UAS 

will is used to survey or photograph a structure whose height exceeds 400 feet AGL, the small UAS will 

not be operated more than 100 feet above the highest point on the structure. It will however be 

operated in a restricted area with a security perimeter, where buildings and people will not be exposed 

to operations with their pre-obtained consent. The equivalent level of safety will be achieved given the 

size, weight, speed of the small UAS as well as the location where it is operated. No flight will be taken 

without the permission of the property owner or local officials. Because of the advance notice to the 

property owner and participants in the filming activity, all affected individuals will be aware of the 

planned flight operations. Compared to flight operations with aircraft or rotorcraft weighing far more 

than the maximum 55lbs. proposed herein and the lack of flammable fuel and risk associated with these 

operations is far less than those presently presented with conventional aircraft operating at or below 

500 AGL. In addition, the low altitude operation of the small UAS will ensure separation between these 

small UAS operations and the operations of conventional aircraft that must comply with Section 91.119.

14 C.F.R. §91.121: Altimeter Settings.

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

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

available before departure.” As the small UAS may not have a barometric altimeter, but instead a GPS 

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

operator, pursuant to the safety check list and live flight data monitoring, confirming the altitude of the 

launch site shown on the GPS altitude indicator before flight.

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

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

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

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

minutes; or (2) At night, to fly after that for at least 45 minutes.” The battery powering the small UAS 

provides approximately 25 minutes of powered flight. To meet the 30 minute reserve requirement in 14 

C.F.R. §91.151(a), small UAS flights would be limited to 0 minutes in length. Given the limitations of the 
UAS’s proposed flight area and the location of its proposed operations within a predetermined area, a 

longer time frame for flight in daylight or twilight VFR conditions is reasonable. Applicant believes that 

an exemption from C.F.R. §91.151(a) falls within the scope of prior exemptions. Operating the small UAS 

in a tightly controlled area where only people and property owners or official representatives who have 

signed waivers will be allowed, with less than 30 minutes of reserve fuel, does not engender the type of 

risks that C.F.R. §91.151(a) was intended to alleviate given the size and speed of the small UAS. 

Additionally, limiting the small UAS flights to 0 minutes would greatly reduce the utility for which the 

exemption will be granted. Applicant believes that an equivalent level of safety can be achieved by 

limiting flights to 20 minutes or 20% battery power remaining- whichever happens first. This restriction 

would be more than adequate to return the small UAS to its planned landing zone from anywhere in its 

limited operating area.

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

The regulation provides in pertinent part:

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

the following:

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

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

paragraph (a) of this section or a special flight authorization issued under §91.715 is 

displayed at the cabin or cockpit entrance so that it is legible to passenger and crew. 

The small UAS fully loaded weighs no more than 55lbs. and is operated without an inboard pilot. As 

such, there is no ability or place to carry certification and registration documents or to display them on 

the small UAS. An equivalent level of safety will be achieved by keeping these documents at the ground 

control point where the pilot flying the small UAS will have immediate access to them; to the extent 

they are applicable to the small UAS.

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

These regulations require that an aircraft operator or owner “shall have that aircraft inspected as 

prescribed in subpart E of this part and shall between required inspections, except as provided in 

paragraph (c) of this section, have discrepancies repaired as prescribed in part 43 of this chapter...,” and 

others shall inspect or maintain the aircraft in compliance with Part 43. Given that these sections and 

Part 43 apply to only aircraft with an airworthiness certificate, these sections will not apply to the 

applicant. Maintenance will be accomplished by the operator pursuant to the flight manual and 

operating handbook. An equivalent level of safety will be achieved because these small UASs are very 

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

time. If mechanical issues arise the small UAS can land immediately and will be operating no higher than 

400 feet AGL. The operator will ensure that the small UAS is in working order prior to initiating flight, 

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

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

condition to provide the equivalent level of safety. 

An equivalent level of safety will be achieved because maintenance and inspections will be performed in 

accordance with the small UAS Manufacture’s Manual, as referenced in the Aircraft Operations Manual 

(AOM). As provided in the FOM, the operator will ensure that the small UAS is in working order prior to 

initiating flight and perform required maintenance needed. 
Small UAS Information

Small UAS’s to be used are as follows but not limited to providing they are within the scope of the 

exemption granted by the FAA:

1. 3DRobotics Solo

Weight: (battery & propellers included) – 3.9lbs.

Hover Accuracy – Vertical: +/- 1.64ft.

Horizontal: +/- 1.64ft.

Max Yaw Angular Velocity: 200°/s

Max Tilt Angle: 35°

Max Ascent Speed: 16ft/s

Max Descent Speed: 8ft/s

Max Flight Speed: 55mph

2. 3DR Solo Battery

Lithium polymer, 5200mAh, 14.8vdc battery

3. 3DR Solo Gimbal

Controllable Range: Pitch: 90° - 0°

Stabilization: 3-axis (pitch, roll, yaw)

4. GoPro Hero 4 – Black

Operating Temperature: 32°F - 104°F

Sensor Size: 1/2.3

Effective Pixels: 12M

Resolution: 4000x3000

Recording:

-UHD: 3840x2160p 24/25/30 fps

-FHD: 1920x1080p 24/25/30/60/120 fps

-HD: 1280x720p 24/25/30/60/120/240 fps

Recording FOV: 178° - 100°

5. 3DR Solo Controller

- Operating Frequency: 2.400GHz – 2.483GHz

- Communication Distance (unobstructed) – FCC Compliance: 2400ft.

- Receiver Sensitivity (1%PER): 101dbm +/- 2dbm

- Transmitter Power – FCC Compliance: 20dbm

Conclusion

Thank you for consideration of these exemptions.

Sincerely,

Noah H. Greenlaw

Owner/Operator

Get Droned