September 11, 2015

Exemption No. 11358A

Regulatory Docket No. FAA–2014-1110

Mr. David L. Farley

New Heights Aerial Media, LLC

2400 Amara Drive

Toledo, OH 43617

Dear Mr. Farley:

This letter is to inform you that we have granted your petition for an amendment. It explains 

the basis for our decision, describes its effect, and lists any changes to the original conditions 

and limitations.

By letter dated April 20, 2015, you petitioned the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on 

behalf of New Heights Aerial Media, LLC (hereinafter petitioner or operator) for an 

amendment to your current exemption. That exemption from §§ 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) of Title 14, Code of 

Federal Regulations (14 CFR) allows the petitioner to operate a UAS to perform aerial data 

collection. You requested an amendment to add the 3D Robotics Iris +.

In your petition, you indicate that there has been no change in the conditions and reasons 

relative to public interest and safety that were the basis for granting the original exemption.

The FAA has determined that good cause exists for not publishing a summary of the petition 

in the Federal Register because the requested amendment to the exemption would not set a 

precedent, and any delay in acting on this petition would be detrimental to the petitioner. The 

unmanned aircraft authorized in the original grant are comparable in type, size, weight, speed 

and operating capabilities to those in this petition.

Airworthiness Certification

In accordance with the statutory criteria provided in Section 333 of Public Law 112−95 in 

reference to 49 U.S.C. § 44704, and in consideration of the size, weight, speed, and limited 
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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 relief from 14 CFR part 21, Certification procedures for products and parts, 

Subpart H—Airworthiness Certificates, and any associated noise certification and testing 

requirements of part 36, is not necessary.

Our Decision

The FAA has determined that the justification for the issuance of Exemption No. 11358

remains valid and is in the public interest. Therefore, under the authority contained 

in 49 U.S.C. 106(f), 40113, and 44701, delegated to me by the Administrator, the operator is 

granted an amendment to add new aircraft to its UAS operations.

The operator shall add this amendment to its original exemption.

 

Conditions and Limitations

All conditions and limitations within Grant of Exemption No. 11358 remain in effect except 

as follows. Condition No. 1 has been updated to reflect the additional aircraft. 

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 Blade 350QX and 

3D Robotics Iris + 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.

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

Sincerely,

/s/

John S. Duncan

Director, Flight Standards Service

Enclosures
New Heights Aerial Media

David L. Farley

2400 Amara Dr

Toledo, OH 43617

(419)754-7236

dfarley@newheightsaerialmedia.com

Date: April 20, 2015

U. S. Department of Transportation

Docket Management System

1200 New Jersey Ave.,

SE Washington, DC 20590

Addendum Request to Exemption No. 11358

To Whom It May Concern:

New Heights Aerial Media requests that the 3d Robotics Iris+ UAS be added to Exemption No. 

11358 and COA No. FAA-2014-1110-333E.

The Iris+ gross weight is approximately 5.5lbs. with battery and payload. The payload will be a 

camera gimble and an HD Camera. 

The Iris+ has a preset GeoFence that will not allow the aircraft to fly out of. The Presets are 

200ft AGL altitude and a distance horizontally of 400ft.

In the event of signal loss from the ground controller, the aircraft will return to its takeoff point if 

the aircraft has a good GPS Lock. If there is no GPS lock, the aircraft will land at its present 

position.

Attached is the Owner's Manual and Checklist.

The Iris+ will be operated within the parameters set forth by Exemption No: 11358 and COA 

No. FAA-2014-1110-333E unless an additional COA is issued for the Iris+

Thank You for your Consideration

David Farley

New Heights Aerial Media