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November 13, 2015 

U.S. Department of Transportation 

Docket Operations 

1200 New Jersey Ave., SE 

Washington, DC 20590 

AERO-PIC PHOTOGRAPHY 

Post Office Box 600582, Jacksonville, FL 32260 

Phone (904) 647-7683/ E-Mail: photos@aeropicphoto.com 

~ ... .....J 

Re: Submission of Request for Determination under Section 333 of the FAA Modernization· : 

and Reform Act and Exemptions under 14 C.F.R. Section 11.81 o 

L~,..,t 

Dear Sir or Madam: 

Pursuant to Section 333 of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 ("FMRA"), I, 

Michael T. O'Brien hereby request a determination by the Secretary of Transportation 

authorizing conduct of commercial operations of its UAS for the purposes of photography, 

videography, inspection of infrastructure, surveying, construction progress, advertising, 

mapping and photogrammetry, precision agriculture, and scientific, environmental research & 

UAV flight instruction. Pending a grant of exemption, I will provide a broad spectrum of safe, 

low cost, aerial solutions. I will be using UAS manufactured by 3D Robotics (3DR). Operations 

will be conducted within and under the safeguards outlined herein and as may be established 

by the FAA under FMRA Section 333(c). 

I also petition for exemptions as necessary to effect the determination requested pursuant to 

FMRA Section 333. The attached documentation includes detailed exemption requests that 

demonstrate how these reasons for exemptions request (RFER) are in the public interest and 

will maintain at least an equal level of safety to existing regulations. 

RFER: Authorizing Aero-Pic, Inc. to conduct commercial UAS operations would enhance 

community education and awareness of UAS. Further, operation of my UAS in these 

commercial operations are less disruptive, safer, and more cost effective than manned aviation 

equivalents due to the low altitude environment, given the size, speed and inherent risk of 

traditional commercial helicopter operations. These commercial operations often occur in the 

unsafe areas of the height-velocity diagram requiring special precision and skill. I will conduct 

the commercial UAS operations in a manner that will meet, and in many cases exceed, the 

current level of safety of commercial helicopter operations. I will employ UAS that are under 1 0 

lbs, have a low noise signature, and carry no volatile fuel. The lower expense of operation 

compared to cost prohibitive manned aviation alternatives will allow a greater economic benefit 

to businesses. For these reasons, granting an exemption under FMRA Section 333(c) is in the 

public interest. UAS technology used for these commercial purposes benefit the public interest 

in the following ways: 
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• Reduces the collateral damage risks to life and property associated with low altitude 

helicopter operations in undesirable portions of the height-velocity envelope. 

•Increased public awareness regarding safe and responsible utilization of UAS. 

• Increased economic wellbeing to local businesses via cost reductions. 

• Enabling aerial business solutions to be available to a larger market. 

• More efficient and frequent inspection of infrastructure due to reduced cost. 

I would appreciate your careful consideration in granting this Section 333 of the FAA 

Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 exemption to Aero-Pic, Incorporated, P.O. Box 600582, 

Jacksonville, FL 32260. 

Table of Contents 

I. Regulations - Exemptions Requested 

II. Commercial Operation/Operator 

Ill. Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) 

IV. UAS Pilot-in-Command (PIC) 

V. Public Interest 

VI. Summary 

VII. Appendix A - XB+ Operating Documents 

I. Regulations - Exemptions requested 

Pursuantto 14 C.F.R § 11.81(e), I, Michael T. O'Brien, President of Aero-Pic, Inc. seek 

exemption for Aero-Pic, Inc. from the below mentioned regulations and provide reason as to 

why the exemption should be approved based on the level of safety at least equal to that of 

which the rules require. 

•14 C.F.R. Part 21 Subpart H- Airworthiness Certificates 

o Establishes: The procedural requirements for the issuance of airworthiness 

certificates as required by 14 C.F.R. § 91.203(a)(1) 

RFER: Given the small size of the UAS and the safeguards that will be taken as outline below , 

an exemption from Part 21 Subpart H meets the requirements of an equivalent level of 

safety under Part 11 and Section 333 of the FMRA with consideration ~~of the size, weight, 

speed, operational capability, and proximity to airports and populated areas of the 

particular UAS." 

•14 C.F.R. § 45.23(b)- Aircraft Marking and Identification Requirements 

o When marks include only the Roman capital letter "N" and the registration 

number is displayed 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 
\ 

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not less than 2 inches nor more than 6 inches high, the words "limited," 

"restricted," "light-sport, "experimental," or "provisional," as applicable. 

RFER: My UAS will ensure compliance with § 45.29(f) to meet the intent of the regulation by 

displaying the registration number in the largest practicable lettering. 

• 14 C.F .R. 61.113 (a)(b) and 61.133(a)(1 )(ii) - Private and Commercial Pilot Privilege 

and Limitations 

o 14 C.F.R. § 61.113: (a) Except as provided in paragraphs (b) through (g) of this 

section, no person who holds a private pilot certificate may act as pilot in 

command of an aircraft that is carrying passengers or property for compensation 

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 

o 14 C.F.R. § 61.133: (a) Privileges- (1) General. A person who holds a 

commercial pilot certificate may act as pilot in command of an aircraft- (ii) For 

compensation or hire, provided the person is qualified in accordance with this part 

and with the applicable parts of this chapter that apply to the operation. 

RFER: Currently, there are no applicable areas identified for UAS in either the private or the 

commercial sector and therefore an exemption is required to conduct commercial 

operations. As flight operations will be conducted with an abundance of caution 

following the procedure outline below, my operations will achieve an equivalent level of 

safety for each individual flight especially when compared to commercial flights 

identified in Part 61 when originally developed. My operation will be conducted with 

pilots who hold, at a minimum, a private pilot certificate of any category. I, Michael T. O'Brien, 

a licensed private pilot, will oversee the Aero-Pic, Inc. UAS program. 

•14 C.F.R. 91.7{a)- Civil Aircraft Airworthiness 

o No person may operate a civil aircraft unless it is in an airworthy condition. 

RFER: Currently there is no airworthiness certificate for 3DR UAS. Daily pre and post flight 

inspections will be accomplished in accordance with manufactures maintenance 

manual(s) and guidance. During flight, the PIC will adhere to§ 91.7(b) and abort air 

operations immediately upon identification of an in-flight emergency or other unsafe 

condition. By complying with procedures outlined by the manufacturer, an equivalent 

level of safety will be achieved. 

•14 C.F.R. 91.9{b) Civil aircraft flight manual, marking, and placard requirements 

o (b)(2) prohibits operation of U.S.- registered civil aircraft unless there is available 

in the aircraft a current approved Airplane or Rotorcraft Flight Manual, approved 

manual material, markings, and placards, or any combination thereof. 

RFER: By keeping all operating documents, manuals, authorizations and exemptions in a 

binder co-located with the GCS, I can meet the intent of the regulations and therefore achieve 

an equivalent level of safety. 

•14 C.F.R. 91.109{a)- Flight Instruction 
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o 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. 

RFER: The majority of UAS by design are developed with single operational control through 

the use of pre-determined GPS enabled waypoints programmed before or during flight in 

addition to the use of a single hand held transmitter or control station controlled by the 

PIC. The design does not allow for dual controls during flight training and therefore the 

exemption is requested to train operators, build experience, and maintain proficiency. An 

equal level of safety will be achieved by conducting all training in STILE environment. 

Training sessions will be accomplished separately from flights conducted for 

compensation or hire. 

•14 C.F.R. 91.119 (c)- Minimum Safe Altitudes 

o Except when necessary for takeoff or landing, no person may operate an aircraft 

below the following altitudes: (b) Over any congested area of a city, town, or 

settlement, or over any open air assembly of persons, an altitude of 1,000 feet 

above the highest obstacle within a horizontal radius of 2,000 feet of the aircraft. 

(c) Over other than congested areas. An altitude of 500 feet above the surface, 

except over open water or sparsely populated areas. In those cases, the aircraft 

may not be operated closer than 500 feet to any person, vessel, vehicle, or 

structure. (d) Helicopters, powered parachutes, and weight-shift-control aircraft. If 

the operation is conducted without hazard to persons or property on the surface-

(1) A helicopter may be operated at less than the minimums prescribed in 

paragraph (b) or (c) of this section, provided each person operating the helicopter 

complies with any routes or altitudes specifically prescribed for helicopters by the 

FAA. 

RFER: Commercial UAS operations will be conducted at or below 400 ft. AGL Given the size, 

weight and lack of fuel; combined with operation limitations listed below, the operation 

will be conducted with a greater level of safety than exists with current manned aviation 

operations. 

• 14 C.F .R. 91.121 - Altimeter Settings 

o Each person operating an aircraft shall maintain the cruising altitude or flight 

level of that aircraft, as the case may be, by reference to an altimeter that is set, 

when operating. 

RFER: UAS are equipped with Global Positioning System (GPS), which provide altitude and 

geo-location data to the operator without utilizing an altimeter. Due to this fact, an 

exemption is required. GPS are precise within a few feet and combined with fail-safes 

and a visual observer the operation will meet an equivalent level of safety. 

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

o 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 speed- (1) 

During the day, to fly after that for at least 30 minutes; 

RFER: This regulation is written based on the capabilities of a traditional aircraft, which have 

flight times of several hours or greater; therefore, with the majority of UAS which have flight 
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times of only an hour or less, this regulation would effectively deny the ability of the air vehicle 

to operate. The 3DR UAS display a visual and emit an audible low battery alert at 25% at 

which time the UAS will automatically engage the landing sequence. Based upon that 

safeguard and the small operational area in VLOS, the operation can meet an equivalent level 

of safety. 

•14 C.F.R. 91.405(a), 91.407(a)(1), 91.409(a)(2) and 91.417(a) & (b)- Maintenance 

Inspections 

o 91.405(a) States: Each owner or operator of an aircraft-( a) 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 

o 91.407(a)(1) States: (a) No person may operate any aircraft that has undergone 

maintenance, preventive maintenance, rebuilding, or alteration unless-(1) It has 

been approved for return to service by a person authorized under§ 43.7 of this 

chapter 

o 91.409(a)(2) States: (a) Except as provided in paragraph (c) of this section, no 

person may operate an aircraft unless, within the preceding 12 calendar months, it 

has had-(2) An inspection for the issuance of an airworthiness certificate in 

accordance with part 21 of this chapter. No inspection performed under paragraph 

(b) of this section may be substituted for any inspection required by this 

paragraph unless it is performed by a person authorized to perform annual 

inspections and is entered as an "annual" inspection in the required maintenance 

records. 

o 91.417(a) & (b) States: (a) Except for work performed in accordance with §§ 

91.411 and 91.413, each registered owner or operator shall keep the following 

records for the periods specified in paragraph (b) of this section: (paragraphs 1 (i 

-iii), 2 (i- vi)); (b) The owner or operator shall retain the following records for 

the periods prescribed: (paragraphs 1- 3) 

RFER: Because 3DR UAS at present do not have airworthiness certificates, these regulations 

do not apply and therefore an exemption is required. Pre/Post flight inspections and 

maintenance will be conducted in accordance with the manufacturer's guidance as stated 

in the operations manual. In addition, to meet the intent of these regulations, I will maintain 

daily logs of pre and post flight inspections. If maintenance is required, a dedicated test flight 

will be conducted to ensure safety before resuming commercial operations. All inspection, 

maintenance and alterations will be documented and maintained in a record. These actions will 

meet the intent of the regulations from which exemption is being requested and lead to an 

equivalent level of safety. 
• 

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II. Commercial Operator/Operation 

Initially, I will be the sole operator of the exempted UAS, with subsequent hiring of employees 

to follow. I have approximately thirty-two years of experience in aviation operating in restricted 

and tactical airspace supporting military and civilian operations. I've held a private pilot 

certificate, airplane, single-engine land since 1985. I request that my future employees be 

exempt from§ 61.113 (a} and (b) allowing operations of my UAS for compensation or hire, 

possessing a private pilot certificate. A private pilot certificate will demonstrate a safe and 

equivalent level of aeronautical safety, judgment, security and responsibility to operate AeroPic, Inc. UAS. 

For each flight, my employees or 1: 

• Will contact the controlling air traffic organization to issue a NOT AM where necessary for 

safe flight. 

• Will obtain a preflight briefing from a pilot briefer, DUATS, or similar means. 

• Will conduct a comprehensive worksite inspection and analysis, identifying limits of 

customer property or authorized access areas. 

• Will conduct preflight planning in accordance with Section 91.103 Preflight Action. 

• Will operate in those areas only with the consent of the landowner or designated 

representative. 

• Will identify potential obstructions or other hazards to safe operation. 

• Will clear the area of personnel or bystanders that are non-essential to the operation, 

maintaining at a minimum, 500 feet away from non-participating persons. 

• Will conduct a preflight safety briefing to Visual Observer (VO) and participating 

persons. 

• Will at all times yield to manned air traffic. 

• Will operate within VLOS of both PIC and VO. 

• Will maintain voice communications with VO and participating persons. 

• Will operate under Class D visual flight rules, defined as 500 feet below and 2000 feet 

horizontal from clouds with a minimum of 3 statute miles of visibility. 

• Will not exceed an altitude 400 feet AGL as determined by the installed GPS. 

• Will keep operating documents, manuals, authorizations and exemptions in a binder 

collocated with the GCS. 

• Will immediately terminate flight, in the safest manner possible, when safety to persons 

or property become compromised. 

• Will terminate flight, in the safest manner possible, when unable to comply with these 

limitations or any other limitations granted as part of this exemption. 

RFER: In order to remain at an altitude at or below 400 feet AGL, relief is needed from Section 

91.119 (c) and (d). By following these operating standards, the commercial operation will meet 

an equivalent level of safety to the regulation in which relief is sought. 
• 

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Ill. Unmanned Aircraft System 

I seek an exemption to operate the 3DR line of UAS. The X8+ is the primary aircraft in our 

operation for which we seek exemption. We will be acquiring the 3DR IRIS+, X8-M and Aero-M 

UAS at a " later time and so wish to include those platforms in this exemption as well. T)le 3DR 

UAS utilize a common autopilot system and common ground control station software (GCS). 

The UAS will be flown via a combination of RC control, Tablet GCS, or PC-based GCS. The 

X8+, IRIS+ and X8-M are GPS equipped, multirotor helicopters. The IRIS+ is a quad-type 

utilizing four rotors. The X8+ and X8-M is a quad-type utilizing eight rotors in an "X" 

configuration. The Aero-M is a GPS equipped, lightweight, foam, fixed wing aircraft with a 

·minimum airspeed of 22 MPH and a max airspeed of 45 MPH. The UAS are powered by 

lithium-polymer batteries. The UAS will carry Go Pro and other small point and shoot cameras. 

The X8+ UAS have the capability to land at its current location with a dedicated switch. The 

UAS also has several fail-safes for loss of RC signal, loss of GPS, and low battery as outlined 

in the respective Operation Manuals. The UAS display a visual and emit an audible low battery 

alert at 25% at which time the UAS will automatically engage the landing sequence. Based 

upon that safeguard, I request exemption from Section 91.151(b) Fuel requirements for flight in 

VFR conditions. The UA also has a geofence function, which will be programmed for a 

maximum altitude of 400 feet AGL and within the lateral boundaries of the worksite. The UAS 

will rely on GPS to determine altitude and speed. Given the aircraft will be operated within 

VLOS with the aid of aVO, I believe the operation can be conducted with an equivalent 

amount of safety and therefore request exemption from Section 91.121. Given the size, weight, 

speed, and controlled operating area associated with the UAS to be utilized, an exemption 

from 14 CFR part 21, Subpart H (Airworthiness Certificates) and§ 91.203 (a) and (b) is 

requested. I seek exemption from § 45.23 Marking of the aircraft. The UA will display the 

registration number in the largest practicable lettering as to be issued by the FAA. We wish to 

be exempt from§ 91.405(a), 91.407(a)(1), 91.409(a)(2) and 91.417(a) and (b). Maintenance 

inspections will be conducted according to operations manual and prudent judgment as 

previously outlined to determine the integrity and safety of the UAS and associated equipment. 

Further, I require relief from 91.7(a), which prohibits the operation of an aircraft without an 

airworthiness certificate and 91.9(b) (2) requiring an approved flight manual in the aircraft. The 

UAS will not be operating with an airworthiness certificate therefore, this would be 

inappropriate. The UAS are too small to carry the operating documents so an equivalent 

amount of safety can be achieved through keeping the operating documents and manuals at 

the GCS. 
.. 

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IV. UAS Pilot in Command (PIC) 

Under§ 61.113 (a) and (b) private pilots are limited to non-commercial operations, however I 

can ensure my operation will achieve an equivalent level of safety as current regulation 

because my UAS do not carry any pilots or passengers. A commercial pilot certificate will not 

ensure RC piloting ability, as the psychomotor skills are different. The inherent risks of 

operating a UAS are far less than in the commercial activities outlined in 14 CFR part 61, et 

seq., thus I request an exemption from § 61.113 Private Pilot Privileges and Limitations: Pilot 

in command. All UAS PICs will have logged, in accordance with 61.51 (b), appropriate training 

on the UA consisting of 25 hours as UAS rotorcraft, 10 hours multi rotor UAS or 25 hours as 

UAS airplane, 10 hours single-engine as appropriate. PICs will maintain recent flight 

experience on the UAS. Training and experience flights will be conducted separate from 

commercial operations. 

PIC Training will consist of: 

• Pre-flight Tasks 

o Assembly and inspection of UAS 

o Set-up and configuration of RC radio and GCS 

o System checks ~ 

• Mission Tasks 

o Takeoff and landing 

o Manual flight modes 

o Autonomous flight modes 

o Emergency Procedures 

• Post-flight Tasks 

o Inspection 

o Shutdown 

o Disassembly 

• Other Tasks 

o Regulations 

o Operating limitations 

o Flight planning 
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V. Aero-Pic & Public Interest 

Aero-Pic was established in 1950 by my father, Vernon Travis O'Brien (Commercial Pilot 

License No. 1227777). I, Michael Travis O'Brien (Private Pilot License No. 262254249) joined 

Aero-pic in 1983 earned my pilots license in 1985. In 1988 my brother, Stephan George 

O'Brien joined Aero-Pic and earned his pilot certificate in 1990 (Private Pilot License No. 

264354321 ). We are professional aerial, commercial and industrial photographers. Given all of 

the flight time logged, we have never had any incidents or accidents. Aero-Pic's offices were 

based on Jacksonville International Airport for 36 years. And as Aero-Pic has been based in 

the northeast Florida region for over 65 years where we have Jacksonville International Airport, 

Cecil Commerce Center which was previously a Navy Master Jet Base, JaxEx Craig Municipal 

Airport, Herlong Airport along with three military bases, NAS Jacksonville, Mayport NAS and 

Whitehouse we are extremely well versed with the rules, regulations and understand the 

operations of class C & D airspace and very comfortable with working with ATC. One of our 

major accounts is BAE Systems Southeast Shipyards where we have been cleared to shoot 

aerial & commercial photography on Navy vessels at Mayport NAS as well as work on 

commercial vessels. These photo shoots have generally have been done from helicopters but 

would have been more suitable to the altitudes of a drone allowing for better close-up images 

and a lower cost to the customer. Additionally, we do contract photography for the Jacksonville 

Airport Authority and have flown aerial photography in these restricted airspaces for years of 

course all the while in constant contact with ATC. Given our unique location with so many 

airports in the region, if we ever have the need to fly our UAS within these airport areas we 

would be in touch with A TC for permission/clearance prior to the flight to include location of the 

flight, altitude to be flown and the duration of the flight. And again to emphasize the UAS would 

never exceed an altitude of 400 feet AGL 

Given the above stated history of Aero-Pic, evidence, procedures, and precautions; I feel that 

operating my UAS commercially for the purposes of photography, videography, inspection of 

infrastructure, surveying, mapping and photogrammetry, precision agriculture, forensic and 

scientific & environmental research will ultimately be in the public interest. These operations, 

when executed with prudence, will exceed the current level of safety as the regulations from 

which I seek exemption. My operation will allow greater access to commercial aerial services 

that were not previously economically feasible for many firms. This will provide a much needed 

economic uplift to the community and hence the public. My operation will be conducted with 

less risk of collateral damage to persons and property while limiting disruptive noise pollution 

associated with low altitude aviation operations. 

A major factor to consider regarding the public interest is the current state of UAS operations in 

the US. As a manned aviator, the need to integrate UAS into the national airspace system in a 

safe, deliberate manner, is always at the forefront of my mind. While not all, many individuals 

operate UAS and model aircraft in a reckless manner out of either ignorance or carelessness, 

as evidenced by the increasing reports of manned-unmanned incursions and incidents. As the 

technology becomes more readily available, the challenges will intensify. By allowing 

commercial operations, it will enable communities to become educated in the proper use of this 

technology. Granting my exemption will result in a direct extension of these efforts, which is in 

the public interest. 
.. 

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VI. Summary 

Pursuant to Section 333 of PL 112-95 commonly known as the "FAA Modernization and 

Reform Act of 2012", Aero-Pic, Inc., hereby applies for authorization to conduct commercial 

unmanned aerial systems (UAS) operations for the purposes of photography, videography, 

inspection of infrastructure, surveying, mapping and photogrammetry, precision agriculture, 

and scientific & environmental research. 

Rules in which I seek exemption: 

• 14 C.F.R. Part 21 Subpart H 

• 14 C.F.R. § 45.23(b) 

•14 C.F.R. § 61.113 and 61.133(a)(1)(ii) 

• 14 C.F.R. § 91.7(a) 

• 14 C.F.R. 91.9(b) 

•14 C.F.R. § 91.103 

•14 C.F.R. § 91.109(a) 

•14 C.F.R. § 91.119 

• 14 C.F.R. § 91.121 

•14 C.F.R. § 91.151(a) 

• 14 C.F.R. § 91.405(a) 

•14 C.F.R. § 91.407(a)(1) 

• 14 C.F.R. § 91.409(a)(2) 

•14 C.F.R. § 91.417(a) & (b) 

Throughout this exemption request, I have shown how my expertise and knowledge with UAS 

technology will ensure the public's best interest is at hand and how my operation will aid in 

safely integrating civil UAS into the national airspace system. 

Aero-Pic, Incorporated 

Aero-Pic Photography 

CUSTOM AERIAL&: COMMERCIAL PHOTOGRAPHY SINCE 1950 
. 

Meetthexs+ 

Thank you for purchasing an XB•! 

The X8 is a powerful octocopter platform for aerial video. 

Review this manual in its entirety before your first flight. 

Additional instructions can be found in the X8 infonnation 

portal at 30R.com!XB/info. 

Happy flying! 

-----~· 

Contents 

Parts 2 

Setup 4 

Assembly 4 

Ground Station 5 

Power Management 7 

Charging 8 

Safety 8 

Controller Battery 9 

Powering the X8 10 

Connecting to a Ground Station 11 

Flight Basics 12 

Safety 12 

Operating Umits 13 

Controls 14 

Modes 17 

Return to Launch 19 

Failsafes 20 

Status Indicators 22 

,-..........4~-~,---· 

---~.,..,.,.,.,...,-~-- -- --. ~--~~--.,~-"~ ,,.., --~~-;;;..... ____ _ 

Flight Procedures 24 

Takeoff 24 

Landing 26 

Monitoring 27 

Missions 28 

Planning 29 

Saving 30 

Initiating 31 

Ending 31 

Appendix 32 

Troubleshooting 32 

Maintenance 32 

Specs 33 

Resources 34 
. 

Ground Station 

A ground station is a laptop or tablet running an ArduPi!ot-compatible mission control application. 

In the field, a ground station helps you monitor the X8 during flight, plan missions, and troubleshoot issues. We recommend using a ground station at all times with the X8. 

To set up a ground station, choose a platform below and visit 3DR.comldownload_sottwsre to install 

the application. 

e II II 

DroidPianner 2 Mission Planner APMPianner 

Android Windows OSX 

Important Note About Vehicle Setup in Mission Planner and APM Planner: 

Your X8 has been pre-configured at the factory and is ready to fly. Re-performing the 

calibrations on the lnltfal Setup screen, including the mandatory hardWare configurations 

and setup wizard, can adversely affect the performance of your aircraft. 

iOS? ·There are currently no ground station applications available for iOS. 

Power Mana~ement 

The X8 is powered by a rechargeable lithium polymer (UPo) battery. When fully 

charged, the battery provides up to 15 minutes of flight time depending on payload, 

environmental conditions, and flying style. Aying with a gimbal, GoPro, and FPV 

system can reduce flight time by up to 5 minutes. Aying aggressively or in high winds 

can affect power consumption and reduce flight time. Monitor power consumption 

using the flight data display on the controller (press and hold the ON button). 

When the battery reaches the low voltage limit, the X8 will initiate a low battery failsafe 

and land automatically at the current position. (See page 20 for more information about 

failsafes.) To avoid a low battery failsafe, monitor battery voltage during flight on the 

controller's flight data display, and end your flight before the battery reaches the low 

voltage limit. 

,--. flight battery level 

Full battery: 16.8 V 

Low battery limit: 14 V 

Press and hold the ON 

button to view flight data. 

J .&, End your flight at 14.1 V. 

• 11- flight battery mAh consumed since armed 

Controller 

Controller Right Data Display: Screen 1 

Another way to monitor power consumption is by using milliamp-hours (mAh). 

Monitor the mAh on the controller, and ensure that it does not exceed 8,000 

mAh (80% of the battery's available capacity). Exceeding 8,000 mAh can 

render the battery permanently unusable. 

Do not exceed 8,000 mAh for a fully charged X8+ battery. 

6 

7 
Chan~in~ 

Charge the battery before your first flight! 

1 

Connect the charger to the power adapter cable 

and a wall outlet. Connect the red cable to the + 

port and the black cable to the - port. 

Charger with power cable and 

spUt-wire charging cable 

3 

Connect the white connector to the 48 port, and 

join the two yellow connectors together. 

4S 

Right battery charging wiring 

Controller Battery 

2 

Set the charger to UPo and 3A 

UPo 3A 

Charger settings 

4 

Secure the battery inSide the guard bag, 

and charge until the status indicator 

d"ISplays green. 

• 

Charging 

~· Complete 

Cha'lling in process 

Safety 

· flyir1Q. with 8: lovv battery is a safety 

riskand can render ~he battety i:iStrna:i)eirtiY unuSable. AlWays fly 

. ·With a tuny~arged tiattery. 

Charge the bl;lttery using a.designated 

UPo balai1ce charger only. A.Jv'.niys 

·monitor the tiattery\vhile charging. 

Prb1eiit the battery from ext:reine · heat, ~Xtreme cold; pune;tl.lnng, and 

!18tnhiim1e surfilci§S; 'AlWays transport' 

charge, :arid store the battery in the 

QUafdbag ... 

Inspect the battery for damage before 

arid a:tter flying: If you obsenie any 

,$Welling ottl!e pac~ge ()r .1he t>attery 

' :ceases to :(i.n'lcltlon, do t\C>t.use .tlie)!; • 

;!,~~~~~~' trash;.: · · 

The controller is powered by 8 AA batteries Qncluded). The controller's 

flight data display allows you to monitor the voltage of the controller. 

When fully charged, the controller will diSplay 12 V; when completely 

out of charge, the controller will display 9 V. Replace the batteries when 

the controller displays 9.1 V. Press and hold the ON 

button to view flight data. 

Con!JO!Ier 

----f> controller battery level (9-12 V) 

Controller Flight Data Display. Screen 1 Replace controller batteries at 9.1 V. 

8 

9 
witches 

 

Mode switch RTLswhch 

 with the yellow connector 

ep the X8 still and level 

sors. Check the status 

sensors have completed 

Status LED indicators: 

e e e e Initializing, keep still and level 

oeoe 

te, turn over 

derside of the 

Initializing complete 

A 

·tt Important to establish . 

·. communlcatiqn before powering ' ' 

·. on ttie xa. Always turn on the . 

' Controller before connecting the ' 

battery. When powering offthe. 

xa, disconnect the battery before 

. turning ·off the conti'QIIer. · · 

to a Ground Station 

To connect the XB to a ground station, connect the ground station radio to 

your laptop or tablet, and power the X8. 

Laptop (Mission Planner/APM Planner) 

1 2 

., 

Connect the ground station radio to your 

laptop using the USB adapter. Open 

Mission Planner or APM Planner. 

Select 57600 and AUTO, then salect CONNECT. 

(Whan connecting directly to Pixhawk's 

micro-USB port, set the rate to 115200.) 

Ground station laptop with radio connected 

3 

Select Flight Data to view live data from the X8. 

Mission Planner Connect tool (top-right comer) 

• 

Mission Planner Flight Data tab: connected to aircraft 

• 

Tablet (DmldPianner) 

1 

Connect the blue and of the Android adapter 

to your device and the black end to the radio. 

Ground station tablet with radio connected 

2 

Select Connect. 

11 

DroidPianner: Connect Icon 

11 
' 

€fi~llt=Baiics:-Safetp 

To ensure safe and successful flying, always fly in accordance 

with your location regulations and these best operating practices. 

Before you fly, determine the boundaries of your safe flying area. 

If the X8 moves outside the designated area or exhibits instability 

in flight, switch to standard mode and land the X8 manually. 

The X8 will not avoid obstacles on its own, including during 

missions. As the operator, it's your job to recognize and avoid 

obstructions while flying. AJways be ready to regain manual 

control of the X8 in the event of an unsafe situation. 

t:=ocation~ 

Always fly below 400 ft (120 m) and within your 

visual line of sight. Don't let the X8 get too far 

away from you; make sure you can always see its 

orientation. Don't fly in low light, heavy wind, rain, 

or other conditions that might impede visibility. 

tOper:atirr¢tim~ 

Always fly within the X8's operating limits. 

~ ~~~~~~~de* ~-.=-- 100m~~---.. -~-~ 

~ ~ ~~~e· ~ _ ·-----300m (984ft) from launch point--. • 

~ G~ ~~---- GPS lock ~~:ed at all times J 

~~':'~..::""" fl;ght tim• 15m;"----------~....., ~ayload capacity _ 800 g (l71bs) _j 

-while geofence enabled (default) 

0 

100ft (]Om) 

Propellers 

•••• 

AJways fly at least 1 00 feet (30 m) 

away from people, vehicles, and 

buildings. Make the safety of people 

and property your first priority! 

AJways fly at least 5 miles (8 km) 

away from airports and other areas 

where pilots operate manned aircraft. 

Spinning propellers can cause serious injury. The safety 

button indicates the status of the motors to help you 

prevent hazardous contact with the X8's high-speed 

propellers. 

• When the xa is powered on, the safety 

button will blink red, indicating that the 

motors are inactive and the propellers are 

safe to handle. 

• When you're ready to fly, press and hold the 

safety button until it shows solid red. This 

indicates that the motors are active and the 

propellers can spin if armed. To make the 

propellers safe to handle again, press and 

hold the safety button until it blinks red. 

12 

13 
ltitude. 

0 

left stick: 

throttle 

&yaw 

right stick: pitch 

&roll 

.......................................... , ... ,, .. , ........................................................... 

0 

........................................... ........................................ 

0 

!'-

1-r ... :{51 

Yaw 

Move the left stick horizontally to rotate the XB and change orientation. 

For a slow rotation, move the stick slightly away from the center 

in either direction. Moving the stick farther from the center creates 

a faster rotation. 

Move the stick to 

the left to rotate 

counterclockwise. 

Move the stick 

to the right to 

rotate clockwise. 

left stick 

0 

0 

''''"''""" """""""''''''''"'"'" • ••• """'' ••• •• ""'"""'"""'""'"'"""""""'"P''"" ... , ... , """ ......... """" """""' .. "" 

Release the stick to ®·0 stop rotating and maintain the current orientation . 

c;._-.. Q' 

.,..P .<?& ,,0 

,, . 

15 . 
X8's position in the air. Move the right stick to tell the 

ward the blue arms), back (toward the black arms), 

ds the right arms). How far you move the stick from 

how fast to move. 

right stick 

·•··.· ............. · ............... ··.··.·······•·• ........... • > ·. ·· .··.· 

Tt:ie bh.)e aims face for.Wa,tc:;l; · and• the black 

ri.liJf'lt sUc.k, Use yaw tQkeep the X6. fi:IGing in .. •·. 

rms f!i\C\3 toV.iardsyol).and the blue arti'ls l:l(ld face. 

·· · ·· · · · · · · · · · · · · · .· · 

A 

'I 

' 1 

ttloais:J 

The X8 includes three flight modes: manual flight 

(STD-altitude hold), hover mode (LTR-Iolter), and 

mission flight (AUTO). Use the switch on the 

side of the controller to select a flloht mode. 

(altitude hold mode) 

STO 

fly manually 

In standard to select altitude hold mode, 

and fly manually using the controller. 

LTR 

hover 

Select loiter to hover in place automatically. Use the controller 

to adjust the X8's position then release the sticks to hold that position. Loiter Is a great way for beginners to learn how to fly! 

If you're new to flying, start your first flight in loiter Instead of standard. 

4 

. . 

To avoid sudden changes in p.ltitude, set th\!1 throttle 

stlc!< to center position before switching modes; ··• .. 

Including in. the event .of a GPS failsafe. Seepage . 

for more Information atx)\,11 failsafes;. . .. 

17 
mous mission. The XS will 

points saved to the autopilot. 

28 for instructions on 

e 

.. .. · ... ; ·· .. ·,·· "· · ..... .

missions. 

rately), and use the TILT knob to control the 

3DR.com/X81info for instructions. 

your flight and land at the current position. 

ottle stick fully down, and the XB will auto·. 

 X8 will not disarm automatically unless the 

anding, use the right o.Q 0 

 XS's position. · 

l 

l 

l 

iatom:to:t:auncft1 

land at the launch point 

Set the RTL switch to ON to end your flight and return the X8 to 

the launch point automatically. Once you activate RTL, set the throttle stick fully down, and the X8 will automatically disarm after 

landing. The X8 will not disarm automatically unless the throttle 

stick is set fully down. Ensure that the RTL switch is set to OFF 

before takeoff . 

-:.. 

When commanded to RTL, the'X8 will: 

1 Achieve minimum altitude of 15 m (50 ft) or maintain current altitude If 

above 15m. 

2 Move to launch point and loiter for 5 seconds. 

3 Land at launch point. Wait a few seconds and disarm automatically. 

"' ' 

15 meters * .............................................................. 2 hover 5 seconds 

.... 

launch point 

Reposition during landing: During landing, use the right o 

stick on the controller to adjust the XS's position. · 

A RTL the t6 . : · · 

A.. AlwaYS .armtl'le Xa at a safe, un6bstructe.d launqh point. 

19 
afe behaviors to prevent a crash in 

communication channels required for 

igned LED indicators and tones, It is 

 at a distance. Monitor the ground 

 is triggered, the assigned behavior 

vior, use the controller to switch to 

ol. 

om nearby wireless signals can affect 

, it will return to the launch point auto

g yellow status LED. 

 flying style can affect power 

data display to monitor the 

and automatically at the 

 yellow status LED and a quick 

4sFailsafe 

The XB requires GPS lock before takeoff. Enclosed areas, physical 

obstructions, and lack of available satellites can affect GPS strength. If 

the XB loses GPS lock in flight, it will trigger a GPS failsafe, Indicated by 

a blinking blue and yellow LED with a high-high-high-low tone, and 

automatically switch to manual control (standard - altitude hold mode). 

Always be prepared to regain manual control at any time while flying and 

choose an unobstructed flying area to improve GPS signal strength. When 

flying a mission, we recommended changing the GPS failsafe behavior to 

land. (Visit 3DR.com/X8/info for more information about configuring the 

GPS failsafe.) 

....... -//-·······* 

manual 

corrtrol 

Failsafe 

The XB has a 1 00 m (328 ft) altitude geofence enabled by default. If the 

geofence is breached, the XB will automatically RTL . 

* 

.&. 

c::» 

Failsafe 

The XB has a 300 m (984 ft) horizontal geofence enabled by 

default. If the XB travels farther than 300 m from the launch point, it 

will automatically return to the launch point and land. If you plan to 

fly a mission that exceeds this range, you will need to disable the 

horizontal geofence. (Visit 3DR.com/X8/info for instructions.) The 

range failsafe will be disabled in the event of a GPS failsafe. 

21 
f the X8. During flight, the LED won't 

und station to view the status of the 

xhawk's status tones . 

Status LEO 

the XB still and level 

please wait 

GPS locked 

al, automatic landing 

tomatic landing 

gnal, switch to standard mode (altitude hold) 

check failure. Connect to a ground station 

ubleshooting section. 

\ ~ \ ~Buttorv The safety button indicates the status of the motors to allow you to arm and disarm the xa safely. X$ Safety Button eo eo •••• ~ Safety buttoro Motors inactive, safe to handle Motors active, deactivate before handling 

23 
o the motors in the correct order and 

ally. 

tery secured to the underside of the 

 XS still and level while the sensors 

F, standard (STD) mode (loiter mode for 

g green, Indicating that the XS has 

ke a few minutes depending on your 

obstructed launch point, facing away 

' Arm 

After completing the checklist, you're ready to fly! Arming and disarming are Important steps that must be completed before takeoff and after landing. 

There are two steps to arming the XS: the safety button and the controller. 

1 ' Press and hold the safety button until'it 

displays solid red. This indicates that the 

X8 is now active. Stand back! 

e 0 • 0 Motors inactive, safe to handle 

• e e • active, deactivate before 

handling 

Safety button Indicators 

2 

To arm the motors, hold the left stick 

down/right until the motors spin. 

®o 

Controller left stick: annlng position 

• · The procedures thatybu ®r1 safety . . · stop wi.th()!Jt of Injury. TheX8's.mofors Wlll spin whenarmedlMaKe . . sure afi3.plear ofany your hands, . arming. [)()npt f1andle.the propellers or pick Qpthe X8vmilethe.sa,fety bl;ltton. · lsactlve(solidred).< · · · ·· · · · ··· ·. · ... ······· 

25 
\t;atldi~~ 

If you end your flight using the Ch 7 land command or RTL, the X8 will 

disarm automatically; wait for the motors to stop, and proceed to powering 

off. Attempting to disarm the X8 in either land or RTL can cause the cause 

the copter to flip. 

Disarm 

For manual landing in standard or loiter mode: 

2 

Press and hold the safety button until it 

blinks red. The motors are now inactive, 

and the X8 is safe to handle. 

To disarm the motors, hold the left stick down/left 

until the motors stop. 

e O e O Motors inactive, safe to handle 

e e e e Motors active, deactivate before 

handling 

Safety button indicators 

' ··:··.·.:.·i ** tte- 7 6 

CMnnitorina===:J 

Controller left stick: disarming position 

····-··--ev-·· ..-

Monitor the X8 in flight using the controller's flight data screens. 

I I 

• 

Controller 

GPS status 

connection strength 

altitude in meters 

speedinrnls 

meters from launch point 

flight time 

current latitude 

current longitude 

altitude in meters .· 

Press and hold the ON button to access the flight data screens . 

Press ON again to toggle between screens. 

current flight mode 

GPS signal strength in # of satellites 

flight battery level (14-16.8 V) 

flight battery mAh 

consumed since armed 

1::\ End your flight at 14.1 V. 

Ll...}. Do not exceed 8000 mAh for a 

fully charged X8+ battery (80% of 

available capacity). 

controller battery level (9-12 V) 

26 

#tiff"? 

27 
Missions 

The XB's Pixhawk autopilot is capable of flying an autonomous mission 

without operator input. Ensure that you feel comfortable operating the X8 

manually before attempting an autonomous mission. 

Environmental Awareness 

Before you fly, assess the features of your flying area. Determine the boundaries of the safe flying area, and be prepared to recover the copter manually 

if It goes outside this area. Be aware of any risks at your location, induding 

bodies of water, structures, trees, etc. Designate a few areas as safety zones 

where you can safely land the copter in case of an unsafe situation. 

Radio Signal Conditions 

Rying behind solid objects, like buildings and trees, will block radio signals. 

Always maintain visual contact with the copter to ensure that the radio signal 

is unobstructed. Radio towers, cell phone towers, and nearby WiR signals 

can also cause interference with the radio system and decrease its range. 

Avoid flying in populated areas to avoid sources of interference. 

Altitude 

Select an appropriate altitude for your flying location and local regulations. 

Remember the X8 will not avoid obstades during a mission; it will complete 

the mission as planned. Select altitudes that avoid any obstacles, such as 

trees, and comply with the safety information in this manual. 

Speed 

By default, the X8 will travel at 6.5 m/s (14.5 mph) during a mission. 

···r 

Plannin~ 

To plan a mission, power the XB and connect to your ground station. Ground 

station applications require an Internet connection to access maps. 

Tablet (DroidPianner) 

Select the DroidPianner icon, select EditrJr. Tap to add 

waypoints, or select the brush tool and draw a path 

for the X8 to follow. 

'6 '~-:· ; -=-=· 

:(( Flight Data 

( 9 Editor J 

6' locator 

OroidPianner. Edit waypoinls 

Takeoff and Landing 

Both ground station options provide the choice to configure automatic takeoff 

and landing into the mission. Missions without automatic takeoff and landing 

must be initiated and ended in flight. 

Power 

As the operator, it is your responsibility to ensure that all missions comply 

with the XB's operating limits, induding flight time. Don't forget to take into 

account the effect of current wind conditions on power consumption. 

Regaining Manual Control 

During a mission, keep the controller easily accessible, and be prepared to 

regain manual control at any time. To regain manual control during the 

mission, switch to standard mode using the controller. H you observe 

instability in the XB's flight behavior or it the copter moves outside your 

designated safe flying area, switch to RTL. Turning off the controller will 

automatically trigger an RTL and can be used in an emergency situalion 

as a hard recall command. 

Fallsafes 

The X8's default failsafe behaviors are optimized for manual flight. For 

autonomous missions, we recommend re-configuring the failsafe settings 

for your flying location. For instructions, visit 3DR.com/XB!info. 

Laptop (Mission Planner, APM Planner) 

Select Right Plan, and click to add waypoints. Select the green arrows at 

the bottom of the screen to configure altitude and change waypoint types. 

28 

• Mission Planner: Flight Plan 

29 
Savin~ 

After planning the mission, save the mission to the X8. The Pixhawk autopilot 

can store one mission at a time. When you initiate the mission, the X8 will 

start the mission stored to the autopilot at the time. 

Tablet (DroidPianner) 

Select the option menu in the top-right comer, and 

select Send Mission. This will save the mission to the X8. 

OroidPianner: Send Mission (option menu) 

Laptop (Mission Planner. APM Planner) 

On the Right Plan screen, select Writs WPs to save the mission to the X8. 

Select Save WP Rle to save the mission to your computer for future use . 

• 

Mission Planner: Right Plan 

30 

lnitiatin~ 

Once you've saved the mission to the X8, follow these steps to fly the mission. 

1 Perform a pre-mission test flight. 

Follow the standard takeoff procedure, and fly a 

brief test flight to verify that all controls (throttle, 

yaw, roll. and pitch) are responding normally. 

2 Arm in standard mode. 

When you're ready to start the mission, 

arm the X8 in standard {STD) mode. 

Controller. mode sw~ch 

3 Switch to auto mode. 

For automatic takeoff, arm the X8 in standard 

mode. Then switch to auto mode, and raise the 

throttle to initiate the mission. 

For manual takeoff, initiate the mission in flight by 

switching to auto mode. 

Controller. mode ~ch 

For auto-takeoff, raise 

throttle to start mission. 

®0 

Controller: left stick 

En din~ 

End the mission according to the type of 

landing configured in the mission. 

Automatic landing 

For missions configured with a land 

waypoint, the X8 will disarm automatically 

after landing. Ensure that the throttle 

.stick is set fully down during landing; the 

X8 will not disarm automatically unless 

. the throttle stick is set fully down. 

Manual landing 

For missions without a land waypoint, 

switch to standard or loiter mode in flight 

then land manually. 

.-__ . - -_ .·. . ·4 Toavoid suddef1ctJanges .. • J 

• •··. iri altitt.ide when switching• > 

from auto mode to standard· • .• ..•. mOde, ensure that the left . 

( ; . · ·.··. stick is set to the center 

; >. .pbsiti()(l. · · 

31 
.. 

Appendix: Troubleshootin~ 

Pre-Ann Safety Check Failure 

If the status LEO displays blinking yellow, the X8 is failing one the pre-ann safety checks. To determine the specific failure, check the 

heads-up display on the ground station. There wlll be an error message specifying the failed check. 

Radio Calibration Failure: 

Accelerometer Calibration Failure: 

Compass Calibration Failure: 

GPS Failure: 

Perform Radio Calibration or RC controller re-binding 

Perform Accelerometer Calibration 

Perform Compass Calibration 

Wait for improved GPS signai or move to a more open area 

Video tutolials for performing calibrations can be found at 3DR.com/X8/info. 

Maintenance 

Replacement parts for the X8 can be purchased at store.3DA.com. 

Instructions for replacing the wiring, plates, motors, and legs of the X8 can be 

found at 3DA.com1X8/info. 

CSpec.s~ 

Battery: 

Battery Dimensions: 

Battery Weight 

Autopilot hardware: 

Autopnot fir:rmrrare: 

GPS: 

Ground Station Rad:oi: 

Motors: 

Frame"JYpe: 

~: 

4S 14.8V 10,000 mAh 10C 

6.6 in x 2.6 in x 1.4 in (16.7 em x 6.5 em x 3.5 em) 

803g 

F'ixhawk 112.4.5 

ArduCopter 3.2 

3DR u-blox GPS with Compass (LEA-6H module, 5 Hz update) 

3DA Radio v2 (915 MHz or 433 MHz) 

SUrni}'SkY V2216-12 KV800 II 

X 

APC Propeller 11x4.7 SF (4) 

A.OC Propeller 11x4.7 SFP (4) 

13.7 inx 20.1 in x 11.8 in (35 em x 51 em x 20 em) 

800g {1.7lbs) 

2.56I<g {5.61bs) 

·1oom 

.soomfitim launch point (1 km when geofence disabled) 

•t5~"l 

32