Section 333 exception petition

May 29, 2015

Chris Thomas

Aerial Pursuit Mapping/ Bidgerland Applied Technology College

962 Canyon Rd,

Logan, UT 84321

435-881-8628

clearflowingwater@gmail.com

Request for Section 333 Exemption

Purpose: To provide aerial photography and videography

May 21st, 2015

by/for: Justin L Quigley

dba: birdseye productions, LLC.

This document constitutes an exemption Request under Section 333 of the FAA Modernization and 

Reform Act of 2012 for Aviation Unmanned to perform Aerial Photography by/for Chris Thomas dba 

Aerial Pursuit Mapping. The main use of this UAS would be for aerial photography/videography. The 

UAS systems that I plan to use is a DJI PHANTOM 1 and 2.

1. The safe operation to the NAS and/or persons and/or property will be kept to a minimum by 

always flying the UAS within visual eye contact, less than 400 ft above ground and never directly 

above persons or public places. The orientation of flights will be such that the pilot in command (PIC) 

always has a visual on the DJI PHANTOM platform. Additional safety features on the DJI 

PHANTOM’s are: return to home, low voltage, enhanced failsafe along with operating in the less 

populated 5.8 GHZ frequency range.

2. Pre-flight inspection would be checking battery condition/level in both the transmitter and UAS. 

The binding/link feature will not let the UAS start if communication is not established. A check for 

power-lines, antennas and other overhead objects would be performed. Wind conditions would be 

monitored and be a factor for flying. A complete walk through to ensure all parts of the UAS are 

working properly and are free of any defects or damage from a previous flight.

3. The radio frequency of the DJI PHANTOM 1 is 2.4 GHZ an the DJI PHANTOM 2 is in 5.8 GHZ 

range the Go Pro camera 2.4 GHZ. Maximum take-off weight less than 3 pounds. Max 

Ascent/decent speed 6 m/s. Maximum flight Velocity 10 m/s.

4. The PIC will be myself, I have a minimum of 2000 hours flying time with this DJI PHANTOM 1 and 

2 plus University Testing Research drones done by Aggie Air at Utah State University. Testing, 

updating and programming both models of the DJI PHANTOM firmware would be scheduled on a 

monthly basis.

5. I’m in good medical health and sound mental health with no convictions or arrests.

6. The intended use of this DJI PHANTOM is to supplement my existing basic and advanced drone 

piloting and applications classes at Bridgerland Applied Technology College in Logan Utah. This will 

include occasional aerial photographs and videos. Other videographers are currently offering aerial 

photography and video which allows them to have a competitive edge.

7. All photo/video flights for hire would have the date, time, GPS coordinates along with the camera 
metadata recorded and stored/backed up to a hard drive. This data would be kept readily available 

for a period of 1 year after each aerial flight for hire.

The DJI PHANTOM 1 or 2 will not be flown at night and never in the flight path of manned aircraft. 

The first condition listed to always keep visual eye contact on the DJI PHANTOM. Note: When 

placing the DJI PHANTOM on the ground, then walking away the 22mm LED flight indicator is 

clearly visible to approximately 400 feet.

Our objective is to offer aerial video and photography training in the safest way possible. Which will 

remove several risk factors associated with current manned aircraft.

Regards,

Chris Thomas

Aerial Pursuit Mapping

435-881-8628

www.aerialpursuit.org

Included are some of the basic images I would be using- most are taken at less than 50 feet AGL.

1. The basic images stitched together into an orthomosaic. Images from 30 feet AGL

2. The image geo-rectified to the ground control points.

3. A different example but the orthomosaic geo-rectified to the ground with additional measurements included. 
I appreciate your time and look forward to any discussion about my Section 333 exception petition.

Thank You, Chris Thomas