Wednesday, July 15, 2015

I am submitting a petition for Exemption 333 to the FAA to operate 

unmanned aircraft in the National Airspace System (NAS). I wish to be 

granted relief from airworthiness certification requirements under the FAA 

Modernization and Reform Act of 2012, Public Law 112-95 FEB.

The extent of relief enable use for unmanned aircraft to capture photo and 

video within FAA rules, for corporate, commercial, editorial as well as 

personal use.

My request for relief would benefit the public because my footage will be 

used for entertainment, corporate, commercial, documentary, real estate and 

broadcast purposes (some of my recent footage will be aired on NBC Sports 

/ Sea Otter Classic Bicycle Festival – it was shot on private property).

My exemption would not adversely affect safety. I have been flying 

unmanned aircraft for over 2 years and keep utilize preflight safety 

procedures and maintain direct line of sight at all times and safety for the 

FAS as well as those on the ground is vital for every flight.

I intend to fly my DJI Inspire unmanned aircraft to capture aerial photos and 

video for a variety of clients (sports, documentary, commercial, editorial, 

real estate, etc). I have over 2 years of experience flying unmanned aircraft 

(e.g. DJI Phantom, Inspire) and have a high level of confidence and take 

safety and the FAS very seriously.

As a professional photographer, producer and director, having this 

exemption would be an important tool for my business and enable me to 

grow.

I have included a User Manual and Safety Guidelines for the DJI Inspire 1, 

which is the aircraft that I currently fly. 

More on the following page...
Regarding the Unmanned Aircraft System 

1. My UAS operation will be conducted safely to minimize risk to the NAS 

or to persons and property on the ground. I have provided the User Manual 

and Safety Guidelines for my particular UA (DJI Inspire 1).

2. I always fly my UAS with safety in mind. I perform a pre-flight 

inspection and regular maintenance and repairs when needed to ensure that 

my UAS is in safe flying condition.

3. My drone complies with FCC requirements. See attached information for 

details (page 62 of User Guidelines).

4. I studied aviation science and have completed the equivalent of ground 

school along with over 100 hours of flying a DJI drone (UAS) over the last 

2-3 years so I am very familiar with its operation.

5. I am in good health and have 20/15 eyesight which is above average. 

6. My UAS operation would be simply to capture aerial photo and video for 

a variety of clients (e.g. real estate, commercial, corporate, broadcast, etc). 

Visual Line of Sight (VLOS) will be maintained at all times and safety 

concern for both the NAS and people and property on the ground within the 

operational area.

7. The UAS (DJI Inspire) that I fly has a maximum speed of less than 50mph 

and under FAA rules, the maximum altitude which is restricted by the DJI 

software, is 400 feet. See attached Operations Manual for details.

8. The areas where I intend to operate a UAS would be limited with respect 

for local, state and national laws as well as avoidance of potential hazards 

and population zones.

9. I would not be operating near any airports and, in fact, the DJI software 

restricts flying near airports.

10. As referenced above, I always maintain VLOS of my UAS at all times.
11. In addition to scanning the operational area and horizon for potential 

hazards and obstructions, I would follow the pre-flight check list below.

1. Check that all parts are in good condition. Do not fly with aging or 

damaged parts. 2. Remote controller, Intelligent Flight Battery and mobile 

device are all fully charged. 3. Propellers are mounted correctly and 

securely.4. Lens is clear. 5. Micro-SD card has been inserted, if necessary.6. 

Gimbal is functioning as normal.7. Gimbal is correctly attached to the 

aircraft.8. Motors can start and are functioning as normal.9. The DJI Pilot 

app can connect to the camera and all firmware has been updated to the 

latest version. 

12. I always check with local/state agencies for special permits if and when 

necessary (e.g. film commissions, local municipalities, etc)

Best Regards,

Sean Cope

465 Coloma Street #D

Sausalito, CA 94965

415-887-9540

scope@seancope.com