Petition for exemption section 333 

Richard E. Lopez 

2712 S. Knoxville Way 

Denver Co., 80227 

(970)646-3312 

Omegalopez71@me.com 

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

Regulations from 14 CFR 61.113 (a) & (b) 14 CFR 91.9 (b) (2) 14 C.F.R. 91.103 14 C.F. R. 91.119 14 C.F.R. 

91.121 14 CFR 91.151 (a) 14 CFR 91.405 (a) 14 CFR 407 (a) (1) 14 CFR 409 (a) (2) 14 CFR 417 (a) & (b) 

Pursuant to Section 333 of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 (the Reform Act) and 14 

C.F.R. Part 11, Mobile Drones “Richard E. Lopez”., operator of Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems 

(“sUASs”) equipped to conduct monitoring of construction site, construction site logistic planning, 

hereby applies for an exemption from the listed Federal Aviation Regulations (“FARs”) to allow 

commercial operation of its sUASs, 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 333.1 

I would like to use a DJI Phantom 3 Professional quadcopter, in my startup business for aerial land 

survey, 3d photogrammetry aerial mapping, monitoring of construction site and construction site 

logistic planning. In the course of operating my quadcopter I have been contacted by individuals 

inquiring the availability of my equipment to do 3d photogrammetry on property or properties they 

have under construction on various construction sites. I see the future of UAS based businesses growing 

rapidly, and would like to be a part of this growing aviation sector. 

Current aerial video and photography projects require the hire of full size aircraft at a considerably

higher level of risk to construction sites and cost. The equipment I will be using weighs less than 5lbs and 

has various safety systems and overrides that in the event of loss of signal, guarantee that the aircraft 

return to the point of launch and safely land. Also, the equipment weighs considerably less than 

traditional aircraft and crew. 

As a student pilot who working toward my private pilot license, this allows me to get into aviation in a 

new technology that I also hope will led to my eventual private pilot certification. I understand the 

safety procedures and how important check lists and well maintained aircraft are for public safety. 

When I fly my UAS I always abide by all FAA regulations. I take this as a future business very seriously. 

The equipment I am using is maintained to the highest standards. I do preflight checks on batteries, 

airframe, motors and all equipment associated with my aircraft. I do limit my flights to below 400 feet 

AGL and within line of sight. My UAS is equipped with an auto pilot system in the event of loss of signal 

or loss of sight. The UAS is also equipped with an FPV camera that can be used in the event there is an 

emergency situation or disorientation. Please consider granting this exemption I would greatly 

appreciate the consideration. 

Sincerely 

Richard E Lopez 

Enclosure: 

1. Appendix A Standard Operating Procedures 

2. Appendix B Flight Log 
Appendix A Appendix A 

Standard Operating Procedures Standard Operating Procedures 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES 

PREFLIGHT CHECKLIST 

Safety for the public on the ground as well as manned aircraft above is an essential consideration for

aerial 

Photography, surveying and mapping. As such, safety protocol and control must be implemented 

through 

Pre-flight preparation and during aerial operation.

ENVIRONMENTAL: 

□ Check weather forecasts for wind advisory or other conditions that may impact flight 

□ Notify any bystanders or nearby property owner of your intentions. 

□ Consult five (5) mile radius map for airport vicinity 

• Contact respective airport to advices of estimated flight time, estimate flight duration, 

Estimated elevation of flight, and any other pertinent information 

□ Inspect flight area for: 

• Vicinity of public safety helipads/heliports 

• Vicinity of medical helipads/heliports 

• Vicinity of light poles 

• Vicinity of utility wires 

• Vicinity of trees 

• Flocks of birds that may cause interference and potential flight impact 

• Vicinity of any elevated obstructions that may pose potential flight hazard 

• Vicinity of roadway with moderate to heavy traffic that can be distracted 

• Public gathers that may attract viewers 

□ Takeoff and landing 

• Inspect area for best and safest point of takeoff and landing 

• If in a subdivision or area that is within 150 feet of a residential street, post warning 

sign(2)/stand(s) “Attention Aerial Photography/Surveying/Mapping In Progress – Remain 

Back 150 Feet” 

□ First Aid / Safety Kit on hand, stocked, readily accessible, and visible to anyone in the area 

HARDWARE / EQUIPMENT: 

VISUALLY INSPECT THE AIRFRAME 

□ Cracks (especially in high stress areas like joints) 

□ Loose or damaged screws / fasteners / bands / straps / ties 

□ Loose or damaged wiring 

□ Loose or damaged connections (solder, plugs, etc) 

□ Inspect prop mounts & screws & apply slight counter pressure on arms to check for loosened 

Construction 

□ Inspect camera lens and ensure that cameras are secured 

□ Battery/batteries fully charged, properly seated & secured 

□ Remove props and test fail-safe behavior (if applicable) 

□ Props are smooth and free of damage/defect (check blade, surface, & hub) 

□ Tighten prop adapters (careful not to over tighten which may damage prop) 

□ Ensure voltage alarm is connected 

□ Ensure arming/idle timeout is properly configured (6-15 seconds is generally acceptable) 

□ Check whether the right model is selected in the transmitter (if applicable) 

□ Check your RC transmitter shows the right range and centering for all sticks 

□ If desired, perform range test 
STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES 

PRE‐FLIGHT: 

POWER UP 

□ Batteries charged & secured 

□ Position UAV in a level, safe location for takeoff 

□ Power up ground station and video receiver 

□ Turn on camera 

□ All transmitter controls move freely in all directions 

□ All transmitter trims in its neutral position 

□ All transmitter switches in correct position (typically away) 

□ Transmitter throttle to zero 

□ Radio transmitter on 

□ Connect/power on battery to airframe 

□ Ensure led indicators & audible tones are all correct 

□ Timer on (if applicable) 

□ Scan for nearby people or animals 

□ Stand clear - audibly, loudly announce the word "CLEAR!" 

□ Arm flight controller 

PRE TAKEOFF 

□ Increase throttle slightly listening for any abnormalities 

□ Short 20-30 second hover at 3-5 feet 

(listen for any weird vibrations or anything that sounds loose) 

FLIGHT: 

□ Takeoff and land from same location 

□ Remain alert to birds, sound or aircraft, curious public, and approaching vehicles 

□ Do not allow anyone to engage in conversation or distract the remote control pilot 

□ Restrict flight to minimal elevation sufficient to acquire desired results 

□ Remain prepared for emergency landing at all times 

□ Pay attention to flight time and set a timer as a safety alert 

□ Land UAS and shut down propulsion immediately following landing 

POST FLIGHT: 

□ Disconnect battery to prevent accidental activation of propulsion system 

□ Secure UAS in a safe location 

□ Remove all warning signs from public access areas 

Emergency or Suspected Hazard: 

□ Immediate land UAS at safest and closet ground location in the event: 

• Manned aircraft is heard or seen in vicinity of flight 

• There is a public gathering within established safety boundary wanting to observe flight 

• Pilot is being distracted from focusing on flight and safety 

• Sudden change in weather (wind bursts) 

• Sudden increase in vehicular traffic in vicinity of flight 

• Birds enter into proximity of flight 

• Any sudden unsafe event that can cause collision, distraction or interruption of control 
Appendix D Appendix D 

Flight Log Flight Log