### May 20 , 2015

Exemption No. 11631 Regulatory Docket No. FAA

–20 15

–0577 Mr. Jeremy Green Eastern Arizona Ag Center, Inc. 2700 W est Highway 70 Thatcher, AZ 85552 Dear Mr. Green : This letter is to inform you that we have granted your request for exemption. It transmits our decision, explains its basis, and gives you the conditions and limitations of the exemption, including the date it ends. By letter dated March 4, 2015 , you petitioned the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on behalf of Eastern Arizona Ag Center, Inc. (hereinafter petitioner or operator) for an exemption

. The exemption would all ow the petitioner to operate an unmanned aircraft system (UAS) to conduct aerial photography. See Appendix A for the petition submitted to the FAA des cribing the proposed operations and the regulations that the petitioner seeks an exemption

. The FAA has determined that good cause exists for not publishing a summary of the petition in the Federal Register because the requested exemption would not set a precedent, and any delay in acting on this petition would be detrimental to the petitioner

. Airworthiness Certification The UAS proposed by the petitioner is a Precision Drone Pacesetter. The petitioner requested relief from 14 CFR part 21, Certification procedures for products and parts, Subpart H

— Airworthiness Certificates

. 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 operating area associated with the

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aircraft and its operation, the Secretary of Transportation has determined that this aircraft meets the conditions of Section 333. Therefore, the FAA finds that the requested relief from 14 CFR part 21 , Certification procedures for products and parts, Subpart H

— Airworthin ess Certificates , and any associated noise certification and testing requirements of part 36, is not necessary. The Basis for Our Decision You have requested to use a UAS for aerial data collection

. The FAA has issued grants of exemption in circumstances similar in all material respects to those presented in your petition. In Grants of Exemption No s . 11062 to Astraeus Aerial ( see Docket No. FAA−2014−0352), 11109 to Clayco, Inc. ( see Docket No. FAA

− 20 14

− 0507), 11112 to VDOS Global, LLC ( see Docket No. FAA−2014−0382), and 11213 to Aeryon Lab s , Inc. ( see Docket No. FAA−2014−0642), the FAA found that the enhanced safety achieved using an unmanned aircraft (UA) with the specifications described by the peti tioner and carrying no passengers or crew, rather than a manned aircraft of significantly greater proportions, carrying crew in addition to flammable fuel, gives the FAA good cause to find that the UAS operation enabled by this exemption is in the public i nterest. Having reviewed your reasons for requesting an exemption, I find that

—

 They are similar in all material respects to relief previously requested in Grant of Exemption Nos. 11062, 11109, 11112, and 11213 ;  The reasons stated by the FAA for granting Exemption Nos. 11062, 11109, 11112, and 11213 also apply to the situation you present; and
 A grant of exemption is in the public interest. Our Decision In consideration of the foregoing, I find that a grant of exemption is in the public interest. Therefore, pursuant to the authority contained in 49 U.S.C. 106(f), 40113, and 44701, delegated to me by the Administrator, Eastern Arizona Ag Center, Inc. is granted an exemption from 14 CFR §§ 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), to the extent necessary to allow the petitioner to operate a UAS to perform aerial data collection. This exemption is subject to the conditions and limitations listed below. Conditions and Limitations In this grant of exemption, Eastern Arizona Ag Center, Inc. is hereafter referred to as the operator.

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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 Precision Drone Pacesetter 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

. 2. Operations for the purpose of closed

- set motion picture and television film ing are not permitted. 3. The UA may not be operated at a speed exceeding 87 knots (100 miles per hour). The exemption holder may use either groundspeed or calibrated airspeed to determine compliance with the 87 knot speed restriction. In no case will the UA be operated at airspeeds greater than the maximum UA operating airspeed recommended by the aircraft manufacturer. 4. The UA must be operated at an altitude of no more than 400 feet above ground level (AGL). Altitude must be reported in feet AGL. 5. The UA must be operated within visual line of sight (VLOS) of the PIC at all times. This requires the PIC to be able to use human vision unaided by any device other than corrective lenses, as specified on the PIC’s FAA

- issued airman medical certificate or U.S. driver’s license. 6. All operations must utilize a visual observer (VO). The UA must be operated within the visual line of sight (VLOS) of the PIC and VO at all times. The VO may be used to satisfy the VLOS requirement as long as the PIC always maint ains VLOS capability. The VO and PIC must be able to communicate verbally at all times ; electronic messaging or texting is not permitted during flight operations. The PIC must be designated before the flight and cannot transfer his or her designation fo r the duration of the flight. The PIC must ensure that the VO can perform the duties required of the VO. 7. This exemption and all documents needed to operate the UAS and conduct its operations in accordance with the conditions and limitations stated in thi s grant of exemption, are hereinafter referred to as the operating documents. The operating documents must be accessible during UAS operations and made available to the Administrator upon request. If a discrepancy exists between the conditions and limitations in this exemption and the procedures outlined in the operating documents, the conditions and limitations herein take precedence and must be followed. Otherwise, the operator must follow the procedures as outlined in its operating documents. The operator may update or revise its operating documents. It is the operator’s responsibility to track such revisions and present updated and revised

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documents to the Administrator or any law enforcement official upon request. The operator must also present up dated and revised documents if it petitions for extension or amendment to this grant of exemption. If the operator determines that any update or revision would affect the basis upon which the FAA granted this exemption, then the operator must petition for an amendment to its grant of exemption. The FAA’s UAS Integration Office (AFS− 80) may be contacted if questions arise regarding updates or revisions to the operating documents. 8. Any UAS that has undergone maintenance or alterations that affect the UAS op eration or flight characteristics, e.g. , replacement of a flight critical component, must undergo a functional test flight prior to conducting further operations under this exemption. Functional test flights may only be conducted by a PIC with a VO and mu st remain at least 500 feet from other people. The functional test flight must be conducted in such a manner so as to not pose an undue hazard to persons and property. 9. The operator is responsible for maintaining and inspecting the UAS to ensure that it i s in a condition for safe operation. 10. Prior to each flight, the PIC must conduct a pre

- flight inspection and determine the UAS is in a condition for safe flight. The pre

- flight inspection must account for all potential discrepancies, e.g. , inoperable comp onents, items, or equipment. If the inspection reveals a condition that affects the safe operation of the UAS, the aircraft is prohibited from operating until the necessary maintenance has been performed and the UAS is found to be in a condition for safe flight. 11. The operator must follow the UAS manufacturer’s maintenance, overhaul, replacement, inspection, and life limit requirements for the aircraft and aircraft components. 12. Each UAS operated under this exemption must comply with all manufacturer safety bulletins. 13. Under this grant of exemption, a PIC must hold either an airline transport, commercial, private, recreational, or sport pilot certificate. The PIC must also hold a current FAA airman medical certificate or a valid U.S. driver’s license issued by a state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, a territory, a possession, or the Federal G overnment. The PIC must also meet the flight revi ew requirements specified in 14 CFR § 61.56 in an aircraft in which the PIC is rated on his or her pilot certificate. 14. The operator may not permit any PIC to operate unless the PIC demonstrates the ability to safely operate the UAS in a manner consistent with how the UAS will be operated under this exemption, including evasive and emergency maneuvers and maintaining appropriate distances from persons, vessels, vehicles and structures. PIC qualification flight hours and currency must be logged in a manner consistent with

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14 CFR § 61.51(b). Flights for the purposes of training the operator’s PICs and VOs (trai ni ng, proficiency, and experience

- building) and determining the PIC’s ability to safely operate the UAS in a manner consistent with how the UAS will be operated under this exemption are permitted under the terms of this exemption. However, training operations may only be conducted during dedicated training sessions. During traini ng, proficiency, and experience

- building flights, all persons not essential for flight operations are considered nonparticipants, and the PIC must operate the UA with appropriate distance from nonparticipants in accordance with 14 CFR § 91.119. 15. UAS operations may not be conducted during night, as defined in 14 CFR § 1.1. All operations must be conducted under visual meteorological conditions (VMC). Flights under special visual flight rules (SVFR) are not authorized. 16. The UA may not operate within 5 nautical miles of an airport reference point (ARP) as denoted in the current FAA Airport/Facility Directory (AFD) or for airports not denoted with an ARP, the center of the airport sy mbo l as denoted on the current FAA

- published aeronautical chart, unless a letter of agreement with that airport’s management is obtained or otherwise permitted by a COA issued to the exemption holder. The letter of agreement with the airport management mu st be made available to the Administrator or any law enforcement official upon request. 17. The UA may not be operated less than 500 feet below or less than 2,000 feet horizontally from a cloud or when visibility is less than 3 statute miles from the PIC. 18. If the UAS loses communications or loses its GPS sign al, the UA must return to a pre - determined location within the private or controlled

- access property. 19. The PIC must abort the flight in the event of unpredicted obstacles or emergencies. 20. The PIC is prohib ited from beginning a flight unless (considering wind and forecast weather conditions) there is enough available power for the UA to conduct the intended operation and to operate after that for at least 5 minutes or with the reserve power recommended by th e manufacturer if greater. 21. Air Traffic Organization (ATO) Certificate of Waiver or Authorization (COA). All operations shall be conducted in accordance with an ATO

- issued COA. The exemption holder may apply for a new or amended COA if it intends to conduct operations that cannot be conducted under the terms of the attached COA

. 22. All aircraft operated in accordance with this exemption must be identified by serial number, registered in accordance with 14 CFR part 47, and have identification (N−Number) markings in accordance with 14 CFR part 45, Subpart C. Markings must be as large as practicable.

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23. Documents used by the operator to ensure the safe operation and flight of the UAS and any documents required under 14 CFR §§ 91.9 and 91.203 must be availabl e to the PIC at the Ground Control Station of the UAS any time the aircraft is operating. These documents must be made available to the Administrator or any law enforcement official upon request. 24. The UA must remain clear and give way to all manned aviation operations and activities at all times. 25. The UAS may not be operated by the PIC from any moving device or vehicle. 26. All Flight operations must be conducted at least 500 feet from all nonparticipating persons, vessels, vehicles, and structures unless: a. Barriers or structures are present that sufficiently protect nonparticipating persons from the UA and/or debris in the event of an accident. The operator must ensure that nonparticipating persons remain under such protection. If a situation arises where nonparticipating persons leave such protection and are within 500 feet of the UA, flight operations must cease immediately in a manner ensuring the safety of nonparticipating persons ; and b. The owner/controller of any vessels, vehicles or structures has granted permission for operating closer to those objects and the PIC has made a safety assessment of the risk of operating closer to those objects and determined that it does not present an undue hazard

. The PIC, VO, operator trainees or essential persons are not considered nonparticipating persons under this exemption. 27. All operations shall be conducted over private or control led

- access property with permission from the property owner/controller or authorized representative. Permission from property owner/controller or authorized representative will be obtained for each flight to be conducted. 28. Any incident, accident, or flight operation that transgresses the lateral or vertical boundaries of the operational area as defined by the applicable COA must be reported to the FAA's UAS Integration Office (AFS− 80) within 24 hours. Accidents must be reported to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) per instructions contained on the NTSB Web site: www.ntsb.gov

. If this exemption permits operations for the purpose of closed

- set motion picture and television filming and production, the following additional conditions and limitations apply. 29. The operator must have a motion picture and television operations manual (MPTOM) as documented in this grant of exemption.

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30. At least 3 days before aerial filming, the operator of the UAS affected by this exemption must submit a written Plan of Activities to the local Flight Standards District Office (FSDO) with jurisdiction over the area of proposed filming. The 3

- day notification may be waived with the concurrence of the FSDO. The plan of activities must include at least the following: a. Dates and times for all flights; b. Name and phone number of the operator for the UAS aerial filming conducted under this grant of exemption; c. Name and phone number of th e person responsible for the on

- scene operation of the UAS; d. Make, model, and serial or N−Number of UAS to be used; e. Name and certific ate number of UAS PICs involved in the aerial filming; f. A statement that the operator has obtained permission from property owners and/or local officials to conduct the filming production event; the list of those who gave permission must be made available t o the inspector upon request; g. Signature of exemption holder or representative; and h. A description of the flight activity, including maps or diagrams of any area, city, town, county, and/or state over which filming will be conducted and the altitudes essenti al to accomplish the operation. 31. Flight operations may be conducted closer than 500 feet from participating persons consenting to be involved and necessary for the filming production, as specified in the exemption holder’s MPTOM. Unless otherwise specifie d in this grant of exemption, the UAS, the UAS PIC, and the UAS operations must comply with all applicable parts of 14 CFR including, but not limited to, parts 45, 47, 61, and 91. This exemption terminates on May 31, 2017 , unless sooner superseded or resc inded. Sincerely,

/s/ John S. Duncan Director, Flight Standards Service

EnclosuresEastern Arizona AG Center, Inc.
- Section 333

Eastern Arizona Ag Center, Inc. 2700 W HWY 70 Thatcher, AZ 85552 (928) 428
- 1585 jeremy@easternazag.com March 4, 2015 U

. S

. D e par

t ment of T ransport a ti on D oc k et Management S ys t em 1200 N e w Jers e y A

ve
. , S E W a s h i n g t on, D C 20590 R e: E xemp t i on R e quest S ect i on 333 of t he F A A R e form Act and P art 1 1 of t he Federal A v i a t i on R e gu l a t i o ns from 14 C

. F

. R . 45

. 23(b) ; 14 C FR P art 21 ; 14 C FR 61

. 1 13 ( a ) & ( b ); 9 1

. 7 (a ) ; 91

. 9 ( b ) (2 ) ; 91

. 103(b) ; 91

. 1 19; 91

. 121; 91

. 151(a ) ; 91

. 203(a) & ( b ) ; 91

. 405 ( a ); 9 1

. 407(a) (1 ) ; 91

. 409 ( a ) (2 ) ; 91

. 417 (a) & (b )

.
D e ar S i r or M adam: P ursuant t o S ecti on 333 of t he F A A M o dern i za t i on and R efo r m Act of 2012 ( t he Reform Act ) and 14 C

. F

. R

. P art 1 1, EASTERN ARIZONA AG CENTER, INC. certified dealer for Precision Drone aircraft manufactured by P R EC I S IO N DR O N E L L C , dev e l oper and opera t or of S ma l l U nma n ned Ai rcra f t S ys t ems ( “s U A S s ” ) equ i pped t o con d uct aer i a l pho t ograp h y fo r t he agr i cu l t ural i n d us t ry fo r mon i t or i ng gro w i ng crops, here b y ap p li es for an e xemp t i on fro m t he l i s t ed Federal A v i a t i on R eg u l a t i ons (“ F

ARs”) t o a ll o w co m merc i a l opera t i on of i t s UAS s, so l ong as such opera t i ons are conduct ed w it h i n and under t he cond i t i o ns ou t li ned here i n or as m a y be es t ab l i shed b y t he F A A as req u i red b y S ecti on 333. As descr i b e d m o re f u l l y be l o w , t he reques t ed exemp t i on wo u l d perm i t t he opera t i on of sma ll , unmann e d and re l a t i ve l y i n expen s i ve UA S un d er con t ro l l ed cond i t i o ns i n a i rspace t hat i s 1) li m i t ed 2) prede t erm i ned 3) con t ro l l ed as t o access and 4) wo u l d p rov i de sa fe t y enhancemen t s t o t he a l rea d y sa fe opera t i ons i n t he agr i cu l t ural i n dus t ry presen tl y us i ng conv e n t i on a l a i rcraf t

. A pprova l of t h i s e xemp t i on wou l d t here b y enhance sa fe t y and fu l fi l l t he S ecre t a ry of T ra nsport a t i on ’ s ( t he F A A Adm i n i s t ra t o r ’ s) respons i b i l i t i es t o “...es t ab li s h req u i remen t s for t he s afe opera t i on of such a i rcraf t s ys t ems i n t he na t i on a l a i rspace s ys t e m
. ” S ecti on 333(c) of t he R eform Act

.

T he name and address of t he app l i cant i s: EASTERN ARIZONA AG CENTER, INC. Attn: JEREMY GREEN P h: ( 928) 428
- 1585 E ma il: JEREMY@EASTERNAZAG.COM Address: 2 700 WHW Y 70 THATCHER, AZ 85552

R e gu l a t i o ns from w h i ch t he e xemp t i o n i s reques t ed: 14 C F R P art 21 14 C

. F

. R . 45

. 23(b) 14 C F R 61

. 1 13 ( a) & ( b) 14 C

. F

. R

. 91

. 7 (a) 14 C F R 91

. 9 (b) ( 2) 14 C

. F

. R . 91

. 103 14 C

. F

. R

. 91

. 1 1914 C

. F

. R . 91

. 121

14 C F R 91

. 151 ( a ) 14 C F R 91

. 203 ( a ) & ( b ) 14 C F R 91

. 405 ( a ) 14 C F R 407 ( a ) ( 1 ) 14 C F R 409 ( a ) ( 2 ) 14 C F R 417 ( a ) & ( b ) T h i s e xemp t i o n app l i ca t i on i s e x press l y subm i tt ed t o f u l fi l l C ongress’ go a l i n pass i n g S ect i on 333(a) t hrough ( c ) of t he R efo r m Act

. T h i s l a w d i rect s t he S ecre t a ry of T ranspo rta t i on t o cons i der w h e t her cert a i n unmanned a i rc ra f t s ys t ems m a y opera t e sa fe l y i n t he na t i on a l a i rspace s ys t em ( NAS ) before comp l e ti on of t he r u l emak i ng requ i red un d er S ect i o n 332 of t he R efo r m Act

. I n mak i ng t h i s de t erm i na t i on, t he S ecre t a ry i s requ i red to de t erm i ne w h i ch t y pes of UAS s do not c rea t e a hazard t o users of t he NA S or t he pu b li c or pose a t hreat t o na t i onal secur i t y i n l i ght of t he fo l l o w i ng:
• T he U AS ’ s s i ze, we i gh t , spe e d, and opera t i o n al capa b i l i t y ; • O pera t i on of t he UA S i n c l ose prox i m i t y t o a i rport s and popu l a t ed areas; and • O pera t i on of t he UA S w i t h i n v i s u al l i ne of s i ght of t he opera t o r
. R e form Act § 333 ( a ). Las tl y , i f t he S ecre t a ry de t erm i nes t h a t such veh i c l es “ m a y opera t e s afe l y i n t he na t i o n al a i rspace s ys t e m , t he S ecre t a ry sha l l e s t a b li sh requ i remen ts fo r t he sa fe opera t i on of such a i rcra f t i n t he na t i on a l a i rspace s ys t em
. ” Id. §333(c) ( e mpha s i s added ) 2 . T he Fe d eral A

v i a t i o n Act e x press l y gran t s t he F A A t he au t hor i t y t o i ssue exemp t i ons. T h i s s t a t u t o ry au t hor i t y b y i t s t e r ms i nc l u des exemp t i ng c i v i l a i rcra ft , as t he t erm i s def i ned under §4 0 101 of t he Act , t hat i n c l udes s U AS s, from t he requ i rement t hat a l l c i v i l a i rcra f t mu s t have a c u rrent a i rwo rt h i ness cert i f i ca t e. T he Adm i n i s t ra t or m a y grant an e xemp t i o n from a requ i rement of a regu l a t i on prescr i bed under subsect i o n ( a ) or (b) of t h i s sect i on or a n y sect i ons 44702
- 44 7 16 of t h i s t i tl e i f t he Adm i n i s t ra t or f i nds t he exemp t i on i n t he pub li c i n t e res t . 49 U

. S

. C

. §44701( f ) S ee a l so 49 US C §4 4 7 1 1(a ) ; 49 U S C §44 7 04; 14 C F R §91

. 203 (a) (1 )

. P REC I S IO N DR ON E LLC s U A S s a re ro t o rcra f t , we i gh i ng 55 or fe wer l bs. i nc l u d i ng p a y l o ad. T h e y opera t e, under normal con d i t i ons at a speed of no m o re t han 40 kn o t s and have t he capab i li t y t o hove r, and m ove i n t he ve rt i c a l and hor i zon t al p l ane s i mu l t an e ous l y
. T h e y w i l l opera t e on l y i n l i ne of s i g ht and w i l l opera t e on l y i n r u ral areas over gro w i ng crops as st a t ed i n **P rec**  **i s**  **i on**  **D rone**  **U s**  **ers Manual**  **A**

**ttac h**  **ed as E**  **xh i**  **b i**  **t 1.**  **P re**  **- F**  **li ght**  **C h**  **eck li**  **s t**  **a t** **tac h**  **ed as E**  **xh i**  **b i**  **t 2. F**  **li ght &**  **S e**  **r v**  **i ce**  **Log attached as**  **E xh**  **i b**  **i t 3.**  S uch opera t i ons w i l l i nsure t h a t t he s U A S w il l “not crea t e a hazard t o users of t he na t i on a l a i rspace s ys t em or t he pub l i c
. ” 4 G i ven t he s ma l l s i ze of t he s U A S s i nvo l v e d and t he rural sparse l y pop u l a t ed env i ronment w it h i n w h i ch t h e y w il l opera t e, t he app l i cant fa l l s square l y w it h i n t h a t zone of sa fe t y (an equ i v a l ent l ev e l of sa fe t y) i n w h i ch C ongress en v i s i o n ed t h a t t he F A A m us t , b y exemp t i on, a ll o w co m merc i a l opera t i ons of U AS s t o commence i mmed i a t e l y
. Al so due t o t he s i ze of t he U A S s and t he rural sparse l y pop u l a t ed areas i n w h i ch t he re l e v ant s U AS s w il l opera t e, approval of t he app l i ca t i on presen t s no na t i on a l secur i t y i ssue. G i ven t he c l ear d i rect i on i n S ect i o n 333 of t he R efo r m Act , t he au t hor i t y con t a i ned i n t he Federal A v i a t i on Act , as amended; t he s t rong equ i va l ent l evel of s afe t y su r roun d i ng t he proposed opera t i ons, and t he s i g n i f i cant pub li c be n e fit , i nc l ud i ng enhanced sa fe t y , reduct i on i n env i ronmen t al i mpact s , i n c l u d i ng reduced em i ss i o ns assoc i a t ed w it h a l l o w i ng U A S s fo r agr i cu l t ural opera t i o ns, t he gra n t of t he reques t ed e xemp t i ons i s i n t he pub l i c i n t eres t

. Accord i n g l y , t he app li c ant respectf u l l y reques t s t h at t he F A A g rant t he reques t ed e xemp t i on wi t h out d e l a y
. T hese li m i t a t i ons and con d i t i ons t o w h i ch Eastern Arizona Ag Center, Inc. agrees t o be bound w h en conduct i ng commerc i al opera t i ons un d er an F A A i ssued e xemp t i on i n c l ude:1. T h e s UA S w i l l we i gh l ess t han 55 l bs.

2. F li gh ts w il l be opera t ed w it h i n li n e of s i ght of a p i l ot and /or observe r
. 3. M ax i mum t o t al f l i ght t i me fo r each opera t i on a l fli ght w i l l be 40 m i nu t e s
. F l i gh t s w i l l be t erm i na t ed at 20% ba tt e ry p o wer reserve shou l d t hat occur pr i or t o t he 40 m i nu t e li m i t

. 4. F li gh ts w il l be opera t ed at an a l t i t u d e of no m o re t han 4 00 fe e t A G L. 5. Mi n i mum cre w for each opera t i on w i l l cons i st of a manu fa ct urer t ra i ned and c e rt i fi ed p i l o t

. 6. T h e UA S w i l l on l y opera t e w i t h i n a “ R ural sparse l y po p u l a t ed A rea” over product i on agr i c u l t ure as de f i n e d i n t he P rec i s i on D rone U s ers Manu a l

. 7. A br i ef i n g w i l l be conduct ed i n regard t o t he p l ann e d s UA S opera t i ons p r i or t o each d a y’ s scou t i ng act i v i ti es. I t w il l be manda t o ry t hat a l l personn e l w h o w il l be per fo r m i n g du t i es w it h i n t he boun d ar i es of t he sa fe t y per i me t er be present for t h i s br i ef i n g. 8. T h e opera t o r w il l f il e a F A A Form 77 1 1
- 1, or i t s eq u i va l e n t , as m od i fi ed i n l i ght of t he reques t ed e xemp t i on, w it h t he appropr i a t e F li g ht S t andards D i s t r i ct O f fi ce. 9. Pil ot w il l have be e n t ra i n e d i n opera t i on of U A S genera ll y and rece i ved up - t o - da t e i n fo rma t i on on t he pa rt i c u l ar UA S t o be opera t ed as requ i red i n U sers Manu a l

. O pera t or w il l a l s o a tt end a requ i red manu fact ures t ra i n i n g c l ass and w il l be respons i b l e for t ak i ng manu fact ure rs regu l ar con t i n u i ng educa ti on c l asses. 10. Pi l ot w i l l a t a l l t i mes be ab l e t o c o mmun i c a t e wi t h a n y observers. 1 1. W r i tt en and /or oral perm i ss i on from t he re l evant p ropert y ho l ders w il l be ob t a i n ed. 12. I f t he s U A S l oses commun i ca t i ons or l oses i ts G P S s i gna l , t he UA S wi l l have capab i li t y t o re t urn t o a prede t e r m i ned l oca t i o n and l and under p i l o t s con t ro l

. 13. T h e s UA S w i l l have t he cap a b i l i t y t o abort a f li ght i n case of unpre d i ct ab l e obs t ac l es or emergenc i es. 14. E ve ry f li ght w i l l au t o ma t i c a l l y be recorded and documen t ed i n fli ght l og accord i ng t o t he P rec i s i o n D rone U s ers Manu a l

. **Ai rcraft Specifications and Intended Use:**  P u rp o se: Commercial Precision Agricultural Surveys Airc raft M o del: Pa cese tter Ma n u fa ct u rer: P re c isi o n D ro n e LL C Airc raft Ty p e: R o torc ra f t T u rn R a te: 9 0 (de g rees/s e c ) Ta k e off: VTOL L a n di n g : VTOL Cr u ise S peed: M A

X = 4 0 k no ts, M IN =0 k no ts G ro s s Ta k e off W eig h t: 6 lbs 7o z (payload i n c l u ded) Diam e ter: 36

. 5 i n c h es H eig h t: 4. 5 i n c h es Climb Ra t e: 110 0 (fe et/mi n ) D e c e n t Ra t e: 150 0 ( feet/mi n )M o t o rs: 6 (serial # fo r all m o t o rs is D 02 0 11 7 ) Opera ti n g Alt i t u de:

B E L OW 400 ' AG L Pre Flight: Pre - Flig h t C h e c k li s t was de vel o ped ba s ed o n a c o mbi n ati o n of; 3 years of safe o perati o n in N A S , + 4 5 0 h ou rs of f lig h t u si n g a P re c is i o n D ron e Pace s ett er, P I C feedb a c k to P re c isi o n D ron e, as we ll as re c o mme n dati o n s by U S DOT FAA P o licy Ord e r 8 1 30

. 34 C by James S eipel, A I R
- 2 00

. Airworthiness: As p ro vided in t h e Pre c isi o n Dron e U sers Ma n u al, t h e o p e rato r w ill e n s ure t h at t h e s U AS is in wor k i n g o rder p ri o r to i n itiati n g flig h t, p e rfo rm req u i red mai n te n a n c e, a n d k e e p a l o g of a n y mai n te n a n c e p e rfo rmed in “ Fli g h t & S ervi ce L o g” p ro vided by P re c isi o n Dron e. M o re o v e r, t h e o perato r is t h e p ers o n m o st familiar w i th t h e a i rc ra f t a n d b est s u ited to mai n ta i n t h e airc raft in an ai r

wo rt h y c on diti o n to p ro vide t h e eq u ivale n t level o f sa fety. Reference Materials: Pre c i s i o n D ron e U sers Ma nu al A tt ac h ed as Ex h i bi t 1. Pre
- Fl i gh t C h eck li st a ttac h ed a s Ex h i bi t 2. F l ig h t & Se rv i ce Lo g attac h ed a s Ex hibi t 3.**I mpact** 

Aer i al mapp i ng w i l l be of “ i n gro w t h” product i on agr i cu l t ure w it h t he i n t ent t o i ncrea s e y i e l ds. T h i s act i on w i l l res u l t i n ra i s i ng m o re food fo r a g ro wi ng po p u l a t i on. A l l o w i ng for a decrease i n wo r l d s t arva ti on ra t es. A d i rect resu l t of t hese act i ons wo u l d a l so be t he m o re ef f ect i ve use of foss i l fu e l s and p l ac i ng nu t r i en t s w h ere t h e y can be more read i l y absorbed b y t he gro w i ng c rops. The ability to identify plant stress within the growing season allows growers to tailor their farm management practices to meet the real time demands of their crop. T h i s proactive solution i s not a tt a i na b l e t od a y w i t hout t he use of a s U A S , as traditional scou t i ng methods preven t s t ressed areas i n t he f i e l d fro m be i ng l oca t ed un t i l y i e l d and u l t i ma t e l y food has a l rea d y been l i m i t ed w i t h i n t he areas of i n fect i on.T he U n i t ed N a t i ons Fo o d and Agr i cu l t ure O rga n i za t i on es t i ma t es t hat near l y 870 m il l i on peo p l e of t he

7

. 1 b i l li on peop l e i n t he wo r l d, or one i n e i gh t , we re su f fer i ng from c h ro n i c undernour i shment i n 2010
- 2012. I t i s our ob

j ect i v e to s t r i ve fo rwa rd t o con t i n u e i ncreas i ng wo r l d product i on so t h a t we are ab l e t o con t i nue t o meet t he need for food t h a t i s p l ace d on t he agr i c u l t ural i ndus t ry
. R esearch has sh o w n us i ng c rop he a l t h i mages t o manage product i on can i ncrea s e y i e l ds b y over 10 percent due t o ear l y d i s ease and nu t r i ent d ef i c i en cy de t ect i on.

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. org / hunger
- i n - amer i ca/

**14 C** 
**. F** 
**. R** 
**. P**  **art 21,**  **S u**  **bpart H**  **: A** **i r**  **w o**  **r th**  **i ness**  **C ert**  **i f**  **i cates**  **14 C** 
**. F** 
**. R**  **. §91**
**. 203**  **(a) (1)** S ubpart H , en t i t l ed A i rwo rt h i ness C ert i f i ca t es, es tab l i shes t he procedural requ i remen ts for t he i ss u ance of a i rwort h i ness ce rt i f i ca t es as requ i red b y F A R §91

. 203 (a) ( 1). G i ven t he s i ze and li m i t ed opera t i ng a rea asso c i a t ed w it h t he a i rcra f t t o be u ti li zed b y t he A pp l i can t , an e xemp t i on fro m P art 21 S u b part H mee t s t he requ i remen t s of an equ i va l ent l evel of s afe t y under P a rt 1 1 and S ect i on 333 of t he R efo r m Act

. T he Federa l A v i a t i on Act (49 U

. S

. C

. §44 7 01 ( f) ) and S ect i on 333 of t he R efo rm Act bo t h au t hor i ze t he F

A A to e xempt a i rc ra f

t fro m t he req u i reme n t fo r an a i rwort h i ness c e rt i f i ca t e, up o n con s i dera t i on of t he s i ze, we i g h t , speed, opera t i onal cap a b i l i t y , and prox i m i t y t o a i rport s and popu l a t ed areas of t he pa rt i c u l ar s UAS

. I n a l l cases, an an a l ys i s of t hese cr i t er i a demons t ra t es t hat t he s UAS opera t ed w it h o ut an a i rwort h i n ess ce rt i f i ca t e, i n t he rural spars e l y pop u l a t ed env i ronment and under t he cond i t i o ns p ropo s ed w il l be at l e ast as sa fe, or s afe r, t han a conven t i on a l a i rcra f t ( fi xed wi n g or ro t orc ra f t ) opera t i ng w it h an a i rwort h i n ess ce rt i fi ca t e w it hout t he res t r i ct i ons and con d i t i ons proposed. T h e s UA S t o be opera t ed hereunder i s l ess t han 55 l bs. fu l l y l o aded, ca r r i es n e i t her a p i l ot nor passe n ge r, carr i es no e x p l os i v e m a t er i a l s o r f l a m ma b l e li q u i d fue l s, and opera t es e xc l us i v e l y w it h i n a secured area as s e t out i n t he P rec i s i on D rone U sers M a nua l

. U n li ke o t her c i v i l a i rcra f t , opera t i ons under t h i s exemp t i on w il l be t i gh tl y con t ro ll e d and mon i t ored b y bo t h t he opera t o r, pursuant t o t heP rec i s i on D rone U sers Manua l ’ s requ i remen t s, and under t he req u i remen ts and i n comp l i ance wi t h

l o c al pub l i c sa fet y requ i remen t s, t o p rov i de secur i t y for t he area of opera t i on as i s n o w do n e w i t h conven ti onal a i rc ra f

t

. T h ese sa fe t y enh a ncemen ts , w h i c h a l rea d y app l y t o c i v i l a i rcraf t opera t ed i n connecti on w it h aer i a l c rop scou t i ng, prov i de a grea t er degree of s afe t y t o t he pub li c and p ropert y o w n ers t han conven t i o nal opera t i ons conduct ed w it h a i rwort h i ness cert i f i ca t es i ssued under 14 C

. F

. R

. P art 21, S ub p a r

t H

. La s tl y

, app l i ca t i on of t hese same cr i t e r i a demon s t ra t es t hat t here i s no cred i b l e t hreat t o n a ti onal secur i ty posed b y t he s U AS , due t o i ts s i ze, spe e d of opera t i on, l oca t i on of opera t i on, l ack of e x p l os i v e m a t er i a l s o r f l a m ma b l e li q u i d f ue l s, and i na b i l i t y t o c a r ry a subs t an t i a l e xt ernal l o a d. **14 C** 
**. F** 
**. R**  **. § 45** 
**. 23**  **( b**  **). M**  **ark i**  **ng of the A** **i rcraft**  T h e regu l a t i on req u i res: W h en m a rks i nc l u de on l y t he R oman cap i t al l e tt er " N " and t he reg i s t ra t i on number i s d i sp l a ye d on li m i t ed, re s t r i ct ed or l i gh t
- spo rt ca t ego ry a i rcraf t o r e x per i men tal or prov i s i o n a l l y c e rt i f i ca t ed a i rcra f t , t he opera t or m ust a l so d i s p l a y on t h a t a i rcra f t near each e n t rance t o t he ca b i n, cock p it , or p i l ot s t a t i on, i n l e tt ers not l ess t han 2 i n c hes nor more t han 6 i nches h i g h, t he wo rds " li m i t ed , " "re s t r i ct ed , " " li gh t
- spor t , " " e x per i men t a l , " or "prov i s i o na l , " as app li c ab l e. E ven t hough t he s UA S wi l l have no a i rwort h i ness ce rt i f i c a t e , an exemp t i on m a y be nee d ed as t he UA S w i l l have no en t rance t o t he cab i n, cock p i t or p il ot s t a t i o n on w h i ch t he wo rd
“ E x per i men t a l ” can be p l ac e d. G i ven t he s i ze of t he s U A V , two - i nch l e tt e r i n g w i l l be i mposs i b l e. T h e wo rd “ E x per i men t a l ” w il l be p l aced on t he f use l a ge i n comp li a nce w it h §45

. 29 ( f). T h e equ i va l ent l ev e l of sa fe t y w il l be prov i d e d b y ha v i ng t he s U A V marked on i t s f use l age as requ i red b y §45

. 29 ( f) w h e re t he p i l o t , observer and o t hers wo rk i ng w it h t he s U A V w il l see t he i d en t i f i ca t i on of t he U A S as “ E x per i men ta l. ” T h e F A A has i ssu e d t he fo ll o w i n g exem p ti ons t o t h i s regu l a t i on t o E xemp t i ons N os. 107 0 0, 8738, 10167 and 10167 A

.U

.S

. Depa rtment of Transportation **Federal Aviation**  **Administration** 

### JAN **3 0**  **2015**
Mr. Matt Minnes Precision Drone 22093 Prairie Baptist Rd Noblesvill e , IN 46060 Dear Mr. Minnes: Thank you for yo ur letter dated January 1 2 , 201 5 , requesting approval for a different marking procedure for the Precision Drone Pacesetter unmanned aircraft. Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations 45.22(d) , Exhibition, antiqu e , and other aircraft: Special Rule s , permits persons to apply to the Administrator for a different marking procedure if it is im possible to mark an aircraft per§§ 45.21 and 4 5

. 23 through 45.33. Your request for alternative marking has been revie wed. You are hereby authorized to identify yo ur Precision Drone Pacesetter unmanned aircraft with the following marking. Place the registration number on the top and bottom of the fuselage in mi nimum 1 inch high letterin g . The marks must be painted on the aircraft or affixed by any other means ensuring a similar degree of permanence (§45.2l(c) (1 ) , General). This marking procedure applies to all Precision Drone Pacesetter unmanned aircraft of the same configuration for which marking approval may be requested. The following must be kept with the Certificate of Authorization or Waiver:

• A copy of the original request letter ; and • A copy of this response letter. If yo u have any question s , please contact Ken Fugate, AFS

- 8 6 , at (202) 267

- 825 9

. Sincerel y , t 

# (j <S James H

. W

ams Manager UAS Integration Offic e , AFS

- 80**14 C** 
**. F** 
**. R**  **. § 61** 
**. 1**  **13 (a) & (b**  **) :**  **P r**  **i v** **ate P**  **il ot**  **P r**  **i v**  **i l**  **eg e**  **s and**  **L i**  **m i**  **t a** **t i**  **ons: Pi**  **l ot**  **i n**  **C ommand.** 

S ect i o ns 61

. 1 13 ( a) & ( b) li m i t pr i va t e p il o t s t o non - commerc i al opera t i on s **.** B ecause t he s UA S w i l l not car ry a p i l ot or passengers, t he proposed opera t i o ns can ach i eve t he equ i va l ent l evel of sa fet y of current opera t i ons b y requ i r i ng t he P I C opera t i ng t he a i rcra f t t o have opera t i o n al t ra i n i ng per formed b y Eastern Arizona Ag Center, Inc. in accordance with a prescribed P rec i s i on D rone C ert i f i ca t i o n P rogram ra t her t han a c o mmerc i al p il o t ’ s l i cense t o opera t e t h i s sma l l U AS

. T he P rec i s i on D rone C e r t i f i ca ti on progra m w il l i n c l ude: 1

. ) F A A M ed i c al C ert i f i ca t e T h i rd C l ass and S t udent P il ot C ert i f i ca t e. 2

. ) 16 hr of fli ght t ra i n i ng wi t h P rec i s i on D rone C e rt i f i e d I ns t ru ct or 3

. ) A m i n i mum of 8 comp l e t ed successf ul i ns t ruct or a i d ed f li gh t s 4

. ) A m i n i mum of 2 comp l e t ed successf ul so l o f l i gh t s U n li ke a conven ti onal a i rcra f t t hat carr i es t he p il ot and passengers, t he s U A S i s re mo t e l y con t ro l l ed wi t h no l i v i ng t h i n g on board

. T he area of opera t i on i s rural and sparse l y po p u l a t ed, and a l l f li g h t s are p l anned and coord i na t ed i n advance as set fo rt h i n t he P rec i s i on D rone U sers M an u a l

. T h e l evel of sa fe t y prov i d ed b y t he requ i remen ts i nc l u ded i n t he P rec i s i on D rone U sers M anu a l exceeds t hat prov i d ed b y a s i n g l e i n d i v i d ual h o l d i ng a commerc i al p i l o t ’ s ce rt i f i ca t e opera t i ng a conven ti onal a i rc ra f t

. T he r i sks assoc i a t ed wi t h t he opera t i on of t he s U A S are so d i m i n i shed from t he l evel of r i sk asso c i a t ed wi t h commerc i al opera t i o ns con t e mp l a t ed b y P art 61 w h e n dra f t ed, t h at a l l o w i n g opera t i ons of t he s U A S as reques t ed w i t h a t ra i ned opera t or as t he P I C exceeds t he p resent l ev e l of sa fe t y ac h i eved b y 14 C

. F

. R . §61

. 1 13 (a) & (b )

. **14 C** 
**. F** 
**. R**  **. §91**
**. 7(a):**  **C i**  **v i**  **l a i**  **rcra f**  **t a**  **i r**  **w o**  **rth i**  **ness.** T he regu l a t i on requ i res t hat no person m a y opera t e a c i v i l a i rcra f t u n l ess i t i s i n a i rwort h y cond i t i on. As t here w i l l be no a i rwort h i ness cert i f i ca t e i ssued for t he a i rcraf t , shou l d t h i s e xemp t i on be gran t ed, no F A A reg u l a t o ry s t andard w il l e x i st fo r de t e r m i n i ng a i rwort h i ness. G i ven t he s i ze of t he a i rcra f t and t he requ i remen t s con t a i ned i n t he P rec i s i on D rone U sers M a nual for ma i n t en a nce and use of sa fe t y check l i s t s pr i or t o each f li g h t

. **14 C** 
**. F** 
**. R**  **. § 91** 
**. 9**  **( b**  **) (**  **2 ):**  **C i**  **v i**  **l A** **i rcraft F**  **li ght Manual**  **i n**  **the A** **i rcraft.**  S ect i o n 91

. 9 (b) (2) p rov i des: N o person m a y opera t e a U

. S

. - reg i s t ered c i v i l a i rcra f t ... (2) For w h i c h an A i rp l ane o r R o torcraf t U sers Ma nu a l i s not requ i red b y §21

. 5 of t h i s chap t e r, u n l ess t h e re i s ava i l a b l e i n t he a i rc ra f t a curre n t approved a i r p l ane or R o t orc ra f t U sers M a nua l , approved m anu a l m a t er i a l , mark i ngs, and p l acards, or a n y comb i na t i o n t hereof

. (3) T he s U AS , g i ven i t s s i ze and con f i gura t i on has no ab i li t y or p l ace t o car ry such a users m anu a l on t he a i rcraft , not on l y because t here i s no p il ot on board, but because t here i s no room or capa c i t y t o ca r ry such an i t e m on t he a i rc ra f t

. T he eq u i va l ent l e v el of sa fe t y w i l l be ma i n t a i ned b y kee p i ng t he users manual at t he ground con t rol p o i nt w h ere t he p i l ot fl y i n g t he s U A S w il l have i mmed i a t e access t o i t

. T h e F A A has i ssued t he fo l l o w i n g exemp t i ons t o t h i s regu l a t i o n: E xemp t i on N os. 8607, 8737, 8738, 9299, 9299 A , 9565, 9565 B , 101 6 7, 101 6 7 A , 10602, 32827, and 10700. **14 C** 
**. F** 
**. R**  **. § 91** 
**. 103:**  **P re** **f li**  **ght ac** **t i**  **on** T h i s regu l a ti on requ i res each p i l ot i n command t o t ak e ce r t a i n a ct i o ns be fo re f li ght t o i n s ure t he sa fe t y of f li gh t

. As F

A A approved ro t orc ra f

t f li g ht manu a l s w i l l not be prov i d ed fo r t he a i rcra f t an e xemp t i on w i l l be needed. A n equ i va l ent l evel of sa fe t y w il l be prov i ded as set fort h i n t he P rec i s i on D rone U s ers Manu a l

. T he P I C wi l l t ake a l l a ct i o ns i nc l u d i ng rev i e w i ng wea t h e r, f li ght ba tt e ry requ i remen t s, l and i n g and t ake of f d i s t ances and a i rcra f

t pe r formance da t a be fo re i n i t i a t i on of fli gh t

.**14 C** 
**. F** 
**. R**  **. §91**
**. 1**  **19: M**  **i n**  **i mum**  **safe a**  **l t**  **i tudes** 

S ect i on 91

. 1 19 es t ab li s hes sa fe a l t i t u d es for opera t i on of c i v i l a i rcra f

t

. S ecti on 91

. 1 19 ( d ) a ll o ws h e li cop t er t o be opera t ed at l ess t han t he m i n i mums prescr i bed, prov i ded t he person opera t i ng t he h e li cop t er comp li es wi t h a n y rou t e or a l t i t udes prescr i b e d for he li c o p t ers b y t he F A A

. As t h i s exemp t i on i s for a s U A S t hat i s a he li c o p t e r and t he e xemp t i o n reques t s au t hor i t y t o opera t e a t a l t i t udes up t o 4 00' A G L, an e xemp t i on m a y be needed t o a ll o w such opera t i ons. As s et fo rt h here i n, e xc e pt for t he l i m i t ed cond i t i ons s t a t ed i n t he P re c i s i on D rone U sers Manu a l , t he UA S w i l l never opera t e at h i gher t han 4 00' A G L. I t w il l h o we ver be opera t ed i n a rural sparse l y pop u l a t ed area over pr i va t e property , w h ere bu i l d i n gs and peop l e w i l l not be e x pos e d to opera t i ons. T h e equ i va l ent l ev e l of sa fe t y w il l be ach i eved g i ven t he s i ze, we i g h t , speed of t he U A S as we l l as t he l oca t i on w h ere i t i s opera t ed. N o f li ght w i l l be t ak en wi t h out t he perm i ss i on of t he propert y o w n e r
. B ecause of t he adva nce no t i ce t o t he prope rt y o w ner and part i c i p a n t s i n t he aer i al act i v i ty , a l l a f fe ct ed i n d i v i dua l s w i l l be a wa r e of t he p l anned f li ght opera t i o ns. C ompared t o fli ght opera t i ons w it h a i rcra f t or ro t orc ra f

t we i gh t i n g far m ore t han t he max i mum 5 5 l bs. propos e d here i n and t he l ack of f l ammab l e f ue l , a n y r i sk asso c i a t ed w it h t hese opera t i ons i s fa r l ess t han t hose presen tl y presen t ed wi t h conv e n t i on a l a i rcraf t

. I n ad d i t i on, t he l o w- a l t i t ude opera t i ons of t he s U A S w il l ensure separa t i on be twe e n t hese sma l l
- UAS opera t i o ns and t he opera t i ons of conven t i on a l a i rcra f t t h at mu st comp l y w it h S ect i o n 91

. 1 19. **14 C** 
**. F** 
**. R**  **. §91**
**. 121**  **A l**  **t i**  **m e**  **ter S**  **et t**  **i ngs**  T h i s regu l a ti on requ i res each person opera t i ng an a i rcra f t t o ma i n t a i n cru i s i ng a l t i t ude b y reference t o an a l t i me t er t hat i s set “

... t o t he e l e v a t i on of t he depart ure a i rport or an appropr i a t e a l t i me t er s e tt i ng ava il a b l e be fore depa rt ure
. ” As t he s UA S m a y not have a barome t r i c a l t i me t e r, but i ns t ead a G P S a l t i t ude read ou t , an e xemp t i on m a y be needed. A n equ i va l ent l evel of sa fe t y w il l be ac h i eved b y t he opera t o r, pursuant t o t he M an u al and S a fe t y C heck li s t , con f i rm i ng t he a l t i t ude of t he l a unch s i t e sh o w n on t he G P S a l t i t ude i nd i c a t o r be fore f li gh t

. **14 C** 
**. F** 
**. R**  **. § 91** 
**. 151(a): Fuel**  **R equ**  **i rements**  **for F**  **li ght**  **i n**  **V FR**  **C ond**  **i t**  **i ons**  S ect i o n 91

. 151 ( a ) proh i b i t s an i n d i v i d u al f ro m beg i n n i ng “a f li ght i n an a i rp l a n e under V FR con d i t i ons u n l ess ( con s i der i ng w i nd and forecast we a t her con d i t i ons) t here i s enou g h f uel t o fl y t o t he f i rst po i nt of i n t ended l a n d i ng, and, assum i ng normal cru i s i ng spe e d

– (1) D ur i ng t he d a y , t o fl y a f t er t hat for a t l e ast 30 m i nu t es; or ( 2 ) At n i gh t , t o fl y a f t er t hat fo r at l east 45 m i nu t es
. ” T h e ba tt e ry p o wer i n g t he s U A S prov i des appro x i ma t e l y 40 m i nu t es of p o we red f li gh t

. T o meet t he 30 m i nu t e reserve requ i rement i n 14 C FR §91

. 151, s UA S f li gh t s wo u l d be l i m i t ed t o appro x i ma t e l y 20 m i nu t es i n l e n g t h

. G i ven t he l i m i t a t i ons on t he U AS ’ s propos e d f li ght a rea and t he l oca t i o n of i t s proposed opera ti ons w it h i n a prede t erm i ned area, a l o nger t i me frame fo r f li ght i n d a y l i ght o r n i ght V F R cond i t i o ns i s reaso n ab l e. A pp l i cant be l i eves t h a t an exemp t i on from 14 C FR §91

. 151(a) fa ll s w it h i n t he scope of p r i or e xemp t i ons. S ee E xemp t i on 10 6 73 (a ll o w i ng Lock h eed M art i n C orpora t i o n t o opera t e w i t hout comp l i ance wi t h F

A R 91

. 151 ( a )). O pera ti ng t he sma l l UAS , i n a t i gh tl y con t ro l l ed area w h ere on l y peo p l e and propert y o w n ers o r of fi c i al represen t a t i ves w h o have s i g ned wa i vers w i l l be a ll o we d, w it h l ess t han 30 m i nu t es of reserve f ue l , does not engender t he ty pe of r i sks t hat S ect i on 9 1

. 151(a) wa s i n t en d ed t o a l l ev i a t e g i v en t he s i ze and speed of t he s ma l l UAS

. Ad d i t i on a l l y , l i m i t i ng s U A S fli gh t s t o 10 m i nu t es wo u l d grea tl y reduce t he u t i l i t y for w h i ch t he e xemp t i on w i l l be gra n t ed. A pp l i cant be l i eves t h a t an equ i va l ent l ev e l of sa fet y can be ach i ev e d b y l i m i t i ng f li g h t s t o 40 m i nu t es or 20% of b a tt e ry p o we r w h i che v er ha p pens f i rs t

. T h i s re s t r i ct i on wo u l d be m o re t han ade q ua t e t o re t urn t he s U A S t o i t s p l a n ned l an d i ng zone f ro m a n yw here i n i t s l i m i t ed opera t i ng area. Si m i l ar e xemp t i ons have been gran t ed t o o t her opera t i ons, i n c l ud i n g E xemp t i ons 2689 F, 5745, 106 7 3, and 10 8 08. **14 C** 
**. F** 
**. R**  **. §91**
**. 203**  **( a)**  **and ( b**  **): C**  **ar r** **y i**  **ng C**  **i v**  **i l**  **A i**  **rcraft C**  **ert i**  **f i**  **cat i**  **on and R** **eg i**  **str a** **t i**  **on** T h e regu l a t i on p rov i des i n pert i nent pa rt :( a ) E xcept as prov i ded i n § 91

. 715, no person m a y opera t e a c i v i l a i rcra f t u n l ess i t has wi t h i n i t t he fo ll o w i n g:

(1) A n appropr i a t e and c u rrent a i rwo rt h i ness cert i f i ca t e
. ( b ) N o person m a y opera t e a c i v i l a i rcra f t u n l ess t he a i rwort h i ness cert i f i ca t e req u i red b y paragraph ( a) of t h i s sect i on or a spec i a l f li ght au t hor i za t i o n i ssued under §91

. 715 i s d i s p l a yed at t he ca b i n or cock p i t en t rance so t hat i t i s l eg i b l e t o passengers or cre w
. T h e UA S f u ll y l oaded we i ghs no more t han 55 l bs and i s opera t ed wi t h out an onb o ard p il o t

. As such, t h e re i s no ab i li t y or p l a c e t o car ry cert i fi ca t i on and reg i s t ra t i on documen t s o r t o d i s p l a y t hem on t he s UAS

. A n equ i va l ent l ev e l of sa fe t y w il l be ach i eved b y keep i n g t hese documen t s at t he ground con t rol po i nt w h ere t he p il ot fl y i ng t he s U A S w i l l have i mmed i a t e access t o t he m , t o t he e xt ent t h e y a re ap p li ca b l e t o t he s U A S

. T he F A A has i s s ued numerous exem p ti ons t o t h i s regu l a t i on. A represen t a t i ve samp l e of o t her e xcep t i ons i nc l u d es E xemp t i on N os. 9565, 96 6 5, 9789, 978 9 A , 9797, 979 7 A , 981 6 A , and 10 7 00. **14 C** 
**. F** 
**. R**  **. §91**
**. 405**  **( a); 407**  **(a) (1); 409 (a) (2); 417(a)**  **& ( b**  **): Ma i**  **ntenance I**  **nspect i**  **ons** T h ese regu l a t i o ns requ i re t hat an a i rcraf t opera t or or o w n er “sha l l have t h a t a i rcra f t i nspect ed as prescr i bed i n sub p a r t E of t h i s pa rt and sha l l be twe en requ i red i nspect i ons, except as prov i d ed i n paragraph (c) of t h i s sect i on, have d i screp a nc i es repa i red as prescr i bed i n part 43 of t h i s chap t e r
. . . , ” and o t hers sha l l i nspect o r ma i n t a i n t he a i rcraf t i n comp li an c e w it h P art 43. G i ven t hat t hese sect i on and P a r t 43 app l y o n l y t o a i rcra f t w it h an a i rwort h i ness c e rt i f i ca t e, t hese sect i ons w il l not app l y t o t he ap p li can t

. M a i n t e n ance w il l be accomp l i shed b y t he opera t or i n accordance t o manu fa ct urers, P rec i s i on D rone, reco m menda ti ons. A n eq u i va l ent l e v el of sa fe t y w i l l be ac h i eved because t hese sma l l U AS s are ve ry li m i t ed i n s i ze and w il l car ry a sma l l p a y l oad and opera t e on l y i n rural sparse l y pop u l a t ed areas fo r li m i t ed per i ods of t i m e
. I f m echa n i cal i ssues ar i se t he s UA S can l a nd i mmed i a t e l y and w i l l be opera ti ng from no h i gher t han 4 00 feet A G L. As p rov i ded i n t he P rec i s i o n D rone U sers M an u a l , t he opera t or w i l l ensure t hat t he s U AS i s i n wo rk i n g o rder pr i or t o i n i t i a t i ng f li g h t , pe r

form req u i red ma i n t enance, and keep a l og of a n y ma i n t enan c e pe r formed i n “F li ght & S erv i ce Log” prov i d ed b y Eastern Arizona Ag Center, Inc . M oreove r, t he opera t or i s t he person most fam il i ar wi t h t he a i rcraf t and best su i t ed t o m a i n t a i n t he a i rc ra f t i n an a i rwort h y con d i t i on t o prov i d e t he eq u i va l e nt l e v el of sa fe t y
. *** * ***** P ursuant t o 14 C

. F

. R

. P art 1 1, t he fo ll o w i n g su m ma ry i s p ro v i ded for pu b li ca t i on i n t he Federa l R e g i s t e r, shou l d i t be de t erm i ned t hat pu b li ca t i on i s needed:

A p p li c a nt seeks an e xemp t i on fro m t he fo l l o w i n g ru l es: 14 C

. F

. R

. §21, subpa r

t H ; 14 C

. F

. R 45

. 23(b ) ; 14 C

. F

. R

. §§ 61

. 1 13( a) & (b ) ; 91

. 7 (a ) ; 91

. 9 ( b) ( 2 ) ; 91

. 103(b ) ; 91

. 1 19; 91

. 121; 91

. 151(a ) ; 91

. 203(a) and ( b ); 91

. 405 ( a); 91

. 407 (a) (1 ) ; 91

. 409 (a) (2 ) ; 91

. 409 ( a ) ( 2 ) and 91

. 417 (a) & (b) t o opera t e commerc i a ll y a sma l l unmanned veh i c l e (55 l bs or l ess) i n agr i cu l t ural crop mon i t or i ng opera t i ons. A pproval of exemp t i ons a l l o w i n g co m merc i a l opera t i ons of s U AS s i n t he agr i cu l t ural i n d us t ry w i l l enhance sa fe t y b y reduc i ng r i sk. C onven t i o nal aer i a l crop scou t i n g opera t i ons, us i ng j et or p i s t on p o wer a i rc ra f

t

. S uch a i rcra f

t mu s t fl y t o and from t he f i e l d l oca t i on. I n con t ra s t , a s U A S we i g h i n g fe wer t han 55 l bs. and p o wered b y ba tt er i es e li m i na t es v i rt ua ll y a l l of t hat r i sk g i v en t he reduced mass and l ack of combus t i b l e f uel carr i ed on board. T he s UA S i s carr i ed t o t he f i e l d l oca ti on and not f l o wn. T he s U A S w il l car ry no passe n gers or cre w and, t here fore , w il l not e x p ose t h e m t o t he r i sks assoc i a t ed wi t h manned a i rc ra f

t f li g h t s
. T h e opera t i on of sma l l UAS s, we i g h t i ng l ess t han 55 l bs

. , conduct ed i n t he s t r i ct cond i ti ons ou tl i ned above, w il l prov i de an eq u i va l ent l evel of s a fe t y support i ng t he grant of t he e xemp t i o nsreques t ed here i n, i n c l ud i n g exem p ti ng t he ap p li cant fro m t he requ i remen ts of P art 21 and a ll o w i ng

commerc i al opera t i ons. T hese l i gh twe i ght a i rc ra f t opera t e at s l o w speeds, c l ose t o t he ground, and i n a rural env i ronment and, as a resu lt , are far s afer t han conv e n t i onal opera ti ons conduct ed w it h t urb i ne h e li cop t ers opera t i ng i n c l ose p ro x i m i t y t o t he ground and peo p l e. **P r**  **i v** **a c**  **y** A l l f li gh t s w il l occur over pr i va t e propert y wi t h t he propert y o w ne r ’ s pr i or cons e nt and kn o w l e d ge.
S a t i sfact i on of t he c r i t er i a prov i ded i n S ect i on 333 of t he R efo rm Act of 20 1 2
- - s i z e, we i gh t , speed, opera t i ng cap a b i l i t i es, p ro x i m i t y t o a i rpo rt s and pop u l a t ed areas and opera t i on w it h i n v i sual l i ne of s i ght and na t i onal secur i t y – prov i de more t han adeq u a t e j us t i f i c a t i on fo r t he g rant of t he reques t ed e xemp t i ons a l l o w i ng commerc i al opera t i on of app l i can t ’ s s U A S i n t he agr i c u l t ural product i on i n d us t ry pursuant t o t he P rec i s i o n D rone U sers M an u al appe n ded here t o
. Sincerely, Jeremy Green Precision Farming www.Easternazag.com

# Exh i bit # 1



# User's **M a**  **nua l** 

Pa ceset ter M odel 20 1 5

**S e**  **ri al N**  **u mbe**  **r :**  **N -**  **N u**  **mbe r**  **:**

## Us**e r** **s Ma nu**  **al -**  **W a**  **r n**  **in gs** 

 O b ey a l l f

e d e ra l , sta te , and l o c al re g u l a t i ons  D o not fl y i n ra i n or ot her ha r s h c on d i t i ons  D o not fl y i n w i nd mo re than 2 5 m p h  D o not fl y fa s ter than 1 0 m/s ( 2 2
. 5 m p h)  O p e ra t i ng i n tem p e ra t u res b e l ow 5 0 ° F ah renh ei t ( 1 0 ° Ce l s i u s ) w i l l re s u l t i n d e creased fl ig ht t i mes  O p e ra t i ng i n tem p e ra t u res b e l ow 3 2 ° F ah renh ei t ( 0 ° Ce l s i u s ) and b e l ow the me c hani c al and e l e ct r i c al c om p on e n ts r un the c han c e of s e i z i n g , re s u l t i n g i n d rone ma l fun ct i on and u l t i ma te l y p ro p e rt y d ama g e, i nju r

y , an d / o r d ea t h  A l wa ys u s e the prov id e d b a t te ry c ha rg e r s  The drone w i l l ret u r n h o me wh e n i t re a c hes l e s s than 2 0 % b a t te ry l eve l  The drone w i l l l and i n pl a c e wh e n i t rea c hes l e s s than 1 0 % b a tte ry l evel  K eep awa y from s pi nn i n g m oto r s at A LL TI M E S
.  D o not a t

tem pt to mo d i f

y the drone  D o not a t

tem pt to r e p a i r the d rone  N EVE R a ll o w m i no r s to c ha rg e b a tte ry p a c ks  N EVE R d ro p p ow e r s u ppl y or b a t te ri es  N EVE R a ttem pt to c ha rg e d ama g ed or s wo l l en b a t te r i es  N EVE R l et b a t

te ri es fu ll y di s c h a rg e un l e s s you a re di s p os i n g of them  N EVE R a ttem pt to c ha rg e a b a t te ry p a c k c on ta i n i n g di f fe re n t t y p es of b a t

te r i es  N EVE R c ha rg e a b a t te ry i f the c a bl e has b een p i n c hed or s ho rted  N EVE R a ll o w b a tte r i es to c ome i n to c on ta ct w i th mo i stu re at a n y t i me  N EVE R c ha rg e b a t

te r i es i n ext rem e l y hot or c o l d pl a c es or i n d i re ct s un l i g ht  A L W A YS di s c onn e ct the b a t

te ry a f ter c h a rgi n g  A L W A YS end the c ha rg i ng pro c e s s i f the c h a rg e r or b a tte ry b e c omes too hot
* F a ilure to exe rci s e c a u t i o n w h ile u s ing t h i s p rod u ct a nd c o m p ly wi t h t h e wa rnin g s a b ove c o uld re s ult in p rod uct m a l funct i o n, e l e ct ri c a l i s s u es , exc es s i ve h e at , fi re, a nd ul t im a te ly i njury , p rop e rt y d a m ag e , o r d e at h. N e ve r a ll o w u s e o f t his p rod uct by a nyo ne w i t h o ut p r ovi d ing t h e m wi t h t h e s e in st ruct i o n s . Y o u mu st re ad , u n d e rsta n d , a nd f o ll o w a ll i n st ru ct i o ns a nd w a rnin g s f o r a n y p rod uct( s ) t o which t his p rod uct i s u se d in c o njunct i o n wi t h o r in sta ll e d
. T he op e ra to r i s ch oo s ing to u s e t his p rod uct a nd do e s s o a t h is o r h e r o wn r i s k. S a ve t h es e in st ruct i o ns wi t h t he p rod uct f o r u s e a s a re f

e re nce in t he fu t u re

## Ex h i bi t # 2 **P r** **e -**  **F li**  **g h**  **t C h**  **e ckl**  **i s** **t** 1) B e gin filli n g o u t Fl i g h t Lo g f o rm. Da te , T i m e , Lo c a ti on , We a t h e r Co n d i ti o n s , S u r ro un di n gs, a n d P rox imi t y to Po p u la te d A re as o r A i rp o rts. I f m o re copi e s a re n ee d e d , p ri n t fro m t h e d i gi tal co py p rov id e d o n t h e c o m m a n d c e n te r . 2) C he ck t h e d ro n e f

o r a n y s ig n s o f damage o r l o o se c a bl e s/st raps 3) Ma ke s u re ba tte ri e s, l i ve f e e d m o n i to r

, co n t ro ll e r

, lap to p , a n d c a m e ras a re all fu l l y c h a rg e d. 4) C he ck t h at t h e p ro p e ll e r di re ct i o n o f ro ta t i o n is c o r re c t
. 5) C he ck t h at t h e p ro p e ll e rs are t ig h t a n d w o n ' t s l i p . 6) Ma ke s u re m o to r l e ads a re f aste n e d s e c u re ly i nto t h e E S C s . 7) Ma ke s u re all sw i tc h e s o n th e c on t ro ll e r a re f o rwa rd. Fl i g h t M o de Sw i tc h a n d Fl i g h t Ori e n ta t i o n Sw i tch s h o u ld b o t h be in p o s i t i o n 0. Ma ke s u re t h e t h ro tt le i s all t h e wa y d o wn . 8) T u rn o n t h e co nt ro ll e r

. 9) Ma ke s u re ba tte ri e s a re st rapp e d in a n d t ig h t
. 10) Po we r o n yo u r l i ve f ee d m o n i to r a n d c h e ck th a t vo l tage is n o rmal, it s h o u ld be 16
. 8/16
. 9 v. I f vo l ta g e i s h ig h e r , ta ke t h e d ron e to yo u r a u th o ri z e d d e al e r . I f vo l tage is l o w e r

, c he ck ba tte ri e s w i t h th e p rovid e d ba tte ry c h e c ke r . 11) Ma ke s u re t h e d ron e a n d i ts p ro p e ll e rs a re fre e o f a n y a n d all o bst r u ct i o n s b e f o re ar m i n g . 12) Sta rt t h e m o to rs a n d c he ck t h at i n di v id u al ro ta t i o n i s cor re ct
. T o arm t h e m, ta ke b ot h st icks a n d m ove t h e m d ow n a n d to wa rds t h e c e n te r .
I M PO R T AN T: Never ta ke of

f w i th l e s s than 8 s a te l li te s .

# Exh i bit # 3



# F **l ig**  **h t**  **a n**  **d Ser** 

**v ic**  **e Log** 

**S e**  **ri al N**  **u mbe**  **r :**  **N -**  **Nu mbe**  **r :** 

## Date : **Acti o**  **n** : Fli g ht / Se r vice ( C i rc l e on e ) **D u**  **rati o**  **n** : **N a**  **m e**  **o f P**  **i l**  **o t/Tec**  **h n**  **icia n**  : **Starti n**  **g Vo**  **l tage:**  **E n**  **d i**  **n g**  **V o**  **ltage: L** **o w** **est S**  **ate l**  **lite Co**  **un t:**  **H i**  **ghest Sate**  **l li**  **t e**  **Co un**  **t: T** **o tal**  **F light Ti**  **m e:**  **Weat h**  **er Co**  **n d**  **i t**  **i o**  **n s:**  **If f** **l o** **w n**  **w i**  **t h**  **in 5 m**  **iles o** **f a**  **n airp o**  **rt: Airp**  **o rt:**  **Date a n**  **d T i**  **m e**  **o f N**  **o ti**  **f icati**  **o n**  **: N**  **o te**  **s** :

**S ig**  **n a**  **t ur** **e:**