William Tehan The Pike Companies COO
The Pike Companies Limited

1 Circle St Rochester, NY 14607 Tel (716) 604-6148

The Honorable Michael P. Huerta Office of the Administrator Federal Aviation Administration 800 Independence Avenue SW Washington, DC 20591

October 1, 2015 RE: The Pike Companies sUAS Petition for Exemption Pursuant to FMRA Sec 333 and 14 CFR Part 11
Dear Administrator Huerta: The Pike Companies Limited (‘The Pike Companies’) hereby petitions the FAA for regulatory relief pursuant to Section 333 of P.L. 112–95 and 14 C.F.R. Sec. 11.81 to conduct commercial flights using the DJI Inspire 1 and DJI Phantom 3 sUAS for the following applications:

• Aerial Videography and Photography

• Aerial Survey The Pike Companies, therefore, seeks a request for exemption from airworthiness and the following specific Title 14 C.F.R. provisions:

• 14 C.F.R. Part 21

• 14 C.F.R. 45.23

• 14 C.F.R. 61.113(a) (b)

• 14 C.F.R. 61.133(a)

• 14 C.F.R. 91.7(a)

• 14 C.F.R. 91.9

• 14 C.F.R. 91.109(a)2

• 14 C.F.R. 91.119

• 14 C.F.R. 91.121

• 14 C.F.R. 91.151(a)

• 14 C.F.R. 91.203

• 14 CFR 91.405 (a); 407 (a) (1); 409 (a) (2); 417(a) (b) The FAA has issued grants of exemption in circumstances similar in all material respects to those presented in this petition, specifically Exemptions No. 11062 to Astraeus Aerial, 11109 to Clayco, Inc., and 11213 to Aeryon Labs, Inc.; and we therefore request that our petition be granted without delay. Additional similar exemptions include (construction) No. 11846, 11808, 11835, 11799, 11676, 11648, 11508, 11469, 11451, 11286, 11258, 11275, and 11109 and (data collection) No. 12803, 12792, 12790, and 12696. The Pike Companies has also provided supporting documentation to include; a General Operations Manual (The Pike Companies Manual’) which is composed of (1) an operations manual, (2) flight manuals for each of the The Pike Companies models; (3) an Operator Training Manual, and (4) a Maintenance and Inspection Manual. Please note that all the The Pike Companies Manual (including all of the above listed components) are clearly marked “Confidential” on each page and contain confidential commercial and proprietary information that The Pike Companies has not and will not share with others who are not subject to a “Nondisclosure Agreement” (NDA). Therefore, the The Pike Companies Manual (including all components) are not available to the public and contain operating conditions, procedures and other information that are protected from public release or disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act 5 USC Sec. 552 et seq. 

### 1 Company Description This section responds to the specific requirements of 14 CFR Sec 11.81. Pike is a design-build company that handles industrial, retail, and institutional facilities, as well as providing construction management services. Mailing address and other contact information. ATTN: Timothy Porter The Pike Companies Limited 1 Circle St Rochester, New York 14607 Email: portt@pikeco.com 

### 2 Relevant Statutory Authority This exemption application is expressly submitted to fulfill Congress’ goal in passing Section 333(a) through (c) of the P.L. 112–95, the FAA Modernization and Reform Act (‘Reform Act’). This law directs the Secretary of Transportation to consider whether certain unmanned aircraft systems may3

operate safely in the national airspace system (NAS) before completion of the rulemaking required under Section 332 of the Reform Act. In making this determination, the Secretary is required to determine which types of UASs do not create a hazard to users of the NAS or the public or pose a threat to national security in light of the following:

• The UAS’s size, weight, speed, and operational capability;

• Operation of the UAS in close proximity to airports and populated areas; and

• Operation of the UAS within visual line of sight of the operator.1 Lastly, if the Secretary determines that such vehicles “may operate safely in the national airspace system, the Secretary shall establish requirements for the safe operation of such aircraft in the national airspace system.”2The Federal Aviation Act expressly grants the FAA the authority to issue exemptions. This statutory authority by its terms includes exempting civil aircraft, as the term is defined under §40101 of the Act, that includes sUASs, from the requirement that all civil aircraft must have a current airworthiness certificate. 

### 3 Qualification for Approval Under Section 333 of the Reform Act The proposed operations in this petition for exemption qualify for expedited approval under Section 333 of the Reform Act. Each of the statutory criteria and other potentially relevant factors are satisfied. The requested exemption would permit The Pike Companies to perform commercial operations under controlled conditions in airspace that is 1) limited 2) predetermined 3) restricted, limited, or controlled as to access and 4) would provide safety enhancements to the already safe operations in these industries presently using conventional aircraft. Approval of this exemption would thereby enhance safety and fulfill the Secretary of Transportation’s (the FAA Administrator’s) responsibilities to “establish requirements for the safe operation of such aircraft systems in the national airspace system.” Section 333(c) of the Reform Act. Each The Pike Companies sUAS weighs 55 lb. or less including payload. Each The Pike Companies sUAS operates under normal conditions at a speed of no more than 87 knots. Each The Pike Companies sUAS has the capability to operate in either Automatic’ or Manual’ mode as described in the The Pike Companies Manual. Generally The Pike Companies sUAS operations will be below an altitude of 400 ft. AGL, within specific access-restricted areas, either within Class G airspace or with the permission of the ATC, using sUAS operated by The Pike Companies-qualified sUAS pilots, and within the visual line of sight of the operator and observer. Such operations will insure that the sUAS will “not create a hazard to users of the National Airspace System or the public” as per the FMRA 2012 Section 333. Given the size of the sUAS and the operating environment, this petition for exemption meets an equivalent level of safety, in which Congress envisioned that the FAA must, by exemption allow

1Public Law 112–95, ‘FAA Modernization and Reform Act’ Section 333 (a) 2Id. §333(c).4

commercial operations of UASs to commence immediately. Also due to the size and environment, approval of the application presents no national security issue. Considering the clear direction in Section 333 of the Reform Act, the authority contained in theFederal Aviation Act, as amended, the equivalent level of safety surrounding the proposed operations, and the significant public benefit described herein, the grant of the requested exemptions is also in the public interest. 

### 4 The Pike Companies Description of Proposed Operations The Pike Companies operations will provide a level of safety that is equivalent to current aviation standards. The Pike Companies safety procedures, risk assessments, and flight operations standards are described in detail in the accompanying The Pike Companies Manual. In brief, the following procedures that apply during operations conducted under this exemption request, establish an equivalent level of safety (ELOS) as follows:

1. The sUAS will weigh less than 55 lb. 2. Flights will be operated within line of sight of a pilot and/or observer. 3. Flights will occur during daylight hours. 4. Flights will occur during Visual Flight Rules Meteorological Conditions (VMC). 5. Flights will generally be operated at an altitude of no more than 400 feet AGL and within Class G airspace. Operations in controlled B,C, or D airspace will be conducted in coordination with the proper FSDO and ATC with prior permission. 6. Flights will be terminated at 25% or 5 minutes (whichever is greater) battery power reserve should that occur during the operation. 7. All The Pike Companies sUAS will be U.S. registered and display marks either in accordance with 14 C.F.R. Part 45, Subpart C or approved alternative markings. 8. Operations will be conducted in defined regions and over property authorized for this use bythe landowner. All operations will remain within the geographic boundaries of the operating area. When possible operations may be conducted within the limitations of the blanket COA authorization provided with 333 grants as of 3/23/2015. Otherwise the required FAA permission will be obtained. 9. All required permissions and permits will be obtained from territorial, state, county or city jurisdictions, including local law enforcement, fire, or other appropriate governmental agencies. 10. The operator will obtain the consent of all persons involved and ensure that only consenting persons will be allowed within 100 feet of the flight operation, and this radius may be reduced to 30 feet based upon an equivalent level of safety determination. 11. A briefing will be conducted in regard to the planned sUAS operations prior to each day’s activities. It will be mandatory that all personnel who will be performing duties within the boundaries of the safety perimeter be present for this briefing. 12. Minimum crew for each operation will consist of the sUAS Pilot, the Visual Observer.5

13. Operations without a Visual Observer (sUAS Pilot only) may occasionally be conducted subject to additional and specific aircraft equipment, operator competency, and flight restrictions (maximum distance from the sUAS Pilot, maximum altitude, and maximum speed) as defined in the The Pike Companies Operations Manual. 14. sUAS operations under this exemption will be conducted under the supervision of a designated pilot in command (PIC) who has final responsibility for the operation and in accordance with 14 C.F.R. 91.3. All sUAS operators must have completed training on the normal, abnormal, and emergency procedures in the The Pike Companies Manual and demonstrated proficiency with the sUAS being operated. The PIC will meet at least the minimum FAA sUAS regulations for licensure. The Pike Companies requests that the alternative minimum PIC qualificationproposed in The Pike Companies manual is approved by the FAA. Otherwise, The Pike Companies PICs must possess at least a sport pilot certificate and hold a valid U.S. driver’s license. 15. sUAS Pilot will be Pilot in Command (PIC). If a pilot certificate holder other than the sUAS Pilot, who possess the necessary PIC qualifications, is also present (i.e. the Visual Observer), that person can also be designated as the PIC. 16. Observer and pilot will at all times be able to maintain verbal communication, either directly or through electronic means. 17. Operators and engineers will maintain the sUAS system in a condition for safe operation according to the The Pike Companies Manual and associated manufacturer’s maintenance manuals, including pre-flight and post-flight inspections. 18. The PIC and observers will maintain situational awareness and perceive, process, and perform risk management prior to and during each operation as described in the The Pike Companies Manual. The PIC will terminate the operation in accordance with the The Pike Companies Manual if hazards that cannot be acceptably mitigated are observed. 19. sUAS will safely stop operating and either return home or auto-land at a safe location along the flight path if the control link is lost. 20. For each sUAS, the PIC will have the ability to force a controlled landing at any time. In addition to the above, The Pike Companies has implemented a Safety Management System. The The Pike Companies Safety Manager is responsible for conducting safety audits, investigations, and inspections and is authorized to stop or prohibit any activity or operations which is considered unsafe. Full details are available in the The Pike Companies Manual. 

### 5 Regulations From Which Exemption is Requested 5.1 Part 61, Certification: Pilots, Flight Instructors, and Ground Instructors Extent of Relief Part 61, all sections.6

Reason for Relief Because the UAS will not carry a pilot or passengers, the proposed operations can achieve the equivalent level of safety of current operations by requiring the PIC operating the aircraft to have at least a sport pilot’s license rather than a commercial pilot’s license to operate these sUAS. Equivalent Level of Safety Unlike a conventional aircraft that carries the pilot and passengers, the sUAS is remotely controlled with no living thing on board. The area of operation is controlled and restricted, and all flights are planned and coordinated in advance as set forth in the General Operations Manual (GOM). The level of safety provided by the requirements included in the GOM exceeds that provided by a single individual holding a commercial pilot’s certificate operating a conventional aircraft. The risks associated with the operation of the sUAS are so diminished from the level of risk associated with commercial operations contemplated by Part 61 when drafted, that allowing operations of the sUAS as requested with a sport pilot certificate as the PIC exceeds the present level of safety achieved by 14 C.F.R. §61.113 (a) & (b). 

### 5.2 61.113 Private pilot privileges and limitations: Pilot in command. Extent of Relief Relief from requirement to possess a private or commercial pilot’s license for aerial work such as aerial survey and mapping. Reason for Relief §61.113 (a) stipulates that a holder of a private pilot certificate may not act as a pilot in command of an aircraft for compensation or hire; (b) states that a private pilot may act as PIC if the flightis incidental to business and does not carry passengers or property. Furthermore, N–8900.227 “Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Operational Approval” paragraph 16(c)(2)(c) “Operations without a pilot certificate” states that a operations which conform to said paragraph may be performed by a PIC that does not possess a private pilots license but that has completed FAA private pilot ground instruction and passed the FAA Private Pilot written test. In addition, there is no means currently of obtaining a commercial rating for UAS. Thus, we require relief in order to perform aerial work.
Public Benefit As described above, the public benefit includes exponential economic growth, enhanced safety, and improved precision agriculture capabilities. In general, commercial small UAS operations provide aerial services which are affordable to small businesses, something that would not be possible without UAS technology. Equivalent Level of Safety Our operations fulfill all the requirements in N–8900.227 16(c)(2)(c) for operations without a private pilots license.7



### 5.3 91.7 Civil aircraft airworthiness. Extent of Relief 91.7, all provisions. Reason for ReliefShould the exemption be granted allowing commercial operation of the sUAS without an airworthiness certificate, no standard will exist for airworthiness of the sUAS. Equivalent Level of Safety Given the size and weight of these aircraft and the requirements contained in the GOM, an equivalent level of safety will be achieved by insuring compliance with the sUAS user manuals prior to each flight. 

### 5.4 91.119, Minimum safe altitudes: General. Extent of Relief Section 91.119 establishes safe altitudes for operation of civil aircraft. 91.119(c) limits aircraft flying over areas other than congested areas to an altitude of 500 feet above the surface, except over open water or sparsely populated areas, and the aircraft may not be operated closer than 500 feet to any person, vessel, vehicle, or structure. Reason for Relief To provide for these operations, the sUAS are normally operated at or below 400 feet AGL. In addition, due to the nature of the proposed operations, the PIC and the observer may at times be less than 500 feet away from structures during the operation. Equivalent Level of Safety The equivalent level of safety will be achieved given the size, weight, and speed of the UAS as well as the location where it is operated. No flight will be taken without the required permission of the property owner and local officials, and advanced notice to participants and spectators. Because of the advance notice all affected individuals will be aware of the planned flight. Compared to flight operations with aircraft or rotorcraft weighing far more than the maximum 55lbs. described above and the lack of flammable fuel, any risk associated with these operations is far less than those presently conducted with conventional aircraft operating at or below 500 AGL in other industries. In addition, the low-altitude operations of the sUAS will ensure separation between these sUAS operations and the operations of conventional aircraft that must comply with Section 91.119.



### 5.5 91.121 Altimeter Settings Extent of Relief §91.1218

Reason for ReliefAs the sUAS may not have a barometric altimeter, but instead a GPS altitude read out, an exemption may be needed. Equivalent Level of Safety An equivalent level of safety will be achieved by the operator, pursuant to the GOM and the Safety Check list, confirming the altitude of the launch site shown on the GPS altitude indicator before flight.



### 5.6 91.151, Fuel requirements for flight in VFR conditions. Extent of Relief §91.151, all provisions. Reason for Relief The provision requires fuel sufficient for one half hour flight beyond the destination. These sUAS, including todays longest endurance platforms, are unable to meet this requirement because of limited max flight times. Equivalent Level of Safety An equivalent level of safety can be achieved by limiting flights for the sUAS according to the safety limitations described in the GOM. This restriction would be more than adequate to return the sUAS to its planned landing zone from anywhere in its limited operating area.



### 5.7 91.405, 91.407, 91.409, 91.417 Inspection and Maintenance Programs Extent of Relief§§91.405, Maintenance required; 91.407, Operation after maintenance, preventive maintenance, rebuilding, or alteration; 91.409, Inspections; and 91.417, Maintenance records. Reason for Relief The part 91 provisions are not applicable to a sUAS of the described weight class. Furthermore, FAA certified mechanics for sUAS do not at this present time exist, so full compliance is not possible. The sUAS flown are modular and as such entire components including engines and propellers are minor replacements rather than major repairs. Finally, continuous minor alterations and payload reconfigurations of sUAS are designed and required for the operation of sUAS and do not negatively impact airworthiness.9

Equivalent Level of Safety Inspection and maintenance manuals are used to maintain the sUAS in airworthy condition. Each sUAS is maintained according to the manufacturer standard or higher by technicians proficient in the building, repair, and maintenance of the sUAS. Inspection and Maintenance manuals utilized contain all aircraft-relevant items as described in (43 Appendix D (Scope and Detail of Items). Finally, maintenance records are maintained in the Operations Database; either online on the Skyward Platform and are therefore immediately auditable by regulators on demand, or as otherwise determined by The Pike Companies. 

### 6 Public Interest The Pike Companies believes that the enhanced safety achieved using a sUAS with the specifications described in this petition and supporting documents and by 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 operations enabled by this exemption are in the public interest. The outputs of safe, reliable, and regulatory compliant operations of sUAS provide economic benefits historically unparalleled since the invention of flight, benefiting stakeholders at every level, both public and private. Lawful, safe aerial robotics operations will create new high-tech employment that will stimulate city and state governments; improve industries, create new small and large businesses; infuse new interest in STEM for children; and increase the safety of citizens through enhanced first-responder capabilities. 

### 7 Privacy All flights will occur over private, limited, or restricted-access areas with the property owner’s prior consent and knowledge. Operations will be conducted by trained crew and all other individuals will either be a part of the operation or consent to be present at the time of operations. 

### 8 Federal Register Summary Pursuant to 14 C.F.R. Part 11, the following summary is provided for publication in the Federal Register, should it be determined that publication is needed: Applicant seeks an exemption from the following rules: 14 C.F.R. §21, subpart H; 14 C.F.R 45.23(b);14 C.F.R. §§61.113( a) & (b), 61.133(a); 91.7 (a); 91.9 (b) (2); 91.109; 91.119; 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) to operate sUAS for commercial use. 

### 9 Conclusion The Pike Companies seeks this exemption to conduct commercial operations using sUAS within restricted-access areas in the NAS. Without this exemption, sUAS innovation will be suppressed,