Drew Hisey

Dapper, LLC

A: 114 Alaskan Way S. #302

Seattle WA 98104

E: drewhisey@gmail.com

T: 360-739-4747

W: www.dapper.media

To Whom it May Concern,

My name is Drew Hisey and I am the Director of Video for Dapper, LLC (Soon to be 

Dystnct, LLC). Dapper is a full-service video production company based out of Seattle, WA. 

We are seeking relief from Section 333 of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 

2012, which requires a certified and registered aircraft, a licensed pilot, and operational 

approval for the operation of any aircraft in national airspace. We seek to operate UAS for the 

purposes of professional video production services, including but not limited to: documentaries, 

commercials, narrative filmmaking, and event coverage.

Aerial footage adds enormous value to any production; it can help to establish a location, 

demonstrate events occurring on a large scale, and capture a point-of-view that is otherwise 

unattainable from the ground. UAS have opened new realm of creative and narrative storytelling 

for videographers. Since Dapper’s formation in 2012, we have strived to offer top-tier creative 

services at a competitive price. We have achieved this by continually integrating new and 

emerging video technologies into our workflow. 

We consider aerial videography to be one of the most groundbreaking additions to our 

professional toolset. From advertising work to documentaries and training videos, its uses are 

far-reaching. Many of our current clients would benefit from this exemption, and we believe it will 

allow us to . Our newest client, an emergency response company, needs aerial footage of their 

vessels and facilities to demonstrate a multitude of procedures for training purposes. These 
processes cannot be adequately captured from the ship deck or ground-level, and the high price 

tag of aerial footage without the use of a UAS is barrier to entry. As such, we would like to add 

aerial videography to our list of services so that any client can benefit from its many 

applications.

Understandably, safety and privacy have always been central concerns for UAS 

regulations. We will take every precaution required to minimize any physical or legal dangers to 

the best of our ability, including but not limited:

1. Testing and training will be done in open and remote environments that do not pose any 

threat to the general public.

2. The UAS will be operated by a minimum of two personnel at all times. One will control the 

flight of the UAS, while the other controls the tilt and pan functions of the on-board camera.

3. Personnel will be required to memorize the rules and regulations set forth by the FAA for the 

exemption to Section 333.

A. Aircraft must weight less than 55 pounds.

B. Must operate during daytime Visual Flight Rules conditions.

C. Operator (PIC) must maintain visual line of sight (VLOS) with the UAS at all times.

D. Must operate at or below 200ft above ground level. 

E. Must remain certain distances from airports and heliports unless a letter of agreement is 

obtained or permitted by a COA from that airport’s management.

• 5 nautical miles (NM) from an airport having an operational control tower; or

• 3 NM from an airport with a published instrument flight procedure, but not an operational 

tower; or

• 2 NM from an airport without a published instrument flight procedure or an operational 

tower; or

• 2 NM from a heliport with a published instrument flight procedure

4. We will use modern UAS systems (initially the DJI Inspire 1 - Full list of specs available here

— http://www.dji.com/product/inspire-1/spec) that contain valuable safety features such as:

A. Dual operator control, with master remote and slave remote with live video signals.

B. GPS-based stabilization with spatial awareness, which can hold the UAS in place during 

wind interference or compensate for overzealous pilot inputs to avoid stalling.

C. Dynamic home point that refreshes to the current location of the operator.
D. Automatic return-home function when the UAS losses signal, is running low on battery, 

or exceeding its radius of control.

E. Automated take-off and landing

F. Flight telemetry with altitude, flight speed, distance, live map, and radar.

5. We will use our best judgment when it comes to issues of safety and privacy, and will not 

operate in conditions and/or environments that are not conducive to our own safety and the 

safety and privacy of those around us. We will not operate the UAS at night, as defined in 14 

CFR § 1.1.

6. We will require operators to inspect all relevant equipment before each use according to 

DJI’s 9-step maintenance manual: http://download.dji-innovations.com/downloads/inspire_1/

en/Inspire_1_Maintenance_ManualV1.0_en.pdf

7. Upon discovering any problems or irregularities, the UAS will be sent back to the 

manufacturer for repairs or serviced by a local certified professional.

8. If the UAS has undergone any maintenance or alterations that affect the UAS operation or 

flight characteristics, such as replacement of vital flight components, we will execute a 

functional flight test prior to conducting any further operation under this exemption. This 

flight test will be administered at least 500 feet from other people and does not pose any 

hazards to persons and/or property.

9. We will use the UAS in controlled environments to capture footage of an landscape, event, 

or actions that are specific in scope, and agree upon prior to operation. 

10. We will not use the UAS in close proximity to the general public (within 500ft) and all crew 

members will be made verbally aware of it’s takeoff and landing to avoid injury. No crew 

members apart from the operators may be within 50 feet of the UAS during takeoff and 

landing. 

We will abide by any and all additional requirements and restrictions given to us which are not 

listed above.

Thank you for your time and consideration. 

Sincerely,

Drew Hisey