Bronson Cheeks, House Fly, LLC, Tarpon Springs FL – Section 333 Exemption Petition

May 21, 2015 

U. S. Department of Transportation 

Docket Management System 

1200 New Jersey Ave, S.E.

Washington, DC 20590 

Re: Exemption Request Section 333 of the FAA Reform Act of the Federal Aviation Regulations from 14

C.F.R. 45.23(b); 14 C.F.R. Part 21; 14 C.F.R. 61.113(a)&(b); 91.7(a); 91.9(b) (2); 91.103(b); 91.109;

119.121; 91.151(a); 91.203(a)&(b); 91.405(a); 91.407(a) (1); 91.409(a) (2); 91.417(a)&(b)

Dear Sir or Madam, 

I, Bronson Cheeks dba “House Fly, LLC”, am writing pursuant to the FAA 

Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 and the procedures contained within 14 C.F.R. 

11, to request that I, Bronson Cheeks, an owner and operator of small unmanned aircraft, 

be exempted from the Federal Aviation Regulations (“FARs”) listed below so that I, 

Bronson Cheeks, may operate my unmanned aircraft system (“UAS”) commercially in 

airspace regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration (“FAA”). 

As described herein I, Bronson Cheeks, an insured member of the AMA (Academy of 

Model Aeronautics) am experienced in flying hobby helicopters/planes for recreational

purposes. Currently using a DJI Inspire 1 Quadcopter1 and the DJI Phantom 3 

Quadcopter2 with intent for aerial videography/cinematography to enhance academic 

community awareness for individuals and companies unfamiliar with the geographical 

layout of the West Florida area, and augment real estate listing videos; following 

exemption and approval by the FAA. Thereby enhancing their academic research 

experience for the West Florida Area. I have flown RC Helicopters/Planes/Quadcopters 

for over three (3) years without incident. Committed to safety with each flight. My 

exemption request would permit operation of ultra light weight, UAS(s) in tightly 

controlled and limited airspace. 3 Predetermined in areas away from general public, 

airports, heliports and vehicular traffic for community videos, and within property 

boundaries for individual homeowner real estate listing videos/photos. Currently, similar 

lightweight, remote controlled UAS's are legally operated by unmonitored amateur 

hobbyists with no safety plan or controls in place to prevent catastrophe. I, Bronson 

Cheeks, have personally instilled safety protocols and 

1 Appendix A – DJI Inspire 1 Operator Manual 

2 Appendix B – DJI Phantom 3 Operator Manual 

3 Appendix C – Tampa — Tampa Florida area VFR radius maps Bronson Cheeks, House Fly, LLC Tarpon Springs, FL - Section 333 Exemption 

Petition

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Bronson Cheeks, House Fly, LLC, Tarpon Springs FL – Section 333 Exemption Petition

controls4 to avoid and prevent public hazard, as well as manned aircraft

hazards/catastrophe. This will act to further safety protocols exclusive to lightweight

UAS's specific to real estate video and photography usage as I, Bronson Cheeks, 

record flight data and other information gained through permitted flight operations to 

share with the FAA through any required FAA reports to assist with future protocol and 

safety regulation. 

Granting my request comports with the Secretary of Transportation’s (FAA 

Administrator’s) responsibilities and authority to not only integrate UAS's into the

national airspace system, but to “...establish requirements for the safe operation of such 

aircraft systems [UAS's] in the national airspace system” under Section 333(c) of the

Reform Act specific to the use of UAS's for Cinematography/Photo purposes. Further I, 

Bronson Cheeks, will conduct my operations in compliance with the protocols described 

herein or as otherwise established by the FAA. 

For the reasons stated below I, Bronson Cheeks, respectfully request the grant of an 

exemption allowing me to operate ultra lightweight, remote controlled UAS’s for 

academic community awareness to benefit/stimulate attraction to the West Florida

area and to enhance real estate listing videos for homeowners who cannot afford 

expensive manned aircraft for the same purpose. Both of which will promote local

economic growth through increased employment and increased tax base. Both with 

public safety in mind by keeping heavier manned aircraft containing combustible fuel

that that poses potential public hazard. 

Name and Address of the Petitioner

Bronson Cheeks dba “House Fly LLC” 

561 Hunt Road Suite B 

Tarpon Springs, FL 34688 

Mobile: (727) 412-2689 

Email: HouseFlyFlorida@gmail.com

Regulations Petitioner Petitions for Exemption, If Such Regulations Apply to

SUAVs

14 CFR Part 21 14 C.F.R. 91.109 14 CFR 91.405 (a)

14 C.F.R. 45.23(b) 14 C.F. R. 91.119 14 CFR 407 (a) (1)

14 CFR 61.113 (a) & (b) 14 C.F.R. 91.121 14 CFR 409 (a) (2) 

14 C.F.R. 91.7 (a) 14 CFR 91.151 (a) 14 CFR 417 (a) & (b) 

14 CFR 91.9 (b) (2) 14 CFR 91.203 (a) & (b) 

14 C.F.R. 91.103

_________________________

4 Appendix D - Personal Protocols and Controls 

Bronson Cheeks, Cinematographer Tarpon Springs, FL - Section 333 Exemption Petition

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Bronson Cheeks, House Fly, LLC, Tarpon Springs FL – Section 333 Exemption Petition

The Extent of relief sought and the Reason He Seeks Such Relief:

I, Bronson Cheeks, submit this application in accordance with the Reform Act, 112 P.L. 

95 §§ 331-334, seeking relief from any currently applicable FARs operating to prevent

me, Bronson Cheeks, to pursue commercial--cinematic, academic and other flight

operations within the national airspace system. The Reform Act in Section 332 provides 

for such integration of civil unmanned aircraft systems into our national airspace system

as it is in the public’s interest to do so. My, Bronson Cheeks’, ultra light weight UAS 

meets the definition of “small unmanned aircraft” as defined in Section 331 and 

therefore the integration of my ultra light weight UAS is expressly contemplated by the 

Reform Act. I would like to operate my ultra lightweight UAS prior to the time period by 

which the Reform Act requires the FAA to promulgate rules governing such craft. 

Thereby, providing direct experience and valuable information for formal regulation that

can be administered uniformly to all real estate related UAS aerial video and 

photography. The Reform Act guides the Secretary in determining the types of UAS's 

that may operate safely in our national airspace system. Considerations include: The

weight, size, speed and overall capabilities of the UAS's; Whether the UAS will be

operated near airports or heavily populated areas; and, Whether the UAS will be

operated by line of sight. 112 P.L. 95 § 333 (a). Each of these items reflect in favor of an 

exemption for me, Bronson Cheeks. My UAS utilizes four (4) counter-rotating 

propellers for balance, control and stability. My UAS is equipped with GPS and auto 

return safety technology. Weighing less than ten (10) pounds (far below the maximum 

55 pound limit); including camera with gimbal. 

I, Bronson Cheeks, considers safety as foremost with each flight. My small unmanned 

aircraft is designed to hover in place via GPS and operate in less than a 24 knot (15 

mph) wind. For safety, stability and fear of financial loss I will not fly in winds exceeding 

16 kph (10 mph). Built in safety systems include a GPS mode that allows my UAS to 

hover in place when radio control inputs are released. With three modes to choose from, I 

utilize the Smart Mode5 for aerial videography/photography. This is the safest, most 

reliable and stable mode to prevent accident and hazard. When pilot communication is 

lost UAS is designed slowly descend to point of take off. I do not operate my UAS near 

airports, Hospitals nor Police heliports, and do not operate near areas where general

public is within fifty to one hundred (50-100) yards depending on location, conditions 

and weather. I am constantly on alert for any manned aircraft (Police/Medical

helicopters, etc.) and prepared to land/abort immediately to the nearest and safest

ground point should a manned aircraft approach my location or I suspect manned 

aircraft may approach near my location. My UAS is capable of vertical and horizontal

operations, and are flown only within my line of sight of me, as the remote control pilot. 

Utilizing battery power rather than combustible fuels, flights generally last between 

eighteen (18) to twenty (20) minutes, with an altitude under one hundred fifty (150) feet. 

5Smart Mode includes GPS Geofence radius for operation, position hold, self-leveling, altitude command, return home feature or land

in the event of communication interruption between RC transmitter and UAS. See Appendix A 

Bronson Cheeks, House Fly, LLC Tarpon Springs, FL - Section 333 Exemption Petition

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Bronson Cheeks, House Fly, LLC, Tarpon Springs FL – Section 333 Exemption Petition

I, Bronson Cheeks, utilize a fresh fully charged battery with each flight as a safety 

precaution; full flight time limit for each battery is eighteen (18) to twenty (20) minutes 

as tested. I do not operate my UAS at or below manufacturer recommended minimum

charge levels for operation; preferring to remain well within a safe operating range to 

insure adequate communication between radio control and UAS to eliminate potential for 

crash, loss of control or hazard. Reserve batteries are at hand with each exercise to insure

replacement for sufficient safe level of operation. I do not believe in taking risk that may 

cause a crash, that could create hazard to the public/property/manned aircraft. I have

clocked over 180+ hours of hobby level flights for future commercial use to gain 

familiarization with the characteristics of this specific UAS's performance under different

temperature and weather conditions. I also practice computerized simulated flights to 

maintain adequate skills and response reflex time. I, Bronson Cheeks, am extremely 

cautious when operating of my UAS/ultra light weight unmanned aircraft and will not

“create a hazard to users of the national airspace system or the public.” 112 P.L. 95 § 333 

(b). Given the small size and weight of my UAS it falls well within Congress’s 

contemplated safety zone when it promulgated the Reform Act and the corresponding

directive to integrate UAS's into the national airspace system. The UAS, used in hobby 

flight, has a demonstrable safety record and does not pose any threat to the general public

or national security. 

How Bronson Cheeks’ Request Will Benefit the General Public:

Aerial videography for geographical awareness and for real estate marketing has been 

around for a long time through manned fixed wing aircraft and helicopters. However, For 

small budget real estate companies and average homeowners the expense of such aerial

videography is cost prohibitive. Only large companies and high end Realtors or luxury 

homeowners can afford to absorb such expenses. Depriving non-luxury homeowners 

and lower budget Realtors from a valuable marketing tool. Manned aircraft pose a threat

to the public through potential catastrophic crash that the community has experienced in 

the past with military, medical and news/tourism helicopter crashes within the city of 

Tampa and Tarpon Springs. Each resulting in loss of life. Each with combustible fuel that 

exploded and burned on impact. Police helicopters have made emergency hard landings 

within city limits. My UAS pose no such threat since size and lack of combustible fuel 

alleviates any potential threat to the public. 

Congress has already proclaimed that it is in the public’s interest to integrate

commercially flown UAS's into the national airspace system, hence the passing of the

Reform Act. Granting my, Bronson Cheeks, exemption request furthers the public 

interest through academic/visual awareness of the geographical benefits in and around 

the West Florida area. My ultra lightweight UAS is battery powered and creates no 

emissions that can harm the environment. The consequence of my ultra light weight UAS 

crashing is far less than a full size helicopter or fixed wing aircraft; which are heavy, 

contain combustible fuel and can cause catastrophic devastation to the public 

Bronson Cheeks, House Fly, LLC Tarpon Springs, FL - Section 333 Exemption Petition

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Bronson Cheeks, House Fly, LLC, Tarpon Springs FL – Section 333 Exemption Petition

The public’s interest is furthered by minimizing ecological and crash threat by permitting 

aerial video/photo capture through my battery operated ultra lightweight UAS's. 

Permitting me, Bronson Cheeks, to immediately fly within national air space furthers 

economic growth. Granting my exemption request substantially furthers the economic

impact for the West Florida community for companies looking to relocate or build in the

West Florida area as well as individuals looking to relocate for career advancement 

through academic and geographical awareness. Both of which serve as a stimulus to 

the community. 

Reasons Why Bronson Cheeks’ Exemption Will Not Adversely Affect Safety 

And How The Exemption Will Provide a Level of Safety At Least Equal To 

Existing Rule:

My, Bronson Cheeks, exemption will not adversely affect safety. Quite the contrary, 

for the reasons stated permitting me, Bronson Cheeks, to log more flight time in 

FAA controlled airspace, with communication with the FAA, will allow me to 

contribute to the innovation and implementation of new and novel, as of yet 

undiscovered safety protocols for UAS Pilots that can be embraced for development 

in cooperation with the FAA. In addition I, Bronson Cheeks, submit the following 

representations of enhancements to current aerial videography and photography: 

• My UAS weighs less than 10 pounds complete with a small ultra light weight

high camera 

• I only operate my UAS below 200 feet (well within the 400 foot permissible

ceiling set by the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012); 

• my UAS only operate for 18-20 minutes per flight; 

• I land my UAS prior to manufacturer recommended minimum level of battery 

power; 

• I pilot my UAS through remote control only by line of sight; 

• My UAS has GPS a flight safety feature whereby it hovers and then slowly lands 

if communication with the remote control pilot is lost; 

• I actively analyze flight data and other sources of information to constantly 

update and enhance safety protocols; 

• I only operate in reasonably safe environment that are strictly controlled, are

away from power lines, elevated lights, airports and actively populated areas; 

• I conduct extensive pre-flight inspections and protocol, during which safety 

carries primary importance; 

• I always obtains all necessary permissions prior to operation; and, 

• I have procedures in place to abort flights in the event of safety breaches or 

potential danger. 

Bronson Cheeks, House Fly, LLC Tarpon Springs, FL - Section 333 Exemption Petition 

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Bronson Cheeks, House Fly, LLC, Tarpon Springs FL – Section 333 Exemption Petition

My, Bronson Cheeks’, safety protocols provide a level of safety equal to or exceeding 

existing rules. It is important to note that absent the integration of commercial UAS into 

our national airspace system, helicopters are the primary means of aerial video and 

photography for community awareness and real estate. While the safety record of such 

helicopters is remarkably astounding, there has been local incident involving loss of life

as well as extensive property damage; it is far safer to operate a battery powered ultra

light weight UAS. 

• First, the potential loss of life is diminished because UAS's carry no people on 

board and only operated in specific areas away from mass populations. 

• Second, there is no fuel on board a UAS and thus the potential for fire or 

explosions is greatly diminished. 

• Third, the small size and extreme maneuverability of my UAS allow me to 

remotely pilot away from and avoid hazards quickly and safely. 

• Lastly, given its small size and weight, even when close enough to capture

amazing images, my UAS need not be so close to the objects they are focused 

on through the technology and use of post editing software allowing pan and 

zoom. 

Accordingly, my UAS has been experimentally operated for familiarization/competency 

and will continue to operate at and above current safety levels. 

A Summary The FAA May Publish in the Federal Register:

A. 14 C.F.R. 21 & 14 C.F.R. 91: Airworthiness Certificates, Manuals and The Like. 

14 C.F.R. 21, Subpart H, entitled Airworthiness Certificates, sets forth 

requirements for procurement of necessary airworthiness certificates in relation to 

FAR § 91.203(a)(1). The size, weight and enclosed operational area of my, 

Bronson Cheeks’, UAS permits exemption from Part 21 because my UAS meets 

(and exceeds) an equivalent level of safety pursuant to Section 333 of the Reform 

Act. The FAA is authorized to exempt aircraft from the airworthiness certificate

requirement under both the Act (49 U.S.C. § 44701 (f)) and Section 333 of the

Reform Act. Both pieces of legislation permit the FAA to exempt UAS's from the

airworthiness certificate requirement in consideration of the weight, size, speed, 

maneuverability and proximity to areas such as airports and dense populations. 

My, Bronson Cheeks, current and projected UAS's meet or exceed each of the

elements. 

14 C.F.R. 91.7(a) prohibits the operation of an aircraft without an airworthiness 

certificate. As no such certificate will be applicable in the form contemplated by 

the FARs, this Regulation is inapplicable. 

Bronson Cheeks, House Fly, LLC Tarpon Springs, FL - Section 333 Exemption Petition

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Bronson Cheeks, House Fly, LLC, Tarpon Springs FL – Section 333 Exemption Petition

14 C.F.R. § 91.9 (b) (2) requires an aircraft flight manual in the aircraft. As there are no 

on board pilots or passengers, and given the size of the UAS's, this Regulation is 

inapplicable. An equivalent level of safety will be achieved by maintaining a safety/flight 

manual delineating areas of where safety can be defined.6 The FAA has previously issued 

exemptions to this regulation in Exemption Nos. 8607, 8737, 8738, 9299, 9299A, 9565, 

9565B, 10167, 10167A, 

10602, 10700 and 32827. 

14 C.F.R. § 91.121 regarding altimeter settings is inapplicable insofar as my UAS 

utilizes electronic global positioning systems with a barometric sensor.

14 C.F.R. § 91.203 (a) and (b) provides for the carrying of civil aircraft certifications 

and registrations. They are inapplicable for the same reasons described above. The 

equivalent level of safety will be achieved by maintaining any such required 

certifications and registrations by me, Bronson Cheeks.

B. 14 C.F.R. § 45.23: Marking of The Aircraft.

Applicable Codes of Federal Regulation require aircraft to be marked according to

certain specifications. My UAS are, by definition, unmanned. They therefore do not 

have a cabin, cockpit or pilot station on which to mark certain words or phrases. 

Further, two-inch lettering is difficult to place on such small aircraft with dimensions 

smaller that minimal lettering requirement. Regardless, I will mark its UASs in the 

largest possible lettering by placing the word “EXPERIMENTAL” on its fuselage as 

required by 14

C.F.R. §45.29 (f) so that I the pilot, or anyone assisting me as a spotter with the 

UAV will see the markings. The FAA has previously issued exemptions to this 

regulation through Exemptions Nos. 8738, 10167, 10167A and 10700.

C. 14 C.F.R. § 61.113: Private Pilot Privileges and Limitations: PIC.

Pursuant to 14 C.F.R. §§ 61.113 (a) & (b), private pilots are limited to noncommercial operations. I, Bronson Cheeks, can achieve an equivalent level of safety 

as achieved by current Regulations because my UAS does not carry any pilots or 

passengers. Further, while helpful, a pilot license will not ensure remote control 

piloting skills. The risks attended to the operation of my UAS is far less than the risk 

levels inherent in the commercial activities outlined in 14 C.F.R. § 61, et seq. Thus, 

allowing me, Bronson Cheeks, to operate my UAS meet and exceed current safety 

levels in relation to 14 C.F.R. §61.113 (a) & (b).

D. 14 C.F.R. 91.119: Minimum Safe Altitudes.

14 C.F.R. § 91.119 prescribes safe altitudes for the operation of civil aircraft. 

It allows

_______________________

6Appendix E - Safety/Flight Manual 

Bronson Cheeks, House Fly, LLC Tarpon Springs, FL - Section 333 Exemption Petition

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Bronson Cheeks, House Fly, LLC, Tarpon Springs FL – Section 333 Exemption Petition

helicopters to be operated at lower altitudes in certain conditions. My UAS 

will never operate at an altitude greater than 200 AGL; safely below the 

standard of 400 AGL. I, Bronson Cheeks, will however operate my UAS in 

safe areas away from public and traffic, providing a level of safety at least 

equivalent to or below those in relation to minimum safe altitudes. Given the 

size, weight, maneuverability and speed of my UAS, an equivalent or higher 

level of safety will be achieved.

E. 14 C.F.R. 91.405 (a); 407 (a) (1); 409 (a) (2); 417(a) & (b): Maintenance 

Inspections.

The above-cited Regulations require, amongst other things, aircraft owners 

and operators to “have [the] aircraft inspected as prescribed in subpart E of 

this part and shall between required inspections, except as provided in 

paragraph (c) of this section, have discrepancies repaired as prescribed in 

part 43 of this chapter. . . .”

These Regulations only apply to aircraft with an airworthiness certificate. They 

will not, therefore, apply to my, Bronson Cheeks, UAS. However, as a safety 

precaution I inspect my UAS before and after each flight.

A Summary The FAA May Publish in the Federal Register: A. 14 C.F.R. 21 and 14 

C.F.R. 91: Airworthiness Certificates, Manuals and The Like. 14 C.F.R. 21, Subpart H, 

entitled Airworthiness Certificates, sets forth requirements for procurement of necessary 

airworthiness certificates in relation to FAR § 91.203(a)(1). The size, weight and 

enclosed operational area of my UAS permits exemption from Part 21 because my, 

Bronson Cheeks’, UAS meets an equivalent level of safety pursuant to Section 333 of 

the Reform Act. The FAA is authorized to exempt aircraft from the airworthiness 

certificate requirement under both the Act (49 U.S.C. § 44701 (f)) and Section 333 of 

the Reform Act. Both pieces of legislation permit the FAA to exempt UAS's from the

airworthiness certificate requirement in consideration of the weight, size, speed, 

maneuverability and proximity to areas such as airports and dense populations. My 

UAS meets or exceeds each of the elements. 14 C.F.R. 91.7(a) prohibits the operation 

of an aircraft without an airworthiness certificate. As no such certificate will be

applicable in the form contemplated by the FARs, this Regulation is inapplicable. 14 

C.F.R. § 91.9 (b) (2) requires an aircraft flight manual in the aircraft. As there are no 

pilots or passengers, and given the size of the UAS's, this Regulation is inapplicable. An 

equivalent level of safety will be achieved by maintaining a manual. The FAA has 

previously issued exemptions to this regulation in Exemption Nos. 8607, 8737, 8738, 

9299, 9299A, 9565, 9565B, 10167, maintenance program that involves regular software

updates and curative measures for any damaged hardware. Therefore, an equivalent

level of safety will be achieved. 

Bronson Cheeks, House Fly, LLC Tarpon Springs, FL - Section 333 Exemption Petition

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Bronson Cheeks, House Fly, LLC, Tarpon Springs FL – Section 333 Exemption Petition

In summary, Bronson Cheeks seeks an exemption from the following 

Regulations:

14 C.F.R. 21, subpart H; 14 C.F.R. 45.23(b); 14 C.F.R. §§ 61.113 (a) & (b); 14 C.F.R. § 

91.7 (a); 14 C.F.R. § 91.9 (b)(2); 14 C.F.R. § 91.103(b); 14 C.F.R. § 91.109; 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(a) and (b); 14 

C.F.R. § 91.405 (a); 14 C.F.R. § 91.407 (a)(1); 14 C.F.R. § 91.409 (a)(2); 14 C.F.R. § 

91.409 (a ) (2); and, 14 C.F.R. §§ 91.417 (a) & (b) to commercially operate my small

unmanned vehicle/lightweight unmanned aircraft vehicle in community 

awareness, Cinematography, and to develop economic platforms for real estate to 

enhance the experience of those seeking to relocate to the West Florida 

area. Currently, area awareness and real estate aerial videography/photography relies 

primarily on the use of larger aircraft running on combustible fuel. Posing potential risk 

to the public. Granting my request for exemption will reduce current 

risk levels and thereby enhance safety. My UAS craft does not contain potentially 

explosive fuel, is smaller, lighter and more maneuverable than conventional video and 

photographic aircraft with much less flight time. Further, I operate at lower 

altitudes and in controlled airspace eliminating potential public risk flying to and from 

established air fields. I, Bronson Cheeks, have been informally analyzing flight

information and have compiled safety protocols and the implementation of a flight

operations manual for UAS usage that exceeds currently accepted means and 

methods for safe flight. Formal collection of information shared with the FAA will

enhance the FAA's internal efforts to establish protocols for complying with the FAA 

Modernization and Reform Act of 2012. There are no personnel on board my UAS and 

therefore the likelihood of death or serious bodily injury is significantly diminished. 

Operation of my UAS, weighing less than 10 pounds and travelling at lower speeds 

within limited areas will provide an equivalent level of safety as that achieved under 

current FARs. Accordingly I, Bronson Cheeks, respectfully request that the FAA grant 

my exemption request and am willing to cooperate in sharing information to benefit the 

FAA, safety of manned aircraft, and the general public at large. 

Respectfully submitted, 

Bronson Cheeks, 

House Fly, LLC 

561 Hunt Road Suite B 

Tarpon Springs, FL 34688 

Bronson Cheeks, House Fly, LLC Tarpon Springs, FL - Section 333 Exemption Petition 
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Appendix A 

DJI Inspire 1

Operator Manual 






















Appendix B 

DJI Phantom 3

Operator Manual 

(Uploaded in Separate Attachment 58 page Document) 
Appendix C 

Tampa/Orlando --VFR Aeronautical Chart 

Appendix D 

Bronson Cheeks 

Personal Protocols and Controls 
Protocols and Controls

Aerial Community and Real Estate Videos

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

consideration for aerial videos and photography. As such, safety protocols and controls must be

implemented through pre-flight preparation and during flight.

Pre-Flight Protocol:

• Check batteries with voltage meter to insure fully charged and ready for use.

• Inspect batteries for damage or leakage that may affect proper operation.

• Inspect propellers for cracks, chips or damage that may cause sudden loss of propulsion

or

• unmanageable/uncontrolled flight.

• Check weather forecasts for wind advisory or other conditions that my impact flight.

• Consult five (5) mile radius map for airport vicinity.

o Contact respective airport to advise of estimated flight time, estimated flight

duration, estimated elevation of flight, and any other pertinent information.

• Inspect flight area for

o vicinity of public safety helipads/heliports

o vicinity of medical helipads/heliports

o vicinity of light poles

o vicinity or utility wires

o vicinity of trees

o flocks of birds that may cause interference and potential flight impact

o vicinity of any elevated obstructions that may pose potential flight hazard

o vicinity of roadways with moderate to heavy traffic that can be distracted

o public gatherings that may attract viewers

o optional point of control for best visual site of UAS while in flight

• Takeoff and landing

o inspect area for best and safest point of takeoff and landing

o if in a subdivision or area that is within 150 feet of a residential street, post

warning sign(s)/stand(s) "Attention Aerial Photography In Progress - Remain

Back 150 Feet"

Flight Protocol:

• 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

o If possible set a timer as a safety alert

• Land UAS and shut down propulsion immediately following landing
Protocols and Controls

Post flight:

a. Disconnect battery to prevent accidental activation of propulsion system

b. Secure UAS in a safe location

c. Remove all warning signs from public access areas

Emergency or Suspected Hazard:

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

o Manned aircraft is heard or seen in vicinity of flight

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

flight

o Pilot is being distracted from focusing on flight and safety

o Sudden change in weather (wind bursts)

o Sudden increase in vehicular traffic in vicinity of flight

o Birds enter into proximity of flight

o Any sudden unsafe event that can cause collision, distraction or interruption of

control
Appendix E 

Bronson Cheeks 

Safety/Flight Manual