July 30, 2015

Exemption No. 12237

Regulatory Docket No. FAA–2015-1938

Mr. Xavier Galindo

CEO

Dronenautix, LLC

4908 Coldwater Canyon Avenue, Suite 205

Sherman Oaks, CA 91423

Dear Mr. Galindo:

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 May 11, 2015, you petitioned the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on 

behalf of Dronenautix, LLC (hereinafter petitioner or operator) for an exemption. The 

petitioner requested to operate an unmanned aircraft system (UAS) to conduct aerial 

photography and videography.

See Appendix A for the petition submitted to the FAA describing 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 3D Robotics IRIS+.

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 aircraft and its operation, the Secretary of Transportation 
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has determined that this aircraft meets the conditions of Section 333. Therefore, the FAA 

finds that relief from 14 CFR part 21, Certification procedures for products and parts, 

Subpart H—Airworthiness 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 collection1. The FAA has issued grants of 

exemption in circumstances similar in all material respects to those presented in your petition. 

In Grants of Exemption Nos. 11062 to Astraeus Aerial (see Docket No. FAA−2014−0352), 

11109 to Clayco, Inc. (see Docket No. FAA−2014−0507), 11112 to VDOS Global, LLC (see

Docket No. FAA−2014−0382), and 11213 to Aeryon Labs, 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 petitioner 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 interest.

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, Dronenautix LLC 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, Dronenautix, LLC is hereafter referred to as the operator.

 

1 Aerial data collection includes any remote sensing and measuring by an instrument(s) aboard the UA. 

Examples include imagery (photography, video, infrared, etc.), electronic measurement (precision surveying, RF 

analysis, etc.), chemical measurement (particulate measurement, etc.), or any other gathering of data by 

instruments aboard the UA.
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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 3D Robotics IRIS+ 

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 filming 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 maintains 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 for 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 this 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 updated 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 operation 

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 must 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 is 

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 components, 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 

government. The PIC must also meet the flight review 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 

(training, 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 

training, 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 symbol 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 must 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 signal, 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 prohibited 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 five minutes or with the reserve 

power recommended by the 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 available 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 controlled-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 the 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 certificate 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 to 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 

essential 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 specified 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 July 31, 2017, unless sooner superseded or rescinded.

Sincerely,

/s/

John S. Duncan

Director, Flight Standards Service

Enclosures
DRONENAUTIX LLC

4908 Coldwater Canyon Ave, STE 205

Sherman Oaks, CA 91423

May 11, 2015

U.S. Dept. of Transportation, Docket Operations

West Building Ground Floor, Room w12-140

1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE.,

Washington, DC 20590

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

Aviation Regulations from: 14 CFR 61.113(a) and (b); 91.103; 91.119(c); 91.121; 91.151(a); 91.405(a); 

91.407(a)(1); 91.409 (a)(1) and (2); 91.417(a) and (b).

Dear Transportation Director: Pursuant to Section 333 of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 

2012 (the “Reform Act”) and 14 C.F.R. Part 11, Dronenautix LLC an operator of Unmanned Aircraft 

Systems (“UASs”) for aerial photography for Construction, Real Estate, Architectural Engineering as well 

as the Hospitality industry, hereby applies for an exemption from the Federal Aviation Regulations 

(“FARs”) to allow commercial operation of its UASs.

Included are documents outlining Dronenautix Flight Operation Safety Handbook (FOSH) and a UAS 

manufacturer’s user guide, including safety and preflight instructions.

HD photos and video from variable low level angles are far more desired and effective than groundbased imagery for displaying the characteristics of large, complex properties with several buildings and 

large trees. The benefits of reduced cost, reduced noise interference and improved quality of 

presentation from the UAS will be greatly beneficial to many construction, real estate, film and 

hospitality professionals as well as community leaders, in the development of project site 

characteristics. The hospitality, real estate and construction industry will benefit from this low cost 

solution by increasing web traffic to locations and offering unique marketing content to attract more 

revenue to business and property. Dramatically increasing taxable opportunities for our nation. The site 

construction based photography occurs in restricted or other areas where access to the public is strictly 

limited and controlled. Under virtually all circumstances, all of the only property or structures near the 

construction sites are owned and operated by the same entity. As a result, the operation has no 

substantial impact on any third persons not involved in the actual site project.

Dronenautix LLC's requested exemption would permit the operation of small, unmanned UAS under 

controlled and “sterile” conditions in and on Construction Site Projects, Hospitality and in private Real 

Estate airspace that is: (i) limited, (ii) predetermined, (iii) subject to controlled access, and (iv) provide 

greater safety in connection with aircraft operations in the photography use in sterile established site 

projects. As established by the exemptions already granted by the FAA, approval of Dronenautix LLC 

exemption would 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.
Name and address of the applicant:

Dronenautix LLC Attn: Xavier Galindo.; Ph: 818-964-2690 Email: Xavier@dronenautix.com

Address: 4908 Coldwater Canyon Ave, Suite #205, Sherman Oaks, CA 91423

Regulations from which the exemption is requested:

14 CFR 61.113(a) and (b)

14 C.F.R. 91.103 14 C.F. R. 91.119 14 C.F.R. 91.121 14 CFR 91.151(a) 14 CFR 91.405(a) 14 CFR 407(a)(1) 

14 CFR 409(a)(2) 14 CFR 417(a) and (b)

UASs operated by Dronenautix weigh less than 55 pounds, including the payload (i.e. camera, lens, and 

gimbal). They operate at speeds of no more than 50 knots, can hover, and can simultaneously move 

vertically and horizontally. Dronenautix LLC will only operate its UASs in line of sight and will operate 

only within the sterile area described in the FOSH. Such operations will insure that the UAS will “not 

create a hazard to users of the national airspace system or the public.”

Given the small size of Dronenautix LLC's UASs and the restricted sterile environment within which they 

will operate, Dronenautix LLC's UAS operations adhere to the Reform Act’s safety requirements. 

Additionally, due to the size of the UASs and the limited areas in which they will operate, approval of 

this application presents no national security issues. Based on the substantial level of safety surrounding 

the proposed operations, and the significant public benefit (enhanced safety), reduction in 

environmental impacts (reduced emissions and noise), the grant of the requested exemption is in the 

public interest. Accordingly, Dronenautix LLC's respectfully requests that the FAA grant the requested 

exemption without delay.

Aircraft And Equivalent Level Of Safety

The operating limitations proposed by Dronenautix LLC provide for at least an equivalent or higher level 

of safety because operations further enhance safety of photography using conventional passenger 

carrying aircraft.

1. The UASs will weigh less than 55 pounds

2. Flights will be operated within line of sight of a UAS, pilot and/or observer.

3. Maximum flight time for each operational flight will be 20 minutes. Flights will be terminated at 25% 

battery power reserve should that occur prior to the 20 minute limit.

4. Flights will be operated at an altitude of no more than 400 feet AGL.

5. UAS will be fitted with propeller guards to enhance the safety of surrounding personnel.

6. Minimum crew for each operation will consist of the UAS Pilot, the Visual Observer, and the Camera 

Operator.

7. A UAS pilot will be registered with FAA and pass an approved FAA Aeronautical knowledge exam 

when it becomes available.

8. A UAS Pilot will be Pilot in Command (PIC).

9. The UAS will only operate within a confined “Sterile Area” as defined in the FOSH. The FOSH requires 

the establishment of a “Security Perimeter” for the flight operations area.
10. A briefing will be conducted for planned UAS operations prior to each day’s flight. All personnel 

performing duties within the boundaries of the safety perimeter are required to attend.

11. The operator will obtain consent of all persons involved in the photography/recording and ensure 

that only consenting persons will be allowed within 10 feet of the flight operation, in accordance with 

equivalent level of safety determination, as required under the FOSH. With the advanced permission of 

the project manager, operations at closer range can be approved.

12. The Pilot and observer must be trained in UAS operations and have received current information on 

the particular UAS to be operated as required by the FOSH.

13. The Observer and pilot will at all times be able to communicate by voice, radio and/or text.

14. Written and/or oral permission from the relevant property holders will be obtained.

15. 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.

16. If the UAS loses communications or loses its GPS signal, the UAS will have “failsafe” capabilities to 

return to a pre-determined location within the Security Perimeter and land.

17. The UAS is equipped with alarm triggers to notify PIC of stage one battery decrease, making the PIC 

aware of near 25% reserve.

18. Failsafe for low battery (25%) will also trigger a return to secure destination procedure.

19. The UAS will have the capability to abort a flight in case of unpredicted obstacles or emergencies. 14 

C.F.R. § 61.113(a) and (b): Private Pilot

20. The PIC will hold at least a private pilot certificate.

Privileges and Limitations:

Pilot in Command Sections 61.113 (a) and (b) limit private pilots to non-commercial operations. 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 a private pilot’s license 

rather than a commercial pilot’s license to operate a small UAS. Unlike a conventional manned aircraft, a 

UAS is remotely controlled by a ground-based operator. The operational area is controlled and 

restricted, and all flights are planned and coordinated in advance. The level of safety exceeds that 

provided by a single individual holding a commercial pilot’s certificate operating a conventional aircraft. 

The risks associated with the use of a UAS are so diminished from the level of risk associated with 

commercial operations contemplated by Part 61 allowing UAS use by a private pilot as the PIC exceeds 

the present level of safety sought by 14 C.F.R. §61.113 (a) and (b). 14 C.F.R. § 91.103: Preflight Action 

Section 91.103 requires each pilot to preflight an aircraft before flight to insure the safety of flight. As 

FAA approved rotorcraft flight manuals will not be used, an exemption is requested. However, an 

equivalent level of safety will be provided. The PIC will take all actions, including reviewing weather, 

flight battery requirements, landing and takeoff distances, and aircraft performance data before 

commencement of flight. 14 C.F.R. §91.119(c): Minimum Safe Altitudes Section 91.119 establishes safe 

altitudes for operation of civil aircraft. Section 91.119 provides, in pertinent part, that: “except when 

necessary for takeoff or landing, no person may operate an aircraft below the following altitudes: ..... (c) 

Over other than congested areas. An altitude of 400 feet above the surface, except over open water or 

sparsely populated areas. In those cases, the aircraft may not be operated closer than 400 feet to any 

person, vessel, vehicle, or structure.” Because Dronenautix LLC requests authority to operate at

altitudes only up to 400 AGL an exemption is needed to allow such operations. Except for the limited 

conditions stated in the FOSH, the UAS will never operate higher than 400 AGL. It will, however, be 

operated in a restricted area within a security perimeter, where buildings and people will not be 
exposed to operations without their pre- obtained consent. 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 permission of property owners or local officials. Because of the advance 

notice to the property owners and participants in the filming activity, all affected individuals will be 

informed of the planned flight operations. Compared to flight operations for manned aircraft and the

lack of flammable fuel, any risk associated with the proposed UAS operations is far less than 

conventional aircraft operating at or below 400 AGL. In addition, the low-altitude operations of the UAS 

will ensure separation between a UAS and conventional aircraft.

14 C.F.R. §91.121 Altimeter Settings

Section 91.121 requires each person operating an aircraft to maintain cruising altitude by reference to 

an altimeter that is set “...to the elevation of the departure airport or an appropriate altimeter setting 

available before departure.” As a UAS may not have a barometric altimeter, but instead a GPS altitude 

data, an exemption is needed. An equivalent level of safety will be achieved by the operator, pursuant 

to the FOSH and Safety Check list, confirming the altitude of the launch site shown on the GPS altitude 

indicator before flight.

14 C.F.R. §91.151(a): Fuel Requirements for Flight in VFR Conditions

Section 91.151(a) prohibits an individual from beginning “a flight in an airplane under VFR conditions 

unless (considering wind and forecast weather conditions) there is enough fuel to fly to the first point of 

intended landing, and, assuming normal cruising speed – (1) During the day, to fly after that for at least 

30 minutes . . . .”

The battery powering the Dronenautix LLC UASs provides approximately 25 minutes of powered flight. 

To meet the 20-minute reserve requirement in 14 CFR §91.151, UAS flights will be limited to 

approximately 10 minutes in length. Given the limitations on the UAS’s proposed flight area and its 

proposed operations within a predetermined location, a longer time frame for flight in daylight VFR 

conditions is reasonable. Furthermore, operating the UASs in a tightly controlled area where only 

people, property owners, or official representatives who have signed waivers will be allowed, less than 

20 minutes of reserve fuel does not engender the type of risk that §91.151(a) was intended to address.

Dronenautix LLC believes that safety can be achieved by limiting flights to 10 minutes or 25% of battery 

power, whichever occurs first. This restriction would be more than adequate to return the UAS to its 

pre-determined landing zone from anywhere in its limited operating area.

Dronenautix LLC is not seeking an exemption for nighttime UAS operations. 14 C.F.R. §91.405 (a); 407 (a) 

(1); 409 (a) (2); 417(a) & (b): Maintenance Inspections These regulations require that an aircraft 

operator or owner shall “have that 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...,” and others shall inspect or maintain the aircraft in 

compliance with Part 43.

Given that these sections and Part 43 apply only to aircraft with an airworthiness certificate, these 

sections will not apply to Dronenautix operations. Maintenance will be accomplished by the operator. 

An equivalent level of safety will be achieved because the UASs are limited in size, will carry a small 

payload and operate only in restricted areas for limited periods of time. If mechanical issues arise, the 
UAS can land immediately and will be operating from no higher than 400 feet AGL. As provided in the 

FOSH, the operator will ensure that the UAS is in working order prior to flight, perform any required 

maintenance, and keep a log of any maintenance performed. Moreover, the operator is the person most 

familiar with the UAS and best suited to maintain it in an airworthy condition.

Summary for Publication

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:

Dronenautix LLC seeks an exemption from the following rules:

14 C.F.R. §§ 61.113(a) and (b); 91.103; 91.119(c); 91.121; 91.151(a); 91.405(a); 91.407(a)(1); 

91.409(a)(2); and 91.417(a) and (b) to operate commercially a small unmanned vehicle (55 pounds or 

less) in real estate, hospitality and construction projects.

As established by the UAS exemptions already granted by the FAA, allowing commercial operations of 

UASs in the real estate, construction and film industry will enhance safety by reducing risk. Conventional 

film operations, using turbine aircraft, operate at low altitudes and present the risks associated with 

aircraft that weigh around 4,000 pounds, and which carry large amounts of Jet A fuel. Such aircraft must 

also fly to and from the film location. In contrast, a UAS weighing fewer than 55 pounds and powered by 

batteries eliminates virtually all of that risk given the small size and lack of combustible fuel. The UAS is 

carried, and not flown, to a film set. In this regard, the UAS carries no passengers or crew and, therefore, 

will not expose them to the risks associated with manned flights.

The operation of UASs conducted in the strict conditions outlined in the FOSH will provide an equivalent 

level of safety supporting the grant of the exemption requested herein. The UASs operate at slow 

speeds, close to the ground, and in a sterile environment. As a result, they are far safer than 

conventional operations conducted with turbine helicopters carrying fuel and flying near the ground and 

people.

Privacy

All flights will occur over private or controlled access areas with the property owner’s prior consent and 

knowledge. Filming will be only of people who have given their consent or otherwise have agreed to be 

in the area where filming will take place.

Satisfaction of the criteria provided in Section 333 of the Reform Act of 2012 (size, weight, speed, 

operating capabilities, proximity to airports and populated areas and operation within visual line of sight 

and national security) provide more than adequate justification to grant Dronenautix LLC's requested 

exemption, allowing for Dronenautix LLC's UAS commercial operations for the construction, real estate, 

and hospitality industry pursuant to the FOSH included herewith.

If you have any questions or need any additional information, please contact the undersigned at 818-

964-2690 or at Xavier@dronenautix.com.

Truly thankful,

Xavier Galindo CEO Dronenautix, LLC