To Whom it may concern,

I am submitting my request of Exemption for Unmanned Aircraft System operations.

(under Section 333 of FAA reform act and part 11 of the Federal Aviation Regulations)

The regulations I am seeking relief from include the following;

Title code 14 CFR: parts 21 Subpart H, 27, 45.23(b), 45.27(a), 61.113(a) and (b), 61.133(a), 

91.7(a), 91.9(b)(2), 91.103, 91.109(a), 91.119, 91.121, 91.151(a), 91.203(a) and (b), 

91.319(a)(1), 91.405(a), 91.407(a)(1), 91.409(a)(2), 91.417(a) and (b). As well as any other 

regulation I might have overlooked that pertains to commercial flights of UAS.

I have to date on three separate occasions provided to friends and Industry peers, for the 

purpose of gaining experience, aerial photography services utilizing my UA (DJI550

Flamewheel). The purpose of this request for exemption is to position myself where I can 

legally if given the opportunity, seek compensation for such aerial photography services. 

By offering such services I can make possible in a safe and eco-friendly way, a method of aerial 

photography that otherwise would be too expensive for the small business owner. Offering a 

cost effective, birds-eye perspective for builders, real estate brokers, buyers and sellers I could 

potentially increase the sense of their offerings and aid in the efficiency of my clients as they

conduct their businesses. 

Furthermore, the use of my UA eliminates the need to put human beings at risk, the need to 

carry flammable fuels and any added congestion in our airspace (NAS), solely for the purpose 

of information gathering. I would ask to compare my request to that of granted Exemption No. 

12826, Docket No. FAA-2015-2555 as well as Exemption No. 12839, Docket No. FAA-2015-

2003, who’s purposes I consider similar in nature to my own.

I have chosen to operate the UA make and model DJI550 Flamewheel, with a gross weight of 5 

lbs., incorporating six electric motors with counter rotating blades. 

The UA can safely remain aloft with only five operating motors if in the event one of its six 

motors fail in flight. 

This aircraft has a maximum airspeed no more than 55 mph, with a maximum average flight 

time of 12 minutes per flight. 

The UA is equipped with GPS Position-Hold and Return-to-Home functions, which automatically 

returns the aircraft to a predetermined location and altitude. This feature can be activated either 

manually or when the radio signal is lost. This feature also includes an Auto-Land function which 

enables the aircraft to safely land at the point of take-off.
As the operator will maintain VLOS of the aircraft at all times while staying beneath the ceiling 

of 400’ AGL. At all times I will abide within VFR flight rules where visibility and cloud clearances 

pertain. I will maintain a distance of at least five nautical miles from any airport reference point. 

Prior to each flight, I will perform a preflight of the aircraft to determine the aircraft is safe for

flight. I will adjust my flight path to avoid flying over and endangering individuals as well as large 

crowds of people during takeoff, sustained flight and landing. My four years of experience 

operating remote controlled aircraft enables me to safely conduct UA operations in a variety of 

locations and conditions.

I humbly ask that you consider my request of exemption, If there is anything you might further 

require, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Regards,

David M. Essman

13109 W. Berry Dr.

Littleton, CO 80127

Telephone 720-427-0258, 

email; el.camino1@yahoo.com