Marc Wiercioch

GoCopter / Fiction Corp

27326 Belmont Ct.

Valencia, CA 91354

818.415.7911

marc.camera@gmail.com

www.gocopter.net

For purpose of this Petition, the UAV discussed will be referred to as „GoCopter‟. 

Objective

I am requesting permission from the FAA to legally operate a UAV in a profession capacity for motion 

picture production and agricultural surveying.

Operation on a motion picture production will be permitted and supervised by a Fire Safety Officer (FSO).

Operations for agricultural surveying will be conducted over private property for the purpose of cinematic 

documentation and multi-spectroscopic photo capture. I also request special permission to operate over golf courses

during controlled condition for cinematic documentation. This will be conducted with permission from the course 

manager and clear of players.

I can confidently provide adequate proof that I meet the requirements per FAA Modernization and Reform 

Act of 2012, Public Law 112-95 FEB. 14, 2012, Section 333. My experience as a Certified Private Pilot, a RC 

hobbyist and a Professional cameraman, ideally suits my desire to operate as a professional UAV pilot in the United 

States National Airspace System. 

Biography

1985 Began operating RC vehicles, cars and planes, as a hobbyist.

Attached letter of recommendation as RC hobbyist

1990 Acquired private pilot certificate (SEL)

Certificate # 569733346

Current flight physical #1998091195

2001 Began working in the Motion Picture Industry as a cameraman. 

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1466777/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1

2003 Qualified to work as a Union cameraman, attended all of the industry safety classes required by Contract

 Services Administration Trust Fund (CSATF)

IATSE Local 600, member # 12179

2013 Built and began to operate the GoCopter, multi-rotor aerial photography platform. 

UAV description and performance characteristics

GoCopter dimensions

Diameter: 23 inches grounded, 31 inches flying

Height: 10 inches

Weight: 6 lbs.

The Airframe is a stock Flame wheel 550, manufactured by DJI Innovations. It consists of 6 brushless 

motors, 6 plastic props and 6 ESC (electronic speed controls). The flight controller is a Naza-M V1/V2

manufactured my DJI Innovations. The flight controller and ESCs are powered by a 3S LiPo 5000mA battery.

The transmitter and receiver are manufactured by JR/Spectrum utilizing DMS 2 Technology. DMS creates 

a unique bind between Tx and Rx on the 2.4ghz bandwidth. During the binding process, DuaLink ensures a secure 

RF link by scanning for two frequencies and locking them between the Tx and Rx. 
Mission specific payload consists of a GoPro camera and stabilizing gimbal or multi-spectroscopic look 

down camera. 

A 5.8ghz video transmitter outputs a reference video signal to a base station for framing and system

monitoring purposes. Both components are powered by an additional 3S LiPo 1350mA battery.

Pre-flight Operations

Upon removal from the travel case, I attach the landing gear and camera gimbal. Pre-flight inspection 

includes; props are secure and undamaged, all fasteners are tight and wires are secure and undamaged. The camera 

gimbal, camera and two batteries are mounted and secured.

Warm-up Procedure

In order to establish Tx/Rx link, the Tx is powered up, followed by Rx and Fight controller. Solid light on 

Rx indicates successful RF link. During the flight controller‟s warm up sequence, a series of light cycles are 

observed to confirm the flight controller is operating properly. Blinking yellow light on flight controller indicates 

warm up. Rapid blinking green light indicates flight controller is warm. Blinking Red lights indicate the process of 

acquiring GPS lock. Blinking green lights indicate ready for flight. An interface via laptop is attached to the flight 

controller to check sensor parameters and conduct calibrations. Following successful calibrations, the camera 

gimbal and video transmitter are powered up and tested. After all systems are powered and calibrated, a motor test 

and low level hover is conducted to test weight and balance.

A step-by-step checklist is present for every GoCopter flight and is included in this file.

Pre-flight discussion

Film production - A discussion will occur involving the Director, Cinematographer, FSO and Assistant 

Director regarding the scripted shot. We will point out weather conditions, obstacles and safety procedures. A set 

of flight parameters regarding Altitude, speed of flight, length of flight, distance to be traveled and personnel 

required to be in the immediate vicinity will be determined. All this information will be announced during a 

companywide safety meeting.

Agriculture and Golf course survey – I will confirm with management I have permission to fly over their 

property. We will point out weather conditions, obstacles and safety procedures. A set of flight parameters 

regarding Altitude, speed of flight, length of flight, distance to be traveled and personnel required to be in the 

immediate vicinity will be determined. 

Flight

Each flight will be conducted in a timely manner and conscious of any changing conditions. 
Exemptions to Rules

§45.21 Nationality and Registration Marks: General

I request an exception from displaying registration marks in lieu of not requiring an airworthiness 

certificate. As an alternative, I have affixed a label containing „instructions if found‟ and „contact information‟. 

This will provide the most accurate and efficient means of contact in the event of a loss, property damage or bodily 

injury.

§61.113 Private pilot privileges and limitations: Pilot in command.

Exemption:

As a private pilot, I request the permission to receive compensation for providing a service to Film and Television 

production companies, the service being, to operate a UAV with the intent to capture video or still images. The 

advantage of using the GoCopter is to provide a low impact alternative to low altitude aerial photography. By 

accepting compensation for this service, I am able to maintain a professional level of availability and equipment 

maintenance resulting in a sustainable serves in a free market environment. 

§91.119 Minimum safe altitudes: General.

Exemption:

I request permission to conduct low altitude UAV flights from 0 to 400 feet AGL. The majority of 

GoCopter flights take place between ground level and 100 feet, bridging the gap between Stedicam, dolly, crane and 

helicopter shots. The GoCopter, as a film making tool, is intended to position the camera higher than a human 

operator, lower than a helicopter and longer distance than a crane. The GoCopter is not designed nor intended to 

travel further than unassisted line of sight will allow. Maintaining a low altitude keeps me well out of active 

airspace, noise nuisance and on lookers. 

§91.121 Altimeter settings.

Exemption:

The GoCopter is not equipped with a visual altimeter, therefore its altitude is determined by visual 

reference by maintaining constant line of sight during the flight. My altitude is determined by maintaining good 

visual clearance from participating building, man-made and natural objects and people. An addition feature built 

into the flight controller limits the radial distance from my established home base. 

§91.405 Maintenance required.

§91.407 Operation after maintenance, preventive maintenance, rebuilding, or alteration.

§91.409 Inspections.

§91.417 Maintenance records.

Exemptions:

Due do the lack of qualified maintenance inspector for this type of airframe, I request exception from the 

required inspection, maintenance and recording by an independent inspector. I intend to personally maintain and 

service the GoCopter per manufacturer specification as detailed in the respective systems‟ manuals. This includes 

visual inspections, software updates and regular calibrations. I consider myself an authorized service person of the 

GoCopter due to the 25+ hours of research, building, testing and flying of the GoCopter system. The above stated 

maintenance will be conducted during every prep, pre-flight check and storage.
Federal Registry Summary

§45.21 Nationality and Registration Marks: General

Exemption:

I request an exception from displaying registration marks in lieu of not requiring an airworthiness 

certificate. 

§61.113 Private pilot privileges and limitations: Pilot in command.

Exemption:

I request the permission to receive compensation for providing a service to Film and Television production 

companies, the service being, to operate a UAV with the intent to capture video or still images. 

§91.119 Minimum safe altitudes: General.

Exemption:

I request permission to conduct low altitude UAV flights from 0 to 400 feet AGL. 

§91.121 Altimeter settings.

Exemption:

The GoCopter is not equipped with a visual altimeter, therefore its altitude is determined by visual 

reference by maintaining constant line of sight during the flight

§91.405 Maintenance required.

§91.407 Operation after maintenance, preventive maintenance, rebuilding, or alteration.

§91.409 Inspections.

§91.417 Maintenance records.

Exemptions:

I intend to personally maintain and service the GoCopter per manufacturer specification as detailed in the 

respective systems‟ manuals. 
GoCopter Checklist

Assembly

Secure landing gear

Secure Props

Secure camera gimbal

Connect power cable

Connect Aux cable

Install camera in gimbal

Connect video cable

Check voltage on batteries: flight, accessory and monitor

Power-up

Attach flight battery and volt meter

Attach accessory battery and volt meter

Attach monitor battery and volt meter

Power on transmitter

Connect flight battery

Confirm power up is initiated 

Hold during warm up cycle

Confirm Tx/Rx link

Confirm Flight controller is ready

Conduct compass calibration

Conduct parameter calibration

Conduct voltage calibration

Confirm GPS lock

Power up camera

Confirm settings

Connect accessory battery

Hold for self-calibration

Power up monitor

Confirm solid image

Flight

Begin camera record

Start motors

Take-off

Adjust throttle to hover

Release control sticks and confirm steady hoover and position hold
Landing

Cut camera

Disconnect flight battery

Power down Transmitter

Disconnect accessory battery

Power down monitor

Confirm all batteries are at or above nominal voltage

Break down

Remove batteries

Remove camera

Remove gimbal

Remove landing gear

System status

System start and self-check...

Warm-up cycle

Warm up complete

Acquiring GPS lock < 5 satellites

 = 5 satellites

 = 6 satellites

GPS lock > 6 satellites

ready for flight

Errors

Compass error

Mid-point error

Calibration error


CFRs

§45.23 Display of marks; general.

(a) Each operator of an aircraft must display on that aircraft marks consisting of the Roman capital letter 

“N” (denoting United States registration) followed by the registration number of the aircraft. Each suffix 

letter used in the marks displayed must also be a Roman capital letter.

(b) When marks include only the Roman capital letter “N” and the registration number is displayed on 

limited, restricted or light-sport category aircraft or experimental or provisionally certificated aircraft, the 

operator must also display on that aircraft near each entrance to the cabin, cockpit, or pilot station, in letters 

not less than 2 inches nor more than 6 inches high, the words “limited,” “restricted,” “light-sport,” 

“experimental,” or “provisional,” as applicable.

§61.113 Private pilot privileges and limitations: Pilot in command.

(a) Except as provided in paragraphs (b) through (h) of this section, no person who holds a private pilot certificate may act as pilot in 

command of an aircraft that is carrying passengers or property for compensation or hire; nor may that person, for compensation or 

hire, act as pilot in command of an aircraft.

(b) A private pilot may, for compensation or hire, act as pilot in command of an aircraft in connection with any business or 

employment if:

(1) The flight is only incidental to that business or employment; and

(2) The aircraft does not carry passengers or property for compensation or hire.

§91.119 Minimum safe altitudes: General.

Except when necessary for takeoff or landing, no person may operate an aircraft below the following altitudes:

(a) Anywhere. An altitude allowing, if a power unit fails, an emergency landing without undue hazard to persons or property on the 

surface.

(b) Over congested areas. Over any congested area of a city, town, or settlement, or over any open air assembly of persons, an 

altitude of 1,000 feet above the highest obstacle within a horizontal radius of 2,000 feet of the aircraft.

(c) Over other than congested areas. An altitude of 500 feet above the surface, except over open water or sparsely populated areas. In 

those cases, the aircraft may not be operated closer than 500 feet to any person, vessel, vehicle, or structure.

(d) Helicopters, powered parachutes, and weight-shift-control aircraft. If the operation is conducted without hazard to persons or 

property on the surface—

(1) A helicopter may be operated at less than the minimums prescribed in paragraph (b) or (c) of this section, provided each person 

operating the helicopter complies with any routes or altitudes specifically prescribed for helicopters by the FAA; and

(2) A powered parachute or weight-shift-control aircraft may be operated at less than the minimums prescribed in paragraph (c) of 

this section.

§91.121 Altimeter settings.

(a) Each person operating an aircraft shall maintain the cruising altitude or flight level of that aircraft, as the case may be, by 

reference to an altimeter that is set, when operating—

(1) Below 18,000 feet MSL, to—

(i) The current reported altimeter setting of a station along the route and within 100 nautical miles of the aircraft;

(ii) If there is no station within the area prescribed in paragraph (a)(1)(i) of this section, the current reported altimeter setting of an 

appropriate available station; or

(iii) In the case of an aircraft not equipped with a radio, the elevation of the departure airport or an appropriate altimeter setting 

available before departure; or

(2) At or above 18,000 feet MSL, to 29.92′′ Hg.

(b) The lowest usable flight level is determined by the atmospheric pressure in the area of operation as shown in the following table:

Current altimeter setting Lowest usable flight level

29.92 (or higher) 180

29.91 through 29.42 185

29.41 through 28.92 190

28.91 through 28.42 195

28.41 through 27.92 200

27.91 through 27.42 205
27.41 through 26.92 210

(c) To convert minimum altitude prescribed under §§91.119 and 91.177 to the minimum flight level, the pilot shall take the flight level 

equivalent of the minimum altitude in feet and add the appropriate number of feet specified below, according to the current reported 

altimeter setting:

Current altimeter setting Adjustment factor

29.92 (or higher) None

29.91 through 29.42 500

29.41 through 28.92 1,000

28.91 through 28.42 1,500

28.41 through 27.92 2,000

27.91 through 27.42 2,500

27.41 through 26.92

§91.405 Maintenance required.

Each owner or operator of an aircraft—

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;

§91.407 Operation after maintenance, preventive maintenance, rebuilding, or alteration.

(a) No person may operate any aircraft that has undergone maintenance, preventive maintenance, rebuilding, or alteration unless—

(1) It has been approved for return to service by a person authorized under §43.7 of this chapter; and

§91.409 Inspections.

(a) Except as provided in paragraph (c) of this section, no person may operate an aircraft unless, within the preceding 12 calendar 

months, it has had—

(1) An annual inspection in accordance with part 43 of this chapter and has been approved for return to service by a person 

authorized by §43.7 of this chapter; or

(2) An inspection for the issuance of an airworthiness certificate in accordance with part 21 of this chapter.

No inspection performed under paragraph (b) of this section may be substituted for any inspection required by this paragraph unless 

it is performed by a person authorized to perform annual inspections and is entered as an “annual” inspection in the required 

maintenance records.

§91.417 Maintenance records.

(a) Except for work performed in accordance with §§91.411 and 91.413, each registered owner or operator shall keep the following 

records for the periods specified in paragraph (b) of this section:

(1) Records of the maintenance, preventive maintenance, and alteration and records of the 100-hour, annual, progressive, and other 

required or approved inspections, as appropriate, for each aircraft (including the airframe) and each engine, propeller, rotor, and 

appliance of an aircraft. The records must include—

(i) A description (or reference to data acceptable to the Administrator) of the work performed; and

(ii) The date of completion of the work performed; and

(iii) The signature, and certificate number of the person approving the aircraft for return to service.

(2) Records containing the following information:

(i) The total time in service of the airframe, each engine, each propeller, and each rotor.

(ii) The current status of life-limited parts of each airframe, engine, propeller, rotor, and appliance.

(iii) The time since last overhaul of all items installed on the aircraft which are required to be overhauled on a specified time basis.

(iv) The current inspection status of the aircraft, including the time since the last inspection required by the inspection program under 

which the aircraft and its appliances are maintained.

(v) The current status of applicable airworthiness directives (AD) and safety directives including, for each, the method of compliance, 

the AD or safety directive number and revision date. If the AD or safety directive involves recurring action, the time and date when 

the next action is required.

(vi) Copies of the forms prescribed by §43.9(d) of this chapter for each major alteration to the airframe and currently installed 

engines, rotors, propellers, and appliances.

(b) The owner or operator shall retain the following records for the periods prescribed:

(1) The records specified in paragraph (a)(1) of this section shall be retained until the work is repeated or superseded by other work 

or for 1 year after the work is performed.

(2) The records specified in paragraph (a)(2) of this section shall be retained and transferred with the aircraft at the time the aircraft 

is sold.

(3) A list of defects furnished to a registered owner or operator under §43.11 of this chapter shall be retained until the defects are 

repaired and the aircraft is approved for return to service.