April 22, 2015

U. S. Department of Transportation Docket Management System 1200 New Jersey Ave., 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 Sir or Madam:

Pursuant to Section 333 of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 (the “Reform Act”) and 14 C.F.R. Part 11, HighGround Images, LLC, an operator of Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (“sUASs”) for aerial image acquisition including but not limited to, the following industries: motion picture and television, real estate, short range inspection, mapping & survey, agriculture, search & rescue, hereby applies for an exemption from the Federal Aviation Regulations (“FARs”) to allow commercial operation of

its sUASs.

HighGround Images, LLC's requested exemption would permit the operation of sUAS under controlled and secure conditions that is: (i) limited, (ii) predetermined, (iii) subject to controlled access, and (iv) provide greater safety in connection with aircraft operations. As established by the exemptions already granted by the FAA, approval of HighGround Images, LLC's 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.

The name and address of the applicant is:

HighGround Images, LLC Whitney M. Johnson

Phone: 480 335 9242 Email: whit@highgroundimages.com Address: 310 E Port Au Prince Ln., Phoenix AZ 85022

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)

Page of 1 6sUASs operated by HighGround Images, LLC 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. HighGround Images, LLC will only operate its sUASs in line of sight and will operate only within the secure area described in the FOPM. Such operations will insure that the sUAS will “not create a hazard to users of the national airspace system or the public.”

Given the small size of HighGround Images, LLC's sUASs and the restricted secure environment within which they will operate, HighGround Images, LLC's sUAS operations adhere to the Reform Act’s safety requirements. Additionally, due to the size of the sUASs, permission from relevant property owners or other applicable parties, 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, HighGround Images, LLC respectfully requests that the FAA grant the requested exemption.

Aircraft And Equivalent Level Of Safety

The operating limitations proposed by HighGround Images, LLC provide for at least an equivalent or higher level of safety because operations further enhance safety of aerial image collection using conventional aircraft.

The limitations and conditions include:

• The sUASs will weigh less than 55 pounds. Frequently far less.

• Flights will be operated within line of sight of a pilot and/or observer.

• Maximum flight time for each operational flight will be no more than 30 minutes. Flights will be terminated at no less than 25% battery power reserve should that occur prior to the 30 minute limit.

• Flights will be operated at an altitude below 400 feet AGL, and not more than 200 feet above an elevated platform from which filming is planned.

• Minimum crew for each operation will consist of the sUAS Pilot, the Visual Observer, and the Camera Operator.

• A sUAS pilot will be an FAA licensed airman with at least a sport pilot’s certificate, and third class medical or valid US or Canadian drivers

license.

• A sUAS pilot will be Pilot in Command (PIC).

• The sUAS will only operate within a confined secure area as defined

in the FOPM.

Page of 2 6• A briefing will be conducted for planned sUAS operations prior to each day’s flight. All personnel performing duties within the boundaries of the safety perimeter are required to attend.

• The operator will obtain consent of all persons involved in the filming and ensure that only consenting persons will be allowed within 500 feet of the flight operation.

• The Pilot and observer must be trained in sUAS operations and have received current information on the particular sUAS to be operated as required by the FOPM.

• The Observer and pilot will be able to communicate by voice and/or

text at all times.

• Written and/or oral permission from the relevant property holders will be obtained prior to flight operations.

• All appropriate permissions and permits will be obtained from territorial, state, county, or city jurisdictions, including local law enforcement, fire, or other appropriate governmental agencies.

• If the sUAS loses communications or loses its GPS signal, the sUAS will have the capability to return to a pre-determined location within the secure perimeter and land.

• The sUAS 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 Privileges and Limitations:

Pilot in Command Sections 61.113 (a) and (b) limit private pilots to non-commercial operations. Because the sUAS 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 sUAS. Unlike a conventional manned aircraft, a sUAS 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 sUAS are

so diminished from the level of risk associated with commercial operations contemplated by Part 61 allowing sUAS use by a sport 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

Page of 3 6to 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 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.”

Because HighGround Images, LLC requests authority to operate at altitudes no higher than 400 AGL, and not more than 200 above an elevated platform from which filming is planned, an exemption is needed to allow such operations. Except for the limited conditions stated in the FOPM, the sUAS 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 sUAS 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 sUAS operations is far less than conventional aircraft operating at or below 500 AGL. In addition, the low-altitude operations of the sUAS will ensure separation between a sUAS 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 sUAS 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 FOPM 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

Page of 4 6Section 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 typical battery powering the HighGround Images, LLC sUASs provides less than 30 minutes of powered flight. To meet the 30-minute reserve requirement in 14 CFR §91.151, sUAS flight would not be possible. Given the limitations on the sUAS’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 sUASs in a tightly controlled area where only people, property owners, or official representatives who have signed waivers will be allowed, less than 30 minutes of reserve fuel does not engender the type of risk that §91.151(a)

was intended to address.

HighGround Images, LLC believes that safety can be achieved by limiting flights to 30 minutes or 25% of battery power, whichever occurs first. Thisrestriction would be more than adequate to return the sUAS to its predetermined landing zone from anywhere in its limited operating area.

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 HighGround Images, LLC operations. Maintenance will be accomplished by the operator. An equivalent level of safety will be achieved because the sUASs 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 sUAS can land immediately and will be operating from no higher than 400 feet AGL. As provided in the FOPM, the operator will ensure that the sUAS 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 sUAS 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:

HighGround Images, 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

Page of 5 6commercially a small unmanned vehicle (55 pounds or less) in commercial image acquisition operations.

As established by the sUAS exemptions already granted by the FAA, allowing commercial operations of sUASs in agriculture, real estate, inspection, S & R, and film industries will enhance safety by reducing risk. Conventional survey, agricultural, mapping, inspection, and 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 target location. In contrast, a sUAS 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 sUAS is carried, and not flown, to target site. In this regard, the sUAS carries no passengers or crew and, therefore, will not expose them to the risks associated with manned flights.

The operation of sUASs conducted in the strict conditions outlined in the FOPM will provide an equivalent level of safety supporting the grant of the exemption requested herein. The sUASs operate at slow speeds, close to the ground, and in a secure environment. As a result, they are far safer than conventional operations conducted with turbine helicopters 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. Recognizable images will only be recorded of people who have given their consent or otherwise have agreed to be in the area where active image acquisition 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 HighGround Images, LLC’s requested exemption, allowing for HighGround Images, LLC's sUAS commercial operations for the listed industries pursuant to the

included FOPM.

If you have any questions or need any additional information, please contact the undersigned by phone at 480 335 9242 or via email at whit@highgroundimages.com.

Sincerely,

Whitney M. Johnson Managing Member HighGround Images, LLC

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