Matt Minnes – Section 333

Matt Minnes

1258 Hazy Falls Blvd

Westfield, IN

46074

matthew.minnes@gmail.com

January 15, 2016

U. S. Department of Transportation 

Docket Management System 

1200 New Jersey Ave., SE 

Washington, DC 20590 

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

Regulations from 14 C.F.R. 45.23(b);14 CFR Part 21;14 CFR 61.113 (a) & (b); 91.7 (a);91.9 (b) 

(2);91.103(b);91.119; 91.121; 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: 

Pursuant to Section 333 of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 (the Reform Act) and 14 

C.F.R. Part 11, Matt Minnes, developer and operator of Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (“sUASs”) 

equipped to conduct aerial data collection, hereby applies for an exemption from the listed Federal 

Aviation Regulations (“FARs”) to allow commercial operation of its UASs, so long as such operations 

are conducted within and under the conditions outlined herein or as may be established by the FAA as

required by Section 333.

As described more fully below, the requested exemption would permit the operation of small, 

unmanned and relatively inexpensive UAS under controlled conditions in airspace that is 1) limited 2) 

predetermined 3) controlled as to access and 4) would provide safety enhancements to the already 

safe operations in the agricultural industry presently using conventional aircraft. Approval of this 

exemption would thereby 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: 

Matt Minnes

Ph: (765) 276-7333 

Email: matthew.minnes@gmail.com 

Address: 1258 Hazy Falls Blvd Westfield, IN 46074

Regulations from which the exemption is requested: 

14 CFR Part 21 

14 C.F.R. 45.23(b) 

14 CFR 61.113 (a) & (b) 

14 C.F.R. 91.7 (a) 

14 CFR 91.9 (b) (2) 

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 91.203 (a) & (b) 

14 CFR 91.405 (a) 

14 CFR 407 (a) (1) 

14 CFR 409 (a) (2) 

14 CFR 417 (a) & (b) 

This exemption application is expressly submitted to fulfill Congress’ goal in passing Section 333(a) 

through (c) of the Reform Act. This law directs the Secretary of Transportation to consider whether 

certain unmanned aircraft systems may operate safely in the national airspace system (NAS) before 

completion of the rulemaking required under Section 332 of the Reform Act. In making this 

determination, the Secretary is required to determine which types of UASs do not create a hazard to 

users of the NAS or the public or pose a threat to national security in light of the following: 

• The UAS’s size, weight, speed, and operational capability; 

• Operation of the UAS in close proximity to airports and populated areas; and 

• Operation of the UAS within visual line of sight of the operator. 

Reform Act § 333 (a). Lastly, if the Secretary determines that such vehicles “may operate safely in the 

national airspace system, the Secretary shall establish requirements for the safe operation of such 

aircraft in the national airspace system.” Id. §333(c) (emphasis added)2. 

The Federal Aviation Act expressly grants the FAA the authority to issue exemptions. This statutory 

authority by its terms includes exempting civil aircraft, as the term is defined under §40101 of the Act, 

that includes sUASs, from the requirement that all civil aircraft must have a current airworthiness 

certificate. 

The Administrator may grant an exemption from a requirement of a regulation prescribed under 

subsection (a) or (b) of this section or any sections 44702-44716 of this title if the Administrator finds 

the exemption in the public interest. 49 U.S.C. §44701(f) See also 49 USC §44711(a); 49 USC 

§44704; 14 CFR §91.203 (a) (1).

Matt Minnes' sUASs are rotorcraft, weighting 55 or fewer lbs. including payload. They operate, under 

normal conditions at a speed of no more than 40 knots and have the capability to hover, and move in 

the vertical and horizontal plane simultaneously. They will operate only in line of sight and will operate 

only in rural areas for aerial data collection as stated in Precision Drone Users Manual Attached as 

Exhibit 1. Pre-Flight Checklist attached as Exhibit 2. Flight & Service Log attached as Exhibit 3.

Such operations will insure that the sUAS will “not create a hazard to users of the national airspace 

system or the public.”4 

Given the small size of the sUASs involved and the rural sparsely populated environment within which 

they will operate, the applicant falls squarely within that zone of safety (an equivalent level of safety) in

which Congress envisioned that the FAA must, by exemption, allow commercial operations of UASs to

commence immediately. Also due to the size of the UASs and the rural sparsely populated areas in 

which the relevant sUASs will operate, approval of the application presents no national security issue. 

Given the clear direction in Section 333 of the Reform Act, the authority contained in the Federal 

Aviation Act, as amended; the strong equivalent level of safety surrounding the proposed operations, 

and the significant public benefit, including enhanced safety, reduction in environmental impacts, 

including reduced emissions associated with allowing UASs for agricultural operations, the grant of the

requested exemptions is in the public interest. Accordingly, the applicant respectfully requests that the 

FAA grant the requested exemption without delay.

These limitations and conditions to which Matt Minnes agrees to be bound when conducting 

commercial operations under an FAA issued exemption include: 
1. The sUAS will weigh less than 55 lbs. 

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

3. Maximum total flight time for each operational flight will be 40 minutes. Flights will be terminated at 

20% battery power reserve should that occur prior to the 40 minute limit.

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

5. Minimum crew for each operation will consist of a manufacturer trained and certified pilot.

6. The UAS will only operate within a “Rural sparsely populated Area” over production agriculture as 

defined in the Precision Drone Users Manual. 

7. A briefing will be conducted in regard to the planned sUAS operations prior to each day’s scouting 

activities. It will be mandatory that all personnel who will be performing duties within the boundaries of 

the safety perimeter be present for this briefing. 

8. The operator will file a FAA Form 7711-1, or its equivalent, as modified in light of the requested 

exemption, with the appropriate Flight Standards District Office. 

9. Pilot will have been trained in operation of UAS generally and received up-to-date information on 

the particular UAS to be operated as required in Users Manual. Operator will also attend a required 

manufactures training class and will be responsible for taking manufacturers regular continuing 

education classes.

10. Pilot will at all times be able to communicate with any observers.

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

12. If the sUAS loses communications or loses its GPS signal, the UAS will have capability to return to

a predetermined location and land under pilots control. 

13. The sUAS will have the capability to abort a flight in case of unpredictable obstacles or 

emergencies.

14. Every flight will automatically be recorded and documented in flight log according to the Precision 

Drone Users Manual.

 Describe the aircraft makes and models for the proposed UAS operation. The descriptions 

should include the following: size, maximum weight (including payload), and aircraft type.

Aircraft #1

Purpose: Aerial Data Collection

Aircraft Model: Pacesetter

Manufacturer: Precision Drone LLC

N-Number: N533TP

Aircraft Type: Rotorcraft

Turn Rate: 90 (degrees/sec)

Takeoff: VTOL

Landing: VTOL

Cruise Speed: MAX=40 knots, MIN=0 knots

Gross Takeoff Weight: 6lbs (payload included)

Diameter: 37 inches

Height: 4.5 inches

Climb Rate: 1100 (feet/min)
Decent Rate: 1500 (feet/min)

Motors: 6 (serial # for all motors is D020117)

Operating Altitude: BELOW 400' AGL

Aircraft #2

Purpose: Aerial Data Collection

Aircraft Model: Phantom 2 Vision +

Manufacturer: DJI

Aircraft Type: Rotorcraft

Takeoff: VTOL

Landing: VTOL

Gross Takeoff Weight: 3.3lbs (payload included)

Aircraft #3

Purpose: Aerial Data Collection

Aircraft Model: Phantom 3 Advanced

Manufacturer: DJI

Aircraft Type: Rotorcraft

Takeoff: VTOL

Landing: VTOL

Gross Takeoff Weight: 3lbs (payload included)

Aircraft #4

Purpose: Aerial Data Collection

Aircraft Model: Phantom 3 Professional

Manufacturer: DJI

Aircraft Type: Rotorcraft

Takeoff: VTOL

Landing: VTOL

Gross Takeoff Weight: 3.1lbs (payload included)
 Provide description of proximity to airports and to populated areas.

Nearest City/Town: 1 miles

Area of Operation: WITHIN TWO SQUARE MILES OF LOCATION 

(40.0502325, -86.1821195)

 Your petition references a pre-flight inspection and/or checklist. Describe the process used to 

determine if the UAS is airworthy and in safe condition for operation in the NAS.

Pre-Flight Checklist was developed based on a combination of; 4 years of 

safe operation in NAS, +1600 hours of flight using a Precision Drone 

Pacesetter, PIC feedback to Precision Drone, as well as 

recommendations by US DOT FAA Policy Order 8130.34C by James 

Seipel, AIR-200. 

 Describe the process used to document UAS discrepancies and the corrective action taken in the

aircraft record. Examples of processes include (1) the petitioner has elected to use its own 

process to maintain its UAS and ensure that only airworthy and safe UAS will be allowed to 

operate in the NAS and (2) the petitioner has elected to maintain its UAS in accordance with the

manufacturer maintenance and inspection recommendations.

As provided in the Precision Drone Users Manual, the operator will 

ensure that the sUAS is in working order prior to initiating flight, perform

required maintenance, and keep a log of any maintenance performed in 

“Flight & Service Log” provided by Precision Drone. Moreover, the 

operator is the person most familiar with the aircraft and best suited to 

maintain the aircraft in an airworthy condition to provide the equivalent 

level of safety.

 Your petition references the materials listed below, however the materials were not submitted 

for the record. Please provide a copy of the following referenced materials:

 Precision Drone Users Manual

 Pre-Flight Checklist

 Flight & Service Log 

Precision Drone Users Manual Attached as Exhibit 1. Pre-Flight Checklist attached as 

Exhibit 2. Flight & Service Log attached as Exhibit 3.

Impact
Aerial mapping will be of “in growth” production agriculture with the intent to increase yields. This 

action will result in raising more food for a growing population. Allowing for a decrease in world 

starvation rates. A direct result of these actions would also be the more effective use of fossil fuels 

and placing nutrients where they can be more readily absorbed by the growing crops. This will allow 

for a drastic decrease in nitrate runoff into streams and water ways henceforth decreasing 

eutrophication and ultimately decreasing the Mississippi River Dead Zone. This process is not 

attainable today without the use of a sUAS as the ability for timely scouting prevents stressed areas in 

the field from being located until yield and ultimately food has already been limited within the areas of 

infection.
The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization estimates that nearly 870 million people of the 

7.1 billion people in the world, or one in eight, were suffering from chronic undernourishment in 2010-

2012. It is our objective to strive forward to continue increasing world production so that we are able 

to continue to meet the need for food that is placed on the agricultural industry. Research has shown 

using crop health images to manage production can increase yields by over 10 percent due to early 

disease and nutrient deficiency detection. 

http://www.feedingamerica.org/hunger-in-america/

14 C.F.R. Part 21, Subpart H: Airworthiness Certificates 14 C.F.R. §91.203 (a) (1) 

Subpart H, entitled Airworthiness Certificates, establishes the procedural requirements for the 

issuance of airworthiness certificates as required by FAR §91.203 (a) (1). Given the size and limited 

operating area associated with the aircraft to be utilized by the Applicant, an exemption from Part 21 

Subpart H meets the requirements of an equivalent level of safety under Part 11 and Section 333 of 

the Reform Act. The Federal Aviation Act (49 U.S.C.§44701 (f)) and Section 333 of the Reform Act 

both authorize the FAA to exempt aircraft from the requirement for an airworthiness certificate, upon 

consideration of the size, weight, speed, operational capability, and proximity to airports and populated

areas of the particular sUAS. In all cases, an analysis of these criteria demonstrates that the sUAS 

operated without an airworthiness certificate, in the rural sparsley populated environment and under 

the conditions proposed will be at least as safe, or safer, than a conventional aircraft (fixed wing or 

rotorcraft) operating with an airworthiness certificate without the restrictions and conditions proposed.

The sUAS to be operated hereunder is less than 55 lbs. fully loaded, carries neither a pilot nor 

passenger, carries no explosive materials or flammable liquid fuels, and operates exclusively within a 

secured area as set out in the Precision Drone Users Manual. Unlike other civil aircraft, operations 

under this exemption will be tightly controlled and monitored by both the operator, pursuant to the 

Precision Drone Users Manual’s requirements, and under the requirements and in compliance with 

local public safety requirements, to provide security for the area of operation as is now done with 

conventional aircraft. These safety enhancements, which already apply to civil aircraft operated in 

connection with aerial crop scouting, provide a greater degree of safety to the public and property 
owners than conventional operations conducted with airworthiness certificates issued under 14 C.F.R. 

Part 21, Subpart H. Lastly, application of these same criteria demonstrates that there is no credible 

threat to national security posed by the sUAS, due to its size, speed of operation, location of 

operation, lack of explosive materials or flammable liquid fuels, and inability to carry a substantial 

external load. 

14 C.F.R. § 45.23 (b). Marking of the Aircraft 

The regulation requires: 

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. 

Even though the sUAS will have no airworthiness certificate, an exemption may be needed as 

the UAS will have no entrance to the cabin, cockpit or pilot station on which the word 

“Experimental” can be placed. Given the size of the sUAV, two-inch lettering will be impossible. The 

word “Experimental” will be placed on the fuselage in compliance with §45.29 (f). 

The equivalent level of safety will be provided by having the sUAV marked on its fuselage as 

required by §45.29 (f) where the pilot, observer and others working with the sUAV will see the 

identification of the UAS as “Experimental.” The FAA has issued the following exemptions to this 

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

14 C.F.R. § 61.113 (a) & (b): Private Pilot Privileges and Limitations: Pilot in Command. 

Sections 61.113 (a) & (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 Sport Pilot Certificate rather than 

a commercial pilot’s license to operate this small UAS. 

Unlike a conventional aircraft that carries the pilot and passengers, the sUAS is remotely controlled 

with no living thing on board. The area of operation is rural and sparsely populated, and all flights are 

planned and coordinated in advance as set forth in the Precision Drone Users Manual. The level of 

safety provided by the requirements included in the Precision Drone Users Manual exceeds that 

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

The risks associated with the operation of the sUAS are so diminished from the level of risk associated

with commercial operations contemplated by Part 61 when drafted, that allowing operations of the 

sUAS as requested with a trained operator as the PIC exceeds the present level of safety achieved by

14 C.F.R. §61.113 (a) & (b). 

14 C.F.R. §91.7(a): Civil aircraft airworthiness. 

The regulation requires that no person may operate a civil aircraft unless it is in airworthy condition. As

there will be no airworthiness certificate issued for the aircraft, should this exemption be granted, no 

FAA regulatory standard will exist for determining airworthiness. Given the size of the aircraft and the 

requirements contained in the Precision Drone Users Manual for maintenance and use of safety check

lists prior to each flight.

14 C.F.R. § 91.9 (b) (2): Civil Aircraft Flight Manual in the Aircraft. 

Section 91.9 (b) (2) provides: 

No person may operate a U.S.-registered civil aircraft ... 

(2) For which an Airplane or Rotorcraft Users Manual is not required by §21.5 of this chapter, 

unless there is available in the aircraft a current approved airplane or Rotorcraft Users Manual,

approved manual material, markings, and placards, or any combination thereof.

(3) The sUAS, given its size and configuration has no ability or place to carry such a users manual

on the aircraft, not only because there is no pilot on board, but because there is no room or 

capacity to carry such an item on the aircraft. 

The equivalent level of safety will be maintained by keeping the users manual at the ground control 

point where the pilot flying the sUAS will have immediate access to it. The FAA has issued the 

following exemptions to this regulation: Exemption Nos. 8607, 8737, 8738, 9299, 9299A, 9565, 9565B,

10167, 10167A, 10602, 32827, and 10700. 

14 C.F.R. § 91.103: Preflight action 

This regulation requires each pilot in command to take certain actions before flight to insure the

safety of flight. As FAA approved rotorcraft flight manuals will not be provided for the aircraft an 

exemption will be needed. An equivalent level of safety will be provided as set forth in the Precision 

Drone Users Manual. The PIC will take all actions including reviewing weather, flight battery 

requirements, landing and takeoff distances and aircraft performance data before initiation of flight. 

14 C.F.R. §91.119: Minimum safe altitudes 

Section 91.119 establishes safe altitudes for operation of civil aircraft. Section 91.119 (d) allows

helicopter to be operated at less than the minimums prescribed, provided the person operating the 

helicopter complies with any route or altitudes prescribed for helicopters by the FAA. As this exemption

is for a sUAS that is a helicopter and the exemption requests authority to operate at altitudes up to 

400' AGL, an exemption may be needed to allow such operations. As set forth herein, except for the 

limited conditions stated in the Precision Drone Users Manual, the UAS will never operate at higher 
than 400' AGL. It will however be operated in a rural sparsely populated area over private private 

property, where buildings and people will not be exposed to operations.

The equivalent level of safety will be achieved given the size, weight, speed of the UAS as well

as the location where it is operated. No flight will be taken without the permission of the property 

owner. Because of the advance notice to the property owner and participants in the aerial activity, all 

affected individuals will be aware of the planned flight operations. Compared to flight operations with 

aircraft or rotorcraft weighting far more than the maximum 55lbs. proposed herein and the lack of 

flammable fuel, any risk associated with these operations is far less than those presently presented 

with conventional aircraft. In addition, the low-altitude operations of the sUAS will ensure separation 

between these small-UAS operations and the operations of conventional aircraft that must comply with

Section 91.119.

14 C.F.R. §91.121 Altimeter Settings

This regulation 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 the sUAS may not have a barometric altimeter, but 

instead a GPS altitude read out, an exemption may be needed. An equivalent level of safety will be 

achieved by the operator, pursuant to the Manual 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; or (2) At night, to fly after that for at least 45 minutes.”

The battery powering the sUAS provides approximately 40 minutes of powered flight. To meet 

the 30 minute reserve requirement in 14 CFR §91.151, sUAS flights would be limited to approximately 

20 minutes in length. Given the limitations on the UAS’s proposed flight area and the location of its 

proposed operations within a predetermined area, a longer time frame for flight in daylight or night 

VFR conditions is reasonable.

Applicant believes that an exemption from 14 CFR §91.151(a) falls within the scope of prior 

exemptions. See Exemption 10673 (allowing Lockheed Martin Corporation to operate without 

compliance with FAR 91.151 (a)). Operating the small UAS, in a tightly controlled area where only 

people and property owners or official representatives who have signed waivers will be allowed, with 

less than 30 minutes of reserve fuel, does not engender the type of risks that Section 91.151(a) was 

intended to alleviate given the size and speed of the small UAS. Additionally, limiting sUAS flights to 

10 minutes would greatly reduce the utility for which the exemption will be granted.

Applicant believes that an equivalent level of safety can be achieved by limiting flights to 40 

minutes or 20% of battery power whichever happens first. This restriction would be morethan 

adequate to return the sUAS to its planned landing zone from anywhere in its limited operating area. 

Similar exemptions have been granted to other operations, including Exemptions 2689F, 5745, 

10673, and 10808. 

14 C.F.R. §91.203 (a) and (b): Carrying Civil Aircraft Certification and Registration 

The regulation provides in pertinent part: 

(a) Except as provided in § 91.715, no person may operate a civil aircraft 

unless it has within it the following: 

(1) An appropriate and current airworthiness certificate. 

(b) No person may operate a civil aircraft unless the airworthiness 

certificate required by paragraph (a) of this section or a special flight 

authorization issued under §91.715 is displayed at the cabin or cockpit entrance 

so that it is legible to passengers or crew. 
The UAS fully loaded weighs no more than 55 lbs and is operated without an onboard pilot. As 

such, there is no ability or place to carry certification and registration documents or to display them on 

the sUAS. 

An equivalent level of safety will be achieved by keeping these documents at the ground 

control point where the pilot flying the sUAS will have immediate access to them, to the extent they are

applicable to the sUAS. The FAA has issued numerous exemptions to this regulation. A representative 

sample of other exceptions includes Exemption Nos. 9565, 9665, 9789, 9789A, 9797, 9797A, 9816A, 

and 10700.

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 section and Part 43 apply only to aircraft with an airworthiness certificate, 

these sections will not apply to the applicant. Maintenance will be accomplished by the operator in 

accordance to manufacturers, Precision Drone, recommendations. An equivalent level of safety will be

achieved because these small UASs are very limited in size and will carry a small payload and 

operate only in rural sparsely populated areas for limited periods of time. If mechanical issues arise 

the sUAS can land immediately and will be operating from no higher than 500 feet AGL. As provided in

the Precision Drone Users Manual, the operator will ensure that the sUAS is in working order prior to 

initiating flight, perform required maintenance, and keep a log of any maintenance performed in “Flight

& Service Log” provided by Precision Drone. Moreover, the operator is the person most familiar with 

the aircraft and best suited to maintain the aircraft in an airworthy condition to provide the equivalent 

level of safety. 

********* 

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:

Applicant seeks an exemption from the following rules: 

14 C.F.R. §21, subpart H; 14 C.F.R 45.23(b);14 C.F.R. §§ 61.113( a) & (b);91.7 

(a); 91.9 (b) (2);91.103(b); 91.119; 91.121; 91.151(a);91.203(a) and (b); 91.405 (a); 

91.407 (a) (1); 91.409 (a) (2); 91.409 (a) (2) and 91.417 (a) & (b) to operate 

commercially a small unmanned vehicle (55lbs or less) in agricultural crop monitoring 

operations. 

Approval of exemptions allowing commercial operations of sUASs in the agricultural industry 

will enhance safety by reducing risk. Conventional aerial crop scouting operations, using jet or piston 

power aircraft. Such aircraft must fly to and from the field location. In contrast, a sUAS weighing fewer 

than 55 lbs. and powered by batteries eliminates virtually all of that risk given the reduced mass and 

lack of combustible fuel carried on board. The sUAS is carried to the field location and not flown. The 

sUAS will carry no passengers or crew and, therefore, will not expose them to the risks associated 

with manned aircraft flights. 

The operation of small UASs, weighting less than 55 lbs., conducted in the strict conditions 

outlined above, will provide an equivalent level of safety supporting the grant of the exemptions 

requested herein, including exempting the applicant from the requirements of Part 21 and allowing 

commercial operations. These lightweight aircraft operate at slow speeds, close to the ground, and in 

a rural environment and, as a result, are far safer than conventional operations conducted with turbine 

helicopters operating in close proximity to the ground and people. 

Privacy 

All flights will occur over private property with the property owner’s prior consent and knowledge. 
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 for the grant of the requested 

exemptions allowing commercial operation of applicant’s sUAS in the agricultural production industry 

pursuant to the Precision Drone Users Manual appended hereto. 

Sincerely, 

Matt Minnes

matthew.minnes@gmail.com
Exhibit #1

User's Manual

Pacesetter Model

2015

Serial Number: DA000011 

N-Number: N533TP 
Users Manual - Warnings

 Obey all federal, state, and local regulations

 Do not fly in rain or other harsh conditions

 Do not fly in wind more than 25mph

 Do not fly faster than 10 m/s (22.5mph)

 Operating in temperatures below 50° Fahrenheit (10° Celsius) will result in decreased 

flight times

 Operating in temperatures below 32° Fahrenheit (0° Celsius) and below the 

mechanical and electrical components run the chance of seizing, resulting in drone 

malfunction and ultimately property damage, injury, and/or death

 Always use the provided battery chargers

 The drone will return home when it reaches less than 20% battery level

 The drone will land in place when it reaches less than 10% battery level

 Keep away from spinning motors at ALL TIMES.

 Do not attempt to modify the drone 

 Do not attempt to repair the drone

 NEVER allow minors to charge battery packs

 NEVER drop power supply or batteries

 NEVER attempt to charge damaged or swollen batteries

 NEVER let batteries fully discharge unless you are disposing of them

 NEVER attempt to charge a battery pack containing different types of batteries

 NEVER charge a battery if the cable has been pinched or shorted

 NEVER allow batteries to come into contact with moisture at any time

 NEVER charge batteries in extremely hot or cold places or in direct sunlight

 ALWAYS disconnect the battery after charging

 ALWAYS end the charging process if the charger or battery becomes too hot

*Failure to exercise caution while using this product and comply with the warnings above could result in product 

malfunction, electrical issues, excessive heat, fire, and ultimately injury, property damage, or death. Never allow 

use of this product by anyone without providing them with these instructions. You must read, understand, and 

follow all instructions and warnings for any product(s) to which this product is used in conjunction with or 

installed. The operator is choosing to use this product and does so at his or her own risk. Save these 

instructions with the product for use as a reference in the future
Exhibit #2

Pre-Flight Checklist

1) Begin filling out Flight Log form. Date, Time, Location, Weather Conditions, 

Surroundings, and Proximity to Populated Areas or Airports. If more copies are 

needed, print from the digital copy provided on the command center.

2) Check the drone for any signs of damage or loose cables/straps

3) Make sure batteries, live feed monitor, controller, laptop, and cameras are all 

fully charged.

4) Check that the propeller direction of rotation is correct.

5) Check that the propellers are tight and won't slip.

6) Make sure motor leads are fastened securely into the ESCs.

7) Make sure all switches on the controller are forward. Flight Mode Switch and 

Flight Orientation Switch should both be in position 0. Make sure the throttle is 

all the way down.

8) Turn on the controller.

9) Make sure batteries are strapped in and tight.

10) Power on your live feed monitor and check that voltage is normal, it should be 

16.8/16.9v. If voltage is higher, take the drone to your authorized dealer. If 

voltage is lower, check batteries with the provided battery checker.

11) Make sure the drone and its propellers are free of any and all obstructions 

before arming.

12) Start the motors and check that individual rotation is correct. To arm them, 

take both sticks and move them down and towards the center.

IMPORTANT: Never take off with less than 8 satellites.
Exhibit #3

Flight and Service Log

Serial Number: DA000011 

N-Number: N533TP 
Date: Action: Flight/Service (Circle one) Duration: 

Name of Pilot/Technician: 

Starting Voltage: Ending Voltage: 

Lowest Satellite Count: Highest Satellite Count: 

Total Flight Time: 

Weather Conditions: 

If flown within 5 miles of an airport:

Airport: 

Date and Time of Notification: 

 Notes: 

 

Signature: