UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION 

FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION 

WASHINGTON, DC

Regulatory Docket No. 

IN THE MATTER OF THE PETITION FOR EXEMPTION OF:

JESSE RICHARD 

WALKER

FOR AN EXEMPTION SEEKING RELIEF FROM THE REQUIREMENTS OF 

TITLE 14 OF THE CODE OF FEDERAL REGULATIONS

SECTIONS 61.113(a) & (b), 91.7(a), 91.121, 91.151(b), 91.405(a), 91.407(a)(1),

91.409(a)(1) & (a)(2), AND 91.417(a) & (b) CONCERNING COMMERCIAL 

OPERATION OF DJI PHANTOM 2 VISION+ UNMANNED AIRCRAFT 

SYSTEM

PURSUANT TO SECTION 333 OF

THEFAAMODERNIZATIONANDREFORMACTOF2012

(PUBLICLAW112-95)

Submitted on May 6, 2015

Jesse Richard Walker

1407 Smith Cir,

Wichita, KS, 67212

316-302-2018
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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

GLOSSARY OF ABBREVIATIONS...................................................................................3

SUMMARY...........................................................................................................................4

INTRODUCTION AND INTERESTS OF PETITIONER....................................................4

BACKGROUND....................................................................................................................4

BASIS FOR PETITION.........................................................................................................5

NAME AND ADDRESS OF PETITIONER.............................................................7

THE SPECIFIC SECTIONS OF 14 C.F.R. FROM WHICH JESSE RICHARD 

WALKER SEEKS EXEMPTION.............................................................................8

THE EXTENT OF RELIEF JESSE RICHARD WALKER SEEKS AND THE 

REASON JESSE RICHARD WALKER SEEKS THE RELIEF.........................11

THE REASONS WHY GRANTING JESSE RICHARD WALKER’S REQUEST

WOULD BE IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST .........................................................15

THE REASONS WHY GRANTING THE EXEMPTION WOULD NOT 

ADVERSELY AFFECT SAFETY..........................................................................19

SUMMARY THAT CAN BE PUBLISHED IN THE FEDERAL REGISTER......34

ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, VIEWS, OR ARGUMENTS 

AVAILABLE TO SUPPORT JESSE RICHARD WALKER’S 

REQUEST.................................................................................................34

CONCLUSION....................................................................................................................35

APPENDICES........................................................................................37
3

GLOSSARYOFABBREVIATIONS

AGL Above Ground Level

AOI Area of Interest

ATC Air Traffic Control

ATO Air Traffic Organization

AV Aerial Vehicle

CFR Code of Federal Regulations

COA Certificate of Authorization

FAA Federal Aviation Administration 

FAR Federal Aviation Regulation 

GCS Ground Control Station

GPS Global Positioning System

LOL Loss of Link

NAS National Airspace System

NOTAM Notice to Airman

PIC Pilot In Command

Section 333 FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 (FMRA) Section 333

SO Safety Observer

SOP Standard Operating Procedures

UA Unmanned Aircraft

UAS Unmanned Aircraft System

VFR Visual Flight Rules

VLOS Visual Line of Site

VMC Visual Meteorological Conditions

VTOL Vertical Takeoff and Landing
4

SUMMARY

Jesse Richard Walker seeks exemption from the requirements of 14 C.F.R §§

61.113(a) & (b), 91.7(a), 91.121, 91.151(b), 91.405(a), 91.407(a)(1), 91.409(a)(1) & (a) 

(2), and 91.417(a) & (b), to operate an Unmanned Aircraft System pursuant to Section

333 of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 (FMRA). This exemption will 

permit Jesse Richard Walker to operate an Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) for the 

commercial purpose of conducting aerial video and photography of outside events and 

venues over certain areas of the United States.

INTRODUCTIONANDINTERESTSOFTHEPETITIONER

Jesse Richard Walker provides his clients with expertise and knowledge in 

advanced technologies and solutions to increase efficiency, productivity and effectiveness 

in a photographical and video-graphical setting. Jesse Richard Walker has over 5 years of 

professional experience in professional photography, videography, and graphic design. He 

has over 5 years recreational/hobby experience in all aspects of aerial video and 

photography. The objective of Jesse Richard Walker aerial video and photography

operations is to provide high quality imaging for a variety of commercial and public uses, 

specifically targeting:

 Motion Picture Filming

 Professional Photography

 Outdoor event/venue coverage

BACKGROUND

UnmannedAircraftSystems:DJIPhantom2Vision UAS

Jesse Richard Walker seeks an exemption to operate DJI systems for compensation 

or hire within the NAS. The DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ is a vertical takeoff and landing 

(VTOL) Unmanned Aircraft (UA) with a Ground Control Station (GCS) utilizing
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electronic tablet or smart phone systems. The DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ has a maximum 

gross weight of approximately 2 pounds 11 ounces, while having a length of 16 inches 

width of 16 inches, height of 8 inches, and a maximum speed of approximately 29 knots. 

The DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ is equipped with four main rotors; driven by Lithium

Polymer battery powered electric motors.

The DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ UA that will be operated by Jesse Richard Walker will 

be registered in accordance with 49 U.S.C. 44103, Registration of Aircraft, as well as 14 

C.F.R Part 47, Aircraft Registration, and marked in accordance with 14

C.F.R. Part 45, Identification and Registration Marking.

BASISFORPETITION

Petitioner, Jesse Richard Walker, pursuant to the provisions of the Federal 

Aviation Regulations (14 C.F.R. § 11.61) and the FAA Modernization and Reform Act 

of 2012 (FMRA), Section 333, Special Rules for Certain Unmanned Aircraft Systems, 

hereby petitions the Administrator to commercially operate the DJI Phantom 2 Vision

+ UAS in the National Airspace System (NAS), and for an exemption from the 

requirements of 14 C.F.R §§ 61.113(a) & (b), 91.7(a), 91.121, 91.151(b), 91.405(a),

91.407(a)(1), 91.409(a)(1) & (a)(2), and 91.417(a) & (b).

In consideration of the speed, weight, size, and limited operating area associated 

with the unmanned aircraft and its operation, Jesse Richard Walker operation of DJI 

Phantom 2 Vision+ UAS meets the conditions of FMRA Section 333 and therefore, will 

not require an airworthiness certificate in accordance with 14 C.F.R. Part 21, Subpart H.

Accordingly, Jesse Richard Walker requests relief from Sections 91.405(a),

91.407(a)(1), 91.409(a)(1) & (a)(2), and 91.417(a) & (b), as these sections set forth 

requirements for maintenance that only apply to aircraft with an airworthiness certificate.
6

Jesse Richard Walker submits that the requested relief is proper since an 

equivalent level of safety will be ensured. Jesse Richard Walker will use experienced 

personnel or technicians to perform maintenance, alterations, or preventive maintenance 

on the UASs using the methods, techniques, and practices prescribed in the operating 

documents (i.e., Monthly Maintenance Log, and DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ Instruction 

Manual). Furthermore, Jesse Richard Walker will document and maintain all 

maintenance records for the DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ UAS.

Relief from certain requirements of Section 61.113(a) and (b), entitled Private pilot 

privileges and limitations: Pilot in command, is requested by Jesse Richard Walker to the 

extent necessary to allow a Pilot in Command (PIC) holding a private pilot or higher level 

certificate, as well as an airman medical certificate, and who has demonstrated, by meeting 

minimum flight- hour and currency requirements, that the PIC is able to safely operate the 

DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ UAS in a manner consistent with this exemption, including evasive 

and emergency maneuvers and maintaining appropriate distances from people, vessels, 

vehicles and structures.

Jesse Richard Walker seeks relief from Section 91.7(a), entitled Civil aircraft 

airworthiness, because the DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ UAS does not require an airworthiness 

certificate in accordance with 14 C.F.R. Part 21, Subpart H. As such, Jesse Richard Walker

submits that he will ensure that the DJI Phantom 2 Vision UAS is in an airworthy 

condition, prior to every flight, by determining that the UAS is in compliance with the 

operating documents (i.e., Monthly Maintenance Log, and DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ 

Instruction Manual), and that the aircraft is in a condition for safe flight.

Jesse Richard Walker also seeks an exemption from the requirements of Section

91.121, entitled Altimeter Settings, as the DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ UA will not have a

typical barometric altimeter onboard. However, altitude information of the DJI Phantom 2 
7

Vision+ UAS will be provided to the PIC via Global Positioning System (GPS) equipment 

and radio communications telemetry data link, which downlinks from the UA to the GCS 

for active monitoring of the flight path. This altitude information, combined with Jesse 

Richard Walker's operation of the DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ UAS within visual line of sight, 

at or below 500 feet AGL, will ensure a level of safety equivalent to Section 91.121.

Additionally, Jesse Richard Walker seeks an exemption from the requirements of 

Section 91.151(b), entitled Fuel requirements for flight in VFR conditions. Jesse Richard 

Walker submits that safety will not be affected by operation of the DJI Phantom 2 

Vision+ UA during daylight hours in visual meteorological conditions (VMC) under 

visual flight rules (VFR), with enough battery power to fly for a total duration of 

approximately 13.5 minutes to the first point of intended landing and, assuming normal 

cruising speed, to fly after that for at least 4.5 minutes.

In accordance with 14 C.F.R. § 11.81, Jesse Richard Walker provides the following 

information in support of its petition for exemption:

A. Name And Address Of The Petitioner.

The name and address of the Petitioner and point of contact is:

Jesse Richard Walker

1407 Smith Circle,

Wichita, KS

316-302-2018

Email:

Gcgraphics316@gmail.com

B. The Specific Sections Of 14 C.F.R. From Which Jesse Richard Walker Seeks

Exemption.

1. Jesse Richard Walker Seeks Exemption From The Requirements Of

Section 61.113(a) And (b).

Section 61.113, entitled Private pilot privileges and limitations: Pilot in command, 

subsections (a) and (b) prescribe the following, in relevant part:
8

(a) No person who holds a private pilot certificate may act as a pilot in command 

(PIC) of an aircraft that is carrying passengers or property for compensation or 

hire; nor may that person, for compensation or hire, act as PIC of an aircraft.

(b) A private pilot may, for compensation or hire, act as PIC 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.

2. Jesse Richard Walker Seeks Exemption From The Requirements Of

Section 91.7(a). Section 91.7, entitled Civil aircraft airworthiness, subsection (a), 

states the following:

(a) No person may operate a civil aircraft unless it is in an airworthy condition.

3. Jesse Richard Walker Seeks Exemption From The Requirements Of Section

91.121.

Section 91.121, entitled Altimeter settings, subsection (a), states the following, in 

part:

(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.

4. Jesse Richard Walker Seeks Exemption From The Requirements Of

Section 91.151(b).

Section 91.151, entitled Fuel requirements for flight in VFR conditions, subsection

(b), states the following:
9

(b) No person may begin a flight in a rotorcraft 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, to 

fly after that for at least 20 minutes.

5. Jesse Richard Walker Seeks Exemption From The Requirement Of

Section 91.405(a). Section 91.405, entitled Maintenance required, subsection (a), 

states the following: Each owner or operator of an aircraft—

(a) 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[.]

6. Jesse Richard Walker Seeks Exemption From The Requirements Of

Section 91.407(a)(1)

Section 91.407, entitled Operation after maintenance, preventive maintenance, 

rebuilding, or alteration, subsection (a)(1), states the following:

(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[.]

7. Jesse Richard Walker Seeks Exemption From The Requirements Of

Sections 91.409(a)(1) And 91.409(a)(2).

Section 91.409, entitled Inspections, subsection (a), states the following:

(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.

8. Jesse Richard Walker Seeks Exemption From The Requirements Of

Sections 91.417(a) And 91.417(b).

Section 91.417, entitled Maintenance records, subsections (a) and (b), state the 

following:

(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 
10

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.
11

(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.

C. The Extent Of Relief Jesse Richard Walker Seeks And The Reason Jesse Richard 

Walker

Seeks The Relief.

1. Extent Of Relief Jesse Richard Walker Seeks And The Reason Jesse Richard 

Walker Seeks Relief From Section 61.113(a) And (b).

Relief from Section 61.113(a) and (b) entitled Private pilot privileges and 

limitations: Pilot in command, is requested to the extent necessary to allow a PIC 

holding a private pilot or higher level certificate, as well as a current and valid 

airman medical certificate, and who has met certain flight-hour and currency

requirements, to conduct the proposed UAS flight operations for compensation or 

hire.

This relief is requested since the limitations set forth in Section 61.113(a) 

and (b) state that a private pilot may, for compensation or hire, act as PIC 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.

As set forth more fully below, Jesse Richard Walker submits that an 

equivalent level of safety will be maintained because no PIC will be allowed to 

operate the DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ UAS unless that PIC has met certain flighthour and currency requirements, demonstrating that the PIC is able to safely

operate the DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ UAS in a manner consistent with the operations 

specifications as described in this exemption, including evasive and emergency 

maneuvers, as well as maintaining appropriate distances from people, vessels, 

vehicles and structures. Further, Jesse Richard Walker submits that all flights of
12

the DJI Phantom 2 Vision UAS, conducted by the PIC pursuant to the grant of this 

Petition: (1) will be incidental to Jesse Richard Walker's business; and (2) will not

carry passengers or property for compensation or hire.

2. Extent Of Relief Jesse Richard Walker Seeks And The Reason Jesse Richard 

Walker Seeks Relief From Section 91.7(a).

Relief from Section 91.7(a) entitled Civil aircraft airworthiness, is requested to the 

extent required to allow Jesse Richard Walker to determine that the DJI Phantom 2 Vision

+ UAS is in airworthy condition prior to every flight by ensuring that the UAS is in 

compliance with the operating documents (i.e., the Jesse Richard Walker Aerial 

Operations Manual, Monthly Maintenance Log, and DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ Instruction 

Manual).

Jesse Richard Walker seeks the requested relief because the DJI Phantom 2 Vision

+ UAS do not require an airworthiness certificate in accordance with 14

C.F.R. Part 21, Subpart H. Therefore, Jesse Richard Walker will ensure that the DJI 

Phantom 2 Vision+ UAS is in airworthy condition based upon its compliance with the 

operating documents (i.e., Monthly Maintenance Log, and DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ 

Instruction Manual) prior to every flight, and further, determine that the aircraft is in 

condition for safe flight, as stated in the conditions and limitations listed.

2. Extent Of Relief Jesse Richard Walker Seeks And The Reason Jesse Richard 

Walker Seeks Relief From Section 91.121.

Relief from Section 91.121, entitled Altimeter settings, may be required to allow 

flight operations of the DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ UAS, which utilize a barometric pressure 

sensor, GPS equipment, and a radio communications telemetry data link to downlink 

altitude information from the UA to the PIC at the ground control station
13

(GCS). Since the FAA requires that any altitude information concerning UAS operations be 

reported to air traffic control (ATC) in feet above ground level (AGL), Jesse Richard 

Walker seeks the requested relief because the DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ UA’s altimeter may

be set on the ground to zero feet AGL, rather than the local barometric pressure or field 

altitude, before each flight.

Considering the limited altitude of the proposed operations, relief from 14 CFR

91.121 is sought to the extent necessary to comply with the applicable conditions and 

limitations stated below. As more fully set forth herein, an equivalent level of safety will

be maintained since the DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ UA is equipped with a barometric pressure 

sensor and GPS equipment, which automatically ensures that a ground level pressure 

setting will be established prior to each flight, and provides the PIC with altitude 

information of the UA on the heads-up display of the GCS.

4. Extent Of Relief Jesse Richard Walker Seeks And The Reason Jesse Richard 

Walker Seeks Relief From Section 91.151(b).

Relief from Section 91.151(b) entitled Fuel requirements for flight in VFR 

conditions, is requested to the extent required to allow flights of the battery powered DJI 

Phantom 2 Vision+ UA during daylight hours in visual meteorological conditions (VMC), 

under visual flight rules (VFR), for a total duration of 13.5 minutes to the first point of 

intended landing and, assuming normal cruising speed, to fly after that for at least 4.5 

minutes. Jesse Richard Walker seeks the requested relief because without an exemption 

from Section 91.151(b), the flight time duration of the battery powered DJI Phantom 2 

Vision+ UA will severely constrain the practicality of any aerial video or still photo flight 

operations that Jesse Richard Walker proposes to conduct pursuant to this Petition.
14

Significantly, as set forth below, the technical specifications of the DJI Phantom 2

Vision+ UAS, the DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ operating documents, and Jesse Richard 

Walker's proposed operating limitations, ensure that Jesse Richard Walker will safely

operate the battery powered DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ UA during daylight hours in visual 

meteorological conditions (VMC), under visual flight rules (VFR), with enough battery

power to fly for a total duration of 13.5 minutes to the first point of intended landing and,

assuming normal cruising speed, to fly after that for at least 4.5 minutes.

5. Extent Of Relief Jesse Richard Walker Seeks And The Reason Jesse Richard 

Walker Seeks Relief From Sections 91.405(a), 91.407(a)(1),

91.409(a)(1) & (a)(2), And 91.417(a) & (b).

Since Sections 91.405(a), 91.407(a)(1), 91.409(a)(1) & (a)(2), and 91.417(a) & (b) 

only apply to aircraft with an airworthiness certificate, Jesse Richard Walker requests 

relief from these Sections because the DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ UAS does not require 

airworthiness certificates. As set forth more fully below, the DJI Phantom 2

Vision+ UAS meets the conditions of FMRA Section 333 for operation without an 

airworthiness certificate. Accordingly, Jesse Richard Walker will use trained technicians 

to perform maintenance, alterations, or preventive maintenance on the UAS using the 

methods, techniques, and practices prescribed in the UAS operating documents (i.e., the 

Jesse Richard Walker Aerial Operations Manual, Monthly Maintenance Log, and DJI

Phantom 2 Vision+ 1 Instruction Manual). Furthermore, Jesse Richard Walker will 

document and maintain all maintenance records for the DJI Phantom 2

Vision+ UAS.

D. The Reasons Why Granting Jesse Richard Walker Request Would Be In The

Interest; That Is, How It Would Benefit The Public As A Whole. 

Public
15

Granting the present Petition will further the public interest by allowing Jesse 

Richard Walker to safely, efficiently, and economically perform aerial video and 

photography of outside events and venues over certain areas of the

United States.

Additionally, use of the DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ UAS will decrease 

congestion of the NAS, reduce pollution, and provide significant benefits to the 

economy. Notably, the benefits of Jesse Richard Walker's proposed operation of the

DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ UAS will be realized without implicating any privacy issues.

1. The Public Will Benefit From Decreased Congestion Of The NAS.

The DJI Phantom 2 Vision UA is battery powered and serves as a safe, efficient, 

and economical alternative to the manned aircraft traditionally utilized to obtain aerial 

imagery. By reducing the amount of manned aircraft needed to perform aerial acquisitions, 

an exemption allowing the use of a DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ UAS would reduce the amount 

of manned aircraft in the NAS, reduce noise and air pollution, as well as increase the safety

of life and property in the air and on the ground.

Furthermore, by reducing the number of manned aircraft operating in the NAS, 

congestion around airports caused by arriving and departing aircraft will be reduced. The 

DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ UA does not require an airport to takeoff or land. Likewise, a 

reduction of manned aircraft conducting aerial video and photography missions would 

result in fewer aircraft that must be handled by air traffic control during the ground, 

takeoff, departure, arrival, and landing phases of flight operations.

2. The Public Will Benefit From The Safety And Efficiency Of The DJI 

Phantom 2 Vision+ UAS.
16

Conducting aerial acquisitions with the DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ UAS, instead of 

manned aircraft, will greatly benefit the public by drastically reducing the levels of 

air and noise pollution generated during traditional aerial video and still photography 

flight operations. By using battery power and electric motors, the DJI

Phantom 2 Vision+ UAS produces no air pollution, and is the most viable 

environmentally conscious alternative to the cabin class, six cylinder internal combustion 

engine aircraft that are typically utilized for aerial video and photography, while burning 

approximately 20-30 gallons per hour of leaded aviation fuel. The DJI Phantom 2 

Vision+ UA, while reducing the carbon footprint of aerial acquisitions, also eliminates 

noise pollution, as the UA is propelled by battery powered electric motors, rather than an 

internal combustion engine.

By using the DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ UAS to perform aerial acquisitions, the 

substantial risk to life and property in the air and on the ground, which is usually

associated with traditional manned aircraft flight operations, will be substantially reduced 

or completely eliminated. Aside from the lack of flight crew members located onboard 

the aircraft, the DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ UA (weighing approximately 2 pounds 11 ounce, 

at its maximum gross weight with a length of 16 inches and a width of 16 inches and with 

no fuel on board), has less physical potential for collateral damage to life and property on 

the ground, and in the air, compared to the manned aircraft that typically conduct similar 

operations (weighing approximately 6,000 pounds with a wingspan of approximately 42 

feet, a length of 34 feet, and a fuel capacity of 180 gallons).
17

3. Performing Aerial Video and Photography Operations With The DJI 

Phantom 2 Vision+ UAS Will Benefit The Economy.

In addition to being safe and efficient, the DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ UAS is also an 

economical alternative to using manned aircraft to conduct similar aerial operations. 

As such, operation of the DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ UAS will allow United States 

based companies, like Jesse Richard Walker’s, to remain competitive and contribute 

to growth of the U.S. economy. Specifically, with the rising cost of aviation fuel and 

the Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) regulatory actions phasing out 

leaded aviation fuels, U.S. owned and operated companies must adopt new and 

alternative technology in order to remain competitive. Operating the battery

powered DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ UAS is one such technology that not only allows 

companies greater operational flexibility compared to manned aircraft, but provides 

such flexibility without the high operational cost of a traditional manned aircraft.

By operating the DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ UAS, companies such as Jesse Richard 

Walker’s, can remain competitive and profitable, and therefore, provide greater job

stability to employees and contractors, which will ultimately contribute to growth of the 

U.S. economy. Improved financial performance of U.S. companies, through commercial 

use of the DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ UAS, provides a stable workforce that increases 

consumer spending; improves local, state, and federal tax revenues; and allows companies 

to invest in research and development in order to remain competitive both in the United 

States and abroad.

4. There Are No Privacy Issues.

Similar to the manned aerial acquisition flight operations that have been conducted for 

decades, Jesse Richard Walker's proposed operation of the DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ 

UAS will not implicate any privacy issues. Specifically, the DJI Phantom 2
18

Vision+ UAS will be operated only in compliance with operating documents (i.e., 

the Jesse Richard Walker Aerial Operations Manual, Monthly Maintenance Log, and 

DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ Instruction Manual) which requires property owner 

involvement as well as local law enforcement notification, and in accordance with 

the Federal Aviation Regulations, including the minimum altitude requirements of 14 

C.F.R. § 91.119.

E. The Reasons Why Granting The Exemption Would Not Adversely Affect Safety, 

Or How The Exemption Would Provide A Level Of Safety At Least Equal To That 

Provided By The Rule From Which Jesse Richard Walker Seeks Exemption.

1. Reasons Why The DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ UA Meet The Conditions Of The 

FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 (FMRA) Section 333.

In consideration of the size, weight, speed, and limited operating area associated 

with the unmanned aircraft and its operation, Jesse Richard Walker operation of the DJI 

Phantom 2 Vision+ UAS meets the conditions of FMRA Section 333, and will not 

require an airworthiness certificate in accordance with 14 C.F.R. Part 21, Subpart H.

Section 333 provides authority for a UAS to operate without airworthiness 

certification and sets forth requirements for considering whether a UAS will create a 

hazard to users of the NAS or the public, or otherwise pose a threat to national security. 

Specifically, FMRA Section 333 states the following, in part:

(a) In General.--Notwithstanding any other requirement of this subtitle, and not 

later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of 

Transportation shall determine if certain unmanned aircraft systems may 

operate safely in the national airspace system before completion of the plan

and rulemaking required by section 332 of this Act or the guidance required by 

section 334 of this Act.
19

(b) Assessment of Unmanned Aircraft Systems.--In making the determination under 

subsection (a), the Secretary shall determine, at a minimum--

(1) which types of unmanned aircraft systems, if any, as a result of their 

size, weight, speed, operational capability, proximity to airports and 

populated areas, and operation within visual line of sight do not create

a hazard to users of the national airspace system or the public or pose a 

threat to national security; and

(2) whether a certificate of waiver, certificate of authorization, or 

airworthiness certification under section 44704 of title 49, United States 

Code, is required for the operation of unmanned aircraft systems 

identified under paragraph (1).

(c) Requirements for Safe Operation.--If the Secretary determines under this section 

that certain unmanned aircraft systems may operate safely in the national 

airspace system, the Secretary shall establish requirements for the safe 

operation of such aircraft systems in the national airspace system.

In seeking this exemption, Jesse Richard Walker submits that the DJI Phantom 2

Vision+ UAS can operate safely in the NAS pursuant to FMRA Section

333, as demonstrated by: (a) the characteristics of the DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ UAS; 

(b) the pilot certification requirement; and (c) the specific operating limitations.

a. The Specifications Of The DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ UAS Demonstrate 

Its Safe Characteristics.

The DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ UAS do not create a hazard to users of the NAS or the 

public, or otherwise pose a threat to national security considering its size, weight, speed, 

and operational capability.

i. Technical Specifications Of The DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ UAS.

The technical specifications of the DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ UAS is set forth by the

DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ Specifications and Data Sheet, attached hereto as Exhibit A.
20

ii. The DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ and UAS Autonomous Flight And 

Navigation Modes Enable The UASs To Remain Within A Defined 

Operational Area.

The DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ UAS may be operated in both manual and fully 

autonomous flight modes. A complete description of the flight and navigational modes of 

the DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ UAS is provided at pages 25-35 of the DJI Phantom 2 

Vision+ User Manual, attached hereto as Exhibit B.

iii. The DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ and UAS Is Designed For Automatic 

Return To Home Point Or Hover In The Event Of Loss Of The 

Control Link Or Navigation.

When the Control Link is lost, the DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ UA will remain 

stationary, in flight, for 3 seconds or more. If, after 3 seconds, the DJI Phantom

2 Vision+ UA does not reacquire control link data from the GCS, the UAs will assume 

that the Control Link is lost and the UAs will return to the home position (i.e., failsafe 

mode) via GPS, and will descend to the takeoff position and shutdown.

A complete description of the Failsafe Functions of the DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ 

UAS is set forth at pages 27 through 29 of the DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ User Manual, 

attached hereto as Exhibit B.

iv. The DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ GCS And Its

Operation

.

A complete description of the operation and specifications of the DJI Phantom2

Vision+ and flight control software is provided at pages 32 through 43 of the DJI

Phantom 2 Vision+ User Manual. DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ User Manual is attached hereto 

as Exhibit B.

b. Flight Operations Of DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ UAS Is Limited To The 

Line Of Sight Of A Certificated Pilot in Command With A Safety 

Observer.
21

Jesse Richard Walker will only utilize certificated pilots who possess a current and 

valid airman medical certificate to act as a pilot in command (PIC) of the DJI Phantom 2

Vision+ UAS. Additionally, a safety observer will assist all pilots during flight 

time.

c. Flights Of DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ UAS Will Be

Conducted Pursuant To Specific Operating Limitations.

In seeking this exemption, Jesse Richard Walker proposes to commercially 

operate DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ UAS for the special purpose of conducting aerial video 

and photography over certain areas of United States, pursuant to the following specific 

operating limitations:

1. Operations authorized by this grant of exemption will be limited to the 

following aircraft described in the operating documents, rotorcraft UASs 

weighing less than 55 pounds maximum gross weight: DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ 

Unmanned Aircraft Systems. Proposed operations of any other aircraft will 

require a new petition or a petition to amend this grant.

2. UAS operations under this exemption will be limited to conducting 

operations for the purpose of aerial video and photography.

3. The UAs may not be flown at an indicated airspeed exceeding 20 knots.

4. The UA must be operated at an altitude of no more than 500 feet above ground 

level (AGL), as indicated by the procedures specified in the operating 

documents unless a special request is made and approved by ATC. All 

altitudes reported to ATC must be in feet AGL.

5. The UAs 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.6. The use of first person view (FPV) by the PIC or 

safety observer (SO) is not permitted.

7. All operations must utilize a safety observer (SO). The SO may be used to satisfy

the VLOS requirement as long as the PIC always maintains VLOS capability. 

The SO 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 SO can perform the

functions prescribed in the operating documents.
22

8. The SO must not perform any other duties beyond assisting the PIC with seeing 

and avoiding other air traffic and other ground based obstacles/obstructions and 

is not permitted to operate the camera or other instruments.

9. The operating documents and the grant of exemption must be accessible during 

UAS operations and made available to the Administrator upon request. If a 

discrepancy exists between the conditions and limitations contained in the grant 

of exemption and the procedures outlined in the operating documents, the 

conditions and limitations contained in the grant of exemption 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 documents to the Administrator upon request. 

The operator must also present updated and revised documents if it petitions for 

extension or amendment to the grant of exemption. If the operator determines 

that any update or revision would affect the basis upon which the FAA granted 

the exemption, then the operator must petition for 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.

10. Prior to each flight the PIC must inspect the UAS to ensure that it is in a 

condition for safe flight. 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. The Ground Control Station must be included in the 

preflight inspection. All maintenance and alterations must be properly 

documented in the aircraft records.

11. 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. The PIC who conducts the 

functional test flight must make an entry in the aircraft records.

12. The pre-flight inspection must account for all potential discrepancies, e.g. 

inoperable components, items, or equipment, not already covered in the 

relevant sections of the operating documents.
23

13. The operator must follow the UAS manufacturer’s aircraft/component, 

maintenance, overhaul, replacement, inspection, and life limit requirements.

14. The operator must carry out its maintenance, inspections, and record keeping 

requirements, in accordance with the operating documents. Maintenance, 

inspection, alterations, and status of replacement/overhaul component parts 

must be noted in the aircraft records, including total time in service, description 

of work accomplished, and the signature of the authorized person returning the 

UAS to service.

15. Each UASs operated under this exemption must comply with all manufacturer

Safety Bulletins.

16. The authorized person must make an entry in the aircraft record of the 

corrective action taken against discrepancies discovered between inspections.

17. The PIC must possess at least a private pilot certificate and at least a current 

third- class medical certificate.

18. The operator may not permit any PIC to operate unless the PIC meets the 

operator’s qualification criteria and demonstrates the ability to safely operate 

the UAS in a manner consistent with how the UAS will be operated under the 

exemption, including evasive and emergency maneuvers and maintaining 

appropriate distances from persons, vessels, vehicles and structures. PIC 

qualification flight hours must be logged in a manner consistent with 14 C.F.R.

§ 61.51(b). Flights for the purposes of training the operator’s PICs are 

permitted under the terms of the 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 C.F.R. §

91.119.

19. UAS operations may not be conducted during night, as defined in 14 C.F.R. §

1.1. All operations must be conducted under visual meteorological conditions 

(VMC). If flight at night is required, a special request will be made at the FAA 

office closest to proposed area of operations. Flights under special visual flight 

rules (SVFR) are not authorized.

20. The UA may not operate within 5 nautical miles of an airport reference point as 

denoted on a current FAA-published aeronautical chart unless a letter of 

agreement with that airport’s management is obtained, and the operation is 

conducted in accordance with a NOTAM as required by the operator’s COA. 

The letter of agreement with the airport management must be made available to 

the Administrator upon request.
24

21. 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.

22. If the UA loses communications or loses its GPS signal, it must return to a predetermined location within the planned operating area and land or be recovered 

in accordance with the operating documents.

23. The PIC must abort the flight in the event of unpredicted obstacles or 

emergencies in accordance with the operating documents.

24. The PIC is prohibited from beginning a flight unless (considering wind and 

forecast weather conditions) there is enough power to fly at normal cruising 

speed to the intended landing point and land the UA with 25% battery power 

remaining.

25. The operator must obtain an Air Traffic Organization (ATO) issued Certificate 

of Waiver or Authorization (COA) prior to conducting any operations under the 

grant of exemption. This COA will also require the operator to request a Notice 

to Airman (NOTAM) not more than 72 hours in advance, but not less than 48 

hours prior to the operation. All operations shall be conducted in accordance 

with airspace requirements in the ATO issued COA including class of airspace, 

altitude level and potential transponder requirements.

26. All aircraft operated in accordance with the exemption must be identified by

serial number, registered in accordance with 14 C.F.R. part 47, and have 

identification (N- Number) markings in accordance with 14 C.F.R. part 45, 

Subpart C. Markings must be as large as practicable.

27. Before conducting operations, the radio frequency spectrum used for operation 

and control of the UA must comply with the Federal Communications 

Commission (FCC) or other appropriate government oversight agency

requirements.

28. The documents required fewer than 14 C.F.R. 91.9 and 91.203 must be 

available to the PIC at the Ground Control Station of the UAS any time the 

UAS is operating. These documents must be made available to the 

Administrator or any law enforcement official upon request.

29. The UA must remain clear and yield the right of way to all manned aviation 

operations and activities at all times.

30. The UAS may not be operated by the PIC from any moving device or vehicle.

31. Flight operations must be conducted at least 500 feet from all nonparticipating 

persons (persons other than the PIC, SO, operator trainees or essential persons), 

vessels, vehicles, and structures unless:
25

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 and/or;

b. The aircraft is operated near vessels, vehicles or structures where the 

owner/controller of such vessels, vehicles or structures has granted 

permission 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, and;

c. Operations nearer to the PIC, SO, operator trainees or essential persons 

do not present an undue hazard to those persons per § 91.119(a).

32. All operations shall be conducted over private or controlled-access property

with permission from the land owner/controller or authorized representative. 

Permission from land owner/controller or authorized representative will be 

obtained for each flight to be conducted.

33. 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.

2. Reasons Why An Exemption From The Requirements Of Section 61.113(a) 

And (b) Would Not Adversely Affect Safety.

Jesse Richard Walker submits that the equivalent level of safety established by

Section 61.113(a) and (b) will be maintained because no PIC will be allowed to operate 

the DJI Phantom 2 VisionUAS unless that PIC has demonstrated, by meeting minimum 

flight-hour and currency requirements, that the PIC is able to safely operate the DJI

Phantom 2 Vision+ UAS in a manner consistent with the exemption, including evasive 

and emergency maneuvers and maintaining appropriate distances from people, vessels, 

vehicles and structures.

Considering Jesse Richard Walker's proposed area of operations, and the 

operating limitations set forth-above; the parallel nature of private pilot aeronautical 

knowledge requirements to those of commercial pilot requirements (See Exemption 
26

No. 11062); and the airmanship skills necessary to safely operate the DJI Phantom 2 

Vision+ UAS, Jesse Richard Walker submits that the additional manned airmanship 

experience of a commercially certificated pilot would not correlate to the 

airmanship skills necessary for Jesse Richard Walker's specific proposed flight 

operations.

The FAA has previously granted relief from Section 61.113(a) and (b) specific to 

UAS, in circumstances similar, in all material respects, to those presented herein (e.g. 

Exemption Nos. 11062, 11063, 11064, 11065, 11066, 11067, 11080, 11109, 11110, 11112,

11136, 11138, 11150, 11153, 11156, 11158, 11159, 11160, 11161).

Jesse Richard Walker will not allow any PIC to operate the DJI Phantom 2

Vision+ UAS unless that PIC has demonstrated, by meeting minimum flight-hour 

requirements or the DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ UAS training and currency requirements, that 

the PIC is able to safely operate the DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ UAS in a manner consistent 

with this exemption, including evasive and emergency maneuvers and maintaining 

appropriate distances from people, vessels, vehicles and structures.

Specifically, the PIC must have accumulated and logged, in a manner consistent 

with 14 C.F.R. § 61.51(b), 25 hours of total time as a UAS rotorcraft pilot (with a 

minimum of 5 hours of those hours as a UAS pilot operating the same make and model of 

UAS to be used for operations under the exemption). In addition to the hour requirements, 

the PIC must accomplish 3 takeoffs and landings in the preceding 90 days (for currency

purposes). As in Exemption Nos. 11062, 11138, and 11153, prior documented flight 

experience that was obtained in compliance with applicable regulations will ensure an 

equivalent level of safety during Jesse Richard Walker's proposed operations. The 

Administrator has held that prior documented flight experience that was obtained in 

compliance with applicable regulations would ensure safe operations, stating as follows:
27

In Exemption No. 11062, the FAA required that prior to conducting operations 

for the purpose of motion picture filming (or similar operations), the PIC must 

have accumulated and logged, in a manner consistent with 14 CFR 61.51(b), 

25 hours of total time as a UAS rotorcraft pilot including at least 10 hours 

logged as a UAS pilot with a multi-rotor UAS. Prior to operations under 

Exemption No. 11062, the PIC must also have accumulated and logged a 

minimum of 5 hours as a UAS pilot operating the same make and model of 

UAS to be used for operations under the exemption. For clarification, the FAA 

considers these minimum hour requirements to be inclusive rather than 

additive; i.e. 5 hours make and model time may be included in the 10 hours of 

multi-rotor time and the 10 hours may be included in

the total 25 hours of UAS rotorcraft time. In addition to the hour requirements, the

PIC must accomplish 3 takeoffs and landings in the preceding 90 days (for

currency purposes). The FAA finds that at a minimum, the flight-hour 

requirements in Exemption No. 11062 are appropriate to practice and build 

proficiency in the skills necessary to safely conduct the petitioner’s proposed 

operations. The FAA also finds that prior documented flight experience that 

was obtained in compliance with applicable regulations would satisfy this 

requirement. Training, proficiency, and experience-building flights can also be 

conducted under the grant of exemption to accomplish the required flight time. 

During training, proficiency, and

experience-building flights the PIC is required to operate the UA with 

appropriate distances in accordance with 14 C.F.R 91.119.

Exemption No. 11138 at page 15.

Accordingly, Jesse Richard Walker will ensure safe operations by not allowing any 

PIC

to operate the DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ UAS unless that PIC has demonstrated, by 

meeting minimum flight-hour and currency requirements, that the PIC is able to 

safely operate the DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ UAS in a manner consistent with the 

exemption, including evasive and emergency maneuvers and maintaining appropriate 

distances from people, vessels, vehicles and structures.

3. Reasons Why An Exemption From The Requirements Of Section 91.7(a) 

Would Not Adversely Affect Safety.

The equivalent level of safety established by Section 91.7(a) will be maintained 

because prior to every flight, Jesse Richard Walker will ensure that the DJI Phantom 2
28

Vision+ UAS is in an airworthy condition based upon the UAS compliance with its 

operating documents and as stated in the conditions and limitations herein. Additionally, 

the FAA has previously granted relief from Section 91.7(a) specific to UAS, in 

circumstances similar, in all material respects, to those presented herein (e.g.

Exemption Nos. 11062, 11063, 11064, 11065, 11066, 11067, 11080, 11109, 11110, 11112,

11136, 11138, 11150, 11153, 11156, 11157, 11158, 11159, 11160, 11161).

4. Reasons Why An Exemption From The Requirements Of Section 91.121

Would Not Adversely Affect Safety.

The equivalent level of safety established by Section 91.121 will be maintained 

because the altitude information of the DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ UA will be provided to the

PIC via GPS equipment and a radio communications telemetry data link, which downlinks 

from the UA to the GCS for active monitoring of the flight path and altitude. This altitude 

information, combined with Jesse Richard Walker's operation of the DJI Phantom 2 Vision

UA within visual line of sight, at or below 500 feet AGL, will ensure a level of safety 

equivalent to Section 91.121. The altitude information will be generated by GPS 

equipment installed onboard the aircraft. Prior to each flight, a zero altitude initiation point 

is automatically established by the UASs at ground level.

The FAA has previously granted relief from Section 91.121 specific to UAS, in

circumstances similar, in all material respects, to those presented herein (e.g. Exemption

Nos. 11062, 11063, 11064, 11065, 11066, 11067, 11080, 11109, 11112, 11136, 11138,

11150, 11153, 11156, 11157, 11158, 11159, 11160, 11161).
29

5. Reasons Why An Exemption From The Requirements Of Section 91.151(b) 

Would Not Adversely Affect Safety.

A grant of this exemption would ensure an equivalent level of safety established by

14 C.F.R. Section 91.151(b) as a result of (1) the technical specifications of the DJI 

Phantom 2 Vision+ UAS; (2) the limitations on the proposed flight operations; and (3) 

the location of the proposed flight operations. Accordingly, Jesse Richard Walker will 

ensure that it will safely operate the battery powered DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ UA during 

daylight hours in VFR conditions, with enough battery power to fly for a total duration 

of 13.5 minutes to the first point of intended landing and, assuming normal cruising 

speed, to fly after that for at least 4.5 minutes.

Here, as in Exemption No. 11109, the technical specifications of the DJI Phantom 2

Vision+ UAS; the limitations on the proposed flight operations; and the location of the 

proposed operations, will ensure an equivalent level of safety established by 14 C.F.R. 

Section 91.151(b). Furthermore, safety will be ensured as the DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ UA 

provide audible and visual warnings to the PIC at the GCS when the UAs experiences low 

battery voltage, the first warning occurring at approximately 33% remaining battery power, 

and again at approximately 10% remaining battery power. At the critically low battery

level, the DJI Phantom Vision+ UAS will descend and land automatically.

Significantly, previous exemptions granted by the FAA concerning Section 91.151 

establish that safety is not adversely affected when the technical characteristics and 

operating limitations of the UAS is considered. Relief has been granted for manned 

aircraft to operate at less than the minimums prescribed in Section 91.151, including 

Exemption Nos. 2689, 5745, and 10650. Moreover, the FAA has previously granted relief
30

from Section 91.151 specific to UAS, in circumstances similar, in all material respects, to 

those presented herein (e.g. Exemption Nos. 8811, 10808, 10673, 11042, 11062, 11063,

11064, 11065, 11066, 11067, 11080, 11109, 11110, 11136, 11138, 11150, 11153, 11156,

11157, 11158, 11159, 11160, 11161).

6. Reasons Why An Exemption From The Requirements Of Sections

91.405(a), 91.407(a)(1), 91.409(a)(1) & (a)(2), And 91.417(a) & (b) Would

Not Adversely Affect Safety.

In seeking this exemption, Jesse Richard Walker submits that the equivalent level of 

safety with regard to the regulatory maintenance and alteration requirements established by

Sections 91.405(a), 91.407(a)(1), 91.409(a)(1) & (a)(2), and 91.417(a) & (b) will be

met because Jesse Richard Walker will use trained technicians to perform maintenance, 

alterations, or preventive maintenance on the UASs using the methods, techniques, and 

practices prescribed in the operating documents (i.e., the Jesse Richard Walker Aerial 

Operations Manual, Monthly Maintenance Log, and DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ Instruction 

Manual). Furthermore, Jesse Richard Walker will document and maintain all maintenance 

records for the DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ UAS.

Since the DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ UAS will be inspected as prescribed by the 

operating documents, Jesse Richard Walker will maintain the equivalent level of safety 

established by Sections 91.405(a), 91.409(a)(1), and 91.409(a)(2). A copy

of the DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ User Manual is attached hereto as Exhibit B; a copy of

the DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ UAS Maintenance log is attached hereto as Exhibit C.

Likewise, the exemption sought will not adversely affect safety because Jesse 

Richard Walker will use trained technicians to perform maintenance, alterations or 

preventive maintenance on the UAS using the methods, techniques, and practices 

prescribed by the operating documents.
31

Furthermore, the exemption sought would maintain an equivalent level of safety 

established by Sections 91.407, 91.417(a) and 91.417(b), because all maintenance of the 

DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ UAS will be performed by trained technicians. Maintenance will 

be documented and maintained utilizing the monthly maintenance log.

Significantly, previous exemptions granted by the FAA concerning Sections

91.405(a), 91.407(a)(1), 91.409(a)(1) & (a)(2), and 91.417(a) & (b) establish that safety is 

not adversely affected when the technical characteristics and operating limitations of the 

UAS is considered.

In consideration of Jesse Richard Walker's proposed operating limitations, the 

operating documents, and the technical aspects of the DJI Phantom 2 VisionUAS, Jesse 

Richard Walker submits that safety will not be adversely affected by granting exemption 

from 14 C.F.R. Sections 91.405(a), 91.407(a)(1) and (a)(2), 91.409(a) (2), and 91.417(a) 

and (b). The FAA has previously granted relief specific to UAS in circumstances similar, in 

all material respects, to those presented herein (e.g. Exemption Nos. 11062, 11063, 11064, 

11065, 11066, 11067, 11080, 11109, 11110, 11112, 11136,

11138, 11150, 11153, 11156, 11157, 11158, 11159, 11160, 11161).

7. The FAA May Prescribe Any Other Conditions For Safe Operation.

In accordance with Section 333 of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 

(FMRA) and 14 C.F.R. § 21.16 entitled Special Conditions, Jesse Richard Walker requests 

that the FAA prescribe special conditions for the intended operation of the DJI Phantom 2

Vision+ UAS, which contain such safety standards that the Administrator finds necessary to 

establish a level of safety equivalent to that established by

14 C.F.R. Part 21, Subpart H, and 14 C.F.R §§ 61.113(a) & (b), 91.7 (a), 91.121,

91.151(b), 91.405(a), 91.407(a)(1), 91.409(a)(1) & (a)(2), and 91.417(a) & (b). Such 

special conditions will permit safe operation of the UAs for the limited purpose of 
32

conducting aerial video and photography over certain areas of the United States for 

compensation or hire. FMRA Section 333 sets forth the requirements for considering 

whether a UAS will create a hazard to users of the NAS or the public, or otherwise pose a 

threat to national security; and further, provides the authority for such UAS to operate 

without airworthiness certification in accordance with any requirements that must be 

established for the safe operation of the UAS in the NAS.

Likewise, the Administrator may prescribe special conditions pursuant to 14 C.F.R.

§ 21.16, for operation of the DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ UAS, since the airworthiness 

regulations of 14 C.F.R. Part 21 do not contain adequate or appropriate safety standards, 

due to the novel or unusual design features of the aircraft. Section 21.16, entitled Special 

Conditions, states the following:

If the FAA finds that the airworthiness regulations of this subchapter do not contain 

adequate or appropriate safety standards for an aircraft, aircraft engine, or propeller 

because of a novel or unusual design feature of the aircraft, aircraft engine or 

propeller, he prescribes special conditions and amendments thereto for the product. 

The special conditions are issued in accordance with Part 11 of this chapter and 

contain such safety standards for the aircraft, aircraft engine or propeller as the

FAA finds necessary to establish a level of safety equivalent to that established in 

the regulations.

See 14 C.F.R. § 21.16.

Therefore, in accordance with FMRA Section 333 and 14 C.F.R. § 21.16, the FAA 

may prescribe special conditions for Leading Edge’s intended operation of the DJI 

Phantom 2 Vision+ UAS, which contain such safety standards that the Administrator finds 

necessary to establish a level of safety equivalent to that established by

14 C.F.R. Part 21, Subpart H, and 14 C.F.R Sections 61.113(a) & (b), 91.7(a), 91.121,

91.151(b), 91.405(a), 91.407(a)(1), 91.409(a)(1) & (a)(2), and 91.417(a) & (b).

F. A Summary That Can Be Published In The Federal Register, stating: The Rules

From Which Jesse Richard Walker Seeks Exemption:
33

Jesse Richard Walker seeks exemption from the requirements of 14 C.F.R Sections

61.113(a)&(b), 91.7(a), 91.121, 91.151(b), 91.405(a), 91.407(a)(1), 91.409(a)(1) 

& (a)(2), and 91.417(a) & (b).

A Brief Description Of The Nature Of The Exemption Jesse Richard Walker

Seeks:

This exemption will permit Jesse Richard Walker to commercially operate an 

Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) for the purpose of conducting aerial video 

and photography over certain areas of the United States.

G. Any Additional Information, Views, Or Arguments Available To Support Jesse 

Richard Walker’s Request.

This Petition is made pursuant to the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 

(FMRA) Section 333, which directs the Secretary of Transportation to determine if certain 

UAS may operate safely in the NAS. As such, Jesse Richard Walker's request for 

exemption may be granted pursuant to the authority of FMRA Section 333 and 14 C.F.R. 

Part 11, as

set forth above.

FMRA Section 333 sets forth the requirements for considering whether a UAS 

will create a hazard to users of the NAS or the public, or otherwise pose a threat to 

national security; and further, provides the authority for such UAS to operate without 

airworthiness certification.

As discussed in detail above, Jesse Richard Walker will operate the DJI 

Phantom 2 Vision+ UAS safely in the NAS, without creating a hazard to users 

of the NAS, or the public, or otherwise pose a threat to national security.

CONCLUSION

As set forth herein, Jesse Richard Walker seeks an exemption pursuant to 14

C.F.R. § 11.61 and Section 333 of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 

(FMRA), which will permit safe operation of the DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ UAS 
34

commercially, without an airworthiness certificate, for the limited purpose of 

conducting aerial video and photography over certain areas of the United States. By

granting this Petition, the FAA Administrator will be fulfilling the Congressional 

mandate of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012, while also advancing the 

interests of the public, by allowing Jesse Richard Walker to safely, efficiently, and 

economically operate the DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ UAS commercially within the NAS.

WHEREFORE, in accordance with the Federal Aviation Regulations and the FAA 

Modernization and Reform Act of 2012, Section 333, Jesse Richard Walker respectfully

requests that the Administrator grant this Petition for an exemption from the requirements 

of 14 C.F.R Sections 61.113(a) & (b), 91.7(a), 91.121, 91.151(b), 91.405(a), 91.407(a)(1),

91.409(a)(1) & (a)(2), and 91.417(a) & (b), and permit Leading Edge to operate the DJI 

Phantom 2 Vision+ UAS commercially for the purpose of conducting aerial video and 

photography over certain areas of the United States.

Dated: May 6, 2015

Respectfully submitted,

Jesse Richard Walker
35

Jesse Richard Walker

1407 Smith Circle,

Wichita, KS, 67212

316-302-2018

Email:Gcgraphics316@gmail.com

Appendices:

A – DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ Specifications Data Sheet

B – DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ Manufacturer’s User Manual

C – Monthly Maintenance Log

APPENDIX –

A

DJI PHANTOM 2 VISION+ TECHNICAL 

SPECIFICATIONS

Jesse Richard Walker only utilizes safe and reliable UASs. DJI is an industry leader in 

small UAS production. DJI UASs are loaded with ground breaking software enabling the 

user to set parameters which will not allow flight into controlled airspace. Parameters can 

also be set to limit flight to no higher than a predetermined and set altitude as well as 

limit flight to a predetermined and set distance. In addition, DJI software provides realtime altitude and location information to the PIC via the linked monitor (smart 

phone/tablet devices)

1.1 DJI Phantom 2 

Vision+

1.1.1 Aircraft

1.1.1.1 Supported Battery – DJI 5200mAH LiPo Battery

1.1.1.2 Weight (Battery & Propellers Included) – 2lbs 11.810oz (1242g)

1.1.1.3 Hover Accuracy (Ready to Fly) – Vertical: .8m; Horizontal: 2.5m

1.1.1.4 Max Yaw Angular Velocity - 2000/s

1.1.1.5 Max Tilt Angel - 350

1.1.1.6 Max Ascent Speed – 6m/s

1.1.1.7 Max Descent Speed – 2m/s

1.1.1.8 Max Flight Speed – 15m/s (NOT RECOMMENDED)

1.1.2 Gimbal

1.1.2.1 Working Current – Static: 750mA; Dynamic: 900mA

1.1.2.2 Control Accuracy - ±0.030

1.1.2.3 Controllable Range – Pitch: -900 - 00

1.1.2.4 Maximum Angular Speed – Pitch: 900/s

1.1.3 Camera

1.1.3.1 Operating Temperature Range - 320F - 1040F (00C - 400C)

1.1.3.2 Sensor Size – 1/2.3”

1.1.3.3 Effective Pixels – 14M
36

1.1.3.4 Resolution – 4384x3288

4.1.3.5 HD Video Recording – 1080p30 & 720p

4.1.3.6 Recording Field of View - 1100/850

1.1.4 Transmitter

1.1.4.1 Operating Frequency – 5.728GHz – 5.85GHz

1.1.4.2 Communication Distance (unobstructed) – FCC Compliance: 800m

1.1.4.3 Receiver Sensitivity (1%PER) - -93dBm

1.1.4.4 Transmitter Power – FCC Compliance: 100mW

1.1.4.5 Working Voltage – 120mA@3.7V

1.1.5 Range Extender

1.1.5.1 Operating Frequency – 2412-2462MHz1.1.5.2 Communication 

Distance (unobstructed) – 500-700m

1.1.5.3 Transmitter Power – 20dBm

1.1.5.4 Power Consumption – 2W
37

APPENDIX – B

DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ Manufacturer’s User Manual
38

UAS$#:$

Date(Issue( 

Discovered

Date(Issue( 

Addressed

Issue(Description(&(Maintenance(Conducted

Maintenance(Performed(By:(((

Print(&(Sign

Software(Updates

Airframe(

Engines

Propellers

Camera(Gimbal

Landing(Gear

Vibration(Dampening

Other:

APPENDIX – C

MONTHLY$MAINTENANCE$LOG

month: (year: