To Whom it may concern,

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

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

The regulations I am seeking relief from include the following;

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

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

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

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

The purpose of this request for exemption is to position myself where I can legally, if given the 

opportunity, be compensation for aerial photography services. 

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

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

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

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

conduct their business. 

Furthermore, the use of a UA will eliminate any need to put any human beings at risk, the need 

to carry flammable fuels and won’t add to the congestion of our airspace (NAS), solely for the 

purpose of information gathering. I would ask to compare my request to that of granted 

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

No. FAA-2015-2003, who’s purposes I consider similar in nature to my own.

I operate the UA make and model DJI550 Flamewheel, with a gross weight of 5 lbs.,

incorporating six electric motors with counter rotating blades. 

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

motors fail while in flight. 

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

time of 12 minutes per flight. 

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

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

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

enables the aircraft to safely land at the point of take-off.
As the operator I will maintain visual line-of-sight with the aircraft at all times while staying 

beneath the ceiling of 400’ AGL. I will maintain a distance of at least five nautical miles from 

any airport reference point, two nautical miles from any heliport. Before each flight, I will perform 

a thorough preflight of the aircraft to verify it’s airworthiness. I will adjust my flight path as 

necessary to avoid flying over and endangering individuals as well as large crowds of people

during takeoff, sustained flight and landing.

I have over four and a half years of experience operating remote controlled airplanes, 

helicopters and multi-rotor aircraft . I have proven my ability to safely conduct UA operations in a 

variety of locations and wind conditions.

Please consider my request of exemption, If there is anything else you require, feel free to 

contact me.

Thank you very much,

Brandon M. Essman

13109 W. Berry Dr.

Littleton, CO 80127

Telephone 303-904-1056

email; el.camino1@yahoo.com