Aug. 10, 2015

Mical Caterina

17656 Hackberry Ct

Eden Prairie, Mn. 55347

ph. 952.334.8400

email - troopster15@gmail.com

U.S. Department of Transportation

Docket Management System

1200 New Jersey Ave. SE

Washington, DC 20590

Exemption Request Section 333 of the FAA Reform Act of 2012

Attachments:

1) DJI Inspire User Manual

2) DJI Inspire Safety guidelines manual

3) DJI Inspire Maintenance manual

4) DJI Battery Safety manual

References:

1. FAA Exemption No. 11138, Docket No. FAA20140481 - Douglas 

Trudeau

2. FAA Exemption No. 11136, Docket No. FAA20140508 - Advanced 

Aviation Solutions LLC

3. FAA Exemption No. 11080, Docket No. FAA20140355 - Flying Cam Inc.

Dear FAA,

In accordance with FAA “Guidelines for submitting a petition for 

Exemption under section 333 of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 

2012”, I Mical Caterina request exemption from the following sections of 

Title 14, Code of Federal Regulations

61.113(a),61.113(b),91.119(c),91.121,91.151(a),91.405(a),91.407(a)(1),

91.409(a)(2),91.417(a) & (b)

In order to operate a small unmanned aircraft system (UAS) commercially 

in airspace regulated by the FAA for the purposes of aerial photography, 

structural inspections of bridges, pipelines, well and cell towers, real 
estate marketing and surveys and other flight operations that could benefit 

my community.

The UAS

The DJI Inspire is a highly successful prosumer grade small quadcopter 

with an advertised weight of 6.47 lbs (2935grs) designed primarily to carry 

a high definition camera. It has an advertised maximum speed of less 

than 30 knots. It utilizes an internal inertial measuring unit (IMU) with 

integrated barometric sensor augmented with global positioning system 

(GPS) to maintain it’s geospatial orientation and position. It is controlled 

via FCC certified radio controls (RC)(2). Real time video and telemetry 

information is transmitted back to a ground control station allowing pilot in 

command (PIC) and operator to monitor battery level, GPS signal 

strength, altitude (AGL), distance from PIC,camera imagery, and camera 

control. It is also equipped with failsafe modes of operation for either loss 

of RC or GPS signal. Altitude can be limited by onboard flight controller 

and maximum altitude & distance can be preprogrammed by the 

PIC.Battery life limits flight times to a maximum of approximately 20 

minutes. Onboard flight controller will warn the PIC via telemetry and 

external lighting cues before reaching low battery state. An automatic 

termination of flight and landing will be initiated when battery reaches a 

predetermined low state. It’s anticipated that flights will usually last less 

than 10 minutes and occur at altitudes of less than 200ft. More information 

is available in attached documentation.

Safety

I, Mical Caterina, have reviewed FAA exemptions reference’s 13 

Conditions and Limitations section and believe that the procedures 

specified therein are reasonable and will be utilized in order to manage 

and mitigate risk and ensure public safety. I, Mical Caterina will inspect 

and ensure the the UAS is in a condition for safe flight in accordance with 

operating documents. A preflight checklist will be developed and 

employed to ensure the the UAS’s airworthiness will be verified before 

launch. Airworthiness will be maintained by performance of routine 

inspections before each flight, maintaining flight and maintenance logs to 

record time on failure prone components.

I, Mical Caterina, state that operation will NOT occur within 5 miles of an 

airport or any unauthorized space. I have read an thoroughly understand 

the following.
"The UA may not operate in Class B, C, or D airspace 

without

written approval from the FAA. The UA may not operate within 

5 nautical miles of the geographic center of a non towered 

airport 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." 

Conclusion

I, Mical Caterina, am requesting this exemption for the purposes of aerial 

photography of real estate, bridge inspections, land surveying, tower 

inspections,and other flight operations. The reason(s) for such a broad 

and general based request is that I, Mical Caterina, wish to utilize a 

business strategy in order to capitalize on opportunities as they may arise 

in the future without the long turnaround time associated with additional 

exemptions. My business model is based on the idea of offering small 

UAS services to individuals or companies who wish to employ these 

services as a safe, effective, and legal option to enhance their business or 

prevent structural disasters that may influence the general public or 

individuals. I will also make myself available to local law enforcement, fire 

& rescue services to perform search & rescue and other services as 

directed by authorities.