1

February 4, 2016

Attn: U. S. Department of Transportation Docket Operations West Building Ground Floor, Room w12

- 140 1200 New Jersey Ave, SE Washington, DC 20590

RE: EASTERN DRONE SERVICES, LLC REQUEST AN EXEMPTION 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
3 UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS PURSUANT TO SECTION 333 OF THE FAA MODERNIZATION AND REFORM ACT OF 2012 (PUBLIC LAW 112

- 95)

Andrew Bowers Managing Member EASTERN DRONE SERVICES, LLC

2300 Snow Crest Trl.

Durham NC 27707 Phone: (252) 908

- 5211 easterndroneservices@gmail.com2 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

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

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

INTR ODUCTION AND INTERESTS OF PETITIONER....................................................4

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

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

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

............ ...................................... 6

THE SPECIFIC SECTIONS OF 14 C.F.R. FROM WHICH EASTERN DR ONE SERVICES,

LLC SEEKS EX EMPTION........................................

.......... .............................. . .... 7

THE EXTENT OF RELIEF EASTERN DRONE SERVICES, LLC SEEKS AND THE

REASON EASTERN DRONE SERVICES, LLC SEEKS THE R ELIEF..............

...... .. 1 0

THE REASONS WHY GRANTING T HE EASTERN DRONE SERVICES, LLC REQUEST
WOULD BE IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST ...................................

............ .................. . . . . .1 2

THE REASONS WHY GRANTING THE EXEMPTION TO EASTERN DRONE SERVICES,

LLC WOULD NOT ADVE RSELY AFFECT SAFETY..........

................... ..... . .... 1 4

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

.......... .. . .. 25

ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, VIEWS, OR ARGUMENTS A VAILABLE TO

SUPPORT EASTERN DRONE SERVICES, LLC R EQUEST...

........ ......... ............... . ... 25

CONCLUSION............................................................................................................

. ........ 2 5

APPENDICES...............................................................

. ..................... .... 263 GLOSSARY OF ABBREVIATIONS

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 Modernizatio n and Reform Act of 2012 (FMRA)

SO Safety Observer

SOP Stan dard 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 Landing4 SUMMARY

EASTERN DRONE SERVICES , LLC 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 ( DJI Phantom 3 ) pursuant to Section 333 of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 (FMRA). This exemption will permit EASTERN DRONE SERVICES, LLC to operate an Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) for the commercial purpose of conducting aeria l video, thermography, and pho tography over certain areas

of the United States.

INTRODUCTION AND INTERESTS OF THE PETITIONER

EASTERN DRONE SERVICES, LLC is a company that seeks to provide aerial data collection in the form of photography, videography, and thermography. The practices o f EASTERN DRONE SERVICES, LLC will provide significant public benefit, including enhanced safety, reduction of environmental impacts, including reduced emissions associated with allowing UASs for aerial imaging applications.

BACKGROUND

Unmanned Aircraft Sy stems: DJI Phantom 3

, UAS

EASTERN DRONE SERVICES, LLC seeks an exemption to operate DJI Phantom 3 system for compensation or hire within the NAS. The DJI Phantom 3 is vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) Unmanned Aircraft (UA) with a Ground Control Station (GCS) utilizing electronic tablet or smart phone systems. The DJI Phantom 3 has a maximum gross weight of approximately 2.8 lb. while having a diagonal dimension of 2 3.2” , a maximum speed of approximately 16.4’fps and a

maximum flying height of 400'

. The DJI Phantom 3 is equipped with four main rotors; driven by Lithium Polymer battery powered electric motors.

The DJI Phantom 3 that will be operated by EASTERN DRONE S ERVICES, LLC 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

.

BASIS FOR PETITION

Petitioner, EASTERN DRONE SERVICES, LLC , 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 3

, 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), 91.40 9(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, EASTERN DRONE SERVICES, LLC operation of DJI5

Phantom 3 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, EASTERN DRONE SERVICES, LLC 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.

EASTERN DRONE SERVICES, LLC submits that the requested relief is proper since an equivalent level of safety will be ensured. EA STERN DRONE SERVICES, LLC will use experienced personnel or technicians to perform maintenance, alterations, or preventive maintenance on the UAS using the methods, techniques, and practices prescribed in the operating documents (i.e., Monthly Maintenance Log, and DJI Phantom 3 Instruction Manual). Furthermore, EASTERN DRONE SERVICES, LLC will document and maintain all maintenance records for

the DJI Phantom 3 UAS.

EASTERN DRONE SERVICES LLC seeks r elief from certain requirements of Section 61.113(a) and ( b), entitled Private pilot privileges and limitations: Pilot in command

, to the extent necessary to allow operation by a Pilot in Command (PIC) holding a private pilot or higher level certificate,

as well as an airman medical certificate or valid state

- issued U.S. driver’s license , and who has demonstrated, by meeting minimum flight

- hour and currency requirements, that the PIC is able to safely operate the DJI Phantom UAS in a manner consistent with this exemption, including

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

vehicles and structures.

EASTERN DRONE SERVICES, LLC seeks relief from Section 91.7(a), entitled Civil aircraft

airworthiness

, because the DJI Phantom 3 UAS do not require an airworthiness certificate in accordance with 14 C.F.R. Part 21, Subpart H. As such, EASTERN DRONE SERVICES, LLC submits that they will ensure that the DJI Pha ntom 3 UAS is in an airworthy condition, prior to every flight, by determining that the UAS are in compliance with the operating documents (i.e., Monthly Maintenance Log, and DJI Phantom 3 Instruction Manual), and that the aircraft are in a condition for safe flight.

EASTERN DRONE SERVICES, LLC also seeks an exemption from the requirements of Section 91.121, entitled Altimeter Settings , as the DJI Phantom 3 UAS will not have a typical barometric altimeter onboard. However, altitude information of the DJI Phantom 3 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 EASTERN DRONE SERVICES, LLC operation of t he DJI
Phantom 3 UAS within visual line of sight, at or below 200 feet AGL, will ensure a level of safety equivalent to Section 91.121.

Additionally, EASTERN DRONE SERVICES, LLC seeks an exemption from the requirements of Section 91.151(b), entitled Fuel requirements for flight in VFR conditions

. EASTERN DRONE SERVICES, LLC submits that safety will not be affected by operation of the DJI Phantom 3 UAS during daylight hours in visual meteorological conditions (VMC) under visual flight rules (VFR),

with enou gh battery power to fly for a total duration of approximately 23 minutes . Battery power6

indicators are also able to show exactly how much battery power is left, as well as how much time is needed to return safely back to point of take off.

In accordance w ith 14 C.F.R. § 11.81, The EASTERN DRONE SERVICES, LLC 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:

Andrew Bowers Managing Member EASTERN DRONE SERVICES, LLC

2300 Snow Crest Trl. Durham, NC 27707

252

- 908

- 5211 easterndroneservices@gmail.com

B. The Specific Sections Of 14 C.F.R. From Which EASTERN DRONE SERVICES, LLC Seeks Exemption.

1. The EASTERN DRONE SERVICES, LLC 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:

(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 privat e pilot may, for compensation or hire, act as PIC of an aircraft in connection with any business or employment if

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(1) The flight is only incidental to that business or employment; and

(2) The aircraft does not carry passengers or property for compensati on or hire.

2. EASTERN DRONE SERVICES, LLC 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. EASTERN DRONE SERVICES, LLC 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 maintai n 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

10 0 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. EASTERN DRONE SERVICES, LLC 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:

(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. EASTERN DRONE SERVICES, LLC 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

—8 (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. EASTERN DRONE SERVICES, LLC 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 ha s 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. EASTERN DRONE SERVICES, LLC 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. EASTERN DRONE SERVICES, LLC Seeks Exemption From The Requirements Of

Sectio ns 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 reco rds for the periods 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 a ircraft (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 o f the work performed; and9 (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.

(3) A list of defects furnished to a registered owner or operator under § 43.11 of this chapter shall be retai ned until the defects are repaired and the aircraft is approved for return to service.

C. The Extent Of Relief EASTERN DRONE SERVICES, LLC Seeks And The Reason The EASTERN DRONE SERVICES, LLC Seeks The Relief.10

1. Extent Of Relief EASTERN DRONE SERVICES, LLC Seeks And The Reason The EASTERN DRONE SERVICES, LLC 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.

T his 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, EASTERN DRONE SERVICES, LLC submits that an equivalent level of safety will be maintained because no PIC will be allowed to operate the DJI Phantom 3 UAS unless that PIC has met certain flight

- hour and currency requirements, demonstrating that the PIC is able to safely operate either the DJI Phantom 3 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, EASTERN DRONE SERVICES, LLC submits that all flights of the DJI Phantom 3 UAS

, conducted by the PIC pursuant to the grant of this Petition: (1) will be incidental to EASTERN DRONE SERVICES, LLC business; and (2) will not carry passengers or property for compensation or hire.

2. Extent Of Relief EASTERN DRONE SERVICES, LLC Seeks And The Reason EASTERN DRONE SERVICES, LLC Seeks Relief From Section 91.7(a).

Relief from Section 91.7(a) entitled C ivil aircraft airworthiness , is requested to the extent required

to allow EASTERN DRONE SERVICES, LLC to determine that the DJI Phantom 3 UAS are in airworthy condition prior to every flight by ensuring that the UAS is in compliance with the operating docum ents (i.e., EASTERN DRONE SERVICES, LLC Aerial Operations Manual, Monthly Maintenance Log, and DJI Phantom 3 Instruction Manual).

EASTERN DRONE SERVICES, LLC seeks the requested relief because the DJI Phantom 3 UAS do not require an airworthiness certificate in accordance with 14 C.F.R. Part 21, Subpart H. Therefore, EASTERN DRONE SERVICES, LLC will ensure that the DJI Phantom 3 UAS are in airworthy condition based upon its compliance with the operating documents (i .e., Monthly Maintenance Log, and DJI Phantom 3 ) prior to every flight, and further, determine that the aircraft are in condition for safe flight, as stated in the conditions and limitations below.11

3. Extent Of Relief EASTERN DRONE SERVICES, LLC Seeks An d The Reason EASTERN DRONE SERVICES, LLC 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 3 UAS, which utilize a barometric pressure sensor, GPS equip ment, and a radio communications telemetry data link to downlink altitude information from the UA to the PIC at the ground control station (GCS). Since the FAA requires that any altitude information concerning UAS operations be reported to air traffic cont rol (ATC) in feet above ground level (AGL), EASTERN DRONE SERVICES, LLC seeks the requested relief because the DJI Phantom

3 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 neces sary 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

3 UAS are 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 EASTERN DRONE SERVICES, LLC Seeks And The Reason EASTERN DRONE SERVICES, LLC 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 3 U AS during daylight hours in visual meteorological conditions (VMC), under visual flight rules (VFR), for a total

duration of 23 minutes. EASTERN DRONE SERVICES, LLC seeks the requested relief because without an exemption from Section 91.151(b), the flight time duration of the battery powered DJI
Phantom 3 UAS will severely constrain the practicality of any aerial video or still photo flight operations that EASTERN DRONE SERVICES, LLC proposes to conduct pursuant to this

Petition.

Significantly, as set forth below, the technical specifications of the DJI Phantom 3 UAS , the DJI
Phantom 3 operating documents, and EASTERN DRONE SERVICES, LLC ’s proposed operating limitations, ensure that EASTERN DRONE SERVICES, LLC will safely operate the battery powered DJI Phantom 3 UAS during daylight hours in visual meteorological conditions (VMC), under visual flight rules (VFR), with enough battery power to fly for a total duration of 23 minutes

.

5. Extent Of Relief EASTERN DRONE SERVICES, LLC Seeks And The Reason EASTERN DRONE SERVICES, LLC 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 wit h an airworthiness certificate, EASTERN DRONE SERVICES, LLC requests relief12

from these Sections because the DJI Phantom 3 UAS do not require airworthiness certificates. As set forth more fully below, the DJI Phantom 3 UAS meet the conditions of FMRA Section 333 for operation without an airworthiness certificate. Accordingly, EASTERN DRONE SERVICES,

LLC 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 EASTERN DRONE SERVICES, LLC Aerial Operations Manual, Monthly Maintenance Log, and DJI Phantom 3 Instruction Manual). Furthermore, EASTERN DRONE SERVICES, LLC will document an d maintain all maintenance records for the DJI Phantom 3

UAS

.

D. The Reasons Why Granting EASTERN DRONE SERVICES, LLC Request Would Be In The Public Interest; That Is, How It Would Benefit The Public As A Whole.

Granting the present Petition will furth er the public interest by allowing EASTERN DRONE SERVICES, LLC to safely, efficiently, and economically perform aerial v ideo, photography , and thermography of construction sites, real estate, photovoltaic modules, events and civic landscape

over certain areas of the United States.

Additionally, use of the DJI Phantom 3 UAS will decrease congestion of the NAS, reduce pollution, and provide significant benefits to the economy. Notably, the benefits of EASTERN DRONE SERVICES, LLC ’s p roposed operation of the DJI Phantom 3 UAS will be realized without implicating any privacy issues.

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

The DJI Phantom 3 UAS are battery powered and serve 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 t he use

of a DJI Phantom 3 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 o perating in the NAS, congestion around airports caused by arriving and departing aircraft will be reduced. The DJI Phantom 3 UAS do 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 3 UAS

. Conducting aerial acquisitions with the DJI Phantom 3 UAS, instead of manned aircraft, will greatly benefit the public by drastically reducing the levels of air and noise pollution generated13

during traditional aerial video and still photography flight operations. By using battery power and electric motors, the DJI Phantom 3 UAS produce no air pollution, and is the most viable environmentally conscious alternative to the cabin class, six cylind er 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 3 UAS , while reducing the carbon footprint of aerial acquisitio ns, also eliminates noise pollution, as the UAS are propelled by battery powered electric motors, rather than an internal combustion engine.

By using the DJI Phantom 3 UAS to perform aerial acquisitions, the substantial risk to life and property in the ai r 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 3 UAS (wei ghing approximately 2 .8 pounds at their maximum gross weight with diagonal dimension of 23.2 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 ai rcraft 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).

3. Performing Aerial Video and Photography Operations With The DJI Ph antom 3 UAS Will Benefit The Economy.

In addition to being safe and efficient, the DJI Phantom 3 UAS are also an economical alternative to using manned aircraft to conduct similar aerial operations. As such, operation of the DJI
Phantom 3 UAS will allow United States based companies, like EASTERN DRONE SERVICES,

LLC , 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

3 UAS is one such technology that not only allows companies gre ater 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 3 UAS, companies such as EASTERN DRONE SERVICES, LLC , can remain comp etitive 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 3 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, EASTERN DRONE SERVICES, LLC ’s proposed operation of the DJI Phantom 3 UAS will not14

implicate any privacy issues. Specifically, the DJI Phantom 3 UAS will be operated only in compliance with operating documents (i.e., EASTERN DRONE SERVICES, LLC Aerial Operations Manual, Monthly Maintenance Log, and DJI Phantom 3 Instruction Manual) which requires property owner involvement as well as loc al 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 EASTERN DRONE SERVICES, LLC Seeks Exemption.

1. Reasons Why The DJI Phantom 3 UA S 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, EASTERN DRONE SERVICES, LLC ’s operat ion of the DJI
Phantom 3 UAS meet 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 certificatio n 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.

-- Notwithstan ding 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.

(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 Sec retary shall establish requirements for the safe operation of such aircraft systems in the national airspace system.15

In seeking this exemption, EASTERN DRONE SERVICES, LLC submits that the DJI Phantom

3 UAS can operate safely in the NAS pursuant to FMRA Section 333, as demonstrated by: (a) the

characteristics of the DJI Phantom 3 UAS ; (b) the pilot certification requirement; and (c) the specific operating limitations.

a. The Specifications Of The DJI Phantom 3 UAS Demonstrate Its Safe Characteristics.

The DJI Phantom 3 UAS do es 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 Sp ecifications Of The DJI Phantom 3 UAS

. The technical specifications of the DJI Phantom 3 UAS are set forth by the DJI Phantom 3 Use r Manual , att ached hereto as Appendix A

.

ii. The DJI Phantom 3 UAS Global Positioning Modes Enable The UAS To Remain Within A Defined Operational Area.

The DJI Phantom 3 UAS may be operated in both manual and global positioning flight modes. A complete description of the flight and navigational modes of the DJI Phantom 3 UAS is provided
at pages 11 of the DJI Phantom 3 User Manual att ached hereto as Appendix A

.

iii. The DJI Phantom 3 UAS Are 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 3 UAS will re main stationary, in flight, for 3 seconds or more. If, after 3 seconds, the DJI Phantom 3 UAS do es not reacquire control link data from the GCS, the UAS will assume that the Control Link is lost and the 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 Failsaf e Functions of the DJI Phantom 3 UAS are set forth at pages

12 through 14 of the DJI Phantom 3 User Manual, attached hereto as Appendix A

.

iv. The DJI Phantom 3 GCS And Its Operation.

A complete description of the operation and specifications of the DJI Phantom 3 GCS and flight control software is provided at pages 23 through 29 of the DJI Phantom 3 User Manual. DJI
Phantom 3 User Manual is att ache d hereto as Appendix A

. b. Flight Operations Of DJI Phantom 3 UAS Is Limited To The Line Of Sight Of A Certificated Pilot in Command With A Safety Observer.

EASTERN DRONE SERVICES, LLC video production staff will be the only person s to act as a pilot in command (PIC) of the DJI Phantom 3 UAS . Additionally, a safety observer will assist him

at all times during flight time.

c. Flights Of DJI Phantom 3 UAS Will Be Conducted Pursuant To Specific Operating

Limitations.16

In seeking this e xemption, EASTERN DRONE SERVICES, LLC proposes to commercially
operate DJI Phantom 3 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. O perations authorized by this grant of exemption will be limited to the following aircraft described in the operating documents, rotorcraft UAS weighing less than 55 pounds maximum gross weight: DJI Phantom 3 Unmanned Aircraft Systems. Proposed operations o f 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, thermography, and photography

.

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

4. The UA must be operated at an altitude of no more than 4 00 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

correcti ve 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 th e 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 fligh t 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.

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 t he 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 opera ting 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 operat ing 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 operator17 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 (AF S

- 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 affe cts 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 inspecti on. 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, mu st 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, n ot already covered in the relevant sections of the operating documents.

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 i ts 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 i n service, description of work accomplished, and the signature of the authorized person returning the UAS to service.

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

Bulletins.

16. The authorized person must make an en try 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 or a valid state

- issued U S driver’s license

. 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 exe mption, 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,18 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 conduct ed 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.

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 pre

determined 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 for ecast 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. 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 ide ntified 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.19 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 t he PIC, SO, operator trainees or essential persons), vessels, vehicles, and structures unless:

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 st ructures 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 per sons 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 Requ irements Of Section 61.113(a) And (b) Would Not Adversely Affect Safety.

EASTERN DRONE SERVICES, LLC 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 3 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 3 UAS in a manner consistent with the exemption, including evasive and emergency maneuvers and maintaining appropriate distances from people, vessels, vehicles and structures.

Considering EASTERN DRONE SERVICES, LLC ’s proposed area of operations, and the operating limitations set forth

- above; the parallel nature of private pilot aeronautical knowl edge20

requirements to those of commercial pilot requirements ( See Exemption No. 11062); and the airmanship skills necessary to safely operate the DJI Phantom 3 UAS, EASTERN DRONE SERVICES, LLC submits that the additional manned airmanship experience of a c ommercially certificated pilot would not correlate to the airmanship skills necessary for EASTERN DRONE SERVICES, LLC ’s specific proposed flight operations.

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

circumst ances 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).

EASTERN DRONE SERVICES, LLC will not allow any PIC to operate the DJI Phantom 3 UAS unless that PIC has demonstrated, by meeting minimum flight

- hour requirements or the DJI

Phantom 3 UAS training and currency requirements, that the PIC is able to safely operate the DJI

Phantom 3 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 requiremen ts, 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 EASTERN DRONE SERVICES, LLC ’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:

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 to tal 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, th e 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 be21

conducted under the grant of exemption to accomplish the required flight time. During training, proficiency, and e xperience

- 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, EASTERN DRONE SERVICES, LLC will ensure safe operations by not allowing any PIC to operate the DJI Phantom 3 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 3 UAS in a manner consistent with the exemption, including evasive and emer gency 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 Se ction 91.7(a) will be maintained because prior to every flight, EASTERN DRONE SERVICES, LLC will ensure that the DJI Phantom 3 UAS is in an airworthy condition based upon the UAS’s compliance with its operating documents and as

stated in the conditions an d 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, 1111 2, 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 maintain ed because the

altitude information of the DJI Phantom 3 UAS 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 al titude information, combined with EASTERN DRONE SERVICES, LLC ’s operation of the DJI Phantom 3 UAS within visual line of sight, at or below 200 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 UA S 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).22

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 establi shed by 14 C.F.R. Section 91.151(b) as a result of (1) the technical specifications of the DJI Phantom 3 UAS ; (2) the limitations on the proposed flight operations; and (3) the location of the proposed flight operations. Accordingly, EASTERN DRONE SERVICES , LLC will ensure that it will safely operate the battery powered DJI Phantom 3 UAS during daylight hours in VFR conditions, with enough battery power to fly for a total duration of 23 minutes.

Here, as in Exemption No. 11109, the technical specification s of the DJI Phantom 3 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 3 UAS 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 3 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 are 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 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, 1 1156, 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, EASTERN DRONE SERVI CES, LLC 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 EASTERN DRONE SERVIC ES, LLC will use trained technicians to perform maintenance, alterations, or preventive maintenance on the UAS using the methods, techniques, and practices prescribed in the operating documents (i.e., EASTERN DRONE SERVICES, LLC Aerial Operations Manual, Monthly Maintenance Log, and DJI Phantom 3 Instruction Manual). Furthermore, EASTERN DRONE SERVICES, LLC will document and maintain all maintenance

records for the DJI Phantom 3 UAS.

Since the DJI Phantom 3 UAS will be inspected as prescribed by the operating documents, EASTERN DRONE SERVICES, LLC will maintain the equivalent level of safety established by23

Sections 91.405(a), 91.409(a)(1), and 91.409(a)(2). A copy of the DJI Phantom 3 User Manuals

are attached hereto as Appendix A.

Likewise, the exemption sought will not adversely affect safety because EASTERN DRONE SERVICES, LLC will use trained technicians to perform maintenance, alterations or preventive maintenance on the UAS using the methods, techniques, and practices pres cribed by the operating

documents.

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 3 UAS will be performed by trained techni cians. 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 are considered.

In consideration of EASTERN DRONE SERVICES, LLC ’s proposed operating limitations, the operating documents, and the technical aspects of the DJI Phantom 3 UAS

, EASTERN DRONE SERVICES, LLC 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

, EASTERN DRONE SERVICES, LLC requests that the FAA prescribe special conditions for the intended operation of the DJI Phantom 3 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. Pa rt 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 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 nationa l 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 prescrib e special conditions pursuant to 14 C.F.R. § 21.16, for operation of the DJI Phantom 3 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:24

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

beca use 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 s afety 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 EASTERN DRONE SERVICES, LLC’s intended operation of the DJI
Phantom 3 UAS , which contain such safety standards that the Administrator finds necessary to establish a level of safety equivalent to that e stablished 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).

• A Summary That Can Be Published In The Federal Register, stating: The

Rules From Which EASTERN DRONE SERVICES, LLC Seeks Exemption:

EASTERN DRONE SERVICES, LLC 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 EASTERN DRONE SERVICES, LLC

Seek s:

This exemption will permit EASTERN DRONE SERVICES, LLC to commercially operate an Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) for the purpos e of conducting aerial video, photography

, thermography, and data collection over certain areas of the United States.

• Any Additional Information, Views, Or Arguments Available To Support EASTERN DRONE SERVICES, LLC ’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, EASTERN DRONE SERVICES, LLC ’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.25

As discussed in detail above, EASTERN DRONE SERVICES, LLC will operate the DJI Phantom

3 UAS safely in the NAS, without creating a hazard to users of the NAS, or the public, or otherwise pose a thre at to national security.

CONCLUSION

As set forth herein, EASTERN DRONE SERVICES, LLC 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 Phant om 3 UAS commercially, without an airworthiness certificate, for the limited purpose o f conducting aerial video, photography

, thermography and data collection 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 EASTERN DRONE SERVICES, LLC to safely, efficiently, and economically operate the DJI Phantom 3

UAS commerci ally within the NAS.

WHEREFORE , in accordance with the Federal Aviation Regulations and the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012, Section 333, EASTERN DRONE SERVICES, LLC respectfully requests that the Administrator grant this Petition for an exempti on 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 EASTERN DRONE SERVICES, LLC to operate the DJI Phantom 3 UAS commercially for the pur pos e of conducting aerial video, photography , thermography, and data collection over certain areas of the United

States.

Dated: February 4, 2016

Respectfully submitted,

Andrew Bowers Managing Member EASTERN DRONE SERVICES, LLC

2300 Snow Crest Trl. Durham, NC 27707
Phone: 252

- 908

- 5211 easterndroneservices@gmail.com26

Appendices :

A

– Link to DJI Phantom 3 Manual: Click on link below

http://download.dji

innovations.com/downloads/phantom_3/en/Phantom_3_Professional_User_Manual_v1.2_en.pdf