# SkyWard sUAS Airworthiness Exemption Petition Information Supporting Petition v1.0 November 5, 2014November 5, 2014



## Contents **1 Introduction 5**  **2 Regulatory Analysis 5**  2.1 Summary of Legal Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 2.2 Summary of 8130.34 Order Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 **3 Petition Justifications 7**  **4 Specific Exemption Requests 7**  4.1 §91.203 (a,b,c,d), Airworthiness Certificates
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 4.1.1 Extent of Relief . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 4.1.2 Reason for Relief . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 4.1.3 Public Benefit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 4.1.4 Safety Equivalence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 4.2 §47.16, Temporary Registration Numbers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 4.2.1 Extent of Relief . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 4.2.2 Reason for Relief . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 4.2.3 Public Benefit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 4.2.4 Equivalent Level of Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 4.3 § 91.9, Manual, Marking, and Placards; Part 45 Identification and Registration Marking . . . . . . 10 4.3.1 Extent of Relief . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 4.3.2 Reason for Relief . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 4.3.3 Public Benefit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 4.3.4 Equivalent Level of Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 4.4 Part 43, Inspection and Maintenance Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 4.4.1 Extent of Relief . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 4.4.2 Reason for Relief . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 4.4.3 Public Benefit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 4.4.4 Equivalent Level of Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 4.5 21 ( Subpart H) Part 21.193, Airworthiness Certificate; Experimental Certificate-General
. . . . 11 4.5.1 Extent of Relief . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 4.5.2 Reason for Relief . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 4.5.3 Public Benefit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 4.5.4 Equivalent Level of Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 4.6 Part 61, Certification: Pilots, Flight Instructors, and Ground Instructors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 4.6.1 Extent of Relief . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 4.6.2 Reason for Relief . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 4.6.3 Public Benefit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 4.6.4 Equivalent Level of Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 4.7 §91.319, Aircraft having experimental certificates: Operating limitations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 4.7.1 Extent of Relief . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 4.7.2 Reason for Relief . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 4.7.3 Public Benefit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 4.7.4 Equivalent Level of Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 4.8 §91.119, Minimum safe altitudes: General. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 SkyWard sUAS Airworthiness Exemption Petition 2November 5, 2014

4.8.1 Extent of Relief . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 4.8.2 Reason for Relief . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 4.8.3 Public Benefit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 4.8.4 Equivalent Level of Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134.9 §91.413, ATC transponder tests and inspections. §91.215, ATC transponder and altitude reporting equipment and use. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 4.9.1 Extent of Relief . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 4.9.2 Reason for Relief . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 4.9.3 Public Benefit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 4.9.4 Equivalent Level of Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 4.10 §91.121 Altimeter Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 4.10.1 Extent of Relief . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 4.10.2 Reason for Relief . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 4.10.3 Public Benefit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 4.10.4 Equivalent Level of Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 4.11 Part 67, Medical Standards and Certification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 4.11.1 Extent of Relief . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 4.11.2 Reason for Relief . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 4.11.3 Public Benefit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 4.11.4 Equivalent Level of Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 4.12 §91.109, Flight instruction; Simulated instrument flight and certain flight tests. . . . . . . . . . . 15 4.12.1 Extent of Relief . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 4.12.2 Reason for Relief . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 4.12.3 Public Benefit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 4.12.4 Equivalent Level of Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 4.13 §91.151, Fuel requirements for flight in VFR conditions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 4.13.1 Extent of Relief . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 4.13.2 Reason for Relief . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 4.13.3 Public Benefit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 4.13.4 Equivalent Level of Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

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## List of Tables 1 SkyWard Operations Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 2 Legal Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 3 8130.34 Procedural Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 4 Exemption Justifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

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## 1 INTRODUCTION In advance of the small UAS (sUAS) rule, we request exemption from airworthiness requirements for low-risk operations related to the research and development (R&D) and supporting commercial development needed for the safe integration of sUAS aircraft and supporting systems into the National Airspace System (NAS). See SkyWard Operations Summary (Table 1 ) for an overview. As a software infrastructure provider and ecosystem enabler of aircraft manufacturers, component manufacturers, and prospective commercial operators, we support the FAA’s three-phased approach of accommodation, integration, and evolution outlined in the 2013 Roadmap for Integration of Civil Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) in the National Airspace System (NAS). As a company that is contributing to the foundation of the future sUAS market, R&D and commercial accommodation is integral to our ability for developing safe sUAS systems and procedures. Thus, we submit the following: 1. **sUAS R&D accommodation for manufacturer and service providers is essential and needed now.** Accommodation of small to medium businesses manufacturing sUAS aircraft and components and providingassociated services are essential to the emergence of a UAS industry that draws from aviation’s safety heritage and the robotics industry’s innovation heritage for a safe, integrated manned and unmanned aviation environment. 2. **Public Law 112–95, § 333(b)(2) allows the Secretary of Transportation to determine if certification is necessary.**  The FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 (FMRA) allows the Secretary to determine “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.” 3. **CFR 14 § 21.191(a) provides the mechanism for sUAS R&D.** In § 21.191(a), the CFR allows for “testing new aircraft design concepts, new aircraft equipment, new aircraft installations, new aircraft operatingtechniques, or new uses for aircraft.” We believe this mechanism recognizes the special need for accommodation of R&D. 4. **FAA Order 8130.34C implements CFR 14 § 21.191(a) but requires exemptions.** The intent of FAA Order8130.34C, which implements § 21.191(a), provides a comprehensive and safe framework for seeking special airworthiness certificates. However, elements of the order are unnecessarily burdensome for sUAS manufacturers and service providers. 5. **Aviation safety to manned and unmanned aviation can be maintained and R&D empowered through certain exemptions to requirements in FAA Order 8130.34C.**  In the attachment to this letter, Information Supporting Petition, we have analyzed 8130.34C and identified the major regulatory concerns, ourrequests for exemptions for our organizations, and our plan to safely conduct sUAS R&D under these exemptions.As a company founded by pilots, engineers, and entrepreneurs in the greatest tradition of aviation, and as advocates of sUAS aviation, we recognize the formidable challenge of integrating sUAS into the National AirspaceSystem (NAS). We are strong advocates of responsible exemptions to current federal laws to empower the accommodation of responsible, safe sUAS businesses for the eventual integration and evolution of the sUAS economy. 

## 2 REGULATORY ANALYSIS We have analyzed FAA Order 8130.34C in a two-fold manner. First, we have extracted citations to Public or Federal Law. Second, we have analyzed the order for use of the term “must” for procedural requirements. For SkyWard sUAS Airworthiness Exemption Petition 5November 5, 2014

**TABLE 1 :**  SKYWARD OPERATIONS SUMMARY Item Plan Overview SkyWard will operate LE sUAS for commercial use of active and passive payloads and for research and development purposes including rapid iteration and testing of LE sUAS airframes and development of LE sUAS flight operations software infrastructure. Aircraft, manufacturers, descriptions, etc SkyWard LE sUAS, will have a maximum takeoff weight of 55 lb., a maximum speed of less than 50 kt., will be registered with AFS–750, and will display sUAS scale-appropriate identification marks. Flight Operations All SkyWard LE sUAS operations will be conducted under VFR, below 400 ft AGL, under day VFR in VMC. Flight Areas Under this petition, SkyWard will safely operate LE sUAS over private or public property that is: 1) at least 5 nm from airports, 2) in class G airspace, and 3) only when authorized by the owner of the property that the sUAS will take off, land, or fly over. Operations in B,C, or D airspace will be coordinated with and at the discretion of ATC. Method for See-and-Avoid Airspace deconfliction will be performed by the SkyWard qualified pilot in command and assisted by a qualified observer for all operations. Flight Recovery and Lost-Link Normal, abnormal, and emergency procedures for SkyWard LE sUAS are defined in the SkyWard Manual. In case of loss-link, LE sUAS are programmed to return safely to the pre-designated safe landing zone or deploy the PLS (precautionary landing system) as appropriate. Pilot Qualifications The SkyWard pilot in command will possess a current private pilots license or have completed FAA ground instruction and passed the FAA written examination or equivalent. SkyWard pilots will be qualified on the specific sUAS flown in accordance with the SkyWard Manual. Inspection, Maintenance, Training, SMS Maintenance, inspection, and training will be performed according to aviation standards as set forth in the SkyWard Manual submitted as confidential business information under separate cover. The operations manual also provides a description of the SkyWard Safety Management System.

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each legal reference, we have summarized our request for exemption below in Petition Justifications. For noncited, procedural requirements, we have grouped them into broader categories to address the concerns normally found in the FAA Order 8130.34C program letter but tailored to these exemption requests. We believe that we have complied with 8130.34C requirements for operations or if not yet, are otherwise in communicationwith the appropriate FAA division (AIR–200, AFS–750, FSDO ASI etc.) to fulfill the requirements. We recognize that the granting of the petition to waive airworthiness requirements under the Section 333 authorization would, as a consequence, waive 8130.34C; however, we believe that compliance to the fullest extent possible is the responsible approach to aviation safety. 

### 2.1 SUMMARY OF LEGAL REQUIREMENTS The Legal requirements referenced in 8130.34 are presented in Legal Requirements (Table 2 ). Unless otherwise noted, authorities are Title 14 CFR. 

### 2.2 SUMMARY OF 8130.34 ORDER REQUIREMENTS Grant of the airworthiness petition waives the requirements of 8130.34C; however, SkyWard believes strongly that the aviation operations standards explicated in the order are, in general, reasonable for sUAS research and development. 8130.34 Procedural Requirements (Table 3 ) presents items in the 8130.34C which we havemarked with either “Compliant”, “Alternative Method of Compliance”, or “Equivalent Level of Safety”. We will apply directly to AIR–200 or appropriate FAA division with either the requested information, an equivalent level ofsafety, or other alternative method of compliance, as indicated. Items involving SkyWard confidential or proprietary information will be submitted (as applicable) under separate cover as supporting evidence for our petition. 

## 3 PETITION JUSTIFICATIONS Exemption Justifications (Table 4), below, describes our general reasoning for each exemption request. The table presents our considered, general explanations for why we require regulatory exemptions, the public goodderived, and why we believe our operations nonetheless provide an equivalent level of safety to the manned aviation regulations. Detailed justifications are provided for specific requests in Specific Justifications (section 4). 

## 4 SPECIFIC EXEMPTION REQUESTSSkyWard’s reasons and explanation for requesting each exemption are presented below. In addition, we describe how we will maintain an equivalent level of safety to existing regulations, insofar as existing regulations apply to sUAS or sUAS operations. 

### 4.1 §91.203 (A,B,C,D), AIRWORTHINESS CERTIFICATES 4.1.1 EXTENT OF RELIEF Exemption from all provisions of §91.203. 4.1.2 REASON FOR RELIEFIntegration of sUAS into the NAS requires rapid, iterative testing. It is an unreasonable burden to require airworthiness certification for each iteration, modification, or enhancement of each test airframe.
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**TABLE 2 :**  LEGAL REQUIREMENTS Citation 8130.34 Description Exemption Requested § 91.203 §3.1.1 Airworthiness certificates Y 49 USC §44704(c) §2.1.1.a Aircraft registration N § 47.16 §2.2.d Temporary Registration numbers Y § 91.203(a) §2.3, §3.1.10.a Airworthiness certificate with registration number (within the aircraft) Y
§ 91.203(b) §2.3, §3.1.10.a Display of airworthiness certificate Y § 91.9(b,c) §2.3 Manual, marking, and placards Y Part 43, §91.405 §91.407; §91.409 §91.417 §3.1.7, C.10 Inspection and maintenance programs; Maintenance required; Operation after maintenance, preventive maintenance, rebuilding, or alteration; Inspections; Maintenance records Y

Part 45., § 45.11, § 45.11, §45.21, § 45.22(d) §3.1.10.d, §3.2.7.b, C.5 Registration and marking special rules Y 21 ( Subpart H) §3.2.3.c Airworthiness certificate; Experimental certificate-General Y Part 61 §3.2.3.b, C.9 Certification: pilots, flight instructors, and ground instructors Y §91.319 §3.2.6 Operating limitations Y §91.119 NA Minimum safe altitudes: General Y §91.413 §3.2.7.b.5 ATC transponder tests and inspections Y §91.215 C.4 ATC transponder and altitude reporting equipment and use Y §91.155 C.1 Basic VFR minimums N §91.111, §91.113, §91.115 C.9.d; C.7 Visual observer roles and responsibilities. Method for see and avoid N

§91.121 Altimeter settings Y Part 67 A.6.b(2), A.6.e(2), A.6.h(2); D.7.a.2.b, D.7.a.3.b Medical standards and certification Y §91.109 D.7.a.1 Flight instruction; Simulated instrument flight and certain flight tests Y

§91.151 C.3.a, D.3.g.9 Fuel requirements for flight in VFR conditions Y

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**TABLE 3 :**  8130.34 PROCEDURAL REQUIREMENTS Citation Procedure Compliance Standard 2.1.a Aircraft Registration Compliant 2.1.b Proof of Ownership Compliant 3.1 General (Airworthiness and Certificates) Equivalent Level of Safety 3.2 Application for an Airworthiness Certificate Equivalent Level of Safety 3.3 Flight Test Area and OperatingArea Compliant 3.4 Flight Test Plan(s) Compliant 3.5 (see Appendix C) Program Letter Alternative Method of Compliance 3.6 (see Appendix D) Safety Checklist Alternative Method of Compliance

**TABLE 4 :**  EXEMPTION JUSTIFICATIONS Item Justification Reason for Requesting Regulatory Relief Integration of sUAS into the NAS requires rapid, iterative testing. It is an unreasonable burden to require airworthiness certification for each iteration, modification, or enhancement of each test airframe. Public Benefit The safe and reliable operation of sUAS will provide economic benefits historically unparalleled since the invention of flight to stakeholders at every level of public and private enterprise. sUAS operations will be able to create new high-tech jobs that will stimulate city and state governments, create new small and large businesses, infuse new interest in STEM for our children, and increase the safety of citizens through enhanced first-responder capabilities. Safety Equivalence SkyWard operates at a level of safety equivalent to that of professional aviation. As stated above, our safety procedures, risk assessments, and flight operations standards will be submitted directly to AIR–200 or other appropriate FAA division for evaluation (local FSDO, etc.); we are confident that our procedures meet professional aviation standards. In addition, sUAS below 10 lb., operating at low velocity and under 400 ft do not pose a probable risk of injury to persons or property.

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4.1.3 PUBLIC BENEFIT As described above, the public benefit includes exponential economic growth, enhanced safety, and improved first-responder capabilities. 4.1.4 SAFETY EQUIVALENCE The low kinetic energy profile of this sUAS class ( < 10 lb. MTOW) indicate no probable harm to persons or property. Furthermore, adherence to SkyWard SOP procedures provide a professional aviation standard that mitigates operational risk. 

### 4.2 §47.16, TEMPORARY REGISTRATION NUMBERS 4.2.1 EXTENT OF RELIEF Exemption from all provisions of §47.16. 4.2.2 REASON FOR RELIEF Temporary registration numbers for each iteration of each test sUAS will create an unreasonable burden on both manufacturers and the FAA. 4.2.3 PUBLIC BENEFIT As described above, the public benefit includes exponential economic growth, enhanced safety, and improved first-responder capabilities. 4.2.4 EQUIVALENT LEVEL OF SAFETYIterations on research and development vehicles are internal to the manufacturers and will not be sold, delivered, or otherwise move through third-party dealers. 

### 4.3 § 91.9,MANUAL,MARKING, AND PLACARDS; PART 45 IDENTIFICATION ANDREGISTRATION MARKING 4.3.1 EXTENT OF RELIEF Exemption from all provisions of §91.9 and part 45. 4.3.2 REASON FOR RELIEF There is no space to place manuals, markings or placards of the specified sizes within or on an sUAS in this size and weight, specifically the Falcon 8. Markings as specified in part 45 are likewise inappropriate for a sUAS of this class. 4.3.3 PUBLIC BENEFIT See Exemption Justifications (Table 4).

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4.3.4 EQUIVALENT LEVEL OF SAFETY Appropriately scaled identification plates will be firmly attached to each vehicle in a location that will be easily accessible if required. Manuals for each vehicle will be located in the immediate proximity of the pilot during operations. Registration markings will be placed on the vehicle at an appropriate scale. 

### 4.4 PART 43, INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE PROGRAMS 4.4.1 EXTENT OF RELIEFPart 43, Inspection and Maintenance as well as ancillary sections §91.405, Maintenance required; §91.407, Operation aftermaintenance, preventivemaintenance, rebuilding, or alteration; §91.409, Inspections; and §91.417, Maintenance records. 4.4.2 REASON FOR RELIEF Exemption from part 21 effectively obviates part 43. Additionally, the part 91 provisions are not applicable to a sUAS of the described weight class. Furthermore, FAA certified mechanics for sUAS do not at this present time exist, so full compliance is not possible. The sUAS flown are modular and as such entire components including engines and propellers are minor replacements rather than major repairs. Finally, continuous minor alterations and payload reconfigurations of sUAS are designed and required for the operation of sUAS and do not negatively impact airworthiness. 4.4.3 PUBLIC BENEFIT See Exemption Justifications (Table 4). 4.4.4 EQUIVALENT LEVEL OF SAFETY SkyWard has developed inspection and maintenance manuals to maintain their sUAS in airworthy condition.Each sUAS is maintained according to the manufacturer standard or higher by technicians proficient in the building, repair, and maintenance of the sUAS. Inspection and Maintenance manuals utilized by SkyWard contain all aircraft-relevant items as described in (43 Appendix D (Scope and Detail of Items). Maintenance records are maintained in SkyWard Operations Database Appendix B (Recording of Major Repairs and Major Alterations) and are therefore immediately auditable by regulators on demand. Finally, SkyWard manuals will be submitted to the local FSDO ASI or other appropriate FAA division directly. 

### 4.5 21 ( SUBPART H) PART 21.193, AIRWORTHINESS CERTIFICATE; EXPERIMENTAL CERTIFICATE-GENERAL 4.5.1 EXTENT OF RELIEF Part 21 Subpart H Airworthiness certificate. 4.5.2 REASON FOR RELIEF See Exemption Justifications (Table 4). 4.5.3 PUBLIC BENEFIT See Exemption Justifications (Table 4). SkyWard sUAS Airworthiness Exemption Petition 11November 5, 2014

4.5.4 EQUIVALENT LEVEL OF SAFETYAs described above, SkyWard follows internal operations, inspection, and maintenance manuals, as well as manufacturer maintenance manuals, which ensure that sUAS are airworthy and pose no probable harm to persons or property. Furthermore, given the size, weight, and maximum velocity of the sUAS operated by SkyWard , it is unnecessary to go through airworthiness certification for each sUAS in order to ensure an equivalent level of safety. 

### 4.6 PART 61, CERTIFICATION:PILOTS, FLIGHT INSTRUCTORS, AND GROUND INSTRUCTORS 4.6.1 EXTENT OF RELIEF Part 61, all sections. 4.6.2 REASON FOR RELIEF SkyWard believes that part 61as written is not applicable to sUAS. The size, weight, and maximum velocity ofsUAS ensures an equivalent level of safety with sUAS operators trained specifically on the operational capabilities of their sUAS. In addition, the sUAS category is not a specified category in part 61, hence compliance is not possible. Furthermore, actual control of the flight surfaces, rotors, motors, etc. is provided by the autopilot; sUAS operators simply specify heading or altitude direction to the autopilot. As a result, expertise in control of the sUAS can be obtained rapidly. The operation of a manned aircraft is fundamentally different to that of theoperation of a sUAS, and requires a skills set which is not addressed under part 61. Finally, it is the policy of SkyWard, as described in the operations manual, to require operators to have completed FAA ground instruction,passed the FAA written examination or equivalent, and become qualified with the specific sUAS flown. All pilots will have successfully completed the SkyWard education and training program. Merely requiring a manned aviation pilot license does not ensure remote piloting skills. Manned aviation pilot certification requirements,particularly of the “stick and rudder” variety are neither necessary nor appropriate for LE sUAV operators. SkyWard believes that the FAA has the statutory power under the FMRA to waive private pilot certification at their discretion, as indicated by the authorization to consider which certificates, including airworthiness etc. would “at a minimum” be required. The FAA has also been provided broad powers to grant exemptions also granted broad powers to. The Federal Aviation Act, Subsection (t) of section 44701 provides the Administrator withbroad authority to grant an exemptions and waivers should the exemption be in the public interest. In addition, the FAA has waived private pilot certification for flying vehicles much larger than LE sUAS, such as mannedultralight vehicles. SkyWard believes that our pilot training, as well as the autopilot and failsafe technology, including the PLS, provide a better than equivalent level of safety to as that of the manned aviation pilot training for a private pilot certificate and therefore a part 61 exemption should be granted. 4.6.3 PUBLIC BENEFIT See Exemption Justifications (Table 4). 4.6.4 EQUIVALENT LEVEL OF SAFETY All operations will be conducted under the supervision of a pilot in command that either possess a current private pilots license or has completed FAA ground instruction and passed the FAA written examination or equivalent. In addition, operators of SkyWard sUAS are required to demonstrate proficiency in the normal, abnormal, and
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emergency operating procedures of each sUAS flown. These operating procedures are defined in the SkyWard operations and training manual. 

### 4.7 §91.319, AIRCRAFT HAVING EXPERIMENTAL CERTIFICATES: OPERATING LIMITATIONS. 4.7.1 EXTENT OF RELIEF All §91.319 provisions. 4.7.2 REASON FOR RELIEF This petition specifically requests exemption from airworthiness requirements and certification. 4.7.3 PUBLIC BENEFIT See Exemption Justifications (Table 4). 4.7.4 EQUIVALENT LEVEL OF SAFETY Operating limitations for aircraft are intended to reduce the likelihood of injury to persons or property. sUAS of this size and performance characteristics pose no probable risk of injury to persons or property. Nonetheless, SkyWard will: 1) operate sUAS only under the authority of a pilot in command; 2) operate sUAS only under VFR in VMC, more than 5 nm from airports, in class G airspace and only when given authorization by the owner of the property the sUAS will take off, land, or fly over. These operating restrictions will provide equal or greater safety as those outlined §91.319. 

### 4.8 §91.119, MINIMUM SAFE ALTITUDES: GENERAL. 4.8.1 EXTENT OF RELIEF Section 91.119 establishes safe altitudes for operation of civil aircraft. 91.119(c) limits aircraft flying over areas other than congested areas to an altitude of 500 feet above the surface, except over open water or sparsely populated areas. 4.8.2 REASON FOR RELIEF SkyWard sUAS, as described above, will never be operated at greater than 400 ft AGL and as such, §91.119 is inappropriate to apply. sUAS work in general, including aerial survey, oil and gas inspection, etc. must be done at low altitude to realize the benefits that sUAS operations may provide. 4.8.3 PUBLIC BENEFIT See Exemption Justifications (Table 4). 4.8.4 EQUIVALENT LEVEL OF SAFETY See Exemption Justifications (Table 4).

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### 4.9 §91.413, ATC TRANSPONDER TESTS AND INSPECTIONS. §91.215, ATC TRANSPONDER AND ALTITUDE REPORTING EQUIPMENT AND USE. 4.9.1 EXTENT OF RELIEF §91.413 and §91.215. 4.9.2 REASON FOR RELIEFATC transponders are unnecessary for sUAS operating under 400 ft, VFR. Sky-Ward sUAS will be operated outside of Class A, B, and C airspace. In addition, the transponder adds unneeded weight to the aircraft reducing payload and flight performance. 4.9.3 PUBLIC BENEFIT See Exemption Justifications (Table 4). 4.9.4 EQUIVALENT LEVEL OF SAFETYThe pilot in command and observer will deconflict airspace within VLOS. PIC will communicate with ATC if required; however, operations will remain well outside a 5 nm radius around airports. See also Exemption Justifications (Table 4). 

### 4.10 §91.121 ALTIMETER SETTINGS 4.10.1 EXTENT OF RELIEF §91.121 4.10.2 REASON FOR RELIEF LE s UAS Ground Control Station (GCS) has a GPS altitude read out instead of a barometric altimeter. 4.10.3 PUBLIC BENEFIT See Exemption Justifications (Table 4). 4.10.4 EQUIVALENT LEVEL OF SAFETY The altitude information will be provided to the Le sUAS PIC through a digitally encoded telemetric data feed. Prior to See also Exemption Justifications (Table 4). 

### 4.11 PART 67, MEDICAL STANDARDS AND CERTIFICATION 4.11.1 EXTENT OF RELIEF Part 67, all provisions.

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4.11.2 REASON FOR RELIEF Manned aircraft pilot medical qualifications are stringent due to the great responsibility and safety concerns of operating multi-ton vehicles with passengers at high speeds and altitudes. sUAS in ultralight class of less than 55 lb. operating at low velocity and no more than 400 ft AGL do not pose the same level of risk and therefore, may be operated by individuals with medical qualifications at a different standard, namely, that of a Class C driver’s license. Requiring individuals to possess a First, Second, or Third Class Medical certificate to operate a 5 lb. vehicle below 400 ft flying at less than 33 mph places an unreasonable burden on both individuals as well as the FAA. 4.11.3 PUBLIC BENEFIT See Exemption Justifications (Table 4). 4.11.4 EQUIVALENT LEVEL OF SAFETY Class C drivers license medical requirements, verified by possession of a valid driver’s license. 

### 4.12 §91.109, FLIGHT INSTRUCTION; SIMULATED INSTRUMENT FLIGHT ANDCERTAIN FLIGHT TESTS. 4.12.1 EXTENT OF RELIEF §91.109, all provisions. 4.12.2 REASON FOR RELIEFsUAS are operated from a ground station are are, by design, not operable with multiple ground station controllers. Dual-sticks, seats, and other manned-aviation appropriate requirements are unnecessary or impossible for sUAS. Flight instruction, therefore, is accomplished with the instructor standing next to the operator and providing direction as needed. 4.12.3 PUBLIC BENEFIT See Exemption Justifications (Table 4). 4.12.4 EQUIVALENT LEVEL OF SAFETY SkyWard sUAS operators will be trained to the standard described in the SkyWard Aerial Robotics Operations, Training, and Maintenance Manual. Manuals will be provided for inspection by the relevant FAA divisions. An equivalent level of instructional rigor will be proved by instructors experienced on the SkyWard sUAS. 

### 4.13 §91.151, FUEL REQUIREMENTS FOR FLIGHT IN VFR CONDITIONS. 4.13.1 EXTENT OF RELIEF §91.151, all provisions.

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4.13.2 REASON FOR RELIEF The provision requires fuel sufficient for one half hour flight beyond the destination. The model sUAS flown by Sky-Ward are powered by a set of batteries and have a maximum flight duration of less than 30 minutes unloaded under optimal flight conditions. Therefore, it is impossible to comply with this provision. 4.13.3 PUBLIC BENEFIT See Exemption Justifications (Table 4). 4.13.4 EQUIVALENT LEVEL OF SAFETYEven in the case of low battery power insufficient to return home, the sUAS will simply gradually land under control. Sky-Ward believes that an equivalent level of safety can be provided by reserving a minimum of 5 minutes of battery power to return home.

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