SkyWard sUAS Airworthiness

Exemption Petition

Information Supporting Petition v1.0

November 5, 2014
November 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 2
November 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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

4.9 §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

SkyWard sUAS Airworthiness Exemption Petition 3
November 5, 2014

List of Tables

1 SkyWard Operations Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

2 Legal Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

3 8130.34 Procedural Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

4 Exemption Justifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

SkyWard sUAS Airworthiness Exemption Petition 4
November 5, 2014

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 providing

associated 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 operating

techniques, 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 Order

8130.34C, 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, our

requests 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 Airspace

System (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 5
November 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.

SkyWard sUAS Airworthiness Exemption Petition 6
November 5, 2014

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 communication

with 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 have

marked 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 of

safety, 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 good

derived, 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 REQUESTS

SkyWard’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 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.

SkyWard sUAS Airworthiness Exemption Petition 7
November 5, 2014

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

SkyWard sUAS Airworthiness Exemption Petition 8
November 5, 2014

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.

SkyWard sUAS Airworthiness Exemption Petition 9
November 5, 2014

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 SAFETY

Iterations 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).

SkyWard sUAS Airworthiness Exemption Petition 10
November 5, 2014

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 RELIEF

Part 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 11
November 5, 2014

4.5.4 EQUIVALENT LEVEL OF SAFETY

As 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 of

sUAS 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 the

operation 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 with

broad 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 manned

ultralight 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

SkyWard sUAS Airworthiness Exemption Petition 12
November 5, 2014

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).

SkyWard sUAS Airworthiness Exemption Petition 13
November 5, 2014

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 RELIEF

ATC 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 SAFETY

The 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.

SkyWard sUAS Airworthiness Exemption Petition 14
November 5, 2014

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 RELIEF

sUAS 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.

SkyWard sUAS Airworthiness Exemption Petition 15
November 5, 2014

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 SAFETY

Even 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.

SkyWard sUAS Airworthiness Exemption Petition 16