1

Eagle Eye Photo and Video, Phoenix, MD - Section 333 Exemption Petition

Petition for Exemption Filed Under Section 333

Petitioner

Daniel Schmidt, Chief Executive Officer, Chief sUAS Operator, and Co-Founder, Eagle Eye 

Photo and Video, LLC, 2217 Carroll Mill Rd, Phoenix, MD 21131

Phone: 443-468-0504

eagleeyepandv@gmail.com

Date: July 3, 2015

U.S. Department of Transportation

Docket Management System

1200 New Jersey Ave, SE

Washington, DC 20590

To Whom It May Concern:

Eagle Eye Photo and Video is writing following the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 

and the procedures outlined within 14 C.F.R. 11, to request that Eagle Eye Photo and Video be 

exempted from the Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR) listed below so that Eagle Eye Photo 

and Video, may operate a small lightweight unmanned aircraft system (UAS) commercially in 

airspace regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

As described within, Eagle Eye Photo and Video is experienced in flying hobby airplanes and 

quadcopter drones for recreational purposes. Eagle Eye Photo and Video’s current inventory 

consists of the DJI Phantom 3 Advanced UAS which is equipped with a 3-axis gimbal-mounted 

camera along with a removable 32GB micro SD card. The camera shoots full HD video at 

1080p/60fps and 12 megapixel still-frame photographs. Committed to safety with each flight, 

Eagle Eye Photo and Video exemption request would permit operation of light-weight (less than 

5 lbs), unmanned (piloted by remote control) and comparatively inexpensive UAS(s) in tightly 

controlled and limited airspace (areas away from general public, airports, helipads, vehicular 

traffic and seaplane bases) for community videos, real estate, farming, structure inspection et al. 

The PIC of Eagle Eye Photo and Video, has personally established safety protocols and 

controls to avoid and prevent public hazard, as well as manned aircraft hazards/catastrophe. 

This will act to further safety protocols exclusive to lightweight UAS's, specific to commercial

video and photography usage, as recorded flight data and other information gained through

permitted flight operations can be shared with the FAA through any required FAA reports to 

assist with future protocol and safety regulation. Granting Eagle Eye Photo and Video’s request 

complies with the Secretary of Transportation’s (FAA Administrator’s) responsibilities and 

authority to not only integrate UAS's into the national airspace system, but to “...establish 

requirements for the safe operation of such aircraft systems [UAS's] in the national airspace 

system” under Section 333(c) of the Reform Act specific to the use of UAS's for real estate 

purposes. Further, Eagle Eye Photo and Video will conduct operations in compliance with the 

protocols described herein or as otherwise established by the FAA. For the reasons stated 

below, Eagle Eye Photo and Video, respectfully requests the grant of an exemption allowing 

operation of lightweight, remote controlled UAS’s for real estate advertising, engineering, urban 

planning, farming (crop monitoring, fruit, dairy, livestock, aquaculture, Christmas tree, et al), 

construction progress monitoring, construction site analysis, roof, gutter, and chimney 

inspection and landscaping, all of this in lieu of more expensive, energy intensive traditional 

aircrafts (i.e., manned helicopters and airplanes).
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Eagle Eye Photo and Video, Phoenix, MD - Section 333 Exemption Petition

Objective

Seek FAA exemption to Title 14 of Code of Federal Regulations, sections:

• 61.113(a)

• 91.103(b)(2)

• 91.105

• 91.109

• 91.119(b) and (c)

• 91.121

• 91.151(a) and (b)

• 91.405(a)

• 91.407(a)(1)

• 91.409(a)(1) and (2)

• 91.417(a) and (b)

Definitions

• AGL = Above ground level

• ATC = Air traffic control

• CFR = Code of Federal Regulations

• NAS = National Air Space

• NPRM = Notice of Proposed Rule Making

• sUAS = small unmanned aerial system, consisting of the Phantom 3 Advanced aircraft, 

remote/transmitter controller from DJI (and iOS mobile device).

• UA = Unmanned aircraft = DJI Phantom 3 Advanced aircraft

• USC = United States Code

• VFR = Visual flight rules

Company Description

Eagle Eye Photo and Video, LLC (henceforth, “the Company”) proposes to offer contracted 

aerial photography and videography urban planning; farmers; roof, gutter, and chimney 

inspection; home and commercial property builders (400 AGL height limit); solar panel 

installers; inspections of utilities (high-power electric, radio transmission structures, base 

stations, et al excluded); construction site analysis and monitoring; services for real property 

brokers and agents, appraisers, property managers; public agencies; wildlife conservation 

organizations and landscaping.

The Company was founded in 2014 by Daniel Schmidt (CEO, sole sUAS operator, and small 

RC fixed wing plane pilot since childhood). Mr. Schmidt has been in public education for 23+

years. He possess a B.S. degree in Business Administration from Towson University, B.A. in 

Education from Towson University, M.S. in Math and Science from Johns Hopkins University 

and is a member of the Academy of Model Aeronautics. Mr. Schmidt has previously owned and 

operated the DJI Phantom FC40 and DJI Phantom 2 Vision Plus, clocking over 40 hours without 

incident. Mr. Schmidt has flown the new DJI Phantom 3 Advanced over 70 flights, clocking over 

10 hours.

The Company uses the DJI Phantom 3 Advanced. Its features include:

 Positioning: GPS & GLONASS (makes available a minimum of 36 satellites for guidance 

and location assistance) systems, visual and sonar sensors, live view & map;

 GPS-enabled “geofence” prevents UAS from accidentally flying into unwanted areas, 

obstacles or beyond preset flight limits (300 ft. AGL and 1,000 feet lateral distance)

 Default No-Fly Zones (prohibits flying into and taking off within No-Fly Zones)
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Eagle Eye Photo and Video, Phoenix, MD - Section 333 Exemption Petition

 Flight controller automatically logs every flight with complete flight route, time, distance, 

location, and cached versions of any photos and videos taken during each flight

 Internal Measurement Unit (IMU): 6-axis gyroscope, accelerometer, barometer

 Flight termination system - in the event of low battery or loss of communication link

 Power Management System - when to return home, auto land, battery cell health

 HD video and 12 megapixel imaging

Key specifications of the sUAS include:

 Flight time ~ 23 minutes

 Weight = 2.8 pounds, including battery, gimbal, and camera

 Size = 15.75 x 7.75 x 15.75 inches

 Maximum ascent speed = 16 feet / second

 Rotors = 4

 Maximum horizontal speed = 36 miles (statute) / hour

 Flight telemetry - altitude, speed, distance

Regulatory Relief Requests

The petitioner uses the subsequent framework to address possible CFR impacts:

1. If relief from the regulation is requested;

2. The reason whether or not relief is requested;

3. Mitigation that will be put in place to follow the rule if relief is requested.

A. Part 21 - Certification Procedures for Products and Parts, Subpart H-Airworthiness 

Certificates:

1. No relief requested

2. Rationale: Airworthiness Certificates, Manuals et al 14 C.F.R. 21, Subpart H, entitled 

Airworthiness Certificates, puts in place requirements for obtaining airworthiness 

certificates in relation to FAR § 91.203(a)(1). The size, weight and limited operational 

area of Eagle Eye Photo and Video’s sUAS allows relief from Part 21 because the 

Phantom 3 Advanced exceeds the level of safety pursuant to Section 333 of the Reform 

Act. The FAA is authorized to exempt aircraft from the airworthiness certificate 

requirement under both the Act (49 U.S.C. § 44701 (f)) and Section 333 of the Reform 

Act. Both pieces of legislation allow the FAA to exempt UAS's from the airworthiness 

certificate requirement when considering their weight, size, speed, maneuverability and 

proximity to areas such as airports and dense populations. Eagle Eye Photo and Video’s 

current and anticipated UAS's meet or exceed these criteria.

3. Mitigation: Not applicable.

B. (b) - Display of marks; general:

1. No relief requested

2. Rationale: Aircraft will be registered with the FAA and marked with an “Experimental” 

number on the left and right side in a size as large as practical.

3. Mitigation: Not applicable. Will comply.
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Eagle Eye Photo and Video, Phoenix, MD - Section 333 Exemption Petition

C. 47.15 - Registration number:

1. No relief requested

2. Rationale: Applicable Codes of Federal Regulation require aircraft to be marked 

according to certain specifications. Our UAS is, by definition, unmanned. It therefore 

does not have a cabin, cockpit or pilot station on which to mark certain words or 

phrases. Further, two-inch lettering is difficult to place on such a small aircraft with 

dimensions smaller that minimal lettering requirement. Regardless, we will mark the UA

in the largest possible lettering by placing “Experimental” on its fuselage as required by 

14 C.F.R. §45.29 (f) so that I the pilot, or anyone assisting me as a spotter with the UAV 

will see the markings. The FAA has previously issued exemptions to this regulation 

through Exemptions Nos. 8738, 10167, 10167A and 10700.

3. Mitigation: Not applicable. Will comply.

D. 61.113(a) and (b) - Private pilot privileges and limitations - Pilot in Command:

1. Relief requested

2. Rationale: It is understood that 49 USC 44711 requires the FAA to issue airman 

certificates. However, as of the date of this petition, none of the airman certificates 

issued by the FAA for student, recreational, private, commercial, airline transport, or 

sport pilots seems to be a good fit for sUAS pilots. In light of the similar nature of flight 

knowledge requirements contained within the FAA ground school exam and the

procedures for obtaining a private pilot’s license along with the proposed UAS 

airmanship skills of Eagle Eye Photo and Video’s PICs, the additional manned 

airmanship knowledge and experience of a private pilot are not synonymous with 

airmanship skills necessary for Eagle Eye Photo and Video’s proposed unmanned 

operations. As stated in NPRM FAA-2015-0150-0017, the airman certification 

requirements for a private or commercial pilot certificate imposes an unnecessary 

burden on the Eagle Eye Photo and Video’s business. Much of the knowledge required 

for a private or commercial pilot certificate does not apply to operating the sUAS and 

does not result in a significant, relevant safety benefit. The sUAS’ size, weight, 

operational capability, proximity to airports and populated areas, and operation within 

daylight, clear visibility, and visual line-of-sight rules pose minimal risk to public safety 

nor pose a threat to national security.. Therefore, Eagle Eye Photo and Video requests 

relief from 14 C.F.R. § 61.113(a) and (b).

3. Mitigation: The petitioner thoroughly understands the importance of being trained in and 

knowledgeable of operating the sUAS in the NAS in a responsible manner as to not

harmfully affect operations in the NAS or present a risk to persons or property on the 

ground. The petitioner proposes the following mitigation:

a) Knowledge & training. Compliance with the Company’s Operator Training Policy and 

completion of the Operator Training Program which specifies the training required of 

operators before conducting flight for commercial purposes. They include:

a. Viewing DJI videos:

i. Introducing the Phantom 3 Advanced

ii. Quick Start Guide

iii. Pilot App Tutorial

iv. Setting It Up

v. How to Fly

vi. Flight Simulator App

b. Viewing websites:

i. Know Before You Fly

ii. DJI No Fly Zones

iii. SkyVector Aeronautical Charts
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Eagle Eye Photo and Video, Phoenix, MD - Section 333 Exemption Petition

c. Reading:

i. DJI:

1. User Manual

2. Quick Start Guide

3. Safety Guidelines

4. Battery Safety Guidelines

5. Maintenance Manual 

ii. FAA Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge:

1. Preface

2. Chapter 1 Introduction to Flying

3. Chapter7 - Flight Instruments

4. Chapter 8 - Flight Manuals

5. Chapter 14 – Airspace

6. Chapter 16 - Aeromedical Factors

7. Chapter 17 - Aeronautical Decision Making

iii. FAA / AeroNave Aeronautical Chart User’s Guide

iv. FAA B4UFLY App – when available

d. Flight practice:

i. Pilot App Simulator

ii. Flying the UAS

iii. Proficiency

iv. Currency

b) Medical. The operator holds a valid U.S. driver’s license. The operator has general 

annual physical exams. The due date of the next exam is provided in the Operator 

Log Book.

E. 91.7 - Civil aircraft airworthiness:

1. No relief requested

2. Rationale: It is critical that the sUAS can be flown in a safe manner.

3. Mitigation: In accordance with the pertinent part of 14 C.F.R. § 91.7(b), the sUAS 

undergoes a maintenance check per the specifications and procedures provided in the 

Phantom 3 Advanced Maintenance Manual. UAS Policies and Procedures require the 

completion of a Pre-Flight and Post-Flight Checklist for each flight. The operator in 

command of petitioner’s UAS shall be responsible for determining whether the aircraft is 

in a safe condition for flight as a result of pre and post flight checklists. Petitioner’s 

manuals for maintenance and operations shall include safety checklists to be used by 

the operator in command prior to each flight.

F. 91.103(b)(2) - General Operating and Flight Rules, Subpart B - Flight Rules,

Preflight action:

1. Relief requested

2. Rationale: The UAS for this petition will not be flown at airports. Takeoff and landing 

distances are zero since the aircraft is a sUAS. Since all flights are to be carried out 5 

nautical miles or greater from any airport and only in class G airspace, CFR 91.103(b)(2) 

does not apply.

3. Mitigation: The capture of still images and video along with associated flight paths will be 

discussed and agreed-upon with the client in advance of the shoot and confirmed or 

revised just prior to flight. The sUAS displays, records, and retains flight data including 

take-off height, take-off-speed, horizontal distance traveled, horizontal speed, altitude, 

flown flight path, and other flight parameters.
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Eagle Eye Photo and Video, Phoenix, MD - Section 333 Exemption Petition

G. 91.105 - General Operating and Flight Rules, Subpart B - Flight Rules,

Flight crew members at stations:

1. Relief requested

2. Rationale: The UA is unmanned and does not have on-board crew members, and as 

such, no safety harnesses are worn.

3. Mitigation: The sUAS operator will always be in sole control of the UA. If absence of the 

operator is necessary in connection with physiological or other emergent needs, the 

operator shall first land the UA in a prompt manner to ensure public safety.

H. 91.109 - General Operating and Flight Rules, Subpart B - Flight Rules,

Flight instruction:

1. Relief requested

2. Rationale: The UA does not have flight dual controls. The Phantom 3 Advanced is 

designed and constructed without dual controls. The equivalent level of safety is 

provided by the limited size, speed, weight, and altitude of the aircraft in addition to no 

pilot or crew aboard the aircraft.

3. Mitigation: The Company’s Operator Training Program requires practice time on the 

Simulator app.

I. 91.119(b) and (c) - General Operating and Flight Rules, Subpart B – Flight Minimum safe 

altitudes: General:

1. Relief requested

2. Rationale: UAS will be flown no higher than 400 feet AGL as proposed in NPRM FAA2015-0150-0017.

3. Mitigation: As set forth in the Company UAS Policies and Procedures, UAS will not be 

flown higher than 400 feet AGL. All flight operations will be conducted a minimum of 70

yards (distance was selected as a result of target real estate lots of roughly 1.5 acres 

which measure approximately 104 yards by 104 yards) from all non-participating 

persons, vessels, vehicles, and structures, with the exception:

a. Structures/barriers are situated to provide sufficient protection of bystanders from 

the UAS and possible debris in case of an accident. The operator will ensure that 

bystanders are kept under this protection. In the event a bystander comes within 

70 yards of the UAS, the operator will land the UAS immediately in the safest 

possible area: and

b. In the event the owner/controller of any structures, vehicles and/or vessels has 

granted permission to operate closer to said objects and along with the 

operator’s safety assessment of the risk of operating closer to said objects and 

has determined that it does not present a hazard.

J. 91.121 - General Operating and Flight Rules, Subpart B - Altimeter settings:

1. Relief requested

2. Rationale: The UAS is unable to take input from stations.

3. Mitigation: The Phantom 3 Advanced does not have a typical barometric altimeter 

onboard the UAS. Instead, altitude information is provided to the UAS PIC via a digitally 

encoded telemetric data feed, which downlinks from the aircraft to a ground-based onscreen display. The altitude information will be generated by equipment installed 

onboard the UAS, using GPS triangulation, digitally encoded barometric altimeter, radio 

altimeter, or any combination thereof. Prior to each flight, a zero altitude initiation point 

will be established and confirmed for accuracy by the UAS PIC.
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Eagle Eye Photo and Video, Phoenix, MD - Section 333 Exemption Petition

K. 91.151(a) and (b) - General Operating and Flight Rules, Subpart B – Fuel requirements 

for flight in VFR conditions:

1. Relief requested

2. Rationale: The fuel for this UA is 100% battery power. Designed maximum flight time is 

approximately 23 minutes with a standard 4480 mAh LiPo battery.

3. Mitigation: The low battery level alert is triggered when the battery is depleted to 30% 

capacity and the PIC is alerted with visual and auditory notifications. At that point the 

PIC will initiate return to home. At the same time, onboard algorithms calculate the 

distance and altitude of the UAS and estimate time to return home, letting the operator 

know when it’s time to fly back should they not begin return at the 30% alert. Further 

failsafe measures are built into the DJI Pilot App that will commence return home at 20% 

battery capacity (PIC has the option to override this feature) or land the aircraft 

immediately if the current battery level can only support the aircraft to land to the ground

from the current altitude and distance. Per the UA manufacturer and the Company’s 

preflight checklist, the battery is to be fully charged before initiating flight operations.

L. 91.405(a) - General Operating and Flight Rules, Subpart E - Maintenance

Required:

1. Relief requested

2. Rationale: Inspections are not required by the FAA for the specified UAS.

3. Mitigation: Any anomalies, as per the Company UAS Policies and Procedures, observed 

during any phase of operation that would adversely impact the safe control of the UAS

must be resolved before any further flight operations.

M. 91.407(a)(1) - General Operating and Flight Rules, Subpart E – Operations after 

maintenance, preventive maintenance, rebuilding, or alteration:

1. Relief requested

2. Rationale: No person authorized under §43.7 of chapter 1 of Title 14 exists to approve a 

return to service for this type of UAS.

3. Mitigation: If aircraft requires repair by the manufacturer, the manufacturer or an 

authorized repair facility conducts flight test worthiness after repairs and before shipping 

the UAS back to the operator. The Company’s UAS Policies and Procedures and the 

manufacturer’s correspondence with the petitioner specify to calibrate the Internal 

Measurement Unit after every firmware upgrade. This is done by the operator.

N. 91.409(a)(1) and (2) - General Operating and Flight Rules, Subpart E -Inspections:

1. Relief requested

2. Rationale: Per the manufacturer’s maintenance manual, this UA does not undergo 

annual inspections. Airworthiness certificates do not apply to this UA.

3. Mitigation: Per the manufacturer’s maintenance manual, maintenance and inspections 

are conducted after every 200 flights or 50 hours of flight.

O. 91.417(a) and (b) - General Operating and Flight Rules, Subpart E - Maintenance 

records:

1. Relief requested

2. Rationale: Maintenance, preventive maintenance and alterations are not conducted at 

100-hour and annual intervals. The type of record details call out in this section do not 

apply to this UAS.

3. Mitigation: The operator does record all maintenance in the Operator Log Book per the 

Company’s UAS Policies and Procedures. Records are retained for as long as the UAS

is flown and are available for inspection by the FAA Administrator upon request.
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Eagle Eye Photo and Video, Phoenix, MD - Section 333 Exemption Petition

Public Interest and Safety

Public Interest

The improved safety and diminished environmental impact attained using a UAS with the 

conditions described by the petitioner and carrying no passengers or crew, in lieu of a manned 

aircraft of much greater size, carrying people as well as combustible fuel, gives the FAA good 

cause to find that the UAS operation allowed by this exemption is in the public interest. FAA 

approval for the petitioner to fly the subject sUAS allows the petitioner to afford several 

important benefits to the public, such as:

 Through the use of attractive aerial photographs and video, homeowners and real estate 

brokers/agents can sell properties faster which would likely afford them their asking price 

or greater, at the same time allowing buyers to have a greater perspective on properties 

being considered;

 Managers of properties could safely and quickly inspect their grounds, roofs, and 

structures to prevent issues with tenants’ living environment and potentially reduce 

overall maintenance costs;

 Homeowners could have rain gutters, downspouts, chimneys, et al inspected via UAS 

versus climbing ladders to potentially injurious heights (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly 

Report (MMWR), April 2014, found. . . 43 percent of fatal falls in the last decade have 

involved a ladder);

 To verify proper workmanship and potentially reduce the costs of unexpected repairs 

builders can inspect for anomalies during construction;

 Solar panels and other roof affixed-devices can more quickly and safely be inspected in 

lieu of climbing onto roofs;

 Farmers can reduce costs by inspecting their fields with UAS, consuming less energy 

and time and allowing them to:

o precisely target problem areas with fertilizers or pesticides;

o reduce environmental impact;

o detect invasive species in grasslands and crops;

o plan improvement in field drainage;

o track disease progressions over wheat fields, identifying areas of reduced yields, 

root weight, and water-use efficiency;

 Pick-your-own fruit and holiday-specific farms (Christmas tree, corn maze, etc.) can use 

aerial images and video to attract patrons and therefore increase revenue;

Public benefit, including increased revenue, enhanced safety, reductions in environmental 

impacts, including reduced emissions associated with allowing the use UAS is in the public 

interest.

Public Safety

Granting the requested reliefs would provide a level of safety that is equal to that provided by 

the rules cited in the requested reliefs. The subject UAS of this petition provides an agile, 

lightweight, and safe alternative to manned aircraft. The petitioner has provided mitigations for 

the requested CFR relief that provide the same or better level of safety for persons, vehicles, 

animals, property, and structures than manned alternatives.
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Eagle Eye Photo and Video, Phoenix, MD - Section 333 Exemption Petition

Privacy

To meet the spirit of the Presidential Memorandum: Promoting Economic Competitiveness 

While Safeguarding Privacy, Civil Rights, and Civil Liberties in Domestic Use of Unmanned 

Aircraft Systems, the Company has Policies and Procedures in place to protect the public’s 

privacy, civil rights, and civil liberties. Permission is required to conduct flight operations on 

private property.

Federal Register Summary

Eagle Eye Photo and Video, LLC seeks an exemption for the following rules:

14 CFR Chapter 1, sections: 61.113(a), 91.103(b)(2), 91.105, 91.109, 91.119(b) and (c),

91.121, 91.151(a) and (b), 91.405(a), 91.407(a)(1), 91.409(a)(1) and (2), and 91.417(a) and

(b).

Approval of these exemptions will allow Eagle Eye Photo and Video, LLC to offer contracted 

commercial UAS operations for a wide range of industries and applications. Granting these 

exemptions will enhance public safety by reducing the risk to the general public from hazards 

associated with performing the same service with conventional manned aircraft at the same 

time opening unforeseen markets that will benefit the public through safe, economic means.

Additional Supporting Information

Several documents or links are provided with this petition in support of the relief request. They 

include:

1. Aircraft manufacturer - DJI:

• Release Note 2015-6-18 (http://download.djiinnovations.com/downloads/phantom_3/en/Phantom_3_Advanced_Release_Not

e_en.pdf)

• Phantom 3 Advanced User Manual (EN) v1.2 (http://download.djiinnovations.com/downloads/phantom_3/en/Phantom_3_Advanced_User_Manual

_v1.2_en.pdf)

• Phantom 3 Advanced “Fly Safe” (http://flysafe.dji.com/)

• Pilot Training Guide (http://download.djiinnovations.com/downloads/phantom_2_vision_plus/en/Phantom_2_Vision_Plus

_Pilot_Training_Guide_v1.1_en.pdf) 

• DJI “No-Fly Zones” (http://flysafe.dji.com/no-fly)

2. Eagle Eye Photo and Video, LLC (company confidential) UAS Policies and Procedures, 

covering topics such as, but not limited to:

• Documents held with operator during flight operations;

• Compulsory pre-flight reference to FAA’s “B4UFLY” app

• Line-of-sight flights, day-time only flights, favorable weather conditions;

• Airspace restrictions

• Reporting accidents to the FAA

• Operator Log Book and detailed flight paths are available for FAA and TSA’s 

review upon request.

DJI Phantom 3 Advanced

1. Serial Number: 03Z0029255

2. Height limitation set for maximum of 400 feet AGL

3. Radius distance from controller set for maximum of 1,000 feet

4. Flight testing on owner’s property has proven that due to the size of the Phantom 3

Advanced, firmware is programmed for maximum 400 feet AGL and 1,000 distance. 

These parameters will allow for maintained VSOL without assistance of binoculars or 

other assistance. Most intended operations will only require range of 20-200 AGL and 

to aid in VLOS
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Eagle Eye Photo and Video, Phoenix, MD - Section 333 Exemption Petition

less than 500 feet lateral distance from PIC. Limited stated distance for VSOL will be 

rare if ever needed.

5. Current firmware upgrades for Main Controller

6. GPS

7. Receiver

8. Battery

Appendix A

DJI Phantom 3 Advanced Owner’s Manual in PDF

http://download.djiinnovations.com/downloads/phantom_3/en/Phantom_3_Advanced_User_Manual_v1.2_en.pdf

Instead of inserting pdf into this document, link is provided for immediate viewing and/or 

download.

Appendix B

Baltimore/Washington International Airport Vicinity and 5NM Circle
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Eagle Eye Photo and Video, Phoenix, MD - Section 333 Exemption Petition

Washington, D.C. Metro area no fly zones

Appendix C

Protocols and Controls

Safety for public on the ground as well as manned aircraft above is an essential and utmost 

consideration for aerial videos and photography. As such, safety protocols and controls must be 

implemented through pre-flight preparation and during flight.

Area & Environment

 Hazards / Site Selection 

o Check for wires/cables

o Animals

o People/bystanders

o Property in the vicinity

o Site is away from nonessential participants

o Ability to maintain adequate buffer zones between aircraft and personnel

o Minimize departures and landings over populated areas

o Take into account local topography, ensuring a visible line of sight towards the 

UA at all times.

o Ensure the telemetry connection is not obstructed.
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Eagle Eye Photo and Video, Phoenix, MD - Section 333 Exemption Petition

o Investigate potential alternative landing site(s) in case take-off site is obstructed 

or emergency landing is necessary.

 Psychological consideration (PIC and observer are well-rested and alert)

 Weather considerations

o Temperature

o Visibility

o Precipitation

 Wind Speed

o Upper winds / at altitude

o Rotor (lee side of large objects)

 Notify any bystanders or nearby property owners of your intentions (permission)

 Discuss flight plan with observer

 If flying in controlled airspace, have you notified airspace authority

o NOTAMs

o Can you reach authorities

o Do you need to maintain communication?

 First Aid Kit stocked, readily accessible and visible to anyone in the area.

Equipment / UAV / Drone

 Crack in joints and structural members

 Loose or damaged screws, ties, fasteners, straps

 Loose or damaged wiring

 Loose or damaged connections (solder, plugs, etc.)

 Inspect prop mounts and screws and apply slight counter pressure on arms to check for 

loosened components

 FPV , inspect / clean FPV (Camera) Lens and insure it is secured and connectors are 

firmly attached

 Camera settings are correct (still images, video, framerate)

 UA batteries are fully charged, properly seated and secured

 Transmitter and FPV/tablet batteries are fully charged

 Fail-safe equipment functioning ◾RTH (return to home)

 Firmware Airport Proximity Detection Functioning

 Props are smooth and free of damage / defect (check blade, surface and hub)

 Prop adapters are tight / secure

 Check RC transmitter shows the right range and centering for all sticks

 Perform range test

Mission Plan 

 All actions and contingencies for the mission planned.

 Contingency planning should include safe routes in the event of a system failure, 

degraded performance, or lost communication link.

 Mission plans and flight plans should be shared with other operators in the vicinity.
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Eagle Eye Photo and Video, Phoenix, MD - Section 333 Exemption Petition

Pre-flight / Run-up 

 Verify all transmitter, on-board aircraft and camera batteries are fully charged; (confirm 

voltages)

 Ensure no frequency conflicts with both video and transmitter / receiver

 Checking all control surfaces for signs of damage, loose hinges, and overall condition;

 Looking over the rotors to ensure they are in good structural condition and properly 

secured;

 Check motor and mounting attached to the airframe;

 Study propellers / mounting hardware (tight);

 Check the landing gear for damage and function

 Test electrical connections, plugged in and secure

 Ensure photo / video equipment mounting system is secure and operational.

 Check minimum GPS acquisition (9 satellites) controlling the autopilot.

 Check the IMU movements in the ground control software.

 UAV in stabilization mode, ensure control surfaces move towards the correct positions

 UAV is in a level location safe for takeoff

 FPV / Power up ground station

 FPV / Power up Video receiver

 Turn on camera system

 Camera settings are correct (still images, video, framerate)

 SD camera memory clear and inserted into the camera

 All transmitter controls move freely in all directions

 All transmitter trims in neutral position

 All transmitter switches in correct position

 Transmitter throttle to zero

 Radio transmitter on

 Connect / power on battery to airframe

 Ensure led indicators and audible tones are correct

 FPV, confirm video is in monitor / goggles

 Scan for nearby cars / people / animals

 Say “CLEAR!”

 Arm flight controller

 Increase throttle slightly listening for any abnormalities

 Short 20-30 second hover at 3-5 feet (listen for vibrations / loose items)

 Confirm Voltage levels are correct
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Eagle Eye Photo and Video, Phoenix, MD - Section 333 Exemption Petition

In-Flight 

 Basics: If flying manually, always keep your fingers on the controller/transmitter.

 UAV within sight at all times.

 Climb to predetermined altitude away from potential hazards.

 Keep aircraft at a safe operating distance from people, electric utility lines and buildings.

 If the UAV must be flown over buildings or people, use a lightweight UAV and maintain a 

safe altitude for recovery and make every effort to minimize exposure.

 Spotter/observer is free of distractions and able to communicate clearly with PIC without 

the use of communication device (ex. radio, cell phone, etc.)

 Do not fly UAVs within distance defined by local laws of any private/commercial 

airport/helipad/sea plane base.

 Do not fly around a pre-existing UAV flying site without a frequency-management 

agreement.

 Do not interfere with operations and traffic patterns at any airport

 Landing: Regardless manual or automated UAV landing, scan landing area for potential 

obstruction hazards.

 Announce out loud “Preparing to Land”.

 Carefully land the aircraft away from obstructions and people.

Post-Flight 

 Shutting Down

o Turn the power off to the aircraft

o Remove the battery.

o Turn off the transmitter.

o Turn the power off to the photo equipment.

 Visually check aircraft for signs of damage and/or excessive wear.

 Secure the aircraft.

 Check pictures: Verify that the UAV camera actually took the pictures and/or video.

 LOG FLIGHT
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Eagle Eye Photo and Video, Phoenix, MD - Section 333 Exemption Petition

Appendix D

Caution Placard