1

November 9, 2015

U. S. Department of Transportation

Docket Management System

1200 New Jersey Ave., SE, 

West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140,

Washington, DC 20590

Re: Request for Exemption under Section 333 of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act and 

Part 11 of the Federal Aviation Regulations from 14 C.F.R. 61.23(a) and (c); 61.101(e)(4) 

and (5); 61.113(a); 61.315(a); 91.119(c); 91.121; 91.151(a)(1); 91.405(a); 91.407(a)(1); 

91.409(a)(1) and (2); 91.417(a) & (b).

Dear Sir or Madam:

Pursuant to Section 333 of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 (the Reform 

Act) and 14 C.F.R. Part 11, American UAV llc, an operator of Small Unmanned Aircraft (UA) 

hereby applies for an exemption from the listed Federal Aviation Regulations ("FARs") to allow 

commercial operation of its UA.

TABLE OF CONTENTS 

I. QUICK REFERENCE SUMMARY...................................................................................................2

II. AMERICAN UAV LLC, REQUEST THAT THE PUBLICATION AND COMMENT 

PROCEDURES BE WAIVED IN ACCORDANCE WITH 14 C.F.R. § 11.87....................................4

III. FEDERAL REGISTER SUMMARY...............................................................................................5

IV. PETITIONER’S CONTACT INFO ................................................................................................5

V. REGULATIONS FROM WHICH THE EXEMPTION IS REQUESTED.......................................5

VI. OPERATING DOCUMENTS..........................................................................................................6

VII. STATUTORY AUTHORITY TO GRANT THIS PETITION.......................................................6

VIII. EQUIVALENT LEVEL OF SAFETY..........................................................................................7

IX. REGULATIONS FROM WHICH EXEMPTION IS NEEDED....................................................12

A.14 C.F.R. § 61.23(a) & (c): Medical Certificates.............................................................................12

B.14 C.F.R. § 61.101(e)(4) & (5): Recreational Pilot Privileges and Limitations & 14 C.F.R. § 

61.315(a): Sport Pilot Limitations........................................................................................................12

C.14 C.F.R. § 61.113 (a): Private Pilot Privileges and Limitations: Pilot In Command......................13

D.14 C.F.R. § 91.7(a): Civil Aircraft Airworthiness............................................................................13
2

E.14 C.F.R. § 91.119: Minimum Safe Altitudes..................................................................................13

F.14 C.F.R. § 91.121: Altimeter Settings.............................................................................................13

G.14 C.F.R. § 91.151(a): Fuel Requirements for Flight in VFR Conditions.......................................14

H.14 C.F.R. § 91.405 (a); § 91.407 (a) (1); § 91.409 (a) (2); § 91.417(a) & (b): Maintenance 

Inspections............................................................................................................................................14

X.CONCLUSION.................................................................................................................................14

QUICK REFERENCE SUMMARY:

 Types of aircraft to be flown: 

o DJI Phantom 2 (Previously granted in Exemption 11699)

o DJI Phantom 3

Professional

Advanced

o DJI S900 (Previously granted in Exemption 11697)

o DJI S1000 (Previously granted in Exemption 11554)

o DJI Inspire (Previously granted in Exemption 11607)

 The operations will be for:

o Aerial data collection (note 1) 

o Closed-set film/television production, (MPTOM will be submitted confidentially)

o Flight Instruction,

o Search and Rescue,

o Education, and

o Research and development

 The petitioner will operate under the restrictions listed below and those in the manufacturer’s 

manual. 

o Phantom 2

Phantom 2 User Manual (EN) v1.4 http://download.djiinnovations.com/downloads/phantom_2/en/PHANTOM2_User_Manual_v1.4_en.zip

Note 1: “Aerial data collection includes any remote sensing and measuring by an instrument(s) aboard the UA. 

Examples include imagery (photography, video, infrared, etc.), electronic measurement (precision surveying, RF 

analysis, etc.), chemical measurement (particulate measurement, etc.), or any other gathering of data by 

instruments aboard the UA.” Exemption No. 11482
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o Phantom 3

Phantom 3 Intelligent Flight Battery Safety Guidelines v1.0 http://download.djiinnovations.com/downloads/phantom_3/en/Intelligent_Flight_Battery_Safety_Guidel

ines_en.zip

 Phantom 3 Safety Guidelines and Disclaimer http://download.djiinnovations.com/downloads/phantom_3/en/Safety_Guidelines_Disclaimer_en.zip

 Professional

o Phantom 3 Professional Quick Start Guide (EN) v1.0 http://download.djiinnovations.com/downloads/phantom_3/en/Phantom_3_Professional_Quick_Start_G

uide_en.zip

o Phantom 3 Professional User Manual (EN) v1.2 http://download.djiinnovations.com/downloads/phantom_3/en/Phantom_3_Professional_User_Manual_

v1.2_en.zip

o Phantom 3 Professional In the Box http://download.djiinnovations.com/downloads/phantom_3/en/Phantom_3_Professional_In_the_Box_en

.zip

 Advanced

o Phantom 3 Advanced Quick Start Guide (EN) v1.0 http://download.djiinnovations.com/downloads/phantom_3/en/Phantom_3_Advanced_Quick_Start_Gui

de_en.zip

o Phantom 3 Advanced User Manual (EN) v1.2 http://download.djiinnovations.com/downloads/phantom_3/en/Phantom_3_Advanced_User_Manual_v1.

2_en.zip

o Phantom 3 Advanced In the Box http://download.djiinnovations.com/downloads/phantom_3/en/Phantom_3_Advanced_In_the_Box_en.zi

p

 DJI S900

o S900 User Manual v1.2 http://download.djiinnovations.com/downloads/s900/en/S900_User_Manual_v1.2_en.zip

 DJI S1000

o S1000 Manual http://www.dji.com/product/spreading-wings-s1000/download

o A2 Flight Controller Manual http://download.djiinnovations.com/downloads/a2/en/A2_Quick_Start_Guide_v1.04_en.pdf

 DJI Inspire 

o Inspire Manual http://download.djiinnovations.com/downloads/inspire_1/en/Inspire_1_User_Manual_v1.0_en.pdf

 We already agree to all the restrictions listed in Exemption # 11284 which are listed below.
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American UAV, llc, request that the publication and comment procedures be waived in 

accordance with 14 C.F.R. § 11.87 which states:

§ 11.87 Are there circumstances in which FAA may decide not to publish a summary of my 

petition for exemption?

The FAA may not publish a summary of your petition for exemption and request comments 

if you present or we find good cause why we should not delay action on your petition. The 

factors we consider in deciding not to request comment include:

a) Whether granting your petition would set a precedent. 

b) Whether the relief requested is identical to exemptions granted previously. 

c) Whether our delaying action on your petition would affect you adversely. 

d) Whether you filed your petition in a timely manner.

Corresponding to the above sub-sections, American UAV llc has good cause to request the 

FAA to waive the comment period and not delay action on the petition because:

a) American UAV, llc, would not set any precedent. American UAV, llc, agrees to the almost 

SAME exact limitations as Exemption # 11284. Furthermore, all of the aircraft have already 

been evaluated under previous petitions and are deemed to have the equivalent level of safety 

if operated under the restrictions hereto already agreed upon.

b) American UAV, llc, agrees to the almost SAME exact limitations as Exemption # 11284, 

except we would like to add the Phantom 2 base model which has been granted in other 

exemptions and the Phantom 3 base model.

c) Delaying the granting of this petition would adversely affect the public, the FAA, and 

American UAV, llc, the public, as well as the FAA, would be better served by the FAA 

quickly granting this petition and thereby freeing up limited FAA resources and allowing 

FAA inspectors to dedicate their time and attention to much higher priorities. Moreover, 

American UAV, llc, is eagerly seeking to start commercial operations and is adversely 

affected by the above listed regulations.

d) The petition has been filed in a timely manner.
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III. FEDERALREGISTERSUMMARY

Pursuant to 14 C.F.R. Part 11, the following summary is provided for publication in the 

Federal Register, should it be determined that publication is needed.

Applicant seeks an exemption from the following rules:

14 C.F.R. 61.23(a) and (c); 61.101(e)(4) and (5); 61.113(a); 61.315(a); 91.119(c); 91.121; 

91.151(a)(1); 91.405(a); 91.407(a)(1); 91.409(a)(1) and (2); 91.417(a) & (b)to operate commercially 

a small unmanned vehicle (55 lbs. or less) for aerial data collection and film/television production, 

flight instruction, search and rescue, education, and research and development.

This exemption will allow commercial operations of UA’s which will enhance safety by 

reducing risk. The alternative to using a UA is to use a jet or piston power aircraft carrying large

amounts of jet A or other fuel. Not only is the operation dangerous at the location, the aircraft must 

fly to the location and back to the home airport. Our UA will weigh less than 55 lbs. and powered by 

batteries which eliminates most of the risk because no highly flammable fuel will be involved. The 

UA will carry no passengers or crew; thus, eliminating most of the risk to the pilot and personnel.

The operations of the UA listed under the restrictions proposed herein will provide an equivalent 

level of safety as the Federal Aviation Regulations.

IV. Petitioner’s contact info:

American UAV, LLC 

Attn: Roscoe A Sharp

Phone: 509-991-9217

Email: rsharp@americanuav.org

Physical Address: 42626 North Sherman Road, Deer Park, WA 99006

Mailing Address: P.O. Box 656, Deer Park, WA 99006

V. Regulations from which the exemption is requested:

 14 C.F.R. § 61.23(a)and (c)

 14C.F.R. § 61.101(e)(4) and (5)

 14 C.F.R. § 61.113(a)

 14C.F.R. § 61.315(a)

 14C.F.R. § 91.7(a)

 14C.F.R. § 91.119(c)

 14C.F.R. § 91.121

 14C.F.R. § 91.151(a)(1)

 14C.F.R. § 91.405(a)

 14C.F.R. § 91.407(a)(1)

 14C.F.R. § 91.409(a)(1) & (2)

 14C.F.R. § 91.417(a) & (b)
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VI. OPERATING DOCUMENTS

American UAV llc will operate only within the limitations below and the limitations listed in the 

user manuals listed in the quick reference summary above and the confidentially submitted 

MPTOM. The limitations below, from the previously granted exemption, will be followed if there is 

a conflict with the manufacturer’s user manual or MPTOM.

VII. STATUTORYAUTHORITY TO GRANT THIS PETITION

The Federal Aviation Act expressly grants the FAA the authority to issue exemptions. This 

statutory authority by its terms includes exempting civil aircraft, as the term is defined under § 

40101 of the Act that includes UAS’s, from the requirement that all civil aircraft must have a current 

airworthiness certificate. “The Administrator may grant an exemption from a requirement of a 

regulation prescribed under subsection (a) or (b) of this section or any sections 44702-44716 of this 

title if the Administrator finds the exemption in the public interest.” 49 U.S.C. §44701(f). See also49 

U.S.C.§44711(b).

This exemption petition is expressly submitted to fulfill Congress' goal in passing Section 333(a) 

through (c) of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012. This law directs the Secretary of 

Transportation to consider whether certain unmanned aircraft systems may operate safely in the 

national airspace system (NAS) before completion of the rulemaking required under Section 332 of 

the FAA Modernization and Reform Act. In making this determination, the Secretary is required to 

determine which types of UA do not create a hazard to users of the NAS or the public or pose a threat 

to national security in light of the following:

 The UA’s size, weight, speed, and operational capability;

 Operation of the UA in close proximity to airports and populated areas; and,

 Operation of the UA within visual line of sight of the operator (VLOS). Note 2

If the Secretary determines that such vehicles "may operate safely in the national airspace 

system, the Secretary shall establish requirements for the safe operation of such aircraft in the 

national airspace system." Id.§333(c) (emphasis added). Note 3 The FAA has already established 

requirements for summary grants which will be further discussed below.

Note 2 FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012at § 333(a).

Note 3 Applicant interprets this provision to place the duty on the Administrator to not only process applications for 

exemptions under section 333, but for the Administrator to craft conditions for the safe operation of the UAS, if it 

should be determined that the conditions set forth herein do not fulfill the statutory requirements for approval.
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VIII. EQUIVALENT LEVEL OF SAFETY

The applicant proposes that the exemption requested herein applies to civil aircraft that 

have the characteristics and that operate with the limitations listed herein. These limitations 

provide for at least an equivalent or even higher level of safety to operations under the current 

regulatory structure.

These limitations and conditions are identical to Exemption # 11284 except for the 

difference in aircraft. American UAV llc agrees to be bound when conducting commercial UA 

operations. The list of limitations and conditions include the following:

1. Operations authorized by this grant of exemption are limited to the DJI Phantom 2, DJI 

Phantom 3 Advanced and Professional; DJI Inspire; DJI S900 and DJI S1000, when weighing 

less than 55 pounds including payload. Proposed operations of any other aircraft will 

require a new petition or a petition to amend this exemption.

2. Operations for the purpose of closed-set motion picture and television filming are 

permitted.

3. The UA may not be operated at a speed exceeding 87 knots (100 miles per hour). The 

exemption holder may use either groundspeed or calibrated airspeed to determine 

compliance with the 87 knot speed restriction. In no case will the UA be operated at 

airspeeds greater than the maximum UA operating airspeed recommended by the aircraft 

manufacturer.

4. The UA must be operated at an altitude of no more than 400 feet above ground level (AGL). 

Altitude must be reported in feet AGL.

5. The UA must be operated within visual line of sight (VLOS) of the PIC at all times. This 

requires the PIC to be able to use human vision unaided by any device other than corrective 

lenses, as specified on the PIC’s FAA-issued airman medical certificate or U.S. driver’s 

license.

6. All operations must utilize a visual observer (VO). The UA must be operated within the visual 

line of sight (VLOS) of the PIC and VO at all times. The VO may be used to satisfy the VLOS 

requirement as long as the PIC always maintains VLOS capability. The VO and PIC must be 

able to communicate verbally at all times. Electronic messaging or texting is not permitted 

during flight operations. The PIC must be designated before the flight and cannot transfer 

his or her designation for the duration of the flight. The PIC must ensure that the VO can 

perform the duties required of the VO.
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7. This exemption and all documents needed to operate the UAS and conduct its operations in 

accordance with the conditions and limitations stated in this grant of exemption, are herein

after referred to as the operating documents. The operating documents must be accessible 

during UAS operations and made available to the Administrator upon request. If a 

discrepancy exists between the conditions and limitations in this exemption and the 

procedures outlined in the operating documents, the conditions and limitations herein take 

precedence and must be followed. Otherwise, the operator must follow the procedures as 

outlined in its operating documents. The operator may update or revise its operating 

documents. It is the operator’s responsibility to track such revisions and present updated 

and revised documents to the Administrator or any law enforcement official upon request. 

The operator must also present updated and revised documents if it petitions for extension 

or amendment to this grant of exemption. If the operator determines that any update or 

revision would affect the basis upon which the FAA granted this exemption, then the 

operator must petition for an amendment to its grant of exemption. The FAA’s UAS 

Integration Office (AFS-80) may be contacted if questions arise regarding updates or 

revisions to the operating documents.

8. Any UAS that has undergone maintenance or alterations that affect the UAS operation or 

flight characteristics, e.g. replacement of a flight critical component, must undergo a 

functional test flight prior to conducting further operations under this exemption. 

Functional test flights may only be conducted by a PIC with a VO and must remain at least 

500 feet from other people. The functional test flight must be conducted in such a manner 

so as to not pose an undue hazard to persons and property.

9. The operator is responsible for maintaining and inspecting the UAS to ensure that it is in a 

condition for safe operation.

10. Prior to each flight, the PIC must conduct a pre-flight inspection and determine the UAS is in 

a condition for safe flight. The pre-flight inspection must account for all potential 

discrepancies, e.g. inoperable components, items, or equipment. If the inspection reveals a 

condition that affects the safe operation of the UAS, the aircraft is prohibited from 

operating until the necessary maintenance has been performed and the UAS is found to be 

in a condition for safe flight.

11. The operator must follow the UAS manufacturer’s maintenance, overhaul, replacement, 

inspection, and life limit requirements for the aircraft and aircraft components.

12. Each UAS operated under this exemption must comply with all manufacturer safety 

bulletins.
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13. Under this grant of exemption, a PIC must hold either an airline transport, commercial, 

private, recreational, or sport pilot certificate. The PIC must also hold a current FAA airman 

medical certificate or a valid U.S. driver’s license issued by a state, the District of Colombia, 

Puerto Rico, a territory, a possession, or the Federal government. The PIC must also meet 

the flight review requirements specified in 14 CFR § 61.56 in an aircraft in which the PIC is 

rated on his or her pilot certificate.

14. The operator may not permit any PIC to operate unless the PIC demonstrates the ability to 

safely operate the UAS in a manner consistent with how the UAS will be operated under this 

exemption, including evasive and emergency maneuvers and maintaining appropriate 

distances from persons, vessels, vehicles and structures. PIC qualification flight hours and 

currency must be logged in a manner consistent with 14 CFR § 61.51(b). Flights for the 

purposes of training the operator’s PICs and VOs (training, proficiency, and experiencebuilding) and determining the PIC’s ability to safely operate the UAS in a manner consistent 

with how the UAS will be operated under this exemption are permitted under the terms of 

this exemption. However, training operations may only be conducted during dedicated 

training sessions. During training, proficiency, and experience-building flights, all persons 

not essential for flight operations are considered nonparticipants, and the PIC must operate 

the UA with appropriate distance from nonparticipants in accordance with 14 CFR § 91.119.

15. UAS operations may not be conducted during night, as defined in 14 CFR § 1.1. All

operations must be conducted under visual meteorological conditions (VMC). Flights under 

special visual flight rules (SVFR) are not authorized.

16. The UA may not operate within 5 nautical miles of an airport reference point (ARP) as 

denoted in the current FAA Airport/Facility Directory (AFD) or for airports not denoted with 

an ARP, the center of the airport symbol as denoted on the current FAA published 

aeronautical chart, unless a letter of agreement with that airport’s management is obtained 

or otherwise permitted by a COA issued to the exemption holder. The letter of agreement 

with the airport management must be made available to the Administrator or any law 

enforcement official upon request.

17. The UA may not be operated less than 500 feet below or less than 2,000 feet horizontally 

from a cloud or when visibility is less than 3 statute miles from the PIC.

18. If the UAS loses communications or loses its GPS signal, the UA must return to 

predetermined location within the private or controlled-access property.

19. The PIC must abort the flight in the event of unpredicted obstacles or emergencies.

20. The PIC is prohibited from beginning a flight unless (considering wind and forecast weather 

conditions) there is enough available power for the UA to conduct the intended operation 

and to operate after that for at least five minutes or with the reserve power recommended 

by the manufacturer if greater.
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21. Air Traffic Organization (ATO) Certificate of Waiver or Authorization (COA). All operations 

shall be conducted in accordance with an ATO-issued COA. The exemption holder may apply 

for a new or amended COA if it intends to conduct operations that cannot be conducted 

under the terms of the attached COA.

22. All aircraft operated in accordance with this exemption must be identified by serial number, 

registered in accordance with 14 CFR part 47, and have identification (Number)markings in 

accordance with 14 CFR part 45, Subpart C. Markings must be as large as practicable.

23. Documents used by the operator to ensure the safe operation and flight of the UAS and any 

documents required under 14 CFR §§ 91.9 and 91.203 must be available to the PIC at the 

Ground Control Station of the UAS any time the aircraft is operating. These documents must 

be made available to the Administrator or any law enforcement official upon request.

24. The UA must remain clear and give way to all manned aviation operations and activities at 

all times.

25. The UAS may not be operated by the PIC from any moving device or vehicle.

26. All Flight operations must be conducted at least 500 feet from all nonparticipating persons, 

vessels, vehicles, and structures unless:

a. Barriers or structures are present that sufficiently protect nonparticipating persons

from the UA and/or debris in the event of an accident. The operator must ensure

that nonparticipating persons remain under such protection. If a situation arises 

where nonparticipating persons leave such protection and are within 500 feet of the 

UA, flight operations must cease immediately in a manner ensuring the safety of 

nonparticipating persons; and,

b. The owner/controller of any vessels, vehicles or structures has granted permission

for operating closer to those objects and the PIC has made a safety assessment of 

the risk of operating closer to those objects and determined that it does not present 

an undue hazard.

The PIC, VO, operator trainees or essential persons are not considered nonparticipating persons 

under this exemption.

27. All operations shall be conducted over private or controlled-access property with permission 

from the property owner/controller or authorized representative.

Permission from property owner/controller or authorized representative will be obtained 

for each flight to be conducted.
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28. Any incident, accident, or flight operation that transgresses the lateral or vertical 

boundaries of the operational area as defined by the applicable COA must be reported to 

the FAA's UAS Integration Office (AFS-80) within 24 hours. Accidents must be reported to 

the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) per instructions contained on the NTSB 

Web site: www.ntsb.gov.

For the purpose of closed-set motion picture and television filming and production, the following 

additional conditions and limitations apply.

29. The operator must have a motion picture and television operations manual (MPTOM) as 

documented in this grant of exemption.

30. At least 3 days before aerial filming, the operator of the UAS affected by this exemption 

must submit a written Plan of Activities to the local Flight Standards District Office (FSDO) 

with jurisdiction over the area of proposed filming. The 3-day notification may be waived 

with the concurrence of the FSDO. The plan of activities must include at least the following:

a. Dates and times for all flights;

b. Name and phone number of the operator for the UAS aerial filming conducted under 

this grant of exemption;

c. Name and phone number of the person responsible for the on-scene operation of the 

UAS;

d. Make, model, and serial or N-Number of UAS to be used;

e. Name and certificate number of UAS PICs involved in the aerial filming;11 

f. A statement that the operator has obtained permission from property owners and/or 

local officials to conduct the filming production event; the list of those who gave 

permission must be made available to the inspector upon request;

g. Signature of exemption holder or representative; and

h. A description of the flight activity, including maps or diagrams of any area, city,

town, county, and/or state over which filming will be conducted and the altitudes

essential to accomplish the operation.

31. Flight operations may be conducted closer than 500 feet from participating persons

consenting to be involved and necessary for the filming production, as specified in the

exemption holder’s MPTOM.

American UAV llc’s UA are rotorcraft, weighing 55 lbs. or less including payload. They 

operate, under normal conditions at a speed of no more than 70 knots and they have the 

capability to hover, and move in the vertical and horizontal plane simultaneously. They will 

operate only within VLOS and only within the restrictions above and inside the 
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manufacturer’s manuals and the MPTOM. Such operations will insure that the UA will "not 

create a hazard to users of the national airspace system or the public." Note 4

Given the small size of the UA involved and the restricted sterile environment within 

which they will operate, the applicant falls squarely within that zone of safety (an equivalent 

level of safety) in which Congress envisioned that the FAA must, by exemption, allow 

commercial operations of UA to commence immediately. Also, due to the size of the UA and 

the restricted areas in which the relevant UA will operate, approval of the application 

presents no national security issue.

Since the UA fully loaded weighs no more than 55 lbs. and is operated without an 

onboard pilot, there is no ability or place to carry certification and registration documents 

or to display them on the unmanned aircraft. An equivalent level of safety will be achieved 

by keeping these documents at the ground control point where the pilot flying the UA will 

have immediate access to them. Also, given the size of the unmanned aircraft, the FAA 

registration number will be displayed on the airframe in as large a font as possible.

IX. REGULATIONS FROM WHICH EXEMPTION IS NEEDED

A. 14 C.F.R. § 61.23(a) & (c):MEDICAL CERTIFICATES

Exemption# 11221,#11284, and many others have provided that a U.S. driver’s license could 

be used in lieu of the medical certificate provides an equivalent level of safety.

B. 14 C.F.R. § 61.101(e)(4) & (5): Recreational Pilot Privileges and Limitations & 14 C.F.R. § 

61.315(a): Sport Pilot Limitations.

Exemption # 11221,#11284, and many others have declared that there is an equivalent level 

of safety as the FAR’s by requiring the PIC to “hold either an airline transport, commercial, private, 

recreational, or sport pilot certificate.” Likewise, Intelligent Imagery, LLC is also performing 

commercial UAS work and is asking for the same restrictions which have been previously deemed to 

provide an equivalent level of safety as the burdensome regulations.

Note 4 Reform Act Section 333(b).
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C. 14 C.F.R. § 61.113 (a): Private Pilot Privileges and Limitations: Pilot In Command.

Sub-sections 61.113(a) limit private pilots to non-commercial operations. Because the UAS 

will not carry a pilot or passengers, the proposed operations can achieve the equivalent level of 

safety of current operations by requiring the PIC operating the aircraft to have a sport pilot license 

rather than a commercial pilot's license to operate this small UAS. Unlike a conventional aircraft 

that carries the pilot and passengers, the UAS is remotely controlled with no living thing on board.

D. 14 C.F.R. § 91.7(a): Civil Aircraft Airworthiness.

As there will be no airworthiness certificate issued for the unmanned aircraft, and no FAA 

regulatory standard will exist for determining airworthiness of the UA, the requirements contained 

in the manufacturer’s manuals, the MPTOM, and the restrictions already agreed to will provide an 

equivalent level of safety.

Furthermore, all of the aircraft above except for the Phantom 3 has been previously 

evaluated and deemed to have the equivalent level of safety of the regulations if operated under 

the restrictions above. Therefore, this aircraft should not be required to have an airworthiness 

certificate based upon the FAA’s previous determinations.

E. 14C.F.R. § 91.119: Minimum Safe Altitudes

Section 91.119 establishes safe altitudes for operation of civil aircraft. Section 91.119 (d) 

allows helicopters to be operated at less than the minimums prescribed, provided the person 

operating the helicopter complies with any route or altitudes prescribed for helicopters by the FAA. 

Because of the lack of flammable fuel, any risk associated with these operations is far less 

than those presently presented with conventional aircraft operating at or below 500 AGL. In 

addition, the low-altitude operations of the UAS will ensure separation between these small UAS 

operations and the operations of conventional aircraft that must comply with Section 91.119.

F. 14C.F.R. § 91.121: Altimeter Settings

This regulation requires each person operating an aircraft to maintain cruising altitude by 

reference to an altimeter that is set "... to the elevation of the departure airport or an appropriate 

altimeter setting available before departure." As the UAS may not have a barometric altimeter, but 

instead a GPS altitude read out, an exemption may be needed. An equivalent level of safety will be 

achieved by the operator, pursuant to following the manufacturer’s manuals. Furthermore, many 

other petitions have been granted allowing GPS to be used in lieu of an altimeter setting.
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G. 14 C.F.R. § 91.151(a): Fuel Requirements for Flight in VFR Conditions

Section 91.151 (a) prohibits an individual from beginning "a flight in an airplane under VFR 

conditions unless (considering wind and forecast weather conditions) there is enough fuel to fly to 

the first point of intended landing, and, assuming normal cruising speed -(1) During the day, to fly 

after that for at least 30 minutes; or (2) At night, to fly after that for at least 45minutes."

Applicant believes that an equivalent level of safety can be achieved by restricting operations to 

“the intended operation and to operate after that for at least five minutes or with the reserve 

power recommended by the manufacturer if greater.” Exemption # 11284, at page 5.

H. 14 C.F.R. § 91.405 (a); § 91.407 (a) (1); § 91.409 (a) (2); §91.417(a) & (b): Maintenance 

Inspections

These regulations require that an aircraft operator or owner "shall have that aircraft 

inspected as prescribed in subpart E of this part and shall between required inspections, except as 

provided in paragraph (c) of this section, have discrepancies repaired as prescribed in part 43 of this 

chapter"5 and others shall inspect or maintain the aircraft in compliance with Part 43.Given that 

these sections and Part 43 apply only to aircraft with an airworthiness certificate, these sections will 

not apply to the applicant. An equivalent level of safety will be achieved because these small UAS’s 

are very limited in size and will carry a small payload and operate only in restricted areas for limited 

periods of time. Moreover, the operator is the person most familiar with the aircraft and best 

suited to maintain the aircraft in an airworthy condition to provide the equivalent level of safety. 

Lastly, the petitioner will operate in accordance with the manufacturer’s manuals referenced and 

MPTOM which will provide an equivalent level of safety as the burdensome regulations.

X. CONCLUSION:

The operation of American UAV llc, using a small UAS, weighing less than 55 lbs., conducted under

the proposed restrictions outlined above, will provide an equivalent level of safety supporting the 

grant of the exemptions requested herein.

If I can be of any assistance to further expedite this petition, please do not hesitate to contact me at 

(509)991-9217 or at my email rsharp@americanuav.org. 

Sincerely yours,

_____________________

Roscoe A Sharp