Request for Section 333 Exemption Photography

April 11 2015

by/for

Dan Skaggs

HSEarchitects

This document constitutes an exemption Request under Section 333 of the FAA Modernization and 

Reform Act of 2012 for Aviation Unmanned to perform Aerial Photography by/for Dan Skaggs of 

HSEarchitects. The main use of this UAS would be taking architectural photos of building projects to 

document the condition of these projects before, during and after construction. 

I plan to use the following UAS: DJI 550 hexacopter with NAZAv2 flight controller; DJI 450 quadcopter 

with Pixhawk Arducopter flight controller; Steadidrone Q4D quadcopter with NAZAv2 flight controller. 

These systems will be referenced in this document and I have attached user manuals and related 

documents. Following are links to Steadidrone and Arducopter Pixhawk flight controller information and 

manuals: (Steadidrone) http://www.steadidrone.com/techsupport; (Pixhawk) 

http://copter.ardupilot.com/wiki/common-pixhawk-wiring-and-quick-start/

1. The safe operation to the NAS and/or persons and/or property will be kept to a minimum by always 

flying the UAS within visual eye contact, less than 400 ft above ground and never directly above persons 

or public places. The orientation of flights will be such that the pilot in command (PIC) always has a 

visual on the rear mounted LED flight Indicator. Additional safety features on all machines referenced 

above include, return to home, low voltage, enhanced failsafe live telemetry feed (includes battery level, 

altitude, distance from home, heading, RSSI signal strength, etc.).

2. Pre-flight inspection would be checking battery condition/level in both the transmitter and UAS. The 

binding/link feature will not let the UAS start if communication is not established. A check for powerlines, antennas and other overhead objects would be performed. Wind conditions would be monitored 

and be a factor for flying.

3. The operating radio frequency will be 2.4 GHZ range. Maximum take-off weight less than 1350g. Max 

Ascent/decent speed 6 m/s. Maximum flight Velocity 10 m/s.

4. The PIC will be only myself and I have a minimum of 100 hours flying time with referenced machines. I 

have been a registered and practicing architect for over 15 years. I have over 3 years of experience in RC 

model aircraft as a hobbyist and am a current member of the AMA. I’m in good medical health and 

sound mental health. No arrests or felonies. 

5. Testing, updating and programming of the firmware on all UAS referenced above would be done on a 

monthly schedule with extensive test flights after updates performed at a model aircraft flying field.
6. The intended use of the above referenced UAS will be to accurately and safely document conditions 

of building projects for reference, inspection and other architectural purposes.

7. All photo/video flights for hire would have the date, time, GPS coordinates along with the camera 

metadata recorded on a hard drive and also backed up to a DVD. This data would be kept readily 

available for a period of 1 year after each aerial flight for hire.

8. UAS under this petition will not be flown at night and never in the flight path of manned aircraft. 

Respsectfully,

Dan Skaggs

HSEarchitects

914 North Broadway Ave, Suite 200 

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73102

Office: (405)526-1303

Cell: (405)919-9662