My name is Johnathon Choate and I am located at 540 Howard St., Kalona, IA 52247. I own a

small photography/videography business and am seeking exemption to be allowed to fly a DJI

Phantom 2 Vision+ (UAS) commercially. Videos that I produce can benefit from this technology,

as it can get aerial views and show specific locations. I see this being very valuable to the

communities that I work within. The Phantom 2 provides photo and video shots that used to

require tens of thousands of dollars of equipment to pull off before introduced to the market.

This allows me to pass savings for professional shots to the local market creating a higher

demand. I’m looking for exemption for for an exemption from part 21, subpart H; and Sections

45.23(b), 61.113(a) and (b), 91.7(a), 91.9(b)(2), 91.103(b), 91.109, 91.119, 91.121, 91.151(a),

91.203(a) and (b), 91.405(a), 91.407(a)(1), 91.409(a)(2), and 91.417(a) and (b) of Title 14, Code

of Federal Regulations (14 CFR)

The DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ is operated by connecting to multiple GPS satellites before being

allowed to take off. This allows me to strictly watch that I am not in violation of any existing FAA

laws, such as flying near airports or flying higher than 400 feet above ground level. Since this is

operated off of GPS, the Phantom 2 can’t be flown higher than 400 feet and will automatically

start to fly back to original starting position if flown further than 1400 feet (line of sight). The

Phantom is powered up and not able to fly unless connected to GPS satellites, which provides

the safest way to fly a UAS. The Phantom 2 weighs a total of 3.5lbs with camera attached and

has a total of 4 propellers (referred to as a quad-copter) and is battery operated. It has a max

airspeed of 30 knots. There are more details on the specifics of this UAS included in the other

documents that I have included.

Before flight, I do a visual inspection of the Phantom, make sure all batteries are charged, and

everything is connecting seamlessly before flight. Before taking it to desired location, I always

run a small test to make sure that everything is responding correctly between the remote,

transmitter, and Phantom 2. If weather conditions such as wind, snow, or rain are an issue, the

Phantom 2 isn’t flown. I also have a portable ground station to ensure that the take off and

landing takes place on a solid, flat, level surface. I will operate in reasonably safe environments

that are strictly controlled, are away from airports, actively populated areas, power lines, and

elevated lights. I will continue to conduct extensive preflight inspections and protocols, safety is

very important to me.

The following has been taken from the “Phantom_2_Vision_Plus_User_Manual” (page 16):

“The Phantom 2 Vision+ Remote Control is a wireless communication device using the 5.8GHz

frequency band. Remote Control and Phantom are paired before delivery.”

“The Phantom 2 Vision+ Remote Control is compliant with CE and FCC (see the FCC ID)

regulations.”

The UAS does not carry any pilots or passengers and a pilot license will not ensure remote

control piloting skills as they are very different things. The risks of UAS are far less than the risk

levels inherent in the commercial activities and would like to request exemption from § 61.113

Private Pilot Privileges and Limitations: Pilot in command. I have flown numerous practice flights

in remote areas as a hobbyist simulating flights for future commercial use. This has helped me

get very comfortable with the characteristics of my UAS performance under various weather

conditions. I have over 30 hours of practice with this UAS logged. The battery life of this UAS

does not allow flight time over 25 continuous minutes. I always have a spotter with me that

helps me be aware of where the UAS is at all times, even though I never let the UAS leave my
line of sight. The spotter is aware and has experience flying the UAS and could take over at any

point during the operation of the UAS.

I am in the process of acquiring a FAA third-class airman medical certificate.

The UAS operations will always be conducted in a controlled environment.

• I will operate below 400 feet within a radius of 1000 feet from controller and spotter

• Operate UAS 10-15 minutes per flight

• Land UAS at manufacturer’s recommended minimum level of battery power

• Operate UAS within visual sight only

• Use GPS flight safety feature that allows UAS to return home if connection to the controller is

lost

• Have safety protocols including setting out signs with “Aerial Photography in progress,

proceed with caution”

• Always obtain necessary permissions prior to operation

• have procedures in place to abort flights in the event of safety breaches or potential danger

The UAS will be flown primarily out in the country on local farms. The flights will be conducted

with the land owners permission and they will be clear of the area where flights take place. The

UAS will consistently stay safe distances away from structures and power lines and will always

be in the line of site. There will always be a spotter that ensures line of sight is always

established. I will not operate within the proximity of any airports. As stated before, the UAS will

always be operated within the visual line of sight and I will have a spotter with me to make sure

that I stay compliant.

I’ve listed my procedures for a safe flight on page 1 of this document and safety procedures can

also be found in the flight manual that I have provided from the manufacturer.