I Timothy Anderson Jr. owner of First Capital Aerial Media respectfully request an exemption from 

several provisions of Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (C.F.R.) to permit the use of small 

unmanned aerial systems (sUAS) to have the ability to provide photos and videos for our clients. This 

request is motivated primarily by the desire to maximize safety in and legal ability in my operations. 

Accordingly, the grant of an exemption is consistent with Congress’ intent, reflected in Section 333 of 

the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 (Modernization Act),1 that safe systems be permitted in 

the national airspace prior to the issuance of final regulations governing general use of these systems.2 

A summary of this request suitable for publication in the Federal Register is provided as Appendix A. 

Appendix B provides the manufacturers information regarding the design, aircraft performance, and failsafe features. We have provided manufacturer information related to operating limitations, normal and 

emergency procedures, and maintenance and inspection procedures. As we add aircraft designs, we will 

update this appendix appropriately. Appendix C provides the Drone Fleet & Aerospace Management 

Operations Manual for flights covered under this Exemption Request. 1 P.L. 112-95, 126 Stat 11, 

February 14, 2012. 2 Section 333(b) (2) specifically contemplates that the FAA may issue a certificate of 

waiver upon a finding that a type of UAS, as a result of its size, weight, speed, operational capacity, 

proximity to airports and populated areas, and operations within visual line of sight do not create a 

hazard to users of the NAS or the public or pose a threat to national security. 

The FAA has imposed a separate requirement in its procedural regulations, providing that the petitioner 

shall explain why granting the exemption would not adversely affect safety or how the exemption would 

provide at least an equivalent level of safety as compliance with the underlying regulation. In this case, 

approval of this exemption would advance the public interest by significantly enhancing the safety and 

efficiency of infrastructure operations and by providing the FAA with valuable user experience on sUAS 

in a context with appreciable economic and societal benefits. As described more fully below, the 

requested exemption would permit the operation of sUAS under tightly controlled conditions, thus 

ensuring that operations will not have an adverse impact on safety. To the contrary, as explained below, 

First Capital Aerial Media anticipates that use of sUAS will enhance safety in daily operations. Granting 

an Exemption is in the Public Interest. The safety and efficiency of having a legal operator in my 

community would allow me to communicate with others interested to explain the reasons for getting 

this exemption. Aerial photography and video by traditional fixed wing aircraft is impractical because 

the required altitudes for safe flight reduce visibility below meaningful levels – it is simply not possible 

to see all asset anomalies from such heights. Helicopters present better vantage points; however 

manned helicopters are much more costly, subject to human safety and carry highly explosive jet fuel 

making them impractical for deployment. By using sUAS for photos and videos, First Capital Aerial Media 

will be able to operate and provide its clients with a safer and more economical means in the 

community. Thus, the use of sUAS has the potential to improve efficiency, and provide clients with an 

alternative option to capture the subject or landmark in question. Also it would allow me to provide 

views to some local non- profit historical groups that cannot be seen from the ground, examples like the 

saving of the Hopewell Indian mounds that are relevant in my community.