The aircraft mentioned above travels at a maximum speed of 49 mph and is powered by a 5200mAh 

LiPo battery. It has a semi-autonomous navigation system run by the DJI Pilot Application through an 

Apple iPad, which is mounted on the remote controller. The Inspire 1 uses First Person Viewing (FPV) 

from a 10 inch monitor that is in high definition. Flights can be pre-programmed with precision GPS 

guidance and do not require human intervention. In the case of unplanned events, the operator may 

allow the aircraft to follow the pre-programmed evasive maneuvers from the controller or enable 

assisted steering for direct control. The pilot software is equipped with telemetry that shows altitude 

(AGL), airspeed, vertical ascent/decent speed, battery strength and direction of flight. In the event of a 

malfunction, the aircraft has a fail-safe mode that enables the machine to automatically return and 

land within one meter of where it took off. In addition, the aircraft is programmed to fly back to where it 

took off in the event of the battery level going below 20 percent strength. These features are tested on 

a regular basis to insure that they function properly.

I have owned and operated the Inspire 1 for six months and have logged over 115 hours of flight time. I have 

been piloting UAS aircraft for 20 months and have logged 325 hours of flight time as Pilot-In-Command (PIC). I 

have been operating radio controlled airplanes and helicopters for more than 18 years. In addition, I obtained 

my FAA Certified Private Pilots License in November of 2004 and have recently transitioned to a Sport pilot 

license. I have logged over 140 hours of PIC. Over that period of time I have owned and flown a Piper PA-32, 

King Air C-90 and a King Air 200 and recieved dual instruction in multi-engine aircraft as well as insturment 

training. I also have a current U.S. State of Illinois Drivers License. Taking advantage of being a licensed 

pilot, I use a programmable ICOM hand-held transceiver and report, prior to takeoff, my aircraft type, 

location, maximum altitude (AGL), and intended length of flight so that aircraft in my area will be 

informed of my presence. I keep the radio attached to my belt and monitor the appropriate frequency 

throughout each flight. I utilize a current Sectional Aeronautical Chart of the region where I fly to be aware 

of the various radio frequencies needed for my transceiver as well as my proximity to controlled 

airspace and all airports. I always fly in Class G airspace and do not fly within 5 miles of any towercontrolled airport. When I choose to fly within 5 miles of a smaller airport, I first contact the airport manager, 

explain my intentions and request authorization to fly. 

The Pilot In Command (PIC) and Visual Observer (VO) will carefully review all flight plans prior to any takeoff 

and will be in constant communication throughout any flight. The maximum altitude for any flight is 400 feet 

(AGL). All flights with the Inspire 1 are conducted within visual line of sight (VLOS). Favorable weather 

conditions is paramount in any of my flying. I strictly adhere to day-time only flying, with surface winds being 

below 15 mph, clouds at a minimum of 500 feet above my maximum flying altitude as well as 2000 feet 

horizontal clearance. 

I always perform a thorough pre-flight inspection prior to each flight, making sure that all parts of the 

aircraft and GCS are in good working order. I regularly change props and run periodic tests on the 

batteries to ensure they are in optimum condition. I carefully check each motor, making sure the props 

spin freely without any roughness or abnormal sound. It is my practice to review, on a regular basis, the Inspire 

1 Maintenance Manual and User Manual (both of these manuals are included in my petition as attachments). I 

maintain two logbooks - a pilot log and a maintenance log. I have provided more details 

about pre-flight inspection in the section on Safety Protocols and System Controls.