The Extent of relief Jeremy Blackwood seeks and the Reason He Seeks Such Relief

The Extent of relief Christopher Gardner seeks and the Reason He Seeks Such Relief: I, Christopher 

Gardner, submit this application in accordance with the Reform Act, 112 P.L. 95 §§ 331334, seeking 

relief from any currently applicable FARs operating to prevent me, Jeremy Blackwood, contemplated 

commercial cinematic, academic and other flight operations within the national airspace system. The 

Reform Act in Section 332 provides for such integration of civil unmanned aircraft systems into our 

national airspace system as it is in the public’s interest to do so. My ultra-light weight UAS meets the 

definition of “small unmanned aircraft” as defined in Section 331 and therefore the integration of my 

ultra-light weight UAS is expressly contemplated by the Reform Act. I would like to operate my ultralightweight UAS prior to the time period by which the Reform Act requires the FAA to promulgate rules 

governing such craft. Thereby, providing direct experience and valuable information for formal 

regulation that can be administered uniformly to all UAS aerial video and photography. The Reform Act 

guides the Secretary in determining the types of UASs that may operate safely in our national airspace 

system. Considerations include: The weight, size, speed and overall capabilities of the UAS's; Whether 

the UAS will be operated near airports or heavily populated areas; and, Whether the UAS will be 

operated by line of sight. 112 P.L. 95 § 333 (a). Each of these items reflect in favor of an exemption for 

me, Christopher Gardner. My UAS utilizes four (4) counter rotating propellers for balance, control and 

stability. My UAS is equipped with GPS and auto return safety technology. Weighing less than seven (7) 

pounds (far below the maximum 55-pound limit) ; including camera with gimbal. Jeremy Blackwood, 

Wyandotte MI Section 333 Exemption Petition I consider safety as foremost with each flight. My small 

unmanned aircraft is designed to hover in place via GPS and operate in less than a 10 m/s wind knot 

(approx. 22 mph) wind. For safety, stability and fear of financial loss I will not fly in winds exceeding 7 

m/s (15 mph). Built in safety systems include a GPS mode that allows my UAS to hover in place when 

radio controls are lost. With three modes to choose from, I utilize the Positioning Mode for aerial 3 

videography/photography. This is the safest, most reliable and stable mode to prevent accident and 

hazard. When pilot communication is lost UAS is designed slowly descend to point of takeoff, or near 

the control transmitter when utilizing Dynamic Mode. I do not operate my UAS near airports, Hospitals 

nor Police heliports, and do not operate near areas where general public is within fifty to one hundred 

(100) yards depending on location, conditions and weather. I am constantly on alert for any manned 

aircraft (Police/Medical helicopters, etc.) and prepared to land/abort immediately to the nearest and 

safest ground point should a manned aircraft approach my location or I suspect manned aircraft may 

approach near my location. My UAS is capable of vertical and horizontal operations, and are flown only 

within my line of sight, as the remote control pilot. Utilizing battery power rather than combustible 

fuels, flights generally last between eight (8) to twelve (12) minutes, with an altitude under two hundred 

fifty (250) feet. I utilize a fresh fully charged battery with each flight as a safety precaution; full flight 

time limit for each battery is eighteen (18) to twenty-two (22) minutes as tested. I do not operate my 

UAS at or below manufacture recommend minimum charge levels for operation; preferring to remain 

well within a safe operating range to insure adequate communication between radio control and UAS to 

eliminate potential for crash, loss of control or hazard. Reserve batteries are at hand with each exercise 

to insure replacement for sufficient safe level of operation. I do not believe in taking risk that may cause 

a crash, that could create hazard to the public/property/manned aircraft, and have no desire to lose an 

investment. I have clocked numerous practice flights in remote areas as a hobbyist simulating flights for 
future commercial use to gain familiarization with the characteristics of this specific UAS's performance 

under different temperature and weather conditions. I also practice computerized simulated flights to 

maintain adequate skills and response reflex time. All for the sake of safety. I am extremely cautious 

when operating of my UAS/ultra lightweight unmanned aircraft and will not “create a hazard to users of 

the national airspace system or the public.” 112 P.L. 95 § 333 (b). Given the small size and weight of my 

UAS it falls well within Congress’s contemplated safety zone when it promulgated the Reform Act and 

the corresponding directive to integrate UAS's into the national 3 Positing Mode includes GPS, Vision 

Positioning Sensors, and Barometer for position hold, selfleveling, altitude command, GPS, return home 

and dynamic return to home feature, and safety control to return home or land in the event of 

communication interruption between RC transmitter and UAS. See “Flight Mode” in Inspire 1 User 

Manual Christopher Gardner, Gainesville FL Section 333 Exemption Petition airspace system. My UAS, 

the DJI Inspire 1, used in hobby flight, has a demonstrable safety record and does not pose any threat to 

the general public or national security.