flythefarm Aerial Productions

615 W Richwoods Blvd., Peoria, IL 61604

TELEPHONE: 970.222.9524

Oct 30th, 2015

U.S. Department of Transportation

Docket Management System

1200 New Jersey Avenue SE 

Washington, D.C. 20590

Re: Exemption Request; Section 333 of the FAA Modernization & Reform Act

and Part 11 of the Federal Aviation Regulations from 14 C.F.R. 45.23(b); 14 CFR Part 21; 

14 CFR 61.113 (a) & (b); 91.7 (a); 91.9 (b) (2); 91.103(b); 91.109; 91.119; 91.121; 91.151 

(a); 91.203(a) & (b); 91.405 (a); 91.407(a) (1 ); 91.409 (a) (2); 91.417 (a) & (b).

Dear Sir or Madam:

Petitioner hereby petitions the Secretary of Transportation and Federal Aviation 

Administration ("FAA") for exemption to the above referenced and below more fully 

described Federal Aviation Regulations, ("FARs") that currently may or may not apply to 

the recreational/business operations of model aircraft including small unmanned aerial

vehicles/systems ("SUAVs").

1. Prefatory Statement to Petition

In June, 1981, the FAA published an advisory circular, AC 91-57, (an advisory

publication giving non-regulatory information/guidance. Advisory circulars do not create

or change regulations and are not binding on the public.) AC 91-57 was entitled "Model 

Aircraft Operating Standards" and gave non-regulatory suggestions to model aircraft 
operators on suggested procedures for operating their models. This was the sole 

publication by the FAA which addressed model aircraft and SUAVs for the next nearly

25 years.

In September 2005, the FAA appeared to turn its attention toward 

unprecedented attempts at regulating model aircraft specifically the more modern 

SUAVs. The FAA, for the first time in history now termed these devises as Unmanned 

Aerial Systems ("UAS") seemingly to align with their attempts at enforcement. The FAA 

published "AFS-400 UAS POLICY 05-01 -Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operations in

the U. S. National Airspace System-Interim Operational Approval Guidance." This 

interim internal FAA memo expressly confirms that "[t]his policy is not meant as a 

substitute for any regulatory process." Still, it purported to "require" a Certificate of 

Authorization ("COA") or Waiver to use SUAVs. The new FAA policy relied on 

legal/regulatory "authority" on the non-regulatory, AC 91-57. Ill

In February, 2007 the FAA, published a 2007 "policy statement" in the Federal 

Register. The 2007 Policy Statement starts by defining ".unmanned aircraft" as "a device 

that is used, or intended to be used, for flight in the air with no onboard pilot" and it 

purported to include "a remotely controlled model airplane used for recreational 

purposes." The FAA termed these devices UAS and then purported to articulate the

new FAA "policy" for "UAS" operations was that "no person may operate a "UAS" in the

National Airspace System without specific authority." For the first time ever, the 2007

Notice purported to articulate two new alleged "rules": (1) Model aircraft can no longer 

be operated for a "business" purpose; and (2) a Model aircraft operated for a business

purpose requires a COA, or special Certificate of Operating Authority and therefore is 

subject to the FARs.
Thereafter, beginning in 2007, and continuing to present, apparently based on 

these two new FAA internal "policies" and without citing to any actual federal law, or 

FARs, the FAA then sent various cease and desist notices to model aircraft SUAV 

operators describing the COA process and threatening to impose a $10,000 fine if they 

did not comply with the new FAA policies which the FAA indicated created a "ban" on 

using SUAVs for any "business purpose."

In 2012, following the FAA's attempts to regulate using internal policy memos, 

Congress enacted the Federal Aviation Administration Reform and Modernization Act, 

["FRMA"]. The FRMA allows the Secretary of Transportation to "exempt" SUAVs from 

existing Federal Law, FARs to the extent any federal law or FAR actually currently applies 

to SUAVs. Petitioner at all times has and operates his SUAVs following the safety

guidelines of AC 91-57.

2. Petition for Exemption

With the above preface, pursuant to Section 333 of the FAA Modernization and

Reform Act of 2012 ("FMRA") and 14 C.F.R. Part 11, flythefarm, developer and operator of Small 

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles ("SUAVs") equipped to conduct aerial photography/videography included 

but not limited to the following; Business Operations: over land, water-ways, and oceans; operation 

over/in non-restricted National Parks, National Forests, flight in non-navigable airspace, using nonintrusive recording devices, operation in otherwise unrestricted U.S. States/Territories hereby applies 

for an exemption from the listed Federal Aviation Regulations ("FARs") to allow commercial operation 

of its SUAVs, so long as such operations are conducted within and under the conditions outlined herein 

or as may be established by the FAA as required by Section 333. As described more fully below, the 

requested exemption would permit the operation of SUAVs under controlled conditions in airspace that 

is 1) limited; 2) predetermined; and 3) controlled as to access. The exemption would also provide
safety enhancements to the already safe operations within the aerial photography, film and television 

industry presently using conventional aircraft and small, unmanned and relatively inexpensive SUAVs.

Approval of this exemption would thereby enhance safety and fulfill the Secretary of 

Transportation's (the FAA Administrator's) responsibilities to" ... establish requirements for 

the safe operation of such aircraft systems in the national airspace system." Section 333(c) 

of the FMRA.

3. Name and Address of the Petitioner

flythefarm Aerial Productions

Attn: Andrew Hoerr

Ph: 970.222.9524

Email: flythefarm@gmail.com

Address: 615 W Richwoods Blvd., Peoria, IL 61604

4. Regulations Petitioner Petitions for Exemption, If Such Regulations Apply to SUAVs

14 C.F.R Part 21 14 C.F.R. 91.109 14 C.F.R 91.405 (a)

14 C.F.R. 45.23(b) 14 C.F. R. 91.119 14 C.F.R 407 (a) (1)

14 C.F.R 61.113 (a) & (b) 14 C.F.R. 91.121 14 C.F.R 409 (a) (2)

14 C.F.R. 91.7 (a) 14 C.F.R 91.151 (a) 14 C.F.R 417 (a) & (b)

14 C.F.R 91.9 (b) (2) 14 C.F.R 91.203 (a) & (b)14 C.F.R. 91.103

This exemption application is expressly submitted to fulfill Congress' goal in 

passing Section 333 (a) through (c) of the Reform Act. This law directs the Secretary of 

Transportation to consider whether certain unmanned aircraft systems may operate 

safely in the national airspace system ("NAS") before completion of the rulemaking 

required under Section 332 of the FMRA. In making this determination, the Secretary is 

required to determine which types of SUAVs/UASs do not create a hazard to users of the 

NAS, or the public, or pose a threat to national security in light of the following:
A. The SUAVs size, weight, speed, and operational capability;

B. Operation of the SUAVs in close proximity to airports and populated areas;

C. Operation of the SUAVs within visual line of sight of the operator. FMRA §333 (a).

Lastly, if the Secretary determines that such vehicles "may operate safely in the 

national airspace system, the Secretary shall establish requirements for the safe operation 

of such aircraft in the national airspace system." /d. §333(c) (emphasis added). The 

Petitioner interprets this provision to place the duty on the Secretary/FAA

Administrator to not only process applications for exemptions under section 333, but for the 

Secretary/Administrator to affirmatively craft conditions for the safe operation of the 

SUAVs, if it should be determined that the conditions set forth herein do not fulfill the 

statutory requirements for approval.

The Federal Aviation Act expressly grants the Secretary/FAA Administrator the 

authority to issue exemptions. This statutory authority, by its terms, includes exempting 

civil aircraft, as the term is defined under §401 01 of the Act, which currently may or 

hereafter may include SUAVs, from the requirement that all civil aircraft must have a

current airworthiness certificate.

The Secretary/FAA Administrator may grant an exemption from a requirement of

a regulation prescribed under subsection (a) or (b) of this section or any sections

44702-44716 of this title if the Secretary/FAA Administrator finds the exemption in the 

public interest. 49 U.S.C. 44701 (f). See also 49 U.S.C 44711 (a); 49 U.S.C 44704; 14

C.F.R 91.203 (a) (1 ).

The flythefarm’s SUAVs are multi-rotorcraft equipped with an on

board NAZA computer stabilization controller and GPS, weighting 55 lbs or less and most 

typically less than 20 lbs., including camera/payload. They operate, under normal 

conditions, at speeds of 5-40 KIAS and at a speed of no more than 50 KIAS and have
the capability to hover and move in the vertical and horizontal plane independently/ 

simultaneously. They will operate in line of sight and will operate only within the areas 

described herein. Such operations will insure that the SUAVs will "not create a hazard to 

users of the NAS or the "public" as described in the FMRA §333(b).

Given the small size of the SUAVs involved, and the limited environment within 

which they will operate, the Petitioner falls squarely within that zone of safety (an 

equivalent level of safety) in which Congress envisioned that the FAA must, by exemption, 

allow commercial operations of SUAVS to commence immediately. Also, due to the size 

of the SUAVs and the restricted areas in which the relevant SUAVs will operate, approval 

of the application presents no national security issue.

Given the clear direction in FMRA §333, the authority contained in the Federal 

Aviation Act, as amended, the strong equivalent level of safety surrounding the proposed 

operations, and the significant public benefit, including enhanced safety, reduction in 

environmental impacts (including reduced emissions associated with allowing SUAVs for 

filming operations rather than full-sized aircraft, the grant of the

requested exemptions is in the public interest. Accordingly, the Petitioner respectfully

requests that the FAA grant the requested exemption without delay.

5. Limitations and Conditions

The Petitioner proposes that the exemption requested herein be issued pursuant 

the limitations and conditions listed herein. These conditions/limitations provide for an 

even higher level of safety to operations under the current regulatory structure which apply 

to actual certificated aircraft because the proposed operations represent a safety 

enhancement to the already very safe SUAVs filming operations conducted by recreational 

SUAVs and conventional aircraft.
These limitations and conditions to which flythefarm agrees to be bound 

when conducting business/commercial operations under this FAA issued exemption 

include:

A. The SUAVs maximum take-off weight ("MTOW") will be less than 55 lbs., 

usually less than 25 lbs.

B. Flights will be operated within the line of sight of the Operator and/or observer. 

Maximum total flight time for each operational flight will be 60 minutes or less. Flights will 

be terminated and not less than 10% battery power reserve, which should that occur prior 

to the 60 minute limit.

C. The Operator may designate and supervise another experienced SUAV

operator to operate the SUAVs subject to the supervision and direction of the Operator.

D. Flights will be operated at an altitude of no more than 400 feet above ground 

level ("AGL") underneath navigable airspace. Minimum crew for each business

operation will consist of the SUAVs' Operator, the Visual Observer/Camera Operator, if 

required for the operation. Flights will not be operated in Class A, B, C, or D airspace but 

may be operated in class E and G airspace, provided the SUAVs Operator/Observer 

maintains visual line of sight with the SUAVs and safe separation from actual certificated 

aircraft in the airspace.

E. Briefing will be conducted in regard to the planned SUAVs operations prior to 

each day's production activities. It will be mandatory that all personnel who will be either 

Operator or Visual Observer/Camera Operator be present for this briefing. The Operator 

will review weather, flight battery requirements, landing and takeoff distances and aircraft 

performance data before initiation of flight. The SUAVs and batteries to be used will be 

safety inspected prior to flight using appropriate checklists.
F. The Operator will attempt to obtain the consent of all persons involved in the 

filming and ensure that only consenting persons will be allowed within 25 feet of the

flight operation.

G. Operator and observer/camera operator will have been trained in operation of

SUAVs generally and received up-to-date information on the particular SUAVs to be operated.

H. Operator and Observer/Camera Operator shall at all times during flight operation, be in direct

voice/radio communication.

I. Written and/or oral permission from the relevant property holders may be

obtained. All required permissions and permits may be obtained from territorial, state, 

county or city jurisdictions, including local law enforcement, fire, or other appropriate 

governmental agencies. If the SUAVs loses communications or loses its GPS signal,

the UAS will have capability to return to home/pre-determined location within the

Security Perimeter and land.

J. The SUAVs will have the capability to abort a flight, in case of unpredicted

obstacles oremergencies. The Operator shall carry/use appropriate LIPO battery

protective bags and fire extinguishing equipment.

6. Description of Regulations Which May Apply From Which Petitioner Requests

Exception 14 C.F.R. Part 21, Subpart H: Airworthiness Certificates 14 C.F.R. §91.203 (a) (1)

Subpart H, entitled Airworthiness Certificates, establishes the procedural requirements for 

the issuance of airworthiness certificates as required by FAR §91.203 (a) (1). Given the size 

and limited operating area associated with the SUAVs to be utilized by the Petitioner, an 

exemption from Part 21 Subpart H meets the requirements of an equivalent level of safety 

under Part 11 and Section 333 of the FMRA. The Federal Aviation Act (49 U.S.C.§44701 (f)) 

and Section 333 of the FMRA both authorize the FAA to exempt aircraft from the 
requirement for an airworthiness certificate, upon consideration of the size, weight, speed, 

operational capability, and proximity to airports and populated areas of the particular 

SUAVs. In all cases, an analysis of these criteria demonstrates that the UAS operated 

without an airworthiness certificate, in the restricted environment and under the 

conditions proposed will be at least as safe, or safer, than a conventional aircraft (fixed 

wing or rotorcraft) operating with an airworthiness certificate without the restrictions and 

conditions proposed.

The SUAVs to be operated hereunder is less than 55 lbs. fully loaded, is by 

definition unmanned and carries neither a pilot nor passenger, carries no explosive 

materials or flammable liquid fuels, and operates exclusively within a limited flight area. 

Unlike other civil aircraft, operations under this exemption will be tightly controlled and 

monitored by the Operator and will also remain within the requirements of, and in 

compliance with, local public safety requirements. These safety enhancements, which 

already apply to civil aircraft provide a greater degree of safety to the public and

property owners than conventional operations conducted with airworthiness certificates 

issued under 14 C.F.R. Part 21, Subpart H. Lastly, application of these same criteria 

demonstrates that there is no credible threat to national security posed by the UAS due

to its size, speed of operation, location of operation, lack of explosive materials or 

flammable liquid fuels, and inability to carry a substantial external load.

14 C.F.R. § 45.23 (b). Marking of the Aircraft

The regulation requires; When marks include only the Roman capital letter "N" 

and the registration number is displayed on limited, restricted or light-sport category 

aircraft or experimental or provisionally certificated aircraft, the operator must also 

display on that aircraft near each entrance to the cabin, cockpit, or pilot station, in letters 
not less than 2 inches nor more than 6 inches high, the words "limited," "restricted," 

"light-sport," "experimental," or "provisional," as applicable.

Even though the SUAVs will have no airworthiness certificate, an exemption may 

be needed as the SUAVs will have no entrance to the cabin, cockpit or pilot station on 

which the word "Experimental" can be placed. Given the size of the SUAVs, two-inch 

lettering will be impossible. The word "Experimental" will be placed on the fuselage in 

compliance with §45.29 (f). The equivalent level of safety will be provided by having the 

SUAVs marked on its fuselage as required by §45.29 (f) where the pilot, observer and 

others working with the SUAVs will see the identification of the SUAVs as

"Experimental." The FAA has issued the following exemptions to this regulation to

Exemptions Nos. 10700, 8738, 10167 and 10167 A.

14 C.F.R. § 61.113 (a) & (b): Private Pilot Privileges and Limitations: Operator.

Sections 61.113 (a) & (b) limit private pilots to non-commercial operations. 

Because the SUAVs is unmanned and will not carry a pilot or passengers, the proposed 

operations can achieve the equivalent level of safety of current operations by requiring 

the Operator operating the aircraft to have a FAA ground school course rather than a 

commercial pilot's license to operate this small SUAVs. Unlike a conventional aircraft that 

carries the pilot and passengers, the SUAVs is remotely controlled with no living

thing on board. The area of operation is controlled and restricted, and all flights are 

planned and coordinated in advance. The level of safety provided by the requirements 

included herein exceed that provided by a single individual holding a commercial pilot's 

certificate operating a conventional aircraft. The risks associated with the operation of 

the SUAVs are so diminished from the level of risk associated with commercial operations 

contemplated by Part 61 when drafted, that allowing operations of the SUAVs as 
requested with a private pilot as the Operator exceeds the present level of safety 

achieved by 14 C.F.R. §61.113 (a) & (b).

14 C.F.R. §91.7(a): Civil aircraft airworthiness.

The regulation requires that no person may operate a civil aircraft unless it is in 

airworthy condition. As there will be no airworthiness certificate issued for the aircraft, 

should this exemption be granted, no FAA regulatory standard will exist for determining 

airworthiness. Given the size of the aircraft and the requirements contained herein for the 

use of safety check lists prior to each flight, an equivalent level of safety will be provided.

14 C.F.R. § 91.9 (b) (2): Civil Aircraft Flight Manual in the Aircraft.

Section 91.9 (b) (2) provides: No person may operate a U.S.-registered civil 

aircraft.

(2) For which an Airplane or Rotorcraft Flight Manual is not required by §21.5 of 

this chapter, unless there is available in the aircraft a current approved airplane or 

Rotorcraft Flight Manual, approved manual material, markings, and placards, or any 

combination thereof.

The SUAVS, given its size and configuration has no ability or place to carry such a 

flight manual on the aircraft, not only because there is no pilot on board, but because 

there is no room or capacity to carry such an item on the aircraft.

The equivalent level of safety will be maintained by keeping the SUAVs

operation manual and appropriate checklists at the ground control point where the pilot 

flying the SUAVs will have immediate access to it. The FAA has issued the following 

exemptions to this regulation: Exemption Nos. 8607, 8737, 8738, 9299, 9299A, 9565,

95658, 10167, 10167A, 10602, 32827, and 10700.
14 C.F.R. 91.103: Pre-flight action

This regulation requires each pilot in command to take certain actions before flight 

to insure the safety of flight. As FAA approved rotorcraft flight manuals will not be 

provided for the aircraft an exemption will be needed. An equivalent level of safety will be 

provided as set forth hereinabove. The Operator will take all actions including reviewing 

weather, flight battery requirements, landing and takeoff distances and aircraft 

performance data before initiation of flight using appropriate checklists.

14 C.F.R. 91.109: Flight instruction

Section 91.103 provides that no person may operate a civil aircraft (except a 

manned free balloon) that is being used for flight instruction unless that aircraft has fully 

functioning dual controls.

SUAVs and remotely piloted aircraft, by their design do not have fully functional 

dual controls. Flight control is accomplished through the use of a radio transmitter that 

communicates with the aircraft via a receiver in the SUAVs. The FAA has approved 

exemptions for flight training without fully functional dual controls for a number of 

aircraft and for flight instruction in experimental aircraft. See Exemption Nos.5778K &

9862A. The equivalent level of safety provided by the fact that neither a pilot nor 

passengers will be carried in the aircraft and by the size and speed of the aircraft.

14 C.F.R. 91.119: Minimum safe altitudes

Section 91.119 establishes safe altitudes for operation of civil aircraft. Section

91.119 (d) allows helicopters to be operated at less than the minimums prescribed, 

provided the person operating the helicopter complies with any route or altitudes 

prescribed for helicopters by the FAA. This exemption is for a SUAVS and the 

exemption requests authority to operate at altitudes up to 400 AGL underneath 
navigable airspace and in class E and G airspace maintaining safe separation from 

actual aircraft, an exemption may be needed to allow such operations.

The equivalent level of safety will be achieved given the size, weight, speed of 

the UAS as well as the location where it is operated. No flight will be taken without the 

permission of the property owner or local officials. Because of the advance notice to the 

property owner and participants in the filming activity, attempts will be made to contact 

all affected individuals regarding the planned flight operations. Compared to

flight operations with aircraft or rotorcraft weighting far more than the maximum 551bs. 

proposed herein, and the lack of flammable fuel, any risk associated with these operations 

is far less than those presently presented with conventional aircraft. In addition, the lowaltitude operations of the SUAVs will ensure separation between these SUAVs operations 

and the operations of conventional aircraft that must comply with Section 91.119.

14 C.F.R. 91.121 Altimeter Settings

This regulation requires each person operating an aircraft to maintain cruising 

altitude by reference to an altimeter that is set " ... to the elevation of the departure 

airport or an appropriate altimeter setting available before departure." As the SUAVs may 

not have a barometric altimeter, but instead a GPS altitude read out, an exemption may 

be needed. An equivalent level of safety will be achieved by the operator,

pursuant to the Manual and Safety Check list, confirming the altitude of the launch site 

shown on the GPS altitude indicator before flight.

14 C.F.R. 91.151(a): Fuel Requirements for Flight in VFR Conditions

Section 91.151 (a) prohibits an individual from beginning "a flight in an airplane 

under VFR conditions unless (considering wind and forecast weather conditions) there
is enough fuel to fly to the first point of intended landing, and, assuming normal cruising 

speed - (1) During the day, to fly after that for at least 30 minutes; or (2) At night, to fly 

after that for at least 45 minutes."

The battery powering the SUAVs provides approximately between 10-60 minutes of 

powered flight. To meet the 30 minute reserve requirement in 14 CFR §91.151,

SUAVs flights would be limited to approximately 10 minutes in length. Given the 

limitations on the SUAVs proposed flight area and the location of its proposed

operations within a predetermined area, a longer time frame for flight in daylight or night

VFR conditions is reasonable.

Petitioner believes that an exemption from 14 CFR §91.151 (a) falls within the 

scope of prior exemptions. See Exemption 10673 (allowing Lockheed Martin Corporation 

to operate without compliance with FAR 91.151 (a)). Operating the SUAVs in controlled 

area where only people and property owners or official representatives who have signed 

waivers will be allowed, with less than 30 minutes of flight operation time, does not give 

rise to the type of risks that Section 91.151 (a) was intended to alleviate particularly given 

the size and speed of the SUAVs. Additionally, limiting

SUAV flights to 20 minutes would greatly reduce the utility for which the exemption will 

be granted.

Petitioner believes that an equivalent level of safety can be achieved by limiting 

flights to 60 minutes or no less than 10% of battery power, whichever happens first.

This restriction would be more than adequate to return the SUAVs to its planned 

landing zone from anywhere within its limited operating area.

Similar exemptions have been granted to other operations, including Exemptions

2689F, 5745, 10673, and 10808.
14 C.F.R. 91.203 (a) and (b): Carrying Civil Aircraft Certification and Registration

The regulation provides in pertinent part:

(a) Except as provided in§ 91.715, no person may operate a civil aircraft unless it 

has within it the following:

(1) An appropriate and current airworthiness certificate ....

(b) No person may operate a civil aircraft unless the airworthiness certificate 

required by paragraph (a) of this section or a special flight authorization issued under

§91.715 is displayed at the cabin or cockpit entrance so that it is legible to passengers or 

crew.

The SUAVs fully loaded weighs no more than 55 lbs., and typically less than 20 

lbs., and is operated without an onboard pilot. As such, there is no ability or place to 

carry certification and registration documents or to display them on the SUAVs.

An equivalent level of safety will be achieved by keeping these documents at the 

ground control point where the operator/pilot flying the SUAVs will have immediate access 

to them, to the extent they are applicable to the SUAVs. The FAA has issued numerous 

exemptions to this regulation. A representative sample of other exceptions includes 

Exemption Nos. 9565, 9665, 9789, 9789A, 9797, 9797 A, 9816A, and 10700.

14 C.F.R. 91.405 (a); 407 (a) (1); 409 (a) (2); 417(a) & (b): Maintenance Inspections

These regulations require that an aircraft operator or owner "shall have that 

aircraft inspected as prescribed in subpart E of this part and shall between required 

inspections, except as provided in paragraph© of this section, have discrepancies repaired 

as prescribed in part 43 of this chapter ... ," and others shall inspect or maintain the aircraft 

in compliance with Part 43.

Given that these section and Part 43 apply only to aircraft with an airworthiness 

certificate, and the requirements of pre-flight inspection required herein, these sections 
will not apply to the applicant. Routine and pre-flight maintenance will be accomplished 

by the operator. An equivalent level of safety will be achieved because these SUAVs

are very limited in size and will carry a very small payload and operate only in restricted 

areas for limited periods of time. If mechanical issues arise the SUAVs can land 

immediately and given its small size poses very little risk to persona or property. The 

operator will ensure that the SUAVs is in working order prior to initiating flight, perform 

required maintenance, and keep a log of any maintenance performed. Moreover, the 

operator is the person most familiar with the aircraft and best suited to maintain the 

aircraft in an airworthy condition to provide the equivalent level of safety.

7. Publication Summary

Pursuant to 14 C.F.R. Part 11, the following summary is provided for publication in 

the Federal Register, should it be determined that publication is needed:

Petitioner seeks an exemption from the following rules:

14 C.F.R. 21, subpart H; 14 C.F.R 45.23(b);14 C.F.R. 61.113( a) & (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); 91.409 (a) (2) and 91.417 (a) & (b) to 

operate commercially a SUAVS vehicle (55lbs or less) for Aerial Photography 

Operations.

Approval of exemptions allowing commercial operations of SUAVs for aerial 

photography/videography for the following; Business Operations: over land, water-ways, 

and oceans; operation over/in non restricted National Parks, National Forests, flight in 

non-navigable airspace, using non-intrusive recording devices, operation in otherwise

unrestricted US States/Territories will enhance safety by reducing risk. Conventional

film operations, using jet or piston power aircraft, operate at extremely low altitudes, just 

feet from the subject being filmed, and in extreme proximity to people and structures;
and present the risks associated with vehicles that weigh in the neighborhood of 4,000 

lbs., carrying large amounts of jet A or other fuel. In addition such actual certificated 

aircraft must fly to and from the film location. In contrast, a SUAVs weighing fewer than

55 lbs., and powered by batteries rather than fuel, eliminates virtually all of that risk. 

The SUAV is driven/carried to the film set, not flown. The SUAVS will carry no

passengers or crew and, therefore, will not expose any crew to the risks associated with 

manned aircraft flights.

The operation of SUAVs, weighing less than 55 lbs., conducted in the strict 

conditions outlined above, will provide at least an equivalent level of safety supporting 

the grant of the exemptions requested herein, including exempting the Petitioner from 

the requirements of Part 21 and allowing commercial operations. These lightweight 

aircraft operate at slow speeds, close to the ground, and in a line of sight, relatively 

sterile environment and are, as a result, far safer than conventional operations

conducted with actual aircraft/helicopters operating in close proximity to the ground and 

people.

8. Privacy

All business/commercial flights which occur over private or controlled access 

property will be with the property owner's prior consent and knowledge. Filming will be of 

people who have also consented to being filmed or otherwise have agreed to be in the 

area where filming will take place. Petitioner will not infringe on any individual or 

landowner privacy rights.

Limited nighttime operations may be conducted. Nighttime as defined FARs in

Section is as follows 1.1. "Night means the time between the end of evening civil twilight 

and the beginning of morning civil twilight, as published in the American Air Almanac, 

converted to local time." Night operations may be conducted by the SUAVs following
the guidelines above and provided such operations have sufficient lighting so that 

Petitioner/Operator maintains visual line of sight. Allowing SUAVs this exemption will 

provide a far safer nighttime filming alternative to the current full size aircraft operations.

9. Conclusion

The FAA's purported "ban" on business/commercial Model Aircraft/UAVs 

operations has actually had the current effect of causing American skies to be less 

safe. There are many actual certificated pilots who are exceptionally qualified to fly

model aircraft/SUAVs with their model aircraft/SUAVs experience, private, commercial or 

ATP pilot training, licenses and instructor ratings. However, these experienced operators 

and licensed pilots familiar with the FARs, airspace and safe operating procedures are 

currently reluctant to commercially operate model aircraft/SUAVs or be involved, for fear 

of the FAA seeking an enforcement action against them or their actual pilot's licenses.

Presently, during the pendency of these issues in the Pirker case, it defies safety or 

regulatory logic that according to the FAA's current alleged "ban" on business operations 

of SUAVs, your average enthusiastic 12 year old, who's well meaning Father bought him a 

quadcopter SUAV equipped with a camera, can operate his SUAV wherever he wants and 

take whatever recreational video/pictures subject only to the suggestions of FAA AC 91-57 

and yet an FAA certificated private/commercial/ATP pilot cannot be paid to use far higher 

quality and equipped SUAVs to take an aerial photo, search for missing persona or aerially 

inspect a farmer's field, despite the significant improvement in safety over non-pilots 

operating SUAVs recreationally and real aircraft used for aerial photography.

Satisfaction of the criteria provided in Section 333 of the FMRA of 2012, and 

requiring the SUAV's Operator to have or obtain medical a certificate and an actual pilot's 

license and considering the small size, weight, speed, operating capabilities, limited 

operations in proximity to airports and populated areas and operation within visual line 
of sight and national security-all of which provide more than adequate justification for 

the grant of the requested exemptions allowing business /commercial operation of 

applicant's SUAVs for aerial photography/videography as requested herein. If this firm 

can be of any further assistance in processing this request, or you have any other 

questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me directly, in writing. 

flythefarm

Andrew Hoerr