4125 Centurion Way, Suite 100, Addison, TX 75001 Ph: (888) 320-2411

October 13, 2014

U.S. Department of Transportation 

Docket Management System

1200 New Jersey Ave, SE.

Washington.

DC 20590

Exemption Request Under Section 333 of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act 

of 2012 and 14 C.F.R. Part 11

Dear Sir or Madam:

Aviation Unmanned (AU) requests exemptions from several provisions of the Federal 

Aviation Regulations (FAR) in accordance with Section 333 of the FAA Modernization 

and Reform Act of 2012. AU seeks exemption in order to commercially operate the 

Vanguard Defense Industries ShadowHawk rotary unmanned aircraft system (UAS) in 

remote and rural parts of US. ShadowHawk Pilots in Command hold a private pilot 

certificate as a minimum qualification. Operators are trained on the ShadowHawk 

following the OEM training guidelines and syllabus.

The ShadowHawk is a gas-powered rotary UAS operating with an electro-optical and 

thermal capable payload. The UAS operates under the control of a ground station 

where live video and telemetry from the aircraft are monitored. The ShadowHawk has a 

maximum take-off weight of 70 pounds, 7 feet length and 7 feet rotor diameter. The 

maximum cruising speed is 30 knots, maximum ceiling of 8000’ MSL and the datalink 

range is 5 miles with omni-directional antennas. The aircraft has technical, 

maintenance and checklist documentation from the OEM that will be strictly adhered to 

during the operation of the aircraft to provide a level of safety that is needed to operate 

in the NAS with the exemptions requested.

The ShadowHawk UAS is a safe and effective aircraft that would be used for aerial 

inspections of utility powerlines and pipelines operated in remote and sparsely 

populated areas where the safety of the National Airspace (NAS) would not be 

compromised. Combining the safety record, small scale of aircraft and the experience 

level of the licensed operators ensures commercial operations conducted with 

ShadowHawk will not pose a hazard to other users of the NAS or a threat to national 

security.

AU requests that should the application need further clarification or modification in order 

be granted approval that the FAA contact the applicant below:
4125 Centurion Way, Suite 100, Addison, TX 75001 Ph: (888) 320-2411

Eric Fay

Aviation Unmanned

4125 Centurion Way, Suite 100

Addison

Texas 75001

Ph: (972) 360-3121

AU requests the following exemptions under Section 333:

Part 21 Subpart H Airworthiness certification

14 C.F.R. § 45.23(b) Markings

14 C.F.R. § 61.113(a) and (b) Private pilot privileges

14 C.F.R. § 61.133(a) Commercial pilot privileges

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

14 C.F.R. § 91.105(a)(2) & (b) Flight crew members at stations

14 C.F.R. § 91.109(a) Instruction

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

14 C.F.R. § 91.203(a)(1) and (2) Civil aircraft certifications

14 C.F.R. § 91.207 Emergency location transmitters

14 C.F.R. § 91.405(a) Maintenance

14 C.F.R. § 91.407(a)(1) Operation after maintenance

14 C.F.R. § 91.409(a)(2) Inspections

14 C.F.R. § 91.417(a) Maintenance records

1. Extent of relief we seek and the reason we seek the relief

The request for these exemptions is for the use of our Unmanned Systems to provide 

aerial inspection and surveys. These inspections would include property and land 

surveys, tower inspections for early detection of failure and post-disaster aerial support. 

The technical manual, checklists and maintenance schedule are submitted with this 

application for reference in evaluating the following exemption requests:

Part 21 Subpart H.

Part 21 Subpart H prescribes procedural requirements for the issue of airworthiness 

certificates. AU requests exemption from this subpart to operate ShadowHawk without 

the requirement for an airworthiness certificate. ShadowHawk has been operational for 

3 years and has been granted COAs previously by the FAA to operate in support of law 
4125 Centurion Way, Suite 100, Addison, TX 75001 Ph: (888) 320-2411

enforcement. Given the rural areas in which ShadowHawk is proposed to be operate 

this exemption would not adversely affect safety or other users of the NAS.

14 C.F.R. § 45.23(b) - Display of marks; general.

As the proposed UAS does not have any entrances to the cockpit or cabin AU requests 

that in order to identify the aircraft as a restricted type the word “RESTRICTED” will be 

displayed in 2 inch lettering on either side of the fuselage.

14 C.F.R. § 61.113(a) and (b) Private pilot privileges and limitations: Pilot in 

command.

AU requests exemption from 14 C.F.R. § 61.113(a) and (b) to allow AU to commercially 

operate the ShadowHawk UAS with operators holding private pilot certificates. The 

operators whilst holding private pilot licenses would be trained by commercial pilots who 

are certified as instructors by the OEM. This process would achieve the level of safety 

required by operators in the NAS.

14 C.F.R. § 61.133(a) Commercial pilot privileges and limitations.

AU requests exemption from 14 C.F.R. § 61.133(a) in accordance with the above 

request enabling an operator with a private pilot certificate to operate the ShadowHawk 

UAS commercially. Based on aircraft simplicity, line of sight operations in sparsely 

populated areas this exemption would not degrade safety of operation of the NAS

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

AU requests an exemption from 14 C.F.R. § 91.7(a) and (b) as the aircraft would not 

have an airworthiness certificate when operating under the construct of this proposal. 

The highest safety level would be maintained following OEM operator and maintenance 

guidance with experienced operators as PIC. The rural area of operation will also allow 

risk to be mitigated in the operation of ShadowHawk.

14 C.F.R. § 91.105(a)(2) & (b) Flight crewmembers at stations.

AU requests exemption from 14 C.F.R. § 91.105(a)(2) & (b) as the crew operating the 

system will be at the controls of the ground station remote from the aircraft. The 

requirements under this section are not applicable in the construct of operation of 

ShadowHawk.
4125 Centurion Way, Suite 100, Addison, TX 75001 Ph: (888) 320-2411

14 C.F.R. § 91.109(a) Flight instruction; Simulated instrument flight and certain 

flight tests.

This section limits flight instruction to aircraft with dual controls. The UAS proposed 

does not have dual controls, AU requests exemption from the section in order to 

conduct training of operators. The instructors hold CPL and have CFI certificates with 

significant military and civil experience in manned and unmanned aircraft. This level of 

experience will ensure an equivalent level of safety is achieved with the instructor 

immediately able to directly take control of the UAS if it were required.

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

This section limits aircraft to a minimum altitude of 500’ unless over water or in a 

sparsely populated area. AU requests a waiver of this section as the proposed 

maximum altitude of the UAS will be 400 feet above ground level. The planned area of 

flights will be in un-congested areas with more detail provided in the COA filed detailing 

the proposed flight in accordance with the process under section 333.

14 C.F.R. § 91.203(a)(1) and (2) Civil aircraft: Certifications required.

Under the proposal AU would not be operating the UAS with an airworthiness certificate 

as requested under the exemption for Part 21 Subpart H. The exemption for this 

section is required as AU would not be able to display the airworthiness certificate in 

accordance with 14 C.F.R. § 91.203(a)(1) and (2).

14 C.F.R. § 91.207 Emergency Locator transmitters.

The ShadowHawk does not have an emergency locator transmitter fitted to the aircraft. 

This exemption is requested based on the aircraft being operated under line of sight 

only by the PIC and as such any crash of the UAS would be visual and the aircraft 

would be quickly located. The safety and intent under this section can be achieved with 

the crew maintaining line of sight at all times during operation. 

14 C.F.R. § 91.405(a) Maintenance required.

An exemption is requested as the section requires the aircraft be inspected in 

accordance with Part 43. The aircraft is a small UAS and will be operated in rural areas 

as requested in the COA application. The maintenance training for all operators is in 

accordance with OEM guidance. AU will follow the service intervals for the aircraft as 

directed by the OEM. The level of safety will be maintained given the simplicity of the 

aircraft and the experience level and qualification of the operators in manned and 

unmanned aircraft types.
4125 Centurion Way, Suite 100, Addison, TX 75001 Ph: (888) 320-2411

14 C.F.R. § 91.407(a)(1) Operation after maintenance.

AU requests exemption from this section as it references returning the aircraft to service 

under a person authorized under Part 43. The level of safety will be achieved by using 

OEM maintenance trained personnel to inspect the aircraft and a further aircraft 

problems will be resolved in consultation with manufacturer guidance.

14 C.F.R. § 91.409(a)(2) Inspections.

AU requests exemption from 14 C.F.R. § 91.409(a)(2) due to the aircraft not being 

operated with an airworthiness certificate as requested and therefore not requiring an 

inspection for issuance of an airworthiness certificate. The level of safety will be 

maintained by following OEM inspection and maintenance schedules using experienced 

operators.

14 C.F.R. § 91.417(a) Maintenance records.

An exemption for 14 C.F.R. § 91.417(a) is requested due to the references in keeping 

records in accordance with Part 43 and the maintenance schedule associated with Part 

43 and the aircraft airworthiness certificate. Records for the aircraft maintenance in 

accordance with OEM guidance will be maintained as closely to section 14 C.F.R. § 

91.417(a) as possible with work that is carried out on the aircraft to ensure safety is 

maintained at the same level expected under this section.

2. How our request would benefit the public as a whole

• UAS Integration Development

AU operation of UAS by licensed pilots will allow information to be gathered on the 

operation of commercial drones in the NAS. The level of training and experience, both 

military and commercial, of the operators ensures a safe level of UAS integration under 

this exemption into the NAS. The feedback from these early operations will provide the 

public and the FAA data to further allow development and implementation of rules and 

regulations of UAS operations in the NAS.

• Routine Inspections

With the routine inspection of power lines (distribution or transmission), cameras can 

identify arcing early which will allow timely repair to the affected area before they 

become a problem. This early identification will help maintain reliable service to 

customers. 

• Emergency Response
4125 Centurion Way, Suite 100, Addison, TX 75001 Ph: (888) 320-2411

After Hurricane Ike in 2008, much of Houston and Galveston was without power for over 

10 days. Lessons learned have been identified from this event, one of which was the 

lack of accurate, real time information. Thousands of personnel and trucks mobilized to 

survey and repair areas that turned out to be lightly damaged, while other heavily 

damaged areas heavily were left undiscovered for days. Identifying true problem areas 

will allow more accurate focus repair efforts and significantly decrease time to get power 

restored.

3. Reasons why the exemption would not adversely affect safety, or how the 

exemption would provide a level of safety at least equal to the existing rule

The areas to be covered are remote, sparsely populated, and thorough mission 

planning is undertaken before each flight. Current sectional charts are checked for 

airspace restrictions, NOTAMS, TFR’s, restricted airspace, and helicopter corridors. 

The aircraft will be flown to the below 400’ AGL, outside any controlled airspace and 

outside 3 miles from any airport IAW §91.126(d), but at all times at a minimum safe 

altitude to allow for obstacle and terrain clearance. 

AU operates a robust safety observer program, and if required our aircraft can be 

monitored by Aviation Unmanned personnel who at a minimum possess private pilot 

certificates. 

4. Summary to publish in the Federal Register 

Pursuant to 14 C.F.R. § 11.81(f), the following summary is provided for publication in 

the Federal Register, should the FAA determine that publication is needed: 

Docket No.: No. FAA-2014-____ 

Petitioner: Aviation Unmanned. 

Section of 14 CFR: Part 21 Subpart H, 14 C.F.R. § 45.23(b), 14 C.F.R. § 61.113(a) and 

(b), 14 C.F.R. § 61.133(a), 14 C.F.R. § 91.7(a) and (b), 14 C.F.R. § 91.105(a)(2) & (b), 

14 C.F.R. § 91.109(a), 14 C.F.R. § 91.119, 14 C.F.R. § 91.203(a)(1) and (2), 14 C.F.R. 

§ 91.207, 14 C.F.R. § 91.405(a), 14 C.F.R. § 91.407(a)(1), 14 C.F.R. § 91.409(a)(2), 14 

C.F.R. § 91.417(a).

Description of Relief Sought: Aviation Unmanned is seeking an exemption to conduct 

commercial agriculture, powerline survey, and patrol operations using unmanned 

vehicles in remote areas of the continental United States.

5. Additional information, views, or arguments available to support our request

AU have established standard operating procedures within our company to enable safe 

and effective use of our unmanned systems in any situation. Our operations and these 

standards are based on our extensive military flying experience in the MQ-1B and MQ-9 

systems for nearly 18 years combined, and we will comply with 14 CFR to the maximum 

extent possible. Furthermore, our operations are safe, efficient, and will assist the

public and FAA in developing operating regulation for UAS.

Certifications and Training
4125 Centurion Way, Suite 100, Addison, TX 75001 Ph: (888) 320-2411

· Our pilots all hold current FAA Private Pilot certificates and a minimum of FAA 

Second Class medicals.

· Many of our pilots hold Commercial, CFI, MEI, and ATP certificates as well as 

current military qualifications on unmanned aircraft.

· Our pilots have completed rigorous training for the systems we operate including 

academics, simulators, and flight training. These courses, developed by Aviation 

Unmanned in conjunction with manufacturers, provide our pilots the best training 

possible to operate our systems. This also includes emergency procedure 

training and evaluation, experience building with a qualified instructor, and 

initial/recurring flight evaluations.

Currency and Proficiency

· Our pilots maintain currency and proficiency in accordance with a company 

specific Aircrew Proficiency Program. If crew members lapse on currency, they 

are not able to perform flying duties until completion of either (depending on how 

long they have been non-current): at least one flight with a qualified instructor or 

re-training and completion of a flight review by a qualified instructor.

Flight Operations

· Operations will take place during daytime VMC. Airspace would be limited to 

class E and G. The aircraft will remain in visual LOS at all times. Altitude of the 

aircraft will be restricted to 400 feet above ground level.

· AU operators abide by a “sterile cockpit” rule anytime one of the following three 

criteria are met:

 Presets or Landing checklists have started

 Altitude is less than 150’ AGL or 

 Aircraft position is 0.25 nm or less from the ground control station.

· Each flight is operated under the crew concept, and there are always two fully 

qualified pilots in the crew. The Pilot in Command is responsible for flying the 

aircraft and ensuring the safety of flight operations, the Second in Command is 

responsible for operating the payload and providing input to the PIC. In the event 

of PIC incapacitation the SIC can step in and safely land the aircraft. 

Regulations Adherence

· AU crews are required to adhere to 14 CFR §91.17 (Alcohol or Drugs) and 14 

CFR §121.471 (Flight time limitations and rest requirements: All flight crew 

members)

Aircraft

· The system we will use to perform these inspections are proven, reliable 

systems. The technical manual, checklists and maintenance schedule are 

submitted with this application.

· ShadowHawk aircraft have detailed Lost Comm plans that, in the event of a loss 

of communication, will bring the aircraft back at a specific altitude, position, and 

airspeed. 
4125 Centurion Way, Suite 100, Addison, TX 75001 Ph: (888) 320-2411

 Operators can set them to automatically land in a cleared area or hover 

over the cleared area while working to restore communications. 

 Operators set the Lost Comm plan routing to avoid populated areas and 

major roads.

6. Reasons why you want to exercise the privileges of our exemption outside the 

United States

We do not currently intend on exercising these privileges out of the United States.

Please contact me if there are any questions or issues regarding this request.