4125 Centurion W ay , Suite 100, Addison, TX 75001 Ph: (888) 320
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October 13, 2014 U.S. Department of Transportation Docket Management System 1200 New Jersey Ave, SE. Wa shington. DC 20590 **Exemption Request Under Section 333 of the FAA Modernization and Reform A** **ct of 2012 and 14 C.F.R. Part 11**  Dear Sir or Madam: Avia tion 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 Defen se 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 g uidelines 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 techni cal, 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 a nd 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, smal l 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 W ay , Suite 100, Addison, TX 75001 Ph: (888) 320
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Eric Fay Aviation Unmanned 4125 Centurion Wa y, Suite 100 Addison Texas 75001 Ph: (972) 360
- 3121 AU requests the following exemptions under Se ction 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 airworthin ess 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 techn ical 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 certi ficates. 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 law4125 Centurion W ay , Suite 100, Addison, TX 75001 Ph: (888) 320
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enfo rcement. 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. § 61.1 33(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 degrad e 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 prop osal. 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 applica ble in the construct of operation of ShadowHawk.4125 Centurion W ay , Suite 100, Addison, TX 75001 Ph: (888) 320
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**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 e nsure 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’ un less 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 t he 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 fol low 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 W ay , Suite 100, Addison, TX 75001 Ph: (888) 320
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**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 th is 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 Wi th 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 Response4125 Centurion W ay , Suite 100, Addison, TX 75001 Ph: (888) 320
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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 w**  **hy**

**the exemption w ould 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 he licopter 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 opera tes 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 foll owing 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. Ad**  **ditional information, view s, 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 Training4125 Centurion W ay , Suite 100, Addison, TX 75001 Ph: (888) 320
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· 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 certificate s 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 wi th 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 an d 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 t hey 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 Com mand 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 bac k at a specific altitude, position, and airspeed.4125 Centurion W ay , 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 a nd major roads.
**6. Reasons w**  **hy**

**y ou w**  **ant to exercise the privileges of our exemption outside the United States**  Wedo not currently intend on exercising these privileges out of the United States.
Please contact me if there are any questions or issues regardi ng this request.