August 14, 2015

Exemption No. 12456

Regulatory Docket No. FAA–2015–1813

Mr. George Tio

3012 Lexham Road

Louisville, KY 40220

Dear Mr. Tio:

This letter is to inform you that we have granted your request for exemption. It transmits our 

decision, explains its basis, and gives you the conditions and limitations of the exemption, 

including the date it ends.

By letter dated April 29, 2015, you petitioned the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for 

an exemption. The petitioner requested to operate an unmanned aircraft system (UAS) to 

conduct aerial photography, videography, and cinematography.

See Appendix A for the petition submitted to the FAA describing the proposed operations and 

the regulations that the petitioner seeks an exemption.

The FAA has determined that good cause exists for not publishing a summary of the petition 

in the Federal Register because the requested exemption would not set a precedent, and any 

delay in acting on this petition would be detrimental to the petitioner.

Airworthiness Certification

The UAS proposed by the petitioner is the DJI F550 1.

The petitioner requested relief from 14 CFR part 21, Certification procedures for products 

and parts, Subpart H—Airworthiness Certificates. In accordance with the statutory criteria 

 

1 The petitioner also proposed to operate the AeroSky H100. The FAA must conduct an assessment on this

aircraft, which also includes a finding that the proposed UAS meet the conditions in Section 333 of Public Law 

112−95. When the FAA completes its review, we will proceed accordingly and no further action will be required 

by the petitioner.
2

provided in Section 333 of Public Law 112−95 in reference to 49 U.S.C. § 44704, and in 

consideration of the size, weight, speed, and limited operating area associated with the 

aircraft and its operation, the Secretary of Transportation has determined that this aircraft 

meets the conditions of Section 333. Therefore, the FAA finds that the requested relief from 

14 CFR part 21, Certification procedures for products and parts, Subpart H—Airworthiness 

Certificates, and any associated noise certification and testing requirements of part 36, is 

not necessary.

The Basis for Our Decision

You have requested to use a UAS for aerial data collection2. The FAA has issued grants of 

exemption in circumstances similar in all material respects to those presented in your petition. 

In Grants of Exemption Nos. 11062 to Astraeus Aerial (see Docket No. FAA−2014−0352), 

11109 to Clayco, Inc. (see Docket No. FAA−2014−0507), 11112 to VDOS Global, LLC (see

Docket No. FAA−2014−0382), and 11213 to Aeryon Labs, Inc. (see Docket No. 

FAA−2014−0642), the FAA found that the enhanced safety achieved using an unmanned 

aircraft (UA) with the specifications described by the petitioner and carrying no passengers or 

crew, rather than a manned aircraft of significantly greater proportions, carrying crew in 

addition to flammable fuel, gives the FAA good cause to find that the UAS operation enabled 

by this exemption is in the public interest.

Having reviewed your reasons for requesting an exemption, I find that—

 They are similar in all material respects to relief previously requested in Grant of 

Exemption Nos. 11062, 11109, 11112, and 11213;

 The reasons stated by the FAA for granting Exemption Nos. 11062, 11109, 11112, and 

11213 also apply to the situation you present; and 

 A grant of exemption is in the public interest.

Our Decision

In consideration of the foregoing, I find that a grant of exemption is in the public interest. 

Therefore, pursuant to the authority contained in 49 U.S.C. 106(f), 40113, and 44701, 

delegated to me by the Administrator, Mr. George Tio is granted an exemption from 14 CFR 

§§ 61.23(a) and (c), 61.101(e)(4) and (5), 61.113(a), 61.315(a), 91.7(a), 91.119(c), 91.121, 

91.151(a)(1), 91.405(a), 91.407(a)(1), 91.409(a)(1) and (2), and 91.417(a) and (b), to the 

extent necessary to allow the petitioner to operate a UAS to perform aerial data collection. 

This exemption is subject to the conditions and limitations listed below.

 

2 Aerial data collection includes any remote sensing and measuring by an instrument(s) aboard the UA. 

Examples include imagery (photography, video, infrared, etc.), electronic measurement (precision surveying, RF 

analysis, etc.), chemical measurement (particulate measurement, etc.), or any other gathering of data by 

instruments aboard the UA.
3

Conditions and Limitations

In this grant of exemption, Mr. George Tio is hereafter referred to as the operator.

Failure to comply with any of the conditions and limitations of this grant of exemption will be 

grounds for the immediate suspension or rescission of this exemption.

1. Operations authorized by this grant of exemption are limited to the DJI F550 when 

weighing less than 55 pounds including payload. Proposed operations of any other 

aircraft will require a new petition or a petition to amend this exemption.

2. Operations for the purpose of closed-set motion picture and television filming are 

not permitted. 

3. The UA may not be operated at a speed exceeding 87 knots (100 miles per hour). The 

exemption holder may use either groundspeed or calibrated airspeed to determine 

compliance with the 87 knot speed restriction. In no case will the UA be operated at 

airspeeds greater than the maximum UA operating airspeed recommended by the 

aircraft manufacturer.

4. The UA must be operated at an altitude of no more than 400 feet above ground level 

(AGL). Altitude must be reported in feet AGL.

5. The UA must be operated within visual line of sight (VLOS) of the PIC at all times. 

This requires the PIC to be able to use human vision unaided by any device other than 

corrective lenses, as specified on the PIC’s FAA-issued airman medical certificate or

U.S. driver’s license.

6. All operations must utilize a visual observer (VO). The UA must be operated within 

the visual line of sight (VLOS) of the PIC and VO at all times. The VO may be used 

to satisfy the VLOS requirement as long as the PIC always maintains VLOS 

capability. The VO and PIC must be able to communicate verbally at all times; 

electronic messaging or texting is not permitted during flight operations. The PIC 

must be designated before the flight and cannot transfer his or her designation for the 

duration of the flight. The PIC must ensure that the VO can perform the duties 

required of the VO.

7. This exemption and all documents needed to operate the UAS and conduct its 

operations in accordance with the conditions and limitations stated in this grant of 

exemption, are hereinafter referred to as the operating documents. The operating 

documents must be accessible during UAS operations and made available to the 

Administrator upon request. If a discrepancy exists between the conditions and 

limitations in this exemption and the procedures outlined in the operating documents, 

the conditions and limitations herein take precedence and must be followed. 
4

Otherwise, the operator must follow the procedures as outlined in its operating 

documents. The operator may update or revise its operating documents. It is the 

operator’s responsibility to track such revisions and present updated and revised 

documents to the Administrator or any law enforcement official upon request. The 

operator must also present updated and revised documents if it petitions for extension 

or amendment to this grant of exemption. If the operator determines that any update 

or revision would affect the basis upon which the FAA granted this exemption, then 

the operator must petition for an amendment to its grant of exemption. The FAA’s 

UAS Integration Office (AFS−80) may be contacted if questions arise regarding 

updates or revisions to the operating documents.

8. Any UAS that has undergone maintenance or alterations that affect the UAS operation 

or flight characteristics, e.g., replacement of a flight critical component, must undergo 

a functional test flight prior to conducting further operations under this exemption. 

Functional test flights may only be conducted by a PIC with a VO and must remain at 

least 500 feet from other people. The functional test flight must be conducted in such 

a manner so as to not pose an undue hazard to persons and property.

9. The operator is responsible for maintaining and inspecting the UAS to ensure that it is 

in a condition for safe operation.

10. Prior to each flight, the PIC must conduct a pre-flight inspection and determine the 

UAS is in a condition for safe flight. The pre-flight inspection must account for all 

potential discrepancies, e.g., inoperable components, items, or equipment. If the 

inspection reveals a condition that affects the safe operation of the UAS, the aircraft is 

prohibited from operating until the necessary maintenance has been performed and the 

UAS is found to be in a condition for safe flight.

11. The operator must follow the UAS manufacturer’s maintenance, overhaul, 

replacement, inspection, and life limit requirements for the aircraft and 

aircraft components.

12. Each UAS operated under this exemption must comply with all manufacturer 

safety bulletins.

13. Under this grant of exemption, a PIC must hold either an airline transport, 

commercial, private, recreational, or sport pilot certificate. The PIC must also hold a 

current FAA airman medical certificate or a valid U.S. driver’s license issued by a 

state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, a territory, a possession, or the Federal 

government. The PIC must also meet the flight review requirements specified in 

14 CFR § 61.56 in an aircraft in which the PIC is rated on his or her pilot certificate.

14. The operator may not permit any PIC to operate unless the PIC demonstrates the 

ability to safely operate the UAS in a manner consistent with how the UAS will be 
5

operated under this exemption, including evasive and emergency maneuvers and 

maintaining appropriate distances from persons, vessels, vehicles and structures. PIC 

qualification flight hours and currency must be logged in a manner consistent with 

14 CFR § 61.51(b). Flights for the purposes of training the operator’s PICs and VOs 

(training, proficiency, and experience-building) and determining the PIC’s ability to 

safely operate the UAS in a manner consistent with how the UAS will be operated 

under this exemption are permitted under the terms of this exemption. However, 

training operations may only be conducted during dedicated training sessions. During 

training, proficiency, and experience-building flights, all persons not essential for 

flight operations are considered nonparticipants, and the PIC must operate the UA 

with appropriate distance from nonparticipants in accordance with 14 CFR § 91.119.

15. UAS operations may not be conducted during night, as defined in 14 CFR § 1.1. All 

operations must be conducted under visual meteorological conditions (VMC). Flights 

under special visual flight rules (SVFR) are not authorized.

16. The UA may not operate within 5 nautical miles of an airport reference point (ARP) as 

denoted in the current FAA Airport/Facility Directory (AFD) or for airports not 

denoted with an ARP, the center of the airport symbol as denoted on the current 

FAA-published aeronautical chart, unless a letter of agreement with that airport’s 

management is obtained or otherwise permitted by a COA issued to the exemption 

holder. The letter of agreement with the airport management must be made available 

to the Administrator or any law enforcement official upon request.

17. The UA may not be operated less than 500 feet below or less than 2,000 feet 

horizontally from a cloud or when visibility is less than 3 statute miles from the PIC.

18. If the UAS loses communications or loses its GPS signal, the UA must return to a 

pre-determined location within the private or controlled-access property.

19. The PIC must abort the flight in the event of unpredicted obstacles or emergencies.

20. The PIC is prohibited from beginning a flight unless (considering wind and forecast 

weather conditions) there is enough available power for the UA to conduct the 

intended operation and to operate after that for at least five minutes or with the reserve 

power recommended by the manufacturer if greater.

21. Air Traffic Organization (ATO) Certificate of Waiver or Authorization (COA). All 

operations shall be conducted in accordance with an ATO-issued COA. The 

exemption holder may apply for a new or amended COA if it intends to conduct 

operations that cannot be conducted under the terms of the attached COA.

22. All aircraft operated in accordance with this exemption must be identified by serial 

number, registered in accordance with 14 CFR part 47, and have identification 
6

(N−Number) markings in accordance with 14 CFR part 45, Subpart C. Markings must 

be as large as practicable.

23. Documents used by the operator to ensure the safe operation and flight of the UAS and 

any documents required under 14 CFR §§ 91.9 and 91.203 must be available to the 

PIC at the Ground Control Station of the UAS any time the aircraft is operating. 

These documents must be made available to the Administrator or any law enforcement 

official upon request.

24. The UA must remain clear and give way to all manned aviation operations and 

activities at all times. 

25. The UAS may not be operated by the PIC from any moving device or vehicle. 

26. All Flight operations must be conducted at least 500 feet from all nonparticipating 

persons, vessels, vehicles, and structures unless:

a. Barriers or structures are present that sufficiently protect nonparticipating persons 

from the UA and/or debris in the event of an accident. The operator must ensure 

that nonparticipating persons remain under such protection. If a situation arises 

where nonparticipating persons leave such protection and are within 500 feet of 

the UA, flight operations must cease immediately in a manner ensuring the safety 

of nonparticipating persons; and

b. The owner/controller of any vessels, vehicles or structures has granted permission 

for operating closer to those objects and the PIC has made a safety assessment of 

the risk of operating closer to those objects and determined that it does not 

present an undue hazard.

The PIC, VO, operator trainees or essential persons are not considered 

nonparticipating persons under this exemption.

27. All operations shall be conducted over private or controlled-access property with 

permission from the property owner/controller or authorized representative. 

Permission from property owner/controller or authorized representative will be 

obtained for each flight to be conducted.

28. Any incident, accident, or flight operation that transgresses the lateral or vertical 

boundaries of the operational area as defined by the applicable COA must be reported 

to the FAA's UAS Integration Office (AFS−80) within 24 hours. Accidents must be 

reported to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) per instructions 

contained on the NTSB Web site: www.ntsb.gov.

If this exemption permits operations for the purpose of closed-set motion picture and 

television filming and production, the following additional conditions and limitations apply.
7

29. The operator must have a motion picture and television operations manual (MPTOM) 

as documented in this grant of exemption.

30. At least 3 days before aerial filming, the operator of the UAS affected by this 

exemption must submit a written Plan of Activities to the local Flight Standards

District Office (FSDO) with jurisdiction over the area of proposed filming. The 3-day 

notification may be waived with the concurrence of the FSDO. The plan of activities 

must include at least the following:

a. Dates and times for all flights;

b. Name and phone number of the operator for the UAS aerial filming conducted 

under this grant of exemption;

c. Name and phone number of the person responsible for the on-scene operation of 

the UAS;

d. Make, model, and serial or N−Number of UAS to be used;

e. Name and certificate number of UAS PICs involved in the aerial filming;

f. A statement that the operator has obtained permission from property owners 

and/or local officials to conduct the filming production event; the list of those 

who gave permission must be made available to the inspector upon request;

g. Signature of exemption holder or representative; and

h. A description of the flight activity, including maps or diagrams of any area, city, 

town, county, and/or state over which filming will be conducted and the altitudes 

essential to accomplish the operation.

31. Flight operations may be conducted closer than 500 feet from participating persons 

consenting to be involved and necessary for the filming production, as specified in the 

exemption holder’s MPTOM.

Unless otherwise specified in this grant of exemption, the UAS, the UAS PIC, and the UAS 

operations must comply with all applicable parts of 14 CFR including, but not limited to, 

parts 45, 47, 61, and 91.
8

This exemption terminates on August 31, 2017, unless sooner superseded or rescinded.

Sincerely,

/s/

John S. Duncan

Director, Flight Standards Service

Enclosures
George Tio

3012 Lexham Rd.

Louisville, KY 40220

4/29/2015

U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations

West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140

1200 New Jersey Ave., SE

Washington, DC 20590

Re: Exemption Request Section 333 of the FAA Reform Act of the Federal

Aviation Regulations from 14 C.F.R. Parts 21; 45.23(b); 61.113 (a) & (b); 61.133 (a); 91.7 (a); 91.9 

(b)(2); 91.109(a); 91.119; 91.121; 91.151(a); 91.203(a) and (b); 91.319 (a)(1); 91.405 (a); 91.407 (a)(1); 

91.409 (a)(2) and 91.417 (a) & (b)

Dear Sir or Madam,

I, George Tio, am writing pursuant to the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 and the 

procedures contained within 14 C.F.R. 11, to request that I, George Tio, an owner and operator 

of small unmanned aircraft, be exempted from the Federal Aviation Regulations (“FARs”) listed 

below so that I, George Tio, may operate my small ultra light weight unmanned aircraft system 

(“UAS”) commercially in airspace regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration (“FAA”).

As described herein I, George Tio, am an experienced RC multi-copter enthusiast, in the state 

of Kentucky. I intend to use my AeroSky H100 and DJI F550 equipped with a GoPro camera for 

aerial photography/videography/cinematography. My small lightweight UAS is a cost effective 

and potentially safer option than utilizing the industry standard single engine plane or rotorcraft 

for aerial photography. If given the exemptions required to commercially fly a UAS, I will operate 

my UAS in a safe and effective manner while observing all guidelines set forth by the 

exemption. 

Granting my, George Tio’s, request comports with the Secretary of Transportation’s (FAA 

Administrator’s) responsibilities and authority to not only integrate UAS's into the national 

airspace system, but to “...establish requirements for the safe operation of such aircraft systems 

[UAS's] in the national airspace system” under Section 333(c) of the Reform Act specific to the

use of UAS's for commercial photography. Further I, George Tio, will conduct my operations in 

compliance with the protocols described herein or as otherwise established by the FAA.

For the reasons stated below I, George Tio, respectfully request the grant of an exemption 

allowing me to operate ultra light weight, remote controlled UAS’s for commercial aerial 

photography/videography/cinematography.
George Tio  2

I. Contact Information:

George Tio

3012 Lexham Rd. 

Louisville, KY 40220

gearbrain@gmail.com

II. The Specific Sections of Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations

From Which George Tio Requests Exemption are:

14 C.F.R. 21

14 C.F.R. 45.23(b)

14 C.F.R. 61.113 (a) & (b)

14 C.F.R. 61.133 (a)

14 C.F.R. 91.7 (a)

14 C.F.R. 91.9 (b)(2)

14 C.F.R. 91.109(a)

14 C.F.R. 91.119

14 C.F.R. 91.121

14 C.F.R. 91.151(a)

14 C.F.R. 91.203(a) and (b)

14 C.F.R. 91.319 (a)(1)

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) & (b)

III. The Extent of relief George Tio seeks and the Reason He Seeks Such

Relief:

I, George Tio, submit this application in accordance with the Reform Act, 112 P.L. 95 §§ 331-

334, seeking relief from any currently applicable FARs operating to prevent me, George Tio, 

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, 

George Tio’s, 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 ultra light weight UAS prior to the 

time period by which the Reform Act requires the FAA to promulgate rules governing such craft. 

The Reform Act guides the Secretary in determining the types of UAS's 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, George Tio. 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 five (5) pounds (far below the maximum

55 pound limit); including camera with gimbal.

I, George Tio, consider safety as foremost with each flight. My UAS is designed to hover in 

place via GPS and operate in less than a 20 knot wind. For safety, stability and fear of financial 

loss I will not fly in winds exceeding 10 KPH. Built in safety systems include a GPS mode that 
George Tio  3

allows my UAS to hover in place when radio controls are released. . When pilot communication 

is lost UAS is designed slowly descend to point of take off. 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 (50-100) yards depending on location, conditions and weather. 

Utilizing battery power rather than combustible fuels, flights generally last between three (3) to 

fifteen (15) minutes, with an altitude under one hundred fifty (150) feet AGL. I, George Tio, will 

operate my UAS with a fully charged battery and will ensure there is enough power to return to 

the original starting destination with 2 minutes reserve on a battery as tested lasting 22 minutes.

IV. How George Tio’s Request Will Benefit the Public As A Whole:

Aerial videography is traditionally achieved using small single engine aircraft equipped with 

large cameras. In order to achieve a clear picture, the pilot is tasked with performing ground 

reference maneuvers at around 1000ft AGL. By utilizing a UAS for this function, pilots reduce 

the risk of damages to persons or property in the event of an in flight emergency. Congress has 

already proclaimed that it is in the public’s interest to integrate commercially flown UAS's into 

the national airspace system, hence the passing of the Reform Act.

V. Reasons Why George Tio’s Exemption Will Not Adversely Affect Safety

Or How The Exemption Will Provide a Level of Safety At Least Equal To

Existing Rule:

I, George Tio, believe that by allowing this exemption, it will create the beginning framework for 

other UAS enthusiasts to operate their aircraft in a much more regulated and safer environment. 

By creating laws and regulations for commercial UAS use, it will legitimize the industry and 

create a clear path for safer aviation. Additionally, my UAS is equipped with fail safe 

programming that allows it to fly and return safely if the pilot were to become incapacitated, or 

the connection was lost.

VI. A Summary The FAA May Publish in the Federal Register:

14 C.F.R. 21 and 14 C.F.R. 91: Airworthiness Certificates, Manuals and The

Like.

14 C.F.R. 21, Subpart H, entitled Airworthiness Certificates, sets forth requirements for 

procurement of necessary airworthiness certificates in relation to FAR § 91.203(a)(1). The size, 

weight and enclosed operational area of my, George Tio’s, UAS permits exemption from Part 21 

because my UAS meets (and exceeds) an equivalent level of safety pursuant to Section 333 of 

the Reform Act. The FAA is authorized to exempt aircraft from the airworthiness certificate 

requirement under both the Act (49 U.S.C. § 44701 (f)) and Section 333 of the Reform Act. Both 

pieces of legislation permit the FAA to exempt UAS's from the airworthiness certificate 

requirement in consideration of the weight, size, speed, maneuverability and proximity to areas 

such as airports and dense populations. My, George Tio’s current and projected UAS's meet or 

exceed each of the elements.

14 C.F.R. 91.7(a) prohibits the operation of an aircraft without an airworthiness certificate. As no 

such certificate will be applicable in the form contemplated by the FARs, this Regulation is 

inapplicable.
George Tio  4

14 C.F.R. § 91.9 (b) (2) requires an aircraft flight manual in the aircraft. As there are no on 

board pilots or passengers, and given the size of the UAS's, this Regulation is inapplicable. An 

equivalent level of safety will be achieved by maintaining safety/flight manual delineating areas 

of where safety can be defined. The FAA has previously issued exemptions to this regulation in 

Exemption Nos. 8607, 8737, 8738, 9299, 9299A, 9565, 9565B, 10167, 10167A, 10602, 10700 

and 32827.

14 C.F.R. § 91.109(a) & 91.319(a)(1): Flight Instruction

These regulations provide 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. UAS’s are remotely piloted aircraft and by design and do not have fully functional dual 

controls. Flight control is accomplished through the use of a control box that communicates with 

the aircraft via radio communications. 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. Additionally, in the absence of 

previous training requirements, George Tio is a seasoned UAS pilot having flown hobby grad 

UAS’s for a number of years without incident

14 C.F.R. § 91.121 regarding altimeter settings is inapplicable insofar as my UAS

utilizes electronic global positioning systems with a barometric sensor.

14 C.F.R. § 91.203 (a) and (b) provides for the carrying of civil aircraft certifications and 

registrations. They are inapplicable for the same reasons described above. The equivalent level 

of safety will be achieved by maintaining any such required certifications and registrations by 

me, George Tio.

14 C.F.R. § 45.23: Marking of The Aircraft. Applicable Codes of Federal Regulation require 

aircraft to be marked according to certain specifications. My UAS are, by definition, unmanned. 

They therefore do not have a cabin, cockpit or pilot station on which to mark certain words or 

phrases. Further, two-inch lettering is difficult to place on such small aircraft with dimensions 

smaller that minimal lettering requirement. Regardless, I will mark its UASs in the largest 

possible lettering by placing the word “EXPERIMENTAL” on its fuselage as required by 14 

C.F.R. §45.29 (f) so that I the pilot, or anyone assisting me as a spotter with the UAV will see 

the markings. The FAA has previously issued exemptions to this regulation through Exemptions 

Nos. 8738, 10167, 10167A and 10700.

14 C.F.R. § 61.113; 14 C.F.R. § 61.133: Private Pilot Privileges and Limitations; PIC; 

Commercial Pilot Privileges and Limitations:

Pursuant to 14 C.F.R. §§ 61.113 (a) & (b), private pilots are limited to noncommercial

operations. Section 61.133(a) requires an individual with a commercial

pilot’s license to be pilot in command of an aircraft for compensation or hire. I, George Tio, can 

achieve an equivalent level of safety as achieved by current regulations because my UAS does 

not carry any pilots or passengers. The risks attended to the operation of my UAS is far less 

than the risk levels inherent in the commercial activities outlined in 14 C.F.R. § 61, et seq. Thus, 

allowing me, George Tio, to operate my UAS meet and exceed current safety levels in relation 

to 14 C.F.R. §61.113 (a) & (b) and 14 C.F.R §61.133 (a) .

14 C.F.R. 91.119: Minimum Safe Altitudes.
George Tio  5

14 C.F.R. § 91.119 prescribes safe altitudes for the operation of civil aircraft. It allows 

helicopters to be operated at lower altitudes in certain conditions. My UAS will never operate at 

an altitude greater than 200 AGL; safely below the standard of 400 AGL. I, George Tio, will 

however operate my UAS in safe areas away from public and traffic, providing a level of safety 

at least equivalent to or below those in relation to minimum safe altitudes. Given the size,

weight, maneuverability and speed of my UAS, an equivalent or higher level of safety will

be achieved.

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

This regulation 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.” I 

George Tio will be operating a UAS utilizing battery power rather than combustible fuels, flights 

generally last between three (3) to fifteen (15) minutes, with an altitude under one hundred fifty 

(150) feet AGL. I, George Tio, will operate my UAS with a fully charged battery and will ensure 

there is enough power to return to the original starting destination with 2 minutes reserve on a 

battery as tested lasting 22 minutes.

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

Inspections.

Douglas Trudeau, Realtor®, Tucson AZ - Section 333 Exemption Petition

The above-cited Regulations require, amongst other things, aircraft owners and

operators to “have [the] aircraft inspected as prescribed in subpart E of this part

and shall between required inspections, except as provided in paragraph (c) of

this section, have discrepancies repaired as prescribed in part 43 of this chapter.

. . .”

These Regulations only apply to aircraft with an airworthiness certificate. They will not, 

therefore, apply to my, George Tio’s, UAS.

14 C.F.R. 21 and 14 C.F.R. 91: Airworthiness Certificates, Manuals and The

Like.

14 C.F.R. 21, Subpart H, entitled Airworthiness Certificates, sets forth for procurement of 

necessary airworthiness certificates in relation to FAR § 91.203(a)(1). The size, weight and 

enclosed operational area of my UAS permits exemption from Part 21 because my, George 

Tio’s, UAS meets an equivalent level of safety pursuant to Section 333 of the Reform Act. The 

FAA is authorized to exempt aircraft from the airworthiness certificate requirement under both 

the Act (49 U.S.C. § 44701 (f)) and Section 333 of the Reform Act. Both pieces of legislation 

permit the FAA to exempt UAS's from the airworthiness certificate requirement in consideration 

of the weight, size, speed, maneuverability and proximity to areas such as airports and dense 

populations. My UAS meets or exceeds each of the elements. 14 C.F.R. 91.7(a) prohibits the
George Tio  6

operation of an aircraft without an airworthiness certificate. As no such certificate will be 

applicable in the form contemplated by the FARs, this Regulation is inapplicable. 14 C.F.R. § 

91.9 (b) (2) requires an aircraft flight manual in the aircraft. As there are no pilots or passengers, 

and given the size of the UAS's, this Regulation is inapplicable. An equivalent level of safety will 

be achieved by maintaining a manual. The FAA has previously issued exemptions to this

regulation in Exemption Nos. 8607, 8737, 8738, 9299, 9299A, 9565, 9565B, 10167, 

maintenance program that involves regular software updates and curative measures for any 

damaged hardware. Therefore, an equivalent level of safety will be achieved.

In summary, George Tio seeks an exemption from the following

Regulations:

14 C.F.R. 21, subpart H; 14 C.F.R. 45.23(b); 14 C.F.R. §§ 61.113 (a) & (b); 14 C.F.R. §§ 61.133 

(a); 14 C.F.R. § 91.7 (a); 14 C.F.R. § 91.9 (b)(2); 14 C.F.R. § 91.109(a); 14 C.F.R. § 91.119; 14 

C.F.R. § 91.121; 14 C.F.R. § 91.151(a); 14 C.F.R. §§ 91.203(a) and (b); 14 C.F.R. § 91.319

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

C.F.R. §§ 91.417 (a) & (b) to commercially operate my, George Tio's, small unmanned

vehicle/lightweight unmanned aircraft vehicle in thereby enhance safety. My UAS craft do not 

contain potentially

Thank you for your time and consideration in this matter.

Regards,

George Tio