November 1 8 , 2015

U.S. Department of Transportation Docket Operations, M

- 30 1200 New Jersey

Avenue, SE Room W12

- 140, West Building Ground Floor Washington, DC 20590

- 0001 Re: **Petition of SSM Group, Inc.**  **for an Exemption Pursuant to Section 333 of the FAA**  **Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 to Operate an Unmanned Aircraft System** Dear Sir or Madam: Pursuant to Section 333 of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 (the Reform Act) and 14 C.F.R. Part 11, SSM Group hereb y applies for an exemption f rom the Federal Aviation Regulations identified below to allow for the commercial operation of the DJI I NSPIRE I (“the INSPIRE”) which is manufactured by DJ I Innovations

. **I. REGULATIONS FOR WHICH EXEMPTION IS REQUESTED**  SSM Group requests exemption from the following regulations:

 14 C.F.R Part 21, Subpart H;
 14 C.F.R Part 27;
 14 C.F.R § 45.23(b);
 14 C.F.R. § 45.27(a);
 14 C.F.R § 61.113;
 14 C.F.R § 91.7(a);
 14 C.F.R § 91.9(b)(2);
 14 C.F.R § 91.9(c);
 14 C.F.R § 91.103;
 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) & (b);
 14 C.F.R § 91.405(a);
 14 C.F.R § 91.407(a)(l);
 14 C.F.R § 91.409(a)(2);
 14 C.F.R § 91.417 (a) & (b).**II. STATUTORY AUTHORITY FOR REQUESTED EXEMPTIONS** 

This petition for exemption is submitted in accordance with Section 333 of the Reform Act. Congress has directed the FAA “to safely accelerate the integration of civil unmanned aircraft sy stems into the national airspace sy stem.” Pursuant to Section 333 of the Reform Act, the FAA Admini strator is to permit operation of an unmanned aircraft s ys tem where it does not create a hazard to users of the national airspace system (NAS) or the public or pose a threat to national securit y based on the following considerations:

 The size, weight, spe ed and operational capability ;  Operation in proximity to airports and populated areas; and
 Operation within visual line of sight of the operator. Furthermore, the Federal Aviation Act grants the FAA Administrator general authority to grant exemptions from the agency’s safety regulations and minimum standards when the Administrator decides a requested exemption is in the public interest. See 49 U.S.C. §§ 106(f), 44701

- 44716, et seq. A part y requesting an exemption must explain the reasons wh y the exemption: (1) would benefit the public as a whole, and (2) would not adversely affect safety or how it would provide a level of safet y at least equal to the existing rules. 14 C.F.R. § 11.81. **III. DESCRIPTION OF**  **SSM GROUP AND ITS SERVICES**  SSM Group is a multi

- discipli ned engineering firm with expertise in road construction and construction management with engineers who hold licenses in these areas, planners and landscape architects that are on staff. We have experience in environmental assessments, GI S, surveying, traf

fic studies, drainage, building codes, lighting, and extensive knowledge of storm water management issues. The engineering and consulting firm serves government, education, healthcare, industrial, and commercial clients in Pennsylvania, across the United S tates and in the Caribbean. The staff of management consultants, engineers, geologists, surveyors, planners, landscape architects, and software developers integrates innovative technologies with sound engineering and scientific methods to provide practical solutions. From traditional design engineering services to web

- based information management s ys tems, SSM's resources deliver solutions Our work trul y knows no boundaries. SSM’s clients have taken us to 25 states, coast

- to

- coast, and six foreign countrie s and US territories. We reach out from our Penns yl vania headquarters to serve clients and projects across the country and around the world

. The contact information for the petitioner, SSM Group is as follows: Donald A. Fetherolf, P.L.S. SSM Group, Inc. Director, Survey

& Data Capture 1047 North Park Road P.O.Box 6307 Reading, PA 19610**IV. DESCRIPTION OF PROPOSED OPERATIONS** 

SSM Group is requesting exemptions from applicable Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs) pursuant to Section 333 of the Reform Act to perform aerial photograph y and videograph y . SSM Group seeks to use the UAS to perform the following services: Utility , roadway , site, and structural construction inspection including visual progress documentatio n; sanitary l andfill surveying, volumes, certification and photographic documentation; and development and topographic survey s for civil engineering design and construction projects. Architectural build ing evaluations and inspections; and m onitoring construction project sites ; surface mapping and building analy sis and modifications

. Additional uses will be realized as the technologies develop

. **A. The**  **Aircraft** SSM Group will operate the the DJ I INSPIRE 1 (the “INSPIRE”) manufactured b y DJ I Innovations. The INSPIRE is a battery operated quadcopter with a maximum flight time of 18 minutes. The vehicle weighs approximately 6 pounds with a maximum takeoff weight of approxim ately 9 pounds. It has retractable landing gear, vibration dampers, small frame air incline and minimalized gimbal mount which allows for a 94 degrees of view from the camera. Although the vehicle’s ground speed has a maximum of 49 mph, it will be operat ed between 2 and 3 5 miles per hour, and it will operate at or below 400 feet AGL. The INPIRE’s manufacturer’s specifications are shown in the Appendix of the Quick Start Guide and the USER Manuals. The UAV/UAS/UA which SSM Group , Petitioner , will be operating is the DJIInspire 1. The inherent safety

features, sophistication, programmability , GPS navigation, return home capability , airport vicinity no - fly feature and restricted altitude feature, as well as differentiating radio frequency

(rf) for air craft controller/receiver and for the camera make this a much safer UAV for the purposes of this petition. This is a radio controlled UAVs that has the capacity for software upgrades. Itis light, less than 10 pounds including battery and camera. Incorporated into the programming of the INSPIRE is an automatic return home feature that automatically directs the craft back to point of take

- off should communication with the transmitter be lost. The Inspire has a cruising speed of 15 knots, with a maximum speed of 42 knots. Maximum flight time is 18 minutes. The INSPIRE has a communication link between the camera and aircraft allowing the operator or Pilot in Command (PIC) to monitor battery level, altitude (AGL), distance from PIC, camera imagery , and also control camera angle. The software for the INSPIRE allows the operator or PI C to set maximum altitude AGL for each flight, allowing customization of flights to no higher than 100 feet, 150 feet, or 250 feet AGL as examples. The 400 foot maximum AGLis by def ault programmed into the UAV's software pre

- flight to insure compliance with FAA standards adding to the safet y capabilities of this UAV. This UAV is programmed to remain in position when controls are released, maintaining altitude and GPS location.The INSPIRE has an altitude and radar monitoring function that allows the operator more precise

determination of height, direction of flight and distance from the operator/PIC. The operator/PI C can monitor GPS lock status while the UAV is in flight, with the ability to anticipate loss of GPS locking so the operator/PIC can land the UAV as a precaution. Considering the programmability and safet y features of these UAVs , it serves as the best option to protect the Public and NAS for the purposes of this peti tion. SSM Group is using a UAV that has the capability for taking of f and landing at a single point

. There are no runway s nor routes that need to be flown to areas being aerial video recorded or photographed. Allowing a reduced and more confined area of flight. The motors, rotors, propellers, body /frame, etc. for the UAV s utilized in this petition are not complicated. Engineering and design allows lay man maintenance. P re - flight inspection s for cracks, damage or other phy sical conditions that could hamper safe flight will be conducted prior to any and all missions

. P ost flight inspection s will also be c onducted in order to aid in identifying flight conditions that may cause stress to propellers, landing gear, etc. Thorough inspection of the UAV shall be conducted and flight response tested should a hard landing or crash occur i nsuring that the UAV can op erate in a safe manner before conducting an y further missions

. Petitioner SSM Group requests modification, waiver or exemption and clarification (within reason) concerning section 91.119 prohibition of flight in congested areas. Petitioner SSM Group re quests waiver for this condition to allow reasonable and responsible videography in congested areas of s ubdivisions and neighborhoods. In compliance with Section 90.151 (a) the INSPIRE is a battery operated UAV/UAS with battery level monitoring capability . Full y charged battery flight time is rated at 18 minutes. Operator or PI C is war

ned when battery

level is low. Petitioner SSM Group requests waiver/exemption from Section 91.203 (a) s ince the UAV/UAS that should not require an airworthiness certificat e . Posting of special flight authorization would not be possible since the INSPIRE h a s no cabin and is not large enough to carry a certificate. However, a special flight authorization can be maintained by the operator to make available upon request. **B. SSM Group**  **Proposed Operations Demonstrate an Equivalent Level of Safety 1.**  **General Description of Proposed Flight Operations** SSM Group proposes to operate within the limitations and performance specifications listed in the aircraft USER MANUAL S which are summarized below. These limitations provide for at least an equivalent, or higher, level of safety for operations under the current regu latory structure because the proposed operations represent a safety enhancement to the protocols.The proposed operations do not create an y hazard to users of the national airspace s ys tem or pose

a threat to national security . The Inspire is battery operated with a maximum flight time of 18 minutes. The vehicle weighs approximately 9 pounds

. The vehicle’s ground speed has a maximum of 0

- 49 mph but it will be operated between 2 and 3 5 miles per hour, and it will operate at or below 2 00 feet AGL. Manned aircraft are at risk of fuel spillage and fire in the event of an incident or accident. The INSPIRE carries no fuel, and therefore the risk of fire following an incident or accident due to fuel spillage is eliminated. Compared to mann ed aircraft, the unmanned aircraft being operated by the petitioner reduces the risk to participating persons in close proximity to the aircraft due to the limited size, weight, operating conditions, and design safety features of the INSPIRE

. The FAA has determined that the risk of not having an electronic means to monitor and communicate with other aircraft, such as transponders or sense and avoid technology , is mitigated b y placing limits on altitude, requiring stand

- off distance from clouds, permitting day time operations onl y, requiring that the aircraft be operated within visual line of sight , and requiring the INSPIRE yi eld right of way to all other manned operations. Additionally , the operator will request a NOTAM prior to operations to alert other us ers of the NAS. See Exemption No. 11062, Docket No. FAA 2014

- 0352, at p. 13

. The petitioner’s aircraft has the capability to operate safely

after experiencing certain in

- flight failures, as specified in the USER MANUAL regarding Return to Home (RTH) spec ifically low battery RTH and failsafe RTH . The aircraft is also able to respond to a lost

- link event with a pre coordinated, predictable, automated flight maneuver. **2. Reasons why the exemption would not adversely affect safety or how the**  **exemption would pro vide a level of safety at least equal to the existing rule.**  Given the small size involved, the restricted environment within which they will operate, the procedures listed below, and pilot certification requirements, SSM Group proposed operations using the INSPIRE would “not create a hazard to users of the national airspace s ys tem or the public or pose a threat to national security.” Reform Act Section 333(b ) ( 1). 1. The aircraft will be identified by serial number, registered with the FAA, and have identification (N

- Number) markings as large as practicable. 2. Flights will be operated within visual line of sight of the pilot in command (PI C). 3. Prior to each flight, a zero altitude initiation point will be established and confirmed for accuracy

by PI C. 4. Maximum flight time for each operational flight will be approximately 15

- 20 minutes. 5. The aircraft will be safely landed with no less than the greater of (a) 20% battery life remaining or (b) three minutes of flight time remaining. 6. The aircraft will be operated during daylight and in VFR conditions. 7. Flights will be operated at a lateral distance of at least 50 feet from any persons or propert y not associated with the operation who have not given prior permission. 8. Flights will be limited to a groundspeed of 5

- 25 mph.9. Minimum crew for each flight will consist of a PIC and an Observer.

10. The PI C will possess at least a sport pilot certificate and a valid state driver’s license. 11. Any designee from SSM Group will have completed a Basic Operator Course for the INSPIRE

. 12. Prior to the flight, a Mission Plan will be created setting forth the limitations for the flight as well as contact information for the PIC. 13. The flight operations will yield the right of way to other manned aircraft operations. 14. All persons who are not involved with flight operations w ill be required to stay 5 0 feet from the edge of the flight operation perimeter. 15. SSM Group will provide NOTAM details to the FAA 24 hours prior to each flight. 16. All required permissions and permits will be obtained from territory , state, county or city jurisdictions prior to flight. 17. Prior to commencing operations, SSM Group will obtain a Certificate of Waiver or Authorization (COA) from the FAA if fl yi ng above 200 fe et AGL. 18. If the aircraft loses communications, it will have the capability to return to a pre determined location within the operational area and land. 19. If the aircraft loses its GPS signal it will have the capability of being flown manually to a predetermin ed location within the operational area and land. 20. The flight will be aborted in case of unpredicted obstacles or emergencies. 21. Each flight will be recorded in an Operations L og Book. 24. Maintenance on the aircraft will be recorded in a Maintenance Lo g Book

. **3. Flight Recovery, Lost Communications, and Lost GPS Procedures**  The flight recovery , lost communications, and lost GPS procedures are fu lly documented in the attached User Manuals. **V. SPECIFIC FAR EXEMPTIONS REQUESTED**  SSM Group seeks an exemption from several interrelated provisions of 14 C.F.R. Parts 21, 45, 61, and 91 for purposes of conducting the requested operations using the IN SPIRE . L isted below are (1) the specific FAR sections for which exemption is sought, and (2) the o perating procedures and safeguards that SSM Group has established which will ensure a level of safety better than or equal to the rules from which exemption is sought. See 14 C.F.R. § 11.81 (e).

**A. 14 C.F.R. Part 21, Subpart H** 

**– Airworthiness Certificates an**  **d 14 C.F.R. § 91.203(a)(1)**  The FAA has stated that no exemption is needed from this section if a finding is made under the Reform Act that the UAS selected provides an equivalent level of safety when compared to aircraft normall y used for the same application. These criteria are met, and therefore no exemption is needed. See Grant of Exemption to Astraeus Aerial, Docket No. FAA 2014

-0352 at 13

- 14, 22. If, however, the FAA determines that there are some characteristics of the

PHANTOM that fail to meet the requirements of the Reform Act, an exemption is requested. **Equivalent Level of Safety:** The INSPIRE are safe when taking into account its size, weight, speed, and operational capability . The INSPIRE weighs approximately 9 pounds and either wil l be flown at speeds of 5

- 3 5 miles per hour, and in visua l line of sight of the operator

. The INSPIRE do es not carry

pilots, passengers, explosive materials, or flammable liquid fuels. The INSPIRE will be operated within the parameters of the User Manuals. SSM Group will also provide the FAA with advance notice of all operations via a NOTAM and coordination with the local Flight Standards District Office ( FSDO ) . The proposed operations will be at least as safe as, or safer than, conventional rotorcraft operating with an airworthiness certificate without the restrictions and conditions proposed here.

**B. 14 C.F.R. Part 27 Airworthiness Standards: Normal Category Ro**  **torcraft** 14 C.F.R. Part 27 sets forth the procedural requirements for airworthiness certification of normal category rotorcraft. To the extent the IN SPI RE would otherwise require certification under Part 27, SSM Group seeks an exemption from Part 27’s air worthiness standards for the same reasons identified in the request for exemption from 14 C.F.R. Part 21, Subpart H.

**C. 14 C.F.R. §§ 45.23(b), 45.27(a) and 91.9(c): Aircraft Marking and**  **Identification Requirements** 14 C.F.R. §45.23(b), Markings of the Aircra ft states: When marks include only the Roman capital letter “N” and the registration number is display ed 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. 14 C.F.R. § 45.27(a) states: **Rotorcraft.** Each operator of a rotorcraft must display on that rotorcraft horizontally on both surfaces of the cabin, fuselage, boom, or tail the marks required b y § 45.23. 14 C.F.R. § 91.9(c) states: No person may

operate a U.S.

- registered civil a ircraft unless that aircraft is identified in accordance with part 45 of this chapter. In a previous Grant of Exemption, the FAA determined that exemption from these requirements was warranted provided that the aircraft “have identification (N

- Number) mar kings in accordance with 14 CFR part 45, Subpart C if the markings are “as large as practicable.” See Exemption No. 11062, Docket No. FAA 2014

- 0352, at p. 14.**Equivalent Level of Safety:** SSM Group will mark all PHANTOMs and INSPIREs with their N

Number in a prominent spot on the fuselage with markings that are as large as practicable.

**D. 14 C.F.R. § 61.113: Private Pilot Privileges and Limitations**  SSM Group seeks exemption from 14 CFR § 61.113, which restricts private pilots from flying aircraft for compe nsation or hire and would also require a second class medical certificate. The purpose of Part 61 is to ensure that the skill and competency of an y P IC matches the airspace in which the PI C will be operating, as well as requiring certifications if the pilo t is carrying passengers or cargo for hire. While the IN SPIRE will be operated as part of a commercial operation, they carry neither passengers nor cargo. In the Grant of Exemption in FAA Docket No. FAA

- 2014

- 0352, the FAA determined that the unique charac teristics of UAS operation outside of controlled airspace did not warrant the additional cost and restrictions attendant with requiring the PI C to have a commercial pilot certificate and a class II medical certificate. The FAA has also determined that the required knowledge for a commercial pilot covers the same fundamental principles as a private pilot. The PI C will possess at least a sport pilot certificate, a third class medical certificate or valid state issued driver’s license , and w ill have completed a Basic Operator Course for the INSPIRE

. The FAA stated in its grant of an exception to Astraeus Aerial the “the FAA considers the overriding safety

factor for the limited operations proposed by the petitioner to be the airmanship skills acquired through UAS

- specific flight cycles, flight time, and specific make and model experience, culminating in verification through testing.” See Exemption No. 11062, Docket No. FAA 2014

- 0352, at p. 18. The proposed operations can achieve an equivalent level of safety b y requiring the knowledge and experience in INSPIRE operations described above. The restrictions SSM Group has placed on its IN SPIRE operations meet or exceed the restrictions similarly

imposed on Astraeus Aerial in FAA Docket No. FAA

- 2014

- 0352. SSM Group will operate in restricted areas (the s ites) away from persons and property not involved in the operation. The aircraft will be flown based on VLOS at or below 400 feet AGL, so as to accommodate flight operations on specified s ites. A NOTAM will be issued at least 24 hours before the flight is to occur, and the flight will be coordinated with the applicable FSDO.

**E. 14 C.F.R.**  **§ 91.7(a): Civil Aircraft Airworthiness**  SSM Group seeks an exemption from 14 C.F.R. § 91.7(a), which requires that a civil aircraft be in airworth y condition to be operated. The FAA has stated that no exemption is required to the extent that the requirements of Part 21 are waived or found inapplicable. Ac cordingl y, SSM Group requests that the requirements for Section 91.7 be treated in accordance with FAR Part 21 Subpart H. See Grant of Exemption No. 11062, p. 19.**F. 14 C.F.R. § 91.9(b)(2): Civil Aircraft Flight Manual in the Aircraft;**  **14 C.F.R. §§ 91.203(a)**  **and (b): Carrying Civil Aircraft Certification and Registration**  Pursuant to 14 C.F.R. § 91.9(b)(2): (b)No person may

operate a U.S.

- registered civil aircraft

-

... (2)For which an Airplane or Rotorcraft Flight Manual is required b y § 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. Pursuant to 14 C.F.R. § 91.203(a) and (b): (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. SSM Group does not request an exemption from this section but instead notifies the FAA that, in accordance with FAA Office of Chief Counsel’s Opinion dated August 8, 2014, the UAS flight manual, registration certificate and other documentation will be kept at the control station with the PI C during flight. The Chief Counsel’s Office has held that for all UAS op erations, this alternate method constitutes full compliance with the regulations. See also Grant of Exemption No. 11062, pp. 19

- 20, and Grant of Exemption No. 8607.

**G. 14 C.F.R.**  **§ 91.103: Preflight Action**  SSM Group seeks an exemption from 14 C.F.R. § 91.103 , which requires a PI C to become familiar with specific information before each flight, including information contained in the FAA

- approved Flight Manual on board the aircraft. The aircraft will not have a Flight Manual on board. The PIC will take all acti ons including reviewing weather, flight battery requirements, landing and takeoff distances and aircraft performance data before initiation of flight. Under these circumstances, the FAA has stated that no exemption is required. See Grant of Exemption No. 1 1062, p. 20. An exemption is requested to the extent that an FAA

approved Flight Manual is required. **Equivalent Level of Safety:** An equivalent level of safety will be provided by following the User Manuals. The PIC will take all required preflight actions

- including performing all required checklists and reviewing weather, flight requirements, battery charge, landing and takeoff distance, aircraft performance data, and contingency landing areas

- before initiation of flight. The User Manuals will be kept at the ground station ; with the operator at all times.

**H. 14 C.F.R.**  **§ 91.109(a): Flight Instruction** SSM Group seeks an exemption from 14 C.F.R. § 91.109(a), which provides that “[n]o 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.” UASs and remotely piloted aircraft, b y their design, do not have functional dual controls. Instead, flight control is accomplished through the use of the A2 Flight Control Sy stem/Ground Control Station (GCS) that communicates with the aircraft via radio communications. **Equivalent Level of Safety:** When flight instruction is performed, no pilots will be on the aircraft and the GCS will be a safe distance from the ai rcraft and the public, causing no safety hazard. Given the size and speed of the INSPIRE , an equivalent level of safe training can still be performed without dual controls because no pilot or passengers are aboard the aircraft, and all persons will be a sa fe distance away in the event that the aircraft experiences any difficulties during flight instruction. These flights will comply with the provisions in the User Manuals. Accordingl y, SSM Group proposed method of operation provides superior levels of safety.

**I. 14 C.F.R. § 91.119(c): Minimum Safe Altitudes in Uncongested Areas**  SSM Group requests an exemption from the minimum safe altitude requirements of 14 C.F.R. § 91.119(c). Section 91.119(c) prescribes that an aircraft may not be operated closer than 500 feet to any person, vessel, vehicle, or structure. The FAA has already determined that relief from Section 91.119(c) is warranted for UAS operations in uncongested areas with similar flight restrictions as those imposed by SSM Group

. See Grant of Exemption No. 11062, p. 20

- 21. **Equivalent Level of Safety:** Compared to flight operations with rotorcraft weighing far more than the maximum weights proposed herein, and given the lack of flammable fuel, any risk associated with these operations is far less than th ose that presentl y exist with conventional aircraft. An equivalent level of safet y will be achieved given the size, weight, and speed of the INSPIRE , as well as the locati ons where it is operated . In order to avoid any risk to aircraft, flight operations w ill be restricted to 4 00 feet AGL or below. As set forth in the User Manuals and herein, the INSPIRE will be operated at s ites, away from persons or structures not involved in the operation. All persons who are not involved with SSM Group operations wi ll be required to be at least 5 0 feet from the flight operation perimeter.

**J. 14 C.F.R.**  **§ 91.121: Altimeter Settings**  This petition seeks an exemption from 14 C.F.R. § 91.121, which requires a person operating an aircraft to maintain cruising altitude or flight level by reference to an altimeter that is set to the elevation of the departure airport. The INSPIRE use both barometric pressure sensors and G PS to determine altitude but do not have the ability to set in a current altimeter setting. An exemption is required to the extent that the IN SPIRE do not have a barometric altimeter setting. The altitude of the aircraft is monitored by the PI C on the ground control station and by the vi sual observer. **Equivalent Level of Safety:** The FAA has stated that an equivalent level of safety can be achieved if the aircraft will be operated at or below 400 feet AGL and within visual line

- of

- sight in addition to GPS based altitude information relaye d in real time to the operator. See Grant ofExemption No. 11062, p. 20

- 21. As the attached User Manuals indicate, the PHANTOM or

INSPIRE will be operated at or below 400 feet AGLand compl y with the limitations in the Grant of Exemption No. 11062.

**K. 14**  **C.F.R. § 91.151(a): Fuel Requirements for Flight in VFR Conditions** SSM Group requests an exemption from 14 C.F.R. § 91.151(a)’s fuel requirements for flight in VFR conditions. Section 91.151 states: (a) No person may

begin a flight in an airplane under VFR c onditions 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 fl y after that for at least 30 minutes; or (2) At night, to fly

afte r that for at least 45 minutes. Here, the technological limitations on IN SPIRE battery power means that no meaningful flight operations can be conducted while still maintaining a 30 minute reserve. The aircraft is battery powered with a maximum flight tim e of between 18

- 25 minutes. SSM Group proposes that the maximum flight time for each operational flight will be 18

- 2 5 minutes. The aircraft will be safely landed with no less than the greater of (a) 20% battery life remaining or (b) three minutes of flight time remaining. **Equivalent Level of Safety:** The FAA has stated that an equivalent level of safety is provided if the UAS flight is conducted under day time VFR flight conditions using VLOS, and terminated with at least 25% reserve battery power still available. See Grant of Exemption No. 11062, p. 21

- 22. The User Manuals providing an equivalent level of safet y b y s afel y landing with no less than the greater of (a) 20% battery life remaining or (b) three minutes of flight time remaining an d otherwise compl yi ng with the flight restrictions above.

**L. 14 C.F.R. §§ 91.405(a), 91.407(a)(l), 91.409(a)(2); 91.417(a) and**  **(b): Maintenance Inspections**  SSM Group seeks an exemption from the maintenance inspection requirements contained in 14 C.F.R. § 91.405(a), 91.407(a)(l), 91.409(a)(2); 91.417(a) and (b). These regulations specify maintenance and inspection standards in reference to 14 C.F.R. Part 43. See, e.g., 14 C.F.R. § 91.405(a) (stating that each owner or operator of an aircraft “[s]hall have the aircraft inspected as prescribed in subpart E of this part and shall between required inspections ... have discrepancies repaired as prescribed in part 43 of this chapter”). An exemption from these regulations is needed because Part 43 and these section s only apply to aircraft with an airworthiness certificate, which the INSPIRE will not have. **Equivalent Level of Safety:** An equivalent level of safety will be achieved because maintenance and inspections will be performed in accordance with the Manuals. This includes maintenance, overhaul, replacement, and inspection requirements for the aircraft and procedures to document and maintain maintenance records for the aircraft. This also includes preflight inspection procedures. See Exemption No. 11062, Docket No. FAA 2014

- 0352, at p. 14

- 15.As provided in the Manuals, flights will not be conducted unless a flight operations checklist is

performed that includes all of the aircraft’s components. The Manuals also set requirements for maintenance log books and re cord keeping as well as routine and post

- flight maintenance. The Manuals set requirements for both annual maintenance and preventative maintenance. **VI. PUBLIC INTEREST**  Granting SSM Group petition for exemption furthers the public interest. National policy set b y Congress favors earl y integration of UAS into the NAS in controlled, safe working environments as proposed in this petition. By granting this petition, the FAA will fulfill Congres s’s intent of allowing UAS to operate safel y in the NAS before completion of the rulemaking required under Section 33 3 of the Reform Act. SSM Group will operate in a manner that will ensure the public’s safety and will set the example for others to emul ate. Itis well established that UAS provide an additional tool for the filmmaking industry , adding a greater degree of flexibility , which supplements the current capabilities offered b y m anned aircraft

. **VII. PRIVACY**  All flights will be conducted in accordance with any federal, state or local laws regarding privacy

. **VIII. NATIONAL SECURITY**  Given the small size of the UAS involved and the restricted environment within which they will operate, our petition presents no national security issue. Furthermore, the securit y screening conducted b y the Transportation Security Administration of certificated airmen satisfies the statutory requirement of Section 333 for operations to not pose a threat to national security. **IX. SUMMARY FOR FEDERAL REGISTER**  Pursuant to 1 4 C.F.R. Part 11, the following summary is provided for publication in the Federal Register, should it be determined that publication is needed: SSM Group seeks an exemption from the following rules in order to provide aerial photograph y and videograph y , utility , roadway , site, and structural construction inspection including visual progress documentatio n; sanitary l andfill surveying, volumes, certification and photographic documentation; and development and topographic survey s for civil engineering design and construction projects. Architectural build ing evaluations and inspections; and m onitoring construction project sites ; and surface mapping and building anal ys is and modifications : 14 C.F.R Part 21, Subpart H; 14 C.F.R Part 27; 14 C.F.R § 45.23(b); 14 C .F.R. § 45.27(a); 14 C.F.R § 61.113; 14 C.F.R § 91.7(a); 14 C.F.R § 91.9(b)(2); 14 C.F.R § 91.9(c); 14 C.F.R § 91.103; 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) & (b); 14 C.F.R § 91.405(a); 14 C .F.R § 91.407(a)(l); 14 C.F.R § 91.409(a)(2); 14

C.F.R § 91.417 (a) & (b). The exemption will enhance safety b y reducing risk to the operator, the general public and propert y owners from the hazards associated with operating UAS through deliberate planning, risk mitigation, and flight operations. **X. ATTACHMENTS**  Attachment 1 : DJ I Phantom Pilot Training Guide v1.1 Attachment 2 : DJ I Phantom 3 Professional User Manual v1.2 Attachment 3 : DJ I Phantom 3 Quick Start Guide v1.0 Attachment 4 : DJ I Phantom 3 Safety Guidelines Disclaimer Attachment 5 : DJ I Inspire 1 User Manual v1.2 Attachment 6 : DJ I Inspire 1 Quick Start Guide v1.2 Attachment 7 : DJ I Inspire 1 Safet y Guidelines Attachment 8 : DJ I Inspire 1 Maintenance Manual v1.0 **XI. CONCLUSION**  Satisfaction of the criteria provided in Section 333 of the Reform Act

- size, weight, speed, operating capabilities, proximity to airports and populated areas, operation within visual line of sight, and national security considerations

- provides more than adequate justification for the grant of the requested exemptions to permit SSM Group to operate the INS PIRE

. Granting the requested exemption will benefit the public interest as a whole in many way s, including (1) significantly improving safety and redu cing risk b y alleviating human exposure to danger; (2) improving the quality of services SSM Group can provide to its customers; and (3) decreasing the risks of unmanned aircraft interfering with manned aircraft Respectfully

submitted, By : /s/ Donald A. Fetherolf, P.L .S. Director, Survey

& Data Capture SSM Group , Inc.