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PAGE 1 July 27 , 2015

U.S. D e p a rtme n t of T r a n sport a t i on

Do c k e t Man a g e ment S y s tem

1200 N e w J e rs e y Av e

., S E W a shin g ton, DC 20590

R e : P e t i t i on of Forensic Building Consultants

, LLC

. , for a n E x e mp t ion P u r suant to S ec t i on
333 of the F A A Mode r ni z a t i on a nd Re f o r m A c t of 2012

To W hom i t M a y Con c e r n:

P u r suant to S ec t i on 333 of the F A A Mod e rni z a t i on a nd Re f o r m A c t of 20 1 2 ( " R e fo r m A c t " ) a nd

14 C. F .R. P a rt 11, Forensic Building Consultants

, LLC

. ( " FBC " ) h e r e b y a ppl i e s for a n

e x e mp t ion f r om t he Fe d e r a l Aviation Re g ulations (" F ARs " ) id e nt i fi e d b e l o w, to a l l ow

c om m e r c ial op e r a t i on of small unmann e d ae r i a l vehi c les ( i.e., " small unm a nn e d a ir c r a f t " or

" U A S " ) f o r c ondu c t i n g a e ri a l inspe c t i ons a nd sur v e y s o f str uc tu r e s and f ac i l i t i e s a s pa r t of exterior building e v a luations.

This petition is made based on information outlined in this Petition for Exemption, as well as

the a c companying FBC UAS Fl i ght Operat i ons Manual (hereinafter "FBC Flight Operat i on
Manu a l"), Phantom 2 Vision Plus Pilot Training Guide v1.1, Phantom 2 Vision Plus Quick Start
Guide, Inspire 1 User Manual v1.0 , Inspire 1 Sa fety Guidelines

, Ins pire 1 Maintenance

ManualV1.0 , 1345 Prop eller Locks Quick Start Guide , Intelligent Fli ght Battery Safety

Guidelines ( c ol l ec t i v e l y r e fer re d to a s " Man u fa c tur e r M a n u a ls " ). A c o p y of FBC ’s Op e r a t i ons
Man u a l s a nd other supporting mat e ri a ls will be submi t ted to the F AA a s co n fi d e nt i a l

do c uments pursu a nt t o 14 C. F .R. § 11.35 ( b )

, a s the mat e ri a ls contain c onfid e nt i a l c o m m e r c ial

info r mation t h a t i s hi g h l y p r opri e ta r y to MC . In addition, these do c u ments c ontain op e r a t i n g

c ondi t ions and p r o ce du r e s that a r e not g e n e r a l l y a v a i l a ble to the publ i c a nd a re p rot ec t e d f rom

re le a s e und e r t h e F re e dom of I n f o rm a t i on A c t, 5 U. S .C. § 552 e t seq.WWW.FORENSICBUILDING.COM 1200 NW NAITO PKWY, STE. 100 PORTLAND, OR 97209 (P) 503.772.1114 (F) 503.772.4039 (TF) 1.855.772.1114 O REGON

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PAGE 2 TABLE OF CONTENTS :

1. Glossary of Abbreviations

2. D e s cr i p tion of P e ti t io n e r 3. D e s cr i p tion of P r o p os e d O p er a t io n s
A. Forensic Evaluation and Building Condition Assessments

B. Vehicular Accident Investigations

4. R e levant Sta t u to r y Au t h o r ity

5. FBC ’s Pr o p osed U A S O p er a t io n s Mee t the R e qu ir eme n ts of S ec tion 333 of t h e R e f o r m A c t

A. App r ov a l i s W a r ra nted B a s e d on the U A S ' s S i z e

, W e i g ht, S p ee d, a nd Op e r a t i on a l

C a p a bi l i t y B. App r ov a l i s W a r ra nted B a s e d on the O p e r a t i on a l R e strictions S e t F o r th i n the Op e r a t i ons Man u a l

6. R e g u latio n s F r o m W h i c h Ex e m p tion i s R e qu e s t e d

A. 14 C. F .R. P a rt 21, Subp a rt H

– Air w o r th i n e ss C e r t ific a tes a nd 14 C. F .R. § 91.20

B. 14 C. F .R. P a rt 27 A irwo r th i n e ss S tand a rds: No r mal C a te g o r y Rotor c r a ft

C. 14 C. F .R. § 91.7 (a ): C i vil Air c r a ft Ai r wo r th i n e ss
D. 14 C. F .R. § 91.9 ( b ) (2 ) : C iv i l Air c r a ft F l i g ht Man u a l i n the A ir c r a ft a nd 14 C. F .R. §

91.203 (a ) a nd ( b ) : C a r r y i n g Civ i l Air c raft Ce r t i fi ca t i on a nd R e g is t r a t i on E. 14 C. F .R. §§ 91.9 (c ), 45

. 23(b) a nd 45.27 ( a ): Ai r c r a ft M a rki n g a nd I d e nt i fi ca t i on
R e quir e m e nts

F. 14 C. F .R. § 91.103: P r e fli g ht A c t i on G. 14 C. F .R. § 91.119: Min i mum S a fe Alt i tudes

H. 14 C. F .R. § 91.121: Al t i met e r Settin g s
I. 14 C. F .R. § 91.151 (a ): Fuel R e quir e ments for F l i g ht i n V F R Condi t ions

J. 14 C. F .R. § 91.405 (a ), 9 1.407 (a ) ( 1 ), 91

. 409(a) ( 1) a nd ( 2 ); 91.417 ( a ) a nd ( b ) : Mainten a n c e I nspe c t i ons
K. 14 C. F .R. P a rt 61, 14 C. F .R. § 61.3, 14 C. F .R. § 61.113: P riv a te P i lot P rivile g e s and L i m i t a t i o n s
7. Privacy

8. P ub l i c I n t e re s t

9. Concl u sionWWW.FORENSICBUILDING.COM 1200 NW NAITO PKWY, STE. 100 PORTLAND, OR 97209 (P) 503.772.1114 (F) 503.772.4039 (TF) 1.855.772.1114 O REGON

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PAGE 3 SECTION 1: G L O S S A R Y OF AB B R EVI A TIONS

A G L Above G r ou n d L e v e l

A O I A re a of I nte re st

ATC Air T ra f f ic Control

ATO Air T ra f f ic O r g a ni z a t i o n

C. F

. R. Code of Fe d e r a l R e g ul a ti ons

COA C e r t i f ic a te of A u tho r i z a t i on

F AA Fe d e r a l Avi a t i on A d m i ni str a t ion

F AR Fe d e r a l Avi a t i on Re g ulations

GCS G r o u nd Control S tation

GPS Gl o b a l P osi t io n ing S y stem

L O L L oss of L ink

NAS N a t i on a l A ir s p ac e S y st e m

N O TAM Notice to Airm a n

P I C P i l ot I n Com m a nd

RTH R e t u r n To H ome

S ec ti on 333 F AA Mode r ni z a t i on a n d R e fo r m A c t of 2012 ( FM RA) S e c t ion 333

S OP S t a nd a r d Op e r at ing P ro c e dur e s

UA Unm a nn e d Air c r a ft

UAS Unm a nn e d Ai r c r a ft S y st e m

V F R Vi s u a l F l i g ht Rules

V L OS Vi s u a l L in e o f Site

VMC Vi s u a l M e teo r o l o g ic a l C ondi t ions

VO Vi s u a l O b s e rv e r

VT O L V e r t ic a l T a k e o f f a nd L a ndingWWW.FORENSICBUILDING.COM 1200 NW NAITO PKWY, STE. 100 PORTLAND, OR 97209 (P) 503.772.1114 (F) 503.772.4039 (TF) 1.855.772.1114 O REGON

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PAGE 4 SECTION 2: DESCRIPTION OF PETITIONER

Established in 2003, Forensic Building Consultants is a leading national consulting firm with decades of experience and expertise in construction management, forensic inv estigations, and litigation support . Our multidisciplinary team of consultants consists of highly credentialed professionals whose specialized knowledge and expertise allows us to deliver

“Trusted Solutions ” to every client. Forensic Building Consultants’ reputation for reliability and innovation is based on years of industry experience, seasoned leadership, and a distinguished team of professionals. The integration of experience and innovation provides opportunities for successful outcomes and enables us to efficiently deliver superior services and results that our clients have come to expect.

FBC se e ks to utilize the l a test U A S te c hnolo g i e s to p r ovide higher level of efficiency a nd

s a f e r s e rvi ce s for our clients. F o r e nsic e v a l u a t i ons and building condition assessments

p e r f o r med b y FBC oft e n invo l ve the p h y sic a l i nsp e c t i on of o u tdoor stru c tur e s and f a c i l i t ies

f or the a ssessment o f current element condition, d a m a g e and d e fe c ts . T h e se inspe c t i ons

t y pic a l l y invo l ve r e c o r ding i ma g e s to d o c um e nt e x is t ing c ondi t ions. D e p e nding o n the n a ture

of t h e inspe c t i o n , obtaining i m a g e s of ce rt a in p h y si c a l f e a tu r e s m a y not be f ea s i ble due to

da n g e rous c o n di t ions, l i m i t e d acce ss on the stru c ture , risk of damage to structures, or t h e

e x ce ss i ve h e i g ht of t h e r e quir e d vie w i n g a n g le.

The use o f U A S

- a ss i sted photo g rap h y and video will pro v ide a pr a c t ic a l m ea ns to p e r f o r m fo re nsic evaluations and building condition assessments th a t would be othe r wise u nsa fe to the employees of FBC and the general public . The p rima r y b e n e fit of this te c hnolo g y would

be to assist i n the c lose, d e tailed a e ri a l ins p ec t i on a nd e x a m i n a t i on of bui l ding mat e r i a ls.

I nspe c t i on of st e e p

- s l op e d ro o fs a nd mu l t i

- sto r y e x te r ior w a l l s for r e sidenti a l and

c om me r c i a l bu i ld i n g s, e x a m i n a t i on of e x h a ust chimn e y s/ s t a c ks at indus t ri a l f a c i l i t ies, a nd

t he a ssessment of acc ide n ts b y do c umenti n g e vid e n c e a r e just a f e w e x a mp l e s of wh e re
U A S

- a ss i sted photo g r a p h y w o uld be of g re a t ben e fit to Forensic Building C onsultants.

FBC is de d ic a ted to p r ov i ding te c hnol o g i c a l l y d r iven a nd innovative so l ut i ons to a ddr e ss our

c l i e nt ’s n e e ds. T h e promise of U A S

- a ss i sted photo g r a p h y / video o f f e rs a s a f e r a nd mo r e

e f f ici e nt me a ns to p e r f o rm f o re ns i c e v a luations and building condition assessments. The use of this technology wi l l better se r v e c l i e nts and i mprove publ i c sa fe t y

. I t i s in t his s pirit t h a t

FBC se e ks an e x e mp t ion t o use U A S technology for the c o m m e r c ial pu r pose o f p e r f o r m i n g

a e ri a l i nspe c t ion s duri n g building e v a luations.

The c onta c t i n f o rm a t i on f o r Petitioner is as f ol l o w s:

Matt Smith

, President Forensic Building Consultants, LLC

. 1200 NW Naito Parkway Suite, 100
Portland, OR 97209

P hon e : (503 ) 772

- 1114 Fax: (503 ) 772

- 4039

Email: matt@forensicbuilding.comWWW.FORENSICBUILDING.COM 1200 NW NAITO PKWY, STE. 100 PORTLAND, OR 97209 (P) 503.772.1114 (F) 503.772.4039 (TF) 1.855.772.1114 O REGON

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PAGE 5 SECTION 3: DESCRIPTION OF PROPOSED OPERATIONS

FBC is seeking e x e mp t i on pu r suant to S ec t i on 333 of the Re f o r m A c t t o use small U A S s

w e i g hi n g less than 6.7 pounds for c ondu c t i n g ae ri a l i nsp e c t i ons a nd surv e y s duri n g i t s
fo re nsic e v a luations and building condition assessments. All UAS ope ra t i ons will oc c ur
und e r c ont r ol l e d c ondi t ion s . The pro p osed U A S op e r a t i ons will be c ond u c ted in a c c o r d a n c e
with t he c ondi t ions and lim i tat i ons of this P e t i t i on f o r E x e mp t ion and FBC ’s Flight Op e r a t i on
Man u a l . As d e tailed in the FBC Flight Op e r a t i on Man u a l , the p r opos e d U A S op e r a t i ons will

be l i m i ted to d a y t i me VF R c ondi t ions i n un c ontroll e d a irsp a ce

, a nd will o cc ur a t le a st 5 m i les

a w a y f rom a n a irp o rt as detailed in the Manufac turer’s Manuals. In addition, FBC ’s Flight Operation Manual inco r por a tes r e dund a nt s a f e g u a rds to assu r e that the a ir c r a ft do e s not

tr a v e l ou t side the c ontroll e d a r e a o f U AS op e r a t i ons, in c lud i n g , but not l i m i ted to, GPS "g e o

f e n c i n g " t e c hnolo g ies

. The geo

- fencing technology will be used to rest rict which geographic locations UAS operate s within. All FBC UAS operation will utilize geo fencing technology to set UAS limits of travel to a controlled area encompassing the buildi ng, facility, project site, or forensic evaluation location that is under assessment.

FBC will utilize the following UAS’s for c ondu c t i n g ae ri a l i nsp e c t i ons a nd surv e y s duri n g i t s
fo re nsic e v a luations and building condition assessments (for compensation or hire within NAS):

• DJI Phantom 2 Vision+. The DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ is comprised of a vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) Unmanned Aircraft (UA) and a transportable Ground Control Station (GCS). The DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ UA has a maximum gross weight of approximately 2.7 pounds, while having a di agonal distance (motor to motor) of approximately 14 inches, and maximum speed of 34 mph (approximately 29 knots). The DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ is equipped with four propellers, each being driven by a Lithium Polymer battery powered electric motor.

• DJI Insp ire 1. The DJI Inspire 1 UAS is comprised of a vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) Unmanned Aircraft (UA) and a transportable Ground Control Station (GCS). The DJI Inspire 1 UA has a maximum gross weight of approximately 6.7 pounds, while having a diameter of 23 inches, and maximum speed of 49 mph (approximately 42 knots). The DJI Inspire 1 UA is equipped with four propellers, each being driven by a Lithium Polymer battery powered electric motor.

Sub

- Section A: Forensic Evaluation and Building Condition As sessments

FBC performs hundreds of forensic evaluations and various building condition assessments every year. These evaluations include both distant and close observation and photographic documentation. Close proximity inspections of building elements include review a nd documentation of exterior roof coverings, exterior claddings, windows, doors, exterior balconies, safety railing, etc. While most of the building elements are easily accessible by ladder, some elements require the use of aerial work platforms and variou s types of scaffolding. However, some building elements such as tall roofs are at such a height, that conventional ladders cannot reach them, and the use of other inspection methods may notWWW.FORENSICBUILDING.COM 1200 NW NAITO PKWY, STE. 100 PORTLAND, OR 97209 (P) 503.772.1114 (F) 503.772.4039 (TF) 1.855.772.1114 O REGON

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PAGE 6 be feasible due to site conditions and project logistics. UAS assi sted photography will aid in documenting the observable conditions of these building components that are not accessible by any other safe or practical means. While the use of ladders, aerial work platforms and suspended scaffolding are appropriate in some cases, depending on inspection conditions, these methods may expose both the inspecting engineers and the general public to unnecessary risk of harm or serious injury, making their use impractical or impossible. UAS

- assisted photography provides a safe and effective alternative means for performing forensic evaluations and various building condition assessments, while also minimizing the risk of harm to inspectors and the general public. GPS "g e o

- f e n c i n g "

t e c hnolo g ies may be used to set UAS limits of travel to a controlled area encompassing the building or facility that is under evaluation.

Sub

- Section B: Accident Investigations

FBC periodically evaluates vehicular accidents to determine causation through state

- of

- the

art data collection, three

- dimensional computer simulation, and analysis software tools. FBC analyzes single and multiple

- vehicle accidents of all types and investig ates the roles of
human, vehicular and environmental factors in such accidents. Accident reconstruction engineers perform thorough analyses to develop a reconstruction of the accident that is consistent with physical evidence. Our analytical procedure consists of a series of systematic ste ps that includes reviewing documents, identifying technical issues, documenting the accident site, and conducting vehicle and component inspections. T h e site

evaluations c om m on l y invo l ve e x a m i n a t i on of the a f fec t e d v e hicl e (s )

, a s w e ll a s do c umenting

c ondi t ions at the si t e wh e r e the a c c i d e nt oc c u r r e d. S i t e evaluations m a y r e quire c lose

e x a m i n a t i on to i d e nt if y d e tails s u c h a s sk i d ma r ks, gr a de v a ri a t i ons, and r o a dw a y d e f e c ts. Overall observation and distant photographic documentation are necessary to assess the site

conditions of the accident location , but oft e n ca nnot be f e a sib l y obtain e d usi n g t r a di t ional

f i x e d

- wing or r otor c r a ft a ir c r a ft. A e ri a l i m a g e s p rovid e d b y U A S technology would a id i n the

a n a l y sis of v e hicle p a th w a y s, tr a f f ic b e h a vior a t i nt e r s ec t i ons, a nd visuali z ing the g e n e r a l

a r e a of the acc i d e nt. Kno w ledge g a ined f rom v e hic l e a c c ident investi g a t i ons is used b y the

t ra nsport a t i on industry to i mprove publ i c s a f e t y

. W h e n n e ce ss a r y , loc a l l a w e n f o rc e ment

sh a ll be used to establish a s ec u r e z one a round a t r a f fic in t e rs ec t i on to a l l ow safe and

efficient UAS op e r a t i on. GPS "g e o

- f e n c i n g " t e c hnolo g ies may be used to set UAS limits of travel to a controlled area encompassing the accident site.

SECTION 4: RELEVANT STATUTORY AUTHORITY

This Petition for Exemption is submitted pursuant to Section 333(a) through (c) of the Reform Act. Congress has directed the FAA "to safely accelerate the integration of civil unmanned aircraft systems into the national airspace system." Pursuant to Section 333 of the Refor m Act, the FAA Administrator is to permit unmanned aircraft systems to operate in the National Air Space ("NAS") where it is safe to do so based on the following considerations:

• The UAS size, weight, speed, and operation capability;

• Operation of the UAS i n close proximity to airports and populated areas; and

• Operation of the UAS within the visual line of sight of the operator.WWW.FORENSICBUILDING.COM 1200 NW NAITO PKWY, STE. 100 PORTLAND, OR 97209 (P) 503.772.1114 (F) 503.772.4039 (TF) 1.855.772.1114 O REGON

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PAGE 7 In addition, the FAA Administrator has general authority to grant exemptions from the agency's safety regulations and minimum stan dards when the Administrator decides a requested exemption is in the public interest. See 49 U.S.C. § 106(f) (defining the authority of the Administrator); 49 U.S.C. § 44701(f) (permitting exemptions from §§ 44701(a), (b) and §§

44702

– 44716, et seq.). A party requesting an exemption must explain the reasons why 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 safety at least equal to the existing rules). See 14 C.F.R. § 11.81 (petitions for exemption).

SECTION 5: PROPOSED UAS OPERATIONS MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF SECTION 333

The sma ll UAS operations proposed by FBC in this Petition for Exemption qualify for expedited approval pursuant to Section 333 of the Reform Act as e ach of the statutory

criteria and relevant factors are satisfied.

• Approval is Warranted Based on the UAS's Size, Weight, Speed, and Operational Capability

FBC will employ the DJI Phantom 2 Vision + quadcopter for the operations specified in this

Petition for Exemption. This is the same UAS model approved for use in the FAA's Grant of Exemption to Douglas Trudeau, Docket No. FAA

- 2014

- 0481. This UAS has a maximum

take

- off weight of less than 3 pounds. The flight speed will not exceed 30 knots, and it will

no t be flown in controlled airspace or at an altitude that exceeds 400 feet AGL without prior written authorization and approval from the FAA. All flights will be flown in such a way that they can be safely terminated once the operator receives the first low battery warning (approximately 30% of the battery's maximum charge). The DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ does not carry any flammable propellant or fuel. The UAS also has an integrated GPS system that calculates the UAS's position and height and relays that informa tion via a secure connection to the operator. Additionally, as acknowledged by the FAA in its prior grant of exemption to Douglas Trudeau, the DJI Phantom 2 Vision+

, "Has the capability to operate safely after experiencing certain in

- flight contingencies or failures and uses an auto

- pilot system to maintain UAS stability and control. The UAS is also able to respond to a loss of GPS or a

lost

- link event with pre

- coordinated automated flight maneuvers."

• Approval is Warranted Based on the Operational Restri ctions Set Forth in the Flight Operations Manual

The FBC Flight Operations Manual and the Manufacturer's Manuals for the selected UAS will contain all the procedures and limitations necessary to safely and successfully perform the operations specified in this Petition for Exemption. To assist the FAA in making a safety

assessment of FBC ’s proposed operations, below is a summary of operational limitations and conditions that will ensure an equivalent or higher level of safety to operations

conducted under c urrent regulatory guidelines:

1. The DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ w e i g hs less than 3 pounds, ful l y load e d.

2. The DJI Inspire 1 weights less than 7 pounds, fully loaded.WWW.FORENSICBUILDING.COM 1200 NW NAITO PKWY, STE. 100 PORTLAND, OR 97209 (P) 503.772.1114 (F) 503.772.4039 (TF) 1.855.772.1114 O REGON

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PAGE 8 3. The ra dio f r e qu e n c ies u s e d for op e r a t i ons a nd c o n trol of the U AS (2.4 G H z ) w i l l c omp l y with t he Fe d e r a l Com m unic a t i ons C om m i ss i on ( " F C C " ) or oth e r a ppro p ri a te

g o v e rnm e nt ov e rsi g ht a g e n c y r e qui r e ments.

4. Mini m um c re w f or e ac h op e r a t i on will c onsist of a pi l ot, who will be P i l o t

- in Com m a nd ( " P I C ") of the U A S

, a nd one o r mo r e Visu a l Obs e rvers ( " Obs e rv e r " ) a s n ece ss a r y to

sa fe l y c on d u c t t he m i ss i on.

5. The U A S shall be o p e r a t e d with i n Visu a l L ine o f S i g ht (" V L OS " ) of the P IC a nd

Obs e rver a t all t i m e s. The P I C will use h uman vi s ion unaid e d b y a n y d e vi c e other than

c o r r ec t ive l e nses.

6. The UAS shall be operated during daylight only. Operations shall occur during daytime VFR Meteorological Conditions; flights under special visual flight rules ("SVFR") shall not be conducted. UAS operations under Instrument Flight Rules, at night, or beyond VLOS are prohibited.

7. The Obs e r v e r d e s i g n a ted f or a n y op e r a t i on will be in consta n t vo i c e c ont a c t wi t h the

P I C.

8. The a ddi t ional re qui r e m e nts i d e nt i fi e d in t he e x e m pt i on g r a nt shall be a dd e d to FBC ’s Flight Op e r a t i ons Man ua l. The Flight O p e r a t i o n s Man ua l wi l l be m a in t a i n e d a nd made

a v a i l a ble to the A d m i nis t r a tor upon re qu e st. I f a disc r e p a n c y e x is t s b e tw ee n the

c ondi t ions and lim i tations in the g r a n ted e x e mp t ions and the FBC Flight Op e r a t i ons Man u a l , the c ondi t ions and lim i tatio n s in t he g r a nted e x e mp t ions will incorporated into the Flight Operations Manual.

9. The UAS will be operated and maintained according to the Manufacturer's Manuals and any required manufacturer Safety/Service Bulletins.

10. All aircraft operated in accordance with this exemption will be identified by seri al number, registered in accordance with 14 C.F.R part 47, and have identification markings in accordance with 14 C.F.R. part 45, Subpart C. Markings must be as large as practicable.

11. Prior to each flight the PIC shall inspect the UAS to confirm that it is in a condition safe for flight. The PIC shall not operate the UAS if the inspection reveals a condition that affects the safe operation of the UAS until the necessary maintenance has been performed and the UAS is found to be in a condition for safe flight . All maintenance and alternations must be properly documented in the UAS records.

12. Any UAS that has undergone maintenance or alterations that affect the UAS operation or flight characteristics must undergo a functional t est flight in accordance with FBC ’s Flight Operations Manuals. The PIC who conducts the functional test flight must make an entry in the UAS aircraft records of the flight.WWW.FORENSICBUILDING.COM 1200 NW NAITO PKWY, STE. 100 PORTLAND, OR 97209 (P) 503.772.1114 (F) 503.772.4039 (TF) 1.855.772.1114 O REGON

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PAGE 9 13. Prior to the operation, there will be a Flight Plan setting forth the operational limitations

and conditions for the flight operations, as well as key personnel contact information and a description of any potential hazards on or in the vicinity of the survey site.

14. The PIC is prohibited from beginning a flight unless (considering wind and forecast weather conditions) t here is enough power to fly at normal cruising speed to the

intende d landing point and land the UAV once the low battery warning is received (approximately 30% of the battery's maximum charge).

15. The UAV shall remain clear and yield the right of way to all other manned operations and activities at all times (including, but not limited to, ultralight vehicles, parachute activities, parasailing activities, hang gliders, etc.).

16. The UAS will not be operated by the PIC from any moving device or vehicle.

17. Flights will be operated at an altitude of no more than 400 feet AGL and will never enter navigable controlled airspace.

18. Flights will be operated at a lateral distance of at least 200 feet from any nonparticipating persons, unless that person is in a position wh ere he or she is shielded from the UAS and any possible debris resulting from UAS failure.

19. At no time will the UAS be operated so close to persons or objects to present an undue hazard to the PIC or Observer, pursuant to § 91.119(a).

20. UAS operations will occur at least 200 feet away from non

- participating vehicles or structures unless the property owner/controller has granted permission, and the PIC has made a safety assessment of the risk of operating closer to those objects. At no

time will the UAS be o perated so close to structures or vehicles as to present an undue hazard to the PIC or Observer, per § 91.119(a).

21. Flights will be limited to a speed of 30 knots and vertical ascent / decent will be limited to 15 fps.

22. If the UAS lose s communication with t he PIC, the UAS has the capability to return to a

pre

- determined location within the operational area and land safely.

23. Contingency plans will be in place to safely terminate flight if there is a loss of

communication between the PIC and the Observer.

24. The UAS will have the capability to safely abort flight in the case of unpredicted obstacles or emergencies. The PIC will abort the flight in the event of unpredicted obstacles or emerg encies in accordance with the FBC ’s Flight Operations Manuals.

SECTION 6: REGULATIONS FROM WHICH EXEMPTION IS REQUESTED

The Federal Aviation Act expressly grants the FAA the authority to issue exemptions. This statutory authority, by its terms, includes exempting civil aircraft, as the term is definedWWW.FORENSICBUILDING.COM 1200 NW NAITO PKWY, STE. 100 PORTLAND, OR 97209 (P) 503.772.1114 (F) 503.772.4039 (TF) 1.855.772.1114 O REGON

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PAGE 10 under § 40101 of the Ac t, including UASs, from its safety regulations and minimum standards when the Administrator decides a requested exemption is in the public interest.

FBC seeks an exemption from several interrelated provisions of Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations ("14 C.F.R") Parts 21, 45, 61 and 91 for purposes of conducting the requested operations using a UAS. Listed below are the specific sections of 14 C.F.R for which exemption is sought.

A. 14 C. F .R. P a rt 21, Subp a rt H

– Air w o r th i n e ss C e r t ific a tes a nd 14 C. F .R. § 91.20

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 normally used for the same application. These cri teria 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 chosen UAS that fail to meet the requirements of the Reform Act, an exemption is

r e qu e sted.

B. 14 C. F .R. P a rt 27 A irwo r th i n e ss S tand a rds: No r mal C a te g o r y Rotor c r a ft

Title 14 C.F.R. Part 27 sets forth the procedural requirements for airworthiness certification of normal category r otorcraft. To the extent that FBC ’s small UASs would otherwise require certification under Part 27, Petitioner seeks an exemption from Part 27's airworthiness standards for the same reasons identified in the request for exemption from 14 C.F.R. Part 21, Subpart H, supra.

C. 1 4 C. F .R. § 91.7 (a ): C i vil Air c r a ft Ai r wo r th i n e ss

FBC seeks an exemption from 14 C.F.R. § 91.7(a), which requires that a civil aircraft be in airworthy condition to be operated. The FAA has stated that no exemption is required for 14 C.F.R. § 91.7(a) to the extent that the requirements of Part 21 are waived or found inapplicable. See Docket No. FAA

- 2014

- 0352 at 13

- 14, 22. Accordingly, Petitioner requests that the requirements for § 91.7(a) be treated in accordance with Section V(A), supra.

D. 14 C. F .R. § 91.9 ( b ) (2 ) : C iv i l Air c r a ft F l i g ht Man u a l i n the A ir c r a ft a nd 14 C. F .R. §

91.203 (a ) a nd ( b ) : C a r r y i n g Civ i l Air c raft Ce r t i fi ca t i on a nd R e g is t r a t i on

FBC seeks exemption from 14 C.F.R. § 91.9(b)(2). Given the small size and configuration of the UAS, it would be impossible to keep airworthiness documents and other aircraft manuals on board the UAS because there is simply no room and the UAS has no cabin or cockpit.

E. 14 C. F .R. §§ 91.9 (c ), 45

. 23(b) a nd 45.27 ( a ): Ai r c r a ft M a rki n g a nd I d e nt i fi ca t i on
R e quir e m e nts

FBC seeks an exemption from the aircraft marking and identification requirements contained in 14 C.F.R. §§ 91.9(c), 45.23(b) and 45.27(a).WWW.FORENSICBUILDING.COM 1200 NW NAITO PKWY, STE. 100 PORTLAND, OR 97209 (P) 503.772.1114 (F) 503.772.4039 (TF) 1.855.772.1114 O REGON

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PAGE 11 14 C.F.R. § 91.9(c), Civil Aircraft Flight Manual, Marking and Placard requirements, provides that: No person may operate a U.S.

- registered civil aircraft unless that aircraft is identified in accordance with Part 45 of this chapter.

14 C.F.R. § 45.23(b), Markings o f the Aircraft, states: When marks include only the Roman capital letter "N" and the registration number is displayed on limited, restricted or light

- sport category aircraft or experimental or provisionally certificated aircraft, the operator must also

dis play 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), Rotorcraft, states: Each operator of a rotorcraft must display on that rotorcraft horizontally on both surfaces of the cabin, fuselage, boom, or tail the marks required by § 45.23.

In a previous Grant of Exemption, the FAA determined that exemption from these requirements was warranted provided that the aircraft "have identification (N

- Number) markings in accordance with 14 C.F.R Part 45, Subpart C if the markings are as large as

pra cticable." FAA Docket No. FAA

- 2014

- 0352.

F. 14 C. F .R. § 91.103: P r e fli g ht A c t i on

FBC seeks an exemption from 14 C.F.R. § 91.103, which requires a PIC to become familiar with specific information before each flight, including information contained in the FAA

approved Flight Manual on board the aircraft. While the PIC will be familiar with all information necessary to safely conduct the flight, an exemption is requested to the extent

that an FAA

- approved Flight Manual is required.

G. 14 C. F .R. § 91.119: Min i mum S a fe Alt i tudes

FBC seeks an exemption from the minimum safe altitude requirements of 14 C.F.R. § 91.119. Section 91.119 prescribes the minimum safe altitudes under which aircraft may not operate, including 500 feet above the surface and away from any person, vessel, vehicle,

or structure in non

- congested areas. See 14 C.F.R. § 91.119(c ). Section 91.119(d) allows for a helicopter to operate at less than those minimum altitudes when it can be operated "without hazard to persons or property on the surface," provided that "each person operating the helicopter complies with any routes or alt itudes specifically prescribed for helicopters by the FAA."

An exemption is required because the proposed UAS operations will occur below 400 feet AGL. Additionally, due the nature of the proposed operations, the Pilot and/or Observers(s) may need to be l ess than 500 feet away from the UAS.

H. 14 C. F .R. § 91.121: Al t i met e r Settin g sWWW.FORENSICBUILDING.COM 1200 NW NAITO PKWY, STE. 100 PORTLAND, OR 97209 (P) 503.772.1114 (F) 503.772.4039 (TF) 1.855.772.1114 O REGON

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PAGE 12 FBC 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 s et to the elevation of the departure airport or barometric pressure. An exemption is required to the extent that the UASs do not have a barometric altimeter, but rather GPS altitude display.

I. 14 C. F .R. § 91.151 (a ): Fuel R e quir e ments for F l i g ht i n V F R Condi t ions

FBC seeks an exemption from 14 C.F.R. § 91.151(a)'s fuel requirements for flight in VFR conditions. The technological limitations on UAS battery power means that no meaningful flight operations can be conducted while still maintaining a 30

- minute ba ttery reserve. An exemption from the fuel requirements of 14 C.F.R. § 91.151(a) is therefore required. Additional information: Individual MC Flight operations will be limited 15 minutes or less.

J. 14 C. F .R. § 91.405 (a ), 9 1.407 (a ) ( 1 ), 91

. 409(a) ( 1) a nd ( 2 ); 91.417 ( a ) a nd ( b ) : Mainten a n c e I nspe c t i ons

FBC seeks an exemption from the maintenance inspection requirements contained in 14 C.F.R. § 91.405(a), 91.407(a)(1), 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 thi s 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 sections only apply to aircraft with

an airworthiness certificat e, which the UAS to be operated under this grant of exemption will

not have.

K. 14 C. F .R. P a rt 61, 14 C. F .R. § 61.3, 14 C. F .R. § 61.113: P riv a te P i lot P rivile g e s and

L i m i t a t i o n s

61.113: subsections (a) and (b) prescribe the following, in relevant part:

(a) No person who holds a private pilot certificate may act as a pilot in command (PIC) of an aircraft that is carrying passengers or property for compensation or hire; nor may that person, for compensation or hire, act as PIC of an aircraft.

(b) A private p ilot may, for compensation or hire, act as PIC of an aircraft in connection with any business or employment if

-

(1) The flight is only incidental to that business or employment; and

(2) The aircraft does not carry passengers or property for compensatio n or hire.

FBC seeks exemption from 14 CFR § 61.113, which restricts private pilot certificate holders from flying aircraft for compensation or hire, and would also require a second class medical certificate. The purpose of Part 61 is to ensure that the s kill and competency of any PIC matches the airspace in which the PIC will be operating, as well as requiring certifications if the private pilot is carrying passengers or cargo for hire. In this case, while the UASs will beWWW.FORENSICBUILDING.COM 1200 NW NAITO PKWY, STE. 100 PORTLAND, OR 97209 (P) 503.772.1114 (F) 503.772.4039 (TF) 1.855.772.1114 O REGON

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PAGE 13 operated as part of a commercial operation, it carries neither passengers nor cargo. In the Grant of Exemption to Astraeus Aerial17, the FAA determined that the unique characteristics of UAS operation outside of controlled airspace did not warrant the addition cost and

restrictions atten dant with requiring a the PIC to have a Commercial Pilot Certificate and Class II Medical Certificate. The fulfillment of the additional requirements for a private pilot to become qualified as a commercial pilot would not lead to any additional safety bene fits when UAS operations are involved. Furthermore, while helpful, a pilot license will not ensure remote control piloting skills. The risks associated with the operation of small UAS is far less

than the risks associated with the commercial activities out lined in 14 CFR § 61.113 (a) & (b).

SECTION 7: PRIVACY

All FBC UAS operations will be conducted in accordance with applicable federal, state, or local laws regarding privacy. All operations shall be conducted over private or controlled

access property with permission from the land/building owner/controller or authori zed representative. Permission from land owner/controller or authorized representative will be obtained for each flight to be conducted. Notification of inspection activities (including UAS operations) will be delivered via land/building owner/controller or authorized representative a minimum of 24 hours prior to inspection day/UAS operations.

SECTION 8: PUBLIC INTEREST

The public interest w ill be served by granting FBC ’s Petition for Exemption. Congress has established a national policy that favors earl y integration of UAS into the NAS in controlled, safe working environments such as those proposed in this Petition. Granting this Petition for Exemption helps fulfill Congress' goal in passing Section 333(a) through (c) of the Reform

Act

— the FAA Administra tor's assessment of whether certain UAS may operate safely in the NAS before completion of the statutorily required rulemaking. The proposed UAS operations in this Petition for Exemption significantly improve safety and reduce risk by alleviating the publi c's exposure to danger associated with traditional aerial survey and inspection methods, namely, full size fixed

- wing aircraft and rotorcraft as well as the use of inherently dangerous equipment use such as scaffolding and aerial work platforms. The UASs t hat FBC intends to use weigh less than 3 pounds (DJI Phantom 2 Vision+) and less than 7 pounds (DJI Inspire 1), are battery powered, and create no emissions. Moreover, in the unlikely event that one of Petitioner's UASs crash, there is no fuel to ignite an d explode. Any accident involving Petitioner's lightweight UASs will present significantly less danger to the pilot and other individuals on the ground than one involving a full size aircraft or significa ntly larger UAS. Furthermore, FBC ’s UASs will be cap able of documenting conditions that may have been otherwise inaccessible using traditional inspection and survey methods. UAS

assisted photography will also reduce the risk of harm to inspecting engineers and consultants by not exposing them to hazards ass ociated with inspection of dangerous or unsafe physical conditions often present in buildings and structures that have been damaged.

SECTION 9: SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION

FBC seeks exemption from the following rules in Title 14 of the Code of FederalWWW.FORENSICBUILDING.COM 1200 NW NAITO PKWY, STE. 100 PORTLAND, OR 97209 (P) 503.772.1114 (F) 503.772.4039 (TF) 1.855.772.1114 O REGON

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PAGE 14 Regulat ions: 14 C.F.R. 21, subpart H; 14 C.P.R. 45.23(b); 14 C.F.R. §§ 61.113 (a) & (b); 14 C.F.R. § 91.7 (a); 14 C.F.R. § 91.9 (b)(2); 14 C.F.R. § 91.103(b); 14 C.F.R. § 91.109; 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. § 91.405 (a); 14 C.F.R. § 91.407 (a)(1); 14 C.P.R. § 91.409 (a)(2); 14 C.P.R. § 91.409 (a)(2); and, 14 C.P.R. §§ 91.417 (a) & (b) to commercially operate lightweight unmanned UAS during forensic evaluations and building condition asses sments.

Granting Forensic Building Consultants request for exemption will reduce current risk levels and thereby enhance safety. UAS technologies applied to building inspection services will provide higher level of efficiency and safer services for our cl ients. Forensic evaluations and building condi tion assessments performed by FBC often involve the physical inspection of outdoor structures and facilities for the assessment of current element condition, damage,

defects and accidents. Obtaining images of c ertain physical features may not be feasible due to dangerous conditions, limited access on the structure or the excessive height of the required viewing angle.

The use of UAS

- assisted photography will provide a practical means to perform forensic

evaluat ions and building condition assessments that would be otherwi se unsafe to the employees of FBC and the general public. UAS

- assisted photography also offers a safer and more efficient means to perform forensic evaluations and building condition assessments. The use of this technology will better serve clients and improve public safety.

Forensic Building Consultants respectfully requests that the FAA grant its exemption request without delay. The FAA has the authority to issue the exemption sought by Forensi c Building Consultants pursuant to the Federal Aviation Act, 85 P.L. 726 (1958), as amended (the “Act”).

Respectfully submitted,

Matt Smith

President Forensic Building Consultants, LLC

. 1200 NW Naito Parkway Suite, 100
Portland, OR 97209

P hon e : (503 ) 772

- 1114 Fax: (503) 772

- 4039

Email: matt@forensicbuilding.comWWW.FORENSICBUILDING.COM 1200 NW NAITO PKWY, STE. 100 PORTLAND, OR 97209 (P) 503.772.1114 (F) 503.772.4039 (TF) 1.855.772.1114 O REGON

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PAGE 15 The following attached items contain proprietary and commercial information exempt from

disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act, 5 U.S.C. § 522 et seq., and should be held in a separate file pu rsuant to 14 C.F.R. § 11.35(b).

Attachments:

1. Forensic Building Consultants, LLC .:

a. FBC

_ U AS

_ F l i g ht

_ O p e r a t i ons_ Manu a l _v1.0

2. D J I P h a ntom 2 Vision+ :

a. Phantom_2_Vision_P lus_Pilot_Training_Guide_v1.1

b. Phantom_2_ Vision_Plus_Quick_Start_Guide

c. Phantom_2 _Vision_Plus_User_Manual_v1.8

d. Smart_Flight_Battery_Safety_Guidelines

3. DJI Inspire 1:

a. Inspire_1_User_Manual_v1.0

b. Inspire_1_Safety_Guidelines

c. Ins pire_1_Maintenance_ManualV1.0

d. 1345_Prop eller_Locks_Quick_Start_Guide

e. Intelligent_Fli ght_Battery_Safety_GuidelinesWWW.FORENSICBUILDING.COM 1200 NW NAITO PKWY, STE. 100 PORTLAND, OR 97209 (P) 503.772.1114 (F) 503.772.4039 (TF) 1.855.772.1114 O REGON

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PAGE 16 Forensic Building Consultants Flight Operations Manual (v1.0)WWW.FORENSICBUILDING.COM 1200 NW NAITO PKWY, STE. 100 PORTLAND, OR 97209 (P) 503.772.1114 (F) 503.772.4039 (TF) 1.855.772.1114 O REGON

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PAGE 17 Forensic Building Consultants Flight Operations Manual (v1.0)WWW.FORENSICBUILDING.COM 1200 NW NAITO PKWY, STE. 100 PORTLAND, OR 97209 (P) 503.772.1114 (F) 503.772.4039 (TF) 1.855.772.1114 O REGON

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PAGE 18 Forens ic Building Consultants Flight Operations Manual (v1.0)WWW.FORENSICBUILDING.COM 1200 NW NAITO PKWY, STE. 100 PORTLAND, OR 97209 (P) 503.772.1114 (F) 503.772.4039 (TF) 1.855.772.1114 O REGON

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PAGE 19 Forensic Building Consultants Flight Operations Manual (v1.0)WWW.FORENSICBUILDING.COM 1200 NW NAITO PKWY, STE. 100 PORTLAND, OR 97209 (P) 503.772.1114 (F) 503.772.4039 (TF) 1.855.772.1114 O REGON

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PAGE 20 Forensic Building Consultants Flight Operations Manual (v1 .0)WWW.FORENSICBUILDING.COM 1200 NW NAITO PKWY, STE. 100 PORTLAND, OR 97209 (P) 503.772.1114 (F) 503.772.4039 (TF) 1.855.772.1114 O REGON

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PAGE 21 Forensic Building Consultants Flight Operations Manual (v1.0)