1 7 #August#2015

Pentagon# Performance

, #Inc

.########### One#Gateway#Center
Suite#2600 Newark,#NJ #07102

U.S.#Department#of#Transportation Docket#Operations,#M

H 30# 1200#New#Jersey#Avenue,#SE
Room#W12

H 140,#West#Building#Ground#Floor Washington,#DC#20590

H 0001

Dear#Sir#or#Madam:

Pursuant#to#Section#333#of#the#FAA#Modernization#and#Reform#Act#of#2012#and#14#C.F.R.#Part#11,#Pentagon# Performance,# Inc

. ,#hereby#applies# for#an#exemption# from#the#Federal#Aviation#Regulations#identified#herein# to#allow# for# the#commercial#operation#of#its# sUAS# for# the#purposes#of# aerial#surveying# for#many#public#and# private#industries#and#applications ,#so#long#as#such#operations#are#conducted#within#and#under#the#conditions# outlined#herein#or#as#may#be#established#by#the#F AA.#

Aerial#surveying#is#currently# performed#by#manned# helicopters#and# fixed#wing#aircraft.# The#use#of# sUAS# to# perform# these# tasks# to# collect# surveying# data# will# limit# impacts# on# the# environment,# promote# worker# and# public# safety,# lower# public# and# private# cost s , and# provide# better,# faster,# more# accurate# data# than# that#
available# through#the#use#of#manned#aircraft.# These#facts,#among#others,#provide#a#significant#and#definitive# public#benefit#and#are#in#the#public#interest.

Conditions#for#sUAS#operation#as#describe d#in#this#application#are#consistent#with#and#based#upon#proposed# FAA# sUAS# regulations# as# outlined# by# the# FAA# on# the# 15 th# of# February,# 2015.# Any# additional# conditions# included#herein#have#been#included#by#Pentagon#Performance,# Inc.# to#add#to#and#enhance#t he#safe#operation#
of sUAS# when#used#for# aerial#surveying

. The#applicant#contact#information#is:

Pentagon#Performance,# Inc.#

Attn:# Anthony#LaSure Telephone:# (973)#975

H 0400

E mail:# #alasure@pentagonperformance.com#
Address:# One#Gateway#Center,#Suite#2600,# Newark#NJ#07102

Pentagon# Performance,# Inc.# contends# that# this# application# satisfies# the# conditions# and# criteria# set# forth# in# Section#333#of#the#Reform#Act,#that#the#operations#described#herein#benefit#the#public#interest#as#a#whole#in# many# ways# and# that# t he# use# of sUAS# for# aerial# surveying# meets# and # exceeds# the # level# of safety currently experienced by traditional manned aircraft utilized for these purposes.# The applicant# is# thankful# for# the#
Federal#Aviation#Administration’s#time#and#consideration.

Respectf ully#yours,

Anthony#LaSure#

CEOPentagon#Performance ,#Inc.# Request#for#Section #3 3 3#Exemption ###################################################################17#August#2015

2 

### 1 Applicable* R egulations*for*Exemption

Pentagon#Performance,# Inc.# (PPI)# requests#exemption#from#the#following#regulations:

Section# 6 # contains# a# discussion# of# each# FAR# and# the# methods# by# which # Pentagon# Performance,# Inc.# will maintain#a#level#of#safety#equival ent#to#or#exceeding#the#r egulation #for #which# this# exemption#is# requested.##



### 2 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# systems# into # the# national# airspace#system.”# Pursuant#to#Section#333#of#the#Reform#Act,#the#FAA#Administrator#is#to#permit#operation#of# an#unmanned#aircraft#system#where#it# (1)# does#not#create#a#hazard#to#users #of#the#National#A irspace# S ystem# (NAS)#or# the#public ,#and# (2)# pose#a# threat# to#national#security#based# on#its# size,#weight,#speed

, #operational# capability ,# and# operational# environment.# # Operations# will# not# be# conducted# in# proximity # to# airports# and# populated#area#and#will#be#conducted#in#accordance#with#the#e xisting#regulatory#framework#(e.g.,#VFR,#VLOS,# qualified#Pilot/Crew,# and#Communications )

. FAR#PARGRAPH TITLE

Part#21,#Subpart#H.# Airworthiness#Certificates

45.23#(b).# Display#of#Marks

45.25. Location of #M arks on #F ixed #W inged #A ircraft

45.29.# Size of #M arks

61.113#(a)#&#(b).# Private#Pilot#privileges#and#Limitations,#Pilot#in#Command;

61.133#(a).# Commercial#Pilot#Privileges#and#L imitations

91.7#(a).# Civil#Aircraft#Airworthiness

91.9#(b)(2)#&#(c).# Ap proved#Flight#Manual#in#the#Aircraft

91.103.# Preflight #A ction

91.105.# Flight#C rew #Members#at#Stations

91.109#(a).# Flight#Instruction

91.119.# Minimum #S afe #Altitudes

91.121.# Altimeter#Settings

91.151#(a)(1)#&#(b).# Fuel #R equirements for #F light in VFR #C onditions

91.203#(a)#&#(b).# Carry #C ivil #A ircraft #C ertification and #R egistration

91.405#(a).# Maintenance#I nspections

91.407#(a)(1).# Maintenance#I nspections

91.409#(a)(2).# Maintenance#I nspections

91.417#(a)#&#(b). Maintenance#I nspectionsPentagon#Performance ,#Inc.# Request#for#Section #3 3 3#Exemption ###################################################################17#August#2015

3 Furthermore,# the#Federal#Aviation#Act#grants# the#FAA#Administrator#general#authority# to#grant#exemptions# from# the#agency’s# safety# regulations#and#minimum# standards#wh en# the#Administrator#decides#a# requested# exemption# is# in# the# public# interest.# See# 49# U.S.C.# §§# 106(f),# 44701

H 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.



### 3 Pentagon*Performance,* Inc.* Background*Information

Pentagon#Performance,# Inc.# is#dedicated#to#provide#safe,#efficient#and#ou tstanding#aerial#imaging#services#to#
its#clients.#The#founder #and# CEO

,# COL#Anthony#LaSure#(USAF#Retired)# is#an#active# commercial# pilot#holding#a# commercial# certificate,# valid# medical# and# has# previously# worked# as# a# professional# pilot# in# Part# 135 operations. # He# has# also# supported# FAA# research# and# develop ment # in# support# of# the# integration# of# UAS# operations#into# the#National#Airspace#System# (NAS)#at# the# FAA# William# J.#Hughes#Technical# Center#in#New# Jersey.## Mr.#LaSure#is#a#certified#Range#Safety#Officer.



### 4 Proposed*Operations

The#CropCam# ( www.cropcam.com )# is#capable#of#supporting#a#wide#range#of# operational#missions#for#the#public#benefit# and#public#interests

.##

P PI is# requesting# exemptions# from# the# Federal# Aviation# Regulations# (FARs)# stated#herein#pursuan t#to#Section#333#of#the#Reform#Act#in#order#to#perform# the#UAS#operations#contained#in#this#document.##



### 4.1 Operational*Missions* and*Environments

Under#this#exemption,#PPI#will#support#Aerial#Surveying#missions#and#research.####Airborne#aerial#surveying#is#

cur rently#used#by#many#public# and#private# entities#as#a#service#to#its#citizens #and#customers

.## Today,# manned# aircraft#carrying#personnel,#sensors,#and#fuel#conducts#these#surveys

.#### The# PPI# CropCam# will #be#equipped#with#cameras

, #sensors ,#and#data#distribut ion#equipment #to#collect# the# data#
needed# to#support#many#missions #including#the#following:

 Coastal#Research#(e.g.,#Beach#Erosion,#Analysis#of#reefs#and#levies)

 Fish#and#Wildlife#(e.g.,# population,#nesting,#movement,#human#interaction )

 GIS#Surveys#(e.g.,#ai rports)

 Utility/Power#line#Inspections#(e.g.,#Performance,#vegetation#growth)

 Storm#Damage#(e.g.,#Infrastructure,#bridges,#roads,#structures,#Access)

 Search#&#Rescue#(e.g.,#Fire,#maritime,#missing#persons)

Th is#data# can#be#cataloged#for#later# use #and#used#in#creating#precise# 2D#and#3D#models#t hat#can#be#used#to# analy ze # beach# erosion,# storm# impacts# and# damage,# emergency# management,# and# wildlife# activities# (i.e.,# population,#nesting,#movement).##



### 4.2 Operation al* Conditions*and*Limitations

P PI will# only# conduct# safe# sUAS# operations# in# COA

H approved# airspace# over# approved# geographic# locations# throughout#the#United#States.## The#conditions#and#limitations#for#the#sUAS,#the#pilot/observer,#and#the#flight# operations#follow:#Pentagon#Performance ,#Inc.# Request#for#Section #3 3 3#Exemption ###################################################################17#August#2015

4 a.# C ropCam#UAS
1) The#CropCam#weight#a t#launch#will#not#exceed#55#pounds.##
2) The#CropCam#will#not#operate#in#excess#of#100#mph.
3) The# sUAS# will#be#controlled#via#radio#transmission#from#a#Ground#Control#Station#(GCS).# All#remote# control#equipment#will#be#off#the#shelf#industry#standard#devices#a vailable#to#both#professionals#and# consumers#and#utilize#FCC#approved#transmission#and#reception#components.
4) A#thorough#pre

H flight#check#of#the#UAS#shall#be#conducted#prior#to#flight#in#accordance#with#the#
manufacturer’s#handbook.## Prior#to#each#flight,#th e#PIC#must#conduct#a#pre

H flight#inspection#and# determine#the#UAS#is#in#a#condition#for#safe#flight.#The#pre

H flight#inspection#must#account#for#all# potential#discrepancies,#e.g.,#inoperable#components,#items,#or#equipment.#If#the#inspection#reveals#a#
condit ion#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.
5) Any# s UAS#that#has#undergone#maintenance#or#alterations#t hat#affect#the# s UAS#operation#or#flight# characteristics,#e.g.,#replacement#of#a#flight#critical#component,# shall #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.

b. Pilot/Visual#Observer

1) The#pilot#and#visual#observer# (VO)# crew#sha ll#meet#the#minimum#qualifications#required#to#operate#a# sUAS#under#this#exemption.
2) 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#dut ies#required#of#the#VO.
3) The#pilot#and# VO #shall#only#support#one#UAS#operation#at#a#time.#
4) The#observer,#when#used,#will#assist#the#operator#in#identifying#both#air#and#ground#hazards#and# maintaining#safe#operating#conditions.#
5) The# VO #will#be#in#voice#contact#with#the#operator#at#all#times#during#flight#via#either#direct#contact,# radio#or#equivalent#methods,#depending#on#the#optimal#observer#position#as#determined#by#operator#
and#observer.#
6) The#pilot#or# VO #shall#not#operate#the#UAS#if# there#is#any#physical#or#mental#condition#that#may#impact# safe#operations#of#the#UAS.

c. Flight#Operations

1) All#operations#shall#be#conducted#in#accordance#with#an#ATO

H issued #COA.#
2) Flight#operations#will#only#be#conducted# over#private#or#controlled

H access#property# with#written# permissions#from#the#property#owner,#local#or#state#entity,#as#required.
3) Predetermined#potential#landing#zones#will#be#identified#and#briefed#by#the#operator,#observers#and# participating#persons#prio r#to#flight.#Landing#zones#will#be#selected#according#to#proximity#to# obstructions,#observed#ground#conditions#and#limited#exposure#to#persons#and#property.
4) A# thorough# pre

H flight#assessment#of#the#weather #and#airspace#(e.g.,#NOTAM,#TFR) #will#be#conducted#

t o#ensure#that#the#flight#operations#can#be#safely#completed.
5) A#thorough#pre

H flight#briefing#will#be#conducted#prior#to#commencing#flight#operations#and#after#any# suspected#or#observed#anomalies#or#damage.#Pentagon#Performance ,#Inc.# Request#for#Section #3 3 3#Exemption ###################################################################17#August#2015

5 6) The#aircraft#will#only#operate#in#approved#airspac e. 7) Flight#Operations#will#only#b e#conducted#in#Class#G#airspace;#however,#not#in#the#airport#flight#paths,# restricted#airspace,#or#areas#under#an#active#TFR.
8) Flight#operations#will#be#conducted#at#an#altitude#less#than#400#feet#AGL.
9) Flights#operations#will #be#operated#within#visual#line#of#site#of#the#pilot.
10) Flight#operations#will#only#be#conducted#during#daylight#hours.
11) The#duration#of#the#flight#operations#will#ensure#sufficient#power#reserves#to#safely#handle#any#non

H steady#state#conditions.
12) Flight#opera tions#will#not#be#conducted#within#5#miles#of#an#airport#without#prior#approval#from#the# appropriate#FAA#entity#(FSDO,#etc.)

. 13) The#flight#area#will#be#secured,#any#intruders#readily#spotted#and#flights#quickly#and#safely#terminated# to#multiple#landing#zones #if#need#be.# In#the#event#of#an#intruder#aircraft #or#unauthorized#person(s)#in# the#operational#environment ,#the#CropCam#will#always#give#right#of#way#to#the#other#aircraft #and#the# operations#will#be#terminated,#if#appropriate

. 14) Flight#operations#will#be#imm ediately#terminated#if#any#unsafe# conditions#occur

.



### 4.3 Operator Certification and Requirements

All#P PI operators#will#abide#by#the#following#conditions#and#requirements.#

a. All operators will hold a current and valid Private, Commercial or ATP pilot certificate with#ratings#for#one# or#more#of#the#following#categories:#single

H engine#land#airplane,#multi

H engine#land#airplane#or#rotorcraft# helicopter.#This#requirement#may#be#alternatively#satisfied#when #or #if#FAA sUAS#operator#testing,# certification#and#currency#re quirements#are#approved.#

b. All operators will be 18 years of age or older.

c. Operators or a designated #PPI#o fficial will make available to the FAA, upon#request,#the#sUAS#for# inspection#or#testing.

d. Operators#or#a#designated#P PI official#will#maintain#a#log#of #flights#as#practicable#for#future#currency#or# flight#logging#requirements.

e. An operator or a designated #PPI#o fficial will report an accident to the FAA#within#10#days#of#any#operation# that#results#in#damage#to#property,#other#than#the#aircraft,#estimated# to#exceed#$25,000#for#repair# (including#materials#and#labor)#or#fair#market#value#in#the#event#of#total#loss,#whichever#is#less#and/or# results#in#significant#injury#or#death.



### 4.4 sUAS Registration, Markings and Requirements

All#P PI# sUAS#will#be#registered#and# marked#according#to#the#following#conditions#and#requirements.#

a. All sUAS to be operated by #PPI #w ill be maintained i n# condition for safe operation.#

b. The sUAS will be inspected prior to flight by the OIC to ensure that it is in a condition for safe operation.#

c. All# sUAS# to#be#operated#by#P PI for#commercial#operations#will#be registered#with#the#FAA.#

d. All sUAS# to be operated by #PPI# for commercial operations will be marked with#an#aircraft#registration# number#according#to#14#C.F.R.#Part#45#or#in#the#lar gest#practicable#manner#taking#into#account#the#size# and#configuration#of#the#aircraft.# See#Section# 6.#Pentagon#Performance ,#Inc.# Request#for#Section #3 3 3#Exemption ###################################################################17#August#2015

6 

### 5 Public Benefit and Public Interest

There#are#significant#benefits#and#interest#in#the#use#of#sUAS#to#perform#operations#and#data#collection#for#
Aerial# Surveying#over#those#performed#by#manned#aircraft.##These#can#be #presented#in#three#major#areas#

H Accuracy,#Safety,#and#Costs.

Accuracy#

H #A#UAS#can#inherently#fly#at#a#lower#altitude#than#that#of#manned#aircraft,#allow ing #the#sensors#to#
collect#data#close r# to# the# target#while#limiting#impact#on# the#environment.##For#example,#PPI# is#planning# to#
collect# data# for# the# public# Fish# and#Wildlife# scientist s responsible# for#monitoring# several# species# and# their#
habitats.# # The# UAS# can # get# a# close# look# at# the# species# under# investigation# while# operating# overhead# with# minimal# noise# and# no# engine# emissions.# # Equivalent# data# collected# from# manned# aircraft# is# questionable#
because# these# factors

. ##Also,#the#ability#of#a#sUAS#to#support#emergency#management#in#response#to#stor ms# and# fire# is# a# real# public# benefit.# # A# PPI# s UAS# can# be# equipped# (1)# to# survey# storm# damage# or# forests# fire#
movement,# (2)# to#support#search#and#rescue,#and# (3)# to#support# real

H time #dissemination#of#scenario#data#to# first#responders

. Safety#

– The#use#of# s UAS#will#enhance#the#safety#of# aerial#surveying#and#data#collection# and# reduce#the#risks#
associated#with#the#use#of#manned#aircraft.## The#sUAS#pilot#and#crew#are#on#the#ground.## The# sizes,#weight,#
lack#of# fuel,#and#performance#of#sUAS# improves#the# safety# o f#operations#that#are#properly# coordinated#and#
conducted

. ##The#PPI#CropCam#has#an# 8

H foot #wingspan,#weighs#6#pounds#at#launch,#does#not#carry#any# fuel,# and# can# fly# for# up# to# 55# minutes# with# full# battery# charge.# # The# large# wingspan# support s # superior# aerodyna mics# and# performance#with# no#emissions.# #If# the#aircraft#experienced#a# problem#and# is# forced# to# land,# there# will# be# minimal# impact# on# the# persons# and# property# on# the# ground.# # An# engine# failure# of# the# CropCam# is# not# a# catastrophic# event# as# it# could# be# in# a# manned# aircraft.# # # In# addition,# the# aircraft# Flight# Management# System# supports# automated# responses# to# problems# (e.g.,# los t# link,# approach# of# operational# boundaries) #to#minimize#the#impacts#on#the#ground.##

Costs#

– #The#costs#to#operate#a#PPI#CropCam#is#insi gnificant#when#compared#to#the#costs#of#manned#aircraft.## This# includes# the# costs# for# pilot/crew,# training,# maintenance,# operations,# and# insurance.# # For# operations# conducted# for# taxpayer

H funded# public#entities,# there# is#a# cost# benefit#when# safety#is# factor #in. # #The# use# of#

s UAS#to#perform# more# dangerous#jobs#can# also# prevent#harm#to#people#and#property #in#the#air#and#on#the# ground.### Overall,#t he#ability#to# conduct#aerial#survey#using#sUAS#will# increase#worker#safety,#increase#public#safety,# decrease#inspection#costs,# and# improve# the#response#time#to# natural#disaster s

.# #These#qualities#provide#a# significant#public#benefit# and#are#in#the#public#interest.



### 6 Discussion*of*Requested*FAR*Exemptions

Pen tagon#Performance,# Inc.# seeks#an#exemption#from#the#following#regulations#including#provisions#of#Part# 21,#45,#61#and#91#for#the#purposes#of#conduction#the#operations#described#herein.#Presented#here#are#the# specific#FAR#sections#for#which#exemption#is#req uested#and#the#methods#and#safeguards#by#which#Pentagon# Performance,# Inc.# will#ensure#a#level#of#safety# that#is# equivalent#to# or#exceeds #the#regulations#from#which# exemption#is#sought.# See# 14#C.F.R.#§#11.81(e).



### 6.1 14 C.F.R. Part 21, S u bpart H

– Airworthiness *Certificates

Section#91.203(a)(1)#requires#civil#aircraft#to#have#“an#appropriate#and#current#airworthiness#certificate.”#Part# 21,#Subpart#H#(“Airworthiness#Certificates”)#establishes#the#procedural#requirements#and#applicability#for#the#
issuance#of airwo rthiness#certificates#as#directed#by#14#C.F.R.#§#91.203(a)(1).

Equivalent#level#of safety :# The# sUAS# operated#will#be#have#a#gross#weight#less#than#55#lbs.#and#will#be#flown#at# speeds#less#than#87#knots#(100#mph).#They#do#not#carry#a#pilot#or#passengers,#do #not#carry#flammable#fuels#Pentagon#Performance ,#Inc.# Request#for#Section #3 3 3#Exemption ###################################################################17#August#2015

7 and#will#be#operated#in#well

H defined#locations#using#an#operator#and,#if#deemed#required#by# PPI ,#a#visual# observer(s).# All#operations#will#be#conducted#in#compliance#with#the#limitations#and#conditions#stated#in#this# petition#for#exemption.# The#Federal#Aviation#Act#and#Section#333#of#the#Reform#Act#both#authorize#the#FAA# to#exempt#aircraft#from#the#requirement#of#an#airwo rthiness#certificate#upon#consideration#of#the#sUAS#size,# weight,#speed,#operational#capability#and#proximity#to#airports#and#populated#areas.

The#characteristics#and#conditions#under#which#the# sUAS# will#be#operated,#as#outlined#in#this#petition,#given#
the #size,#weight,#speed,#operation#capability#and#proximity#to#airports#and#populated#areas,#achieve#or# exceed#the#equivalent#level#of#safety#over#a#manned#aircraft#with#an#airworthiness#certificate#used#for#the# purposes#outlined#in#this#petition.

The#FAA#wil l#have#advance d #notice#of#all#operations#through#the#filing#of#Certificates#of#Waiver#or# Authorizations#(COA s )#and,#if#required#by#the#FAA,#the#filing#of#Notices#to#Airman#(NOTAMS)#not#more#than# 72#hours,#but#not#less#than#48#hours,#prior#to#conducting#ope rations#under#this#grant#of#exemption.

The#FAA#has#stated#that#no#exemption#is#required#from#this#section#if#a#finding#is#made#under#the#Reform#Act# that#a#sUAS#provides#an#equivalent#level#of#safety#when#compared#to#aircraft#normally#used#for#the#same# appl ication.# See# granted#exemptions#11138,#11062,#11067,#11080,#11114#and#11112.



### 6.2 14 C.F.R§45.23(b)

– Display of *M arks; *General

Regulation#14#C.F.R.#§#45.32#(b)#states:#“...the#operator#must#also#display#on#that#aircraft#near#each#entrance# to#the#cabin,#cockpi t,#or#pilot#station,#in#letters#not#less#than#2#inches#nor#more#than#6#inches#high,#the#words# ‘limited,’#‘restricted,’#‘light

H sport,’#‘experimental,’#or#‘provisional,’#as#applicable.”

Equivalent#level#of safety :# The #PPI #sUAS#do#not#have#a#“cabin,#cockpit# or#pilot#station#entrance”#therefore#the# required#marks#cannot#be#displayed#“near#each#entrance.”#Additionally,#letters#not#less#than#2#inches#nor# more#than#6#inches#may#not#be#practical#given#the#small#size#of#the#sUAS.# If#the#sUAS#is#too#small#to#displa y# markings#in#the#size#described#in#regulation#§#45.23#(b),#then#markings#will#be#displayed#in#the#largest# practicable#manner.



### 6.3 14C.F.R.§45.25

– Location of *M arks on *F ixed *W inged *A ircraft

Regulation#14#C.F.R.#45.25#describes#the#marking#requirements#on#fixe d#winged#aircraft.# It#states#that#the# aircraft,#“...must#display#the#required#marks#on#either#the#vertical#tail#surfaces#or#the#sides#of#the#fuselage...”.# It#continues#to#describe#the#specific#locations#on#which#marks#may#be#displayed.

Equivalent#level#of safety :# #The#PPI#s UAS#does#not#carry#a#pilot#or#passengers,#does#not#have#a#cabin#and#may# have#a#design#that#is#significantly#different#than#traditional#manned#aircraft.# As#such,#the#markings# requirements#of#14#C.F.R.#§#45.25#may#not#be#feasible#given#th e#design#and#layout#of#the#aircraft.#To#provide# an#equivalent#level#of#safety,#the#sUAS#will#display#required#markings#on#conspicuous#locations#of#the#aircraft.



### 6.4 14C.F.R.§45.29

– Size of *M arks

Regulation#14#C.F.R.#45.29#describes#the#required#size#of#marks# and#the#characteristic#of#lettering#for#aircraft.# In#many#cases#it#dictates#that#marks#must#be#at#least#12#inches#high.

Equivalent#level#of#S afety :# An#sUAS#is,#by#definition,#significantly#smaller#and#may#have#a#design#and#layout# significantly#different#t han#traditional#manned#aircraft.#As#such,#the#size#and#layout#of#markings#as#stated#in# 14#C.F.R.#§#45.29#may#not#be#feasible#due#to#the#inherent#characteristics#of# sUAS.# #To#provide#an#equivalent# level#of#safety,#the#sUAS#will#display#required#markings#on# conspicuous#locations#of#the#aircraft.#If#the#aircraft# is#too#small#to#display#markings#in#standard#size,#then#the#aircraft#will#display#markings#in#the#largest# practicable#manner.Pentagon#Performance ,#Inc.# Request#for#Section #3 3 3#Exemption ###################################################################17#August#2015

8 

### 6.5 14*C.F.R*§*61.113*(a)*&*(b)*and*14 *C.F.R.*§*61.133*(a)*

[ *Private*Pilot*priv ileges*and* Limitations;*Pilot*in*Command;*Commercial*Pilot*Privileges*and*L imitations

Regulation#14#C.F.R.#§#61.113#restricts#private#pilots#from#flying#aircraft#for#compensation#or#hire#and#would# require#a# S econd

H class #Medical#C ertificate.# Regulation#14# C.F.R.#§#61.133#requires#a#pilot#to#hold#a# commercial#pilot’s#license#when#acting#as#pilot#in#command#of#an#aircraft#used#for#compensation#or#hire.#This# is#intended#to#ensure#that#the#skill#and#competency#of#any#PIC#matches#the#airspace#in#which#the#PIC#wi ll#be# operating,#as#well#as#requiring#certifications#if#the#pilot#is#carry#passengers#or#cargo#for#hire.

Equivalent#level#of#S afety :# P PI #sUAS# will#be#operated#as#part#of#a#commercial#operation,#however#they#do#not#

carry#passengers#or#cargo.# Additionally,# they#remain#below#500#feet#AGL,#are#operated#at#less#than#87#knots# (100#mph),#will#not#be#operated#over#non

H participating#individuals,#are#under#55#lbs.#and#do#not#carry#
flammable#fuel.# In#FAA#Docket#No.#FAA

H 2014

H 0352,#the#FAA#determined#that#sUAS#operati ons#did#not# warrant#the#additional#cost#and#restrictions#imposed#by#requiring#the#operator#to#have#a#commercial#pilot#
certificate #and#Class#II#Medical#C ertificate.

PPI #operators#will#posses#at#least#a#private #pilot#certificate#and#a#valid#Class#II#Medical#C ertificate.# Additionally,#the#operators#will#attend#sUAS#specific#training#either#at#a#third#party#location#or#through#a# custom#designed#in

H house#program#specifically#tailored#to# PPI #operations,# sUAS# and#ope rating#environment.# This#program#will#be#developed#using#input#and#guidance#from#currently#operating#sUAS#training#programs# and#will#follow#industry#standard#processes#and#procedures.# The#program#will#consist#of#industry#standard# ground#based#and#hands#on #training#in#a#controlled#flight#environment.

Section#333#also#requires#operations#to#not#pose#a#threat#to#national#security.# The#security#screening# conducted#by#the#Transportation#Security#Administration#(“TSA”)#of#certificated#airmen#satisfies#this#

requ irement#and#applies#to#all# PPI #operators.

Using#these#processes,#procedures#and#restrictions,#the#level#of#safety#of#sUAS#operations#for#the#uses#as# outlined#herein#is#equivalent#to#or#significantly#exceed#those#as#regulated#by#§61.113#and#§61.133.



### 6.6 14*C.F. R.*§*91.7*(a)*

– *Civil*Aircraft*Airworthiness

The#regulations#states:#“No#person#may#operate#a#civil#aircraft#unless#it#is#in#airworthy#condition.”

Equivalent#level#of#safety:# The#FAA#has#stated#that#no#exemption#is#required#to#the#extent#that#the# requireme nts#of#Part#21#are#waived#or#found#inapplicable.#Pentagon#Performance,# Inc.# requests#that#the# requirements#for#§#91.7#be#treated#in#accordance#with#FAR#Part#21#Subpart#H.#Additionally,#Pentagon# Performance,# Inc.# operators#will#inspect#the#aircraft#prior#to #flight#in#order#to#ensure#it#is#in#a#condition#that#is# safe#for#flight.# See# granted#exemption#11062.



### 6.7 14C.F.R.§91.9(b)(2)&(c)

– Ap proved*Flight*Manual*in*the*Aircraft

Regulation#14#C.F.R.#§#91.9#(b)(2)#states:#“No#person#may#operate#a#U.S.

H registered#civil #aircraft#...#For#which# an#Airplane#or#Rotorcraft#Flight#Manual#is#not#required#by#§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,#o r#any#combination#thereof.”

Regulation#14#C.F.R.#§#91.9#(c)#states:#“No#person#may#operate#a#U.S.

H registered#civil#aircraft#unless#that# aircraft#is#identified#in#accordance#with#part#45#of this#chapter.”

Equivalent#level#of #S afety :# P PI requests#an#exemptio n#from#this#regulation#in#part#as#outlined#in#the#request# for#exemption#from#regulation#14#C.F.R.#§#91.203#(a)#and#(b).# An#equivalent#level#of#safety#will#be#achieved#by# maintaining#the#proper#documentation#at#the#location#of#the#Ground#Control#Station#re adily#available#to#the#
operator.# This#includes#the#sUAS#operation#manual#as#provided#by#the#manufacturer#or#equivalent# documents#as#created#by# PPI

.Pentagon#Performance ,#Inc.# Request#for#Section #3 3 3#Exemption ###################################################################17#August#2015

9 Additionally,#the#FAA,#in#accordance#with#FAA#Office#of#Chief#Counsel’s#Opinion#dated#August#8,#2014,#the#

U AS#flight#manual,#registration#certificate#and#other#documentation#will#be#kept#at#the#control#station with
the operator during flight.#The Chief Counsel’s Office has held that for all UAS operations,#this#alternate# method#constitutes#full#compliance#with#the#regulations.# See# granted#exemption#11062.



### 6.8 14C.F.R.§91.103

– Preflight *A ction

14#C.F.R.#§#91.103#requires#the#PIC#to#become#familiar#with#specific#information#before#each#flight,#includ ing#
information#contained#in#the#FAA

H approved#Flight#Manual#on#board#the#aircraft.

Equivalent#level#of#S afety :# The#sUAS#does#not#have#a#Flight#Manual#on#board#because#of#its#inherent#design# and#lack#of#on#board#pilot.# The#operator#will#review#information #prior#to#flight#to#maintain#the#safety#of#the# operation,#including#but#not#limited#to,#the#weather,#battery#levels,#landing#and#takeoff#distances#and#aircraft# performance#data.# The#operator#will#refer#to#the#manufacturer#supplied#sUAS#manual#for#technica l#data#and# information#as#provided.# The#manual#will#be#kept#at#the#ground#station#during#operations.

The#FAA#has#stated#that#no#exemption#is#required#( see# Grant#of#Exemption#No.#11062,#p.#20)# however; #an# exemption#is#requested#to#the#extent#that#an#FAA

H ap proved#Flight#Manual#is#required.



### 6.9 14*C.F.R.*§*91.105*

[ *Flight*C rew *Members*at*Stations

This#section#contains#requirements#for#crewmembers#during#takeoff#and#landing#of#the#aircraft.# The# regulation#requires#crewmembers#to#be#at#the#crewmember’s#station#unl ess#absence#is#necessary#to#perform# their#duties.#It#also#requires#crewmembers#to#keep#safety#belt(s),#including#their#shoulder#harness#if#so# equipped,#fastened.

PPI# sUAS# do#not#carry#pilots#or#passengers#and#therefore#do#not#have#a#“crewmember#station.”#H owever# sUAS# do#have#a#Ground#Control#Station#from#which#an#operator#controls#the#aircraft#via#radio#signals.#The# Ground#Control#Station#may#be#at#a#fixed#location#or#may#be#movable.#However,#because#it#is#not#a#physical# part#of#the#aircraft,#the#Ground#Con trol#Station#may#not#have#a#seat(s)#and#does#not#utilize#safety#belts.

Visual#observers,#when#deemed#necessary#by# PPI ,#may#be#at#various#locations#in#the#vicinity#of#the#flight# operations#area#in#order#to#provide#the#best#line#of#sight#view#of#the#sUAS#dur ing#flight.#The#visual#observers# may#or#may#not#be#at#a#fixed#location#and#may#or#may#not#utilize#a#seat.#The#seat#will#not#be#equipped#with# safety#belts.

Eq uivalent#level#of#S afety :# The#sUAS#operator#will#remain#at#the#Ground#Control#Station#where#the#control#of# the#aircraft#takes#place#for#the#duration#of#the#flight.#Visual#observers,#when#deemed#necessary#by# PPI ,#will#be# positioned#in#the#flight#operations#area#according#to#the#oper ator’s#determination#of#the#optimal#viewing# area#given#the#planned#flight.#The#use#of#safety#belts#is#not#feasible#because#the#crewmember#stations#are#not# physically#a#part#of#the#aircraft#and#are#not#in#motion.



### 6.10 1 4*C.F.R.*§*91.109*(a)*

– *Flight*Instruction

14#C.F.R.#§#91.109#(a)#states#that,#“No#person#m a y#operate#a#civil#aircraft#(except#a#manned#free#balloon)#that# is#being#used#for#flight#instruction#unless#that#aircraft#has#fully#functioning#dual#controls.”# ##PPI# sUAS# do#not# have#functioning#dual#controls #by#design.# They#are#piloted#using#a#Flight#Control#System/Ground#Control#
Station#that#communicate s #with#the#aircraft#via#radio#signals.

Equivalent#level#of#S afety: During#flight#instruction,#there#are#no#pilots#or#passengers#on#the#aircraft#and#the#

Groun d#Control#Station#will#be#a#safe#distance#from#the#aircraft.#The#aircraft#will#remain#a#safe#distance#from#

non

H participating#individuals#causing#no#safety#hazard.Pentagon#Performance ,#Inc.# Request#for#Section #3 3 3#Exemption ###################################################################17#August#2015

10 Given#the#size#and#speed#of#the# PPI# sUAS,#an#equivalent#level#of#safe#training#can#be#perform ed#without#dual# controls#because#no#pilot#or#passengers#are#aboard#the#aircraft#and#it#is#a#safe#distance#from#the#public#and#

structures.

The#FAA#has#previously#approved#exemptions#for#flight#training#without#dual#controls#for#a#number#of#
aircraft.# See# Gr anted#Exemptions:#11109,#11138#and#11110.



### 6.11 14C.F.R.§91.119

– Minimum *S afe *Altitudes

14#C.F.R.#§#91.119#prescribes#that#an#aircraft#may#not#be#operated#closer#than#500#feet#to#any#person,#vessel,#
vehicle#or#structure.# The#nature#of#the#operations#described# herein#may#require#operation#in#relatively#close# proximity#to#items#such#as#power#line#towers#or#poles.# However,#operations#will#not#be#conducted#over#non

H participating#individuals.

Equivalent#level#of #Sa fety :# The# sUAS# operated#by#P PI are#far#smaller#than #manned#aircraft,#such#as#rotorcraft# and#fixed#winged#aircraft,#used#for#similar#operations.#Additionally,#the# sUAS# do#not#carry#a#pilot#or# passengers,#weigh#less#than#55#lbs.,#do#not#carry#flammable#fuel,#will#not#exceed#87#knots#(100#mph)#and#will#
not#be #operated#over#non

H participating#persons.#The# sUAS# will#be#operated#below#500#feet#AGL#with#the#use# of#an#operator#and,#if#determined#to#be#required#by# PPI, #a#visual#observer(s)#to#avoid#risk#to#aircraft,#persons# and#property.# This#provides#an#equivalent# or#greater#level#of#safety#than#achieved#with#conventional#aircraft# currently#performing#similar#operations.

See# Granted#Exemptions:#4063,#11138,#11136,#11112,#11110,#11109,#11080,#11066,#11063,#11062#and#11067.



### 6.12 14*C.F.R.*§*91.121*

– *Altimeter*Settings

14#C .F.R.#§#91.121#requires#an#aircraft#to#be#operated#by#reference#to#an#altimeter#that#is#set#to#the#elevation# of#the#departure#airport#or#barometric#pressure#when#operating#below#18,000#feel#MSL.# Some#sUAS#contain# a#barometric#pressure#sensor.# Others#utilize#GPS#sensors#to#determine#altitude.# Typically#barometric# pressure#sensors#are#corrected#to#the#point#of#takeoff;#not#a#departure#airport.

Equivalent#level#of#S afety :# The#operator#will#confirm#the#elevation#of#the#launch#site#prior#to#launch .#This#will# be#compared#to#the#GPS#sensor#or#barometric#sensor#derived#altitude#as#displayed#on#the#sUAS#telemetry# reading#at#the#Ground#Control#Station.# The#operator#will#then#determine#the#maximum#permissible#altitude# to#maintain#flight#below#500#feet#A GL#and#will#not#exceed#this#altitude.# The#maximum#permissible#altitude# will#also#be#monitored#and#estimated#by#visual#means#through#the#use#of#the#operator#and/or#visual# observer(s)#as#a#secondary#backup#to#sUAS#telemetry#data.# This#provides#a#level#a#sa fety#equal#to#or# exceeding#the#regulation.

See# Granted#Exemptions:#11153,#11150,#11138,#11136#and#11159.



### 6.13 14C.F.R.§91.151(a)(1) & (b)

– Fuel *R equirements for *F light in VFR *C onditions

14#C.F.R.#§#91.151#(a)#(1)#states:#“No#person#may#begin#a#flight#in#an#air plane#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...”

14#C.F.R.#§#91.151#(b)#states:#“No#person#may#begin#a#flight#in#a#rotorcraft#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#spe ed,#to#fly#after#that#for#at#least#20#minutes.”

The# PPI# sUAS#will#be#operated#only#during#daylight#hours#in#VFR#conditions.#The# PPI#sUAS#has#an#duration# time#of#approximately#55#minutes#with#full#battery#power.## This# would#limit#the#effective#flight#time#t o# approximately#25#minutes#and#the#aircraft#would#recover#with#50%#power.##The#m eaningful#flight#time#would# be#possible#given#the#limitations#of#§#91.151#(a)#(1)#and#(b).Pentagon#Performance ,#Inc.# Request#for#Section #3 3 3#Exemption ###################################################################17#August#2015

11 Equivalent#level#of#S afety :# The# PPI#CropCam# flight#will#be#terminated#with#at#least# 20%#reserve#power.#This# allows#the#sUAS#to#return#to#its#landing#zone#with#adequate#power#remaining#to#conduct#a#safe#and# controlled#landing.# Given#the#sUAS#size,#weight#and#speed,#the#sUAS#when#operated#with#this#limitation# provides#an#equivalent#or#grea ter#level#of#safety#than#manned#aircraft#represented#by#this#regulation.

See# Granted#Exemptions:#2689F,#5745,#10673,#10808,#11138,#11136,#11112,#10650#and#10159.



### 6.14 14C.F.R.§91.203(a)&(b)

– Carry *C ivil *A ircraft *C ertification and *R egistration

The#regulation# states:#(a)#“...no#person#may#operate#a#civil#aircraft#unless#it#has#...#an#appropriate#and#current# airworthiness#certificate.”#Furthermore:#(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.”

Equivalent#level#of #S afety :# In#regard#to#14#C.F.R.#§#91.203#Part#(a),#an#equivalent#level#of#safety#i s#achieved# through#the#methods#and#characteristics#as#outlined#in#the#request#for#exemption#from#14#C.F.R.#Part#21,# Subpart#H.

In#regard#to#14#C.F.R.#§#91.203#Part#(b),#the#sUAS#does#not#carry#a#pilot# or#passengers,#does#not#have#a# cabin# or#cockpit#entranc e#and#does#not#have#onboard#storage#in#which#to#carry#certification#and#registration#
documents.# An#equivalent#level#of#safety#will#be#achieved#by#maintaining#the#proper#documentation#at#the# Ground#Control#Station#readily#available#to#the#operator.# The#FA A#has#issued#numerous#exemptions#to#this# regulation.# See# granted#exemptions#9565A,#9565B,#9789,#9789A,#9797,#9797A,#9816A#and#9816.

Additionally,#the#FAA,#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 operator during flight.#The Chief Counsel’s Office has held that for all UAS operations,#this#alternate# method#constitutes#full#compliance#with#the#regulations. See# granted#exemption#11062.



### 6.15 14*C.F.R.*§§*91.405*(a),*91.407*(a)(l),*91.409*(a)(2),* 91.417*(a)*&*(b)*

– *Maintenance*

I nspections.

The# following# regulations#specify#maintenance#and#inspection#standards#in#reference#to# 14#C.F.R.#Part#43:

14#C.F.R.#§§#91.405# (a),#91.407#(a)(1),#91.409#(a)(2)#and#91.417#(a)#&#(b)

Specifically,#14#C.F.R.#§#91.405#(a)#requires#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#inspection#...#have# discrepancies#repaired#as#prescribed#in #part#43#of#this#chapter.”#An#exemption#is#required#from#these# regulations#because#Part#43#and#these#sections#apply#only#to#aircraft#with#an#airworthiness#certificate,#which#
the# PPI# sUAS# will#not#have.

Equivalent#level#of#S afety :# The# PPI# sUAS# will#be#maint ained#and#inspected#in#accordance#with#the#
manufacturer

H supplied#manual.# This#includes#maintenance,#overhaul,#replacement#and#inspection# requirements#for#the# sUAS.# #The#operator,#prior#to#the#first#flight#of#the#day#and#as#deemed#necessary# otherwise,#will #undertake#preflight#inspection#procedures#in#order#to#ensure#the#sUAS#is#in#a#condition#for# safe#operation.# Discrepancies#that#may#affect#the#safety#of#flight#will#be#addressed#and#repaired#if#required.#

PPI #will#maintain#the# sUAS# in#a#condition#for#safe #operation

.# Given#the#size,#characteristics#and#operating#
limitations#of# sUAS# as#described#herein,#this#provides#a#level#of#safety#equivalent#to#or#greater#than#manned# aircraft#performing#similar#operations.