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July 17, 2015

U.S. Department of Transportation 

Docket Management System 

1200 New Jersey Ave., SE 

Washington, DC 20590 

Re: Hire a Professional Drone, LLC - Petition for Exemption to Operate Unmanned Aircraft 

Systems Pursuant to Section 333 of the FAA Reform Act and Part 11 of the Federal Aviation 

Regulations 

Dear Sir or Madam: 

Pursuant to Section 333 of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012, Pub. L. No. 112-95 

(2012) (“Section 333”) and the general exemption authority of the Federal Aviation Administration 

(“FAA”) under 49 U.S.C. § 44701(f), Hire a Professional Drone, LLC (“Petitioner”) hereby petitions 

for exemptions from Federal Aviation Regulations (“FARs”) 14 C.F.R., Part 21, 14 C.F.R. §§ 

61.113(a) and (b), 61.133(a), 91.7(a), 91.9(b)(2), 91.103(b)(1), 91.119(c), 91.121, 91.151, 91.203(a) 

and (b), 91.405(a), 91.407(a)(1), 91.409(a)(2), and 91.417(a) and (b). 

Petitioner:

Hire a Professional Drone, LLC 

Harold Seales, Owner 

13014 N. Dale Mabry Hwy. Suite #609

Tampa, Florida 33618

Phone: (813) 477-1477 
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Petition Summary 

Pursuant to 14 C.F.R Part 11, the following summary is provided for publication in the Federal 

Register, should it be determined publication is needed: 

Petitioner requests an exemption that would allow the commercial operation of small, unmanned 

aircraft systems (“UAS”) weighing 55 pounds or less equipped for the purpose of creating real estate; 

yacht; resort; event marketing photo and video media; security; aerial inspections; education and 

training; closed-set motion picture and television filming; performing search and rescue operations 

in conjunction with law enforcement personnel. The requested exemption should be granted because 

operation of the proposed small UAS pursuant to the strict conditions outlined below will provide an 

equivalent level of safety as Congress intended. Petitioner will operate the following UAS: DJI 

Phantom 2 and 3, 3D Robotics Solo, DJI S1000. Petitioner’s lightweight UAS are far safer than 

conventional flight operations containing flight crew and passengers. Petitioner’s UAS are small and 

will operate at slow speeds, close to the ground, far from airports in low-risk, low-population 

environments. They will operate only in line of sight within a restricted environment. In addition, the 

PIC’s substantial experience favors granting of the exemption. Petitioner’s UAS will carry no 

passengers, have enhanced safety measures, and operate under the specific guidelines and 

specifications outlined herein. Accordingly, Petitioner respectfully requests that the FAA grant the 

requested exemption without delay. 

The Petitioner requests exemption from the following rules: 14 C.F.R., Part 21, 14 C.F.R. §§ 

61.113(a) and (b), 61.133(a), 91.7(a), 91.9(b)(2), 91.103(b)(1), 91.119(c), 91.121, 91.151, 91.203(a) 

and (b), 91.405(a), 91.407(a)(1), 91.409(a)(2), and 91.417(a) and (b).

The requested exemption should be granted because operation of the proposed small UAS pursuant 

to the strict conditions outlined below will provide an equivalent level of safety as Congress 

intended. Petitioner will operate the following UAS: DJI Phantom 3, 3D Robotics Solo, DJI S1000. 

Petitioner’s lightweight UAS are far safer than conventional flight operations containing flight crew 

and passengers. Petitioner’s UAS are small and will operate at slow speeds, close to the ground, far 

from airports in low-risk, low-population environments. They will operate only in line of sight within 

a restricted environment. In addition, the PIC’s substantial experience favors granting of the 

exemption. Petitioner’s UAS will carry no passengers, have enhanced safety measures, and operate 

under the specific guidelines and specifications outlined herein. Accordingly, Petitioner respectfully 

requests that the FAA grant the requested exemption without delay. 

The Petitioner requests exemption from the following rules: 14 C.F.R., Part 21, 14 C.F.R. §§ 

61.113(a) and (b), 61.133(a), 91.7(a), 91.9(b)(2), 91.103(b)(1), 91.119(c), 91.121, 91.151, 91.203(a) 

and (b), 91.405(a), 91.407(a)(1), 91.409(a)(2), and 91.417(a) and (b). 

Petitioner’s UAS 

The requested exemption will permit the operation of the DJI Phantom 2 and 3, the 3D Robotics 

Solo, and the DJI S1000. The FAA has recently granted Section 333 exemptions for several DJI 

UAS, including the DJI Phantom 2 and 3. 
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Petitioner’s UAS will be identified by serial number, registered in accordance with 14 CFR Part 47, 

and have identification (N-Number) markings in accordance with 14 CFR Part 45, Subpart C. 

Markings will be as large as practicable in accordance with § 45.29(f). 

Flight Conditions and Operations 

The UAS will be flown in airspace under 400 feet above ground level and under controlled 

conditions. At least 85% of Petitioner’s UAS operations will occur below 150 feet above ground 

level. If Petitioner intends to operate within five (5) miles of any active landing strip or airport, 

Petitioner will follow proper FAA procedure, notifying the FAA in advance of operation and when 

operation is complete. Petitioner’s pilot in command (“PIC”) holds a private pilot’s license, 

commercial pilot’s license, and a FAA medical certification. The PIC will always make a safety 

assessment of the risk of every operation and will only operate UAS when the PIC determines no 

undue hazards exist. The PIC will operate all UAS with instruments of first-person-view of the UAS 

and maintain constant GPS communication and flight telemetry data. A minimum of one (1) visual 

observer will be required to be in line of sight of the UAS at all times to further watch for intrusions 

into the area from individuals and other aircraft. All visual observers have experience flying radiocontrolled aircraft. The PIC and visual observer will be in constant communication through at least 

one (1) of the following methods: cellular phone communication (constant open call during flight); 

two-way radio communication; or verbal communication. No UAS flight will exceed line-of-sight 

distance of the PIC and visual observer at any time. 

All UAS will be flown on private property with the consent of the landowner. Petitioner will protect 

the privacy of all involved and non-involved parties present during the use of the UAS. Petitioner 

will obtain consent and permission from any party filmed or photographed and will not film or 

photograph any party that has not provided consent. The visual observer will be on the lookout for 

any trespassers so all operations can be quickly stopped if an unauthorized person come within range 

of the operation. For each UAS use, flights will be logged in a traditional pilot log-book. Records 

from each UAS use are further documented through an electronic invoice/billing system that records 

the date of each UAS flight and associated payments. Petitioner will follow the procedures for startup set forth in the manual for each UAS. Additionally, Petitioner will perform a site inspection 

before each flight to determine additional measures that may be necessary to safely operate the UAS. 

Petitioner will further perform a pre-flight communications check to make sure the PIC, visual 

observer, and UAS can remain in contact. 

Public Interest

One of Petitioner’s proposed uses of the UAS under this application is for search-and-rescue 

missions (“SAR”). Petitioner will contract with law enforcement personnel for UAS SAR. The UAS 

used in SAR operations may be equipped with additional UAS SAR technology including heatscanning or infrared and night-vision camera systems. SAR missions can be extremely costly for law 

enforcement with traditional fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters. With Petitioner’s UAS, small highly 

maneuverable unmanned UAS will aid and support search efforts for a fraction of the cost, risk, and 

resources. The UAS SAR could also be used to “drop in” supplies, including a radio, GPS locator, 

medical supplies or water, to a stranded victim in an otherwise unreachable location before rescue 

crews are able to safely extract the victim. Petitioner’s use of UAS in SAR operations is a valuable 

asset to public safety. 

Aircraft and Equivalent Level of Safety 
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Petitioner proposes that the exemption requested herein apply to UAS that have the characteristics 

and that operate within the limitations outlined herein. These limitations provide for at least an 

equivalent or greater level of safety to operate under the current regulations. 

Petitioner agrees to the following limitations and conditions with conducting its commercial UAS 

operations under an FAA exemption: 

1. All UAS will weigh no more than 55 pounds. 

2. All UAS will be operated within line of sight of the PIC and visual observer. 

3. The maximum total flight time for each UAS flight will conclude upon the earlier of thirty (30) 

minutes or until 25% of UAS battery remains. 

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

5. The PIC will hold a pilot’s license and a FAA medical certification. 

6. The minimum crew for each UAS flight will be the PIC and one visual observer. 

7. The crew for each operation will at all times be able to communicate by voice or through radio or 

cellular devices. 

8. Written or oral permission will be obtained from the landowners or their authorized agents of the 

land over which all flights will occur. 

9. All necessary permissions and permits will be obtained from all appropriate local governmental 

agencies. 

10. All UAS will have the capability to abort a flight in case of unexpected obstacles or emergencies. 

11. All UAS will be equipped with enhanced failsafe (return-to-home) technology. 

12. No UAS operations will present any national security issue. 

13. Petitioner will obtain an Air Traffic Organization issued Certificate of Waiver or Authorization 

(“COA”) prior to conducting any operations under this grant of exemption. In fulfilling the 

requirements of the COA, Petitioner will be required to request a Notice to Airmen (“NOTAM”) not 

more than 72 hours in advance, but not less than 48 hours prior to operation. 

Satisfaction of Section 333’s criteria (size, weight, speed, operating capabilities, proximity to airports 

and populated areas, operation within line of sight and national security) provide an adequate 

justification for the grant of the exemptions requested herein allowing Petitioner’s commercial 

operation of UAS for the purpose of creating real estate; yacht; resort; event marketing photo and

video media; closed-set motion picture and television filming; security; aerial inspections;

education and training; performing search and rescue operations in conjunction with law enforcement 

personnel. 

Statutory Authority for Exemption

Section 333, in reference to 49 U.S.C. § 44704, provides a mechanism for expedited operational 

authorization for the use of safe civil UAS operations in the National Airspace System (“NAS”). 

Specifically, Section 333(a) states that the FAA “shall determine if certain unmanned aircraft 

systems may operate safely in the national airspace system before completion” of final rulemaking. If 

the Secretary of Transportation determines that certain UAS “may operate safely in the national 

airspace system, the Secretary shall establish requirements for the safe operation of such aircraft in 

the national airspace system. § 333(c). The FAA Administrator also has the general authority to grant 

an exemption if the Administrator finds the exemption to be in the public interest. 49 U.S.C. § 

44701(f). The Federal Aviation Act (the “Act”) expressly grants the FAA the authority to issue 

exemptions for exempt civil aircraft, as defined by § 40101 of the Act, which includes an exemption 

for small UAS from the requirement that all civil aircraft have a current airworthiness certificate. 
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Requested Exemptions

Petitioner respectfully requests relief from the following regulations: 

14 C.F.R. Part 21 prescribes, in pertinent part, the procedural requirements for issuing and changing 

design approvals, production approvals, airworthiness certificates, and airworthiness approvals. 

The Act and Section 333 both authorize the FAA to exempt aircraft from the requirement of an 

airworthiness certificate upon consideration of the size, weight, speed, operational capability, and 

proximity to airports and populated areas of the particular UAS. It is clear that Petitioner’s UAS may 

be operated without an airworthiness certificate, in the restricted environment and under the 

conditions proposed in a manner as safe or safer than a conventional aircraft operating with an 

airworthiness certificate without the restrictions and conditions proposed. 

The small UAS to be operated hereunder (i) are less than 55 pounds fully loaded, (ii) carry neither 

pilot nor passengers. Unlike other civil aircraft, operations under this exemption will be tightly 

controlled and monitored by both the operator and in compliance with local public safety 

requirements. The FAA will have advance notice of all operations. Application of these criteria 

demonstrate there is no credible threat to national security posed by the UAS based on its size, speed 

and location of operation, lack of explosive materials, and inability to carry a substantial external 

load. 

61.113(a) and (b) prescribes that “no person who holds a private pilot certificate may act as a pilot in 

command of an aircraft that is carrying passengers or property for compensation or hire; nor may that 

person, for compensation or hire, act as pilot in command of an aircraft,” and that “a private pilot 

may, for compensation or hire, act as pilot in command of an aircraft in connection with any business 

or employment if (1) The flight is only incidental to that business 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 compensation or hire.” 

61.133(a) sets forth privileges for persons holding commercial pilot certificates, including a 

provision that limits the ability to act as PIC of an aircraft for compensation or hire to persons 

holding a commercial pilot certificate. Petitioner’s UAS operations will be limited to restricted 

conditions and a controlled environment. The PIC will hold both his private and commercial pilot’s 

license, giving him extensive knowledge based on his experience and the exams and courses required 

to obtain his pilot’s licenses. Additionally, while the UAS will be operated in connection with 

Petitioner’s business, no passengers or cargo will be transported. Petitioner believes these factors 

warrant relief from 61.113 (a) and (b) and 61.133(a). 

91.7(a) prescribes that no person may operate a civil aircraft unless it is in an airworthy condition.

As there will be no airworthiness certificate issued for the UAS should this exemption be granted, no 

standard will exist for determining airworthiness. Petitioner will keep all UAS maintenance and 

safety information at the pre-determined ground station, where it will be readily accessible to the PIC 

and visual observer. Based on the documents available at the ground station, the PIC will be able to 

make a determination as to the airworthiness of the UAS. 

91.9(b)(2) prohibits the operation of U.S.-registered civil aircraft 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. 

Based on the FAA’s Memorandum dated August 8, 2014, Petitioner does not believe exemption from 

91.9(b) or 91.203(a) and (b) is necessary. However, to the extent the FAA deems an exemption from 

these sections necessary for Petitioner’s proposed operations, such exemptions should be granted. 

Petitioner’s UAS are too small to safely carry the required manuals and placards. Additionally, as the 

UAS are unmanned, the manuals and other required information is more useful to the PIC at ground 

control. 
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91.103(b)(1) prescribes, in pertinent part, that each PIC shall, before beginning a flight, become 

familiar with all available information concerning that flight. This information must include— (a) 

For a flight under instrument flight rules (IFR) or a flight not in the vicinity of an airport, weather 

reports and forecasts, fuel requirements, alternatives available if the planned flight cannot be 

completed, and any known traffic delays of which the PIC has been advised by air traffic control 

(ATC); (b) For any flight, runway lengths at airports of intended use, and the following takeoff and 

landing distance information: (1) For civil aircraft for which an approved Airplane or Rotorcraft 

Flight Manual containing takeoff and landing distance data is required, the takeoff and landing 

distance data contained therein; and (2) For civil aircraft other than those specified in paragraph 

(b)(1) of this section, other reliable information appropriate to the aircraft, relating to aircraft 

performance under expected values of airport elevation and runway slope, aircraft gross weight, and 

wind and temperature. 

Petitioner will comply with all applicable requirements of 91.103(a) and (b) and requests relief from 

91.103(b)(1). The PIC will review weather, flight and battery requirements, UAS performance data, 

and appropriate landing and takeoff distances before each flight. Any risks presented will be 

mitigated by the PIC’s ability to see all nearby air traffic and activate the UAS return-to-home 

procedures if necessary. 

91.119(c) prescribes that, “[e]xcept when necessary for takeoff or landing, no person may operate an 

aircraft below the following altitudes: . . . (c) Over other than congested areas. An altitude of 500 feet 

above the surface, except over open water or sparsely populated areas. In those cases, the aircraft 

may not be operated closer than 500 feet to any person, vessel, vehicle, or structure.” 

Due the nature of Petitioner’s UAS activities filming and photographing, Petitioner requests relief 

from 91.119(c) with respect to participating persons, vehicles, and structures directly involved in 

Petitioner’s operations. Each UAS manual sets forth safety factors that will be used to ensure safe 

operation when in proximity to consenting participants. Petitioner will ensure that no UAS are 

operating within 500 feet of non-participating persons. 

91.121 requires, in pertinent part, each person operating an aircraft to maintain cruising altitude by 

reference to an altimeter that is set “to the elevation of the departure airport or an appropriate 

altimeter setting available before departure.” 

Petitioner will not have a typical barometric altimeter on board the UAS. Instead, altitude 

information is provided to the UAS PIC through a digitally encoded telemetric data feed, which 

downlinks from the aircraft to an on-screen display on the ground. Prior to each flight, a zero altitude 

initiation point will be established and confirmed for accuracy by the PIC. 

91.151 prescribes, in pertinent part, that “(a) No person may begin a flight in an airplane under VFR 

conditions unless (considering wind and forecast weather conditions) there is enough fuel to fly to 

the first point of intended landing and, assuming normal cruising speed— (1) During the day, to fly 

after that for at least 30 minutes; or (2) At night, to fly after that for at least 45 minutes. (b) 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 speed, to fly after that for at least 20 minutes.” 

91.151 provides for a safety reserve of fuel so that aircraft may timely land when fuel is running low. 

Petitioner will operate UAS until the earlier of a maximum of thirty (30) minutes or when 25% of 

battery remains. All UAS are additionally equipped with a low battery failsafe that allow the UAS to 

safely land when little battery remains. The UAS are not propelled by fuel and will operate only 

within the safety constraints of the UAS battery life. 

91.203(a) prohibits, in pertinent part, any person from operating a civil aircraft unless it has within it 

“(1) an appropriate and current airworthiness certificate [. . . and] (2) an effective U.S. registration 

certificate issued to its owner or, for operation within the United States, the second copy of the 

Aircraft Registration Application as provided for in § 47.31(c).” 
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91.203(b) prescribes, in pertinent part, that “no person may operate a civil aircraft unless the 

airworthiness certificate 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.” 

91.405(a) requires, in pertinent part, that an aircraft operator or owner shall have that aircraft 

inspected as prescribed in subpart E of the same part and shall, between required inspections, except 

as provided in paragraph (c) of the same section, have discrepancies repaired as prescribed in Part 43 

of the chapter. 

91.407(a)(1) prescribes that no person may operate any aircraft that has undergone maintenance, 

preventive maintenance, rebuilding, or alteration unless it has been approved for return to service by 

a person authorized under § 43.7 of the same chapter. 91.409(a)(2) prescribes, in pertinent part, that 

no person may operate an aircraft unless, within the preceding 12 months, it has had an inspection for 

the issuance of an airworthiness certificate in accordance with Part 21 of the same chapter. 

91.417(a) and (b) prescribes, in pertinent part, that each registered owner or operator “keep the 

following records for the periods specified in paragraph (b) of this section: (1) Records of the 

maintenance, preventive maintenance, and alteration and records of the 100-hour, annual, 

progressive, and other required or approved inspections, as appropriate, for each aircraft (including 

the airframe) and each engine, propeller, rotor, and appliance of an aircraft. The records must 

include— (i) A description (or reference to data acceptable to the Administrator) of the work 

performed; and (ii) The date of completion of the work performed; and (iii) The signature and 

certificate number of the person approving the aircraft for return to service. (2) Records containing 

the following information: (i) The total time in service of the airframe, each engine, each propeller, 

and each rotor. (ii) The current status of life-limited parts of each airframe, engine, propeller, rotor, 

and appliance. (iii) The time since last overhaul of all items installed on the aircraft that are required 

to be overhauled on a specified time basis. (iv) The current inspection status of the aircraft, including 

the time since the last inspection required by the inspection program under which the aircraft and its 

appliances are maintained. (v) The current status of applicable airworthiness directives (AD) and 

safety directives including, for each, the method of compliance, the AD or safety directive number 

and revision date. If the AD or safety directive involves recurring action, the time and date when the 

next action is required. (vi) Copies of the forms prescribed by § 43.9(d) for each major alteration to 

the airframe and currently installed engines, rotors, propellers, and appliances. (b) The owner or 

operator shall retain the following records for the periods prescribed: (1) The records specified in 

paragraph (a)(1) of this section shall be retained until the work is repeated or superseded by other 

work or for 1 year after the work is performed. (2) The records specified in paragraph (a)(2) of this 

section shall be retained and transferred with the aircraft at the time the aircraft is sold. (3) A list of 

defects furnished to a registered owner or operator under § 43.11 shall be retained until the defects 

are repaired and the aircraft is approved for return to service.” 

Petitioner will comply with safety and maintenance procedures included in all UAS manufacturer’s 

instructions and operating manuals. If necessary, Petitioner will develop and document additional 

maintenance protocols to ensure the highest level of safety. Therefore, Petitioner’s exemption from 

91.405(a), 91.407(a)(1), 91.409(a)(1) and (2), and 91.417(a) and (b) is warranted. 
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Conclusion 

This Petition for Exemption demonstrates the appropriate safeguards and criteria that Congress 

articulated in Section 333 including weight, speed, operating capabilities, proximity to airports, 

operation within VLOS and national security concerns. The proposed UAS operations will benefit 

the public as a whole by reducing human exposure to the risks associated with manned aircraft 

performing the activities. The public will also benefit from Petitioner’s search and rescue operations. 

In consideration of the foregoing, this Petition for Exemption provides the FAA with more than 

adequate justification to allow commercial operation of Petitioner’s small UASs for the purpose of 

creating real estate; yacht; resort; event marketing photo and video media; security; aerial 

inspections; education and training; closed-set motion picture and television filming; performing 

search and rescue operations in conjunction with law enforcement personnel. 

We appreciate your prompt consideration of our requested exemptions. Should you have any 

questions, or if you need any additional information to support the requested exemptions, please do 

not hesitate to contact the undersigned. 

Respectfully submitted,

Hire a Professional Drone, LLC

Harold Seales, Owner

13014 N. Dale Mabry Hwy Suite # 609

Tampa, Florida 33618

Phone (813)477-1477