17#August#2015

Pentagon#Performance,#Inc.###########

One#Gateway#Center

Suite#2600

Newark,#NJ#07102

U.S.#Department#of#Transportation

Docket#Operations,#MH30#

1200#New#Jersey#Avenue,#SE

Room#W12H140,#West#Building#Ground#Floor

Washington,#DC#20590H0001

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#FAA.#

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# costs, 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#described#in#this#application#are#consistent#with#and#based#upon#proposed#

FAA# sUAS# regulations# as# outlined# by# the# FAA# on# the# 15th# of# February,# 2015.# Any# additional# conditions#

included#herein#have#been#included#by#Pentagon#Performance,#Inc.#to#add#to#and#enhance#the#safe#operation#

of sUAS#when#used#for#aerial#surveying.

The#applicant#contact#information#is:

Pentagon#Performance,#Inc.#

Attn:# Anthony#LaSure

Telephone:# (973)#975H0400

Email:##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# the# 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.

Respectfully#yours,

Anthony#LaSure#

CEO
Pentagon#Performance,#Inc.#Request#for#Section#333#Exemption###################################################################17#August#2015

2

1 Applicable*Regulations*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#equivalent#to#or#exceeding#the#regulation#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#Airspace#System#

(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#existing#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#Marks on#Fixed#Winged#Aircraft

45.29.# Size of#Marks

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

61.133#(a).# Commercial#Pilot#Privileges#and#Limitations

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

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

91.103.# Preflight#Action

91.105.# Flight#Crew#Members#at#Stations

91.109#(a).# Flight#Instruction

91.119.# Minimum#Safe#Altitudes

91.121.# Altimeter#Settings

91.151#(a)(1)#&#(b).# Fuel#Requirements for#Flight in VFR#Conditions

91.203#(a)#&#(b).# Carry#Civil#Aircraft#Certification and#Registration

91.405#(a).# Maintenance#Inspections

91.407#(a)(1).# Maintenance#Inspections

91.409#(a)(2).# Maintenance#Inspections

91.417#(a)#&#(b). Maintenance#Inspections
Pentagon#Performance,#Inc.#Request#for#Section#333#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#when# the#Administrator#decides#a# requested#

exemption# is# in# the# public# interest.# See# 49# U.S.C.# §§# 106(f),# 44701H44716,# 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#outstanding#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# development# 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.##

PPI is# requesting# exemptions# from# the# Federal# Aviation# Regulations# (FARs)#

stated#herein#pursuant#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#

currently#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#distribution#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.,#airports)

 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)

This#data#can#be#cataloged#for#later#use#and#used#in#creating#precise#2D#and#3D#models#that#can#be#used#to#

analyze# beach# erosion,# storm# impacts# and# damage,# emergency# management,# and# wildlife# activities# (i.e.,#

population,#nesting,#movement).##

4.2 Operational*Conditions*and*Limitations

PPI will# only# conduct# safe# sUAS# operations# in# COAHapproved# 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#333#Exemption###################################################################17#August#2015

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a.#CropCam#UAS

1) The#CropCam#weight#at#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#available#to#both#professionals#and#

consumers#and#utilize#FCC#approved#transmission#and#reception#components.

4) A#thorough#preHflight#check#of#the#UAS#shall#be#conducted#prior#to#flight#in#accordance#with#the#

manufacturer’s#handbook.##Prior#to#each#flight,#the#PIC#must#conduct#a#preHflight#inspection#and#

determine#the#UAS#is#in#a#condition#for#safe#flight.#The#preHflight#inspection#must#account#for#all#

potential#discrepancies,#e.g.,#inoperable#components,#items,#or#equipment.#If#the#inspection#reveals#a#

condition#that#affects#the#safe#operation#of#the#UAS,#the#aircraft#is#prohibited#from#operating#until#

the#necessary#maintenance#has#been#performed#and#the#UAS#is#found#to#be#in#a#condition#for#safe#

flight.

5) Any#sUAS#that#has#undergone#maintenance#or#alterations#that#affect#the#sUAS#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#shall#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#duties#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#ATOHissued#COA.#

2) Flight#operations#will#only#be#conducted#over#private#or#controlledHaccess#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#prior#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#preHflight#assessment#of#the#weather#and#airspace#(e.g.,#NOTAM,#TFR)#will#be#conducted#

to#ensure#that#the#flight#operations#can#be#safely#completed.

5) A#thorough#preHflight#briefing#will#be#conducted#prior#to#commencing#flight#operations#and#after#any#

suspected#or#observed#anomalies#or#damage.#
Pentagon#Performance,#Inc.#Request#for#Section#333#Exemption###################################################################17#August#2015

5

6) The#aircraft#will#only#operate#in#approved#airspace.

7) Flight#Operations#will#only#be#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#nonH

steady#state#conditions.

12) Flight#operations#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#immediately#terminated#if#any#unsafe#conditions#occur.

4.3 Operator Certification and Requirements

All#PPI 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:#singleHengine#land#airplane,#multiHengine#land#airplane#or#rotorcraft#

helicopter.#This#requirement#may#be#alternatively#satisfied#when#or#if#FAA sUAS#operator#testing,#

certification#and#currency#requirements#are#approved.#

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

c. Operators or a designated#PPI#official will make available to the FAA, upon#request,#the#sUAS#for#

inspection#or#testing.

d. Operators#or#a#designated#PPI official#will#maintain#a#log#of#flights#as#practicable#for#future#currency#or#

flight#logging#requirements.

e. An operator or a designated#PPI#official 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#PPI#sUAS#will#be#registered#and#marked#according#to#the#following#conditions#and#requirements.#

a. All sUAS to be operated by#PPI#will be maintained in#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#PPI 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#largest#practicable#manner#taking#into#account#the#size#

and#configuration#of#the#aircraft.# See#Section#6.#
Pentagon#Performance,#Inc.#Request#for#Section#333#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,#allowing#the#sensors#to#

collect#data#closer# to# the# target#while#limiting#impact#on# the#environment.##For#example,#PPI#is#planning# to#

collect# data# for# the# public# Fish# and#Wildlife# scientists 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#storms#

and# fire# is# a# real# public# benefit.# # A# PPI#sUAS# can# be# equipped#(1)#to# survey# storm# damage# or# forests# fire#

movement,#(2)#to#support#search#and#rescue,#and#(3)#to#support#realHtime#dissemination#of#scenario#data#to#

first#responders.

Safety#– The#use#of#sUAS#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#of#operations#that#are#properly#coordinated#and#

conducted.##The#PPI#CropCam#has#an#8Hfoot#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# supports# superior#

aerodynamics# 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.,# lost# link,# approach# of# operational#

boundaries)#to#minimize#the#impacts#on#the#ground.##

Costs#–#The#costs#to#operate#a#PPI#CropCam#is#insignificant#when#compared#to#the#costs#of#manned#aircraft.##

This# includes# the# costs# for# pilot/crew,# training,# maintenance,# operations,# and# insurance.# # For# operations#

conducted# for# taxpayerHfunded# public#entities,# there# is#a# cost# benefit#when# safety#is# factor#in.# #The# use# of#

sUAS#to#perform#more#dangerous#jobs#can#also#prevent#harm#to#people#and#property#in#the#air#and#on#the#

ground.###

Overall,#the#ability#to#conduct#aerial#survey#using#sUAS#will#increase#worker#safety,#increase#public#safety,#

decrease#inspection#costs,#and#improve#the#response#time#to#natural#disasters.# #These#qualities#provide#a#

significant#public#benefit#and#are#in#the#public#interest.

6 Discussion*of*Requested*FAR*Exemptions

Pentagon#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#requested#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, Subpart 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 airworthiness#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#333#Exemption###################################################################17#August#2015

7

and#will#be#operated#in#wellHdefined#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#airworthiness#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#will#have#advanced#notice#of#all#operations#through#the#filing#of#Certificates#of#Waiver#or#

Authorizations#(COAs)#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#operations#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#

application.# See#granted#exemptions#11138,#11062,#11067,#11080,#11114#and#11112.

6.2 14 C.F.R§45.23(b) – Display of*Marks;*General

Regulation#14#C.F.R.#§#45.32#(b)#states:#“...the#operator#must#also#display#on#that#aircraft#near#each#entrance#

to#the#cabin,#cockpit,#or#pilot#station,#in#letters#not#less#than#2#inches#nor#more#than#6#inches#high,#the#words#

‘limited,’#‘restricted,’#‘lightHsport,’#‘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#display#

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*Marks on*Fixed*Winged*Aircraft

Regulation#14#C.F.R.#45.25#describes#the#marking#requirements#on#fixed#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#sUAS#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#the#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*Marks

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#Safety:# An#sUAS#is,#by#definition,#significantly#smaller#and#may#have#a#design#and#layout#

significantly#different#than#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#333#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*privileges*and*

Limitations;*Pilot*in*Command;*Commercial*Pilot*Privileges*and*Limitations

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

require#a#SecondHclass#Medical#Certificate.# 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#will#be#

operating,#as#well#as#requiring#certifications#if#the#pilot#is#carry#passengers#or#cargo#for#hire.

Equivalent#level#of#Safety:#PPI#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#nonHparticipating#individuals,#are#under#55#lbs.#and#do#not#carry#

flammable#fuel.# In#FAA#Docket#No.#FAAH2014H0352,#the#FAA#determined#that#sUAS#operations#did#not#

warrant#the#additional#cost#and#restrictions#imposed#by#requiring#the#operator#to#have#a#commercial#pilot#

certificate#and#Class#II#Medical#Certificate.

PPI#operators#will#posses#at#least#a#private#pilot#certificate#and#a#valid#Class#II#Medical#Certificate.#

Additionally,#the#operators#will#attend#sUAS#specific#training#either#at#a#third#party#location#or#through#a#

custom#designed#inHhouse#program#specifically#tailored#to#PPI#operations,#sUAS#and#operating#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#

requirement#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#

requirements#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) – Approved*Flight*Manual*in*the*Aircraft

Regulation#14#C.F.R.#§#91.9#(b)(2)#states:#“No#person#may#operate#a#U.S.Hregistered#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,#or#any#combination#thereof.”

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

aircraft#is#identified#in#accordance#with#part#45#of this#chapter.”

Equivalent#level#of#Safety:#PPI requests#an#exemption#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#readily#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#333#Exemption###################################################################17#August#2015

9

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.

6.8 14C.F.R.§91.103 – Preflight*Action

14#C.F.R.#§#91.103#requires#the#PIC#to#become#familiar#with#specific#information#before#each#flight,#including#

information#contained#in#the#FAAHapproved#Flight#Manual#on#board#the#aircraft.

Equivalent#level#of#Safety:# 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#technical#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#FAAHapproved#Flight#Manual#is#required.

6.9 14*C.F.R.*§*91.105*[*Flight*Crew*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#unless#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.”#However#

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#Control#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#during#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.

Equivalent#level#of#Safety:#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#operator’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 14*C.F.R.*§*91.109*(a)*–*Flight*Instruction

14#C.F.R.#§#91.109#(a)#states#that,#“No#person#may#operate#a#civil#aircraft#(except#a#manned#free#balloon)#that#

is#being#used#for#flight#instruction#unless#that#aircraft#has#fully#functioning#dual#controls.”###PPI#sUAS#do#not#

have#functioning#dual#controls#by#design.# They#are#piloted#using#a#Flight#Control#System/Ground#Control#

Station#that#communicates#with#the#aircraft#via#radio#signals.

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

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

nonHparticipating#individuals#causing#no#safety#hazard.
Pentagon#Performance,#Inc.#Request#for#Section#333#Exemption###################################################################17#August#2015

10

Given#the#size#and#speed#of#the#PPI#sUAS,#an#equivalent#level#of#safe#training#can#be#performed#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#Granted#Exemptions:#11109,#11138#and#11110.

6.11 14C.F.R.§91.119 – Minimum*Safe*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#nonH

participating#individuals.

Equivalent#level#of#Safety:#The#sUAS#operated#by#PPI 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#nonHparticipating#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#Safety:# 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#AGL#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#safety#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*Requirements for*Flight in VFR*Conditions

14#C.F.R.#§#91.151#(a)#(1)#states:#“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...”

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#speed,#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#to#

approximately#25#minutes#and#the#aircraft#would#recover#with#50%#power.##The#meaningful#flight#time#would#

be#possible#given#the#limitations#of#§#91.151#(a)#(1)#and#(b).
Pentagon#Performance,#Inc.#Request#for#Section#333#Exemption###################################################################17#August#2015

11

Equivalent#level#of#Safety:# 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#greater#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*Civil*Aircraft*Certification and*Registration

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#Safety:#In#regard#to#14#C.F.R.#§#91.203#Part#(a),#an#equivalent#level#of#safety#is#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#entrance#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#FAA#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*

Inspections.

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#Safety:#The#PPI#sUAS#will#be#maintained#and#inspected#in#accordance#with#the#

manufacturerHsupplied#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.