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PO Box 1993 | Monterey, CA 93942 | Ph: (831) 643-0579 | Fax: (831) 855-0148 | Email: flyme@montereydrone.com | www.montereydrone.com

Nia Daniels, ARM-108

Federal Aviation Administration

Office of Rulemaking, Airmen & Airspace Rules Division

800 Independence Avenue, SW

Washington, DC 20591

Reference Docket No: FAA-2014-0919

Below is the RFI we were sent on February 10th 2015 via email. The response to the questions and requested 

information can be found below. We have included your spasific questions and submission outline in this 

document.

Email from: Nia Daniels, ARM-108; Federal Aviation Administration

---Begin RFI---

This letter is to inform you that the following information is missing from your petition (Docket No. FAA-2014-

0919. This information is necessary for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to process your petition.

RFI Response:

 Describe the aircraft make and model for the proposed UAS operation. The description should include 

the following: size and aircraft type (i.e. - fixed-wing, rotorcraft, lighter-than-air).

Response:

I. Make / Model: DJI Phantom 2

II. Rotorcraft: Quad Copter, 

III. Dimensions: 11 1⁄4 in. rotor to rotor - 15 1⁄4 in. diagonal rotor to rotor.

IV. PHANTOM 2 Weight (w Battery, gimbal, and camera; 1200g – 2.6lbs.

 List the maximum aircraft speed proposed for this operation, please include the airspeed type. 

Response:

I. 10m/s - 22mph

II. Max Ascent / Descent Speed: 6m/s

 Provide the maximum flight time for the proposed UAS operation. 

Response:

I. Flight Time: 20min

II. Operational Flight Time: 15min

Provide information regarding the radio frequency spectrum. This information can be located in the 

aircraft manual.

Response:

1. This is for flight control only There is no audio communication with UAS –

III. Operating Frequency: 2.4GHz ISM 

IV. Communication Distance (open area): 1000m 

V. Receiver Sensitivity(1%PER): -97dBm 

VI. Working Current/Voltage: 100 mA@6V 
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PO Box 1993 | Monterey, CA 93942 | Ph: (831) 643-0579 | Fax: (831) 855-0148 | Email: flyme@montereydrone.com | www.montereydrone.com

 Provide description of proximity to airports.

Response:

I. UAS will not operate within 5 miles of airport(s) above 400ft

II. Current firmware will not allow UAS to fly / operate within 2 miles of any registered airport.

 Your petition references a pre-flight inspection and/or checklist. Describe the process used to 

determine if the UAS is airworthy and in safe condition for operation in the NAS.

Response:

I. Pre-Flight checklist:

II. Before leaving facility preform firmware checks on UAV systems for most current firmware 

versions. Install new firmware versions if available.

1. Review weather conditions – UAS will operate effectively up to 15 knot winds.

2. Review flight plan.

3. Check surroundings for public safety, and flight obstructions, i.e. buildings, telephone, 

electrical, and any other flight hazards.

4. Check batteries for proper and full charge. Use Digital Battery Capacity Checker.

5. Check all propellers for cracks and tightness – (copter is equipped with self-tightening 

propellers.

6. Turn on RC transmitter, set mode channel(s) to GPS, and SET THROTTLE POSITION 

TO IDLE.

7. Turn on UAS / quad copter.

8. If location is further distance then 20 miles from last flight re-calibrate magnetic 

compass. 

9. Make sure UAV is motionless, allow for system self-check and system Ok 

acknowledgement. 

10. Check for GPS fix through OSD (on screen display) - Minimum 7 Satellite connections.

11. Launch UAS to a height of 10 meters in GPS mode and check for stable hover and 

position for 30 seconds. Vertical:± 0.8m;Horizontal:± 2.5m

 Describe the process used to document UAS discrepancies and the corrective action taken in the 

aircraft record. Examples of processes include (1) the petitioner has elected to use its own process to 

maintain its UAS and ensure that only airworthy and safe UAS will be allowed to operate in the NAS 

and (2) the petitioner has elected to maintain its UAS in accordance with the manufacturer maintenance 

and inspection recommendations.

Response:

I. UAS Monterey Drone’s maintenance process: 

1. Visually inspect quad copter for cracks, scoring at motors, missing screws.

2. Physically check all screws and nuts for tightness.

3. Regularly, (once per week) check quad copter for current firmware on flight system.

4. Physically check propellers for cracks, scarring, and proper shape.

5. Physically check propellers for tightness.

6. Physically check motors for smooth rotation / no jiggle or slop.

7. Check that batteries not in use are stored at 50% capacity.

8. Visually check that LED system indicators are functioning properly.
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PO Box 1993 | Monterey, CA 93942 | Ph: (831) 643-0579 | Fax: (831) 855-0148 | Email: flyme@montereydrone.com | www.montereydrone.com

II. UAS manufacturer maintenance and inspection process:

1. Visually inspect quad copter for cracks.

2. Visually inspect quad copter for missing screws, replace if necessary.

3. Check that firmware is up to date.

4. Check propellers for undo ware or damage replace if necessary.

5. Check motors for smooth rotation without propeller attached.

---End RFI---

Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have further questions or need any additional information.

Regards,

John Ivey

PO Box 1993

Monterey, CA 93942

Ph: (831) 643-0579

www.montereydrone.com