December 21, 2015

Attn:

U. S. Department of Transportation Docket Operations West Building Ground Floor, Room w12-140

1200 New Jersey Ave, SE Washington, DC 20590 

REQUEST AN EXEMPTION FROM THE REQUIREMENTS OF TITLE 14 OF THE CODE OF 

FEDERAL REGULATIONS

SECTIONS 61.113(a) & (b), 91.7(a), 91.121, 91.151(b), 91.405(a), 91.407(a)(1), 91.409(a)(1) & (a)(2), 

AND 91.417(a) & (b) CONCERNING COMMERCIAL OPERATION OF DJI INSPIRE UNMANNED 

AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS PURSUANT TO SECTION 333 OF

THE FAA MODERNIZATION AND REFORM ACT OF 2012 (PUBLIC LAW 112-95) 

Ryan Wood 

3969 S. Washington St. 

Englewood, CO 80113 

ryanlwd63@gmail.com

1 

TABLE OF CONTENTS 

Page GLOSSARY OF ABBREVIATIONS...................................................................................3 

SUMMARY...........................................................................................................................4 

INTRODUCTION AND INTERESTS OF PETITIONER....................................................4 

BACKGROUND....................................................................................................................4 

BASIS FOR PETITION.........................................................................................................5 

NAME AND ADDRESS OF PETITIONER.........................................................................6 

THE SPECIFIC SECTIONS OF 14 C.F.R. FROM WHICH Ryan Wood SEEKS 

EXEMPTION............................................................................................................7 

THE EXTENT OF RELIEF Ryan Wood SEEKS AND THE REASON Ryan Wood SEEKS THE 

RELIEF..............................................................10 

THE REASONS WHY GRANTING Ryan Wood’S REQUEST WOULD BE IN THE PUBLIC 

INTEREST ............................................................................................12 

THE REASONS WHY GRANTING THE EXEMPTION TO Ryan Wood WOULD NOT ADVERSELY 

AFFECT SAFETY..............................................................14 

SUMMARY THAT CAN BE PUBLISHED IN THE FEDERAL REGISTER...................25 

ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, VIEWS, OR ARGUMENTS AVAILABLE TO SUPPORT Ryan 

Wood’S REQUEST..................................................25 

CONCLUSION.....................................................................................................................25

2 

AGL

AOI

ATC

ATO

AV

CFR

COA

FAA

FAR

GCS

GPS

LOL

NAS NOTAM PIC Section 333 SO 

SOP UA UAS VFR VLOS VMC VTOL 

GLOSSARY OF ABBREVIATIONS 
Above Ground Level Area of Interest

Air Traffic Control

Air Traffic Organization Aerial Vehicle 

Code of Federal Regulations Certificate of Authorization Federal Aviation Administration Federal 

Aviation Regulation Ground Control Station 

Global Positioning System Loss of Link

National Airspace System Notice to Airman 

Pilot In Command

FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 (FMRA) Safety Observer

Standard Operating Procedures

Unmanned Aircraft

Unmanned Aircraft System

Visual Flight Rules

Visual Line of Site

Visual Meteorological Conditions

Vertical Takeoff and Landing 

3 

SUMMARY 

Ryan Wood hereafter referred to as Ryan Wood seeks exemption from the requirements of 14 C.F.R §§ 

61.113(a) & (b), 91.7(a), 91.121, 91.151(b), 91.405(a), 91.407(a)(1), 91.409(a)(1) & (a)(2), and 91.417(a) 

& (b), to operate an Unmanned Aircraft System (DJI Inspire Pro) pursuant to Section 333 of the FAA 

Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 (FMRA). This exemption will permit Ryan Wood to operate an 

Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) for the commercial purpose of conducting aerial video and 

photography of construction sites, residential and commercial real estate, civil landscapes and events over 

certain areas of the United States. 

INTRODUCTION AND INTERESTS OF THE PETITIONER 

Ryan Wood has provided clients (which include private sector businesses and non-profits, along with 

local state and federal agencies) with expertise and knowledge in video and multimedia marketing, 

advertising, public relations and training using advanced technologies and solutions. Ryan Wood has 

worked on various productions, in all types of locations with a perfect client and employee safety record. 

In the past he has supplied clients aerial video and photography using commercial aircraft. The objective 

of Ryan Wood and our Unmanned Aircraft System (DJI Inspire Pro) aerial operations is to provide a more 

affordable, high-quality production system for a variety of governmental, commercial, public, and 

residential uses, specifically targeting 

- • Construction sites before and after 

- • Appraisals 

- • Real-estate marketing 

- • Economic development 

- • Civic landmarks 

- • Special event coverage 

- • Private and governmental training 

My staff has safely flown small RC electric quadcopters recreationally for approximately 2 years 

without incident. 

BACKGROUND 

Unmanned Aircraft Systems: DJI Inspire Pro, UAS 

Ryan Wood seeks an exemption to operate DJI Inspire Pro system for compensation or hire within the 

NAS. The DJI Inspire Pro is vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) Unmanned Aircraft (UA) with a 

Ground Control Station (GCS) utilizing electronic tablet or smart phone systems. The DJI Inspire Pro 
has a maximum gross weight of approximately 2.8 lb. while having a diagonal dimension of 23.2”, a 

maximum speed of approximately 16.4’fps and a maximum flying height of 400'. The DJI Inspire Pro 

is equipped with four main rotors; driven by Lithium Polymer battery powered electric motors. 

4 

The DJI Inspire Pro that will be operated by Ryan Wood will be registered in accordance with 49 U.S.C. 

44103, Registration of Aircraft, as well as 14 C.F.R Part 47, Aircraft Registration, and marked in 

accordance with 14 C.F.R. Part 45, Identification and Registration Marking. 

BASIS FOR PETITION 

Petitioner, Ryan Wood, pursuant to the provisions of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 C.F.R. § 11.61) 

and the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 (FMRA), Section 333, Special Rules for Certain 

Unmanned Aircraft Systems, hereby petitions the Administrator to commercially operate the DJI Inspire 

Pro, UAS in the National Airspace System (NAS), and for an exemption from the requirements of 14 

C.F.R §§ 61.113(a) & (b), 91.7(a), 91.121, 91.151(b), 91.405(a), 91.407(a)(1), 91.409(a)(1) & (a)(2), and 

91.417(a) & (b). 

In consideration of the speed, weight, size, and limited operating area associated with the unmanned 

aircraft and its operation, Ryan Wood operation of DJI Inspire Pro UAS meets the conditions of FMRA 

Section 333 and therefore, will not require an airworthiness certificate in accordance with 14 C.F.R. Part 

21, Subpart H. 

Accordingly, Ryan Wood requests relief from Sections 91.405(a), 91.407(a)(1), 91.409(a)(1) & (a)(2), and 

91.417(a) & (b), as these sections set forth requirements for maintenance that only apply to aircraft with 

an airworthiness certificate. 

Ryan Wood submits that the requested relief is proper since an equivalent level of safety will be ensured. 

Ryan Wood will use experienced personnel or technicians to perform maintenance, alterations, or 

preventive maintenance on the UAS using the methods, techniques, and practices prescribed in the 

operating documents (i.e., Monthly Maintenance Log, and DJI Inspire Pro Instruction Manual). 

Furthermore, Ryan Wood will document and maintain all maintenance records for the DJI Inspire Pro 

UAS. 

Relief from certain requirements of Section 61.113(a) and (b), entitled Private pilot privileges and 

limitations: Pilot in command, is requested by Ryan Wood to the extent necessary to allow a Pilot in 

Command (PIC) holding a private pilot or higher level certificate, as well as an airman medical 

certificate, and who has demonstrated, by meeting minimum flight- hour and currency requirements, that 

the PIC is able to safely operate the DJI Phantom UAS in a manner consistent with this exemption, 

including evasive and emergency maneuvers and maintaining appropriate distances from people, vessels, 

vehicles and structures. 

Ryan Wood seeks relief from Section 91.7(a), entitled Civil aircraft airworthiness, because the DJI Inspire 

Pro UAS do not require an airworthiness certificate in accordance with 14 C.F.R. Part 21, Subpart H. As 

such, Ryan Wood submits that they will ensure that the DJI Inspire Pro UAS is in an airworthy condition, 

prior to every flight, by determining that the UAS are in compliance with the operating documents (i.e., 

Monthly Maintenance Log, and DJI Inspire Pro Instruction Manual), and that the aircraft are in a 

condition for safe flight. 

5 

Ryan Wood also seeks an exemption from the requirements of Section 91.121, entitled Altimeter Settings, 

as the DJI Inspire Pro UAS will not have a typical barometric altimeter onboard. However, altitude 

information of the DJI Inspire Pro UAS will be provided to the PIC via Global Positioning System (GPS) 

equipment and radio communications telemetry data link, which downlinks from the UA to the GCS for 

active monitoring of the flight path. This altitude information, combined with Ryan Wood’s operation of 

the DJI Inspire Pro UAS within visual line of sight, at or below 400 feet AGL, will ensure a level of 

safety equivalent to Section 91.121. 

Additionally, Ryan Wood seeks an exemption from the requirements of Section 91.151(b), entitled Fuel 

requirements for flight in VFR conditions. Ryan Wood submits that safety will not be affected by 

operation of the DJI Inspire Pro UAS during daylight hours in visual meteorological conditions (VMC) 

under visual flight rules (VFR), with enough battery power to fly for a total duration of approximately 23 
minutes. Battery power indicators are also able to show exactly how much battery power is left, as well as 

how much time is needed to return safely back to point of take off. 

In accordance with 14 C.F.R. § 11.81, Ryan Wood provides the following information in support of its 

petition for exemption: 

A. Name And Address Of The Petitioner. 

The name and address of the Petitioner and point of contact is: 

Ryan Wood 

3969 S. Washington St. 

Englewood, CO 80113 

ryanlwd63@gmail.com phone: (970)846-7176 

6 

B. The Specific Sections Of 14 C.F.R. From Which Ryan Wood Seeks Exemption. 

1. Ryan Wood Seeks Exemption From The Requirements Of Section 61.113(a) And (b). 

Section 61.113, entitled Private pilot privileges and limitations: Pilot in command, subsections (a) and (b) 

prescribe the following, in relevant part: 

(a) No person who holds a private pilot certificate may act as a pilot in command (PIC) of an aircraft that 

is carrying passengers or property for compensation or hire; nor may that person, for compensation or 

hire, act as PIC of an aircraft. 

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

or employment if— 

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

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

2. Ryan Wood Seeks Exemption From The Requirements Of Section 91.7(a). 

Section 91.7, entitled Civil aircraft airworthiness, subsection (a), states the following: 

(a) No person may operate a civil aircraft unless it is in an airworthy condition. 

3. Ryan Wood Seeks Exemption From The Requirements Of Section 91.121. 

Section 91.121, entitled Altimeter settings, subsection (a), states the following, in part: 

(a) Each person operating an aircraft shall maintain the cruising altitude or flight level of that aircraft, as 

the case may be, by reference to an altimeter that is set, when operating-- 

(1) Below 18,000 feet MSL, to-- 

(i) The current reported altimeter setting of a station along the route and within 100 nautical miles of the 

aircraft; 

(ii) If there is no station within the area prescribed in paragraph (a)(1)(i) of this section, the current 

reported altimeter setting of an appropriate available station; or 

(iii) In the case of an aircraft not equipped with a radio, the elevation of the departure airport or an 

appropriate altimeter setting available before departure. 

7 

4. Ryan Wood Seeks Exemption From The Requirements Of Section 91.151(b). 

Section 91.151, entitled Fuel requirements for flight in VFR conditions, subsection (b), states the 

following: 

(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. 

5. Ryan Wood Seeks Exemption From The Requirement Of Section 91.405(a). 

Section 91.405, entitled Maintenance required, subsection (a), states the following: Each owner or 

operator of an aircraft— 

(a) Shall have that aircraft inspected as prescribed in subpart E of this part and shall between required 

inspections, except as provided in paragraph (c) of this section, have discrepancies repaired as prescribed 

in part 43 of this chapter[.] 

6. Ryan Wood Seeks Exemption From The Requirements Of Section 91.407(a)(1) 

Section 91.407, entitled Operation after maintenance, preventive maintenance, rebuilding, or alteration, 

subsection (a)(1), states the following: 
(a) No person may operate any aircraft that has undergone maintenance, preventive maintenance, 

rebuilding, or alteration unless-- 

(1) It has been approved for return to service by a person authorized under § 43.7 of this chapter[.] 

7. Ryan Wood Seeks Exemption From The Requirements Of Sections 91.409(a)(1) And 91.409(a)(2). 

Section 91.409, entitled Inspections, subsection (a), states the following:

(a) Except as provided in paragraph (c) of this section, no person may operate an 

aircraft unless, within the preceding 12 calendar months, it has had -- 

(1) An annual inspection in accordance with part 43 of this chapter and has been approved for return to 

service by a person authorized by § 43.7 of this chapter; or 

(2) An inspection for the issuance of an airworthiness certificate in accordance with part 21 of this 

chapter. 

8 

8. Ryan Wood Seeks Exemption From The Requirements Of Sections 91.417(a) And 91.417(b). 

Section 91.417, entitled Maintenance records, subsections (a) and (b), state the following: 

(a) Except for work performed in accordance with §§ 91.411 and 91.413, each registered owner or 

operator shall 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 which 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) of this chapter for each major alteration to the airframe 

and currently installed engines, rotors, propellers, and appliances. 

9 

(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 of this chapter shall be 

retained until the defects are repaired and the aircraft is approved for return to service. 

C. The Extent Of Relief Ryan Wood Seeks And The Reason Ryan Wood Seeks The Relief. 

1. Extent Of Relief Ryan Wood Seeks And The Reason Ryan Wood Seeks Relief From Section 61.113(a) 

And (b). 

Relief from Section 61.113(a) and (b) entitled Private pilot privileges and limitations: Pilot in command, 

is requested to the extent necessary to allow a PIC holding a private pilot or higher level certificate, as 

well as a current and valid airman medical certificate, and who has met certain flight-hour and currency 

requirements, to conduct the proposed UAS flight operations for compensation or hire. 

This relief is requested since the limitations set forth in Section 61.113(a) and (b) state that a private pilot 

may, for compensation or hire, act as PIC of an aircraft in connection with any business or employment if: 

(1) The flight is only incidental to that business or employment; and (2) The aircraft does not carry 

passengers or property for compensation or hire. 
As set forth more fully below, Ryan Wood submits that an equivalent level of safety will be maintained 

because no PIC will be allowed to operate the DJI Inspire Pro UAS unless that PIC has met certain flighthour and currency requirements, demonstrating that the PIC is able to safely operate either the DJI Inspire 

Pro UAS in a manner consistent with the operations specifications as described in this exemption, 

including evasive and emergency maneuvers, as well as maintaining appropriate distances from people, 

vessels, vehicles and structures. 

Further, Ryan Wood submits that all flights of the DJI Inspire Pro UAS, conducted by the PIC pursuant to 

the grant of this Petition: (1) will be incidental to Ryan Wood’s business; and (2) will not carry passengers 

or property for compensation or hire. 

10 

2. Extent Of Relief Ryan Wood Seeks And The Reason Ryan Wood Seeks Relief From Section 91.7(a). 

Relief from Section 91.7(a) entitled Civil aircraft airworthiness, is requested to the extent required to 

allow Ryan Wood to determine that the DJI Inspire Pro UAS are in airworthy condition prior to every 

flight by ensuring that the UAS is in compliance with the operating documents (i.e., Ryan Wood Aerial 

Operations Manual, Monthly Maintenance Log, and DJI Inspire Pro Instruction Manual). 

Ryan Wood seeks the requested relief because the DJI Inspire Pro UAS do not require an airworthiness 

certificate in accordance with 14 C.F.R. Part 21, Subpart H. Therefore, Ryan Wood will ensure that the 

DJI Inspire Pro UAS are in airworthy condition based upon its compliance with the operating documents 

(i.e., Monthly Maintenance Log, and DJI Inspire Pro) prior to every flight, and further, determine that the 

aircraft are in condition for safe flight, as stated in the conditions and limitations below. 

3. Extent Of Relief Ryan Wood Seeks And The Reason Ryan Wood Seeks Relief From Section 91.121. 

Relief from Section 91.121, entitled Altimeter settings, may be required to allow flight operations of the 

DJI Inspire Pro UAS, which utilize a barometric pressure sensor, GPS equipment, and a radio 

communications telemetry data link to downlink altitude information from the UA to the PIC at the 

ground control station (GCS). Since the FAA requires that any altitude information concerning UAS 

operations be reported to air traffic control (ATC) in feet above ground level (AGL), Ryan Wood seeks 

the requested relief because the DJI Inspire Pro UA’s altimeter may be set on the ground to zero feet AGL, 

rather than the local barometric pressure or field altitude, before each flight. 

Considering the limited altitude of the proposed operations, relief from 14 CFR 91.121 is sought to the 

extent necessary to comply with the applicable conditions and limitations stated below. As more fully set 

forth herein, an equivalent level of safety will be maintained since the DJI Inspire Pro UAS are equipped 

with a barometric pressure sensor and GPS equipment, which automatically ensures that a ground level 

pressure setting will be established prior to each flight, and provides the PIC with altitude information of 

the UA on the heads-up display of the GCS. 

4. Extent Of Relief Ryan Wood Seeks And The Reason Ryan Wood Seeks Relief From Section 91.151(b). 

Relief from Section 91.151(b) entitled Fuel requirements for flight in VFR conditions, is requested to the 

extent required to allow flights of the battery powered DJI Inspire Pro UAS during daylight hours in 

visual meteorological conditions (VMC), under visual flight rules (VFR), for a total duration of 23 

minutes. Ryan Wood seeks the requested relief because without an exemption from Section 91.151(b), the 

flight time duration of the 

11 

battery powered DJI Inspire Pro UAS will severely constrain the practicality of any aerial video or still 

photo flight operations that Ryan Wood proposes to conduct pursuant to this Petition. 

Significantly, as set forth below, the technical specifications of the DJI Inspire Pro UAS, the DJI Inspire 

Pro operating documents, and Ryan Wood’s proposed operating limitations, ensure that Ryan Wood will 

safely operate the battery powered DJI Inspire Pro UAS during daylight hours in visual meteorological 

conditions (VMC), under visual flight rules (VFR), with enough battery power to fly for a total duration 

of 23 minutes. 

5. Extent Of Relief Ryan Wood Seeks And The Reason Ryan Wood Seeks Relief From Sections 

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

Since Sections 91.405(a), 91.407(a)(1), 91.409(a)(1) & (a)(2), and 91.417(a) & (b) only apply to aircraft 

with an airworthiness certificate, Ryan Wood requests relief from these Sections because the DJI Inspire 

Pro UAS do not require airworthiness certificates. As set forth more fully below, the DJI Inspire Pro UAS 

meet the conditions of FMRA Section 333 for operation without an airworthiness certificate. Accordingly, 
Ryan Wood will use trained technicians to perform maintenance, alterations, or preventive maintenance 

on the UAS using the methods, techniques, and practices prescribed in the UAS operating documents 

(i.e., the Ryan Wood Aerial Operations Manual, Monthly Maintenance Log, and DJI Inspire Pro 

Instruction Manual). Furthermore, Ryan Wood will document and maintain all maintenance records for 

the DJI Inspire Pro UAS. 

D. The Reasons Why Granting Ryan Wood Request Would Be In The Public Interest; That Is, How It 

Would Benefit The Public As A Whole. 

Granting the present Petition will further the public interest by allowing Ryan Wood to safely, efficiently, 

and economically perform aerial video and photography of construction sites, real estate, events and civic 

landscape over certain areas of the United States. 

Additionally, use of the DJI Inspire Pro UAS will decrease congestion of the NAS, reduce pollution, and 

provide significant benefits to the economy. Notably, the benefits of Ryan Wood’s proposed operation of 

the DJI Inspire Pro UAS will be realized without implicating any privacy issues. 

1. The Public Will Benefit From Decreased Congestion Of The NAS. 

The DJI Inspire Pro UAS are battery powered and serve as a safe, efficient, and economical alternative to 

the manned aircraft traditionally utilized to obtain aerial imagery. By reducing the 

12 

amount of manned aircraft needed to perform aerial acquisitions, an exemption allowing the use of a DJI 

Inspire Pro UAS would reduce the amount of manned aircraft in the NAS, reduce noise and air pollution, 

as well as increase the safety of life and property in the air and on the ground. 

Furthermore, by reducing the number of manned aircraft operating in the NAS, congestion around 

airports caused by arriving and departing aircraft will be reduced. The DJI Inspire Pro UAS do not require 

an airport to takeoff or land. Likewise, a reduction of manned aircraft conducting aerial video and 

photography missions would result in fewer aircraft that must be handled by air traffic control during the 

ground, takeoff, departure, arrival, and landing phases of flight operations. 

2. The Public Will Benefit From The Safety And Efficiency Of The DJI Inspire Pro UAS. 

Conducting aerial acquisitions with the DJI Inspire Pro UAS, instead of manned aircraft, will greatly 

benefit the public by drastically reducing the levels of air and noise pollution generated during traditional 

aerial video and still photography flight operations. By using battery power and electric motors, the DJI 

Inspire Pro UAS produce no air pollution, and is the most viable environmentally conscious alternative to 

the cabin class, six cylinder internal combustion engine aircraft that are typically utilized for aerial video 

and photography, while burning approximately 20-30 gallons per hour of leaded aviation fuel. The DJI 

Inspire Pro UAS, while reducing the carbon footprint of aerial acquisitions, also eliminates noise 

pollution, as the UAS are propelled by battery powered electric motors, rather than an internal 

combustion engine. 

By using the DJI Inspire Pro UAS to perform aerial acquisitions, the substantial risk to life and property 

in the air and on the ground, which is usually associated with traditional manned aircraft flight operations, 

will be substantially reduced or completely eliminated. Aside from the lack of flight crew members 

located onboard the aircraft, the DJI Inspire Pro UAS (weighing approximately 2.8 pounds at their 

maximum gross weight with diagonal dimension of 23.2 inches, and with no fuel on board), has less 

physical potential for collateral damage to life and property on the ground, and in the air, compared to the 

manned aircraft that typically conduct similar operations (weighing approximately 6,000 pounds with a 

wingspan of approximately 42 feet, a length of 34 feet, and a fuel capacity of 180 gallons). 

3. Performing Aerial Video and Photography Operations With The DJI Inspire Pro UAS Will Benefit The 

Economy. 

In addition to being safe and efficient, the DJI Inspire Pro UAS are also an economical alternative to 

using manned aircraft to conduct similar aerial operations. As such, operation of the DJI Inspire Pro UAS 

will allow United States based companies, like Ryan Wood, to remain competitive and contribute to 

growth of the U.S. economy. Specifically, with the rising cost of aviation fuel and the Environmental 

Protection Agency (“EPA”) regulatory actions phasing out leaded aviation fuels, U.S. owned and operated 

companies must adopt new and alternative technology in order to remain competitive. Operating the 

battery powered DJI Inspire Pro UAS is one such technology that not only allows companies greater 

operational 

13 
flexibility compared to manned aircraft, but provides such flexibility without the high operational cost of 

a traditional manned aircraft. 

By operating the DJI Inspire Pro UAS, companies such as Ryan Wood, can remain competitive and 

profitable, and therefore, provide greater job stability to employees and contractors, which will ultimately 

contribute to growth of the U.S. economy. Improved financial performance of U.S. companies, through 

commercial use of the DJI Inspire Pro UAS, provides a stable workforce that increases consumer 

spending; improves local, state, and federal tax revenues; and allows companies to invest in research and 

development in order to remain competitive both in the United States and abroad. 

4. There Are No Privacy Issues. 

Similar to the manned aerial acquisition flight operations that have been conducted for decades, Ryan 

Wood’s proposed operation of the DJI Inspire Pro UAS will not implicate any privacy issues. Specifically, 

the DJI Inspire Pro UAS will be operated only in compliance with operating documents (i.e., Ryan Wood 

Aerial Operations Manual, Monthly Maintenance Log, and DJI Inspire Pro Instruction Manual) which 

requires property owner involvement as well as local law enforcement notification, and in accordance 

with the Federal Aviation Regulations, including the minimum altitude requirements of 14 C.F.R. § 

91.119. 

E. The Reasons Why Granting The Exemption Would Not Adversely Affect Safety, Or How The 

Exemption Would Provide A Level Of Safety At Least Equal To That Provided By The Rule From Which 

Ryan Wood Seeks Exemption. 

1. Reasons Why The DJI Inspire Pro UAS Meet The Conditions Of The FAA Modernization and Reform 

Act of 2012 (FMRA) Section 333. 

In consideration of the size, weight, speed, and limited operating area associated with the unmanned 

aircraft and its operation, Ryan Wood’s operation of the DJI Inspire Pro UAS meet the conditions of 

FMRA Section 333, and will not require an airworthiness certificate in accordance with 14 C.F.R. Part 21, 

Subpart H. 

Section 333 provides authority for a UAS to operate without airworthiness certification and sets forth 

requirements for considering whether a UAS will create a hazard to users of the NAS or the public, or 

otherwise pose a threat to national security. Specifically, FMRA Section 333 states the following, in part: 

(a) In General.--Notwithstanding any other requirement of this subtitle, and not later than 180 days after 

the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Transportation shall determine if certain unmanned 

aircraft systems may operate safely in the national airspace system before completion of the plan and 

rulemaking required by section 332 of this Act or the guidance required by section 334 of this Act. 

14 

(b) Assessment of Unmanned Aircraft Systems.--In making the determination under subsection (a), the 

Secretary shall determine, at a minimum-- 

(1) which types of unmanned aircraft systems, if any, as a result of their size, weight, speed, operational 

capability, proximity to airports and populated areas, and operation within visual line of sight do not 

create a hazard to users of the national airspace system or the public or pose a threat to national security; 

and 

(2) whether a certificate of waiver, certificate of authorization, or airworthiness certification under section 

44704 of title 49, United States Code, is required for the operation of unmanned aircraft systems 

identified under paragraph (1). 

(c) Requirements for Safe Operation.--If the Secretary determines under this section that certain 

unmanned aircraft systems may operate safely in the national airspace system, the Secretary shall 

establish requirements for the safe operation of such aircraft systems in the national airspace system. 

In seeking this exemption, Ryan Wood submits that the DJI Inspire Pro UAS can operate safely in the 

NAS pursuant to FMRA Section 333, as demonstrated by: (a) the characteristics of the DJI Inspire Pro 

UAS; (b) the pilot certification requirement; and (c) the specific operating limitations. 

a. The Specifications Of The DJI Inspire Pro UAS Demonstrate Its Safe Characteristics. 

The DJI Inspire Pro UAS does not create a hazard to users of the NAS or the public, or otherwise pose a 

threat to national security considering its size, weight, speed, and operational capability. 

i. Technical Specifications Of The DJI Inspire Pro UAS. 

The technical specifications of the DJI Inspire Pro UAS are set forth by the DJI Inspire Pro User Manual, 

attached hereto as Appendix A. 
ii. The DJI Inspire Pro UAS Global Positioning Modes Enable The UAS To Remain Within A Defined 

Operational Area. 

The DJI Inspire Pro UAS may be operated in both manual and global positioning flight modes. A 

complete description of the flight and navigational modes of the DJI Inspire Pro UAS is provided at pages 

11 of the DJI Inspire Pro User Manual attached hereto as Appendix A. 

iii. The DJI Inspire Pro UAS Are Designed For Automatic Return To Home Point Or Hover In The Event 

Of Loss Of The Control Link Or Navigation. 

When the Control Link is lost, the DJI Inspire Pro UAS will remain stationary, in flight, for 3 seconds or 

more. If, after 3 seconds, the DJI Inspire Pro UAS does not reacquire control link data from the GCS, the 

UAS will assume that the Control Link is lost and the will return to the home position (i.e., failsafe mode) 

via GPS, and will descend to the takeoff position and shutdown. 

15 

A complete description of the Failsafe Functions of the DJI Inspire Pro UAS are set forth at pages 12 

through 14 of the DJI Inspire Pro User Manual, attached hereto as Appendix A. 

iv. The DJI Inspire Pro GCS And Its Operation. 

A complete description of the operation and specifications of the DJI Inspire Pro GCS and flight control 

software is provided at pages 23 through 29 of the DJI Inspire Pro User Manual. DJI Inspire Pro User 

Manual is attached hereto as Appendix A. 

b. Flight Operations Of DJI Inspire Pro UAS Is Limited To The Line Of Sight Of A Certificated Pilot in 

Command With A Safety Observer. 

Ryan Wood video production staff will be the only persons to act as a pilot in command (PIC) of the DJI 

Inspire Pro UAS. Additionally, a safety observer will assist him at all times during flight time. 

c. Flights Of DJI Inspire Pro UAS Will Be Conducted Pursuant To Specific Operating Limitations. 

In seeking this exemption, Ryan Wood proposes to commercially operate DJI Inspire Pro UAS for the 

special purpose of conducting aerial video and photography over certain areas of United States, pursuant 

to the following specific operating limitations. 

1. Operations authorized by this grant of exemption will be limited to the following aircraft described in 

the operating documents, rotorcraft UAS weighing less than 55 pounds maximum gross weight: DJI 

Inspire Pro Unmanned Aircraft Systems. Proposed operations of any other aircraft will require a new 

petition or a petition to amend this grant. 

2. UAS operations under this exemption will be limited to conducting operations for the purpose of aerial 

video and photography. 

3. The UAS may not be flown at an indicated airspeed exceeding 20 knots. 

4. The UA must be operated at an altitude of no more than 400 feet above ground level (AGL), as 

indicated by the procedures specified in the operating documents unless a special request is made and 

approved by ATC. All altitudes reported to ATC must be in feet AGL. 

5. The UAS must be operated within visual line of sight (VLOS) of the PIC at all times. This requires the 

PIC to be able to use human vision unaided by any device other than corrective lenses, as specified on the 

PIC’s FAA-issued airman medical certificate. 

6. The use of first person view (FPV) by the PIC or safety observer (SO) is not permitted. 

16 

7. All operations must utilize a safety observer (SO). The SO may be used to satisfy the VLOS 

requirement as long as the PIC always maintains VLOS capability. The SO and PIC must be able to 

communicate verbally at all times. Electronic messaging or texting is not permitted during flight 

operations. 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 SO can perform the functions prescribed in the 

operating documents. 

8. The SO must not perform any other duties beyond assisting the PIC with seeing and avoiding other air 

traffic and other ground based obstacles/obstructions and is not permitted to operate the camera or other 

instruments. 

9. The operating documents and the grant of exemption must be accessible during UAS operations and 

made available to the Administrator upon request. If a discrepancy exists between the conditions and 

limitations contained in the grant of exemption and the procedures outlined in the operating documents, 

the conditions and limitations contained in the grant of exemption take precedence and must be followed. 
Otherwise, the operator must follow the procedures as outlined in its operating documents. The operator 

may update or revise its operating documents. It is the operator’s responsibility to track such revisions 

and present updated and revised documents to the Administrator upon request. The operator must also 

present updated and revised documents if it petitions for extension or amendment to the grant of 

exemption. If the operator determines that any update or revision would affect the basis upon which the 

FAA granted the exemption, then the operator must petition for amendment to its grant of exemption. The 

FAA’s UAS Integration Office (AFS-80) may be contacted if questions arise regarding updates or 

revisions to the operating documents. 

10. Prior to each flight the PIC must inspect the UAS to ensure that it is in a condition for safe flight. 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. The Ground Control Station must be included in the preflight inspection. All maintenance 

and alterations must be properly documented in the aircraft records. 

11. Any UAS that has undergone maintenance or alterations that affect the UAS operation or flight 

characteristics, e.g. replacement of a flight critical component, must undergo a functional test flight. The 

PIC who conducts the functional test flight must make an entry in the aircraft records. 

12. The pre-flight inspection must account for all potential discrepancies, e.g. inoperable components, 

items, or equipment, not already covered in the relevant sections of the operating documents. 

13. The operator must follow the UAS manufacturer’s aircraft/component, maintenance, overhaul, 

replacement, inspection, and life limit requirements. 

17 

14. The operator must carry out its maintenance, inspections, and record keeping requirements, in 

accordance with the operating documents. Maintenance, inspection, alterations, and status of replacement/

overhaul component parts must be noted in the aircraft records, including total time in service, description 

of work accomplished, and the signature of the authorized person returning the UAS to service. 

15. Each UAS operated under this exemption must comply with all manufacturer Safety Bulletins. 

16. The authorized person must make an entry in the aircraft record of the corrective action taken against 

discrepancies discovered between inspections. 

17. The PIC must possess at least a private pilot certificate and at least a current third- class medical 

certificate. 

18. The operator may not permit any PIC to operate unless the PIC meets the operator’s qualification 

criteria and demonstrates the ability to safely operate the UAS in a manner consistent with how the UAS 

will be operated under the exemption, including evasive and emergency maneuvers and maintaining 

appropriate distances from persons, vessels, vehicles and structures. PIC qualification flight hours must 

be logged in a manner consistent with 14 C.F.R. § 61.51(b). Flights for the purposes of training the 

operator’s PICs are permitted under the terms of the exemption. However, training operations may only 

be conducted during dedicated training sessions. During training, proficiency, and experience-building 

flights, all persons not essential for flight operations are considered nonparticipants, and the PIC must 

operate the UA with appropriate distance from nonparticipants in accordance with 14 C.F.R. § 91.119. 

19. UAS operations may not be conducted during night, as defined in 14 C.F.R. § 1.1. All operations must 

be conducted under visual meteorological conditions (VMC). If flight at night is required, a special 

request will be made at the FAA office closest to proposed area of operations. Flights under special visual 

flight rules (SVFR) are not authorized. 

20. The UA may not operate within 5 nautical miles of an airport reference point as denoted on a current 

FAA-published aeronautical chart unless a letter of agreement with that airport’s management is obtained, 

and the operation is conducted in accordance with a NOTAM as required by the operator’s COA. The 

letter of agreement with the airport management must be made available to the Administrator upon 

request. 

21. The UA may not be operated less than 500 feet below or less than 2,000 feet horizontally from a cloud 

or when visibility is less than 3 statute miles from the PIC. 

22. If the UA loses communications or loses its GPS signal, it must return to a pre- determined location 

within the planned operating area and land or be recovered in accordance with the operating documents. 

18 
23. The PIC must abort the flight in the event of unpredicted obstacles or emergencies in accordance with 

the operating documents. 

24. The PIC is prohibited from beginning a flight unless (considering wind and forecast weather 

conditions) there is enough power to fly at normal cruising speed to the intended landing point and land 

the UA with 25% battery power remaining. 

25. The operator must obtain an Air Traffic Organization (ATO) issued Certificate of Waiver or 

Authorization (COA) prior to conducting any operations under the grant of exemption. This COA will 

also require the operator to request a Notice to Airman (NOTAM) not more than 72 hours in advance, but 

not less than 48 hours prior to the operation. All operations shall be conducted in accordance with 

airspace requirements in the ATO issued COA including class of airspace, altitude level and potential 

transponder requirements. 

26. All aircraft operated in accordance with the exemption must be identified by serial number, registered 

in accordance with 14 C.F.R. part 47, and have identification (N- Number) markings in accordance with 

14 C.F.R. part 45, Subpart C. Markings must be as large as practicable. 

27. Before conducting operations, the radio frequency spectrum used for operation and control of the UA 

must comply with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) or other appropriate government 

oversight agency requirements. 

28. The documents required fewer than 14 C.F.R. 91.9 and 91.203 must be available to the PIC at the 

Ground Control Station of the UAS any time the UAS is operating. These documents must be made 

available to the Administrator or any law enforcement official upon request. 

29. The UA must remain clear and yield the right of way to all manned aviation operations and activities 

at all times. 

30. The UAS may not be operated by the PIC from any moving device or vehicle. 

31. Flight operations must be conducted at least 500 feet from all nonparticipating persons (persons other 

than the PIC, SO, operator trainees or essential persons), vessels, vehicles, and structures unless: 

a. Barriers or structures are present that sufficiently protect nonparticipating persons from the UA and/or 

debris in the event of an accident. The operator must ensure that nonparticipating persons remain under 

such protection. If a situation arises where nonparticipating persons leave such protection and are within 

500 feet of the UA, flight operations must cease immediately and/or; 

b. The aircraft is operated near vessels, vehicles or structures where the owner/controller of such vessels, 

vehicles or structures has granted permission and the PIC has made a safety assessment of the risk of 

operating closer to those objects and determined that it does not present an undue hazard, and; 

19 

c. Operations nearer to the PIC, SO, operator trainees or essential persons do not present an undue hazard 

to those persons per § 91.119(a). 

32. All operations shall be conducted over private or controlled-access property with permission from the 

land owner/controller or authorized representative. Permission from land owner/controller or authorized 

representative will be obtained for each flight to be conducted. 

33. Any incident, accident, or flight operation that transgresses the lateral or vertical boundaries of the 

operational area as defined by the applicable COA must be reported to the FAA's UAS Integration Office 

(AFS-80) within 24 hours. Accidents must be reported to the National Transportation Safety Board 

(NTSB) per instructions contained on the NTSB Web site: www.ntsb.gov. 

2. Reasons Why An Exemption From The Requirements Of Section 61.113(a) And (b) Would Not 

Adversely Affect Safety. 

Ryan Wood submits that the equivalent level of safety established by Section 61.113(a) and (b) will be 

maintained because no PIC will be allowed to operate the DJI Inspire Pro UAS unless that PIC has 

demonstrated, by meeting minimum flight-hour and currency requirements, that the PIC is able to safely 

operate the DJI Inspire Pro UAS in a manner consistent with the exemption, including evasive and 

emergency maneuvers and maintaining appropriate distances from people, vessels, vehicles and 

structures. 

Considering Ryan Wood’s proposed area of operations, and the operating limitations set forth-above; the 

parallel nature of private pilot aeronautical knowledge requirements to those of commercial pilot 

requirements (See Exemption No. 11062); and the airmanship skills necessary to safely operate the DJI 

Inspire Pro UAS, Ryan Wood submits that the additional manned airmanship experience of a 
commercially certificated pilot would not correlate to the airmanship skills necessary for Ryan Wood’s 

specific proposed flight operations. 

The FAA has previously granted relief from Section 61.113(a) and (b) specific to UAS, in circumstances 

similar, in all material respects, to those presented herein (e.g. Exemption Nos. 11062, 11063, 11064, 

11065, 11066, 11067, 11080, 11109, 11110, 11112, 11136, 11138, 11150, 11153, 11156, 11158, 11159, 

11160, 11161). 

Ryan Wood will not allow any PIC to operate the DJI Inspire Pro UAS unless that PIC has demonstrated, 

by meeting minimum flight-hour requirements or the DJI Inspire Pro UAS training and currency 

requirements, that the PIC is able to safely operate the DJI Inspire Pro UAS in a manner consistent with 

this exemption, including evasive and emergency maneuvers and maintaining appropriate distances from 

people, vessels, vehicles and structures. 

Specifically, the PIC must have accumulated and logged, in a manner consistent with 14 C.F.R. § 

61.51(b), 25 hours of total time as a UAS rotorcraft pilot (with a minimum of 5 hours of those 

20 

hours as a UAS pilot operating the same make and model of UAS to be used for operations under the 

exemption). In addition to the hour requirements, the PIC must accomplish 3 takeoffs and landings in the 

preceding 90 days (for currency purposes). 

As in Exemption Nos. 11062, 11138, and 11153, prior documented flight experience that was obtained in 

compliance with applicable regulations will ensure an equivalent level of safety during Ryan Wood’s 

proposed operations. The Administrator has held that prior documented flight experience that was 

obtained in compliance with applicable regulations would ensure safe operations, stating as follows: 

In Exemption No. 11062, the FAA required that prior to conducting operations for the purpose of motion 

picture filming (or similar operations), the PIC must have accumulated and logged, in a manner consistent 

with 14 CFR 61.51(b), 25 hours of total time as a UAS rotorcraft pilot including at least 10 hours logged 

as a UAS pilot with a multi-rotor UAS. Prior to operations under Exemption No. 11062, the PIC must 

also have accumulated and logged a minimum of 5 hours as a UAS pilot operating the same make and 

model of UAS to be used for operations under the exemption. For clarification, the FAA considers these 

minimum hour requirements to be inclusive rather than additive; i.e. 5 hours make and model time may 

be included in the 10 hours of multi-rotor time and the 10 hours may be included in the total 25 hours of 

UAS rotorcraft time. In addition to the hour requirements, the PIC must accomplish 3 takeoffs and 

landings in the preceding 90 days (for currency purposes). The FAA finds that at a minimum, the flighthour requirements in Exemption No. 11062 are appropriate to practice and build proficiency in the skills 

necessary to safely conduct the petitioner’s proposed operations. The FAA also finds that prior 

documented flight experience that was obtained in compliance with applicable regulations would satisfy 

this requirement. Training, proficiency, and experience-building flights can also be conducted under the 

grant of exemption to accomplish the required flight time. During training, proficiency, and experiencebuilding flights the PIC is required to operate the UA with appropriate distances in accordance with 14 

C.F.R 91.119. 

Exemption No. 11138 at page 15. 

Accordingly, Ryan Wood will ensure safe operations by not allowing any PIC to operate the DJI Inspire 

Pro UAS unless that PIC has demonstrated, by meeting minimum flight-hour and currency requirements, 

that the PIC is able to safely operate the DJI Inspire Pro UAS in a manner consistent with the exemption, 

including evasive and emergency maneuvers and maintaining appropriate distances from people, vessels, 

vehicles and structures. 

3. Reasons Why An Exemption From The Requirements Of Section 91.7(a) Would Not Adversely Affect 

Safety. 

21 

The equivalent level of safety established by Section 91.7(a) will be maintained because prior to every 

flight, Ryan Wood will ensure that the DJI Inspire Pro UAS is in an airworthy condition based upon the 

UAS’s compliance with its operating documents and as stated in the conditions and limitations herein. 

Additionally, the FAA has previously granted relief from Section 91.7(a) specific to UAS, in 

circumstances similar, in all material respects, to those presented herein (e.g. Exemption Nos. 11062, 

11063, 11064, 11065, 11066, 11067, 11080, 11109, 11110, 11112, 11136, 11138, 11150, 11153, 11156, 

11157, 11158, 11159, 11160, 11161). 
4. Reasons Why An Exemption From The Requirements Of Section 91.121 Would Not Adversely Affect 

Safety. 

The equivalent level of safety established by Section 91.121 will be maintained because the altitude 

information of the DJI Inspire Pro UAS will be provided to the PIC via GPS equipment and a radio 

communications telemetry data link, which downlinks from the UA to the GCS for active monitoring of 

the flight path and altitude. This altitude information, combined with Ryan Wood’s operation of the DJI 

Inspire Pro UAS within visual line of sight, at or below 500 feet AGL, will ensure a level of safety 

equivalent to Section 91.121. The altitude information will be generated by GPS equipment installed 

onboard the aircraft. Prior to each flight, a zero altitude initiation point is automatically established by the 

UAS at ground level. 

The FAA has previously granted relief from Section 91.121 specific to UAS, in circumstances similar, in 

all material respects, to those presented herein (e.g. Exemption Nos. 11062, 11063, 11064, 11065, 11066, 

11067, 11080, 11109, 11112, 11136, 11138, 11150, 11153, 11156, 11157, 11158, 11159, 11160, 11161). 

5. Reasons Why An Exemption From The Requirements Of Section 91.151(b) Would Not Adversely 

Affect Safety. 

A grant of this exemption would ensure an equivalent level of safety established by 14 C.F.R. Section 

91.151(b) as a result of (1) the technical specifications of the DJI Inspire Pro UAS; (2) the limitations on 

the proposed flight operations; and (3) the location of the proposed flight operations. Accordingly, Ryan 

Wood will ensure that it will safely operate the battery powered DJI Inspire Pro UAS during daylight 

hours in VFR conditions, with enough battery power to fly for a total duration of 23 minutes. 

Here, as in Exemption No. 11109, the technical specifications of the DJI Inspire Pro UAS; the limitations 

on the proposed flight operations; and the location of the proposed operations, will ensure an equivalent 

level of safety established by 14 C.F.R. Section 91.151(b). Furthermore, safety will be ensured as the DJI 

Inspire Pro UAS provide audible and visual warnings to the PIC at the GCS when the UAS experiences 

low battery voltage, the first warning occurring at approximately 33% remaining battery power, and again 

at approximately 10% remaining battery 

22 

power. At the critically low battery level, the DJI Inspire Pro UAS will descend and land automatically. 

Significantly, previous exemptions granted by the FAA concerning Section 91.151 establish that safety is 

not adversely affected when the technical characteristics and operating limitations of the UAS are 

considered. Relief has been granted for manned aircraft to operate at less than the minimums prescribed 

in Section 91.151, including Exemption Nos. 2689, 5745, and 10650. Moreover, the FAA has previously 

granted relief from Section 91.151 specific to UAS, in circumstances similar, in all material respects, to 

those presented herein (e.g. Exemption Nos. 8811, 10808, 10673, 11042, 11062, 11063, 11064, 11065, 

11066, 11067, 11080, 11109, 11110, 11136, 11138, 11150, 11153, 11156, 11157, 11158, 11159, 11160, 

11161). 

6. Reasons Why An Exemption From The Requirements Of Sections 91.405(a), 91.407(a)(1), 91.409(a)

(1) & (a)(2), And 91.417(a) & (b) Would Not Adversely Affect Safety. 

In seeking this exemption, Ryan Wood submits that the equivalent level of safety with regard to the 

regulatory maintenance and alteration requirements established by Sections 91.405(a), 91.407(a)(1), 

91.409(a)(1) & (a)(2), and 91.417(a) & (b) will be met because Ryan Wood will use trained technicians to 

perform maintenance, alterations, or preventive maintenance on the UAS using the methods, techniques, 

and practices prescribed in the operating documents (i.e., Ryan Wood Aerial Operations Manual, Monthly 

Maintenance Log, and DJI Inspire Pro Instruction Manual). Furthermore, Ryan Wood will document and 

maintain all maintenance records for the DJI Inspire Pro UAS. 

Since the DJI Inspire Pro UAS will be inspected as prescribed by the operating documents, Ryan Wood 

will maintain the equivalent level of safety established by Sections 91.405(a), 91.409(a)(1), and 91.409(a)

(2). A copy of the DJI Inspire Pro User Manuals are attached hereto as Appendix A and B; a copy of the 

DJI Inspire Pro UAS Maintenance LOG is attached hereto as Appendix C. 

Likewise, the exemption sought will not adversely affect safety because Ryan Wood will use trained 

technicians to perform maintenance, alterations or preventive maintenance on the UAS using the 

methods, techniques, and practices prescribed by the operating documents. 

Furthermore, the exemption sought would maintain an equivalent level of safety established by Sections 

91.407, 91.417(a) and 91.417(b), because all maintenance of the DJI Inspire Pro UAS will be performed 
by trained technicians. Maintenance will be documented and maintained utilizing the monthly 

maintenance log. 

Significantly, previous exemptions granted by the FAA concerning Sections 91.405(a), 91.407(a)(1), 

91.409(a)(1) & (a)(2), and 91.417(a) & (b) establish that safety is not adversely affected when the 

technical characteristics and operating limitations of the UAS are considered. 

23 

In consideration of Ryan Wood’s proposed operating limitations, the operating documents, and the 

technical aspects of the DJI Inspire Pro UAS, Ryan Wood submits that safety will not be adversely 

affected by granting exemption from 14 C.F.R. Sections 91.405(a), 91.407(a)(1) and (a)(2), 91.409(a)(2), 

and 91.417(a) and (b). The FAA has previously granted relief specific to UAS in circumstances similar, in 

all material respects, to those presented herein (e.g. Exemption Nos. 11062, 11063, 11064, 11065, 11066, 

11067, 11080, 11109, 11110, 11112, 11136, 11138, 11150, 11153, 11156, 11157, 11158, 11159, 11160, 

11161). 

7. The FAA May Prescribe Any Other Conditions For Safe Operation. 

In accordance with Section 333 of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 (FMRA) and 14 

C.F.R. § 21.16 entitled Special Conditions, Ryan Wood requests that the FAA prescribe special conditions 

for the intended operation of the DJI Inspire Pro UAS, which contain such safety standards that the 

Administrator finds necessary to establish a level of safety equivalent to that established by 14 C.F.R. Part 

21, Subpart H, and 14 C.F.R §§ 61.113(a) & (b), 91.7 (a), 91.121, 91.151(b), 91.405(a), 91.407(a)(1), 

91.409(a)(1) & (a)(2), and 91.417(a) & (b). Such special conditions will permit safe operation of the UAS 

for the limited purpose of conducting aerial video and photography over certain areas of the United States 

for compensation or hire. FMRA Section 333 sets forth the requirements for considering whether a UAS 

will create a hazard to users of the NAS or the public, or otherwise pose a threat to national security; and 

further, provides the authority for such UAS to operate without airworthiness certification in accordance 

with any requirements that must be established for the safe operation of the UAS in the NAS. 

Likewise, the Administrator may prescribe special conditions pursuant to 14 C.F.R. § 21.16, for operation 

of the DJI Inspire Pro UAS, since the airworthiness regulations of 14 C.F.R. Part 21 do not contain 

adequate or appropriate safety standards, due to the novel or unusual design features of the aircraft. 

Section 21.16, entitled Special Conditions, states the following: 

If the FAA finds that the airworthiness regulations of this subchapter do not contain adequate or 

appropriate safety standards for an aircraft, aircraft engine, or propeller because of a novel or unusual 

design feature of the aircraft, aircraft engine or propeller, he prescribes special conditions and 

amendments thereto for the product. The special conditions are issued in accordance with Part 11 of this 

chapter and contain such safety standards for the aircraft, aircraft engine or propeller as the FAA finds 

necessary to establish a level of safety equivalent to that established in the regulations. 

See 14 C.F.R. § 21.16. 

Therefore, in accordance with FMRA Section 333 and 14 C.F.R. § 21.16, the FAA may prescribe special 

conditions for Leading Edge’s intended operation of the DJI Inspire Pro UAS, which contain such safety 

standards that the Administrator finds necessary to establish a level of safety equivalent to that established 

by 14 C.F.R. Part 21, Subpart H, and 14 C.F.R Sections 

24 

61.113(a) & (b), 91.7(a), 91.121, 91.151(b), 91.405(a), 91.407(a)(1), 91.409(a)(1) & (a)(2), and 91.417(a) 

& (b). 

• A Summary That Can Be Published In The Federal Register, stating: The Rules From Which Ryan Wood 

Seeks Exemption: 

Ryan Wood seeks exemption from the requirements of 14 C.F.R Sections 61.113(a)&(b), 91.7(a), 91.121, 

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

A Brief Description Of The Nature Of The Exemption Ryan Wood Seeks: 

This exemption will permit Ryan Wood to commercially operate an Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) for 

the purpose of conducting aerial video and photography over certain areas of the United States. 

• Any Additional Information, Views, Or Arguments Available To Support Ryan Wood’s Request. 

This Petition is made pursuant to the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 
(FMRA) Section 333, which directs the Secretary of Transportation to determine if certain UAS may 

operate safely in the NAS. As such, Ryan Wood’s request for exemption may be granted pursuant to the 

authority of FMRA Section 333 and 14 C.F.R. Part 11, as set forth above. 

FMRA Section 333 sets forth the requirements for considering whether a UAS will create a hazard to 

users of the NAS or the public, or otherwise pose a threat to national security; and further, provides the 

authority for such UAS to operate without airworthiness certification. 

As discussed in detail above, Ryan Wood will operate the DJI Inspire Pro UAS safely in the NAS, without 

creating a hazard to users of the NAS, or the public, or otherwise pose a threat to national security. 

CONCLUSION 

As set forth herein, Ryan Wood seeks an exemption pursuant to 14 C.F.R. § 11.61 and Section 333 of the 

FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 (FMRA), which will permit safe operation of the DJI Inspire 

Pro UAS commercially, without an airworthiness certificate, for the limited purpose of conducting aerial 

video and photography over certain areas of the United States. By granting this Petition, the FAA 

Administrator will be fulfilling the Congressional mandate of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 

2012, while also advancing the interests of the public, by allowing Ryan Wood to safely, efficiently, and 

economically operate the DJI Inspire Pro UAS commercially within the NAS.