TrueONE Group

18410 36th Ave W, Apt A

Lynnwood, WA 98037

206-330-7023

lawrencem@trueonegroup.com

January 6, 2016

United States Department of Transportation

Federal Aviation Administration

Docket Operations

1200 New Avenue SE

Washington DC 20590

Re: Petition for an exemption seeking relief from specific sections of Title 14 CFR under Section 333 of the FAA 

Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 (Public Law 112-95) 

Dear Sir or Madam:

Pursuant to Section 333 of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 and 14 CFR Part 11, TrueONE Group LLC

hereby seeks an exemption from the Federal Aviation Regulations as detailed below for the purpose of conducting 

commercial Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) operations in the National Airspace System (NAS). 
TrueONE Group

18410 36th Ave W, Apt A

Lynnwood, WA 98037

206-330-7023

lawrencem@trueonegroup.com

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page 

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

NAME AND ADDRESS OF THE PETITIONER...............................................................................................................................4

BACKGROUND AND OPERATING DESCRIPTION.......................................................................................................................5 

SPECIFIC SECTIONS OF 14 CFR FROM WHICH TRUEONE GROUP LLC SEEKS EXEMPTION AND THE EXTENT OF RELIEF 

SOUGHT AND THE REASON THAT THE RELIEF IS SOUGHT.....................................................................................................9

THE REASONS WHY GRANTING THE REQUEST WOULD BE IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST......................................................11

THE REASONS WHY GRANTING THE REQUEST WOULD NOT ADVERSELY AFFECT SAFETY..............................................12

SUMMARY SUITABLE FOR THE PUBLIC REGISTER..................................................................................................................12

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, VIEWS, AND ARGUMENTS AVAILABLE TO SUPPORT TRUEONE GROUP LLC’S 

REQUEST......................................................................................................................................................................................12

ADDENDUM................................................................................................................................................................................13

 TrueONE Group LLC Preflight Safety Checklist

 Link to DJI Phantom 2 Manual

 Link to DJI Inpire 1 Pro Manual

 Ground Control System

 AMA Safety Code
TrueONE Group

18410 36th Ave W, Apt A

Lynnwood, WA 98037

206-330-7023

lawrencem@trueonegroup.com

 

GLOSSARY OF ABBREVIATIONS

AGL Above Ground Level 

ATC Air Traffic Control 

ATO Air Traffic Organization 

UAV Unmanned Aerial Vehicle 

CFR Code of Federal Regulations 

COA Certificate of Authorization 

FAA Federal Aviation Administration 

FAR Federal Aviation Regulation 

GCS Ground Control System 

GPS Global Positioning System 

LOL Loss of Link 

NAS National Airspace System 

NOTAM Notice to Airman 

PIC Pilot in Command 

Section 333 FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 Section 333 

SOP Standard Operating Procedures 

VFR Visual Flight Rules 

VLOS Visual Line of Sight 

VMC Visual Meteorological Conditions 

VO Visual Observer 

VTOL Vertical Takeoff and Landing
TrueONE Group

18410 36th Ave W, Apt A

Lynnwood, WA 98037

206-330-7023

lawrencem@trueonegroup.com

 

NAME AND ADDRESS OF THE PETITIONER:

The name and address of the petitioner is: 

TrueONE Group LLC

Lawrence Monis, Founder

18410 36th Ave W, Apt. A

Lynnwood, WA 98037

(206) 330-7023

lawrencem@trueonegroup.com
TrueONE Group

18410 36th Ave W, Apt A

Lynnwood, WA 98037

206-330-7023

lawrencem@trueonegroup.com

 

BACKGROUND AND OPERATING DESCRIPTION

TrueONE Group LLC seeks exemption from the requirements of 14 CFR FAR Parts 91.7 (a), 91.9 (b) 2, 91.119, 

91.121, 91.151 (a), 91.405 (a), 91.407 (a)1, 91.409 (a) 1 and 2, 91.417 (a) and (b) pursuant to Section 333 of the 

FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012. This exemption will permit TrueONE Group LLC to obtain an 

appropriate Certificate of Authorization to operate the described UAV aircraft below within the NAS for the 

commercial purpose of collecting aerial photo and video assets. 

TrueONE Group LLC was formed in 2015 by Lawrence C Monis. Mr. Monis has been flying RC aircraft recreationally 

with just over a year of experience operating the type of UAVs that will be flown under the desired exemption. Mr. 

Monis will be attending flight courses to obtain his sport pilot license. In the meantime, once the Section 333 

exemption is obtained, TrueONE Group LLC will hire FAA certified pilots with UAV flying experience to act as the 

PIC. 

TrueONE Group LLC seeks to provide aerial photo and video services for a variety of clients to include 

residential/commercial real estate brokers, insurance companies, and roofing/construction contractors. As set 

forth in this petition, TrueONE Group LLC seeks to commercially operate its UAVs with the highest level of safety 

and professionalism. 

Description of the UAV aircrafts and ground control station (GCS): 

DJI Phantom 2: 

The DJI Phantom 2 is a small quadcopter that takes off and lands vertically (VTOL) and is powered by 4 brushless 

electric motors and a 5200mAh lithium polymer battery pack. It has a ready-to-fly gross weight of 2.2 pounds and 

can fly a mission of an estimated 25 minutes on a fully charged battery, and has a maximum airspeed of 

approximately 29 knots (33mph). It has a sophisticated onboard flight controller with GPS integration that 

provides stabilized flight and extremely precise control from the portable Ground Control Station (GCS). There is a 

flight telemetry system that delivers flight data from the onboard flight computer to the GCS including altitude 

AGL, horizontal and vertical speed, battery voltage, compass direction of flight and direction back to the takeoff 

point. The flight controller also has many built-in safety features that will command the Phantom 2 to return to the 

takeoff point in the event of a Loss of Link (LOL). There is a low battery voltage indication at 20% battery power 

remaining, and a “hard” warning at 15% remaining that will begin a slow descent for landing. The user can define 

maximum flight parameters such as altitude and/or lateral distance from the GCS. The Phantom 2 has a 3-axis 

gimbal that provides stabilization for a small digital camera allowing for smooth and accurate photo and video 

acquisition. The Phantom 2 carries a low power Video Transmitter that transmits live video feed data to a 7-inch 

LCD screen that displays live video data to the operator and/or Visual Observer (VO). In the Addendum below is 

the DJI Phantom 2 User Manual.

DJI Inspire 1 Pro:

The DJI Inspire 1 Pro is a small quadcopter that takes off and lands vertically (VTOL) and is powered by 4 brushless 

electric motors and a 4500mAh lithium polymer battery pack. It has a ready-to-fly gross weight of 7.5 pounds and 

can fly a mission of an estimated 18 minutes on a fully charged battery, and has a maximum airspeed of 

approximately 35 knots (40mph). It has a sophisticated onboard flight controller with GPS integration that 

provides stabilized flight and extremely precise control from the portable Ground Control Station (GCS). There is a 
TrueONE Group

18410 36th Ave W, Apt A

Lynnwood, WA 98037

206-330-7023

lawrencem@trueonegroup.com

flight telemetry system that delivers flight data from the onboard flight computer to the GCS including altitude 

AGL, horizontal and vertical speed, battery voltage, compass direction of flight and direction back to the takeoff 

point. The flight controller also has many built-in safety features that will command the Inspire 1 Pro to return to 

the takeoff point in the event of a Loss of Link (LOL). There is a low battery voltage indication at 20% battery 

power remaining, and a “hard” warning at 15% remaining that will begin a slow descent for landing. The user can 

define maximum flight parameters such as altitude and/or lateral distance from the GCS. The DJI Inspire 1 Pro has 

a 3-axis gimbal that provides stabilization for a small digital camera allowing for smooth and accurate photo and 

video acquisition. The Inspire 1 Pro uses the DJI Go App (mobile app) which transmits live video feed data to either 

a smart phone/tablet screen that displays live video data to the operator and/or Visual Observer (VO). In the 

Addendum below is the DJI Inspire 1 Pro User Manual.

Ground Control Station (GCS): 

The GCS consists simply of a hand-held RC transmitter used to pilot the UAV and a 7-inch LCD screen attached to 

the RC transmitter to view the live image of the on board camera. This makes the GCS very portable and allows for 

flexibility and ease of use. It is also very non-intrusive for observers and non-participants.

The RC transmitter transmits on the 2.4 GHz band at a power of 100mW and requires no FCC license to operate.

The 7-inch LCD screen receives and displays the video signal being transmitted from the 5.8 GHz 400mW video 

transmitter on board the UAV. This system does require an Amateur Radio License from the FCC.

The DJI Inspire 1 Pro uses a communicates with its native mobile app (DJI Go App) and displays the video signal to 

either a smart phone or a tablet.

Pilot in Command: 

Once the required Section 333 exemption are obtained, TrueONE Group LLC will contract out the requested work

to FAA certified pilots with UAV experience to act as the PIC. As the founder and owner of TrueONE Group LLC, 

Lawrence C Monis also will be seeking to acquire his sport pilot license so that he, too, can act as the PIC and 

operator of the UAVs being flown. He has flown RC aircraft for a little more than a year and will start taking 

courses to obtain his sport pilot license. He is also a member of the Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA 

#1088525). He is fully capable and familiar with the various operating procedures, limitations, and safety features 

of the equipment to be utilized as described in detail above and referenced in the applicable manufacturer 

manuals (see attached manufacturer manuals in the Addendum). Once Mr. Monis acquires his sport pilot license, 

Mr. Monis’ qualifications and experience will allow him to maintain a safe and efficient operation that will preserve 

public safety and provide a useful and valuable service to both the clients of TrueONE Group LLC and the general 

public.

Visual Observer (VO): 

TrueONE Group LLC will utilize a VO consistent with FAA and AMA established best practices. 

 All operations will utilize a VO

 The PIC and VO will be able to communicate by voice at all times

 The PIC will brief the VO and others concerning the hazards unique to each flight

 The VO may not operate the aircraft

 The UAV will be operated in VLOS of the PIC and VO at all times

 The PIC will be aware of the sight limitations of the VO and plan the flight accordingly
TrueONE Group

18410 36th Ave W, Apt A

Lynnwood, WA 98037

206-330-7023

lawrencem@trueonegroup.com

 Electronic messaging, texting, or any other distracting activity shall not be permitted during flight 

operations

 The PIC shall be responsible to ensure that the VO is fully capable of performing the required duties

Operating Procedures: 

UAV operations will be conducted for the purpose of collecting photo and video footage that will be used for 

assisting real estate brokers in advertising real property for sale, assisting construction and roofing contractors 

with detailed site inspection and project progress, and capturing other photo and video footage that would be 

either impractical or impossible using full size aircraft. The proposed operations would be conducted as follows:

 Before and after each flight, a Preflight Safety Checklist will be completed to ensure UAV and GSC 

airworthiness and status, as well as the consistency of condition that checklist usage provides instead of 

reliance on memory (see detailed Preflight Safety Checklist in Addendum)

 All aircraft will be maintained as part of the Preflight Safety Checklist, which mandates that before flight 

the UAV, GSC, and its separate components must be updated with the latest firmware version from the 

manufacturer as spelled out in the applicable Operating Manual. Aircraft will be checked before flight for 

overall condition, nicks or cracks in propellers, security of all fasteners, and for proper LED status light 

indications. Flight battery packs will not be used beyond the manufacturers recommended maximum 

number of cycles

 Aircraft flights will terminate with not less than 20% useable battery life, or 3 minutes of flight time 

remaining

 Aircraft will be flown at a maximum altitude of 400 AGL and not more than 0.5 miles lateral distance from 

the PIC and VO to ensure VLOS at all times. Most flight missions require much less than these maximum 

distance values. These vertical and horizontal distance limits shall be monitored in real time by the 

telemetry data displayed on the GSC and will be set within the DJI Flight Controller as manual limits per 

the DJI Operator Manuals.

 Aircraft will be flown at a maximum airspeed of 30 knots (35 MPH)

 The minimum flight visibility for operations shall be 3 statute miles, and a minimum distance from clouds 

will be maintained (500 ft below and 2000 ft horizontally)

 Aircraft will never be flown via First Person View (FPV) by either the PIC or VO

 No flight operations will be conducted at night as defined by 14 CFR 1.1

 No flight operations shall be conducted closer than 5 nautical miles from any airport 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 UAV will remain clear and yield the right-of-way to all manned aircraft at all times

 The UAV will not be operated closer than 500 feet to any nonparticipating persons, vehicles, or vessels 

unless there is a structure or barrier to protect such persons or property from the UAV or debris in the 

event of an accident, or unless the owner of such vehicles/vessels has granted permission and the PIC has 

made a safety assessment of risk of operating closer to those objects and determined that it does not 

present an undue hazard, and that operations nearer to the PIC, VO, operator trainees or other essential 

persons do not present an undue hazard to those persons per FAR 91.119(a)

 The UAV will not be operated over any congested or densely populated areas

 All provisions of the AMA Safety Code (see Addendum) will be adhered to as part of a best practices 

strategy

Maintenance: 
TrueONE Group

18410 36th Ave W, Apt A

Lynnwood, WA 98037

206-330-7023

lawrencem@trueonegroup.com

 All UAV and GSC equipment will be maintained by checked for manufacturer Firmware updates and Safety 

Bulletins

 No alterations or modifications will be performed unless such action will not pose any degradation in 

safety of performance, and a functional flight test will be performed to verify functionality and safety of 

the affected equipment

 Any maintenance, repair, or alteration will be recorded in an aircraft logbook. PIC performed maintenance 

will be limited to replacing faulty/worn out components and updating Firmware per manufacturers 

specifications. Any other maintenance will be performed by the applicable manufacturer or their

approved repair facility

 Total flight time of the UAV and GSC shall be recorded in the aircraft logbook

 Lithium polymer batteries shall not be used beyond the recommended service life or number of cycles as

specified by the manufacturer

The petitioner believes that the described operating procedures and limitations, maintenance plan, combined with 

the low weight, speed, and limited area of operation described for the intended missions will ensure a measure of 

safety equal to or greater than a full-size aircraft, and that the public will not be subject to any undue hazard.
TrueONE Group

18410 36th Ave W, Apt A

Lynnwood, WA 98037

206-330-7023

lawrencem@trueonegroup.com

SPECIFIC SECTIONS OF 14 CFR FROM WHICH TRUEONE GROUP LLC SEEKS EXEMPTION AND 

THE EXTENT OF RELIEF SOUGHT AND THE REASON THAT THE RELIEF IS SOUGHT

The petitioner believes that as per Section 333 of PL 112-95, and in consideration of the size, weight, speed and 

limited operating area associated with the aircraft and its operation, that relief from 14 CFR Part 21 Subpart H 

regarding Airworthiness Certificates is not necessary and therefore relief is not sought.

FAR Part 91.7(a) prescribes that –

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

Relief is requested to maintain an airworthy condition by compliance with the operating procedures, checklists, 

and documents prescribed in this petition prior to every flight.

Far Part 91.9 (b) 2 prescribes that –

(b) No person may operate a U.S.-registered civil aircraft—

(1) For which an Airplane or Rotorcraft Flight Manual is required by § 21.5 of this chapter unless there 

is available in the aircraft a current, approved Airplane or Rotorcraft Flight Manual or the manual 

provided for in § 121.141(b); and

(2) 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.

Relief is requested to comply by keeping all relevant company operating procedures, limitations, logbooks, and 

checklists in a location accessible to the PIC.

Far Part 91.119 prescribes in part that –

Except when necessary for takeoff or landing, no person may operate an aircraft below the following 

altitudes:

(c) Over other than congested areas. An altitude of 500 feet above the surface, except over open 

water or sparsely populated areas. In those cases, the aircraft may not be operated closer than 500 

feet to any person, vessel, vehicle or structure.

Relief is sought for FAR 91.119 (c) because that UAV aircraft will be operated below 400 feet AGL and would not be 

able to comply with this subparagraph. Petitioner would operate in accordance with the limitations described in 

this petition or by any other limitations the FAA deems necessary.

Far Part 91.121 prescribes in part that –

(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—
TrueONE Group

18410 36th Ave W, Apt A

Lynnwood, WA 98037

206-330-7023

lawrencem@trueonegroup.com

(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; or

(2) At or above 18,000 feet MSL, to 29.92ʺ Hg.

Relief is sought because the UAV aircraft does not have a typical barometric altimeter on board, and all reported 

altitudes will be reported in feet AGL.

Far Part 91.151(a) prescribes that –

(a) No person may begin a flight in an airplane under VFR conditions unless (considering wind and 

forecast weather conditions) there is enough fuel to fly to the first point of intended landing and, 

assuming normal cruising speed—

(1) During the day, to fly after that for at least 30 minutes; or

(2) At night, to fly after that for at least 45 minutes.

(b) No person may begin a flight in a rotorcraft under VFR conditions unless (considering wind and 

forecast weather conditions) there is enough fuel to fly to the first point of intended landing and, 

assuming normal cruising speed, to fly after that for at least 20 minutes.

Relief is sought to operate at less than the prescribed minimums because UAV will never be flown more than 0.5

miles from the point of intended landing, and that safety will be maintained by monitoring the elapsed time in 

flight, real time battery voltage condition, and the 2 level low battery warnings detailed above in the UAV 

description. The PIC will never begin a flight unless there is enough power to fly to the intended point of landing at 

normal cruising speed and still land with 20% battery power remaining.

Far Part 91.405 (a), 91.407 (a) 1, 91.409 (a) 1 and 2, 91.417 (a) and (b) prescribe that –

91.405 (a) 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;

91.407 (a) 1 

(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; and

91.409 (a) 1 and 2 

(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.
TrueONE Group

18410 36th Ave W, Apt A

Lynnwood, WA 98037

206-330-7023

lawrencem@trueonegroup.com

91.417 (a) and (b)

(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.

(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.

Relief from these sections is sought because it is our intention to perform any maintenance and inspections as 

described above and that this will ensure a high level of safety. As provided in the Preflight Safety Checklist (see 

Addendum) the PIC will be responsible for ensuring that the aircraft is in airworthy condition prior to every flight. 

The PIC will document any work performed as detailed above in the aircraft logbook as well as cumulative flight 

time.

THE REASONS WHY GRANTING THE REQUEST WOULD BE IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST

Granting the present Petition would benefit the public interest by allowing TrueONE Group LLC to safely, 

efficiently, and economically provide commercial aerial photo and video services for a variety of clients. These 

services will allow our clients and end users to experience these photo and video assets thus enhancing their own 

businesses and creating economic opportunities for everyone involved.

In addition, it is our desire to play a role of constructive public education on the benefits and uses of civil UAV 

systems by being an example of what is possible when this new technology is used in a safe and useful manner.
TrueONE Group

18410 36th Ave W, Apt A

Lynnwood, WA 98037

206-330-7023

lawrencem@trueonegroup.com

The public would benefit as well from the decrease in the air pollution, noise, and potential danger of using large 

manned aircraft with flammable fuel on board and an internal combustion engine to accomplish what our UAV

aircraft can do using small, quiet electric motors and a small battery pack.

THE REASONS WHY GRANTING THE REQUEST WOULD NOT ADVERSELY AFFECT SAFETY

Because of the speed, weight, size, and limited operating area associated with the proposed UAV aircraft 

operations, the Petitioner submits that our proposed flights would not create a hazard to other users of the NAS or 

to the public, or otherwise pose a threat to the national security. We also submit that TrueONE Group LLC can 

safely operate in the NAS pursuant to FMRA Section 333 because:

1. We have detailed the operating characteristics of the UAV system.

2. We will hire experienced PICs to control the UAV system.

3. We will operate pursuant to the detailed set of operating limitations and procedures as set forth in this 

Petition to ensure the highest level of safety to ourselves, our clients and the public.

SUMMARY SUITABLE FOR THE PUBLIC REGISTER

TrueONE Group LLC seeks exemption from the requirements of 14 CFR Parts 91.7 (a), 91.9 (b) 2, 91.119, 91.121, 

91.151 (a), 91.405 (a), 91.407 (a) 1, 91.409 (a) 1 and 2, 91.417 (a) and (b). This exemption will permit TrueONE 

Group LLC to commercially operate a UAV aircraft for the purpose of collecting aerial photo and video assets for a 

variety of clients.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, VIEWS, AND ARGUMENTS AVAILABLE TO SUPPORT TRUEONE 

GROUP LLC’S REQUEST

This Petition is made pursuant to the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 Section 333. As stated above, 

TrueONE Group LLC will operate safely in the NAS without creating an undue hazard to other users of the NAS, the 

general public, or by posing a threat to national security. TrueONE Group LLC operation will also provide a benefit 

to the public interest as detailed in this petition.
TrueONE Group

18410 36th Ave W, Apt A

Lynnwood, WA 98037

206-330-7023

lawrencem@trueonegroup.com

TRUEONE GROUP LLC PREFLIGHT SAFETY CHECKLIST

PREFLIGHT

 Check weather status

 Check solar activity (geomagnetic fields and solar rays)

 Make sure that all firmware updates are installed

 Charge necessary UAV/GSC Batteries to 100%

 Secure all fasteners/wiring/connectors

 Balance, secure, and inspect all propellers

 Complete flight briefing

PRIOR TO TAKE-OFF

 Make sure GSC is powered on

 Make sure UAV is powered on

 Makes sure camera is powered on

 Check for correct status of LED lights

 Perform compass calibration

 Perform final visual check of AOA

DURING FLIGHT

 Warn bystanders of imminent takeoff

 Test controls within close distance to landing area to make sure there are no issues during flight

 Monitor battery and signal strength during flight

 Maintain VLOS

AFTER LANDING

 Turn UAV power off

 Turn GSC power off

 Turn camera power off

 Perform inspection of battery and motor temperature
TrueONE Group

18410 36th Ave W, Apt A

Lynnwood, WA 98037

206-330-7023

lawrencem@trueonegroup.com

LINK TO MANUALS FOR DJI PHANTOM 2 AND DJI INSPIRE 1 PRO

DJI Phantom 2 Manual:

http://dl.djicdn.com/downloads/phantom_2/en/PHANTOM2_User_Manual_v1.4_en.pdf

DJI Inspire 1 Pro Manual:

http://dl.djicdn.com/downloads/inspire_1_pro/en/Inspire_1_Pro_User_Manual_en_v1.0_1201.pdf

GROUND CONTROL SYSTEMS
TrueONE Group

18410 36th Ave W, Apt A

Lynnwood, WA 98037

206-330-7023

lawrencem@trueonegroup.com

Academy of Model Aeronautics National Model Aircraft Safety Code

Effective January 1, 2014

A. GENERAL: A model aircraft is a non-human-carrying aircraft capable of sustained flight in the 

atmosphere. It may not exceed limitations of this code and is intended exclusively for sport, recreation, 

education and/or competition. All model flights must be conducted in accordance with this safety code 

and any additional rules specific to the flying site. 

1. Model aircraft will not be flown: 

(a) In a careless or reckless manner. 

(b) At a location where model aircraft activities are prohibited. 

2. Model aircraft pilots will: 

(a) Yield the right of way to all human-carrying aircraft. 

(b) See and avoid all aircraft and a spotter must be used when appropriate. (AMA Document #540-D.) 

(c) Not fly higher than approximately 400 feet above ground level within three (3) miles of an airport 

without notifying the airport operator. 

(d) Not interfere with operations and traffic patterns at any airport, heliport or seaplane base except 

where there is a mixed use agreement. 

(e) Not exceed a takeoff weight, including fuel, of 55 pounds unless in compliance with the AMA Large 

Model Airplane program. (AMA Document 520-A.) 

(f) Ensure the aircraft is identified with the name and address or AMA number of the owner on the 

inside or affixed to the outside of the model aircraft. (This does not apply to model aircraft flown 

indoors.) 

(g) Not operate aircraft with metal-blade propellers or with gaseous boosts except for helicopters 

operated under the provisions of AMA Document #555. 

(h) Not operate model aircraft while under the influence of alcohol or while using any drug that could 

adversely affect the pilot’s ability to safely control the model. 

(i) Not operate model aircraft carrying pyrotechnic devices that explode or burn, or any device which 

propels a projectile or drops any object that creates a hazard to persons or property. 

Exceptions: 

• Free Flight fuses or devices that burn producing smoke and are securely attached to the model 

aircraft during flight. 

• Rocket motors (using solid propellant) up to a G-series size may be used provided they remain 

attached to the model during flight. Model rockets may be flown in accordance with the National 

Model Rocketry Safety Code but may not be launched from model aircraft. 

• Officially designated AMA Air Show Teams (AST) are authorized to use devices and practices as 

defined within the Team AMA Program Document. (AMA Document #718.) 

(j) Not operate a turbine-powered aircraft, unless in compliance with the AMA turbine regulations. (AMA 

Document #510-A.) 

3. Model aircraft will not be flown in AMA sanctioned events, air shows or model demonstrations unless: 

(a) The aircraft, control system and pilot skills have successfully demonstrated all maneuvers intended 

or anticipated prior to the specific event. 

(b) An inexperienced pilot is assisted by an experienced pilot. 

4. When and where required by rule, helmets must be properly worn and fastened. They must be OSHA, 

DOT, ANSI, SNELL or NOCSAE approved or comply with comparable standards. 

B. RADIO CONTROL (RC)

1. All pilots shall avoid flying directly over unprotected people, vessels, vehicles or structures and shall 

avoid endangerment of life and property of others. 

2. A successful radio equipment ground-range check in accordance with manufacturer’s recommendations 

will be completed before the first flight of a new or repaired model aircraft. 
TrueONE Group

18410 36th Ave W, Apt A

Lynnwood, WA 98037

206-330-7023

lawrencem@trueonegroup.com

3. At all flying sites a safety line(s) must be established in front of which all flying takes place. (AMA 

Document #706.) (a) Only personnel associated with flying the model aircraft are allowed at or in front of 

the safety line. 

(b) At air shows or demonstrations, a straight safety line must be 

established. 

(c) An area away from the safety line must be maintained for 

spectators. (d) Intentional flying behind the safety line is 

prohibited. 

4. RC model aircraft must use the radio-control frequencies currently allowed by the Federal 

Communications Commission (FCC). Only individuals properly licensed by the FCC are authorized to 

operate equipment on Amateur Band frequencies. 

5. RC model aircraft will not knowingly operate within three (3) miles of any pre-existing flying site without a 

frequency-management agreement. (AMA Documents #922 and #923.) 

6. With the exception of events flown under official AMA Competition Regulations, excluding takeoff and 

landing, no powered model may be flown outdoors closer than 25 feet to any individual, except for the 

pilot and the pilot's helper(s) located at the flightline. 

7. Under no circumstances may a pilot or other person touch an outdoor model aircraft in flight while it is 

still under power, except to divert it from striking an individual. 

8. RC night flying requires a lighting system providing the pilot with a clear view of the model’s attitude and 

orientation at all times. Hand-held illumination systems are inadequate for night flying operations. 

9. The pilot of an RC model aircraft shall: 

(a) Maintain control during the entire flight, maintaining visual contact without enhancement other 

than by corrective lenses prescribed for the pilot. 

(b) Fly using the assistance of a camera or First-Person View (FPV) only in accordance with the 

procedures outlined in AMA Document #550. (c) Fly using the assistance of autopilot or 

stabilization system only in accordance with the procedures outlined in AMA Document #560. 

C. FREE FLIGHT 

1. Must be at least 100 feet downwind of spectators and automobile parking when the model aircraft is 

launched. 

2. Launch area must be clear of all individuals except mechanics, officials, and other fliers. 

3. An effective device will be used to extinguish any fuse on the model aircraft after the fuse has completed 

its function. 

D. CONTROL LINE 

1. The complete control system (including the safety thong where applicable) must have an inspection and 

pull test prior to flying. 

2. The pull test will be in accordance with the current Competition Regulations for the applicable model 

aircraft category. 

3. Model aircraft not fitting a specific category shall use those pull-test requirements as indicated for 

Control Line Precision Aerobatics. 

4. The flying area must be clear of all utility wires or poles and a model aircraft will not be flown closer than 

50 feet to any above-ground electric utility lines. 

5. The flying area must be clear of all nonessential participants and spectators before the engine is started.