John P Rubenstahl

Southeast Drone Works LLC 413 Glenwoods Court Boardman, OH 44512 Email: john@sedroneworks.com
October 14, 2015 Docket Operations, M
-30 U.S DepartmentofTransportation 1200New Jersey Avenue, SE Room W12
-140, West Building Ground Floor Washington, DC 20590
-0001 Re: Petition for Exemption under FAA Modernization and Reform Act of2012 (P.L. 112
- 95), Section 333 Dear Sir or Madam: Pursuant to Section 333 ofthe FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012(FMRA) and 14 CFR Part 11, Southeast Drone Works LLC (hereinafter, SDW) hereby applies for an exemption from Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs) listed below under " Basis for Petition" and discussed in Appendix “A”
. Exemption is being sought in order to allow SDW to operate its unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) commercially for the purpose of aerial videography and photography, precision agriculture and environmental management and analysis, aerial inspection of land, structures, and utilities, journalism and news gathering, real estate marketing, closed

-set motion picture and television film making and production, search and rescue, thermal imaging and aerial data collection.
**INTRODUCTION OF THE PETITIONER**  Southeast Drone Works LLC will provide services to its clients to enhance a variety of their business and personal objectives by providing professional quality digital imaging, editing and analysis for a variety of commercial, public, private and not

-for

-profit organizations and individuals
. Southeast Drone Works LLC’s owner/operator, John P Rubenstahl holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Aeronautics, with concentrations in Flight Technology and Air Traffic Control. He is a licensed private pilot, with more than 350 logged hours as pilot in command.

**UNMANNED AERIAL SYSTEM DJI**  **Inspire 1** Southeast Drone Works LLC seeks an exemption to operate the DJI Inspire 1, unmanned aerial

systems (UAS) for compensation or hire within the National Air Space (NAS). The DJI Inspire 1 is a vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) unmanned aircraft. The DJI Inspire 1 is a four

-rotor quadcopter that has a maximum gross weight of approximately 6.4 pounds, including onboard gimbal and camera systems and batteries, and a maximum speed of approximately 48.5 miles per hour. The above

-described UAS is equipped with rotors and propellers driven by lithium poly mer battery powered electric motors. The DJIInspire 1 is equipped with the industry standard in GPS, electronics, guidance, propulsion, telemetry, safety features and ease of operator functionality. Detailed information regarding this UAS is attached to this petition as Appendix B. Itshould be noted that this particular UAS has been approved in connection with prior Section 333 grants ofexemption. This UAS is recognized inthe UAS industry as a leading example ofprecision, quality, performance and durability and technological innovation. The UAS will offer SDW a range ofoptions formatching the desired flight characteristics and technology with the desired tasks, environmental conditions, and navigational demands, thus assuring overall safety and completion ofassigned work product and desired results
. **BASIS FOR PETITION** Southeast Drone Works LLC, pursuant to the provisions ofthe Federal Aviation Regulations (14 C.F.R. Section 11.61) and the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of2012 (FMRA), Section 333, Special Rules for Certain Unmanned Aircraft Systems, hereby petitions the Administrator to commercially operate the DJI Inspire 1 UAS in the national airspace system (NAS), and for an exemption from the requirements of 14 C.F.R. Sections 61.113(a) & (b), 91.7(a), 91.119(c), 91.121, 91.151(a)(l), 91.405(a), 91.407(a)(l), 91.409(a)(l) & (a)(2), and 91.417(a) &(b). The granting ofexemption from the above

-listed FARs will allow SDW to conduct commercial operations ofits UAS to efficiently and safely deliver high

-definition digital imagery and other acquired data to its clients and customers more cost-effectively than traditional methods. Employing UAS technology can also be safer for workers because in many instances the workers may avoid dangerous or precarious hazards or physical positions involving high risk of injury
. Unmanned aerial systems also enable safe inspection of difficult to reach or environmentally sensitive locations without the use of heavy trucks, cranes, booms or other equipment requiring greater expense or attendant undesirable environmental impacts. In general, UAS operated by SDW will economically benefit their customers by acquiring important and aesthetic digital imagery and data safely and less expensively for a wide variety of applications. Southeast Drone Works LLC proposes to use a UAS that is a multi

-rotor craft weighing a maximum of 7.0 pounds fully loaded, or less, which flys at a speed of 48.5 miles per hour, or less. The craft is equipped with built

-in safety features including sophisticated navigation controls and fail

-safe technology to assure safe and predictable aerial maneuvers, take

-off andlanding. Proposed operations will be conducted under controlled conditions in airspace that is

limited, predetermined, access controlled and under constant monitoring before and during flight. Operations contemplated under the exemption will be subject to strict operating parameters to ensure at least an equivalent level ofsafetyto currently authorized and/or exempted operations. **NAME AND ADDRESS OF THE PETITIONER** The name and address ofthe Petitioner and point ofcontact is: John P Rubenstahl 413 Glenwoods Court Boardman, OH 44512 Email: john@sedroneworks.com **OPERATING DOCUMENTS** The comprehensive operations manual/user guide/safety guide and other detailed information provided by the UAS manufacturer is attached via hy perlink to this petition as **Appendix "**  **B" DJI**  **Inspire 1** 
. The appendix i s comprehensive and current for the UAS, and offers a complete description ofthe aircraft, including operating features and protocols, specifications, maintenance recommendations and guidance, safety and navigation information, battery maintenance and safety, aircraft controls and gimbals, and more. Attached as **Appendix "** **C "**  is the SDWPre
-flight Checklist; **Appendix "**  **D "**  contains SDW UAS Flight Log Forms and SDW Monthly Maintenance Log Form; **“Appendix “E ”**  is SDW Motion Picture and Television Operations Manual and approved Flight Operations Manual for use in closed

-set motion picture and television filming and production”
. **THE PILOT IN COMMAND (PIC)**  The PIC will:

- Hold a current FAA sport pilot certificate or higher FAA pilot certification and hold a valid third

-class medical certificate

- Have accumulated and logged, in amanner consistent with 14 CFR 61.51(b), aminimum of 25 hours oftotal time as a UAS rotorcraft pilot and at least 10hours logged as aUAS pilot with similar UAS type

- Have accumulated and logged aminimum offive hours as aUAS pilot with the make and model ofUAS to be utilized for operations under the exemption and three take

-offs and landings in the preceding 90 days prior to an operation

- As noted below in "Operating Parameters, Limitations, Conditions and Requirements" ,the operator will not allow a PIC to operate unless the PIC has demonstrated that the PIC

is able to safely operate the UAS in amanner consistent with how the UAS will be operated under the exemption, including evasive and emergency maneuvers and maintaining appropriate distances frompeople, vessels, vehicles and structures. Visual observers must have demonstrated that they understand the conditions and limitations of flight noted in the same section which follows immediately below. **OPERATING PARAMETERS, LIMITATIONS, CONDITIONS AND REQI** **REMEN TS**  Grant ofthe exemptions will be subject to the following conditions, which provide at least an equivalent or higher level ofsafety than under the current conditions. These conditions are derived from Exemptions 11062 through 11067, 11080, 11109 and 11110, and others. For the following listing, the Petitioner, SDW, is referred to as the operator. 1. Operations authorized by the grant will be limited to the UAS described above and manufacturers' upgraded versions. 2. The UAS weigh 7.0 pounds or less, including batteries, gimbals, camera systems and othernecessary attachments. 3. The UA will be flown at a maximum ground speed of 50 miles per hour. In no case will a UA be operated at airspeeds greater than the maximum UA airspeed recommended by the aircraft manufacturer
. 4. The UA will be operated at an altitude ofno more than 400 feet above ground level (AGL). Altitude will be reported in feet AGL. 5. The UA will be operated within visual line of sight (VLOS) ofthe 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 medical certificate or U.S. driver’s license
. 6. All operations will utilize a visual observer (VO). The UA will be operated within the visual line of sight (VLOS) of the PIC and VO at all times. The VO may be used to satisfy the VLOS requirement as long as the PIC always maintains VLOS capability
. The VO and PIC will be able to communicate verbally at all times. Electronic messaging or texting will not be permitted during flight operations. The PIC will be designated before the flight and will not transfer his or her designation for the duration ofthe flight. The PIC will ensure that the VO can perform the functions duties required ofthe VO. 7. The operating documents and the grant ofexemption will be accessible during UAS operations and made available to the Administrator upon request. The operator may update or revise its operating documents. It willbethe operator'sresponsibilitytotrack such revisions andpresent updated and revised documents to the Administrator or any law enforcementofficial upon request. If there is a discrepancy between the exemption conditions and

limitations and the procedures outlined inthe operating documents, the conditionsand limitations inthegrantofexemptiontakeprecedence andwillbe followed. Otherwise, the operator will follow the procedures outlined in its operating documents. If the operator determinesthatanyupdate orrevisionwouldaffectthebasis uponwhichtheFAAmaygrant this exemption, the operatorwillpetitiontheFAA for amendment to the exemption. 8. Any UAS that has undergone maintenance or alterations that affect the UAS flight characteristics or operation, e.g. replacement of an essential flight component, will undergo a functional test flight prior to conducting further operations. Functional test flights will be conducted by a PIC with a VO and will remain at least 500 feet from other people. The functional test flight will be conducted in such a manner so as not to pose an undue hazard to persons and property. 9. The operator will be responsible for maintaining and inspecting the UAS to ensure that it is in a condition for safe operation. 10. Prior to each flight the PIC will conduct apre-flight inspection and determine that the UAS is in a condition for safe flight. The pre-flight inspection will account for all potential discrepancies, e.g. inoperable components, items, or equipment. Ifthe inspection reveals a condition that affects the safe operation ofthe UAS, the aircraft will be prohibited from operating until the necessary maintenance has been performed and the UAS is found to be in a condition for safe flight. 11. The operator will follow the UAS manufacturers' maintenance, overhaul, replacement, inspection, and life limit requirements forthe aircraft and aircraft components. 12. Each UAS operated under the exemption will comply with all manufacturer safety bulletins. 13. The PIC will possess at least a sport pilot certificate and a current third

-class FAA airman medical certificate. The PIC will also meet the flight review requirements specified in 14 CFR 61.56. 14. The operator may not permit any PIC to operate unless the PIC has demonstrated that the PIC is able 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 distance from people, vessels, vehicles and structures. PIC qualification flight hours and currency will be logged in a manner consistent with 14 CFR Section 61.5l(b). Flights for the purposes of training the operator's PICs and VOs (training, proficiency, and experience

-building) and determining the PICs ability to safely operate the UAS in a manner consistent with how the UAS will be operated under the exemption will be permitted under the terms of this exemption. However, training operations will only be conducted during dedicated training sessions. During training, proficiency and experience

-building flights, all persons not essential for flight operations are to be considered non-participants, and the PIC will operate the UA with appropriate distance from non-participants in accordance with14CFR Section 91.119

15. UAS operations will not be conducted during night, as defined in 14 CFR Section 1.1. All operations will be conducted under visual meteorological conditions (VMC). Flights under special visual flight rules (SVFR) will not be conducted. 16. The UA will not operate within 5 nautical miles of an airport reference point (ARP) as denoted in the current FAA Airport/Facility Directory (AFD) or, for airports not denoted with an ARP, the center ofthe airport sy mbol as denoted on the current aeronautical chart published by the FAA, unless a letter of agreement with that airport's management is obtained or otherwise permitted by a COA issued to the exemption holder. The letter of agreement with the airport management will be made available to the Administrator or any law enforcement official upon request. 17. The UA will 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. 18. Ifthe UAS loses communications or loses its GPS signal, the UA will return to a predetermined location or recovery point within the private or controlled

-access property. 19. The PIC will abort the flight in the event ofunpredicted obstacles or emergencies. 20. The PIC will not begin a flight unless (considering wind and forecast weather conditions) there is enough available power for the UA to conduct the intended operation and still maintain a reserve battery power ofno less than 25%. 21. The operator will apply for and obtain an Air Traffic Organization (ATO) issued Certificate of Waiver or Authorization (COA) prior to conducting any operations under the grant of exemption. 22. All aircraft operated in accordance with the exemption will be identified by serial number or equivalent, registered in accordance with 14 CFR part 47, and have identification (N- Number) markings in accordance with 14 CFR part 45, Subpart C. Markings will be as large aspracticable. 23. Documents used by the operator to ensure the safe operation and flight ofthe UAS and any documents required under 14 CFR Sections 91.9 and 91.203 will be available to the PIC at the Ground Control Station ofthe UAS at any time the aircraft is operating. These documents will be made available to the Administrator or any law enforcement official upon request. 24. The UA will remain clear and give way to all manned aviation operations and activities at all times. 25. The UAS will not be operated by the PIC from any moving device or vehicle.26. All flight operations will be conducted at least 500 feet from all non-participating

persons, vessels, vehicles, and structures unless: a. Barriers or structures arepresent that sufficiently protect non-participating persons from the UA and/or debris in the event ofan accident. The operator will ensure that nonparticipating persons remain under such protection. If a situation arises where nonparticipating persons leave such protection and are within 500 feet ofthe UA, flight operations will cease immediately in amanner ensuring the safety ofnon-participating persons; and, b. The owner/controller of any vessels, vehicles, or structures has granted permission for operating closer to those objects 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. The PIC, VO, operator trainees or essential persons will not be considered non- participating persons under the exemption. 27. Operations conducted overprivate or controlled

-access property with permission from the land owner/controller or authorized representative. Suchpermission will be obtained for each flight. 28. Any incident, accident, or flight operation that transgresses the lateral or vertical boundaries ofthe operational area as defined by the applicable COA will be reported to the FAA's UAS Integration Office (AFS

-80) within 24 hours. Accidents will be reported to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) per instructions contained on the NTSB Web site: www.ntsb.gov. 29. The operator will engage in closed

-set motion picture and television filming and production in accordance with the conditions and limitations enumerated and described in the SDW flight operations and procedures manual (FOPM), and approved motion picture and television operations manual (MPTOM) to be attached to this petition as Appendix " E"
. 30. At least 3 days before aerial filming, the operator ofthe UAS which is subject to this exemption will submit awritten Plan ofActivities to the local Flight Standards District Office (FSDO) withjurisdiction over the area ofproposed filming. The 3
-day notification may be waived with the concurrence ofthe FSDO. The plan ofactivities must include at least the following: a. Dates and times for all flights; b. Name and phone number ofthe operator for the UAS aerial filming conducted under the grant ofexemption; c. Name and phone number ofthe person responsible for the on-scene operation ofthe UAS; d. Make, model, and serial number or N
-Number ofUAS to be used e. Name and certificate number ofUAS PICs involved in the aerial filming; f. A statement that the operator has obtained permission from property owners and/or local officials to conduct the filming production event; the list ofthose who gave permission must be made available to the inspector upon request; g. Signature ofexemption holder orrepresentative; and h. A description ofthe flight activity, including maps or diagrams ofany city, town,county, and/or state over which filming will be conducted and the altitudes essential to

accomplish the operation. 31. Flight operations may be conducted closer than 500 feet from participating persons consenting to be involved and necessary for the filming production, as specified in the MPOTM. **THE PUBLIC INTEREST** The public interest in granting this exemption request is served by, among others, the following: The use ofUAS improves public safety and reduces risk by alleviating the public's exposure to danger and emissions associated with conventional aerial methods (full size aircraft) that are very heavy, fast and carry passengers, flammable fuel and cargo. A myriad ofecological and environmental benefits and improved economic efficiency and scientific information and data acquisition are potential public benefits accomplished through the use ofUAS forprecision inspections ofinfrastructure and industrial plant and equipment such as energy pipelines, power lines, smokestacks, towers, and other man-made structures, which canbe observed and later analyzed safely, accurately and unobtrusively. Commerce can be improved through data and image acquisition for real estate, construction, precision agriculture, surveying and other applications ofUAS technology
. The visual arts such as film, photography and television are improved through exciting and beautiful images captured via the versatile aerial platform UAS provides, which benefits the collective cultural and aesthetic demands and desires of an appreciative public. UAS may be an exceptional tool forjournalists and all manner ofnews gathering and reporting media, to serve the public good in enhancing accurate dissemination ofnewsworthy andrelevant information to interested citizens. Approval ofthis exemption will provide immediate employment opportunities for individuals andbusinesses whose livelihood may be directly or indirectly improved through career opportunities andjob creation in a growing technology sector ofthe economy. Congress has established a national policy that favors prompt integration ofUAS into the NAS, provided thatjudicious and reasoned agencies and officials guide the process prudently and with due emphasis on public safety and efficiency. The granting of this Petition for exemption will serve this public policy mandate and result in the attendant benefits perceived by this policy. **SUMMARY FOR PUBLICATION** For publication inthe Federal Register, SDW provides this summary: Anexemption is requested from the following regulations in order to allow commercial operation ofits Unmanned Aircraft Systems involving aerial applications such as closed

-set motion picture and television filming, general aerial photography and videography forinspection of land, structures, construction projects, utilities, and real estate, videography and

photography forjournalism and news gathering purposes, digital imagery and data acquisition for precision agriculture, environmental management, scientific analysis, and search and rescue. 14 CFR Section 61.113 (a) and (b) 14 CFR Section 91.7(a) 14 CFR Section 91.119(c) 14 CFR Section 91.121 14 CFR Section 91.151(a)(l) 14 CFR Section 91.405(a) 14 CFR Section 91.407(a)(l) 14 CFR Section 91.409(a)(l) and (a)(2) 14 CFR Section 91.417(a) and (b) **CONCLUSION** Southeast Drone Works LLC seeks an exemption, pursuant to 14 CFR Section 11.61 and Section 333 ofthe FAA Modernization and Reform Act of2012 (FMRA), which will permit SDW to safely operate UAS commercially for the purposes and operations described herein. In granting this Petition, the FAA Administrator will be fulfilling the Congressional mandate and policy of FMRA, while also providing a significant number of benefits to the public, the environment and the economy. The exemption will enable SDW to utilize its technological expertise, advanced aircraft, and entrepreneurial vision to enhance the safety, beauty and economic progress ofthe public and private sectors and advancing the interests of society at large. Southeast Drone Works LLC respectfully requests that the Administrator grant this Petition for an exemption from the requirements discussed herein, and permit SDW to operate commercially the unmanned aircraft systems inthe aerial operations set forth herein. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely,

John P Rubenstahl Southeast Drone Works LLC**APPENDIX “**  **A ”** 

**14 CFR**  **Section 61.113(a)**  **and (b);**  **Private Pilot**  **Privileges and**  **Limitations: Pilot**  **in Command;**  **Commercial Pilot**  **Privileges and**  **Limitations** Sections 61.113(a) and (b) limit private pilots to non-commercial operations. Section 61.133(a) requires an individual with a commercial pilot's license to be pilot in command of an aircraft for compensation or hire. Unlike a conventional aircraft that carries a pilot, passengers, and cargo, the UAS proposed for use by SDW are remotely controlled with no passengers or cargo on board. Southeast Drone Works LLC respectfully requests exemption from these requirements based on the particular characteristics of the UAS that will be used. The risks associated with the operation of the UAS described above (given the size, weight, airspeed, operational characteristics and lack of combustible fuel) are much lower than the risks associated with commercial operations contemplated by Part 61 with conventional manned aircraft. Accordingly, a private pilot, adequately trained in the proper use ofUAS, possesses the requisite skills and knowledge of the NAS and FAA regulations to assure the safe operation of the UAS. In addition, SDW will operate the identified UAS with a high degree of control and a number ofbuilt

-in technical capabilities that serve to strictly limit the potential for operation outside ofthe operating conditions and restrictions set forth in this Petition. Southeast Drone Works LLC emphasizes and requires UAS training and flight experience for those PICs who will operate these aircraft in the proposed commercial applications. By requiring extensive flight experience with these aircraft (multirotor UAS) in general, and with each specific make and model of the UAS to be utilized for operations under the proposed exemption, the SDW PICs will possess knowledge of and experience with the UAS than they would by holding a commercial pilot license for an entirely different ty pe of airborne system. Given the inherently lower

-risk nature ofthe UAS and these training and experience requirements and UAS safety features and operational safeguards, SDW proposes and requests that PICs should not be required to hold a commercial pilot certification. Instead, PICs should be required to hold a current private pilot certification and have the experience with UAS as indicated in this Petition. The risks associated with the operation of the UAS identified herein (considering their size, weight, airspeed, operational characteristics, and absence of combustible fuel) are so diminished from the level of risk associated with commercial operations contemplated by Part 61 with conventional aircraft (rotorcraft or fixed wing) that allowing operations ofthe UAS as set forth above meets or exceeds the present level of safety provided under 14 CFR Section 61.l 13(a) and (b) and does not rise to the level of requiring a commercial pilot to operate under 61.113(a). Given these conditions and restrictions, an equivalent level ofsafety will be provided by allowing operation ofthe UAS identified herein with aprivate pilot's certificate, under the conditions set forth in this Petition. The FAA has granted exemption to conduct similar operations in Exemptions 11062 through 11067, 11080, 11109 and 11110.**14 CFR**  **Section 91.7(a):**  **Civil Aircraft**  **Airworthiness**

This regulation requires that no person may operate a civil aircraft unless it is in airworthy Condition. Should the exemption be granted allowing commercial operation ofthe named aircraft without an airworthiness certificate, no standard will exist for the airworthiness of the aircraft. Given the size of the aircraft and the requirements that the operator has agreed to as relates to airworthiness, as set forth herein and in the various operating documents, an equivalent level of safety will be achieved by ensuring compliance with the aircraft manuals and operating documents for each flight. The FAA has granted exemptions to conduct similar operations in Exemptions 11062 through 11067, 11080, 11109 and 11110. **14 CFR**  **Section 91.119(c):**  **Minimum Safe** **Altitudes** Section 91.119 establishes safe altitudes for operation of civilian aircraft. Section 91.119(c) prohibits operations below 500 feet above the surface, or closer than 500 feet to any person, vessel, vehicle or structure. As this exemption requests authority to operate at altitudes up to 400 AGL, an exemption may be needed to allow such operations. The equivalent level of safety will be achieved given the size, weight and airspeed ofthe UAS as well as the location where it will be operated. No flight will be taken without the permission ofthe property owner or local officials, where required. Because ofthe advance notice to the property owner and participants, all affected individuals will be aware ofthe planned flight operations as set forth in the plan of operations. SDW therefore requests a waiver from Section 91.119(c) for all participating persons, i.e. persons associated with the operations. Southeast Drone Works LLC will also ensure that non-participating persons are kept at least 500 feet from the operating area, or seek approval from the Administrator for less separation if an equivalent level of safety can be achieved. Compared to flight operations with conventional aircraft or rotorcraft weighing far more than the maximum 21.75 pounds proposed herein and the lack of flammable fuel, any risk associated with these operations is far less than those risks associated with the conventional craft. In addition, the low

-altitude operations of the UAS will ensure separation between these UAS operations and the operations of any conventional aircraft that must comply with Section 91.119. The FAA has granted exemptions to conduct similar operations in Exemptions 11062 through 11067, 11080, 11153, and 11159. **14 CFR**  **Section 91.121:**  **Altimeter Settings**  This regulation requires eachperson operating an aircraft to maintain cruising altitude by reference to an altimeter that is set "
...to the elevation ofthe departure airport or an appropriate altimeter setting available before departure."As the UAS may not have a barometric altimeter, but instead a GPS altitude read out or display, an exemption may be needed. An equivalent level ofsafety will be achieved by the operator confirming the acquisition ofGPS signals and an initial ground level altitude ofzero prior to take

-off. The FAA has granted exemptions to conduct similar operations in Exemptions 11062 through 11067 and 11080.**APPENDIX “B”** 

DJI Inspire 1 manufacture’s operations manual, user guide and safety guide:
http://download.dji

innovations.com/downloads/inspire_1/en/Inspire_1_User_Manual_v1.4_en.pdf
http://download.dji

innovations.com/downloads/inspire_1/en/Inspire_1_Safety_Guidelines_en.pdf**APPENDIX “** **C ”** 

**PRE -** **FLIGHT CHECKLIST**  AIRCRAFT: 1. OVERVIEW

– Perform an overall visual check of the aircraft prior to activating any power systems. 2. FRAME

– Determine that all airframe structural components appear to be in good condition. 3. FASTENERS

– Visually confirm that all structural screws, nuts, clamps, and other fasteners are securely and safely

tightened. 4. BALANCE

– Ensure any installed payload is properly balanced and the aircraft is not unevenly weighted. 5. CONNECTORS

– Ribbon, molex, bullet, and other power and data connectors are property seated and secured. 6. CLEAN

– Visually

inspect all electrical control surfaces to ensure they are free of soilage. 7. MOTORS

– Ensure the motors and motor mounts appear secure and are aligned properly with the airframe. 8. PROPELLERS

– Determine that the propellers are installed snug to the propeller mount using the applicable fastening method, are free from deformation or damage, are attached to the proper motor mount, and spin freely in the proper direction. 9. RECEIVER

– Confirm that the satellite, data, and other receivers on the aircraft are functional and properly receiving data necessary for safe operation of the aircraft. 10. WIRI NG

– Secure all wiring properly to the aircraft to avoid slack or loose wires. 11. DATA

– Ensure any data card or other removable media is properly secured on the aircraft. PUBLIC: Determine that all bystanders, personnel and other persons not involved in flight operations are outside the permissible proximity to the aircraft and flight area. Determine if any barriers or other crowd control methods are necessary to ensure ingress into the flight area of nonparticipants in flight operations of persons who have not given documented consent. LOGBOOKS: Ensure the logbook is kept near the aircraft and that the proper aircraft identification number has been entered along with accurate pre

-flight information.**APPENDIX “D ”**  FLIGHT LOG **DATE PILOT**  **TIME**

**START TIME** 

**FINISH BATTERY** 

**# USED BATTERY** 

**CHARGE (start/finish)**  **WEATHER LANDING**  **REPAIRS/ACTION NOTES** **MONTHLY AIRCRAFT MAINTENANCE LOG**

Month: Year: UAS Model: N
-Number: Name of Person Performing Maintenance/Inspection:

**AIRFRAME:** General Condition: Repairs needed at time of inspection:

Additional Concerns/Comments:
Safe for operation? YES NO Initials: **MOTORS / ROTORS:** General Condition: Repairs needed at time of inspection:

Additional Concerns/Comments:
Safe for operation? YES NO Initials: **PROPELLORS:** General Condition: Repairs needed at time of inspection:

Additional Concerns/Comments:**PROPELLORS (cont.):**

Safe for operation? YES NO Initials:
**CAMERA/GIMBAL:** General Condition: Repairs needed at time of inspection:

Additional Concerns/Comments:
Safe for operation? YES NO Initials: **LANDING/GEAR:** General Condition: Repairs needed at time of inspection:

Additional Concerns/Comments:
Safe for operation? YES NO Initials: **SOFTWARE / FIRMWARE:** General Condition: Repairs needed at time of inspection:

Additional Concerns/Comments:
Safe for operation? YES NO Initials:**GROUND CONTROL STATION / CONTROLLERS:**

General Condition: Repairs needed at time of inspection:

Additional Concerns/Comments:
Safe for operation? YES NO Initials: **BATTERIES / CHARGING STATIONS / POWER SYSTEMS:** General Condition: Repairs needed at time of inspection:

Additional Concerns/Comments:
Safe for operation? YES NO Initials: **ELECTRONICS / WIRING / DIAGNOSTICS / DATA SYSTEMS:** General Condition: Repairs needed at time of inspection:

Additional Concerns/Comments:
Safe for operation? YES NO Initials: **ACCESSORIES / TOOLS / CASES / DOCUMENTATION / ETC.** General Condition: Repairs needed at time ofinspection:**ACCESSORIES / TOOLS / CASES / DOCUMENTATION / ETC. (cont.)**

Additional Concerns/Comments:
Safe for operation? YES NO Initials:
**CERTIFICATION AND SIGNATURE Monthly UAS maintenance has been**  **completed as noted above and communicated to appropriate personnel if necessary.**  **Signature of Inspecting Personnel**
**Date**