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 Department ofTransportation

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 of 2012 (P.L. 112-

95), Section 333

Dear Sir or Madam:

Pursuant to Section 333 of the 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 polymer battery powered electric motors. The DJI Inspire 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 of exemption. This UAS isrecognized in the UAS industry as a leading

example of precision, quality, performance and durability and technological innovation. The

UAS will offer SDW a range of options formatching the desired flight characteristics and

technology with the desired tasks, environmental conditions, and navigational demands, thus

assuring overall safety and completion of assigned work product and desired results.

BASIS FOR PETITION

Southeast Drone Works LLC, pursuant to the provisions of the Federal Aviation Regulations

(14 C.F.R. Section 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 1 UAS in the national airspace system

(NAS), and for an exemption from the requirements of 14C.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 of exemption from the above-listed FARs will allow SDW to conduct

commercial operations of its 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 and
landing. 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 of safety to currently authorized and/or

exempted operations.

NAME AND ADDRESS OF THE PETITIONER

The name and address of the Petitioner and point of contact 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 hyperlink to this petition as Appendix "B"

DJI Inspire 1. The appendix i s comprehensive and current for the UAS, and offers a

complete description of the 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" istheSDWPre-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 a manner consistent with 14CFR 61.51(b), a minimum

of 25 hours of total time as a UAS rotorcraft pilot and at least 10hours logged as a UAS

pilot with similar UAS type

- Have accumulated and logged a minimum of five hours as a UAS pilot with the make and

model of UAS 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 a manner consistent with how the UAS will be

operated under the exemption, including evasive and emergency maneuvers and

maintaining appropriate distances from people, 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 REQIREMENTS

Grant of the exemptions will be subject to the following conditions, which provide at least an

equivalent or higher level of safety 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, isreferred to asthe 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 of no 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) 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 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 of the flight. The PIC will ensure that the VO

can perform the functions duties required of the VO.

7. The operating documents and the grant of exemption will be accessible during UAS

operations and made available to the Administrator upon request. The operator may updateor

revise itsoperatingdocuments.It willbetheoperator'sresponsibility totrack such revisions

and present updated and revised documents to the Administrator or any law enforcement
official upon request. If there is a discrepancy between the exemption conditions and

limitations and the procedures outlined in the operating documents, the conditionsand

limitationsinthegrantofexemptiontakeprecedence andwillbe followed. Otherwise, the

operator will follow the procedures outlined in its operating documents.If theoperator

determinesthatanyupdateorrevisionwouldaffectthebasis uponwhichtheFAAmaygrant

thisexemption,theoperatorwillpetition theFAAfor 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 a pre-flight inspection and determine that the

UAS isin a condition for safe flight. The pre-flight inspection will account for all potential

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

condition that affects the safe operation of the UAS, the aircraft 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 with
14CFR 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 of the airport symbol 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. If the 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 of unpredicted 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 of no 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 14CFR part 47, and have identification

(N- Number) markings in accordance with 14CFR part 45, Subpart C. Markings will be as

large as practicable.

23. Documents used by the operator to ensure the safe operation and flight of the UAS 

and any documents required under 14CFR Sections 91.9 and 91.203 will be available to the

PIC at the Ground Control Station of the 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 orstructures are present that sufficiently protect non-participating persons

from the UA and/or debris in the event of an 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 of the UA, flight

operations will cease immediately in amanner ensuring the safety of non-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 over private or controlled-access property with permission

from the land owner/controller or authorized representative. Such permission will be obtained

for each flight.

28. Any incident, accident, or flight operation that transgresses the lateral or vertical

boundaries of the 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 of the UAS which is subject to this

exemption will submit a written Plan of Activities to the local Flight Standards District Office

(FSDO) with jurisdiction over the area of proposed filming. The 3-day notification may be

waived with the concurrence of the FSDO. The plan of activities 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 of exemption;

c. Name and phone number of the person responsible for the on-scene operation of the 

UAS;

d. Make, model, and serial number or N-Number of UAS to be used

e. Name and certificate number of UAS 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 of those who gave permission

must be made available to the inspector upon request;

g. Signature of exemption holder orrepresentative; and

h. A description of the flight activity, including maps or diagrams of any 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 of UAS 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 of ecological and environmental benefits and improved economic efficiency and

scientific information and data acquisition are potential public benefits accomplished through

the use of UAS for precision inspections of infrastructure and industrial plant and equipment

such as energy pipelines, power lines, smokestacks, towers, and other man-made structures,

which can be 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 of UAS 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 of news gathering and

reporting media, to serve the public good in enhancing accurate dissemination of newsworthy

and relevant information to interested citizens.

Approval ofthis exemption will provide immediate employment opportunities for individuals

and businesses whose livelihood may be directly orindirectly improved through career

opportunities andjob creation in a growing technology sector of the economy.

Congress has established a national policy that favors prompt integration of UAS 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 in the Federal Register, SDW provides this summary:

An exemption isrequested from the following regulations in order to allow commercial

operation ofits Unmanned Aircraft Systemsinvolving aerial applications such as closed-set

motion picture and television filming, general aerial photography and videography for
inspection of land, structures, construction projects, utilities, and real estate, videography and

photography for journalism and news gathering purposes, digital imagery and data acquisition

for precision agriculture, environmental management, scientific analysis, and search and 

rescue.

14CFR Section 61.113 (a) and (b) 14CFR Section 91.7(a)

14 CFR Section 91.119(c) 14 CFR Section 91.121

14 CFR Section 91.151(a)(l) 14CFR Section 91.405(a)

14 CFR Section 91.407(a)(l)

14CFR Section 91.409(a)(l) and (a)(2) 14CFR Section 91.417(a) and (b)

CONCLUSION

Southeast Drone Works LLC seeks an exemption, pursuant to 14CFR Section 11.61 and

Section 333 of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 (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 of the public and private sectors and advancing the interests of society at

large.

Southeast Drone Works LLCrespectfully 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 in the 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 of UAS, 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 of built-in technical capabilities that serve to strictly limit the potential for operation

outside of the 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 type of airborne system.

Given the inherently lower-risk nature of the 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 of the 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 of safety will be provided by

allowing operation of the UAS identified herein with a private 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 of the 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 SafeAltitudes

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 of the UAS as well as the location

where it will be operated. No flight will be taken without the permission of the property owner

or local officials, where required. Because of the advance notice to the property owner and

participants, all affected individuals will be aware of the 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

Thisregulation requires each person operating an aircraft to maintain cruising altitude by

reference to an altimeter that is set "...to the elevation of the departure airport or an

appropriate altimeter setting available before departure."Asthe UAS may not have a

barometric altimeter, but instead a GPS altitude read out or display, an exemption may be

needed. An equivalent level of safety will be achieved by the operator confirming the

acquisition of GPS signals and an initial ground level altitude of zero 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.djiinnovations.com/downloads/inspire_1/en/Inspire_1_User_Manual_v1.4_en.pdf

http://download.djiinnovations.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. WIRING – 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 of inspection:
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