UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION 

WASHINGTON, DC

Regulatory Docket No. 

IN THE MATTER OF THE PETITION FOR EXEMPTIONOF:

Fred G. Mullins, III

FOR AN EXEMPTION SEEKING RELIEF FROM THE REQUIREMENTS OF

TITLE 14 OF THE CODE OF FEDERAL REGULATIONS

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

91.409(a)(1) & (a)(2), AND 91.417(a) & (b) CONCERNING COMMERCIAL 

OPERATION OF DJI PHANTOM 3 PROFESSIONAL AND DJI INSPIRE1 

UNMANNED AIRCRAFTSYSTEMS

PURSUANT TO SECTION 333 OF

THE FAA MODERNIZATION AND REFORM ACT OF 2012

(PUBLIC LAW 112-95)

Submitted on July 10, 2015

Fred G. Mullins, III

220 Airport Drive S

Summerland Key, FL 33042

Tel: (305) 745-9441
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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page 

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

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

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

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

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

NAME AND ADDRESS OF PETITIONER............................................................ 7

THE SPECIFIC SECTIONS OF 14 C.F.R. FROM WHICH FRED G. 

MULLINS, III SEEKS EXEMPTION........................................8

THE EXTENT OF RELIEF FRED G. MULLINS, III SEEKS AND THE

REASON FRED G. MULLINS, III SEEKS THE RELIEF............... 11

THE REASONS WHY GRANTING FRED G. MULLINS, III’S REQUEST

WOULD BE IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST .........................................15

THE REASONS WHY GRANTING THE EXEMPTION WOULD NOT 

ADVERSELY AFFECT SAFETY......................................................................... 19

SUMMARY THAT CAN BE PUBLISHED IN THE FEDERAL REGISTER..... 34

ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, VIEWS, OR ARGUMENTS 

AVAILABLE TO SUPPORT FRED G. MULLINS, III’S REQUEST....

.................................................................................................................34

CONCLUSION. .................................................................................................................. 35

APPENDICES........................................................................................37
3

GLOSSARY OF ABBREVIATIONS

AGL Above Ground Level

AOI Area of Interest

ATC Air Traffic Control

ATO Air Traffic Organization

AV Aerial Vehicle

CFR Code of Federal Regulations

COA Certificate of Authorization

FAA Federal Aviation Administration

FAR Federal Aviation Regulation

GCS Ground Control Station

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 (FMRA) Section 333 

SO Safety Observer

SOP Standard OperatingProcedures

UA Unmanned Aircraft

UAS Unmanned Aircraft System

VFR Visual Flight Rules

VLOS Visual Line of Site

VMC Visual Meteorological Conditions

VTOL Vertical Takeoff and Landing
4

SUMMARY

Fred G. Mullins, III seeks exemption from the requirements of 14 C.F.R §§ 

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

and

91.417(a) & (b), to operate an Unmanned Aircraft System pursuant to Section 333 of the 

FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 (FMRA). This exemption will permit Fred 

G. Mullins, III to operate an Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) for the commercial 

purpose of conducting aerial video and photography of construction sites, real estate, and

landscape over certain areas of the United States.

INTRODUCTION AND INTERESTS OF THE PETITIONER

Fred G. Mullins, III provides its clients with aerial photo and video. Fred G. 

Mullins, III has over 10 years of professional video and photography. He has over 10

years recreational/hobby experience in all aspects of aerial video and photography. The 

objective of Fred G. Mullins, III’s aerial video and photography operations is to provide 

high quality imaging for a variety of commercial, public, and residential uses, specifically

targeting:

 Motion Picture Filming

 Aerial acquisitions used for inspections of public and private structures.

 Real Estate videography and photography

BACKGROUND

Unmanned Aircraft Systems: DJI Phantom 3, DJI Inspire 1 UASs

Fred G. Mullins, III seeks an exemption to operate DJI systems for compensation or

hire within the NAS. The DJI Phantom 3 Professional and DJI Inspire 1 are verticaltakeoff
5

and landing (VTOL) Unmanned Aircraft (UA) with a Ground Control Station (GCS) 

utilizing electronic tablet or smart phone systems. The DJI Phantom 3 Professional has a 

maximum gross weight of approximately 2 pounds 11 ounces, while having a length of 16 

inches width of 16 inches, height of 8 inches, and a maximum speed of approximately 29 

knots. The DJI Inspire 1 has a maximum gross weight of 6 pounds 7.5 ounces, a length of

17.3 inches, width of 17.7 inches, height of 11.8 inches, and a maximum speed of 

approximately 42 knots. The DJI Phantom 3 Professional and DJI Inspire 1UAs are

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

motors.

The DJI Phantom 3 Professional and DJI Inspire 1 UAs that will be operated by 

Fred G. Mullins, III will be registered in accordance with 49 U.S.C. 44103, Registration of 

Aircraft, as well as 14 C.F.R Part 47, Aircraft Registration, and marked in accordance with 

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

BASIS FOR PETITION

Petitioner, Fred G. Mullins, III, pursuant to the provisions of the Federal Aviation 

Regulations (14 C.F.R. § 11.61) and the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 

(FMRA), Section 333, Special Rules for Certain Unmanned Aircraft Systems, hereby 

petitions the Administrator to commercially operate the DJI Phantom 3 Professional, DJI 

Inspire 1 UASs in the National Airspace System (NAS), and for an exemption fromthe 

requirements of 14 C.F.R §§ 61.113(a) & (b), 91.7(a), 91.121, 91.151(b), 91.405(a),

91.407(a)(1), 91.409(a)(1) & (a)(2), and 91.417(a) & (b).
6

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

with the unmanned aircraft and its operation, Fred G. Mullins, III’s operation of DJI 

Phantom 3 Professional and DJI Inspire 1 UASs meets the conditions of FMRA Section 

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

Part

21, Subpart H.

Accordingly, Fred G. Mullins, III requests relief from Sections 91.405(a),

91.407(a)(1), 91.409(a)(1) & (a)(2), and 91.417(a) & (b), as these sections set forth

requirements for maintenance that only apply to aircraft with an airworthiness certificate.

Fred G. Mullins, III submits that the requested relief is proper since an equivalent

level of safety will be ensured. Fred G. Mullins, III will use experienced personnel or 

techniciansto perform maintenance, alterations, or preventive maintenance on the UASs 

using the methods, techniques, and practices prescribed in the operating documents (i.e.,

Monthly Maintenance Log, and DJI Phantom 3 Professional and DJI Inspire 1 Instruction

Manual). Furthermore, Fred G. Mullins, III will document and maintain all maintenance 

records for the DJI Phantom 3 Professional and DJI Inspire 1 UASs.

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

privileges and limitations: Pilot in command, is requested by Fred G. Mullins, III to the

extent necessary to allow a Pilot in Command (PIC) holding a private pilot or higher level 

certificate, as well as an airman medical certificate, and who has demonstrated, by meeting

minimum flight- hour and currency requirements, that the PIC is able to safely operate the 

DJI Phantom 3 Professional and DJI Inspire 1 UASs in a manner consistent with this 

exemption, including evasive and emergency maneuvers and maintaining appropriate 

distances from people, vessels, vehicles and structures.
7

Fred G. Mullins, III seeks relief from Section 91.7(a), entitled Civil aircraft 

airworthiness, because the DJI Phantom 3 Professional and DJI Inspire 1 UASs do not 

require an airworthiness certificate in accordance with 14 C.F.R. Part 21, Subpart H. As 

such, Fred G. Mullins, III submits that he will ensure that the DJI Phantom 3 Professional

and DJI Inspire 1UASs are in an airworthy condition, prior to every flight, by determining

that the UASs are in compliance with the operating documents (i.e., MonthlyMaintenance 

Log, and DJI Phantom 3 Professional and DJI Inspire 1 Instruction Manual), and that the 

aircraft are in a condition for safeflight.

Fred G. Mullins, III also seeks an exemption from the requirements of Section

91.121, entitled Altimeter Settings, as the DJI Phantom 3 Professional and DJI Inspire 1 

UAs will not have a typical barometric altimeter onboard. However, altitude information of 

the DJI Phantom 3 Professional and DJI Inspire 1UAs will be provided to the PIC via

Global Positioning System (GPS) equipment and radio communications telemetry data 

link, which downlinks from the UA to the GCS for active monitoring of the flight path. 

This altitude information, combined with Fred G. Mullins, III’s operation of the DJI 

Phantom 3 Professional and DJI Inspire 1 UASs within visual line of sight, at or below 500 

feet AGL, will ensure a level of safety equivalent to Section 91.121.

Additionally, Fred G. Mullins, III seeks an exemption from the requirements of

Section 91.151(b), entitled Fuel requirements for flight in VFR conditions. Fred G. 

Mullins, IIIsubmits that safety will not be affected by operation of the DJI Phantom 3 

Professional and DJI Inspire 1 UAs during daylight hours in visual meteorological 

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

total duration of
8

approximately 13.5 minutes to the first point of intended landing and, assuming normal 

cruising speed, to fly after that for at least 4.5 minutes.

In accordance with 14 C.F.R. § 11.81, Fred G. Mullins, III provides the following

information in support of its petition for exemption:

A. Name And Address Of The Petitioner.

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

Fred G. Mullins, III

220 Airport Drive S

Summerland Key, FL 33042

Tel: (305) 745-9441

Email: mullinsf@bellsouth.net

B. The Specific Sections Of 14 C.F.R. From Which Fred G. Mullins, III Seeks

Exemption.

1. Fred G. Mullins, III Seeks Exemption From The Requirements Of

Section 61.113(a) And (b).

Section 61.113, entitled Private pilot privileges and limitations: Pilot in command, 

subsections (a) and (b) prescribe the following, in relevant part:

(a) No person who holds a private pilot certificate may act as a pilot in command 

(PIC) of an aircraft that is carrying passengers or property for compensation or

hire; nor may that person, for compensation or hire, act as PIC of an aircraft.

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

connection with any business or employment if—

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

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

2. Fred G. Mullins, III Seeks Exemption From The Requirements Of

Section 91.7(a).

Section 91.7, entitled Civil aircraft airworthiness, subsection (a), statesthe

following:
9

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

3. Fred G. Mullins, III Seeks Exemption From The Requirements Of

Section 91.121.

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

part:

(a) Each person operating an aircraft shall maintain the cruising altitude or flight 

level of that aircraft, as the case may be, by reference to an altimeter that isset,

when operating--

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

(i) The current reported altimeter setting of a station along the routeand

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 anappropriate

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 availablebefore

departure.

4. Fred G. Mullins, III Seeks Exemption From The Requirements Of

Section 91.151(b).

Section 91.151, entitled Fuel requirements for flight in VFR conditions, subsection

(b), states the following:

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

(considering wind and forecast weather conditions) there is enough fuel to fly 

to the first point of intended landing and, assuming normal cruising speed, to 

fly after that for at least 20 minutes.

5. Fred G. Mullins, III Seeks Exemption From The Requirement Of

Section 91.405(a).

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

Each owner or operator of anaircraft—
10

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

between required inspections, except as provided in paragraph (c) of this 

section, have discrepancies repaired as prescribed in part 43 of this chapter[.]

6. Fred G. Mullins, III Seeks Exemption From The Requirements Of

Section 91.407(a)(1)

Section 91.407, entitled Operation after maintenance, preventive maintenance,

rebuilding, or alteration, subsection (a)(1), states thefollowing:

(a) No person may operate any aircraft that has undergone maintenance, preventive 

maintenance, rebuilding, or alteration unless--

(1) It has been approved for return to service by a person authorized under §

43.7 of this chapter[.]

7. Fred G. Mullins, III Seeks Exemption From The Requirements Of

Sections 91.409(a)(1) And 91.409(a)(2).

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

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

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

(1) An annual inspection in accordance with part 43 of this chapter and has 

been approved for return to service by a person authorized by § 43.7 of this

chapter; or

(2) An inspection for the issuance of an airworthiness certificate in accordance 

with part 21 of this chapter.

8. Fred G. Mullins, III Seeks Exemption From The Requirements Of

Sections 91.417(a) And 91.417(b).

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

following:

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

registered owner or operator shall keep the following records for the periods 

specified in paragraph (b) of this section:

(1) Records of the maintenance, preventive maintenance, and alteration and 

records of the 100-hour, annual, progressive, and other required or approved 

inspections, as appropriate, for each aircraft (including the airframe)and
11

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 whichthe

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.
12

(3) A list of defects furnished to a registered owner or operator under § 43.11 of 

this chapter shall be retained until the defects are repaired and the aircraft is 

approved for return to service.

C.The Extent Of Relief Fred G. Mullins, III Seeks And The Reason Fred G. Mullins, 

III Seeks The Relief.

1. Extent Of Relief Fred G. Mullins, III Seeks And The Reason Fred G. 

Mullins, III Seeks Relief From Section 61.113(a) And (b).

Relief from Section 61.113(a) and (b) entitled Private pilot privileges and 

limitations: Pilot in command, is requested to the extent necessary to allow a PIC holding a 

private pilot or higher level certificate, as well as a current and valid airman medical 

certificate, and who has met certain flight-hour and currency requirements, to conduct the 

proposed UAS flight operations for compensation or hire.

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

state that a private pilot may, for compensation or hire, act as PIC of an aircraft in 

connection with any business or employment if: (1) The flight is only incidental to that 

business or employment; and (2) The aircraft does not carry passengers or property for 

compensation or hire.

As set forth more fully below, Fred G. Mullins, III submits that an equivalent level

of safety will be maintained because no PIC will be allowed to operate the DJI Phantom 3 

Professional UAS or DJI Inspire 1 UAS unless that PIC has met certain flight-hour and

currency requirements, demonstrating that the PIC is able to safely operate either theDJI 

Phantom 3 Professional or DJI Inspire 1 UAS in a manner consistent with the operations

specifications as described in this exemption, including evasive and emergency maneuvers,

as well as maintaining appropriate distances from people, vessels, vehicles and structures.
13

Further, Fred G. Mullins, III submits that all flights of the DJI Phantom 3

Professional and DJI Inspire 1 UASs, conducted by the PIC pursuant to the grant of this

Petition: (1) will be incidental to Fred G. Mullins, III’s business; and (2) will not carry 

passengers or property for compensation or hire.

2. Extent Of Relief Fred G. Mullins, III Seeks And The Reason Fred G. 

Mullins, III Seeks Relief From Section 91.7(a).

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

extent required to allow Fred G. Mullins, III to determine that the DJI Phantom 3

Professional and DJI Inspire 1 UASs are in airworthy condition prior to every flight by

ensuring that the UAS is in compliance with the operating documents (i.e., Monthly 

Maintenance Log, and DJI Phantom 3 Professional and DJI Inspire 1 Instruction Manual).

Fred G. Mullins, III seeks the requested relief because the DJI Phantom 3

Professional and DJI Inspire 1 UASs do not require an airworthiness certificate in 

accordance with 14

C.F.R. Part 21, Subpart H. Therefore, Fred G. Mullins, III will ensure that the DJI

Phantom 3 Professional and DJI Inspire 1 UASs are in airworthy condition based upon its

compliance with the operating documents (i.e., Monthly Maintenance Log, and DJI 

Phantom 3 Professional and DJI Inspire 1 Instruction Manual) prior to every flight, and

further, determine that the aircraft are in condition for safe flight, as stated in the 

conditions and limitations below.

3. Extent Of Relief Fred G. Mullins, III Seeks And The Reason Fred G. 

Mullins, III Seeks Relief From Section 91.121.

Relief from Section 91.121, entitled Altimeter settings, may be required to allow 

flight operations of the DJI Phantom 3 Professional and DJI Inspire 1 UASs, which

utilize a barometric pressure sensor, GPS equipment, and a radio communications 
14

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

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

concerning UAS operations be reported to air traffic control (ATC) in feet above ground 

level (AGL), Fred G. Mullins, III seeks the requested relief because the DJI Phantom 3 

Professional and DJI Inspire 1 UA’s altimeter may be set on the ground to zero feet 

AGL, rather than the local barometric pressure or field altitude, before eachflight.

Considering the limited altitude of the proposed operations, relief from 14 CFR

91.121 is sought to the extent necessary to comply with the applicable conditions and 

limitations stated below. As more fully set forth herein, an equivalent level of safety will

be maintained since the DJI Phantom 3 Professional and DJI Inspire 1 UAs are equipped

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

ground level pressure setting will be established prior to each flight, and provides the PIC 

with altitude information of the UA on the heads-up display of the GCS.

4. Extent Of Relief Fred G. Mullins, III Seeks And The Reason Fred G. 

Mullins, III Seeks Relief From Section 91.151(b).

Relief from Section 91.151(b) entitled Fuel requirements for flight in VFR 

conditions, is requested to the extent required to allow flights of the battery powered DJI 

Phantom 3 Professional and DJI Inspire 1 UAs during daylight hours in visual 

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

13.5 minutes to the first point of intended landing and, assuming normal cruising speed, to 

fly after that for at least 4.5 minutes. Fred G. Mullins, III seeks the requested relief

because without an exemption from Section 91.151(b), the flight time duration of the 

battery powered DJI Phantom 3 Professional and DJI Inspire 1 UAs will severely 

constrainthe
15

practicality of any aerial video or still photo flight operations that Fred G. Mullins, III

proposes to conduct pursuant to this Petition.

Significantly, as set forth below, the technical specifications of the DJI Phantom 3 

Professional and DJI Inspire 1 UASs, the DJI Phantom 3 Professional and DJI Inspire1 

operating documents, and Fred G. Mullins, III’s proposed operating limitations, ensure that 

Fred G. Mullins, III will safely operate the battery powered DJI Phantom 3 Professional

and DJI Inspire 1 UAs during daylight hours in visual meteorological conditions (VMC),

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

13.5 minutes to the first point of intended landing and, assuming normal cruising speed, to

fly after that for at least 4.5 minutes.

5. Extent Of Relief Fred G. Mullins, III Seeks And The Reason Fred G. 

Mullins, III Seeks Relief From Sections 91.405(a), 91.407(a)(1), 

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

Since Sections 91.405(a), 91.407(a)(1), 91.409(a)(1) & (a)(2), and 91.417(a) & (b) 

only apply to aircraft with an airworthiness certificate, Fred G. Mullins, III requests relief

from these Sections because the DJI Phantom 3 Professional and DJI Inspire 1 UASs do 

notrequire airworthiness certificates. As set forth more fully below, the DJI Phantom 3 

Professional and DJI Inspire 1 UASs meet the conditions of FMRA Section 333for

operation without an airworthiness certificate. Accordingly, Fred G. Mullins, III will use 

trained technicians to perform maintenance, alterations, or preventive maintenance on the 

UASs using the methods, techniques, and practices prescribed in the UAS operating 

documents (i.e., the Fred G. Mullins, III Aerial Operations Manual, Monthly Maintenance

Log, and DJI Phantom 3 Professional and DJI Inspire 1 Instruction Manual). Furthermore,

Fred G. Mullins, III will document and maintain all maintenance records for the DJI

Phantom 3 Professional and DJI Inspire 1 UASs.
16

D.The Reasons Why Granting Fred G. Mullins, III’s Request Would Be In The

Public Interest; That Is, How It Would Benefit The Public As A Whole.

Granting the present Petition will further the public interest by allowing Fred G. 

Mullins, IIIto safely, efficiently, and economically perform aerial video and photography

of construction sites, real estate, and landscape over certain areas of the United States.

Additionally, use of the DJI Phantom 3 Professional and DJI Inspire 1 UASs will 

decrease congestion of the NAS, reduce pollution, and provide significant benefits to the 

economy. Notably, the benefits of Fred G. Mullins, III’s proposed operation of the DJI 

Phantom 3 Professional and DJI Inspire 1 UASs will be realized without implicating any 

privacy issues.

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

The DJI Phantom 3 Professional and DJI Inspire 1 UAs are battery powered and 

serve as a safe, efficient, and economical alternative to the manned aircraft traditionally 

utilized to obtain aerial imagery. By reducing the amount of manned aircraft needed to 

perform aerial acquisitions, an exemption allowing the use of a DJI Phantom3

Professional or DJI Inspire 1 UAS would reduce the amount of manned aircraft in the 

NAS, reduce noise and air pollution, as well as increase the safety of life and property in

the air and on the ground.

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

congestion around airports caused by arriving and departing aircraft will be reduced. The

DJI Phantom 3 Professional and DJI Inspire 1 UAs do not require an airport to takeoff or

land. Likewise, a reduction of manned aircraft conducting aerial video and photography 

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

the ground, takeoff, departure, arrival, and landing phases of flight operations.
17

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

Phantom 3 Professional and DJI Inspire 1 UASs.

Conducting aerial acquisitions with the DJI Phantom 3 Professional and DJI Inspire 

1 UASs, instead of manned aircraft, will greatly benefit the public by drastically reducing 

the levels of air and noise pollution generated during traditional aerial video and still 

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

Phantom 3 Professional and DJI Inspire 1 UASs produce no air pollution, and is the most 

viable environmentally conscious alternative to the cabin class, six cylinder internal 

combustion engine aircraft that are typically utilized for aerial video and photography,

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

Phantom 3 Professional and DJI Inspire 1 UAs, while reducing the carbon footprint of 

aerial acquisitions, also eliminates noise pollution, as the UAs are propelled by battery 

powered electric motors, rather than an internal combustion engine.

By using the DJI Phantom 3 Professional and DJI Inspire 1 UASs to perform aerial 

acquisitions, the substantial risk to life and property in the air and on the ground, which is 

usually associated with traditional manned aircraft flight operations, will be substantially 

reduced or completely eliminated. Aside from the lack of flight crew members located

onboard the aircraft, the DJI Phantom 3 Professional and DJI Inspire 1 UAs(weighing

approximately 2 pounds 11 ounces and 6 pounds 7.5 ounces respectively, at their

maximum gross weights with lengths of 16 inches and 17.3 inches respectively, widths of 

16 inches and 17.7 inches respectively, and with no fuel on board), has lessphysical

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

to the manned aircraft that typically conduct similar operations (weighing approximately
18

6,000 pounds with a wingspan of approximately 42 feet, a length of 34 feet, and a fuel 

capacity of 180 gallons).

3. Performing Aerial Video and Photography Operations With The DJI

Phantom 3 Professional and DJI Inspire 1 UASs Will Benefit TheEconomy.

In addition to being safe and efficient, the DJI Phantom 3 Professional and DJI 

Inspire 1 UASs are also an economical alternative to using manned aircraft to conduct 

similar aerial operations. As such, operation of the DJI Phantom 3 Professional and DJI 

Inspire 1 UASs will allow United States based companies, like Fred G. Mullins, III, to

remain competitive and contribute to growth of the U.S. economy. Specifically, with the

rising cost of aviation fuel and the Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) regulatory

actions phasing out leaded aviation fuels, U.S. owned and operated companies must adopt 

new and alternative technology in order to remain competitive. Operating the battery 

powered DJI Phantom 3 Professional and DJI Inspire 1 UASs is one such technology that 

not only allows companies greater operational flexibility compared to manned aircraft, but

provides such flexibility without the high operational cost of a traditional manned aircraft.

By operating the DJI Phantom 3 Professional and DJI Inspire 1 UASs, companies 

such as Fred G. Mullins, III, can remain competitive and profitable, and therefore,provide

greater job stability to employees and contractors, which will ultimately contribute to 

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

commercial use of the DJI Phantom 3 Professional and DJI Inspire 1 UASs, provides a 

stable workforce that increases consumer spending; improves local, state, and federal tax 

revenues; and allows companies to invest in research and development in order to remain 

competitive both in the United States and abroad.

4. There Are No Privacy Issues.
19

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

decades, Fred G. Mullins, III’s proposed operation of the DJI Phantom 3 Professional and

DJI Inspire 1 UASs will not implicate any privacy issues. Specifically, the DJI Phantom3 

Professional and DJI Inspire 1 UASs will be operated only in compliance with operating 

documents (i.e., the Fred G. Mullins, III Aerial Operations Manual, Monthly Maintenance

Log, and DJI Phantom 3 Professional and DJI Inspire 1 Instruction Manual) whichrequires

property owner involvement as well as local law enforcement notification, andin

accordance with the Federal Aviation Regulations, including the minimum altitude 

requirements of 14 C.F.R. § 91.119.

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

Or How The Exemption Would Provide A Level Of Safety At Least Equal To That 

Provided By The Rule From Which Fred G. Mullins, III Seeks Exemption.

1. Reasons Why The DJI Phantom 3 Professional and DJI Inspire 1 UAsMeet

The Conditions Of The FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012

(FMRA) Section 333.

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

with the unmanned aircraft and its operation, Fred G. Mullins, III’s operation of the DJI 

Phantom 3 Professional and DJI Inspire 1 UASs meet the conditions of FMRA Section 

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

Subpart H.

Section 333 provides authority for a UAS to operate without airworthiness 

certification and sets forth requirements for considering whether a UAS will create a 

hazard to users of the NAS or the public, or otherwise pose a threat to nationalsecurity.

Specifically, FMRA Section 333 states the following, in part:

(a) In General.--Notwithstanding any other requirement of this subtitle, and not 

later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of 

Transportation shall determine if certain unmanned aircraft systems may
20

operate safely in the national airspace system before completion of the plan 

and rulemaking required by section 332 of this Act or the guidance required by 

section 334 of this Act.

(b) Assessment of Unmanned Aircraft Systems.--In making the determinationunder 

subsection (a), the Secretary shall determine, at a minimum--

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

size, weight, speed, operational capability, proximity to airports and 

populated areas, and operation within visual line of sight do not create 

a hazard to users of the national airspace system or the public or pose a 

threat to national security; and

(2) whether a certificate of waiver, certificate of authorization, or 

airworthiness certification under section 44704 of title 49, United States 

Code, is required for the operation of unmanned aircraft systems 

identified under paragraph (1).

(c) Requirements for Safe Operation.--If the Secretary determines underthis 

section that certain unmanned aircraft systems may operate safely in the

National Airspace System, the Secretary shall establish requirements for the 

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

In seeking this exemption, Fred G. Mullins, III submits that the DJI Phantom 3 

Professional and DJI Inspire 1 UASs can operate safely in the NAS pursuant to FMRA

Section 333, as demonstrated by: (a) the characteristics of the DJI Phantom 3Professional 

and DJI Inspire 1 UASs; (b) the pilot certification requirement; and (c) the specific 

operating limitations.

a. The Specifications Of The DJI Phantom 3 Professional and DJI Inspire 1 

UASs Demonstrate Its Safe Characteristics.

The DJI Phantom 3 Professional and DJI Inspire 1 UASs do not create a hazard to

users of the NAS or the public, or otherwise pose a threat to national security considering

its size, weight, speed, and operational capability.

i. Technical Specifications Of The DJI Phantom 3 Professional and DJI 

Inspire 1 UASs.
21

The technical specifications of the DJI Phantom 3 Professional and DJI Inspire1 

UASs are set forth by the DJI Phantom 3 Professional and DJI Inspire 1 Specifications and

Data Sheet, attached hereto as Exhibit A and B.

ii. The DJI Phantom 3 Professional and DJI Inspire 1 UASs 

Autonomous Flight And Navigation Modes Enable The UASs To 

Remain Within A Defined Operational Area.

The DJI Phantom 3 Professional and DJI Inspire 1 UASs may be operated in both 

manual and fully autonomous flight modes. A complete description of the flightand

navigational modes of the DJI Phantom 3 Professional and DJI Inspire 1 UASs is provided 

at pages 25-35 of the DJI Phantom 3 Professional and pages 12-16 and 45-50 of theDJI 

Inspire 1 User Manuals, attached hereto as Exhibit C and D.

iii. The DJI Phantom 3 Professional and DJI Inspire 1 UASs Are

Designed For Automatic Return To Home Point Or Hover In The 

Event Of Loss Of The Control Link Or Navigation.

When the Control Link is lost, the DJI Phantom 3 Professional and DJI Inspire 1 

UAs will remain stationary, in flight, for 3 seconds or more. If, after 3 seconds, the DJI 

Phantom 3 Professional and DJI Inspire 1 UAs do not reacquire control link data from the 

GCS, the UAs will assume that the Control Link is lost and the UAs will return to the 

home position (i.e., failsafe mode) via GPS, and will descend to the takeoff position and 

shutdown.

A complete description of the Failsafe Functions of the DJI Phantom 3 Professional 

UAS are set forth at pages 27 through 29 and for the DJI Inspire 1 at pages 13 through 15

of the DJI Phantom 3 Professional and DJI Inspire 1 User Manuals, attached heretoas

Exhibit C and D.

iv. The DJI Phantom 3 Professional and DJI Inspire 1 GCS AndIts

Operation.
22

A complete description of the operation and specifications of the DJI Phantom 3 

Professional and DJI Inspire 1 GCS and flight control software is provided at pages 32

through 43 of the DJI Phantom 3 Professional User Manual and pages 40 through 47 of the 

DJI Inspire 1 User Manual. DJI Phantom 3 Professional and DJI Inspire 1 UserManuals

are attached hereto as Exhibits C and D.

b. Flight Operations Of DJI Phantom 3 Professional and DJI Inspire 1 

UASs Are Limited To The Line Of Sight Of A Certificated Pilot in 

Command With A Safety Observer.

Fred G. Mullins, III will only utilize certificated pilots who possess a current and

valid airman medical certificate to act as a pilot in command (PIC) of the DJI Phantom 3 

Professional and DJI Inspire 1 UASs. Additionally, a safety observer will assist allpilots 

during flight time.

c. Flights Of DJI Phantom 3 Professional and DJI Inspire 1 UASs WillBe

Conducted Pursuant To Specific Operating Limitations.

In seeking this exemption, Fred G. Mullins, III proposes to commercially operate

DJI Phantom 3 Professional and DJI Inspire 1 UASs for the special purpose of conducting 

aerial video and photography over certain areas of United States, pursuant to the following 

specific operating limitations:

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

aircraft described in the operating documents, rotorcraft UASs weighing less 

than 55 pounds maximum gross weight: DJI Phantom 3 Professional and DJI 

Inspire 1 Unmanned Aircraft Systems. Proposed operations of any other aircraft

will require a new petition or a petition to amend this grant.

2. UAS operations under this exemption will be limited to conducting operations 

for the purpose of aerial video and photography.

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

4. The UA must be operated at an altitude of no more than 500 feet above ground 

level (AGL), as indicated by the procedures specified in the operating
23

documents unless a special request is made and approved by ATC. All altitudes

reported to ATC must be in feetAGL.

5. The UAs must be operated within visual line of sight (VLOS) of the PIC at all 

times. This requires the PIC to be able to use human vision unaided by any 

device other than corrective lenses, as specified on the PIC’s FAA-issued airman 

medical certificate.

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

permitted.

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

the VLOS requirement as long as the PIC always maintains VLOS capability. 

The SO and PIC must be able to communicate verbally at all times. Electronic 

messaging or texting is not permitted during flight operations. The PIC must be 

designated before the flight and cannot transfer his or her designation for the 

duration of the flight. The PIC must ensure that the SO can perform the

functions prescribed in the operating documents.

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

and avoiding other air traffic and other ground based obstacles/obstructions and 

is not permitted to operate the camera or other instruments.

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

UAS operations and made available to the Administrator upon request. Ifa 

discrepancy exists between the conditions and limitations contained in the grant 

of exemption and the procedures outlined in the operating documents,the

conditions and limitations contained in the grant of exemption take precedence 

and must be followed. Otherwise, the operator must follow the procedures as 

outlined in its operating documents. The operator may update or revise its 

operating documents. It is the operator’s responsibility to track such revisions 

and present updated and revised documents to the Administrator upon request. 

The operator must also present updated and revised documents if it petitionsfor 

extension or amendment to the grant of exemption. If the operator determines 

that any update or revision would affect the basis upon which the FAA granted 

the exemption, then the operator must petition for amendment to its grant of 

exemption. The FAA’s UAS Integration Office (AFS-80) may be contacted if 

questions arise regarding updates or revisions to the operating documents.

10. Prior to each flight the PIC must inspect the UAS to ensure that it is in a 

condition for safe flight. If the inspection reveals a condition that affectsthe

safe operation of the UAS, the aircraft is prohibited from operating until the 

necessary maintenance has been performed and the UAS is found to be in a 

condition for safe flight. The Ground Control Station must be included in the 

preflight inspection. All maintenance and alterations must be properly 

documented in the aircraft records.
24

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

operation or flight characteristics, e.g. replacement of a flight critical 

component, must undergo a functional test flight. The PIC who conducts the 

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

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

inoperable components, items, or equipment, not already covered in the

relevant sections of the operating documents.

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

maintenance, overhaul, replacement, inspection, and life limit requirements.

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

requirements, in accordance with the operating documents. Maintenance, 

inspection, alterations, and status of replacement/overhaul component parts 

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

of work accomplished, and the signature of the authorized person returning the 

UAS to service.

15. Each UASs operated under this exemption must comply with all manufacturer 

Safety Bulletins.

16. The authorized person must make an entry in the aircraft record of the 

corrective action taken against discrepancies discovered between inspections.

17. The PIC must possess at least a private pilot certificate and at least a current 

third- class medical certificate.

18. The operator may not permit any PIC to operate unless the PIC meetsthe 

operator’s qualification criteria and demonstrates the ability to safely operate

the UAS in a manner consistent with how the UAS will be operated under the 

exemption, including evasive and emergency maneuvers and maintaining 

appropriate distances from persons, vessels, vehicles and structures. PIC 

qualification flight hours must be logged in a manner consistent with 14 C.F.R.

§ 61.51(b). Flights for the purposes of training the operator’s PICs are 

permitted under the terms of the exemption. However, training operations may 

only be conducted during dedicated training sessions. During training, 

proficiency, and experience-building flights, all persons not essential for flight 

operations are considered nonparticipants, and the PIC must operate the UA 

with appropriate distance from nonparticipants in accordance with 14 C.F.R. § 

91.119.

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

1.1. All operations must be conducted under visual meteorological conditions 

(VMC). If flight at night is required, a special request will be made at the FAA 

office closest to proposed area of operations. Flights under special visual flight 

rules (SVFR) are not authorized.
25

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

denoted on a current FAA-published aeronautical chart unless a letter of 

agreement with that airport’s management is obtained, and the operation is 

conducted in accordance with a NOTAM as required by the operator’s COA. 

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

the Administrator upon request.

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

horizontally from a cloud or when visibility is less than 3 statute miles from the 

PIC.

22. If the UA loses communications or loses its GPS signal, it must return to a predetermined location within the planned operating area and land or be recovered 

in accordance with the operating documents.

23. The PIC must abort the flight in the event of unpredicted obstacles or 

emergencies in accordance with the operating documents.

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

forecast weather conditions) there is enough power to fly at normal cruising 

speed to the intended landing point and land the UA with 25% battery power 

remaining.

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

of Waiver or Authorization (COA) prior to conducting any operations under the

grant of exemption. This COA will also require the operator to request a Notice 

to Airman (NOTAM) not more than 72 hours in advance, but not less than 48 

hours prior to the operation. All operations shall be conducted in accordance 

with airspace requirements in the ATO issued COA including class of airspace, 

altitude level and potential transponder requirements.

26. All aircraft operated in accordance with the exemption must be identified by 

serial number, registered in accordance with 14 C.F.R. part 47, and have 

identification (N- Number) markings in accordance with 14 C.F.R. part 45, 

Subpart C. Markings must be as large as practicable.

27. Before conducting operations, the radio frequency spectrum used for operation 

and control of the UA must comply with the Federal Communications 

Commission (FCC) or other appropriate government oversight agency 

requirements.

28. The documents required fewer than 14 C.F.R. 91.9 and 91.203 must be 

available to the PIC at the Ground Control Station of the UAS any time the

UAS is operating. These documents must be made available to the 

Administrator or any law enforcement official upon request.

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

operations and activities at all times.
26

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

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

persons (persons other than the PIC, SO, operator trainees or essential persons), 

vessels, vehicles, and structures unless:

a. Barriers or structures are present that sufficiently protect nonparticipating 

persons from the UA and/or debris in the event of an accident.The

operator must ensure that nonparticipating persons remain under such 

protection. If a situation arises where nonparticipating persons leave such 

protection and are within 500 feet of the UA, flight operations must cease 

immediately and/or;

b. The aircraft is operated near vessels, vehicles or structures where the 

owner/controller of such vessels, vehicles or structures hasgranted

permission and the PIC has made a safety assessment of the risk of

operating closer to those objects and determined that it does not present 

an undue hazard, and;

c. Operations nearer to the PIC, SO, operator trainees or essential persons 

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

32. All operations shall be conducted over private or controlled-access property 

with permission from the land owner/controller or authorized representative. 

Permission from land owner/controller or authorized representative will be

obtained for each flight to be conducted.

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

vertical boundaries of the operational area as defined by the applicable COA 

must be reported to the FAA's UAS Integration Office (AFS-80) within 24 

hours. Accidents must be reported to the National Transportation Safety Board

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

2. Reasons Why An Exemption From The Requirements Of Section61.113(a) 

And (b) Would Not Adversely Affect Safety.

Fred G. Mullins, III submits that the equivalent level of safety established by

Section 61.113(a) and (b) will be maintained because no PIC will be allowed to operate the

DJI Phantom 3 Professional and DJI Inspire 1 UASs unless that PIC has demonstrated, by 

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

operate the DJI Phantom 3 Professional or DJI Inspire 1 UAS in a manner consistentwith
27

the exemption, including evasive and emergency maneuvers and maintaining appropriate 

distances from people, vessels, vehicles and structures.

Considering Fred G. Mullins, III’s proposed area of operations, and the operating 

limitations set forth-above; the parallel nature of private pilot aeronautical knowledge 

requirements to those of commercial pilot requirements (See Exemption No. 11062); and 

the airmanship skills necessary to safely operate the DJI Phantom 3 Professional or DJI 

Inspire 1 UAS, Fred G. Mullins, III submits that the additional manned airmanship

experience of a commercially certificated pilot would not correlate to the airmanship skills

necessary for Fred G. Mullins, III’s specific proposed flight operations.

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

UAS, in circumstances similar, in all material respects, to those presented herein (e.g.

Exemption Nos. 11062, 11063, 11064, 11065, 11066, 11067, 11080, 11109, 11110, 11112,

11136, 11138, 11150, 11153, 11156, 11158, 11159, 11160, 11161).

Fred G. Mullins, III will not allow any PIC to operate the DJI Phantom 3

Professional or DJI Inspire 1 UAS unless that PIC has demonstrated, by meeting 

minimum flight-hour requirements or the DJI Phantom 3 Professional or DJI Inspire 1 

UAS trainingand currency requirements, that the PIC is able to safely operate the DJI 

Phantom 3 Professional or DJI Inspire 1 UAS in a manner consistent with this exemption,

including evasive and emergency maneuvers and maintaining appropriate distances from

people, vessels, vehicles and structures.

Specifically, the PIC must have accumulated and logged, in a manner consistent 

with 14 C.F.R. § 61.51(b), 25 hours of total time as a UAS rotorcraft pilot (with a 

minimum of 5 hours of those hours as a UAS pilot operating the same make and model of
28

UAS to be used for operations under the exemption). In addition to the hour requirements, 

the PIC must accomplish 3 takeoffs and landings in the preceding 90 days (for currency 

purposes).

As in Exemption Nos. 11062, 11138, and 11153, prior documented flight 

experience that was obtained in compliance with applicable regulations will ensure an

equivalent level of safety during Fred G. Mullins, III’s proposed operations. The

Administrator has held that prior documented flight experience that was obtained in 

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

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

the purpose of motion picture filming (or similar operations), the PIC must have 

accumulated and logged, in a manner consistent with 14 CFR 61.51(b), 25 hours of

total time as a UAS rotorcraft pilot including at least 10 hours logged as a UAS 

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

PIC must also have accumulated and logged a minimum of 5 hours as a UAS pilot 

operating the same make and model of UAS to be used for operations under the 

exemption. For clarification, the FAA considers these minimum hour requirements 

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

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

the total 25 hours of UAS rotorcraft time. In addition to the hour requirements, the 

PIC must accomplish 3 takeoffs and landings in the preceding 90 days (for

currency purposes). The FAA finds that at a minimum, the flight-hour requirements 

in Exemption No. 11062 are appropriate to practice and build proficiency in the 

skills necessary to safely conduct the petitioner’s proposed operations. The FAA 

also finds that prior documented flight experience that was obtained in compliance 

with applicable regulations would satisfy this requirement. Training, proficiency, 

and experience-building flights can also be conducted under the grant of exemption 

to accomplish the required flight time. During training, proficiency, and

experience-building flights the PIC is required to operate the UA with appropriate 

distances in accordance with 14 C.F.R 91.119.

Exemption No. 11138 at page 15.

Accordingly, Fred G. Mullins, III will ensure safe operations by not allowing any

PIC to operate the DJI Phantom 3 Professional or DJI Inspire 1 UAS unless that PIChas 

demonstrated, by meeting minimum flight-hour and currency requirements, that the PICis 

able to safely operate the DJI Phantom 3 Professional or DJI Inspire 1 UAS in amanner
29

consistent with the exemption, including evasive and emergency maneuvers and 

maintaining appropriate distances from people, vessels, vehicles and structures.

3. Reasons Why An Exemption From The Requirements Of Section 91.7(a)

Would Not Adversely Affect Safety.

The equivalent level of safety established by Section 91.7(a) will be maintained

because prior to every flight, Fred G. Mullins, III will ensure that the DJI Phantom 3 

Professional or DJI Inspire 1 UAS is in an airworthy condition based upon theUAS’s

compliance with its operating documents and as stated in the conditions and limitations 

herein.

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

to UAS, in circumstances similar, in all material respects, to those presented herein (e.g.

Exemption Nos. 11062, 11063, 11064, 11065, 11066, 11067, 11080, 11109, 11110, 11112,

11136, 11138, 11150, 11153, 11156, 11157, 11158, 11159, 11160, 11161).

4. Reasons Why An Exemption From The Requirements Of Section 91.121 

Would Not Adversely Affect Safety.

The equivalent level of safety established by Section 91.121 will bemaintained

because the altitude information of the DJI Phantom 3 Professional and DJI Inspire 1 UAs

will be provided to the PIC via GPS equipment and a radio communications telemetry data

link, which downlinks from the UA to the GCS for active monitoring of the flight path and

altitude. This altitude information, combined with Fred G. Mullins, III’s operation of the

DJI Phantom 3 Professional and DJI Inspire 1 UAs within visual line of sight, at or below

500 feet AGL, will ensure a level of safety equivalent to Section 91.121. Thealtitude

information will be generated by GPS equipment installed onboard the aircraft. Prior to

each flight, a zero altitude initiation point is automatically established by the UASs at 

ground level.
30

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

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

Nos. 11062, 11063, 11064, 11065, 11066, 11067, 11080, 11109, 11112, 11136, 11138,

11150, 11153, 11156, 11157, 11158, 11159, 11160, 11161).

5. Reasons Why An Exemption From The Requirements Of Section 91.151(b) 

Would Not Adversely Affect Safety.

A grant of this exemption would ensure an equivalent level of safety established by 

14 C.F.R. Section 91.151(b) as a result of (1) the technical specifications of the DJI 

Phantom 3 Professional and DJI Inspire 1 UASs; (2) the limitations on the proposedflight

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

Mullins, III will ensure that it will safely operate the battery powered DJI Phantom3 

Professional and DJI Inspire 1 UAs during daylight hours in VFR conditions, with enough

battery power to fly for a total duration of 13.5 minutes to the first point of intended 

landing and, assuming normal cruising speed, to fly after that for at least 4.5 minutes.

Here, as in Exemption No. 11109, the technical specifications of the DJI Phantom 3 

Professional and DJI Inspire 1 UASs; the limitations on the proposed flight operations; and 

the location of the proposed operations, will ensure an equivalent level of safety

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

Phantom 3 Professional and DJI Inspire 1 UASs provide audible and visual warnings to the 

PIC at the GCS when the UAs experiences low battery voltage, the first warning occurring 

at approximately 33% remaining battery power, and again at approximately 10%

remaining battery power. At the critically low battery level, the DJI Phantom Vision+and

DJI Inspire 1 UASs will descend and land automatically.
31

Significantly, previous exemptions granted by the FAA concerning Section 91.151

establish that safety is not adversely affected when the technical characteristics and 

operating limitations of the UAS are considered. Relief has been granted for manned 

aircraft to operate at less than the minimums prescribed in Section 91.151, including

Exemption Nos. 2689, 5745, and 10650. Moreover, the FAA has previously granted relief 

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

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

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

11157, 11158, 11159, 11160, 11161).

6. Reasons Why An Exemption From The Requirements Of Sections 

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

Would Not Adversely Affect Safety.

In seeking this exemption, Fred G. Mullins, III submits that the equivalent level of 

safety with regard to the regulatory maintenance and alteration requirements established by

Sections 91.405(a), 91.407(a)(1), 91.409(a)(1) & (a)(2), and 91.417(a) & (b) will be met 

because Fred G. Mullins, III will use trained technicians to perform maintenance,

alterations, or preventive maintenance on the UASs using the methods, techniques, and

practices prescribed in the operating documents (i.e., the Fred G. Mullins, III Aerial

Operations Manual, Monthly Maintenance Log, and DJI Phantom 3 Professional and DJI 

Inspire 1Instruction Manual). Furthermore, Fred G. Mullins, III will document and 

maintain allmaintenance records for the DJI Phantom 3 Professional and DJI Inspire 1

UASs.

Since the DJI Phantom 3 Professional and DJI Inspire 1 UASs will be inspectedas

prescribed by the operating documents, Fred G. Mullins, III will maintain the equivalent

level of safety established by Sections 91.405(a), 91.409(a)(1), and 91.409(a)(2). A copy of
32

the DJI Phantom 3 Professional and DJI Inspire 1 User Manuals are attached hereto as

Exhibit C and D; a copy of the DJI Phantom 3 Professional and DJI Inspire 1 UAS

Maintenance LOG is attached hereto as Exhibit E.

Likewise, the exemption sought will not adversely affect safety because Fred G. 

Mullins, III will use trained technicians to perform maintenance, alterations or preventive 

maintenance on the UAS using the methods, techniques, and practices prescribed by the 

operating documents.

Furthermore, the exemption sought would maintain an equivalent level ofsafety 

established by Sections 91.407, 91.417(a) and 91.417(b), because all maintenance of the 

DJI Phantom 3 Professional and DJI Inspire 1 UASs will be performed bytrained

technicians. Maintenance will be documented and maintained utilizing themonthly 

maintenance log.

Significantly, previous exemptions granted by the FAA concerningSections

91.405(a), 91.407(a)(1), 91.409(a)(1) & (a)(2), and 91.417(a) & (b) establish that safety is

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

UAS are considered.

In consideration of Fred G. Mullins, III’s proposed operating limitations, the

operating documents, and the technical aspects of the DJI Phantom 3 Professional and DJI

Inspire 1 UASs, Fred G. Mullins, III submits that safety will not be adversely affected by

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

91.409(a)(2), and 91.417(a) and (b). The FAA has previously granted relief specific to UAS

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

Nos. 11062, 11063, 11064, 11065, 11066, 11067, 11080, 11109, 11110, 11112, 11136, 

11138, 11150, 11153, 11156, 11157, 11158, 11159, 11160, 11161).
33

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

In accordance with Section 333 of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 

(FMRA) and 14 C.F.R. § 21.16 entitled Special Conditions, Fred G. Mullins, III requests

that the FAA prescribe special conditions for the intended operation of the DJI Phantom 3

Professional and DJI Inspire 1 UASs, which contain such safety standards thatthe

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

14 C.F.R. Part 21, Subpart H, and 14 C.F.R §§ 61.113(a) & (b), 91.7 (a), 91.121,

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

special conditions will permit safe operation of the UAs for the limited purpose of 

conducting aerial video and photography over certain areas of the United Statesfor

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

whether a UAS will create a hazard to users of the NAS or the public, or otherwise pose a 

threat to national security; and further, provides the authority for such UAS to operate

without airworthiness certification in accordance with any requirements that must be 

established for the safe operation of the UAS in the NAS.

Likewise, the Administrator may prescribe special conditions pursuant to 14 C.F.R.

§ 21.16, for operation of the DJI Phantom 3 Professional and DJI Inspire 1 UASs, since the

airworthiness regulations of 14 C.F.R. Part 21 do not contain adequate or appropriate

safety standards, due to the novel or unusual design features of the aircraft. Section 21.16, 

entitled Special Conditions, states thefollowing:

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

adequate or appropriate safety standards for an aircraft, aircraft engine, or propeller

because of a novel or unusual design feature of the aircraft, aircraft engine or 

propeller, he prescribes special conditions and amendments thereto for the product. 

The special conditions are issued in accordance with Part 11 of this chapter and 

contain such safety standards for the aircraft, aircraft engine or propeller as the
34

FAA finds necessary to establish a level of safety equivalent to that established in 

the regulations.

See 14 C.F.R. § 21.16.

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

may prescribe special conditions for Leading Edge’s intended operation of the DJI 

Phantom 3 Professional and DJI Inspire 1 UASs, which contain such safety standards that 

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

established by 14 C.F.R. Part 21, Subpart H, and 14 C.F.R Sections 61.113(a) & (b),

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

(b).

F. A Summary That Can Be Published In The Federal Register, stating: The Rules 

From Which Fred G. Mullins, III Seeks Exemption:

Fred G. Mullins, III seeks exemption from the requirements of 14 C.F.R Sections 

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

(a)(2), and 91.417(a) &(b).

A Brief Description Of The Nature Of The Exemption Fred G. Mullins, III

Seeks:

This exemption will permit Fred G. Mullins, III to commercially operate an

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

photography over certain areas of the United States.

G. Any Additional Information, Views, Or Arguments Available To Support Fred G. 

Mullins, III’s Request.

This Petition is made pursuant to the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 

(FMRA) Section 333, which directs the Secretary of Transportation to determine if certain 

UAS may operate safely in the NAS. As such, Fred G. Mullins, III’s request for

exemption may be granted pursuant to the authority of FMRA Section 333 and 14 C.F.R. 

Part 11, as set forth above.
35

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

create a hazard to users of the NAS or the public, or otherwise pose a threat to national 

security; and further, provides the authority for such UAS to operate without airworthiness 

certification.

As discussed in detail above, Fred G. Mullins, III will operate the DJI Phantom 3 

Professional and DJI Inspire 1 UASs safely in the NAS, without creating a hazard to users

of the NAS, or the public, or otherwise pose a threat to nationalsecurity.

CONCLUSION

As set forth herein, Fred G. Mullins, III seeks an exemption pursuant to 14 C.F.R. §

11.61 and Section 333 of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 (FMRA), 

which will permit safe operation of the DJI Phantom 3 Professional and DJI Inspire1 

UASs commercially, without an airworthiness certificate, for the limited purposeof

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

granting this Petition, the FAA Administrator will be fulfilling the Congressional mandate 

of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012, while also advancing the interests of 

the public, by allowing Fred G. Mullins, III to safely, efficiently, and economically

operate the DJI Phantom 3 Professional and DJI Inspire 1 UASs commercially within the

NAS.

WHEREFORE, in accordance with the Federal Aviation Regulations and the FAA

Modernization and Reform Act of 2012, Section 333, Fred G. Mullins, III respectfully

requests that the Administrator grant this Petition for an exemption from the requirements 

of 14 C.F.R Sections 61.113(a) & (b), 91.7(a), 91.121, 91.151(b), 91.405(a), 91.407(a)(1),

91.409(a)(1) & (a)(2), and 91.417(a) & (b), and permit Leading Edge to operate the DJI 

Phantom 3 Professional and DJI Inspire 1 UASs commercially for the purpose of
36

conducting aerial video and photography over certain areas of the UnitedStates.

Dated: July 10, 2015

Respectfully submitted, 

Fred G. Mullins, III

Fred G. Mullins, III

220 Airport Drive S

Summerland Key, FL 33042

Tel: (305) 745-9441

Appendices:

A – DJI Phantom 3 Professional Specifications Data Sheet

B – DJI Inspire 1 Specifications DataSheet

C – DJI Phantom 3 Professional Manufacturer’s UserManual

D – DJI Inspire 1 Manufacturer’s UserManual

E – Monthly Maintenance Log
37

APPENDIX – A

DJI PHANTOM 3 PROFESSIONAL TECHNICALSPECIFICATIONS

Fred G. Mullins, III only utilizes safe and reliable UASs. DJI is an industry leader in small 

UAS production. DJI UASs are loaded with ground breaking software enabling the userto 

set parameters which will not allow flight into controlled airspace. Parameters can also be

set to limit flight to no higher than a predetermined and set altitude as well as limit flight to

a predetermined and set distance. In addition, DJI software provides real-time altitude and 

location information to the PIC via the linked monitor (smart phone/tablet devices)

1.1 DJI Phantom 3 Professional

1.1.1 Aircraft

1.1.1.1 Supported Battery – DJI 5200mAH LiPo Battery

1.1.1.2 Weight (Battery & Propellers Included) – 2.82lbs (1280g)

1.1.1.3 Hover Accuracy (Ready to Fly) – Vertical: .5m; Horizontal: 1.5m

1.1.1.4 Max Yaw Angular Velocity - 2000/s

1.1.1.5 Max Tilt Angel - 350

1.1.1.6 Max Ascent Speed – 5m/s

1.1.1.7 Max Descent Speed – 3m/s

1.1.1.8 Max Flight Speed – 16m/s (NOT RECOMMENDED)

1.1.2 Gimbal

1.1.2.1 Working Current – Static: 750mA; Dynamic: 900mA

1.1.2.2 Control Accuracy - ±0.030

1.1.2.3 Controllable Range – Pitch: -900 - 00

1.1.2.4 Maximum Angular Speed – Pitch: 900/s

1.1.3 Camera

1.1.3.1 Operating Temperature Range - 320F - 1040F (00C - 400C)

1.1.3.2 Sensor Size – 1/2.3”
38

1.1.3.3 Effective Pixels – 14M

1.1.3.4 Resolution – 4384x3288

4.1.3.5 HD Video Recording – 1080p30 & 720p

4.1.3.6 Recording Field of View - 1100/850

1.1.4 Transmitter

1.1.4.1 Operating Frequency – 5.728GHz – 5.85GHz

1.1.4.2 Communication Distance (unobstructed) – FCC Compliance: 800m

1.1.4.3 Receiver Sensitivity (1%PER) - -93dBm

1.1.4.4 Transmitter Power – FCC Compliance: 100mW

1.1.4.5 Working Voltage – 120mA@3.7V

1.1.5 Range Extender

1.1.5.1 Operating Frequency – 2412-2462MHz

1.1.5.2 Communication Distance (unobstructed) – 500-700m

1.1.5.3 Transmitter Power – 20dBm

1.1.5.4 Power Consumption – 2W
39

APPENDIX – B

DJI INSPIRE 1 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Fred G. Mullins, III only utilizes safe and reliable UASs. DJI is an industry leader in small 

UAS production. DJI UASs are loaded with ground breaking software enabling the userto 

set parameters which will not allow flight into controlled airspace. Parameters can also be 

set to limit flight to no higher than a predetermined and set altitude as well as limit flight to

a predetermined and set distance. In addition, DJI software provides real-time altitude and 

location information to the PIC via the linked monitor (smart phone/tablet devices)

2.2 DJI Inspire 1

2.2.1 Aircraft

2.2.1.1 Model – T600

2.2.1.2 Weight (Battery Included) – 6lbs 7.5291oz (2935g)

2.2.1.3 Hovering Accuracy (GPS Mode) – Vertical: 0.5m; Horizontal: 2.5m

2.2.1.4 Max Angular Velocity – Pitch: 3000/s; Yaw: 1500/s

2.2.1.5 Max Tilt Angle - 350

2.2.1.6 Max Ascent Speed – 5m/s

2.2.1.7 Max Descent Speed – 4m/s

2.2.1.8 Max Speed – 22m/s (ATTI mode, no wind – NOT RECOMMENDED)

2.2.1.9 Max Flight Altitude – 4500m

2.2.1.10 Max Wind Resistance – 10m/s

2.2.1.11 Max Flight Time – Approximately 18 minutes

2.2.1.12 Motor Model – DJI 3510

2.2.1.13 Propeller Model – DJI 1345

2.2.1.14 Operating Temperature Range – 140F to 1040F (-100C to 400C)

2.2.1.15 Dimensions – 17 1⁄4” x 17 3⁄4” x 12”

2.2.2 Gimbal

2.2.2.1 Model – ZENMUSE X3
40

2.2.2.2 2.2 Output Power (with camera) – Static: 9W; In Motion: 11W

2.2.2.3 Operating Current – Static: 750mA; In Motion: 900mA

2.2.2.4 Angular Vibration Range - ±0.030

2.2.2.5 Mounting – Detachable

2.2.2.6 Controllable Range – Pitch: -900 to +300; Pan: ±3200

2.2.2.7 2.7 Mechanical Range – Pitch: -1250 to 450; Pan: ±3300

2.2.2.8 Max Controllable Speed – Pitch: 1200/s; Pan: 1800/s

2.2.3 Camera

2.2.3.1 Name – X3

2.2.3.2 Model – FC350

2.2.3.3 Total Pixels – 12.76M

2.2.3.4 Effective Pixels – 12.4M

2.2.3.5 Image Max Size – 4000x3000

2.2.3.6 ISO Range – 100-3200

2.2.3.7 Field of View - 940

2.2.3.8 CMOS – Sony EXMOR 1/2.3”

2.2.3.9 HD Video Recording – UHD(4K): 4096x2160p24/25,

3840x2160p24/25/30; FHD: 1920x1080p24/25/30/48/50/60; HD: 

1280x720p24/25/30/48/50/60

2.2.3.10 Operating Temperature Range - 320F - 1040F (00C - 400C)

2.2.4 Transmitter

2.2.4.1 Name – C1

2.2.4.2 Operating Frequency – 5.728-5.850GHz; 2.400-2.483GHz

2.2.4.3 Communicating Distance (unobstructed) – 2000m

2.2.4.4 Output Power – 9W

2.2.4.5 Operating Temperature Range - 140F to 1040F (-100C to 400C)

2.2.4.6 Battery – 600mAh LiPo 2S
41

APPENDIX – C

DJI Phantom 3 Professional Manufacturer’s UserManual
42

APPENDIX – D

DJI Inspire 1 Manufacturer’s User Manual
43

APPENDIX – E

MONTHLY$MAINTENANCE$LOG

month: (year:

UAS$#:$ Date(Issue(

Discovered

Date(Issue(

Addressed Issue(Description(&(Maintenance(Conducted Maintenance(Performed(By:(((

Print(&(Sign

Software(Updates

Airframe(

Engines

Propellers

Camera(Gimbal

Landing(Gear

Vibration(Dampening

Other:
44